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FY2020 Annual Report · Melrose PLC
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Melrose Industries PLC

Annual Report 
2020

 Melrose Industries PLC

Acquiring good quality manufacturing businesses, making operational 
improvements, realising shareholder value at the appropriate time  
and then returning this value to shareholders, continue to be the 
fundamentals of the “Buy, Improve, Sell” business strategy that 
Melrose has followed since being founded in 2003.

Annual  
Report  
2020

1

01

Strategic Report

Highlights of the year 

Shareholder value creation 

“Buy, Improve, Sell” – A history of success 

Our strategy and business model 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s review 

Divisional review  

  Aerospace 

  Automotive 

  Powder Metallurgy 

  Nortek Air Management  

  Other Industrial 

Key performance indicators 

Finance Director’s review 

Longer-term viability statement  

Risk management  

Risks and uncertainties 

Section 172 statement 

Sustainability report 

02

04

06

08

10

12

14

14

18

22

26

30

34

36

43

44

46

54

58

88

Governance

Governance overview 

Board of Directors 

Directors’ report 

Corporate Governance report 

88

92

94

97

Audit Committee report 

Nomination Committee report 

Directors’ Remuneration report 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

103

108

110

127

128

Financial statements

Whilst the COVID-19 crisis has 
had a major detrimental effect this year, Melrose 
has generated record cash flows and continued 
to invest to improve our businesses. All of this 
positions the Group well for a good recovery 
and strong performance in the future.

  For more information about our successful 
history of shareholder value creation 
See pages 4 to 5 

Page 00

Independent auditor’s report to the  
members of Melrose Industries PLC 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Consolidated Statement of Changes  
in Equity 

128

138

139

140

141

142

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Company Balance Sheet for Melrose  
Industries PLC 

143

192

Company Statement of Changes in Equity  192

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet 

Glossary 

193

204

Justin Dowley 
Non-executive Chairman 

208

Shareholder information

Notice of General Meeting 

Company and shareholder information 

208

214

Cautionary statement

The Strategic Report and certain other sections of this Annual Report and financial statements contain forward-looking 
statements. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the 
time of their approval of this Annual Report and financial statements and such statements should be treated with caution 
due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking 
information. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. 
Subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, Melrose does not undertake any obligation to update any 
forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report and financial statements.

The Strategic Report has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Company’s 
strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. Some financial and other numerical data in this Annual Report 
and financial statements have been rounded and, as a result, the numerical figures shown as totals may vary slightly from 
the exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

For more information visit melroseplc.net

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
  
Group revenue and operating profit

Group revenue and operating profit
Adjusted(4) revenue

£9.4bn

Statutory revenue

£8.8bn

Adjusted(4) operating profit

£340m

2

Melrose in 2020

Highlights 
for 2020

Headline figures

6%(1)

Increase in adjusted free cash flow(2). 

£628m

Adjusted free cash flow (2).

over 80%

Reduction in the accounting deficit on the 
GKN UK defined benefit pension schemes 
since acquisition(3).

£270m

Of cash contributions to the GKN UK defined 
benefit pension schemes from the Group so  
far during Melrose ownership, making them 
significantly better funded.

167%

Adjusted operating cash flow conversion  
(pre-capex)(4).

0.75  pence 

per share 

Final dividend. 

11%

Reduction in GHG emissions produced by  
the Group’s facilities in 2020 versus 2019.

(1)  Calculated compared to 2019 annualised adjusted free cash flow. Described 

in the glossary to the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Adjusted free cash flow excludes restructuring spend and in 2019 one-off 

payments to deferred benefit pension schemes. Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.

(3)  £0.7bn just before acquisition to £0.1bn in these results.
(4)  Described in the glossary to the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.

3

Divisional performance summary results  
(for the year ended 31 December 2020)

Adjusted(1) 
revenue  
£m 

Adjusted(1)  
operating profit/(loss)  
£m 

Statutory 
revenue  
£m 

Statutory 
operating profit/
(loss) £m

Aerospace

Automotive

Powder Metallurgy

Nortek Air Management

Other Industrial

Corporate

2,804

3,797

905

1,227

628

–

14

82

39

188

63

(46)

2,798

3,231

886

1,227

628

–

(410)

(183)

(57)

149

34

129

(1)  Described in the glossary to the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.

Adjusted(1) revenue £m

Other Industrial 
£628m

Nortek Air Management 
£1,227m

Powder Metallurgy 
£905m

Aerospace 
£2,804m

Automotive 
£3,797m

Aerospace 
£14m

Automotive 
£82m

Powder  
Metallurgy 
£39m

Statutory operating loss

Adjusted(1) operating profit £m

£338m

Other Industrial 
£63m

Nortek Air Management 
£188m

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 20204

Our strong track record

5

Shareholder value creation

Since making its first acquisition in 2005, Melrose has achieved an average return  
on equity investment of 21%, with an increase in operating margins of between  
five and nine percentage points across businesses sold to date.

Shareholder investment and gain (figures up to 31 December 2020)

£4.7bn
2.6x
21%

Cash return to shareholders  
since establishment

Average return on equity  
across all businesses sold 

Average annual return on equity 
investment since the first acquisition(1) 

(1)  Source: Datastream Total Shareholder Return Index.

Gross return

£19.86

on original £1 investment

Melrose has delivered 
significant returns  
to shareholders since 
floating on AIM in 2003

Track record for £1  
invested in Melrose
As at 31 December 2020

Investment in May 2005 with all dividends  
reinvested  since (Total shareholder return)(1)

Original investment

£1.00

Responsible approach to investing
Substantial improvements for all the UK pension schemes under ownership

Whilst under Melrose ownership, we improve contributions and provide better 
security to our businesses’ pension schemes towards fully funded upon departure 
from the Group.

Total shareholder return (TSR)(1)(2)

1,886%

87%

58% 

109%

99%
95%

TSR higher by  c.14x

Responsible stewardship (figures up to 31 December 2020)

McKechnie

FKI UK

FKI

Bridon

•  For the GKN schemes, we were 

proactive, transparent and 
constructive in agreeing 
commitments with pension trustees 
during the acquisition of GKN. 
We committed to providing up to 
£1 billion of funding contributions; 
to doubling annual contributions 
to £60 million; making £150 million 
upfront contributions and further 
contributions on sales of business. 
60%

87%

87%

98%

78%

58% 

Brush

Nortek

GKN 2012 schemes 1-4

McKechnie

FKI UK

FKI

Bridon

So far we have: 
115%
•  Reduced the GKN UK defined 
111%

benefit pension scheme accounting 
deficit by over 80% since just before 
acquisition through the doubling of 
annual contributions and significant 
one-off contributions.
99%
95%

93%
109%

•  Applied more secure funding targets  
of Gilts +25 basis points (GKN 2016) 
and Gilts +75 basis points (GKN 2012 
schemes 1-4) to achieve more prudent 
funding levels towards fully funded.
•  Rebalanced the GKN schemes  

62%

GKN 2016 

across the GKN division, to avoid 
overburdening any one business and 
to provide stability and better security 
for members.

132%

FTSE 100

Melrose

How Elster and Nortek  
operating margin improved(3)

+9ppts

+1ppt

+2ppts

+6ppts

87%

+5ppts

+1ppt

+1ppt 

+3ppts

115%
111%

93%

98%

78%

60%

62%

2005– 
2020

Elster

Nortek

  Returns on capex and restructuring and other commercial actions.
  Central cost savings.
  Exit of low margin sales channels.

(1)  Since Melrose’s first acquisition (May 2005).
(2)  Source: Datastream Total Shareholder Return Index.
(3)  Nortek adjusted operating margin up to 31 December 2020.

Brush

Nortek

GKN 2012 schemes 1-4

GKN 2016 

Promoting strong Sustainability principles 

This year we have enhanced our standalone Sustainability report (see pages 
58 to 87), to highlight the investment, support and encouragement we provide 
to our businesses to enable them to pursue relevant improvements  
in relation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. 

c.£1bn

spent on research and development for 
Nortek, Elster and GKN acquisitions

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 20206

Long-term value creation 

7

“ Buy, Improve, Sell” –  
A history of success

Melrose continues to build on its 17-year track 

record of increasing and realising the value in its 
businesses and returning the proceeds to its shareholders.

18%

11%

t
h
g
u
o
B

24%

July 2007

Returned to shareholders 
following the disposal of 
McKechnie Aerospace 

£220m

10%

t
h
g
u
o
B

l

d
o
S

Adjusted(1) operating margin improvement
Company

Current

Entry

Exit

Improvement

 McKechnie

 Elster

 Dynacast

 FKI

 Nortek

18%

13%

11%

10%

9%

•

•

•

•

14%

24%

22%

16%

15%

•

>30%

>70%

>40%

>50%

>50%

+6ppts

+9ppts

+5ppts

+5ppts

+5ppts

(1) Described in the glossary to the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.

August 2011

Returned to shareholders 
following the disposal  
of Dynacast

£373m

February 2014

Returned to shareholders 
following the disposal of 
various FKI businesses 
during 2013 

£595m

February 2016

Returned to shareholders 
following the disposal  
of Elster 

£2.4bn

22%

16%

l

d
o
S

13%

t
h
g
u
o
B

15%

l

d
o
S

14%

9%

t
h
g
u
o
B

l

d
o
S

8%

t
h
g
u
o
B

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Acquisition

May 2005

Company 
details

McKechnie/Dynacast

Bought for

Equity raised on acquisition

Follow-on investment

Sold for

Investment in business

Equity rate of return

Cash generated during ownership

£0.4bn

£243m

£124m

£0.8bn

51%

30%

£934m

July 2008

FKI

Bought for

Equity raised on acquisition

Follow-on investment

Sold for

Investment in business

Equity rate of return

£1.0bn

£499m

£391m

£1.4bn(1)

78%

29%

August 2012

Elster

Bought for

Equity raised on acquisition

Follow-on investment

Sold for

Investment in business

Equity rate of return

£1.8bn

£1.2bn

£287m

£3.3bn

25%

33%

August 2016

April 2018

Nortek

Bought for

GKN

£2.2bn

Bought for

Equity raised on acquisition

£1.6bn

Equity raised on acquisition

Follow-on investment(1)

£0.3bn

Follow-on investment(1)

Investment as % of initial equity

21%

Investment(1) as % of initial equity

Cash generated during ownership

£709m

Cash generated during ownership

£8.3bn

£6.8bn

£1.7bn

25%

£291m

Cash generated during ownership

£1.8bn(1)

Cash generated during ownership

£3.3bn

Shareholder 
return on 

original equity 3.0x

2.6x

Commentary

McKechnie was a global supplier of specialist 
engineered components to the global aerospace 
industry. During our ownership we improved operating 
margins from 18% to 24% by optimising its cost base 
and focusing on profitable business.

Dynacast was a global provider of precision die cast 
components for a wide variety of industries. During our 
ownership we improved operating margins from 11% to 
16% by successfully aligning capacity with customers 
and installing a success-driven organisational culture.

Overall we generated over £700 million in net cash 
proceeds from the businesses versus an equity 
investment of approximately £240 million, resulting in a 
return of 3.0x on shareholders’ investment. This includes 
direct returns to shareholders after disposals of £220 
million in 2007 and £373 million in 2011.

FKI comprised a number of diverse businesses, and 
our improvement initiatives were centred around 
refocusing the FKI conglomerate to allow each of its 
businesses to stand alone, and making necessary 
investments to strengthen their market positions. 
We improved operating margins from 10% to 15% 
under our ownership and have since sold all of the 
businesses with the exception of Brush, which for 
these purposes only we are valuing at £100 million.

Overall we generated over £1.3 billion in net cash 
proceeds from the businesses versus an equity 
investment of approximately £500 million, resulting 
in a return of 2.6x on shareholders’ investment. This 
includes direct returns to shareholders after disposals 
of £595 million in 2014 and £200 million in 2015.

2.3x

Elster was a US publicly-listed German-based 
manufacturer of meters operating through three 
separate divisions with different markets and 
drivers (Gas, Electricity, Water).

Under our ownership we oversaw operating profit 
margins increase from 13% to 22%, representing 
a 70% improvement in just three years. This 
was achieved by focusing each business on 
performance, end markets, customers and 
operations. We significantly expanded on 
an optimisation programme announced by 
Elster before our acquisition and significantly 
exceeded expectations.

Overall we generated over £2.5 billion in net cash 
proceeds from Elster versus an equity investment 
of approximately £1.2 billion, resulting in a return 
of 2.3x on shareholders’ investment. This includes 
direct returns to shareholders after a disposal of 
all three businesses to Honeywell for £3.3 billion 
in 2015.

GKN, upon our acquisition, was a multinational 
group of businesses making predominantly 
aerospace and automotive components. 
Upon taking control we immediately set about 
decentralising the businesses, and refocusing 
them on profitable sales rather than solely on 
growth. The GKN businesses now make up three 
distinct divisions within Melrose: Aerospace, 
Automotive and Powder Metallurgy. See pages 
14 to 25 to find out more about our progress in 
improving the GKN businesses so far, and our 
plans for 2021.

Upon our acquisition, Nortek was a global diversified 
group, manufacturing innovative air management, 
security, home automation and ergonomic and 
productivity solutions. Suffering from fragmented 
operations and operational underperformance, we 
identified a range of world-class product ranges and 
strong brands that were underperforming their potential, 
but which through further investment would become 
well placed to address emerging market needs.
Under Melrose ownership, each business has 
undergone a significant transformation, freed from the 
restrictions of the formerly centralised group structure, 
and propelled by material, targeted investment 
in research and development, and productivity 
improvements. Significant Melrose investment in 
cutting-edge technology has yielded particularly notable 
market-leading positions, particularly in the case of 
StatePoint Technology®, which is a key contributor to a 
record year for the Nortek Air Management businesses. 
Each business now has strong foundations for significant 
profitable growth, including a sophisticated operating 
footprint with multiple paths for further optimisation and 
operational scalability. Having embedded a culture of 
operational excellence and new product development, 
supported by experienced and committed management 
teams, and adaptable manufacturing and engineering 
competencies, we are excited about further significant 
growth opportunities within the dynamic end markets 
served by the Nortek businesses.

(1)  Includes estimated value of business not yet sold.

(1)  Up to 31 December 2020.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
8

Our strategy and business model

Our purpose and strategy

Melrose was founded in 2003 to 
empower businesses to unlock their  
full potential for the collective benefit  
of stakeholders, whilst providing 
shareholders with a superior return  
on their investment.

We have achieved this through the 
implementation of our “Buy, Improve, 
Sell” strategy.

Our business model

Inputs

Industry expertise

Core management group has operated in 
the UK and the international manufacturing 
arena for over two decades.

Highly experienced 
management team

The current team founded Melrose in 
2003 with a view to buying and improving 
underperforming businesses. Since then 
it has overseen transactions with a total 
market value of over £10 billion.

Strong track record

Melrose has generated significant financial 
returns for its shareholders, achieving an 
average return on equity of 2.6x across the 
businesses sold to date and returned over 
£4.7 billion of cash to shareholders.

Operational efficiency

Our businesses benefit from substantial 
investment and changed management 
focus in order to drive growth. Melrose 
increased the operating margins of 
businesses sold by between five and nine 
percentage points.

Effective governance

The Board maintains high standards of 
corporate governance to ensure that 
Melrose achieves success for the benefit 
of the businesses we manage and our 
shareholders over the long term. 

Sustainability

9

Sell

•  Commercially choose the right time 
to sell, often between three and five 
years, but flexible.

•  Return value to shareholders from 

significant disposals.

Buy

Improve

•  Good manufacturing businesses whose 

•  Free management from bureaucratic 

•  Drive operational improvements and 

•  Improve products and customer 

performance can be improved.

central structures.

sustainable production.

relationships.

•  Use low (public market) leverage.

•  Change management focus, 

•  Invest in the business and support 

•  Engage closely and often with key 

•  Melrose management are substantial 

incentivise well.

equity investors.

•  Encourage and implement sustainable 

business practices.

•  Set strategy and targets and sign 

off investments.

research and development, particularly 
sustainable products.

•  Focus on profitability, sustainability, and 
operating cash generation – not growth 
for the sake of growth.

external stakeholders.

•  Invest in the workforce, closely monitor 

health and safety, and secure the financial 
health of workplace pension schemes.

Value creation model

Businesses under improvement

How has Melrose created value?(1)

Value creation

Outputs

Follow-on investment during 
Melrose ownership for 
businesses sold

+39%   Further investment 
in the businesses to 
improve operations(1) 

100%   Equity raised to 

acquire businesses

Margin growth

Good but underperforming manufacturing 
businesses whose potential is unrealised.

Sales 

Strong track record suggesting growth at least in 
line with their market. 

Cash generation

A key focus is to make significant improvement to 
cashflows in the businesses we acquire.

Multiple expansion

Multiple expansion is never assumed, but has been 
achieved on all previous deals (on average +30%) 
as the businesses have been improved.

(1)  In respect of 

the McKechnie, 
Dynacast, FKI 
and Elster 
acquisitions.

t
n
e
m
t
s
e
v
n
e
R

i

Aerospace
p.14

Automotive 
p.18

Powder  
Metallurgy 
p.22

Nortek Air  
Management 
p.26

Other  
Industrial
p.30

Margin improvement

Multiple arbitrage

Cash generation

Sales growth

(1) In respect of the McKechnie, Dynacast,

FKI and Elster acquisitions. 

48%

32%

16%

4%

Shareholder investment and gain 
(figures up to 31 December 2020):

Average return on equity across all 
businesses sold 

2.6x

Cash return to shareholders since 
establishment

£4.7bn

Reinvestment

c.£1bn 

Spent on research and development for 
Nortek, Elster and GKN acquisitions

Capital expenditure in 2020

£317m

The Melrose “Buy, Improve, Sell” model necessarily means 
that we inherit businesses that are underperforming in a 
number of different areas, including from a sustainability 
perspective. 

The manufacturing businesses that we acquire often operate in the 
industries that are some of the most difficult to decarbonise. By the very 
nature of our model, (a) we provide the focus and investment that our 
businesses need to deliver significant financial returns and sustainability 
improvements; and (b) our Group sustainability performance and ratings will 
fluctuate during our investment cycle as we acquire new businesses in need 
of improvement, and sell businesses that we have improved.

Implementing Melrose Sustainability principles –  
our decentralised approach
We encourage, support and invest in our businesses to implement the 
following Melrose Sustainability principles and contribute to a sustainable future 
for the benefit of our stakeholders, as further detailed in our Sustainability 
report on pages 58 to 87:
•  Respect and protect the environment.
•  Promote diversity and prioritise and nurture the wellbeing and skills 

development of employees and the communities that they are part of.

•  Exercise robust governance, risk management and compliance.
•  Purposefully engage with key stakeholders to better understand and 

deliver on their expectations.

We invest in our businesses to bolster their research and development 
capabilities, to enable them to make products more sustainable and safer,  
with a focus on helping our businesses’ customers and their wider industries  
to support the transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050. 
We encourage our businesses to champion the interests, safety and skills 
development of their employees.
We implement secure pension scheme funding, operational and financial best 
practice, and lead in promoting diversity.
We instil strong ethical values supported by high governance standards, 
through our Melrose Code of Ethics and Group policies, together with training 
and internal controls, which are supported by renewed management and 
governance structures.
We work with our businesses to set meaningful sustainability targets, alongside 
financial metrics, and we provide the investment to achieve them. We set a 

positive example for our businesses and provide them with a platform to 
share Group best practices and accelerate the pace of change within their 
organisations, whilst influencing positive change within our other businesses.

Sustained, positive Sustainability performance
The success of our “Buy, Improve, Sell” model relies on building better 
businesses that are positioned to prosper over the longer term. The 
Sustainability improvements that we promote and encourage among 
our businesses benefit from our long-term view, and are underpinned by 
our focus on conducting business with the highest standards of integrity, 
honesty, and transparency.
By implementing a stronger culture of operational and financial improvement, 
we rebuild our businesses’ resources and capabilities, and enable them to 
pursue commercially attuned Sustainability improvement initiatives.

Multiple expansion      Margin growthCash generation       Sales growthMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202010

Chairman’s statement

11

2020 — A year in review

Justin Dowley 
Chairman

Calendar year 2020
The past year has been one of the most 
challenging Melrose has experienced since it 
was established. We started the year with 
good momentum, as a number of the 
improvements being made to unlock the full 
potential of the GKN businesses began to 
take hold. However, the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic in March was both 
immediate and significant. Within weeks, 
governments across the globe had imposed 
wide ranging restrictions, impacting both 
supply and demand and causing a large 
number of our factories to temporarily close.

Without delay, we took the difficult decision to 
prioritise cash generation to put the Group in 
the best position to emerge strongly from the 
crisis. We again thank our shareholders and 
banking syndicate for their support as we 
took the early and decisive action necessary 
to adapt to the crisis and reshape the Group 
for the new post-COVID landscape.

That decision has been very successful, with 
adjusted free cash flow for the Group 
improving on an already strong 2019 by 6% to 
£628 million. This contributed to reducing net 
debt by 13% to £2.85 billion, whilst ensuring 
that the level of investment in R&D and new 
products was protected. This cashflow has 
enabled us to undertake the necessary 
improvement plans for the businesses sooner 
than we had thought would be possible earlier 
in the year when the pandemic took hold.

All of this has had a noticeable impact on  
our results. We achieved statutory revenue  
for the Group of £8,770 million (2019: 
£10,967 million), with an adjusted operating 
profit of £340 million (2019: £1,102 million) 
based on a statutory operating loss of 
£338 million (2019: profit of £318 million). 
While these results show a sharp decline, 
they are mostly impacted by events at the 
height of the crisis in the second quarter, with 
the end markets for all businesses except 
GKN Aerospace showing good signs of a 
return in the fourth quarter to give confidence 
for the coming year.

I would like to thank all employees for their efforts 
this year in the most challenging circumstances.

COVID-19 response
We and our businesses implemented 
strong and responsive measures during 
2020 to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, 
primarily centred around enhanced cash 
management, minimising operational 
disruption, and above all else, protecting 
the health and safety of the Group’s 
workforce. For further details, please  
refer to the Governance overview on  
pages 88 to 91.

 Governance overview  

Page 88

Dividend
Having taken the decision to withdraw the 
final 2019 dividend and not pay an interim 
2020 dividend due to the impact of the global 
pandemic, the Board is particularly pleased 
that the stability and performance of the 
Group since then has enabled us to propose 
a final dividend for 2020 of 0.75 pence per 
share (2019: nil). With no 2020 interim 
dividend having been paid, this represents the 
total dividend for the year (2019: 1.7 pence). It 
should be noted that all payments received by 
the Group under the UK Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme were fully repaid last year.

The Board recognises the importance of 
dividends to its shareholders and, with the 
worst of the COVID-19 crisis we hope behind 
us and the actions taken to reshape the 
Group, the Board expects to return to its 
progressive dividend policy for future periods. 
The final dividend will be paid on 19 May 
2021 to those shareholders on the register at 
6 April 2021, subject to approval at the Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”) on 6 May 2021.

Pensions
In spite of the difficulties presented by the 
COVID-19 crisis, our excellent track record in 
improving the funding position of pension 
schemes under our stewardship has continued 
at pace. We are delivering on our commitment 
to GKN pension members ahead of schedule 
by significantly reducing the accounting deficit 
in their UK defined benefit pensions schemes 
to just over £100 million, which represents a 
reduction in the accounting deficit of over 80% 
compared to pre-acquisition.

Board matters
As announced previously, co-founder and 
Executive Vice-Chairman David Roper agreed 
to delay his retirement to assist the Company 
in navigating the challenges presented by the 
pandemic. His knowledge and experience 
have been very helpful in ensuring the Group 
ended the year in a strong position. David’s 
retirement will now take effect at the end of 
May. We thank him for his long and successful 
service, particularly for the last twelve months, 
and wish him all the best. We will miss him.

The Board’s decision to delay David’s 
retirement was the reason that we did not 
achieve our goal of 33% female board 
members by the end of last year as we had 
intended. The middle of the crisis was not the 
time to lose someone of David’s experience, 
but this is now being addressed. As part of 
the wider Board succession plans, along with 
David’s departure in May, we are currently at 
the initial stages of conducting a search for a 
further female Non-executive Director.

Outlook 2021
2020 was dominated by the impact of the 
global pandemic as we worked closely with our 
businesses to overcome the unprecedented 
challenges that arose. The aerospace sector 
has been particularly hard hit and a recovery 
looks some way off while global travel 
restrictions remain. Nonetheless, GKN 
Aerospace remains a very good business with 
a growing Defence division and is taking the 
improvement steps to ensure it is well 
positioned for when the recovery does emerge.

Encouragingly, the end markets for our other 
businesses ended the year with good 
momentum, providing some optimism for the 
year ahead. Doubtless, challenges remain, 
particularly in the management of supply 
chains in 2021. The Group’s strong 
performance throughout the pandemic has 
been a validation of the business model. 
Your Board continues to see significant 
value creation opportunities in the 
businesses we hold and believes Melrose is 
well positioned to seize future opportunities 
as they present themselves.

Justin Dowley 
Chairman 
4 March 2021

Purpose, strategy and sustainability
Melrose was founded in 2003 to empower 
businesses to unlock their full potential for 
the collective benefit of stakeholders, whilst 
providing shareholders with a superior 
return on their investment. This has been 
delivered through Melrose’s “Buy, Improve, 
Sell” strategy, which means we buy good 
quality manufacturing businesses that are 
underperforming their potential and then 
invest heavily to improve performance and 
productivity as they become stronger, better 
businesses under our stewardship. At the 
appropriate time, we identify new owners 
who will take them to the next stage of 
their development and return proceeds 
to our shareholders.

From a sustainability perspective, Melrose 
is committed to reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions in the Group to net zero by 2050. 
Clearly the nature of our model means the 
Group will fundamentally change within that 
timescale as we sell businesses and buy 
others. We provide the focus and 
investment to improve our businesses’ 
sustainability and value to the benefit of all 
stakeholders. Melrose sees this as a key 
part of our stewardship: environmental, 
social and governance (ESG) priorities have 
always been central to our “Buy, Improve, 
Sell” strategy. Our factories are focused on 
delivering year-on-year economically 
justifiable improvements in waste and 
emissions and have achieved an 11% 
reduction in emissions in 2020.

The importance of ESG in our product 
development strategy is clearly evident in 
initiatives such as: 

•  GKN Aerospace’s H2Gear initiative to 

develop a ground-breaking UK 
hydrogen propulsion system to power a 
zero emissions aircraft; 

•  GKN Automotive’s P4 eDrive 

powertrains, which reduce CO2 
emissions by up to 100%; and 

•  Nortek Air Management’s StatePoint 

Technology®, which enables savings of 
up to 30% for energy consumption and 
up to 90% for water usage in giant data 
centre cooling systems around the world.

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

We are focused on improving our 
businesses for the good of shareholders, 
the environment and other stakeholders. 
Technological development will be at the 
forefront of creating a better environment. 
We were also pleased to play a leading role 
in the UK’s award-winning Ventilator 
Challenge Consortium, which produced 
more than 13,000 life-saving ventilators.

Disclosures are an increasingly important 
part of this improvement strategy. We are 
committed to informing our shareholders 
and wider audiences of the improvements 
we are making. Our 2020 Sustainability 
report builds on our inaugural report last 
year, not only providing information on our 
performance during 2020, but also greater 
insight into our materiality mapping, 
alignment with United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals and our sustainability 
roadmap for 2021 as we prepare for 
reporting on the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures next year.

We welcome the evolving focus and clarity 
on ESG matters as yet another opportunity 
to demonstrate how we build better, 
stronger businesses. The nature of the 
businesses we buy is that they often have 
challenges to decarbonise, but can become 
sustainable themselves and help transform 
the sectors they serve. In doing so we not 
only deliver significant financial returns, but 
also significant ESG returns to stakeholders. 
I refer you to the Sustainability report for 
full details.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202012

Chief Executive’s review

13

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive 

Ensuring our 
businesses are 
fit for the future

We entered one of the most challenging years 
in Melrose’s history with good momentum as 
our investments in operational improvements 
in the GKN businesses since acquisition 
began to take hold.

Results in the first quarter showed all 
businesses making good progress.  
However, the speed and scale of the onset  
of the COVID-19 pandemic in March forced  
a quick and strong adjustment in approach 
for the entire Group.

With major disruptions to supply chains and 
customer demand, we took the decision to 
focus on cash generation as many of our 
sites were shut for lengthy periods during the 
second quarter of the year. The principal 
driver for this was highly disciplined working 
capital management practices, based on 
strict inventory control and backed by 
forensic weekly cash management calls  
with each business.

The high degree of uncertainty and volatility 
meant that we focused on ensuring the 
Group would emerge strongly and swiftly into 
the post COVID-19 business and customer 
environment. We took all actions necessary, 
including agreeing temporary covenant relief 
from our supportive banking syndicate, 
withdrawing the dividend, and implementing 
across-the-board cost control initiatives.

The impact of these decisions is clear from 
these results. Profit did decline significantly, 
albeit ending ahead of expectations at the 
height of the pandemic. The performance on 
cash generation has been exceptional. Our 
businesses have responded to the challenge 
laudably, generating £628 million in gross 
cash across the period. We are extremely 
grateful for the hard work from all our 
employees to produce this performance. 

Performance in the second half, if annualised, 
was consistent with proforma debt leverage 
of approximately 3.2x EBITDA. This 
demonstrates the performance of our 
businesses this year and gives a sense of 
their capabilities as markets return. 

Another key priority throughout the crisis has 
been the health and safety of our workforce. 
Keeping workers safe has always been a top 
priority, but never more so than during the 
global pandemic. Like the wider community, 
our businesses experienced COVID-19 cases 
at sites across the globe, but there has been 
an intense focus on securing all the 
necessary PPE and implementing changes  
to processes and other measures to protect 
our employees.

Pleasingly, this also translated into an 
improvement across all our key health and 
safety performance indicators, a trend we are 
keen to continue into this year. Within this 
focus on workers’ safety, our businesses 
sought to minimise disruption to their 
production schedules wherever possible. 
Although there were undoubted challenges, 
particularly with forced site closures at the 
height of the pandemic, this has been very 
successful and I thank our employees for 
their hard work and dedication in this area 
during this particularly difficult time.

The second half of the year saw an easing  
of some of the more extreme volatility, as all of 
our end markets except aerospace showed 
some signs of recovery, resulting in the Group 
(excluding GKN Aerospace) having a 2% 
year-on-year sales growth for the second half 
of the year and 9% year-on-year growth for 
the final quarter alone, providing some helpful 
momentum into the new year. 

The strong cash generation meant we were 
able to undertake the necessary restructuring 
programmes in the second half of the year to 
ensure the businesses were adapted to meet 
the new reduced demand levels. Group 
restructuring programmes are expected to 
deliver over £125 million full year benefit for 
2021. We acknowledge that such actions  
are very difficult for those affected but they 
are unfortunately necessary in these  
difficult times.

On acquisition we inherited onerous GKN 
contracts and we have encouraged all GKN 
businesses to take significant steps during 
the year to resolve a number of the most 
material examples. Since our acquisition, 
these actions, undertaken with the support  
of key customers, have helped to reduce the 
exposure by over 60%.

We have been mindful throughout the crisis  
of preserving the technology leadership of our 
businesses, despite the financial challenges. 
We have continued to invest in cutting-edge 
technologies across our businesses, with a 
particular focus towards sustainable products 
that assist our key customers. In parallel with 
our Group commitment to achieve the target 
of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 
2050, our businesses are also key partners 
with their customers in the drive to 
decarbonise some of the world’s most 
challenging sectors. Your Group is at the 
forefront of the drive to reduce carbon 
emissions in the key sectors of transport  
and data communication with world  
leading technology.

Some of these developments are well 
established and are already generating 
benefits, like GKN Automotive’s eDrive 
solutions that have sold over 1.3 million units 
and save up to 100% of carbon emissions, 
GKN Aerospace’s additive manufacturing 
expertise making aircraft lighter and more 
efficient and Nortek Air Management’s 
StatePoint Technology® that delivers up to 
30% energy and 90% water savings in 
cooling systems for the fast growing data 
centre market. Others, like GKN Aerospace’s 
H2Gear and Wing of Tomorrow, and GKN 
Powder Metallurgy’s hydrogen fuel storage, 
are just starting to deliver on their promise. 
Our investments are critical to these 
long-term developments and we will  
continue to invest at pace to ensure our 
businesses hold their place at the forefront  
of technology leadership.

For the businesses themselves, GKN 
Aerospace has endured a very difficult year 
reflecting the wider sector experience, with 
sales for the division down 27% and the 
business doing well to stay profitable on  
an adjusted basis this year. It is nonetheless 
continuing to invest in technology, with the 
Global Technology Centre in Filton, UK, due 
to become fully operational later this year. 
GKN Aerospace has not seen recovery in  
its civil markets yet, although we believe it  
will start to do so towards the end of the year. 
In the meanwhile there has been a focus on 
cost reduction which should position  
the business for an improvement in 
performance this year. 

Both GKN Automotive and GKN Powder 
Metallurgy entered the year with the lingering 
effects of the global automotive sector 
downturn, which was materially compounded 
by the pandemic in the second quarter. 
However, as restrictions eased in the second 
half of the year, a combination of low global 
stock levels and pent-up demand contributed 
to a strong recovery. Although this is not 
expected to continue at quite the same 
intensity, it does provide momentum for this 
year. Pleasingly, the second half market return 
has been matched by a strong improvement 
in adjusted operating margins by both 
businesses, delivering 6.5% and 8.3% 
respectively for the half year, with further 
gains to come. We will provide further insight 
for both GKN Automotive and GKN Powder 
Metallurgy at the Investor Day now scheduled 
for May, with full details to be confirmed in 
due course.

Nortek Air Management has enjoyed a record 
year with 5% sales growth and adjusted 
operating margins for the second half over 
17%. HVAC enjoyed a very strong year in 
which it began delivering on the exciting 
promise of its world leading StatePoint 
Technology®. With the first customer 
installation completed and accelerating 
production planning for the second, StatePoint 
has a fast-growing sales pipeline. Similarly, our 
substantial investments over recent years in 
new product development for AQH resulted  
in market share gains across a number of 
platforms and a strong performance for the 
year. We have recently commenced a formal 
sale process for the division. While the 
outcome remains uncertain, we are hopeful 
that the outstanding performance of the 
businesses will translate into a good result  
for both them and our shareholders.

We buy high quality 
underperforming 
manufacturing businesses 
and invest in making them 
stronger, better businesses 
for the benefit of all 
stakeholders, whilst 
delivering good returns  
for shareholders.

In the Other Industrial division, we continued 
to streamline the Group with the sale of 
non-core businesses, GKN Wheels & 
Structures being the latest. The remaining 
businesses felt the effect of the pandemic, 
with action being taken to reshape them for 
the new demand profile. For Brush, travel 
restrictions have presented difficulties for their 
Services business, but Generators and 
Transformers enjoyed a strong year and have 
a solid order book for 2021. Ergotron had a 
mixed year, with Healthcare initially benefiting 
from the increase in medical spending, but 
Office understandably suffering due to 
widespread business closures. Nortek 
Control continued its important product 
development, which is expected to deliver 
benefits in the coming year.

Further details for each business are included 
in the divisional summaries below. 

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive  
4 March 2021

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
14

Divisional review(1)

15

Revenue by market

1

2

1  Civil 

2  Defence 

Revenue by market type

1

2

1  Airframes

2  Engines 

Revenue by destination

3

14

2

1  North America  

2  Europe

3  Asia

4  Rest of the world

59%

41%

68%

32%

66%

29%

4%

1%

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

GKN Aerospace 

GKN Aerospace is a world-leading 
multi-technology manufacturer of airframe and 
engine structures and electrical interconnection 
systems for the global aerospace industry,  
across both civil and defence platforms.

Proportion of Melrose(2)

30%

Operational geographies

4

Global technology centres

GKN Aerospace is a global tier 1 aerospace 
business with market-leading positions 
driven by technological innovation, 
advanced processes and engineering 
excellence that help aircrafts fly safely, 
faster, further, and more sustainably.

Following a reorganisation in 2019, GKN 
Aerospace is structured according to its 
three core customer markets – Civil Airframe, 
Defence and Engines. It operates in 14 
countries. GKN Aerospace’s technology is 
used throughout the aerospace industry: 
from high-use single aisle aircraft and the 
world’s longest haul passenger planes, 
through to business jets, helicopters, the 
world’s most advanced fighter jets and 
space launchers.

Improvements in 2019 meant that the 
business made a strong start to 2020, 
with performance comfortably in line with 
expectations until mid-March. However, the 
impact of COVID-19, and in particular the 
widespread introduction of global travel 
restrictions, had a swift and material impact 
on the business. Along with the rest of the 
aerospace sector, GKN Aerospace 
experienced a rapid decline in sales which 
included a reduction of approximately 50% 
across its Civil Airframe and Civil Engines 
markets in the second quarter that persisted 
for the rest of the year. Although partially offset 
by the refocus towards the Defence business, 
which experienced 8% sales growth across 
the year, 2020 was undoubtedly an extremely 
challenging year for GKN Aerospace overall, in 
line with the rest of the aerospace industry.

(1)  Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on 
pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Based on adjusted(1) 2020 
operating profit for all 

continuing trading businesses. gknaerospace.com

14

Countries with 
GKN Aerospace 
manufacturing locations, 
serving over 90% of 
the world’s aircraft and 
engine manufacturers

Highlight figures

£2.8bn

Adjusted(1) revenue

£14m

Adjusted(1) operating profit

£2.8bn

Statutory revenue

£410m

Statutory operating loss

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16

Divisional review(1)
Continued

17

In order to mitigate the impact of such a 
significant market decline the business quickly 
implemented strict cash management measures 
and with a focus on control over inventory 
achieved a cash conversion before capital 
expenditure of 328%. As soon as it became 
apparent that the COVID-19 impact was not 
going to be temporary, GKN Aerospace 
undertook appropriate production rescheduling 
to rebalance the business with its new 
commercial and operating environments. 
Unfortunately, this has meant a reduction in the 
workforce during 2020. Together, these initiatives 
have been critical to the business achieving a 
relatively small adjusted profit for the year and will 
be of considerable benefit during 2021, even 
without any recovery in the aerospace market. In 
parallel the business continued to implement its 
‘One Aerospace’ global model, which was 
introduced during 2020 to further integrate and 
streamline business operations to create a much 
leaner operating model.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought 
into sharp focus the health, safety and 
protection of the GKN Aerospace workforce 
and the communities in which it operates. In 
close cooperation with public authorities, the 
business rapidly took decisive action to 
ensure that employees could continue to 
operate safely throughout the pandemic. 
Business planning was refocused on mapping 
the expected future impact of COVID-19 
across the organisation, its customers and 
supply chains. The business also made a 
material contribution to its local communities, 
manufacturing PPE within a number of its 
facilities and performing a leading role in the 
UK’s award-winning Ventilator Challenge 
Consortium, which produced more than 
13,000 life-saving ventilators.

Despite uncertain commercial markets, GKN 
Aerospace’s continued progress and 
investment in technology led to several 
landmark achievements in 2020. Critically, it 
strengthened its position as a key partner to 
both existing major blue-chip OEMs and 
small-scale start-up customers to create the 
next generation of sustainable aircraft. In 
combination, GKN Aerospace is at the 
forefront of technology in wings, additive 
manufacturing and power generation and will 
continue to play a leading part in the drive to 
reduce emissions from airflight.

Civil Airframe continued its development of 
the Wing of Tomorrow with the National 
Composites Centre and initiated a new 
collaboration with Eviation to design and 
manufacture the wings, aircraft tail and 
electrical wiring systems for Alice, a ground-
breaking regional electric aircraft. 

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

In Engines, GKN Aerospace’s world-leading 
additive manufacturing capability has led to 
the introduction of lighter and more efficient 
fan case mount rings, leading to a reduction 
of 20% in emissions and additionally has 
accelerated the inaugural flight testing of 
lightweight, recycled thermoplastic 
components with Bell on the V-280 Valor 
helicopter. It has commenced development of 
H2Gear, an exciting new hydrogen propulsion 
system for a zero emissions aircraft. In 2021, 
GKN Aerospace will also commence full 
operations at its flagship £32 million Global 
Technology Centre in Filton, UK, to work in 
partnership with the business’s existing 
Global Technology Centres in the USA, 
Sweden and The Netherlands.

Throughout the year, GKN Aerospace  
further cemented its strategic position in the 
important Asia market that is benefiting from 
a relatively faster recovery after the initial wave 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In addition to the establishment of two 
wholly-owned production sites, one for 
windows in China and the other for engine 
components in Malaysia, GKN Aerospace 
also entered into a new strategic joint venture 
with a COMAC subsidiary to manufacture 
advanced aerostructures in Jingjiang, Jiansu 
Province, China. The state-of-the-art 
80,000m2 facility in Jingjiang will be GKN 
Aerospace’s first aerostructures joint venture 
in China, and offers the opportunity to 
become an important part of local supply  
of advanced aerostructures in the region.

£54m

Collaborative H2Gear programme, to develop 
the technology required to accelerate the 
decarbonisation of the aerospace industry towards 
achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions

Sustainability case study

The Fan Case Mount Ring  
that helps save fuel and waste 

GKN Aerospace’s continued innovation in 
Additive Manufacturing has enabled its 
development of a leading Fan Case Mount 
Ring (FCMR) structural design. GKN 
Aerospace’s fan blade housing structure 
allows significant reduction in source material 
use, energy consumption and product 
weight, with a view to reducing greenhouse 
gas emissions in both the manufacturing 
process and across the product life cycle. 

Technological advancements were made in 
2020 using unique Laser Metal Deposition 
(LMD-w) fabrication techniques, enabling 
GKN Aerospace to secure its position as 
supplier of choice to Pratt & Whitney for the 
PW1500G engine, which will be used on the 
Airbus A220. The project is currently in its 
production start-up phase with first serial 
production expected in 2021. 

GKN Aerospace’s new fabricated FMCR 
promotes resource efficiency by reducing 
the buy-to-fly ratio from 15 in the original 
design to five. This represents a 60% 
reduction in material waste, which will save 
over 90 tonnes of forged titanium annually. 
Additionally, the FCMR reduces fuel burn by 
20%, which translates to an estimated 
saving exceeding three million tonnes of 
CO2 on products manufactured to date. 

This project illustrates how GKN Aerospace 
is using its unique fabrication capability to 
reduce costs to its customers, and provide 
broader societal benefits by accelerating the 
reduction of aircraft fuel consumption. 

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

Outlook 
After a particularly challenging 2020, GKN 
Aerospace does not expect meaningful 
recovery in its civil markets in 2021. The 
restructuring work in 2020 provides a good 
base for further adjustment this year to adapt 
GKN Aerospace to the current realities of the 
aerospace sector. Continued progress in the 
implementation of its ‘One Aerospace’ lean 
operating model will enable the business to 
further strengthen its customer relationships 
and reduce costs and it remains well 
positioned to maintain a leading role in the 
sustainable recovery of civil aviation. Whilst the 
timing of recovery for the civil aviation markets 
remains uncertain, the business has benefited 
from increased Defence sales. As the market 
returns, the reshaped GKN Aerospace has the 
technology leadership to deliver profitable and 
sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Market trends 
Aerospace

•  The Civil aerospace market was 

severely impacted by the COVID-19 
pandemic during 2020, with flight hours 
and aircraft deliveries substantially 
down for the year, and reduced future 
order books as airline customers faced 
liquidity challenges. The recovery is not 
expected to be swift.

•  The Defence engines market was 
generally strong during 2020, 
principally driven by the US and 
European defence markets. The 
outlook remains healthy with 
international defence spending 
expected to remain stable for the 
coming years, offering significant 
opportunity for growth, with the 
exploration of potential future air 
combat programmes.

•  The aerospace industry continued its 

significant drive towards more 
sustainable aviation, led by customers 
and governments. 

Commercial aircraft deliveries by OEM(1) 
Business aircraft

Civil aircraft

Regional aircraft

GKN Aerospace has responded to these 
trends, by:

•  Implementing cash management 
measures and reducing its cost 
structure to rationalise production 
swiftly and to significantly offset the 
impact of COVID-19.

•  Maintaining and strengthening its 

position on key Defence platforms, 
including the F-35 and Gripen, and 
securing further positions for the 
business as a long-term contributor to 
the next generation of Defence 
platforms, including a position on Team 
Tempest in collaboration with BAE 
Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence.
•  Setting a target of net zero greenhouse 

gas emissions by 2050 and taking 
significant steps to help decarbonise 
air travel by ensuring positions on key 
programmes to enable a sustainable 
long-term transformation of 
commercial aerospace, including 
projects to accelerate development 
and innovation for small electric, 
hydrogen propulsion, and sustainable 
aviation fuels.

Commercial rotorcraft

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Historic deliveries

Forecast deliveries

(1)  Source: Fleet Discovery, Aviation Week Network, Copyright 2020. 

Military aircraft production in number of deliveries(2)

Fighters

Rotorcraft

Military transports

Trainers/Light attack

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2010-2019 CAGR -1.03%

2020-2026 CAGR 5.00%

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Historic deliveries

Forecast deliveries

(2)  Source: Source: Fleet Discovery, Aviation Week Network, Copyright 2020.

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Divisional review(1)
Continued

19

GKN Automotive 

GKN Automotive is a leading  

supplier of driveline technologies to the global 
automotive industry and a trusted partner to  
over 90% of the world’s car manufacturers  
for electrification, all-wheel drive programmes  
and new vehicle concepts. 

Proportion of Melrose(2)

41%

Operational geographies

5

Global technology centres

20

Countries – Global 
production footprint

Highlight figures

£3.8bn

Adjusted(1) revenue

£82m

Adjusted(1) operating profit

GKN Automotive is a global leader in 
drive systems for all segments of the 
automotive industry, from the smallest 
ultra-low-cost cars to the most 
sophisticated premium vehicles 
demanding the most complex  
driving dynamics, almost 50%  
of cars sold worldwide use GKN 
Automotive technologies. 

GKN Automotive has operations in 20 countries 
and is primarily organised around two major 
business divisions: (i) Driveline, the global leader 
in driveline technologies with an extensive 
portfolio of products covering sideshafts, 
propshafts and constant velocity joints for 
every type of propulsion system whether that 
be hybrid, electric or internal combustion; and 
(ii) ePowertrain, a global leader and pioneer 
with over 18 years’ experience in electric drive 
technologies (“eDrive”) and intelligent all-wheel 
drive (“AWD”) systems.

£3.2bn

Statutory revenue

£183m

Statutory operating loss

(1)  Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on 
pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Based on adjusted(1) 2020 
operating profit for all 
continuing trading businesses.

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

gknautomotive.com

Revenue by product type

14

3

2

1  Driveline 

2  All-wheel drive

3  eDrive  

4  Cylinder Liners

Revenue by destination

4

1

3

2

1  Europe

2  North America 

3  Asia

3  Rest of the world

71%

25%

3%

1%

35%

33%

28%

4%

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Divisional review(1)
Continued

21

In 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the global 
automotive industry experienced a 17% 
decline in light vehicle production compared 
to 2019. All GKN Automotive operational 
facilities globally were forced to close for 
varying durations throughout the year.

In line with the market, GKN Automotive sales 
declined 19% year on year. With the exception 
of China, this sales decline was consistent 
across all regions. The market rebound in 
China in the second half of the year resulted in 
an annual drop in sales of only 4% compared 
to 2019. Fourth quarter sales for GKN 
Automotive overall were 8% higher year-on-
year, reflecting an encouraging return in 
demand levels towards the end of 2020.

The reaction of the organisation to the 
pandemic was commendable. The business 
remained responsive and agile throughout 
the crisis whilst GKN Automotive employees 
demonstrated care and respect for their 
colleagues and their local communities.

Despite the revenue challenges resulting from 
COVID-19, GKN Automotive’s operating 
performance was robust. Disciplined 
execution of cost reduction initiatives and a 
rigorous focus on key operational levers, 

resulted in an adjusted operating profit margin 
of 6.5% for the second half of the year. The 
‘Full Potential’ transformation programme 
significantly contributed to this performance 
and delivered over £70 million of cost savings 
in 2020 through procurement, fixed cost 
reduction, commercial discipline and operating 
excellence. A continued focus on working 
capital and rigorous cash management 
throughout 2020 also resulted in strong cash 
generation for the business, with a conversion 
rate before capital expenditure of 153% for the 
full year.

In 2020 the Driveline division increased its 
focus on new-energy vehicles and 
significantly expanded its product range to 
further strengthen its industry-leading 
position. It executed 36 new programme 
launches and implemented operational 
efficiency initiatives whilst managing the 
operational challenges of COVID-19. In 
parallel, the team secured over £4 billion of 
lifetime revenue in new contracts. Its expertise 
in high performance shafts is in high demand 
in electric vehicle production, meaning it is 
well placed to benefit from the growth in 
electric vehicles. Driveline components are 
already enjoying an equivalent market share 

in hybrid and electric vehicles as they do in 
their existing markets based on its 
differentiated market leading technology in 
this exciting, growing sector.

At the start of the year, GKN Automotive 
announced a strategic collaboration with 
Delta Electronics Inc, a global power 
electronics specialist. This partnership will 
enhance ePowertrain’s existing capabilities 
and accelerate the time to market for 
innovative, cost competitive eDrive systems. 
Eight eDrive systems were launched for four 
global OEMs, over ten brands and 13 
different PHEV and BEV models in the year. 
The business also completed its first phase of 
in-house eMotor industrialisation.

China continues to be a key strategic market 
for GKN Automotive, through its 50% interest 
in the long-standing joint venture, Shanghai 
GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems (“SDS”) with 
local partner HASCO. One of the first parts 
of the business to feel the effects of the 
pandemic, it also benefited from the strong, 
early recovery of the Chinese market, 
limiting SDS sales reduction for the year to 
4% whilst still implementing operational 
improvement measures.

Sustainability case study

Battery Electric Vehicle P4 
eDrive System reduces carbon 
emissions from vehicles

GKN Automotive has long been committed 
to the sustainable development and 
commercialisation of advanced eDrive 
technologies. The business’s product 
stewardship provides tangible benefits for 
the environment, with annual savings of 
around 180,000 tonnes of CO2 generated 
by eDrive products sold in 2020 alone. 

In 2020, GKN Automotive launched its 
2-in-1 (gearbox and eMotor) P4 eDrive 
system for use in a major zero-emissions 
small city battery electric vehicle (BEV). 
The design applied key technological 
components which have been integral to 
the evolution of the eDrive systems 
including the 210H eMotor, the offset 
gearbox design with integrated eMotor 
active parts, and application of the 
standard park lock. 

GKN Automotive’s technology is helping 
vehicle manufacturers to lower the average 
CO2 emissions of their fleet. In one example, 
an all-electric variant of a high-volume hybrid 
produces 0 grams of CO2 per kilometre in 
use, versus 119 grams of CO2 per kilometre 
in use for the hybrid model. 

GKN Automotive aims to bring advanced, 
compact and efficient electric drive systems 
to more vehicles, allowing more customers 
to reduce their climate impact.

 Sustainability Report  

Page 58

£114m

Investment in research  
and development

Outlook
2021 is set to be a year of recovery for the 
industry and one of continued transformation 
for GKN Automotive, as margin improvement 
initiatives will provide real substance to the 
recovery seen in the second half of 2020. The 
Driveline business will continue to reinforce its 
industry-leading position, focusing on margin 
expansion and top-line growth through the 
delivery of operational excellence and 
industrial initiatives. ePowertrain will 
accelerate the growth of eDrive through 
continued expansion of in-house software, 
mechatronics, and system integration 
capabilities, and capitalising on the strategic 
partnership with Delta Electronics. Whilst the 
speed of recovery is unclear and may 
increase the risk of supply chain issues, we 
are confident that GKN Automotive will 
continue to improve its business.

1.3m

GKN Automotive eDrive  
systems delivered(2)

Market trends 
Automotive

The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 
strong headwinds and volatility in the 
automotive sector in 2020, the most 
significant of which being: 

•  Volume decline: global light vehicle 
production was down 17% year-on-
year 2020 vs. 2019, driven by Europe 
(-22%) and North America (-20%).

•  Recovery rate variability: light vehicle 

production recovery rates are expected 
to vary across regions, as depleted levels 
of inventory need to be replenished in 
parallel to the re-establishment of a 
baseline for local consumer demand. 
2021 vs. 2020 production rates are 
projected to be +15% in Europe, +25% in 
North America and +6% in China and 
+14% on a global level.

•  Acceleration in eDrive development: 
the incentives attached to COVID-19 
governmental recovery packages, 
along with broader legislative 

tightening, have accelerated the 
adoption of electrification and new 
mobility solutions. Global electric 
vehicle penetration is projected to 
increase, with BEV/PHEV share of 
production in 2027 now forecasted to 
be 29% (versus a projection of 24% this 
time a year ago).

•  Macro-economic uncertainty: as a 
result of the impact of new trading 
policies (particularly the US), 
uncertainty around trade tariffs 
(particularly between the US and China) 
and legislative changes associated with 
Brexit and other factors.

GKN Automotive responded to the 
COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening its 
supply chain, investing in eDrive 
technology, and maintaining close 
relationships with customers and 
suppliers. These measures will allow the 
business to respond in a dynamic manner 
to the rebound.

Market dynamics COVID impact felt across all regions
Figure 1: Change in light vehicle production per region (2019 v 2020, million vehicles)(1)

2019

2020

Year-on-year change

-17%

100

80

60

40

20

0

-22%

-5%

14%

-20%

-15%

-31%

-29%

Europe

Greater
China

Japan/
Korea

Middle East/
Africa

North
America

South
America

South
Asia

Global

(1)  Source: IHS light vehicle production, December 2020.

Market dynamics BEV penetration
Figure 2: Change in electric vehicle penetration (Dec 2019 vs. Dec 2020)(2)

BEV & PHEV vehicle penetration (% share of global light vehicle production)

December ‘19 forecast

December ‘20 forecast

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.
(2)  Up to 31 December 2020.

(2)  Source: IHS light vehicle production, December 2020.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202022

Divisional review(1)
Continued

23

Revenue by market type

1

3

2

1  Automotive  

2  Industrial 

3  Hoeganaes Metal Powder

67%

17%

16%

Revenue by segment

4

1

2

3

1  Precision

2  Structural 

3  Powder

4  Additive

Revenue by destination

4

1

48%

34%

16%

2%

Powder Metallurgy

GKN Powder Metallurgy is a global 
leader in both precision powder metal parts for 
the automotive and industrial sectors, and the 
production of metal powder, through its prized 
vertically integrated business platform. 

Proportion of Melrose(2)

10%

Operational geographies

Global Technology Centres
Germany, Italy, US

GKN Powder Metallurgy combines 
advanced powder metals with innovative 
production technologies to create 
unique metal products – smart, reliable 
and precise.

In 2020 GKN Powder Metallurgy streamlined 
its organisation into three divisions: (i) Sinter 
Metals – the world’s leading manufacturer of 
precision automotive components and 
components for industrial and consumer 
applications spread across its Precision and 
Structural segments; (ii) Hoeganaes – the 
world’s second largest manufacturer of metal 
powder, the essential raw material for powder 
metallurgy, with manufacturing facilities in 
North America, Europe, and China; and (iii) 
Additive – a leading digital manufacturer of 
additive manufacturing parts, both metals and 
polymer, and materials for prototypes, 
manufactured through a global, digitally 
connected print network.

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(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

3

Highlight figures

2

1  North America 

2  Europe  

3  Asia

4  Rest of the world

44%

32%

18%

6%

£905m

Adjusted(1) revenue

£39m

Adjusted(1) operating profit

£886m

Statutory revenue

£57m

Statutory operating loss

(1)  Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on 
pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Based on adjusted(1) 2020 
operating profit for all 

continuing trading businesses. gknpm.com

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24

Divisional review(1)
Continued

25

Market trends 
Powder Metallurgy

2020 was a year of substantial and 
accelerated change in GKN Powder 
Metallurgy’s major markets. The push 
towards digital and electrification gained 
momentum. As a leader across all of its 
markets, GKN Powder Metallurgy 
remains well placed to gain short and 
medium-term advantages. The major 
trends in its core automotive and 
industrial markets are primarily being 
driven by the following factors:

•  Customers reducing their supplier 

base and staying with the 
technology leaders that can serve 
their global requirements.

•  Customers demanding increased 

manufacturing efficiency, 
functionality and flexibility through 
digitisation.

•  Legislative clamp-downs to reduce 

emissions.

•  The increase of electrified vehicles 
and manufacturing equipment.

•  Readiness of adaption of the current 
business model to take advantage 
of the digital/virtual opportunities. 

These trends are driving greater 
digitalisation in all markets in which GKN 
Powder Metallurgy operates. There 
remains significant growth potential in 
the additive manufacturing markets for 
both materials and components. The 
benefits of GKN Powder Metallurgy’s 
acquisition of FORECAST 3D, which 
completed in January 2020, are 
expected to accelerate primarily through 
increased market penetration in 2021, 
and by opening two new printing hubs 
in Auburn Hills, US and Bonn, Germany.

Sustainability case study

Hy2green helps you live  
and work ‘off-grid’ 

Hydrogen is set to become one of the most 
versatile zero emissions fuels of the future. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy’s Hy2green 
storage system is ideal to produce and store 
hydrogen locally from carbon-free 
renewable energy sources. 

‘Green’ hydrogen is made by extracting 
hydrogen from water using electrolysis 
powered by renewable energy. Hydrogen is 
a zero-emissions fuel, producing just water 
and oxygen as waste products. GKN 
Powder Metallurgy’s Hy2green solution 
enables hydrogen to be stored safely in low 
pressure metal hydrides, before being used 
directly in electric power and heat 
generation, and mobility solutions, helping 
customers towards achieving energy 
self-sufficiency. This technology reduces the 
physical space required to store the same 
volume of hydrogen compared to gaseous 
hydrogen storage, allowing it to be stored 
easily for as long as needed. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy’s Hy2green 
technology benefits from 100% recyclability 
of the metal powder used in its metal 
hydride component, whilst offering a robust 
energy supply that maintains 100% capacity 
after three years of use. This capability for 
long-term storage enables seasonal energy 
buffering, whereby energy generated in 
summer months can be used as heat and 
electricity in the winter. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy offers its  
Hy2green technology in a range of energy 
storage capacities, allowing for numerous 
applications including back-up power, 
charging, residential and maritime. 
Hy2green products will allow customers  
to better utilise clean energy, helping them 
achieve their net zero goals and reduce their 
climate impact. Validation projects through 
2020 have shown the system to be safe, 
robust, and scalable, and the system is 
expected to be officially launched to  
market in 2021. 

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

Outlook 
The delivery of operational improvement 
opportunities started in 2020 and strategic 
rationalisations will remain the key drivers for 
GKN Powder Metallurgy in achieving its 
margin targets in due course. Further 
investment in all business units including 
Additive Manufacturing, and the business’s 
new sustainable hydrogen systems, 
supported by digitised manufacturing 
upgrades, will help GKN Powder Metallurgy 
continue its expected strong trajectory as its 
core markets move towards recovery. The 
business is optimistic that the actions initiated 
in 2020 will support its performance for the 
year ahead.

After a strong performance during the first 
quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic 
caused significant disruption throughout the 
rest of the year. By the middle of March 2020, 
production across the business was forced to 
cease in almost all countries. This presented  
a number of unprecedented challenges 
throughout the business and its key  
end markets. GKN Powder Metallurgy  
met those setbacks with the rapid 
implementation of sharp, rigorous discipline 
with respect to finances and operations.

A renewed focus on tight resource 
management was immediately implemented, 
characterised within the business’s operations 
by flexible work patterns and restructuring 
programmes to match the new demand 
levels. Such operational initiatives sat 
alongside a strong focus on preserving  
cash, resulting in a conversion rate before 
capital expenditure of 156% for the year, 
including ensuring strong and well-controlled 
working capital management, and reducing 
capital expenditure.

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

The positive impact of the business’s strict 
financial and operational control during 2020 
was reflected in reductions in productive 
inventory days by 25%, and approximately 
a 33% reduction in overdue receivables. 
This focus strengthened the business’s 
foundations and enabled GKN Powder 
Metallurgy to continue to provide customers 
with the strong support free from disruption 
they required during uncertain times.

With the second quarter of 2020 
characterised by these initial responses to  
the pandemic, the third quarter transitioned 
towards a quick recovery, with the final 
quarter of the year seeing a 7% revenue 
increase compared to the final quarter of 
2019, requiring management to cope with 
some capacity constraint issues. New 
business wins during the year reached 
£150 million on an annualised basis, 
particularly targeted to better margin  
sinter metals production.

Full year adjusted operating profit margin of 
4.3% is a combination of close to break-even 
in the first half and a strong recovery in the 
second, with the fourth quarter margins 
above 8%.

Despite the trading challenges, GKN Powder 
Metallurgy continued to invest in its cutting-
edge technology, integrating its FORECAST 
3D acquisition into its Additive segment and 
broadening the range of products to include 
non-metal. 2020 also saw the first prototype 
production of its exciting new sustainable 
metal hybrid hydrogen storage system. Initial 
market interest looks very promising and this 
will become a key focus and potential source 
of growth in the mid-term future.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202026

Divisional review(1)
Continued

Nortek Air Management

The Nortek Air Management division 

Proportion of Melrose(2)

comprises (i) Nortek Global HVAC (“HVAC”) and 
(ii) Air Quality and Home Solutions (“AQH”). 

13%

Operational geographies

Highlight figures

£1.2bn

Adjusted(1) revenue

£188m

Adjusted(1) operating profit

£1.2bn

Statutory revenue

£149m

Statutory operating profit

(1)  Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on 
pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Based on adjusted(1) 2020 
operating profit for all 
continuing trading businesses.

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

The HVAC business includes the 
custom and commercial business of 
Nortek Air Solutions, the residential and 
light commercial business of HVAC and 
the dedicated data centre business of 
StatePoint Liquid Cooling. It employs 
a strategic framework of sustained 
profitable growth, operational 
excellence, technological innovation, 
and a commitment to its customers.

nortekhvac.com
nortekair.com

AQH is a leading manufacturer 
of ventilation products for the 
professional building remodelling and 
replacement market, the residential 
new construction market, and the 
consumer DIY market. It supplies to 
distributors and dealers of electrical 
and lighting products, kitchen  
and bathroom dealers, retail home 
centres and private label customers 
from its four manufacturing locations 
around the world. AQH enjoys a 
leading market share and installed 
base in US residential ventilation fans 
and range hoods.

broan-nutone.com

Revenue by business

1

2

1  Nortek Global HVAC

2  Air Quality and Home Solutions

58%

42%

Revenue by market

1

2

1  Residential

2  Commercial

Revenue by destination

3 1

2

1  North America 

2  Europe  

3  Asia

60%

40%

91%

6%

3%

27

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Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Building on its market leading position in  
data centres, during 2020 HVAC continued  
to harness the advantages of its technology 
leadership to target further mission critical 
and highly complex adjacent product lines, 
including unit heaters and furnaces, light 
commercial dedicated outdoor air systems, 
and manufactured housing solutions. The 
residential business faced market challenges, 
but HVAC continued to advance further 
operational efficiency initiatives to overcome 
their impact.

Outlook
Although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 
a slightly unpredictable market during the first 
half of 2020, the strong recovery during the 
second half of 2020 is carrying into 2021. 
HVAC sees the significant regulatory changes 
currently impacting its sector as a further 
opportunity to differentiate itself from its  
peers to its advantage. Added to this, the 
continuing market recovery is expected to  
be underpinned by a fast-growing global data 
centre demand, a robust replacement cycle 
in residential, a recovery in commercial 
construction driven by the institutional 
markets, and new opportunities in the retrofit 
segment. The business is excited about its 
prospects for the coming year and beyond.

Market trends 
Nortek Global HVAC

•  The global data centre market is 

expected to grow at over 13% CAGR 
through to 2025. North America 
represents c.35% of the data centre 
market and is expected to grow at 
11% CAGR.

•  Sustainability has become an 

important initiative for data centre 
operators. Energy, water and space 
utilisation have become critical to 
reduce cost to ensure regulatory 
compliance and to satisfy strong 
demand for carbon footprint reduction. 

•  Construction spending for North 
America is forecasted to be flat in 
residential and negative across many 
of NAS commercial/institutional sectors 
through to 2023. Retrofit and 
refurbishment are expected to see 
modest growth for commercial and 
residential, respectively. 

•  Within the non-residential construction 
sector, put-in-place construction was 
previously forecasted to grow, but is 
now forecasted to decline in the US 
and Canada due to the impact of 
COVID-19.

28

Divisional review(1)
Continued

Nortek Global HVAC
The COVID-19 pandemic caused some 
uncertainty within HVAC’s end markets  
during the first half of 2020, but its markets 
quickly recovered after that. By focusing on  
its core values, coupled with an unwavering 
dedication to the safety of its people, the 
business successfully overcame the 
unprecedented global challenges posed  
by the pandemic. It executed a series of 
operational excellence initiatives to support  
its continued pursuit of increased productivity 
and margin expansion through further quality 
improvements, increased plant utilisation, 
innovative process optimisation and increased 
productivity. There is much more to come.

The immediate result was good revenue 
growth for the year of 4%, with strong growth 
in the second half of 17%, 126% cash 
conversion before capital expenditure and 
expanded adjusted operating margins to 
15.5%. Critical initiatives implemented in 2020 
laid strong and supportive foundations for 
achieving the business’s core strategy to 
further expand margins and achieve profitable 
growth over the longer term, whilst 
simultaneously improving its products’ 
sustainability performance for the benefit  
of its customers.

HVAC has successfully completed delivery  
of its first StatePoint customer installation, in 
Europe, a major milestone for the business, 
and accelerated the production of the second, 
in Singapore. The ability to achieve up to 30% 
power and 90% water consumption savings 
clearly demonstrates StatePoint’s superior 
performance and geographic flexibility in the 
design and construction of world-class 
hyperscale data centres across the world. 
HVAC also developed its next iteration of 
StatePoint Technology® in the form of the 
HyperScale Data Centre, and further 
developed its technology roadmap for future 
StatePoint Technology® products. HVAC’s 
longstanding commitment to technological 
innovation and continuous improvement has 
maintained its technological agility in 
addressing the key sustainability challenges 
faced by the data centre sector, which are 
driven by global megatrends such as reducing 
energy usage intensity, improving water 
efficiency, and the expansion of broader  
air management standards.

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

29

As part of its continuous improvement 
programme, AQH continued to drive 
production efficiencies and cost savings, and 
generated further margin opportunities 
through product transfers, manufacturing 
optimisation, sourcing initiatives and supplier 
proximity improvements. The business 
maintained its strong focus on, and 
investment in, optimising its manufacturing 
footprint, and increasing capacity.

Outlook
Continued momentum is expected in the 
North American market due to forecast 
strong first half housing demand. In addition, 
growth will continue to be driven by a 
continuous pipeline of new product 
development, scheduled product extensions, 
and capitalising on the desire to ventilate for 
fresh air. Operationally, additional 
optimisations in supply chain, logistics and 
products are planned for 2021, which will 
continue to have sales and margin benefits. 
The business is very optimistic about 2021.

Air Quality and Home Solutions
A strong second half recovery after the 
COVID-19 downturn in the second quarter 
resulted in a 6% annual sales growth over the 
prior year. The recovery was bolstered by the 
strong bounce back in the housing market, 
the surge in remodelling activity and the new 
product launches. The result was increased 
sales in every region and business unit over 
last year. Specific category growth of 25% in 
fresh air systems in North America helped to 
drive growth in 2020 and momentum for the 
coming year.

The significant investment in new product 
development over recent years is now 
yielding results and creating momentum 
moving into 2021. The business continued to 
invest in its product portfolio across multiple 
categories, with an overarching purpose to 
address demand for ‘whole house’ ventilation 
solutions. Timely new ventilation products are 
now launching in multiple segments of fresh 
air, cooking, bath and whole house.

COVID-19 accelerated the business’s efforts 
to build on the momentum of new products 
centred around fans that eliminate bacteria. 
Lockdown measures drove significant further 
growth from digital sales channels including 
Amazon, which will provide a further focus for 
sales development into 2021. Digital sales 
were again 30% more than prior year, 
becoming a real strength for the business. 
The Zephyr business continues to bring 
innovation and market disrupting products to 
the appliance channel with unique kitchen 
designs and features.

Market trends 
Air Quality and Home Solutions
•  Outlook for the home improvement 

industry remains positive, driven by the 
stay-at-home impact of COVID-19. 
However, the timing and rate of 
recovery remains uncertain.

•  Digital shopping and online purchasing 
is expected to continue, with growth in 
these sales channels expected to be 
driven by longer-term trends away from 
traditional physical sales channels.

•  Rising home prices and traditionally 

lower interest rates should continue to 
encourage homeowners to engage in 
ongoing maintenance and repair 
spending.

•  The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to 
continue to highlight ventilation and fresh 
air solutions for homes and buildings.

AQH continues to bring new, refreshed 
and innovative products to market across 
multiple categories that address market 
demands and competitive pressures. 
Meeting customer needs for ‘whole house’ 
ventilation solutions will continue to be a 
focus for the business in 2021, with the 
demand for connectivity expected to 
continue to grow significantly over the 
longer-term, with increasing 
demand from the most sustainability-
conscious house builders. 

•  Commercial office and education 
building projects were hardest hit 
during 2020 as companies assessed 
the acceleration of the shift to flexible 
working arrangements. In higher 
education, new construction spending 
is expected to reduce and a shift in 
focus towards ensuring strong 
maintenance, wellness, and health and 
safety within existing buildings.

HVAC shall continue to serve its core 
markets through technological innovation 
and product leadership, to provide 
infrastructural solutions that seek to 
overcome continued environmental and 
regulatory pressures aimed at reducing 
energy and water usage intensity, and 
reducing carbon emissions, to enable 
consumers and businesses to act in a 
more sustainable manner.

Sustainability case study

StatePoint substantially reduces 
energy and water usage in 
global data centres

Nortek Global HVAC’s StatePoint 
Technology® is the world’s first sustainable 
data centre cooling system, and is 
designed to substantially reduce water and 
power usage in hyperscale data centres. 
The cutting-edge design reduces power 
usage by 30% compared with conventional 
designs and reduces water consumption 
by up to 90% in cooler climates. These 
environmental benefits help to avoid 
over-burdening local water supplies and 
eliminate the need for refrigerant-based 
cooling that can have a significant global 
warming impact. 

The flexible StatePoint design can be used 
in any data centre regardless of location or 
climate, and maintains sustainable, efficient 
performance. The hyperscale data centre 
market has a compound annual growth 
rate of 19%, meaning that power and water 
usage associated with cooling such 
facilities will increase at a similar rate. 
StatePoint offers an environmentally 
responsible solution to this growth, 
minimising water and energy usage 
and significantly reducing emissions. 

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202030

Divisional review(1)
Continued

31

Revenue by business

1

3

2

1  Nortek Control 

2  Ergotron 

3  Brush  

Revenue by destination

4

1

3

2

1  North America 

2  Europe  

3  Asia

4  Rest of the world

38%

34%

28%

64%

20%

11%

5%

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

Other Industrial

The Other Industrial division 

Proportion of Melrose(2)

comprises (i) Brush, (ii) Nortek Control, and 
(iii) Ergotron.

6%

Operational geographies

Brush is a leading independent provider  
of Turbogenerators, Transformers and 
Switchgear, and a provider of Services  
across these core product segments.

brush.eu 

Nortek Control is a leading developer 
and manufacturer of security, home 
automation, access control, health and 
artificial intelligence technologies for 
the residential and commercial markets, 
principally in North America. 

nortekcontrol.com

Ergotron is a leading designer, 
manufacturer and distributor of 
ergonomic products for use in a variety 
of working, learning and healthcare 
environments. Based near Minneapolis, 
US, Ergotron comprises four business 
segments: Healthcare, Office, Education 
and Industrial.

ergotron.com 

Highlight figures

£628m

Adjusted(1) revenue

£63m

Adjusted(1) operating profit

£628m

Statutory revenue

£34m

Statutory operating profit

(1)  Described in the glossary to 
the financial statements on 
pages 204 to 207.

(2)  Based on adjusted(1) 2020 
operating profit for all 
continuing trading businesses.

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
33

32

Divisional review(1)
Continued

Brush 
Trading conditions initially proved challenging 
in 2020 primarily due to COVID-19 but enjoyed 
some recovery in the second half of the year. 
The now reshaped business successfully 
mitigated the impact of the pandemic, by 
taking proactive measures to control costs, 
supplemented by tight working capital and 
cash management initiatives, which resulted 
in cash conversion before capital expenditure 
of 121%. Turbogenerators, Transformers and 
DC Switchgear all performed well and worked 
to offset the decline in Field Services across all 
product segments due to COVID-19 travel 
restrictions and related deferrals to 
maintenance activities.

The business continued to invest in product 
development across all of its segments, 
including broadening its product range in 
Switchgear and Transformers and enhancing 
its Turbogenerators product portfolio. Such 
investment further enabled Brush to benefit 
from macro trends by delivering products that 
promote sustainable energy infrastructure 
and transmission, green efficiencies, and 
less consumption.

Outlook
Brush is now a profitable, cash-generative 
business. Having demonstrated that it is  
more agile than ever before, it has secured  
a positive order backlog stretching well into 
2021 and beyond, and firm foundations for 
improvement based upon a more diversified 
customer portfolio across a broad range of 
traditional and emerging end markets. After 
implementing a strategic growth plan for 
2021, the business is increasingly confident  
of a good performance in the coming years.

Market trends 
Brush

•  Renewable electricity generation is 
projected to grow by almost 7% in 
2021, with wind and solar PV 
expected to continue to set new 
records in 2021(1). 

•  With a recovery of the global 

economy in 2021, global electricity 
demand is expected to grow by 
around 3%, largely driven by 
emerging and developing 
economies, particularly China 
and India(2). 

•  Brush continues to target market 
opportunities in helping network 
operators address the challenge of 
supply volatility associated with 
increased renewables within the 
grid, delivering increased asset 
performance visibility, and the 
digitalisation of service monitoring.

(1)  Source: Renewable electricity net capacity additions 

by technology, main and accelerated cases, 
2013-2022 – Charts – Data & Statistics – IEA.

(2)  Source: Electricity Market Report December 2020 – IEA.

Sustainability case study

Brush – Synchronous 
Condenser helps unlock 
renewable power generation 

Brush’s Synchronous Condenser is 
helping to address the global problem  
of electrical distribution network 
instability caused by renewable power 
generation and transmission.

The global drive for renewable energy  
has added significant solar and 
wind-generated power to the grid. 
Renewable power is primarily generated 
via static systems which, when 
generating and transmitting power from 
renewable sources in larger volumes, 
cause grid instability in respect of 
voltage, frequency, and power factor 
fluctuations, which can result in 
significant challenges to overall 
network stability.

Brush’s Synchronous Condensers 
overcome such challenges and 
enhance grid stability by providing 
greater inertia, reaction power 
compensation, and short circuit power 
capacity. This offers significant cost 
savings by removing the need to invest 
in infrastructure reinforcements, such 
as new transmission lines, that would 
(2)  Source: Renewable electricity net capacity additions 
by technology, main and accelerated cases, 
otherwise be required to address the 
2013-2022 – Charts – Data & Statistics – IEA
issue. Brush’s Synchronous 
(3)  Source: Electricity Market Report December 2020 
Condensers bring differentiation to its 
Generator portfolio, providing strong 
value positioning to customers and 
creative solutions to the challenges 
posed by renewable power expansion. 

– IEA

Nortek Control (formerly Security  
& Smart Technology)
Nortek Control continues to bolster its 
expertise in the design and manufacture  
of analytics-embedded wireless connectivity 
devices, to leverage its strong brand 
presence in professional security, integrator 
and custom installer channels.

After a reasonable start to 2020, the impact 
of COVID-19 was significant as restrictions  
to access for professional installers onsite, 
traditionally a key driver for sales growth,  
was curtailed. This was somewhat offset  
by growth in the home automation market 
and perimeter access markets, as well as 
increased awareness of customers’ home 
security requirements in the second half of 
the year.

With a new management team in place 
focused on innovation and technology 
leadership, Nortek Control has a strong 
pipeline of exciting new product introductions 
planned for 2021. The transition of production 
out of China, in response to increasing tariffs, 
was also completed in 2020, with the majority 
of products now being produced in Mexico 
and Malaysia.

Outlook
Whilst the impact of COVID-19 will extend into 
2021 in restricting important installer access, 
the launch of its highly anticipated new 
residential security panel EDGE and other 
new products provide some level of optimism. 
This and the transition of manufacturing to 
countries less impacted by tariffs, mean the 
business is positioned to achieve an improved 
performance in 2021.

Market trends 
Nortek Control

The Nortek Control business operates  
in a residential security and home 
automation market that continues to  
be driven by connected solutions that 
interact and integrate within the ever-
expanding Internet of Things product 
space to provide enhanced functionality, 
and continues to be challenged by 
lockdown restrictions, which prevent 
installers from physically accessing their 
customers. Nortek Control continues to 
invest and bring to market new products 
with enhanced features and improved 
connectivity, including the new EDGE 
panel from 2GIG which will be the most 
advanced residential security system in 
the industry, Linear’s new garage operator 
product line, which is compatible with 
large online retailers allowing drivers to 
secure packages inside a customer’s 
garage, and the launch of Numera’s 
tele-medicine portal, VitalStream,  
which will allow patients to send daily 
diagnostics to healthcare providers 
directly from their homes.

(1)  All growth metrics are calculated at constant currency.

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

Ergotron
International growth in Asia and in the global 
Healthcare sector in 2020 partially offset the 
headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
resulting in a decline in revenue of 11% for the 
year. The growth in Asia was primarily driven 
by the Education and Office segments of the 
Japanese market. 

In Healthcare, demand growth primarily 
centred around increased requirements for 
medical carts as health systems prepared  
for, and battled with, COVID-19. Changes in 
working patterns triggered by the pandemic 
caused significant market disruption for the 
Office segment in the US and a reshaping of 
its product development plans to realign to 
future demand. Several strategic operational 
and cost optimisations implemented during 
2020 helped grow adjusted operating 
margins to 23.9% and are expected to deliver 
further benefits in the coming year.

Outlook
Ergotron expects growth in 2021, led by a 
limited recovery in the Office and ongoing 
growth in the Healthcare segment. Ergotron’s 
expected refocus on to the Industrial sector 
will provide another area of longer-term 
growth. Strong cost control and new  
product launches should also support  
an improved 2021.

Market trends 
Ergotron

The Healthcare market continues to 
present significant expansion opportunity 
driven by an increased focus on 
improving patient interaction. New 
growth opportunities within the Office 
market are expected from the emerging 
longer-term shift to hybrid working 
models. The Education segment 
continues to transition towards hybrid 
and distance learning models, fuelled  
by the digitalisation of education and  
the renewed focus on home learning 
solutions. The Industrial segment 
continues to target increased shop  
floor digitalisation.

Ergotron is already responding to these 
market trends through its broad product 
offering, most notably in Healthcare from 
industry-leading mobile carts to 
wall-mounted solutions that can be 
integrated with specific applications, 
including TeleHealth technology. The 
ongoing emphasis on home office 
working, and the expected revival of 
Ergotron’s Industrial workflow and 
ergonomic solutions including mobile 
stations and industrial arms, are set to 
propel the business’s growth in these 
segments in 2021.

Sustainability case study

Ergotron – bespoke Vaccination Carts deliver COVID-19 vaccines  
to the public 

The unprecedented challenges posed by 
the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened 
the need for accessible, quality healthcare 
solutions, and Ergotron’s professional-
grade medical carts directly addressed this 
critical need during 2020. By implementing 
rapid measures including the redeployment 
of resources to medical cart production as 
and when required, and responsive supply 
chain optimisation, Ergotron adapted its 
operations throughout 2020 to ensure 
that their medical carts could reach 
customers faster. 

Ergotron’s medical cart design was 
modified in response to the global vaccine 
rollout, to cater for mobile COVID-19 
vaccination distribution to suit mass 
vaccination sites that were set up in 
non-traditional spaces, such as car parks 
and stadiums. The cart also supports 
Ergotron’s patented LiFeKinnexTM 
Technology for reliable battery power 
without an outlet, overcoming limitations 
imposed by power availability outside of 
optimised healthcare settings. Ergotron’s 
flexible carts are facilitating the expansion 
of vaccination workflows beyond the  
walls of traditional clinical environments, 
providing convenient access to critical 
supplies for caregivers. 

 Sustainability report  

Page 58

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202034

Key performance indicators

35

Measuring our 
performance

In order to support the Group’s strategy and to monitor performance, the Board 
uses a number of financial and non-financial key performance indicators (“KPIs”). 
The immediate and significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Group 
resulted in a decision to prioritise cash generation in the year ended 31 December 
2020. As a result, additional KPIs are presented below.
Additional business-level KPIs are also used, which are relevant to their particular circumstances. 
Further detail on these KPIs is disclosed in the glossary to the financial statements and further 
information regarding the performance of the Group against its financial KPIs is included in the 
Finance Director’s review.

Financial KPIs

Method of calculation

Strategic objective

Adjusted (1) diluted 
earnings per share

‘18
‘19
‘20

 2.4p

2.4p

 12.7p

 14.3p

Group adjusted (1) profit after tax of continuing 
businesses, attributable to owners of the parent, for 
the year ended 31 December 2020, divided by the 
weighted average number of diluted ordinary shares 
in issue.

To create consistent and long-term value 
for shareholders.

Adjusted  free cash 
generation(1)

£628m

‘18
‘19
‘20

 £343m

Net debt (1) reduction

 £591m

 £628m

13%

 N/A(2)

‘18
‘19
‘20

 8%

 13%

Adjusted (1) profit conversion 

(pre-capex) to cash percentage  167%

‘18
‘19
‘20

 90%

 104%

 167%

Adjusted (1) operating 
profit 

‘18
‘19
‘20

 £340m

£340m

 £813m

 £1,102m

Total cash generated from continuing operations after 
all costs, excluding restructuring, one-off payments to 
defined benefit pension schemes and net transaction 
related costs or income.

To ensure subsidiary businesses are suitably 
cash-generative in order to have adequate 
cash reserves for the effective running of the 
Group and for significant capital investment 
where required. 

Reduction in net debt in the year as a percentage of 
opening net debt.

To ensure that the Group has suitable 
amounts of net debt and remains within its 
banking covenants. 

Percentage of adjusted (1) EBITDA(3) conversion to cash, 
as shown in the glossary to the financial statements, 
for continuing businesses in existence during the year 
ended 31 December 2020 pre-capital expenditure.

To ensure subsidiary businesses are suitably 
cash-generative in order to have adequate 
cash reserves for the effective running of the 
Group and for significant capital investment 
where required. 

Adjusted (1) operating profit for the continuing 
businesses in existence during the year ended 
31 December 2020.

To improve profitability of Group operations.

Net debt to adjusted (1) EBITDA(2)

‘18
‘19
‘20

 2.28x
 2.25x

4.1x

 4.1x

Net debt to H2 annualised 

proforma adjusted (1) EBITDA(2) 3.2x

Net debt to adjusted (1) EBITDA(2) – net debt at average 
exchange rates divided by adjusted (1) EBITDA(2) 
further adjusted to reflect covenant requirements, 
for continuing businesses at each year end. 
Net debt to H2 annualised proforma adjusted (1) 
EBITDA(2) – net debt at H2 average exchange rates 
divided by H2 annualised adjusted (1) EBITDA(2) 
further adjusted to reflect covenant requirements, 
for continuing businesses.

To ensure the Group has suitable 
amounts of debt and remains within 
its banking covenants following the  
re-basing of the leverage and interest  
cover covenants as a result of the impact  
of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjusted (1) operating 
profit margin

3.6%

Adjusted (1) operating profit as a percentage of 
adjusted (1) revenue, for the continuing businesses in 
existence during the year ended 31 December 2020.

To improve profitability of Group operations.

‘18
‘19
‘20

Interest cover 

‘18
‘19
‘20

 3.6%

 5.1x

Final dividend per 
share(4)

‘18
‘19
‘20

 0.00p

 0.75p

 9.4%
 9.5%

5.1x

 11.6x

 10.8x

0.75p

 3.05p

Adjusted (1) EBITDA(2) further adjusted to reflect 
covenant requirements of all businesses as a multiple 
of net interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 
for the Group during each year.

Amount declared as payable by way of dividends in 
terms of pence per share.

To ensure the Group has sufficient 
profitability to meet the interest cost of debt 
and remains within its banking covenants 
following the re-basing of the leverage and 
interest cover covenants as a result of the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To operate a progressive dividend policy 
whenever the financial position of the 
Company, in the opinion of the Board, 
justifies the payment.
For discussions on the dividend, please refer to 
the Chairman’s statement on pages 10 to 11.

Environment and energy usage

Method of calculation
Due to the decentralised nature of the Group 
and differing operations of businesses 
which the Company may acquire, there are 
no standardised environmental KPIs used 
throughout the Group. Businesses provide data 
for relevant environmental indicators, including 
energy consumption, CO2 emissions, water 
consumption, waste disposal, solid waste 
generation, and recycling. We have used the 
UK Government Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines including the UK’s Streamlined 
Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements 
and the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 
and Reporting Standard (revised edition), and 
data has been gathered in accordance with our 
GHG reporting procedure.

Strategic objective
Melrose fully understands the importance of 
the Group’s environmental responsibilities and 
is committed to encouraging our businesses to 
make efficiency improvements where possible 
and to run their operations with a minimum 
possible adverse effect on the environment.

Performance
Information in relation to the various 
environmental initiatives undertaken by the 
Group’s businesses during 2020 can be found 
within the Sustainability report on pages 58 
to 87. The Group is required to disclose its 
greenhouse gas emissions and certain energy 
use data for the year ended 31 December 2020. 
Such data can be found within the Sustainability 
report on pages 58 to 87. 

Other non-financial KPIs

Due to the diverse nature of the Group, each 
business acquired by the Group uses a range 
of its own specific non-financial KPIs, which 
are used to drive business performance and 
assist in managing risk. This helps to ensure 
that the KPIs used are relevant to each business 
and take into account specific operational 
and reporting requirements. Such KPIs cover 
operational, quality, commercial and human 
resource measures. Further information 
regarding some of the Group’s recent initiatives 
in these areas can be found within the 
Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87.

Non-financial KPIs

Health and safety

In line with the Melrose decentralised model, 
Group business units are responsible for 
implementing and maintaining health and safety 
excellence across their operations. To provide 
visibility and oversight for the Board, information 
is collated quarterly on three key performance 
indicators – Major Accident Frequency, Accident 
Frequency, and Accident Severity (as defined 
below) – for each business and covering all of 
their sites. A variety of additional health and 
safety KPIs are used by the businesses owned 
by the Group from time to time, which are 
specific to the exact nature of the business and 
its associated risks. Although responsibility for 
health and safety rests with the business units, 
in the unfortunate circumstance of a very serious 
incident, the Melrose senior management team 
will engage directly with the relevant business 
unit executive team and report any actions 
taken directly to the Board. There have been no 
such incidents during the period.

Method of calculation
In 2018, the Nortek and Brush businesses 
harmonised their KPI outputs and, following 
the acquisition of GKN, the KPI outputs for the 
GKN businesses were also migrated onto the 
Melrose reporting metrics. Given the expansion 
and diversified nature of the Group following 
the GKN acquisition, weightings have been 
applied to each division’s reported health and 
safety performance according to the size of its 
workforce relative to that of the other divisions 
within the Group. Therefore, the larger the 
workforce, the more heavily such division’s 
health and safety performance drives the 
Group-wide performance figures. 

Strategic objective
The Company has an objective to stop all 
preventable accidents.

Performance(1)
The Group’s current businesses measure three 
key health and safety KPIs:

Major accident frequency rate

‘18
‘19
‘20

 0.21

 0.19

0.19

 0.50

Records the average number of lost time accidents that 
have resulted in more than three days off work (defined 
as ‘major’ accidents), per 200,000 hours worked.

Accident frequency rate

‘18
‘19
‘20

0.30

 0.47

 0.43

 0.30

Records the number of all lost time accidents, both 
major and minor, per 200,000 hours worked.

Accident severity rate

‘18
‘19
‘20

20.39

 22.08

 18.97

 20.39

Records the average number of days an employee 
takes off work following an accident at work. 

The Group’s major accident frequency rate, 
accident frequency rate and accident severity 
rate decreased year-on-year for each business 
within the Group, except for GKN Aerospace’s 
accident severity rate, which increased due to 
two specific incidents. The Group’s trajectory 
of longer-term improvement continues, and our 
businesses continue to uphold and further develop 
high standards of health and safety performance. 
The general trend of improvement reflects that 
continued investment in health and safety initiatives 
across all businesses has taken hold, having 
achieved year-on-year sustained improvement, and 
highlights a distinct culture shift during Melrose’s 
stewardship since the Nortek businesses were 
acquired in 2016, and strong trajectory of continual 
improvement in the GKN businesses since they 
were acquired in 2018. 
At the Board’s request, external health and 
safety experts are engaged through the Group’s 
insurance brokers to review the health and safety 
audit function for each GKN business and verify 
its operation through one or more site visits. 
This review programme provides assurance of 
the robustness of the health and safety systems 
that operate within the Group’s larger and most 
complex businesses. Recommendations are fed 
back to the relevant business unit executive team 
to manage their implementation as part of the usual 
continuous improvement efforts. 
During 2020, the Group’s insurance brokers in 
conjunction with the health and safety leads at 
each of the GKN businesses completed their initial 
review of their divisional health and safety audit 
functions and conducted verification site visits 
where possible in light of COVID-19 disruption. The 
reviews confirmed that business is operating to an 
acceptable standard, with a strong commitment 
to health and safety both centrally and at site level. 
In parallel with existing business unit-led initiatives, 
the Group’s insurance brokers in the US conduct 
independent health and safety compliance audit 
reviews across the Group’s US-based businesses, 
in close consultation with the businesses’ HSE 
leads. This helpfully covers the Nortek businesses 
not included in the audit review process referred 
to above. US air and overnight travel restrictions 
delayed site visits for most of 2020. Plans are 
in place for site visits to recommence as early 
as practicable during 2021, as restrictions are 
anticipated to lift. The US audits assess for 
potential major and serious injuries and fatalities 
exposures such as machine guarding, manual 
material handling, forklift/powered industrial trucks, 
occupational health exposures including noise and 
chemical exposures, and confined spaces. 
During 2020, each business in the Group 
took responsive action and implemented and 
maintained measures and protocols to address the 
risks of a COVID-19 outbreak within the workplace, 
and to support their employees in line with national 
guidelines. This included the use of relevant PPE, 
social distancing measures where practicable, 
protocols to support safe working practices 
including adjusted shift patterns, and tracing and 
identification measures to address instances of 
employees contracting the virus so as to protect 
the workforce, mitigate the risk of spreading, and 
minimise disruption to operations where possible. 
These measures continue to be monitored by 
the business unit executive teams to keep their 
employees safe. Further details are provided in the 
Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87.

(1)  Described in the glossary to the financial statements on pages 204 to 207.
(2)  Net debt increased during 2018 as a result of the acquisition of GKN. 
(3)  Operating profit before depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of computer software and development costs.
(4)  The initially proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 of 3.4 pence per ordinary share was withdrawn as announced on 7 May 2020 following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(1)  National lockdown measures and Government recommendations to stay at home in certain countries due to COVID-19 caused certain sites within the Group to experience lower employee 

attendance at limited times of the year during 2020.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202036

Finance Director’s Review

37

Robust cash management was set as the top 
commercial priority for the Group this year.

As a result, an adjusted free cashflow of 
£628 million was generated in the year, 6% more 
than the adjusted free cash generated in 2019.

Geoffrey Martin 
Group Finance Director

Melrose Group results – continuing operations
Statutory results:
The statutory IFRS results are shown on the face of the Income 
Statement and show revenue of £8,770 million (2019: £10,967 million), 
an operating loss of £338 million (2019: profit of £318 million) and a 
loss before tax of £535 million (2019: profit of £106 million). The diluted 
earnings per share (“EPS”), calculated using the weighted average 
number of shares in issue during the year of 4,858 million (2019: 
4,858 million), were a loss of 10.8 pence (2019: profit of 0.9 pence).

Adjusted results:
The adjusted results are also shown on the face of the Income 
Statement. They are adjusted to include the revenue and operating 
profit from equity accounted investments (“EAIs”) and to exclude 
certain items which are significant in size or volatility or by nature are 
non-trading or non-recurring, or are items released to the Income 
Statement that were previously a fair value item booked on an 
acquisition. It is the Group’s accounting policy to exclude these items 
from the adjusted results, which are used as an Alternative 
Performance Measure (“APM”) as described by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”). APMs used by the Group 
are defined in the glossary to the Financial Statements.

The Melrose Board considers the adjusted results to be an important 
measure used to monitor how the businesses are performing as they 
achieve consistency and comparability between reporting periods 
when all businesses are held for the complete reporting period.

The adjusted results for the year ended 31 December 2020 show 
revenue of £9,361 million (2019: £11,592 million), an operating profit 
of £340 million (2019: £1,102 million) and a profit before tax of 
£153 million (2019: £889 million). Adjusted diluted EPS were 2.4 pence 
(2019: 14.3 pence).

Tables summarising the statutory results and adjusted results by 
reportable segment are shown later in this review.

Statutory revenue

Adjusted revenue

£8.8bn
£9.4bn

Reconciliation of statutory results to adjusted results
The following tables reconcile the Group statutory revenue and 
operating (loss)/profit to adjusted revenue and adjusted operating 
profit:

•  A charge of £60 million (2019: £83 million) within the Automotive 
division as the business has accelerated its efforts to address its 
high cost base, inherited on acquisition, and best position itself as 
it recovers post COVID-19.

Continuing operations:

Statutory revenue

Adjusting item:
Revenue from equity accounted investments (“EAIs”) 

Adjusted revenue

Adjusting revenue item:

2020
£m

8,770

591

9,361

2019
£m

10,967

625

11,592

The Group has some investments in which it does not hold full control 
(“EAIs”), the largest of which is a 50% interest in Shanghai GKN 
HUAYU Driveline Systems (“SDS”), within the Automotive business. 
During the year ended 31 December 2020, EAIs in the Group 
generated £591 million of revenue (2019: £625 million), which is not 
included in the statutory results but is shown within adjusted revenue 
so as not to distort the operating margins reported in the businesses 
when the adjusted operating profit from these EAIs is included. 

Continuing operations:

Statutory operating (loss)/profit

Adjusting items:
Amortisation of intangible assets acquired in 
business combinations 

Restructuring costs

Write down of assets

Currency movements in derivatives and movements 
in associated financial assets and liabilities

Net release of fair value items

Other

Adjustments to statutory operating (loss)/profit

Adjusted operating profit

2020
£m

(338)

526 

220 

184 

(182)

(118)

48 

678 

340 

2019
£m

318 

534 

238 

179 

(55)

(153)

41 

784 

1,102 

Adjusting items to operating (loss)/profit are consistent with prior years 
and include:

The amortisation charge on intangible assets acquired in business 
combinations of £526 million (2019: £534 million), which is excluded from 
adjusted results due to its non-trading nature and to enable comparison 
with companies that grow organically. However, where intangible assets 
are trading in nature, such as computer software and development 
costs, the amortisation is not excluded from adjusted results.

Restructuring and other associated costs in the year totalling 
£220 million (2019: £238 million), which are shown as adjusting items 
due to their size and non-trading nature, during the year ended 
31 December 2020 these included:

•  A charge of £110 million (2019: £79 million) within the Aerospace 
division primarily relating to costs incurred globally to reduce the 
business’ headcount and cost structure in reaction to the 
significant impact that COVID-19 is having on the aerospace 
industry. This charge also included costs in respect of the 
continuation of the business’ global integration, announced last 
year, to create “One Aerospace”, ensuring the business is well 
positioned and able to react to changes in its new environment; 
and the continuation of costs relating to rationalisation projects 
commenced in the previous year.

•  A charge of £48 million (2019: £19 million) within the Powder 

Metallurgy division including costs associated with realigning the 
business for future demand, along with consolidation actions 
started in 2019 and the commencement during 2020 of the 
closure of a site in its underperforming North American Structural 
business.

•  A net charge of £2 million (2019: £57 million) within the Nortek Air 
Management, Other Industrial and Corporate divisions which 
includes the completion of a factory consolidation within the 
HVAC business; the finalisation of the changes made in the 
Nortek Control business (formerly the Security & Smart 
Technology business) to move to a third party contract 
manufacturing model; and the profit from the disposal of a Dutch 
property held within the Brush business left vacant following the 
factory consolidation programme commenced in 2018.

The write down of assets in the year of £184 million, mostly 
recognised in the second quarter of the year as a result of the impact 
of COVID-19, of which £133 million was within the Aerospace division. 
As a result of the impact of the pandemic, a review of the operating 
assets of the Group was performed, and resulted in £159 million of 
fixed assets and £25 million of other net operating assets being written 
down across certain sites within the businesses, as they adapted to 
new levels of industry demand. The write down of these assets is 
shown as an adjusting item due to the unprecedented nature of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, its non-trading nature and size. The charge of 
£179 million, recognised in 2019, related to impairment of goodwill 
allocated to the Nortek Control group of CGUs.

The net release of fair value items in the year of £118 million (2019: 
£153 million) where items have been resolved for more favourable 
amounts than first anticipated. During the year this included a net 
release of £101 million in respect of loss-making contract provisions 
held within the GKN businesses, where either contractual terms have 
been renegotiated with the relevant customer or operational 
efficiencies have been identified and demonstrated for a sustained 
period.  The net release of fair value items is shown as an adjusting 
item, avoiding positively distorting adjusted results. 

Movements in the fair value of derivative financial instruments (primarily 
forward foreign currency exchange contracts where hedge 
accounting is not applied) entered into within the GKN businesses to 
mitigate the potential volatility of future cash flows, on long-term 
foreign currency customer and supplier contracts, along with foreign 
exchange movements on the associated financial assets and liabilities. 
This totalled a credit of £182 million (2019: £55 million) in the year and 
is shown as an adjusting item because of its volatility and size. 

Other adjusting items of £48 million (2019: £41 million) include items 
consistent with prior years, the largest of which is an adjustment of 
£30 million (2019: £28 million) to gross up the post-tax profits of EAIs 
to be consistent with the adjusted operating profits of subsidiaries 
within the Group.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202038

Finance Director’s review
Continued

Statutory and adjusted results by reporting segment
The following table shows revenue split by reporting segment, including EAIs for adjusted revenue:

Statutory revenue

Reconciling item:
Revenue from EAIs

Adjusted revenue

Aerospace
£m

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Mgmt.
£m

Other 
Industrial
£m

2,798

3,231

886

1,227

6

2,804

566

3,797

19

905

–

1,227

628

–

628

The following table shows operating (loss)/profit split by reporting segment. Adjusting items are described earlier in this review.

Aerospace
£m

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Mgmt.
£m

Other 
Industrial
£m

Corporate
£m

Statutory operating (loss)/profit

(410)

(183)

(57)

Reconciling item:
Adjusting items

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

424 

14 

265     

82 

96 

39 

149

39

188

34

29

63

129 

(175)

(46)

Total
£m

8,770

591

9,361

Total
£m

(338) 

678 

340 

The performances of each of the reporting segments are discussed in the Chief Executive’s Review. The adjusted operating loss in the 
corporate cost centre of £46 million (2019: £52 million) included £34 million (2019: £32 million) of operating costs and £12 million (2019: 
£20 million) of costs relating to divisional cash-based long-term incentive plans, which have been re-evaluated following the impact of COVID-19 
on the businesses.

Finance costs and income – continuing operations
Total net finance costs in the year ended 31 December 2020 were 
£197 million (2019: £212 million), £187 million (2019: £213 million) 
shown within the adjusted results and £10 million of charges (2019: 
credit of £1 million) treated as adjusting items.

Net interest on external bank loans, bonds, overdrafts and cash 
balances was £133 million (2019: £143 million). The Group uses 
interest rate swaps to fix the majority of the interest rate exposure on 
its drawn debt. More detail on these swaps is given in the finance cost 
risk management section of this review.

In addition, finance charges included: a £12 million (2019: £11 million) 
amortisation charge relating to the arrangement costs of raising the 
Group’s current bank facility; an interest charge on net pension 
liabilities of £19 million (2019: £31 million); a charge on lease liabilities of 
£21 million (2019: £21 million); and a charge for the unwind of 
discounting on long-term provisions of £2 million (2019: £7 million).

Adjusting items:
Adjusting items, within finance costs and income, include a charge of 
£2 million (2019: credit of £1 million) relating to the fair value changes 
on cross-currency swaps, and £8 million (2019: £nil) relating to costs 
incurred renegotiating the Group’s financial covenants with its banking 
facility syndicate in response to the impact of COVID-19. These 
charges are shown as adjusting items because of their volatility and 
non-trading nature.

Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations include the GKN Wheels & Structures 
business results which was classified as held for sale at 31 December 
2019 and subsequently disposed on 25 November 2020 for total 
proceeds of £21 million, resulting in a loss on disposal in the year of 
£8 million. 

In the prior year, discontinued operations also included the results of 
Walterscheid Powertrain Group up to the date of disposal on 25 June 
2019. 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 discontinued operations show 
revenue of £144 million (2019: £423 million), a statutory operating loss 
of £nil (2019: £80 million) and a statutory loss before tax of £nil (2019: 
£82 million).

Tax – continuing operations
The statutory results show a tax credit of £12 million (2019: charge of 
£51 million) which arises on a statutory loss before tax of £535 million 
(2019: profit of £106 million), a statutory tax rate of 2% (2019: 48%). 
During the year, the Ergotron division was legally separated from the 
Nortek tax group, realising an adjusting tax charge of £71 million, of 
which £20 million will be settled in cash in 2021, with the remainder 
being settled by the utilisation of tax assets held within the Group. In 
addition to this adjusting tax charge, several of the adjusting items, 
discussed earlier in this review, do not give rise to tax deductions, 
meaning that the statutory tax rate is lower than the adjusted tax rate.

The effective rate on the adjusted profit before tax for the year ended 
31 December 2020 was 22% (2019: 21%). 

The Group has tax losses and other deferred tax assets with a value 
of £810 million (31 December 2019: £819 million). These are offset by 
deferred tax liabilities on intangible assets of £1,161 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,243 million) and £201 million (31 December 
2019: £188 million) of other deferred tax liabilities. Most of the tax 
losses and other deferred tax assets will generate future cash tax 
savings, whereas the deferred tax liabilities on intangible assets are 
not expected to give rise to cash tax payments.

Cash tax receipts from the refund of advance payments and the 
closure of enquiries offset cash tax payments made in the year. Net 
cash tax in the year ended 31 December 2020 was £nil (2019: net 
payments of £117 million).

Melrose employee share plan 
The Melrose 2017 Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) expired on 31 May 
2020 with no value payable to its participants, despite being on track 
to generate a share reward before the impact of COVID-19. 

A new Melrose Employee Share Plan (“2020 Plan”) was approved on 
21 January 2021 which mirrors the previous 2017 Plan, in most 
respects, with a three year performance period and a further two year 
holding period. Details of the 2020 Plan are included in the Directors’ 
Remuneration report in the 2020 Annual Report.

The charge in respect of the 2020 Plan will be £16 million per annum 
(2017 Plan: £13 million), excluding the associated employer’s tax charge. 

39

Group net debt at 31 December 2020, translated at closing exchange 
rates (being US $1.37 and €1.12), was £2,847 million (31 December 
2019: £3,283 million, translated at closing exchange rates at 
31 December 2019).

The movement in net debt during the year included a free cash inflow 
of £456 million, being partly offset by £11 million of net spend on 
acquisition and disposal related activities, primarily relating to the 
acquisition of FORECAST 3D in the Powder Metallurgy division and 
proceeds relating to the disposed GKN Wheels & Structures 
business, and a £2 million increase to net debt in respect of foreign 
exchange and other non-cash movements.

For bank covenant purposes the Group’s net debt is calculated at 
average exchange rates for the previous twelve months, to better align 
the calculation with the currency rates used to calculate profits, and 
was £2,953 million. 

The Group net debt leverage was not required to be tested at 
31 December 2020 following a waiver for this test date being 
unanimously agreed with the Group’s lending banks earlier in the year 
as the initial impact of COVID-19 on the businesses was being 
understood. Group net debt leverage was 4.1x EBITDA at 
31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: 2.3x EBITDA) and will be 
next tested at 31 December 2021, when the bank covenant test level 
will be 5.25x.

Assets and liabilities
The summarised Melrose Group assets and liabilities are shown below:

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired with business 
combinations

Tangible fixed assets, computer software and 
development costs 

Equity accounted investments

Net working capital

Provisions

Deferred tax and current tax

Lease obligations

Net other

Total

These assets and liabilities are funded by:

Net debt

Equity

Total

2020
£m

2019
£m

8,790 

9,342 

 3,541 

3,874 

430 

346 

(838)

(1,021)

(717)

(555)

 (19)

436 

821 

(1,121)

(1,087)

(698)

(582)

(151)

 9,957 

10,834 

2020
£m

(2,847)

(7,110)

2019
£m

(3,283)

(7,551)

(9,957)

(10,834)

Net debt shown in the table above is defined in the glossary to the 
Financial Statements and is consistent with the banking facility 
covenant testing definition.

Cash generation and management
Robust cash management was set as the top commercial priority for the 
Group this year as the realisation of the significant impact that COVID-19 
would have on the global economy and the Group’s businesses 
materialised. Comprehensive cash preservation actions were 
successfully implemented in each business in the first half of the year 
and strong cash management continued throughout the second half as 
certain businesses within the Group showed some signs of recovery.

As a result, an adjusted free cash inflow of £628 million before 
restructuring spend (2019: £591 million before restructuring spend 
and one-off special contributions to defined benefit pension plans), 
was generated in the year, 6% more than the adjusted free cash 
generated in 2019.

An analysis of the adjusted free cash flow is shown in the table below:

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted operating profit from EAIs

Depreciation and amortisation

Lease obligation payments

Positive non-cash impact from loss-making contracts

Working capital movements

2020
£m

340 

(62)

492 

(76)

(59)

424 

2019
£m

1,102 

(66)

498 

(70)

(81)

58 

Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex)

1,059 

1,441 

Net capital expenditure

Net interest and net tax paid

Defined benefit pension contributions – ongoing

Defined benefit pension contributions – special contribution

Restructuring 

Dividend income from equity accounted investments

Net other

Free cash flow

(292)

(162)

(111)

–

(172)

54 

80 

456 

(495)

(295)

(72)

(111)

(190)

67 

(55)

290 

Net working capital was reduced by £424 million in the year (2019: 
£58 million), mainly by reducing inventory and receivables levels in the 
businesses, along with net capital expenditure in the year being 
£292 million (2019: £495 million), representing 0.7x depreciation of 
owned assets. 

Net interest paid in the period was £162 million (2019: £178 million), net 
tax payments were £nil as explained in the tax section of this review 
(2019: £117 million) and ongoing contributions to defined benefit 
pension schemes were £111 million (2019: £72 million), which included 
£60 million paid into the GKN UK pension plans.

Free cash flow in the year, after restructuring spend of £172 million 
(2019: £190 million), was an inflow of £456 million (2019: £290 million), 
contributing to the reduction in net debt (as defined in the glossary to 
the Financial Statements) of 13% in the year.

The movement in net debt is summarised as follows:

At 1 January

Non-trading items and discontinued operations:

Net cash flow from acquisition and disposal related activities

Dividend paid to Melrose shareholders

Foreign exchange and other non-cash movements

Discontinued operations

Cash flow from non-trading items and 
discontinued operations

Free cash flow

2020
£m

2019
£m

(3,283)

(3,482)

(11)

– 

(2)

(7)

(20)

456 

103 

(231)

74 

(37)

(91)

290 

At 31 December at closing exchange rates

(2,847)

(3,283)

At 31 December at 12 month average exchange rates 

(2,953)

(3,385)

Adjusted free cash flow

628 

591 

Retirement benefit obligations

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202040

Finance Director’s review
Continued

41

Goodwill, intangible assets and impairment review
The total value of goodwill as at 31 December 2020 was £3,640 million (31 December 2019: £3,653 million) and intangible assets acquired with 
business combinations was £5,150 million (31 December 2019: £5,689 million). These items are split by reporting segment as follows:

31 December 2020

Goodwill

Intangible assets acquired with business combinations

Total goodwill and acquired intangible assets

Aerospace
£m

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Mgmt.
£m

Other 
Industrial
£m

942

2,793

3,735

1,026

1,146

2,172

524

628

1,152

575

302

877

573

281

854

Total
£m

3,640

5,150

8,790

The Group’s goodwill and intangible assets have been tested for 
impairment, and in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of assets” the 
recoverable amount has been assessed as being the higher of the fair 
value less costs to sell and the value in use. 

negotiations with customers or because operational efficiencies have 
been demonstrated for a sustained period of time. At 31 December 
2020 the loss-making contract provision was £241 million, 60% lower 
than when GKN was acquired in 2018.

Under IAS 36, the value in use basis for calculating the recoverable 
amount prohibits the inclusion of future uncommitted restructuring 
plans, whilst the fair value less costs to sell basis of valuation allows 
the inclusion of these plans if it is deemed that a market participant 
would also restructure.

With the future benefits of restructuring projects currently forming  
a material part of valuations for certain businesses within the Group, 
because they are substantially reducing their cost structure to align 
with the new levels of demand post COVID-19, the fair value less costs 
to sell basis gives the higher valuation at this point in time and 
therefore in accordance with IAS 36, has been used in assessing  
the recoverable amount for these businesses.

Sensitivity analysis and increased disclosures have been provided  
in the Financial Statements for the Aerospace, Automotive, Powder 
Metallurgy, Ergotron and Nortek Control businesses, being the 
businesses showing the tightest headroom. 

Whilst the headroom on impairment testing has inevitably reduced  
in certain businesses compared to the previous year, the Board is 
comfortable that no impairment is required in respect of the valuation of 
goodwill and intangible assets in its businesses as at 31 December 2020. 

Provisions 
Total provisions at 31 December 2020 were £1,021 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,087 million).

The following table details the movement in provisions in the year:

At 1 January 2020 

Spend against provisions

Net charge to adjusted operating profit

Net charge shown as adjusting items

Release of loss-making contract provision to adjusting items

Utilisation of loss-making contract provision

Other (including foreign exchange)

At 31 December 2020

Total
£m

1,087 

(277)

169 

188 

(101)

(59)

14 

1,021 

The net charge to adjusted operating profit in the year of £169 million 
is primarily in respect of ongoing warranty, product liability and 
workers’ compensation charges which are closely matched by similar 
cash payments in the year, such that the provision for these categories 
has not changed significantly during the year. 

The net charge shown as adjusting items in the Income Statement  
of £188 million primarily includes costs associated with restructuring 
actions of £203 million, discussed within the adjusting items section  
of this review, net of a release, mainly relating to fair value items settled 
for an amount more favourable than first anticipated. 

The utilisation of the loss-making contract provision was £59 million in 
the year (31 December 2019: £83 million). Furthermore, £101 million, 
approximately 30%, of the remaining loss-making contract provision 
was released as an adjusting item in the year, either because 
contracts have been favourably resolved following positive 

During the period £172 million of cash was spent on restructuring.

Included within Other for the Group are foreign exchange movements 
of £7 million, the unwind of discounting on certain provisions of 
£6 million and the provisions acquired with FORECAST 3D in the year 
totalling £1 million.

Pensions and post-employment obligations
Melrose operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes and 
retiree medical plans across the Group, accounted for using IAS 19 
Revised: “Employee Benefits”. 

The values of the Group plans were updated at 31 December 2020 by 
independent actuaries to reflect the latest key assumptions. A summary 
of the assumptions used are shown in the Financial Statements.

At 31 December 2020 total plan assets of the Melrose Group’s 
defined benefit pension plans were £3,775 million (31 December 2019: 
£3,412 million) and total plan liabilities were £4,613 million 
(31 December 2019: £4,533 million), a net deficit of £838 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,121 million).

The most significant pension plans in the Group are the GKN Group 
Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 - 4) created when the GKN UK 2012 
pension plan was split into four schemes, two of which are allocated 
to the Aerospace division and two to the Automotive division. At 
31 December 2020 in total these four pension plans had aggregate 
gross assets of £2,556 million (31 December 2019: £2,243 million), 
gross liabilities of £2,755 million (31 December 2019: £2,711 million) 
and a net deficit of £199 million (31 December 2019: £468 million), split 
58% of the deficit held within Aerospace and 42% within Automotive. 

The GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 - 4) are closed to new 
members and to the accrual of future benefits for current members.

In total ongoing contributions to the Group defined benefit pension 
plans and post-employment medical plans in the year ended 
31 December 2020 were £111 million and are expected to be 
approximately £98 million in 2021.

The Group’s ongoing annual contributions include £60 million to the GKN 
UK plans. The Group has also committed to contribute 10% of the net 
proceeds from disposal of GKN businesses (other than Powder Metallurgy) 
and 5% of the net proceeds from disposal of non-GKN businesses. 
Additionally, the Group has committed to contribute £270 million to the 
GKN UK plans when Powder Metallurgy is sold. These commitments 
cease when the funding target, which has been agreed with the Trustees, 
is achieved, being gilts plus 25 basis points for the GKN UK 2016 plan and 
gilts plus 75 basis points for the GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 
1 - 4). At 31 December 2020, the funding target on the GKN UK 2016 plan 
had been achieved, and the funding deficit on the GKN Group Pension 
Schemes (Numbers 1 - 4) was approximately £370 million.

It is noted that a 0.1 percentage point decrease in the discount rate 
would increase the retirement benefit accounting liabilities of the 
Group, on an IAS 19 basis, by £78 million, or 2%, and a 0.1 
percentage point increase to inflation would increase the liabilities by 
£46 million, or 1%. Furthermore, an increase by one year in the 
expected life of a 65 year old member would increase the pension 
liabilities on these plans by £250 million, or 5%.

Financial risk management
The financial risks the Group faces continue to be considered and 
policies are implemented to appropriately deal with each risk. The 
most significant financial risks are considered to be liquidity risk, 
finance cost risk, exchange rate risk, contract and warranty risk and 
commodity cost risk. 

These are discussed in turn below.

Liquidity risk management
Following the impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s businesses and 
their end markets, the liquidity of the Group has been a key focus in 
the year.

The Group’s net debt position at 31 December 2020 was 
£2,847 million (31 December 2019: £3,283 million).

The Group’s committed bank funding includes: a multi-currency 
denominated term loan of £100 million and US$960 million that was 
due to mature in April 2021; and a multi-currency denominated 
revolving credit facility of £1.1 billion, US$2.0 billion and €0.5 billion that 
matures in January 2023. In February 2021, the Company exercised its 
option to extend the term loan for a further three years to April 2024.

As at 31 December 2020, the term loan was fully drawn and there 
remains a significant amount of headroom on the multi-currency 
committed revolving credit facility. Applying the exchange rates at 
31 December 2020, the headroom equated to £1,632 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,136 million applying the exchange rates at 
31 December 2019). 

In addition to the headroom on the multi-currency committed 
revolving credit facility, cash, deposits and marketable securities, net 
of overdrafts, in the Group amounted to £160 million at 31 December 
2020 (31 December 2019: £317 million).

The Group also holds capital market borrowings as at 31 December 
2020 consisting of:

Maturity date

September 2022

Notional
amount
£m

Coupon
% p.a.

Cross-
currency
swaps
million

450

5.375% US$373 

May 2032

300

4.625%

€284

n/a

Interest 
rate on
swaps
% p.a.

5.70%

3.87%

n/a

The committed bank funding has two financial covenants, being a net 
debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant and an interest cover covenant, 
both of which are normally tested half-yearly in June and December. 

During the year the Group agreed, with its lending banks, a waiver for 
its net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test as at 31 December 
2020 and 30 June 2021. The Group also renegotiated the net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA covenant test level to be 5.25x at 31 December 
2021; 4.75x at 30 June 2022; and 4.0x at 31 December 2022, before 
returning to 3.5x at 30 June 2023 and onwards. At 31 December 
2020 the Group net debt leverage was 4.1x.

Similarly, the interest cover bank covenant test was renegotiated such 
that at 31 December 2020 the test is set at 2.5x; 3.0x at 30 June 2021 
and 31 December 2021; and 3.25x at 30 June 2022, before returning 
to 4.0x from 31 December 2022 onwards. At 31 December 2020 the 
Group interest cover was 5.1x, affording comfortable headroom.

Following the completion of a material disposal from within the Group, 
the net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test level would be adjusted 
downwards to be 4.25x at 31 December 2021; 4.0x at 30 June 2022; 
and 3.75x at 31 December 2022, before returning to 3.5x at 30 June 
2023 and onwards. No such adjustment would be made to the 
interest cover bank covenant test following a material disposal.

A limited number of Group trade receivables are subject to non-
recourse factoring and customer supply chain finance arrangements, 
taking advantage of facilities where the cost of finance is cheaper than 
the Group’s own cost of funds and where OEMs have extended their 
own programmes to support their supply chain through the COVID-19 

global pandemic. As at 31 December 2020, these amounted to 
£314 million (31 December 2019: £200 million), and the net cash 
benefit in the year was approximately £60 million.

In addition, some suppliers have access to utilise the Group’s supplier 
finance programmes, which are provided by a number of the Group’s 
banks. As at 31 December 2020 there were drawings on these 
facilities of £62 million (31 December 2019: £75 million). There is no 
cost to the Group for providing these programmes as the cost is 
borne by the suppliers. These programmes allow suppliers to choose 
whether they want to accelerate the payment of their invoices, by the 
financing banks, at a low interest cost, based on the credit rating of 
the Group as determined by the financing banks. If the Group exited 
these arrangements or the banks ceased to fund the programmes 
there could be a potential impact of approximately £30 million 
(31 December 2019: approximately £35 million) on the Group’s cash 
flows. The risk of this happening is considered low as the Group has 
extended the number of banks that provide this type of financing to 
ensure there is not a significant exposure to any one bank. 

Finance cost risk management
The bank margin on the bank facility depends on the Group leverage, 
and ranges from 0.75% to 2.0% on the term loan, and 0.95% to 2.25% 
on the revolving credit facility. As at 31 December 2020 the margin 
was 2.0% (31 December 2019: 1.4%) on the term loan and 2.25% 
(31 December 2019: 1.65%) on the revolving credit facility.

In addition to the cross-currency swaps associated with the fixed rate 
capital market borrowings, inherited as part of the GKN acquisition, 
the Group holds interest rate swap instruments to fix the cost of 
LIBOR on borrowings under the bank facility. The policy of the Board 
is to fix approximately 70% of the interest rate exposure of the Group. 
Under the terms of the existing swap arrangements and excluding the 
bank margin, the Group will pay a weighted average fixed cost of 
approximately 2% until the swaps terminate on 17 January 2023.

The Group also holds cross-currency swaps used to convert US 
Dollar bank debt into Euro borrowings and at 31 December 2020, US 
$507 million had been swapped into €425 million. These swaps are 
rolled on a monthly basis and help to reduce the cost of the Group’s 
borrowings.

At 31 December 2020, the fair value liability of all cross-currency 
swaps held by the Group was £89 million (31 December 2019: 
£80 million). 

The average cost of the debt for the Group is expected to be 
approximately 4.2% over the next 12 months.

Exchange rate risk management
The Group trades in various countries around the world and is 
exposed to movements in a number of foreign currencies. The Group 
therefore carries exchange rate risk that can be categorised into three 
types: transaction, translation and disposal related risk, as described 
in the paragraphs below. The Group’s policy is designed to protect 
against the majority of the cash risks but not the non-cash risks. 

The most common exchange rate risk is the transaction risk the Group 
takes when it invoices a customer or purchases from suppliers in a 
different currency to the underlying functional currency of the relevant 
business. The Group’s policy is to review transactional foreign exchange 
exposures, and place necessary hedging contracts, quarterly on a 
rolling basis. To the extent the cash flows associated with a 
transactional foreign exchange risk are committed, the Group will hedge 
100% at the time the cash flow becomes committed. For forecast and 
variable cash flows, the Group hedges a proportion of the expected 
cash flows, with the percentage being hedged lowering as the time 
horizon lengthens. The average time horizons are longer for GKN 
Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy to reflect the 
longer-term nature of the contracts within these divisions. Typically, in 
total the Group hedges around 90% of foreign exchange exposures 
expected over the next twelve months and approximately 60% to 80% 
of exposures expected between 12 and 24 months. This policy does 
not eliminate the cash risk but does bring some certainty to it.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202042

Finance Director’s review
Continued

Longer-term viability statement

43

The translation rate risk is the effect on the Group results in the period 
due to the movement of exchange rates used to translate foreign 
results into Sterling from one period to the next. No specific exchange 
instruments are used to protect against the translation risk because it 
is a non-cash risk to the Group, until foreign currency is subsequently 
converted to Sterling. However, the Group utilises its multi-currency 
revolving credit facility and cross-currency swaps, where relevant, to 
maintain an appropriate mix of debt in each currency. The hedge of 
having debt drawn in these currencies funding the trading units with 
US Dollars or Euro functional currencies protects against some of the 
Balance Sheet and banking covenant translation risk.

Lastly, exchange rate risk arises when a business that is predominantly 
based in a foreign currency is sold. The proceeds for those businesses 
may be received in a foreign currency and therefore an exchange rate 
risk may arise on conversion of foreign currency proceeds into Sterling, 
for instance to pay a Sterling dividend or Capital Return to shareholders. 
Protection against this risk is considered on a case by case basis and, if 
appropriate, hedged at the time.

Exchange rates for currencies most relevant to the Group in the year were:

US Dollar

2020

2019

Euro

2020

2019

Average 
rate 

Closing 
rate

1.28

1.28

1.13

1.14

1.37

1.33

1.12

1.18

A 10 percent strengthening of the major currencies within the Group, if 
this were to happen in isolation against all other currencies, would 
have the following impact on the re-translation of adjusted operating 
profit into Sterling:

£m

USD 

EUR 

CNY 

Other 

Increase in adjusted operating profit

% impact on adjusted operating profit

45 

7%

12 

2%

7 

1%

11 

2%

Commodity cost risk management 
The cumulative expenditure on commodities is important to the Group 
and the risk of base commodity costs increasing is mitigated, 
wherever possible, by passing on the cost increases to customers or 
by having suitable purchase agreements with suppliers which fix the 
price over a certain period. These risks are also managed through 
sourcing policies, including the use of multiple suppliers, where 
possible, and procurement contracts where prices are agreed in 
advance to limit exposure to price volatility. Occasionally, businesses 
within the Group enter financial instruments on commodities when 
this is considered to be the most efficient way of protecting against 
price movements. 

Going concern
As part of their consideration of going concern, the Directors have 
reviewed the Group’s future cash forecasts and profit projections, 
which are based on market data and internal information and recent 
past experience. Given the global political and economic continuing 
uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to 
estimate with precision the impact on the Group’s prospective 
financial performance. 

The Group has modelled a reasonably possible downside scenario 
against these future cash forecasts and throughout this scenario the 
Group would not breach any of the revised financial covenants and 
would not require any additional sources of financing.

The long-term impact of COVID-19 remains uncertain and the impacts 
of the pandemic on trading conditions could be more prolonged or 
severe than that which the Directors have considered in this 
reasonably possible downside scenario. 

However, the Group’s current committed bank facility headroom, its 
access to liquidity, and the sensible levels of bank covenants agreed 
with the Group’s supportive lending banks, allow the Directors to 
consider it appropriate that the Group can manage its business risks 
successfully and adopt a going concern basis in preparing the 
Financial Statements.  

The impact from transactional foreign exchange exposures is not 
material in the short term due to hedge coverage being 
approximately 90%.

A 10 percent strengthening in either the US Dollar or Euro would have 
the following impact on debt as at 31 December 2020:

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director 
4 March 2021

Increase in debt - £ million

Increase in debt

USD 

EUR 

187 

6%

72 

2%

Contract and warranty risk management
Under Melrose management a suitable bid and contract management 
process exists in the businesses, which includes thorough reviews of 
contract terms and conditions, contract-specific risk assessments 
and clear delegation of authority for approvals. These processes aim 
to ensure effective management of risks associated with complex 
contracts. The financial risks connected with contracts and warranties 
include the consideration of commercial, legal and warranty terms and 
their duration, which are all considered carefully by the businesses 
and Melrose centrally before being entered into.

In accordance with provision 30 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Company 
over a longer period than the 12 months required by the “Going 
Concern” provision. A period of three years is believed to be 
appropriate for this assessment since this is consistent with the 
Group’s financing cycle, whereby on average the Group has 
refinanced debt in line with this timescale, usually as a result of 
acquisition or disposal activity.

The Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will continue in operation and meet its liabilities, as they fall due, 
up to December 2023.

The Directors’ assessment has been made by reference to the 
Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2020, its prospects, the 
Group’s strategy, the Board’s risk appetite and the Group’s principal 
risks and their management, all of which are described in the Strategic 
Report.

The Directors’ assessment of the Group’s viability is underpinned by a 
paper prepared by management. The paper is supported by 
comprehensive and detailed analysis and modelling. The model 
underpinning this statement is stress-tested, proven and is frequently 
used by management when determining working capital requirements 
for transactions and corporate restructuring. The main assumptions 
included in the model relate to forecast revenue, operating margin and 
cash generation. The model includes three years of forecast data from 
the Group’s business assets and incorporates agreed sensitivities for 
economic risk (impacting revenue and margins to reduce the rate of 
recovery currently being forecast), foreign exchange risk (impacting net 
debt and assuming adverse movements in foreign exchange rates) 
and liquidity risk (impacting net debt and assuming a deterioration in 
working capital), each of which have been considered both individually 
and in combination by the Board, together with expected achievable 
mitigating actions from the working capital model to create severe, but 
plausible, scenarios. These scenarios sensitise the main assumptions 
noted above, considering the medium term impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic, and also consider relevant cross-border trade risk including 
in respect of the UK’s exit from the EU.

In preparing this statement, the following qualifications and 
assumptions are made:

(i)  

(ii) 

 the viability model is based on the Group as at the date of this 
Annual Report, with no consideration of any further acquisitions or 
future disposals of continuing businesses. We note future 
acquisitions would be based on the same proven business model 
applied previously, with related bank debt and equity raised to 
support the acquisition with sufficient headroom to cover 
business risks; and

 financing arrangements and bank covenant testing are in line with 
the current facility, renegotiated in the year, which is committed for 
some of the period under review. There is a high expectation that 
when the Group refinances its £450 million bond maturing in 
September 2022 and its multi-currency revolving credit facility, 
before January 2023, it will have sufficient headroom above 
covenants and in its liquidity to continue in operation.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
44

Risk management

45

The Board recognises that operating in a dynamic and rapidly evolving commercial 
environment requires a pragmatic, robust and responsive risk management framework 
comprising policies, visibility and controls that change with the business and provide 
management with a comprehensive view of the Group’s risk profile at any given time, enabling 
risk to be identified, assessed and managed.

Risk management responsibilities
The Board, having overall responsibility for risk management, has approved a formalised but pragmatic Group risk 
management framework.

Board
Overall responsibility for risk 
management

Audit Committee
Monitors the Group’s  
internal financial control 
processes

Melrose senior 
management and 
business unit senior 
managers

•  Agrees the Group’s risk management strategy and defines its risk appetite
•  Reviews reports and recommendations from the Melrose senior management team 

and the Audit Committee on risk governance and risk processes and controls
•  Determines the nature and extent of the Group’s principal risks and regularly 
discusses and assesses them throughout the year with the Melrose senior 
management team to determine the likelihood of those risks materialising and how 
they should be managed or mitigated

•  Maintains oversight of principal risks and mitigation plans including cyber security and 

fraud risk

•  Promotes an appropriate risk management culture and rewards system within the 
Group in order to maintain sound risk management and internal control systems

•  Monitors, oversees and reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls  

and risk management systems and processes

•  Supports the Board in monitoring risk exposure against risk appetite

•  Set the risk management processes and controls
•  Agree how the principal risks should be managed or mitigated to reduce the likelihood 

of their incidence or impact

•  Consider actual and emerging risks
•  Oversee and challenges risk mitigation plans and support the legal and compliance 

teams within the business units

Operational 
managers and 
financial controllers

•  Risk identification, assessment and monitoring at the business unit level
•  Implementing, reviewing and continually monitoring compliance with risk mitigation 

plans and controls

•  Embedding risk awareness and culture throughout the business

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The Board’s view of the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties is detailed in the table on pages 46 to 53.

Risk management strategy and framework
The objectives of the Directors and Melrose senior management 
include safeguarding and increasing the value of the businesses and 
assets of the Group for stakeholders as a whole. Achievement of these 
objectives requires the development of policies and appropriate internal 
control frameworks to ensure the Group’s resources are managed 
properly, and for key risks to be identified and mitigated where possible.

The Board recognises that it is ultimately responsible for determining the 
nature and extent of the principal risks it is willing to take in the pursuit of 
its strategic objectives. It also recognises the need to define a risk 
appetite for the Group, to maintain sound risk management and internal 
control systems, and to monitor its risk exposures and mitigation 
measures to ensure that the nature and extent of risks taken by the 
Group are aligned with, and proportionate to, its strategic objectives.

The Group operates on a decentralised basis and the Board has 
established an organisational structure with clear reporting 
procedures, lines of responsibility and delegated authority, as 
depicted in the diagram above. Consistent with this, the Group 
operates a top-down, bottom-up approach to risk management, 
comprising Board and Melrose senior management oversight coupled 
with bottom-up risk management embedded in the day-to-day 
activities of its individual businesses.

The Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating, tracking and managing the principal risks faced by the 
Group and that these systems, which are subject to regular 
monitoring and review, have been in place for the year under review 
up to the date of approval of this Annual Report and financial 
statements. The Board further confirms that the systems, processes 
and controls that are in place accord with the guidance contained in 
the Financial Reporting Council’s “Guidance on Risk Management, 
Internal Control and Related Financial Business Reporting” and the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”).

The Audit Committee monitors, oversees and reviews the 
effectiveness of the risk management and internal control processes 
implemented across the Group, through regular updates and 
discussions with management and a review of the key findings 
presented by the external and internal auditors. The Board is 
responsible for considering the Audit Committee’s recommendations 
and ensuring implementation by divisional management of those 
recommendations it deems appropriate for the business. A 
description of the Audit Committee’s activities during the year on risk 
management can be found on pages 104 to 105.

The management team of each business unit is responsible for 
monitoring business level risk and implementing and maintaining an 

Risk management framework

Identification 
Financial and non-financial 
risks recorded in controlled 
risk registers

Evaluation 
Risk exposure  
reviewed and risks 
prioritised

Mitigation 
Risk owners identified  
and action plans 
implemented

Analysis 
Risks analysed for  
impact and probability to 
determine gross exposure

Review and monitoring 
Robust mitigation  
strategy subject to regular 
and rigorous review 

effective risk and control environment within their respective business 
unit as part of day-to-day operations, in line with the Group risk 
management framework and internal control systems determined by the 
Board. The CEO and senior executive team of each division are 
responsible for, and report to the Melrose senior management team in 
respect of, specific and ongoing risks related to their respective business 
division, which are reported formally to the Audit Committee on an 
annual basis. In reviewing the process following the disruption caused by 
COVID-19, the Audit Committee shall receive a formal risk management 
report on a biannual basis, commencing in 2021, in addition to their 
regular receipt of updates from the Melrose senior management team 
on material items that arise relating to principal Group risks.

During the year under review, in accordance with provisions 28 and 29 
of the Code, the Board continued to monitor the effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal control systems. The Board 
concluded that the Group’s risk management and internal control 
systems and processes were operating effectively. Follow-up actions 
in respect of progress and improvement in relation to financial controls 
are further discussed in the Audit Committee report.

In 2019, the Melrose senior management team supplemented the 
Group’s enterprise risk management programme by building and 
implementing a data-driven Group reporting dashboard to automate 
the aggregation and reporting of Group risks, in conjunction with 
ongoing divisional risk reporting and advice from external risk 
management consultants. This marked a significant step forward in the 
Group’s journey towards enhancing both divisional management’s risk 
reporting transparency, and the Board’s visibility of the Group’s principal 
risks, to enable an increasingly robust assessment of each business’s 
risk profile and their impact on the Group risk profile as a whole. In 
2020, the dashboard’s reporting output was further enhanced to 
provide the Audit Committee with additional detail and trend analysis 
compared to each division’s respective key industries, further visibility 
on the significance of key divisional risks, and greater illustration of each 
division’s risk appetite, to facilitate the Audit Committee’s monitoring, 
oversight and review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls 
and risk management systems and processes.

Risk appetite
The Board has undertaken an exercise to consider its risk appetite 
across a number of key business risk areas. The results of this review 
indicate the relative appetite of the Board across the risk factors at a 
specific point in time. Any material changes in risk factors will impact 
the Board’s assessment of its risk appetite.

The Board has a higher risk appetite towards its strategic risks, with a 
balanced appetite towards operational and commercial risk, and 
macro-economic and political risk. The Board seeks to minimise all 
health and safety risks and has a low risk appetite in relation to legal, 
compliance and regulatory risk. Similarly, a conservative appetite is 
indicated by the Board with respect to pension and finance-related 
risk and information technology cyber risk.

The results of the risk appetite review will support the Board’s 
decision-making processes during 2021. The Board undertakes a 
review of its risk appetite at least annually.

Risk management actions
During 2020, the Board continued to deliver on the key management 
priorities identified in the 2019 review across the Group. Risk owners 
continued to take steps to mitigate the risk exposures across the 
Group, supported by specific actions undertaken to improve enterprise 
risk management across the Group during the year, as follows:

•  reviewing and reaffirming the Board’s risk appetite;
•  monitoring the implementation of the risk management 

governance framework across all business units. This framework 
defines the Melrose principles for risk management and sets the 
standards for the identification, evaluation, prioritisation, 
recording, review and reporting of risks and their management or 
mitigation throughout the organisation;

•  continuing to enhance Melrose risk register methods, dashboard 
reporting outputs, and risk profile mapping application throughout 
the Group. These provide the Board with greater levels of detail 
and visibility on the risk management systems and processes in 
place, and illustrate each principal risk facing the Group from both 
a gross risk (pre-mitigation) and net risk (post-mitigation) position. 
The risk mapping application provides Directors with a clear risk 
profile for the Group and enables the Board to determine the 
degree to which its profile is aligned with its risk appetite;

•  reviewing and improving the Group’s processes, data extraction 
and consolidation, and trend analysis around the assessment of 
principal risks and the ongoing monitoring and reporting of the 
Group’s risk management performance; and

•  augmenting the quarterly IT governance assessment for all sites 
across the Group, which enables clarity and consistency in the 
assessment of IT and cyber matters that are appropriate for the 
stage and sophistication of the Group’s businesses, through 
desktop reviews of those quarterly assessments conducted by 
Ernst & Young, supported by a site visit verification plan that, whilst 
disrupted by COVID-19 travel restrictions during 2020, remains a 
key priority for the Group in 2021.

Assessment of principal risks
During the year, the Board undertook a robust, in-depth and 
comprehensive assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing 
the Group and specifically those that might threaten the delivery of its 
strategic business model, its future performance, solvency or liquidity.

A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties that could impact 
on the Group’s performance is shown on pages 46 to 53. Further 
information detailing the internal control and risk management policies 
and procedures operated within the Group is shown on pages 101 to 
102 of the Corporate Governance report.

Risk management priorities for 2021
Continual improvements were made during 2020 in respect of the 
Group’s risk management processes. However, the Board recognises 
that Melrose cannot be complacent. In 2021, management will 
continue to focus on refining the risk management framework and 
further embedding a culture of effective risk management across the 
Group to ensure that risks and opportunities are identified and 
managed, to support the delivery of long-term value creation. 

Further resources will continue to be devoted to strengthening the 
mechanisms for providing independent assurance and objective trend 
analysis on the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management 
governance, processes and controls. IT cyber risk reporting will 
continue to be strengthened, and external cyber security advisors will 
continue to enhance their review findings from the ongoing internal 
assessments, validate results, and enable an enhanced layer of 
objective site review to bolster the Group’s identification of emerging 
cyber risks, and deployment of appropriate mitigation actions.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

Risks and uncertainties

Strategic risk profile
A risk management and internal controls 
framework is in place within the Group,  
which is continually reviewed and adapted  
where necessary to reflect the risk profile  
of the Group and to continue to ensure that  
such risks and uncertainties can be identified  
and, where possible, managed suitably.  

Each business unit maintains a risk register which 
is aggregated into an interactive data-driven 
dashboard reporting tool, to facilitate review by  
the Melrose senior management team, the Audit 
Committee and the Board.

Strategic risks

Strategic risk profile
Our updated view of the Group’s strategic risk profile is shown below.  
The residual risk scores have been calculated on a post-mitigation basis.

Financial ris k s

8

9

10

Stra

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1

2

47

7

6

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3

5

4

e ratio nal risks

p

O

No. Risk rating

Risk title

Moderate

Acquisition of new businesses  
and improvement strategies

Moderate

Timing of disposals

Moderate

Economic and political

Moderate

Commercial 

Moderate

Loss of key management  
and capabilities

Risk trend since  
last Annual Report

No change 

No change 

Increase 

Increase 

No change 

Moderate

Legal, regulatory and environmental

No change 

Moderate

Information security and cyber threats

Increase 

Moderate

Foreign exchange

Moderate

Pensions

Moderate

Liquidity

No change 

Decrease 

No change 

Risk rating

Moderate impact

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

Likelihood

Unlikely

Likely

2017

2018

2019

2020

n/a
2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

2017

2018

2019

2020

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Risk 1Acquisition of new businesses  and improvement strategies Description and impactThe success of the Group’s acquisition strategy depends on identifying available and suitable targets, obtaining any consents or authorisations required to carry out an acquisition, and procuring the necessary financing, be this from equity, debt or a combination of the two. In making acquisitions, there is a risk of unforeseen liabilities being later discovered which were not uncovered or known at the time of the due diligence process, particularly in the context of limited access in public bids. Further, as per the Group’s strategy to buy and improve good but underperforming manufacturing businesses, once an acquisition is completed, there are risks that the Group will not succeed in driving strategic operational improvements to achieve the expected post-acquisition trading results or value which were originally anticipated, that the acquired products and technologies may not be successful, or that the business may require significantly greater resources and investment than anticipated. If anticipated benefits are not realised or trading by acquired businesses falls below expectations, it may be necessary to impair the carrying value of these assets. The Group’s return on shareholder investment may fall if acquisition hurdle rates are not met. The Group’s financial performance may suffer from goodwill or other acquisition-related impairment charges, or from the identification of additional liabilities not known at the time of the acquisition.Mitigation• Structured and appropriate due diligence undertaken on potential new targets where permitted and practicable.• Focus on acquisition targets that have strong headline fundamentals, high-quality products, and leading market share  but which are underperforming their potential and ability to generate sustainable cash flows and profit growth.• Hands-on role taken by executive Directors and other senior employees of the Group.• Development of strategic plans, restructuring opportunities, capital expenditure, procurement and working capital management.• Proper incentivisation of operational management teams to align with Melrose strategy. Responsibility Executive management(1)Risk trend Trend commentaryFollowing the acquisition of GKN in 2018, the Group remains focused principally on improvement. The impact of COVID-19 has interrupted the timing of some improvement plans, but these are continuing at pace. Although no large acquisitions were made in 2020, the Group remains open to potential new opportunities. Strategic priorities BuyImproveRisk 2Timing of disposals  Description and impactIn line with our strategy and depending where the Group is within the “Buy, Improve, Sell” cycle, the expected timing of any disposal of businesses is considered as a principal risk which could have a material impact on the Group strategy and performance. Further, due to the Group’s global operations, there may be a significant impact on the timings of disposals due to political and macro-economic factors. Depending on the timings of disposals and the nature of the businesses’ operations, there may be long-term liabilities which could be retained by the Group following a disposal. Insufficient allowance for such retained liabilities may affect the Group’s financial position.Mitigation• Directors are experienced in judging and regularly reviewing the appropriate time in a business cycle for a disposal to realise maximum value for shareholders.• Each disposal is assessed on its merits, with a key focus on a clean disposal. Responsibility Executive management(1)Risk trend Trend commentaryAlthough global M&A markets continue to experience uncertainty, there remain opportunities for value realisation, and a formal sale process has recently been commenced for the Nortek Air Management division. The process remains highly uncertain, but the division’s outstanding recent performance will translate into a good outcome for the businesses and our shareholders. Some non-core businesses were sold or placed under strategic review during 2020. However, management continues to remain disciplined and there is no obligation to sell before it is appropriate to do so. Strategic priorities Sell Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
48

Risks and uncertainties
Continued

Operational risks

49

Mitigation
•  Regular Board meetings and business review meetings were 

supplemented by weekly meetings of the Board and weekly cash 
management meetings during the initial height of the COVID-19 
pandemic during the second and third quarters of 2020. As the initial 
disruption subsided in the third quarter, these additional meetings 
moved to fortnightly, whilst the Board continued to receive key financial 
information on a weekly basis. The increased frequency of meetings at 
Board level enabled the Board to discuss and increase their monitoring 
and oversight of the impact of macro-political events on the Group on a 
regular basis, including national and regional lockdowns, material 
working pattern changes, PPE supplies and distribution, and the 
business units’ ongoing assessment of and/or use of and paying back 
of national support schemes where deemed appropriate.

•  Regular monitoring of order books, cash performance, cost control and 
other leading indicators, to ensure the Group and each of its businesses 
could respond quickly to adverse trading conditions. This included the 
identification of cost reduction and efficiency measures.

•  Bank financing is readily available to the Group from its supportive 

banking syndicate. This support has proven to be available to the Group 
even during periods of unprecedented turmoil that was experienced in 
2020 due to the global pandemic.

•  Assessment of and/or use of national support schemes where deemed 

appropriate in the context of COVID-19 disruption.

•  Short-term inventory buffers are regularly reviewed and assessed to 

minimise the impact of further lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19, and 
the initial impact of Brexit on import costs and tariffs and border disruption.

•  Sales from the EU to the UK within the GKN Aerospace and GKN 

Automotive divisions are frequently on ex-works terms and therefore a 
cost to customers. This continued to be reviewed during 2020 in light  
of the then ongoing Brexit negotiations and the subsequent ongoing 
trading terms between the UK and the EU.

•  Strong customer relationships built on long-term partnerships often 

with plants in close proximity, technical excellence and quality.

•  Planning for potential discussions in respect of increased tariff costs that 
materialise following the final Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.
•  The Group remains agile, diversified and well positioned to deal with any 

short-term uncertainty in the UK.

Responsibility 

Executive management(1)

Risk trend 

Trend commentary
There were unprecedented levels of volatility and uncertainty during 2020 
primarily as a result of COVID-19. 

The Melrose senior management team continues to actively engage with  
the business unit executive teams to track the potential impacts of further 
lockdowns or tiered restrictions aimed at curbing the impact of COVID-19,  
as well as the potential impacts of Brexit and the possibility of future tariffs.  
The Melrose senior management team engages actively with those who  
are working on the relevant impact assessments and mitigation actions, 
and reports the material findings to the Board. The Melrose senior 
management team monitors key issues with the divisional management 
teams including the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on order books, 
cash generation, legal and regulatory threats and other key operational 
and commercial indicators, to ensure the Group and each of its 
businesses can respond appropriately to adverse trading conditions. 
Tactics for mitigating the potential impact of geopolitical uncertainty 
include identifying cost reduction and operational efficiency measures.

The Board notes that economic uncertainty can depress business 
valuations and this may increase the number of potential acquisition 
opportunities for Melrose.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Strategic priorities  Buy

Improve Sell

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Risk 4Commercial  Description and impact The Group operates in competitive markets throughout the world and is diversified across a variety of industries and production and sales geographies. This provides a degree of Group-level impact mitigation from the potential commercial challenges and market disruptions that face each of the divisions. However, the widespread disruption caused by COVID-19 has heightened the Group’s exposure to supply chain and end-market commercial risk.Each division is exposed to particular commercial and market risks, which are primarily accentuated where customer/competitor concentration is high within their respective market segments. Melrose operates a decentralised control and management structure which empowers divisional management teams to take full responsibility for planning, mitigating, navigating and responding to the specific commercial risks and challenges facing their respective businesses. The Melrose senior management team monitors the aggregated impact of such risks and provides active support and challenge to the divisional management teams in fulfilling their responsibilities. Common commercial risk areas that potentially affect a large proportion of the Group’s businesses include those related to production quality assurance, health and safety performance, customer concentration and uncertainties related to future customer demand, onerous customer and supplier contracts, the impact of increased competitive pressures on the maintenance/improvement of market share, potential disruptions to supply chains and increases to the price of raw materials, technological innovation and market disruption, and the performance and management of programme partners (“Common Commercial Risks”).In 2020, Common Commercial Risks increased due to the impact of the global pandemic, which affected a number of areas including supply chains, production scheduling, factory closures, customer demand rates, and freight.Mitigation• The Group continued to actively invest in research and development activities in 2020 to augment its platforms for future product expansion, quality improvements, customer alignment and achieving further production efficiencies. Details about some of the Group’s research and development activities are provided in the Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87.• Health and safety awareness initiatives and performance enhancements continued to be implemented in alignment with regulation, market practice and site-based risk assessments and requirements. In addition, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has followed government guidance on hygiene and social distancing protocols, and coordinated the sourcing of PPE globally to ensure no disruptions. Risk 3Economic and politicalDescription and impact The Group operates, through manufacturing and/or sales facilities, in numerous countries and is affected by global economic conditions. Businesses are also affected by government actions and the willingness of governments to commit substantial resources. Current global economic and financial market conditions have recently been characterised by high levels of volatility and uncertainty. There has been widespread disruption to production and trading environments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular a sharp market decline in the aerospace sector due to global travel restrictions. Fluctuation in commodity prices, the potential for a significant and prolonged global downturn and uncertainty in the political environment, may materially and adversely affect the Group’s operational performance and financial condition, and could have a significant impact on the timing of acquisitions and disposals. These factors may also materially affect customers, suppliers and other parties with which the Group does business. Adverse economic and financial market conditions may cause customers to terminate existing orders, to reduce their purchases from the Group, or to be unable to meet their obligations to pay outstanding debts to the Group. These market conditions may also cause our suppliers to be unable to meet their commitments to the Group or to change the credit terms they extend to the Group’s businesses.Since the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, uncertainty has continued in the UK regarding the nature and impact of the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU and other international trading partners with which the UK intends to establish new terms on which to trade, and what this will mean for business and the UK economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant risk to the global economy. Each of the Group’s businesses and their respective production and market geographies are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to various extents, with the most common impacts across the Group during 2020 being the temporary reduction of manufacturing capacity and reduced requirements due to lockdown measures and international travel restrictions. The Board and the Melrose senior management team continue to regularly monitor the impact of the pandemic on the Group with particular focus on the potential for staff shortages, production delays and supply chain disruption.A significant amount of the Group’s revenue is generated from operations located in North America, which during 2020 continued to experience challenging tariffs relating to the US/China trade war and uncertainty related to the US presidential election. The US has also required close monitoring related to the expected short to medium-term impact of potential changes to international trading relationships following the conclusion of a definitive future trade deal between the UK and the EU. The Group’s exposure to such US trade risk factors is inherently mitigated by its manufacturing footprint across the UK and European-based GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive divisions. Further, the Group’s businesses operating in North America continue to take regular specific actions to mitigate the impact of new relevant North American tariffs and changes to international trading regulations by engaging with the relevant authorities prior to and after any such changes are implemented.Whilst the long-term impact of Brexit, COVID-19, and tariff wars are not isolated as principal risks to the Group as a whole, they present potential risks that the business units continue to monitor and assess closely, particularly in the context of potential changes to travel and working restrictions, and the cross-border trade and regulatory environments in which the business units operate. The Board continues to assess and review the potential impact of these evolving risks.• Since acquiring GKN, the Melrose senior management  team has actively engaged with and supported the GKN businesses’ divisional management executive teams in identifying embedded contractual and business conduct risks relating to key supply chain and production programme partners. Those management teams have continued to implement and direct  a series of operational change management programmes to mitigate the risks they have identified.• The Melrose senior management team, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, continues to enhance the Board and Audit Committee’s visibility of the Group’s Common Commercial Risks through the use of the Group reporting dashboard to aggregate and report numerous Common Commercial Risks across each of the Group’s divisions. • Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate and intensity of business unit reporting was substantially increased. This ensured business unit management and the Melrose senior management team had timely access to detailed and accurate information on the trading performance of the Group, which enabled informed and quick decision-making.Responsibility  Executive management(1)Risk trend Trend commentaryThe Melrose senior management team actively engages with the divisional executive management teams to track, monitor and support strategic planning activities and impact mitigation assessments in respect of ongoing commercial risks. Particular focus is placed on certain GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive end markets where customer and/or competitor concentration is high and heavier reliance is placed on supply chain efficiency and programme partner management. The divisional CEOs report material updates directly to members of the Melrose senior management team which maintains a number of contact points throughout the Group to increase awareness. Strategic priorities ImproveMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202050

Risks and uncertainties
Continued

Operational risks – continued

Compliance and ethical risks

51

•  Where possible and practicable, due diligence processes during the 
acquisition stage seek to identify legal, regulatory and environmental 
risks. At the business unit level, controls are in place to prevent such 
risks from crystallising.

•  Any environmental risks that crystallise are subject to mitigation  
by specialist consultants engaged for this purpose. External 
consultants assist the Group in complying with new and emerging 
environmental regulations.

•  Insurance cover mitigates certain levels of risk and the Group’s 
insurers are instructed to carry out external audits of specified  
areas of legal and compliance risk including health and safety.

Responsibility 

Executive management(1)

Risk trend 

Trend commentary
Each business has a fully developed legal function, headed  
by their respective General Counsel reporting to their executive 
management team, and are properly staffed and supported by external 
advisors where necessary or helpful to ensure ongoing compliance in the 
jurisdictions in which they operate across the globe. This is augmented by 
central oversight from the Melrose legal team and robust annual reviews.

The Board reviews its assessment of the Group’s material sustainability 
issues annually, and is currently establishing a Group internal sustainability 
reporting and performance function to support the business units. During 
the coming year, the Board with the support of the Melrose senior 
management team will publish an assessment of how Melrose and its 
businesses are mitigating climate change risks aligned with the 
recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD), and setting targets in line with the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.

Strategic priorities 

Improve

•  Our businesses are validated and certified in respect of quality 

management, environmental management and health and safety with 
the appropriate bodies including ISO and BS OHSAS, where relevant 
to their operations. The Group’s businesses are either already 
compliant with or working towards timely compliance with new and 
upcoming standards. This includes Group businesses that are 
currently certified to BS OHSAS 18001 and are actively driving 
towards full transition to ISO 45001:2018.

•  With Melrose support, each business invests in and implements 

appropriate systems and processes to manage their impact on the 
environment, and continually reviews these in line with evolving 
expected practices. The executive management team of each 
business regularly reviews any significant climate-related issues, risks 
and opportunities related to the business. These reviews consider the 
level of climate-related risk that the business is prepared to take in 
pursuit of its business strategy and the effectiveness of management 
controls in place to mitigate climate-related risk. Any identified risks 
are discussed with the Melrose senior management team and 
escalated to the Board where necessary.

•  In line with our decentralised model, our businesses have frameworks 
in place for identifying principal risks and opportunities appropriate to 
their business and stakeholders, which include climate-related risks. 
Each business takes an appropriately tailored approach to climate-
related initiatives that suits their requirements, and operational and 
market environments, as well as reflecting their maturity in this area at 
the time of becoming part of the Group.

•  The Board sets a leading example in sustainability, and holds each 

business and their management teams accountable for their 
progress, and provides them with a platform to absorb the Group’s 
best practices, to accelerate their and others’ progress.

•  The Melrose senior management team works with the businesses’ 
executive teams, to set meaningful sustainability targets, alongside 
financial metrics, and Melrose provides the investment to achieve 
them. The businesses subsequently identify, monitor, and manage 
the specific environmental risks that affect their operating and  
market environments. 

•  The Board with the support of the Melrose senior management team 
reviews the annual reports on energy usage and greenhouse gas 
emissions within each business, and provides support and 
investment to drive improvements within their operations through 
more efficient use of electricity, fuel and heat, including by increasing 
the proportion of renewable energy where commercially viable, and 
by implementing other climate-positive actions such as sustainable 
transport initiatives for employees.

•  The Board with the support of the Melrose senior management team 

spends time listening to the Group’s key stakeholders to enable 
informed strategic decisions and to deliver on their needs. 

•  A robust control framework is in place, underpinned by 

comprehensive corporate governance and compliance procedures at 
both a Group and business unit level, including utilisation of third 
party verification providers.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Risk 6Legal, regulatory and environmental Description and impactConsidering the breadth, scale and complexity of the Group, there is a risk that the Group may not always be in complete compliance with laws, regulations or permits. The Group could be held responsible for liabilities and consequences arising from (i) past or future environmental damage, including potentially significant remedial costs; (ii) employee matters including liability for employee accidents in the workplace or consequences of environmental liabilities, which may be susceptible to class action law suits, particularly but not exclusively with respect to Group businesses operating in North America; (iii) restrictions arising from economic sanctions, export controls and customs, which can result in fines, criminal penalties, adverse publicity, payment of back duties and suspension or revocation of the Group’s import or export privileges; and (iv) product liability claims, which can result in significant total liability or remedial costs, particularly for products supplied to large volume global production programmes spanning multiple years, for example in the aerospace and automotive industries, or to consumer end markets, for example in the air management industry. There can also be no assurance that any provisions for expected environmental liabilities and remediation costs will adequately cover these liabilities or costs.The Group operates in highly regulated sectors, which has been accentuated by the GKN acquisition. In addition, new legislation, regulations or certification requirements may require additional expense, restrict commercial flexibility and business strategies or introduce additional liabilities for the Group or the Directors. For example, the Group’s operations are subject to anti-bribery and anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, competition, anti-trust and trade compliance laws and regulations. Failure to comply with certain regulations may result in significant financial penalties, debarment from government contracts and/or reputational damage, and may impact our business strategy.We purchase businesses that are underperforming their potential with respect to their financial, operational and sustainability performance. Inherent in the nature of the manufacturing businesses we acquire is that they often operate in industries that are the hardest to decarbonise. Group sustainability performance and ratings will fluctuate during our investment cycle as we acquire new businesses in need of improvement, and sell businesses that we have improved.Mitigation• Regular monitoring of legal and regulatory matters at both a Group and business unit level. Consultation with external advisors where necessary.• Group-wide standard and enhanced application to trade authorisation procedures are in place and regularly reviewed against the ever-changing global trade compliance landscape, supported by access to external trade compliance legal and regulatory specialists and electronic counterparty screening systems.Risk 5Loss of key management and capabilities  Description and impactThe success of the Group is built upon strong management teams. As a result, the loss of key personnel could have a significant impact on performance, at least for a time. The loss of key personnel or the failure to plan adequately for succession or develop new talent may impact the reputation of the Group or lead to a disruption in the leadership of the business. Competition for personnel is intense and the Group may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel, particularly engineering professionals.Mitigation• Succession planning within the Group is coordinated via the Nomination Committee in conjunction with the Board and includes all Directors and senior Melrose employees. In line with the Group’s decentralised structure, each divisional CEO, in consultation with the Chief Executive, is responsible for the appointment of their respective executive team members, with disclosure to the Nomination Committee via the Melrose senior management team.• The Company recognises that, as with most businesses, particularly those operating within a technical field, appointments are dependent on Directors and employees with particular managerial, engineering or technical skills. Appropriate remuneration packages and long-term incentive arrangements are offered in an effort to attract and retain such individuals.Responsibility Executive management(1)Risk trend Trend commentarySuccession planning remains a core focus for the Nomination Committee and the Board. Reviewing the succession planning arrangements of the Board as a whole, together with a review of the Melrose senior management team, will remain an area of particular focus in 2021, as well as maintaining oversight of business unit succession planning. Strategic priorities BuyImproveSellMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202052

Risks and uncertainties
Continued

Compliance and ethical risks – continued

Financial risks

53

Risk 10

Liquidity

Description and impact
The ability to raise debt or to refinance existing borrowings in the bank 
or capital markets is dependent on market conditions and the proper 
functioning of financial markets. As set out in more detail in the Finance 
Director’s review on pages 36 to 42, the Group has term loans of 
US$960 million and £100 million and revolving credit facilities 
comprising US$2.0 billion, €0.5 billion and £1.1 billion. 

In addition, the GKN net debt at acquisition included capital market 
borrowings across three unsecured bonds that totalled £1.1 billion. Two 
of these bonds – totalling £750 million – remain outstanding as at 
31 December 2020 and further detail is provided in the Finance 
Director’s review on pages 36 to 42.

The sudden and material impact of COVID-19 in 2020 has brought 
cash management into sharp focus. In line with the Group’s strategy, 
investment is made in the businesses (capital expenditure and 
restructuring actions) and there is a requirement to assess liquidity and 
headroom when new businesses are acquired. 

Mitigation
•  To ensure it has comprehensive and timely visibility of the liquidity 
position, the Group conducts monthly reviews of its cash forecast, 
which are in turn revised quarterly.

•  The Group operates cash management mechanisms, including 
cash pooling across the Group and maintenance of revolving 
credit facilities to mitigate the risk of any liquidity issues.

•  The Group gained agreement from its lenders to a three-year 

extension, at the Group’s option to be built into its multi-currency 
term loan denominated £100 million and US$960 million, 
exercisable at any time prior to 1 April 2021 that would extend the 
maturity date of the loan to 30 April 2024. Since the end of the 
current reporting period, this option has been exercised.

•  The Group operates a conservative level of headroom across its 
financing covenants which is designed to avoid the need for any 
unplanned refinancing.

•  As a result of COVID-19 the Group’s banking syndicate agreed to 

amend its financial covenants during the year, covering the periods 
up to and including 31 December 2022, which provides significant 
headroom over the existing covenants.

Responsibility 

Executive management (1)

Risk trend 

Trend commentary
Whilst the Group maintains strong cash controls and forecasting 
processes, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, management have 
driven a redoubling of efforts throughout the Group to increase visibility 
and certainty of cash flow information, robustness of cash controls, 
and cash-saving initiatives. These have been very successful and 
combined with the negotiation of covenant waivers with our supportive 
banking syndicate, the Group is satisfied that it has adequate resources 
available to meet its liabilities. 

Strategic priorities  Buy

Improve

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

(1)  Comprises executive Directors and Melrose senior management.

Risk 9Pensions Description and impactAny shortfall in the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes may require additional funding. As at 31 December 2020, the Group’s pension schemes had an aggregate deficit, on an accounting basis, of £838 million (2019: £1,121 million). Changes in discount rates, inflation, asset values or mortality assumptions could lead to a materially higher deficit. For example, the cost of a buy-out on a discontinued basis uses more conservative assumptions and is likely to be significantly higher than the accounting deficit.Alternatively, if the plans are managed on an ongoing basis, there is a risk that the plans’ assets, such as investments in equity and debt securities, will not be sufficient to cover the value of the retirement benefits to be provided under the plans. The implications of a higher pension deficit include a direct impact on valuation, implied credit rating and potential additional funding requirements at subsequent triennial reviews. In the event of a major disposal that generates significant cash proceeds which are returned to the shareholders, the Group may be required to make additional cash payments to the plans or provide additional security.Mitigation• The Group’s key funded UK defined benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants and future service accrual. Long-term funding arrangements are agreed with the Trustees and reviewed following completion of actuarial valuations.• Active engagement with the Trustees on pension plan asset allocations and strategies.• During the year the GKN Schemes 1-4 appointed a fiduciary manager which will allow more timely decisions to be made on changing investments as circumstances require. Also, investments can be spread across more asset classes which will reduce risk.Responsibility Executive management (1)Risk trend Trend commentaryAlthough the risks are well understood, the deficit significantly reduced and funding plans for the GKN Schemes having already been agreed with the Trustees, the size of the gross liabilities as a proportion of the Group’s net assets remains significant. During the period, gross liabilities increased as a result of changes in financial conditions. The increase was offset by increases in scheme assets arising from the return on investments and group contributions of £111 million. As a result of the deficit reduction during the period, the Trustees took action to better hedge risks associated with movements in inflation and interest rates, and to reduce investment risk. Accordingly, the volatility risk to the Group is reduced.Strategic priorities BuyImproveSellRisk 8Foreign exchange Description and impactDue to the global nature of operations and volatility in the foreign exchange market, exchange rate fluctuations have, and could continue to have, a material impact on the reported results of the Group.The Group is exposed to three types of currency risk: transaction risk; translation risk; and the risk that when a business that is predominantly based in a foreign currency is sold, it is sold in that foreign currency. The Group’s reported results will fluctuate as average exchange rates change. The Group’s reported net assets will fluctuate as the year-end exchange rate changes.Mitigation• The Group policy is to protect against the majority of foreign exchange risk which affects cash, by hedging such risks with financial instruments. • The businesses are protected against being over-hedged, due to short to medium-term reductions in forecasts, as the percentage of hedges compared to forecast foreign exchange exposures tapers over future periods.• Protection against specific transaction risks is taken by the Board on a case-by-case basis.Responsibility Executive management (1)Risk trend Trend commentaryGroup results are reported in Sterling but a large proportion of its revenues are denominated in currencies other than Sterling, primarily US Dollar and Euro. Sensitivity to the key currency pairs is shown in the Finance Director’s review on pages 36 to 42.Strategic priorities BuyImproveSellRisk 7Information security and cyber threats  Description and impactInformation security and cyber threats to our systems are an  increasing priority across all industries and remain a key UK Government agenda item.Like many businesses, Melrose recognises that the Group may have  a potential exposure in this area. Potential exposure to such risks remains high due to the scale, complexity and public-facing nature of the Group. In addition, Melrose recognises that the inherent security threat is considered highest in GKN Aerospace where data is held in relation to civil aerospace technology and controlled military contracts.Mitigation• Management work with the leaders of each business and external security consultants to assess the Group’s increased exposure to cyber security risk and to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place for the Group.• During 2020, Melrose continued to monitor and enhance its information security strategy and risk-based governance framework with all businesses within the Group. The framework follows the UK Government’s recommended steps on cyber security. This strategic management approach has delivered risk profiling capabilities by business and the enablement of mitigation plans to be developed for each business to reduce their exposure to cyber risk.• The progress of each business is measured against the information security strategy and is monitored on a quarterly basis. Data is also externally reviewed quarterly by Ernst & Young, who will be augmenting their review in 2021 with a mix of virtual and onsite assurance visits.Responsibility Executive management (1)Risk trend Trend commentaryInformation security and cyber threats are an increasing priority across all industries. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased online traffic, reduced physical contact, and created additional new threats to all of our businesses requiring increased attention. Cyber security breaches of the Group’s IT systems could result in the misappropriation of confidential information belonging to it or its customers, suppliers or employees. In response to the increased sophistication of information security and cyber threats, the Group has worked, and continues to work, with external security companies to monitor, improve and refine its Group-wide strategy to aid the prevention, identification and mitigation of any present and future threats. Strategic priorities ImproveMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202054

Section 172 statement

This is an overview of how the Directors 
performed their duty to promote the 
success of the Company under section 172 
of the Companies Act 2006.

Our purpose, strategy and values
Melrose was founded in 2003 to empower businesses to unlock  
their full potential for the benefit of all stakeholders, whilst providing 
shareholders with a superior return on their investment. This has been 
delivered through our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy, whereby we acquire 
high quality but underperforming manufacturing businesses and invest 
in them heavily to improve performance and productivity, so that they 
become stronger, better businesses under our responsible stewardship. 
At the appropriate time, we find them a new home for the next stage of 
their development and return the proceeds to shareholders. 

The Company’s purpose and strategy remain underpinned by the 
principles and values on which it was founded. We act with integrity, 
honesty, transparency and decisiveness, and believe in a lean 
operating model and high productivity. We invest in the businesses  
we own as if we are going to own them forever, and we do not shy 
away from difficult decisions. We provide the space and resources  
to empower people to perform and reward them well when they do. 
We provide the focus and investment to improve our businesses’ 
sustainability, for the benefit of all stakeholders. We work with them  
to set meaningful sustainability targets alongside financial metrics, 
provide the investment to achieve them, and hold each business  
and their management team accountable for their progress.  
These principles lie at the heart of our success, and are the  
basis on which we strive for future success.

The Board is ultimately accountable to the Company’s shareholders 
for setting the Group’s strategy and for overseeing the Group’s 
financial and operational performance in line with Melrose’s strategic 
objectives. Implementation of the Group’s strategic objectives,  
as determined and overseen by the Board, is delegated to the 
Melrose senior management team, and with day-to-day operational 
management delegated to the business unit executive teams. The 
Board has established an organisational structure with clear reporting 
procedures, lines of responsibility and delegated authority, as 
depicted in the diagram on page 44 and in line with the Group’s 
governance framework, which the Board reviews regularly.

In setting the Company’s strategy, the Directors take into account the 
principal risks facing the Group, which are described on pages 46 to 
53 of this Annual Report.

SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT
This section, together with those pages incorporated by reference, 
acts as the Company’s Section 172(1) statement. You will find more 
information about engagement with stakeholders, building relationships, 
considering the likely long-term consequences of decisions and 
safeguarding our reputation, incorporated throughout this Annual Report 
and financial statements. 

This statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements 
of The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018, which 
require the Company to describe how the Directors have had regard to 
the matters set out in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 during the 
financial year under review.

Duty to promote the success of the Company
In executing the Company’s strategy, the Directors must act in 
accordance with a set of general duties detailed in section 172 of the 
Companies Act 2006. These general duties include a duty to promote 
the success of the Company, and specifically to act in a way that the 
Director considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the 
success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole 
and, in doing so, having regard (amongst other matters) to:
•  the likely consequences of any decisions in the long term;
•  the interests of the Company’s employees;
•  the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with 

suppliers, customers and others;

•  the impact of the Company’s operations on the community  

and environment;

•  the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for 

high standards of business conduct; and

•  the need to act fairly as between shareholders of the Company.

These pages 54 to 57, and the pages incorporated by reference, 
describe how the Directors took these factors into account in their 
decision-making in 2020.

Our key stakeholders
The Board cultivates strong relationships with its key 
stakeholders so that it is well placed and sufficiently informed to 
take their considerations into account when making decisions, 
where appropriate, in order to discharge their duties and to 
pursue the Company’s strategic objectives. Our purpose is to 
create long-term value for stakeholders and in order to do this, 
we need to understand our stakeholders and what matters to 
them. Stakeholder engagement is regularly on the Board’s 
agenda to assess whether the identities and priorities of our 
principal stakeholders have changed, and whether the Board 
has sufficient engagement with each principal stakeholder group.

We consider our key stakeholders to fall into the following 
broad categories, each of which is considered in this 
statement: shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers, 
and communities.

Long-term decision making
The Board is ultimately responsible for determining and reviewing 
Melrose’s “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy. In line with this strategy, 
Melrose’s core purpose is to acquire good manufacturing 
businesses with strong market positions that are underperforming 
their potential, with a view to investing in those businesses and 
empowering their management teams to unlock operational 
improvements and to drive value and performance for the benefit 
of all stakeholders. Although our strategy necessarily means that 
new owners are eventually found for all our businesses at the 
appropriate time, during our ownership we invest in them as if we 
were going to own them forever and act as responsible stewards 
of those businesses.

Although this approach did not change during 2020, clearly  
the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the 
implementation of the Melrose strategy was different from 
previous years. The global situation changed very quickly  
and the world was facing very difficult health and economic 
circumstances. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak caused 
significant uncertainty across global markets and in each of our 
businesses, which were (and continue to be) impacted differently 
by the pandemic. The Board was required to react quickly to 
rapidly changing circumstances in order to protect the health and 
wellbeing of the Group’s employees, customers and suppliers, 
and to ensure that the businesses dealt with the crisis in the best 
manner possible for all stakeholders. This resulted in the Board 
focusing on and prioritising actions to ensure that the Group 
was able to withstand the immediate impact of the pandemic 
and be in the best position as we emerged from the crisis. 

55

Although such decisions were taken to ensure that the Group was 
protected in the short to medium-term, the Board was fully cognisant  
of the long-term impacts of these decisions. 

Financial resilience, ordinarily an important part of our value creation 
process, was even more critical during 2020. During the height of the 
crisis, the Board met on a weekly basis to review the Group’s 
operations, trading, cash position and working capital, based on 
detailed bottom-up financial information from the businesses. The 
Melrose senior management team met with the businesses on a 
weekly basis to analyse trading, cash and working capital. Significant 
and accelerated management actions were put in place across all 
businesses in the Group, to reduce cost and preserve cash until the 
market conditions improved. Although clearly a temporary measure, 
this was done in order to keep the Group on a stable footing and 
ensure that it emerged from the crisis in the best position to drive 
long-term value. Strong cash management was prioritised until market 
conditions showed signs of improvement. Operational initiatives to 
generate efficiency improvements in working capital were intensified. 
Right at the outset, our supportive banking syndicate agreed to 
temporary covenant relief giving the flexibility, if required, over the 
medium-term to continue to improve the businesses. Restructuring 
projects are well underway, which the Board expects will significantly 
improve the Group’s trading performance in 2021. There are substantial 
margin improvement opportunities across the GKN businesses.

While the pandemic has been challenging for all of our businesses, the 
Group has sought to protect investment in research and development 
and to continue to develop world-leading technologies that seek to 
address longer-term global sustainability challenges. GKN Aerospace 
is investing in ground-breaking technologies for both electric and 
hydrogen powered aircraft. GKN Automotive pressed ahead with 
investment in its e-Drive auto systems. GKN Powder Metallurgy has 
continued to develop its Hy2green technology, which is expected to 
be officially launched to market in 2021. Nortek Global HVAC is 
continuing to maximise the full potential of its revolutionary StatePoint 
Technology®. Further development of these and other exciting projects 
are key to the successful development of the Group, and are further 
detailed on pages 62 to 67 of the Sustainability report.

Employees
Employees are central to the Group’s success and for our businesses 
to perform well and exceed their potential, it is important to nurture an 
engaged, capable and passionate workforce. The workforce advisory 
panel (“WAP”) continued to operate during 2020 and was very helpful 
in promoting effective engagement with, and encouraging participation 
from, the Group’s workforce. The structure of the WAP deliberately 
reflects the decentralised nature of the Melrose model and ensures 
that the voice of the workforce is heard where it is most effective in the 
business unit executive decision-making process. The WAP met twice 
during the year and the outcomes were fed back to the Board 
accordingly. Further details about the WAP and its actions during 2020 
can be found in the Sustainability report on page 79.

The Board continued to monitor the nature of issues reported through 
the whistleblowing hotlines operated by the Group on a consistent 
approach with 2019. The integrity of this process is an important part 
of the Company’s governance arrangements and the Board will 
review this once again in 2021 to ensure it remains effective. Further 
details about the Group’s whistleblowing procedures can be found in 
the Sustainability report on page 86.

There has been a heightened focus since the start of the pandemic on 
health and safety. Keeping workers safe has always been a top 
priority, but never more so than during the global pandemic. We 
focused intensely on securing all necessary PPE and implemented 
changes to processes and other measures to protect our employees 
as our sites across the globe, like the wider community, experienced 
cases of the virus. In addition, within Melrose and many of our 
businesses, senior salaried staff, and the entire Melrose Board, took a 
temporary 20% pay cut to help support the Group. The Board is 
extremely grateful for these efforts, which contributed to the Group 
delivering the results that are reflected in this Annual Report. 

Once we became aware that the impact of the pandemic was going 
to be prolonged, we took steps to reshape the businesses to adapt  
to the new demand levels. We acknowledge that these necessary 
actions are difficult for those affected, but we ensure that we treat 
people fairly and strive for clear and transparent communication.

The funding position of the GKN pension schemes has continued  
to improve. The significantly increased cash contributions that have 
been made to the GKN UK defined benefit pension schemes under 
our ownership have helped to reduce the funding deficit of these 
schemes that we inherited at the time of acquisition by over 80% to 
approximately £0.1 billion since acquisition. We will continue in our 
efforts to improve this position further, to make members more secure 
for the rest of their lives.

Suppliers and customers 
Fostering positive and open business relationships with customers 
and suppliers is key to the success of our businesses, even more so  
in times of crisis. Our businesses worked hard to maintain their strong 
relationships with suppliers and customers as the pandemic impacted 
them, primarily through continued robust channels of communication.

Our businesses have invested heavily in their relationships with 
suppliers and customers throughout 2020, and details of this are set 
out on pages 62 to 67 of the Sustainability report.

During the year, we published our fourth Modern Slavery Statement.  
We remain committed to addressing the potential risks of modern 
slavery and human rights abuses, to acting in an ethical manner with 
integrity and transparency in all business dealings, and to investing in 
the creation of effective systems and controls across the Group to 
safeguard against adverse human rights impacts. The Board also 
approved the implementation of a Group-wide conflict minerals policy in 
2020, to ensure that our businesses comply with applicable laws as well 
as customer expectations in relation to 3TG minerals. Further details 
can be found in the Sustainability report on pages 67 and 86 to 87.

Shareholders
Shareholder support is integral to the successful execution of our “Buy, 
Improve, Sell” strategy. Melrose has attracted long-term support from 
key shareholders since its establishment in 2003, none of which is 
taken for granted. Given that we often need to move quickly to secure 
the opportunities that we feel will be (and have been) critical to 
Melrose’s success, we rely on the in-depth understanding amongst our 
investors of our business model and strategy, which feeds into other 
aspects of our governance structure, such as executive remuneration. 

Melrose has always prided itself on the timeliness and transparency of 
the information we provide to our shareholders. Key for our shareholders 
is the resilience of our business model through varied economic cycles 
and through a crisis. Consequently, shareholders have wanted to 
understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic 
environment on the Group. The Board felt it was particularly important to 
keep investors updated during 2020, as the Group was adapting to the 
quickly-changing external circumstances presented by the pandemic. 
Trading updates were published more frequently to ensure that investors 
were appropriately informed as to the Group’s performance, and there 
was an increase in the number of bespoke interactions between 
investors, analysts and members of management, given the absence  
of the more formal interactions that we would run in a normal year, such 
as the capital markets days and in-person investor roadshows.

The views of key analysts and shareholders continue to be reported  
to the Board directly by individual Directors or via the Company’s 
brokers. This helps to ensure that all members of the Board develop 
an understanding of the views and any concerns of shareholders.  
The Chairman and other Non-executive Directors are also available  
to meet institutional shareholders, where requested. 

Further details on the Board’s programme of shareholder engagement 
in 2020 are detailed throughout this Annual Report, including in the 
Sustainability report on page 61, the Governance overview on page 
91, the Corporate Governance report on page 97, and the Directors’ 
remuneration report on page 111.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202056

Section 172 statement
Continued

57

Environment and community 
Improving the sustainability performance of our businesses is central 
to our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy. We acquire good manufacturing 
businesses that are underperforming their potential with respect to 
their financial, operational and sustainability performance. We then 
invest heavily to improve their longer-term financial and operational 
performance in a sustainable manner, and find them suitable owners 
for the future, generating significant value for our shareholders. 

Following publication of the Company’s inaugural ESG report last year, 
the Board has been extremely focused on continuing improvement in 
respect of both the substantive actions being taken in the businesses  
to reduce the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and 
environment, and on improving the quality and transparency of our 
disclosures in reporting on matters relating to sustainability. The Board 
understands that sustainability is high on the agenda for our key 
stakeholders and it is important that we are providing clear and fulsome 
disclosure in respect of these matters. In order to better understand 
market expectations, which we appreciate are still in a state of fluctuation, 
the Board is engaging more regularly with a range of stakeholders 
including shareholders, sustainability analysts and rating agencies on  
a number of sustainability topics that are relevant for our businesses. 

The Board has supported continued investment in the businesses  
to develop products and services that deliver environmental 
improvements and benefits to their customers. Some of these 
products and services, such as GKN Aerospace’s early investment  
in Eviation Alice, the world’s first electric commuter aircraft, GKN 
Automotive’s eDrive system, and Nortek Global HVAC’s cutting-edge 
StatePoint Technology®, have demonstrated our businesses’ 
commitment to long-term innovation in, and their continued 
development of, ground-breaking technology. For further details, 
please refer to the Divisional reviews on pages 14 to 33.

Cultivating the technical and innovation capabilities and foresight to 
provide effective solutions to the emerging sustainability challenges that 
our customers face is another key focus for our businesses. We are 
already taking active steps to anticipate how climate change will affect 
our businesses, as described in the Sustainability report, and to 
encourage firm progress from our businesses in respect of positive 
climate action. We will continue to strengthen our understanding of the 
specific climate-related risks that our businesses face as we work to 
mitigate these risks. We are also encouraging our businesses to identify 
the reporting metrics that are the most important for their businesses 
and which they believe will add value.

During 2020, it was more important than ever for our businesses to 
support their local communities. Our Sustainability report highlights 
examples of actions the businesses took during 2020 to engage with 
their communities. On a more national scale, GKN Aerospace and 
GKN Automotive were at the heart of the VentilatorChallengeUK 
consortium of manufacturing companies making medical ventilators 
required by NHS hospitals as a result of the pandemic. Further details 
of this initiative are included on page 85 of the Sustainability report.

Government bodies
The Group has multiple interactions with government bodies in a 
number of jurisdictions across the world, many of which are of 
strategic importance to the Group’s long-term success. In the UK,  
the Company has regular dialogue with the Department for Business, 
Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Ministry of Defence and the 
UK Panel on Takeovers and Mergers regarding ongoing compliance 
with the undertakings and other continuing obligations given to the UK 
Government and other regulatory bodies in connection with the 
acquisition of GKN. 

Corporate governance agencies  
and independent reporting bodies
The Company continued to invest significant time in speaking regularly 
to the key corporate governance bodies regarding the central aspects 
of our governance framework that the Board considers to be of 
long-term strategic importance, including executive remuneration 
and diversity. A large part of our shareholder community subscribes 
to these governance bodies and it is important to us that we have 
their support in relation to areas of corporate governance. The 
Company has also engaged with independent reporting bodies 
supported by the UK Government, including the Parker Review and 
the Hampton-Alexander Review. Our stakeholders expect us to act as 
responsible stewards and engage with such bodies, and we are keen 
to highlight our demonstrable commitment to promoting diversity at all 
levels, including within our senior leadership.

Maintaining a reputation for high standards of business 
conduct
This remained an area of key focus for the Board in 2020. Regardless 
of macro-economic circumstances, it is critical that our businesses 
understand the importance of maintaining high standards of business 
conduct, not only for the purposes of financial success, but to ensure 
that they continue to maintain strong reputations in their respective 
industries as good partners to deal with. 

The Board continued to play an active oversight role in terms of how 
the businesses manage compliance during the year. In particular, an 
in-depth review of the Melrose Code of Ethics and Group compliance 
policies was undertaken in 2020, which will be rolled out by the 
businesses during 2021. The Board gave particular thought to the 
Melrose Code of Ethics and this was refreshed to ensure that it reflects 
the Company’s expectations of its business, employees and certain 
other parties in doing business. In addition, the Board approved the 
implementation of the Group’s inaugural conflict minerals policy. 
Further detail on the Group’s policies and compliance framework  
can be found on pages 86 to 87 of the Sustainability report. 

During 2020, the Group continued to work closely with external audit 
firms to monitor and verify performance at Group and business unit 
levels, in respect of both financial and non-financial performance. In 
times of economic uncertainty, where enhanced focus is, rightly, on 
financial results and performance, the Board nevertheless considers it 
to be of the utmost importance that our businesses continue to 
uphold the highest standards of business conduct possible, and 
continue to pursue improvements in this area.

Acting fairly as between the Company’s shareholders
The Company continues to have one class of ordinary shares, which 
have the same rights as regards voting, distributions and on a 
liquidation. Full alignment with shareholders remains the case, with 
management continuing to be significant shareholders in the 
Company, holding approximately 1.5% of the register as at 
31 December 2020 (together putting them in the top 20 shareholders). 

On the basis of the above, the members of the Board consider, 
both individually and together, that they have acted in the way 
they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the 
success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a 
whole (having regard to the stakeholders and matters set out in 
s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006) in the decisions taken 
during the year ended 31 December 2020.

Key Board decisions during 2020

We have outlined below some of the key decisions made by 
the Board over the year, explaining how the Directors engaged 
with stakeholders, and how stakeholder interests were 
considered over the course of the Board’s decision-making.

Negotiation of Bank Covenant Waivers
One of the Board’s first decisions at the start of the COVID-19 
pandemic was to seek to reach an agreement with the Company’s 
banking syndicate to temporarily waive certain covenants in the 
Group’s overall banking arrangements, in order to provide the Group 
with flexibility to focus on cash generation and adapting the Group to 
the current market conditions.

The requested waivers allowed management to focus on cash 
generation without the restrictions previously agreed with the Group’s 
lending banks, for a temporary period. There was a modest cash cost 
to secure this amendment, but there was no change to previously 
agreed interest rate calculations. The Board therefore considered this 
decision to be in the best interests of the Group’s key stakeholders as it 
would mitigate the risk of the Group needing to seek any further waivers 
in the future, and therefore gave management the ability to focus on 
areas requiring more immediate action in light of the pandemic.

Melrose agreed amended arrangements with its banking syndicate in 
August 2020, including improved financial covenants to 31 December 
2022. These amendments cover all of the Group’s primary borrowing 
arrangements that contain financial covenants. 

Shareholder Distributions
In light of the Board’s focus on maintaining the Group’s financial 
position, given the significant level of trading certainty initially posed by 
the pandemic, the Board felt that it must act prudently and 
conservatively in respect of payments to shareholders. As such, the 
Board determined not to pay the 2019 final dividend that was due to 
be paid in May 2020. 

Melrose aims to provide shareholders with sustained returns through a 
combination of dividend income and special distributions following sales 
of businesses, operating a progressive dividend policy whenever the 
financial position of the Company, in the opinion of the Board, justifies 
the payment. Given the impact of the pandemic on the Group, the 
Board did not feel it was appropriate to pay a dividend to shareholders 
in 2020, being a further outflow of cash from the Group. The decision 
was effectively communicated to, and well understood by, shareholders. 

We understand the importance of dividends to shareholders and the 
material impact of withdrawing dividends. The Board is very pleased 
to be able to propose to pay a final dividend to shareholders of 0.75 
pence per share, subject to approval at the AGM on 6 May 2021.

Approval of the Melrose 2020 Employee Share Plan
The Board had consulted extensively with key stakeholders at the 
start of 2020 on the renewal of the Company’s long-term incentive 
arrangements, in advance of the 2020 AGM. The uncertainty initially 
presented by the COVID-19 pandemic led the Board not to propose a 
resolution in relation to a new long-term incentive plan to follow the 
previous plan, which expired in May 2020 for no value. The Board 
continued to monitor the situation and, in autumn 2020, commenced 
a further round of consultation with key shareholders and other 
stakeholders on a revised proposal. 

It is important for all stakeholders that management are properly 
incentivised to deliver exceptional returns for shareholders, a view that 
was expressed by shareholders during the consultation. The Board 
had to strike a balance between ensuring that management are 
incentivised to create exceptional value for shareholders, whilst 
ensuring that performance conditions are sufficiently challenging 
and stretching. 

The Board determined to make certain adjustments to the original 
proposal, to reflect the impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s 
businesses and likely performance of the Group over the three-year 
performance period of the plan. The revised proposal was presented 
to key shareholders and changes were incorporated into the final 
proposal as a direct result of these discussions, including additional 
adjustments to protect shareholders. The 2020 Employee Share Plan 
was approved by shareholders in January 2021 with a vote in favour 
of 82.64%.

Protecting Employees During the Pandemic 
The Board is acutely aware of the need to keep all workers safe. This 
has always been a top priority, but gained a heightened focus in 
2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the industries in which 
the Group’s businesses operate, ensuring that manufacturing sites 
were able to remain open – in compliance with regional regulations 
and government advice – was key, but it was clearly extremely 
important that any return to work was safe for all employees.

The Board took rapid and decisive action in response to the 
pandemic in order to keep employees safe. Designated task forces 
and steering committees were established by the businesses, which 
were assigned responsibility for assessing and managing risks and 
ensuring clear communication to key stakeholders about the 
COVID-19 pandemic. A Group-wide PPE procurement exercise was 
initiated in order to ensure that all businesses had requisite supplies 
of PPE, together with enhanced workplace cleaning measures and 
employee guidelines on safe working, as well as adjustments to 
usual work processes to ensure compliance with social distancing 
measures, to make sure that employees felt comfortable returning to 
work. The range of measures implemented across the Group are 
described in more detail in the Sustainability report on page 75.

Sustainability as a Matter of Strategic Importance
The Board produced its inaugural ESG report in 2019 to highlight the 
investment, support and encouragement provided to the Group’s 
businesses to enable them to pursue relevant improvements in 
relation to sustainability, and the Board’s recognition of the growing 
importance of supporting the Group’s actions in this area, with 
enhanced disclosure. It has become clear that stakeholders are 
requiring more detailed and transparent disclosure, and in light of 
this, the Board looked at elevating sustainability as a matter of 
strategic importance for the Group.

External advisors were engaged to perform a peer review on 
sustainability reporting and to advise the Board on how to accelerate 
the Group’s efforts in tackling material sustainability matters in the 
most efficient and appropriate way in light of Melrose’s decentralised 
model, which does not fit a standard approach to reporting, yet in a 
way that is meaningful for all relevant stakeholders. The Board felt 
that in addition to the business unit strategies in this area, for which 
the Board will continue to provide its full support, it was important for 
Melrose to set its own targets and expectations on sustainability for 
businesses under Melrose ownership.

The Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87 demonstrates a 
significant gear change in the Board’s efforts to provide detailed  
and transparent disclosure to all relevant stakeholders on this topic. 
Sustainability is also addressed elsewhere in this Annual Report 
where appropriate to other areas, such as governance and executive 
remuneration, highlighting the Board’s view of sustainability as a 
matter that is relevant to all areas of business. The Board will 
endeavour to improve upon its disclosures and actions in this area 
each year.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202058

Sustainability report 

59

Melrose provides the focus and 
investment to make our businesses 
sustainable and valuable, for the 
benefit of our stakeholders

A focus on 
sustainability

Justin Dowley
Non-executive Chairman

 Improving the sustainability performance of our businesses is central 
to our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy. We acquire good manufacturing 
businesses that are underperforming their potential from a financial, 
operational and sustainability perspective. We then invest heavily to 
improve their longer-term financial and operational performance in  
a sustainable manner, before identifying suitable new owners who  
will take them to the next stage of their development, generating 
significant value for our shareholders. 

Inherent in the nature of the manufacturing businesses we acquire  
is that they often operate in the industries that are some of the most 
difficult to decarbonise. We provide the focus and investment that 
these businesses need to deliver significant financial returns and 
sustainability improvements for the benefit of our stakeholders. We 
work with our businesses to set meaningful sustainability targets, 
alongside financial metrics, and we provide the investment to achieve 
them. We set a positive example for our businesses and provide them 
with a platform to share Group best practices and accelerate the pace 
of change within their organisations, whilst influencing positive change 
within our other businesses.

By the very nature of our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy, our Group 
sustainability performance and ratings will fluctuate during our 
investment cycle as we acquire new businesses in need of 
improvement, and sell businesses that we have improved. By turning 
around the performance of those businesses under our ownership,  
we will have added value for the benefit of our stakeholders.

We redirect and refocus our businesses on helping their customers 
and key stakeholders tackle pressing climate change challenges in 
pursuit of transitioning to a net zero emissions economy by 2050. 
Through a combination of investment and oversight, we redirect  
and refocus our businesses to work closely with their customers to 
develop and deliver innovative product solutions that directly address 
society’s most complex longer-term sustainability challenges. 

Our efforts to improve our businesses are supported by a foundation  
of robust governance, risk management and compliance. We instil the 
highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency within the 
businesses we acquire, and we require them to demand the same of their 
supply chains. We also spend time listening to our key stakeholders so we 
can make more informed strategic decisions and deliver on their needs. 
This includes our employees, whose wellbeing and skills development is  
a key priority, as well as the communities in which our businesses operate.

We take our role as a responsible corporate citizen seriously by 
encouraging innovation and implementing measures to drive positive 
change and to proactively reduce the potential negative impact of our 
businesses’ and our customers’ operations on society and the planet.

Progress in 2020
In 2020 we delivered significant progress against our four overarching 
sustainability principles, which are: (i) to respect and protect the 
environment; (ii) to purposefully engage with key stakeholders to  
better understand and deliver on their expectations; (iii) to prioritise  
and nurture the wellbeing and skills development of employees and 
the communities that they are part of; and (iv) to exercise robust 
governance, risk management, and compliance. Despite the disruption 
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our businesses continued to excel 
in cultivating the technical capabilities required to provide innovative 
solutions to the emerging sustainability challenges that their customers 
face. We are already taking active steps to anticipate how climate 
change will affect our businesses and they, in turn, are investing in 
sustainable product development that will help their customers achieve 
their sustainability ambitions. Highlights in 2020 included the launch of 
a groundbreaking hydrogen propulsion project led by GKN Aerospace, 
which aims to deliver a hydrogen-powered aircraft with zero carbon 
emissions to the skies from as early as 2026, and GKN Automotive’s 
continued market leadership in developing highly efficient all-wheel 
drive (“AWD”) and eDrive systems that enable customers to improve 
fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon emissions.

Across the Group, we took further steps to implement a more 
comprehensive sustainability framework to support the execution  
of our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy. We refined our Group sustainability 
objectives and strengthened our controls, which included the 
development of a formal sustainability framework covering the following:

•  completion of a materiality assessment; 

•  alignment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs);

Introduction

Following our inaugural ESG report last year, we have 
continued to embed our four Melrose sustainability 
principles within our businesses. This 2020 Sustainability 
report sets out the results of our material sustainability 
issues assessment, illustrates the alignment of the Melrose 
sustainability principles to the UN SDGs, and provides 
updated detail and case studies that demonstrate the efforts 
that our businesses have made to promote those principles 
and goals throughout 2020. Highlights include our:

•  Further efforts made to continue to embed 

sustainability within our businesses.

•  Additional investment in our businesses to make 

products that are more sustainable and safer, with 
a focus on helping our businesses’ customers and their 
wider industries to support the transition to a net zero 
emissions economy by 2050.

•  Progress towards making the impact of our 
businesses’ production activities more 
environmentally friendly.

•  Continued focus on prioritising the health  

and safety of our employees and contractors.

•  Continued investment in the wellbeing and 

skills development of our employees and the 
communities that they are part of, including our 
efforts to promote diversity. 

•  Further strengthening of our governance, risk 
management, and compliance framework, and 
maintaining strong ethical conduct and business 
practices throughout the Group.

•  establishment of a Group internal sustainability reporting 
and performance function to support our businesses;

•  implementation of a refreshed Melrose Code of Ethics, 

applicable to all of our businesses; and

•  refreshing our Group compliance policies and 

introducing a new Group-wide conflict minerals policy.

Actions for 2021
In executing our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy and effecting 
continuous, long-term improvement within our businesses, 
we recognise that our work is far from complete. We are 
committed to continuing to improve the contribution that  
our businesses make to sustainable development, and to 
further enhance our sustainability framework. Our plans for 
2021 include:

•  developing a multi-year sustainability action plan to 
embed sustainable performance targets within the 
Group which reflect our “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy 
and our three to five-year investment cycle. We will 
disclose these performance targets in due course;

•  further developing our sustainability management and 

governance structure, including our internal sustainability 
reporting capabilities and information capture across 
our businesses;

•  commencing the process of reporting our sustainability 

performance under the Sustainability Accounting 
Standards Board (SASB);

•  making our inaugural CDP (formerly the Carbon 

Disclosure Project) submission; 

•  publishing an assessment of how we are mitigating 

climate change risks in line with the recommendations of 
the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD); and 

•  setting targets in line with the selected UN SDGs that 

measure the contribution of our businesses to those goals.

Much of this work is already underway and we look forward 
to accelerating our progress during 2021.

Justin Dowley 
Chairman 
4 March 2021

Embedding Sustainability

In 2020 we undertook a materiality assessment to identify the key 
sustainability issues that impact our ability to create value over time 
and are of most concern to our stakeholders. This process has helped 
prioritise the main sustainability topics that are impacted by our 
businesses’ activities and has informed our Group strategy. We do  
not view these as isolated issues. We appreciate that they are often 
interconnected and recognise that a change to one can have an 
impact on others.

Our materiality assessment included a review of relevant reporting 
frameworks and standards, peer group benchmarking across our 
businesses’ respective Aerospace, Automotive, Materials Science  
and Industrial peers, direct consultation with the CEOs and executive 
management teams of our largest businesses, integrating feedback 
from their ongoing interaction with external stakeholders including 
industry bodies, customers and suppliers, and the views of our 
shareholders through our ongoing investor engagement activities.  
The issues that we identified were placed into a matrix, and  
positioned for their level of importance to the Group and our 
businesses’ stakeholders. We have identified the following  
issues as having the greatest potential impact on the Group: 

Materiality matrix

 Environmental 

 Social 

 Governance

l

s
r
e
d
o
h
e
k
a
t
s
o
t
e
c
n
a
t
r
o
p
m

I

Customer Satisfaction
Customer Welfare

Health and Safety
Sustainable Products
Product Quality
Innovation and R&D

Circular Economy

Ethical Conduct and Compliance Waste
Responsible Sourcing

Inclusion and Diversity
Talent and Workforce

Energy and Consumption

y
t
i
r
o
i
r
P

h
g
H

i

Business Model Resilience
Air and Noise
Stakeholder Engagement
Shareholder Voting
Community

d
r
a
d
n
a
t
S

Water
Employment Practices
IT/Cyber

Standard

High

Priority

Impact on Melrose

Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
60

Sustainability report 
Continued

Commitment to playing our part

In conjunction with the development of our materiality assessment, 
we have reconfirmed our commitment to prioritising the pursuit of our 
four overarching sustainability principles, and aligned them with the 
UN SDGs and relevant underlying targets that apply to our business 
model, the businesses that we currently own, the sectors in which 
they operate, and their key stakeholders. 

The integration of UN SDGs and their targets into our business model 
links our sustainability objectives with those of society and aligns our 
value creation strategy with our stakeholders.

Below, we have summarised our relevant UN SDGs, their respective 
targets, and examples of how we and our businesses are contributing 
to them.

Our Sustainability Principles

UN SDG 

Our Sustainability improvement objectives

Our Key Sustainability actions

1

Respect and protect  
the environment

•  Invest in research and development to support and harness product innovation and quality 

within our businesses, to help their customers deliver on their commercial and environmental 
goals and to help find effective solutions to assist them in combatting climate change. 
•  Drive divisional management teams to improve their operational, resource and energy 
efficiency to minimise the impact of their businesses’ operations on the environment, 
including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water usage.

Improve

Sell

2

Promote diversity and prioritise  
and nurture the wellbeing  
and skills development of 
employees and the communities 
that they are part of

3

Exercise robust governance, risk 
management and compliance

•  Drive our businesses to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for their people, 
as well as the protection of human rights, and encourage positive contributions to the 
communities in which they operate. 

•  Implement effective policies and procedures, supported by local management accountability 
and a culture of strong awareness, training and investment in employees, to drive health and 
safety best practice. 

•  Ensure the pension schemes that we inherit are managed prudently and effectively for both 

employees and retirees, and where relevant seek to create better-funded schemes with more 
prudent targets under our stewardship. 
•  Promote inclusion and diversity at all levels. 
•  Promote fair employment and skills development. 
•  Ensure that our people have a voice and can inform executive decisions.

Buy

Improve

Sell

•  Direct, oversee and challenge divisional management teams in implementing and enforcing 

effective compliance policies and business practices. 

•  Ensure each division conducts business with integrity and in a responsible, ethical and 

sustainable manner. 

•  Ensure the highest standards of product safety, and encourage our businesses to protect 

the ultimate wellbeing of their end-users by adhering to market standards and best practice. 

•  Respect labour and human rights and support our businesses’ suppliers to respect these 

principles throughout their supply chains. 
•  Protect information security and data privacy. 
•  Carry out prudent and responsible financial and tax planning and management and pay tax 

responsibly when due. 

•  Maintain sensible and sustainable leverage to support investment.

Improve

Sell

•  Melrose as a Group will achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. 
•  Through 2021, we will develop a multi-year sustainability action plan  
to embed sustainable performance targets within our Group and  
business structure.

•  We will minimise the impact that we and our businesses’ products have  
on the environment through innovative design and operational excellence.

•  We are committed to ensuring that our businesses achieve the highest 

standards of product quality, reliability and safety.

•  We will act ethically and with integrity and expect our suppliers to do the 
same. Where applicable, we have strict procedures in place to seek to 
identify whether 3TG (Tungsten, Tantalum, Tin, and Gold) minerals are 
sourced responsibly and from conflict-free regions of the world.

Further 
information

Environmental 
Leadership 
Pages 68 to 73

Sustainable and  
Safe Products 
Pages 62 to 67

•  Stop all preventable accidents for employees and contractors.
•  Promote safe behaviours and monitor unsafe behaviours encouraging an 

Health and Safety 
Pages 74 to 77

enhanced focus on hazard identification and awareness.

•  We seek to create better-funded pension schemes with more prudent targets 

under our stewardship.

Our People 
Pages 78 to 85

•  Melrose has achieved the 2021 Parker Review target of having one director 

from an ethnic minority on its Board.

•  Melrose is committed to achieving the Hampton-Alexander Review target  
in 2021 of having 33% female representation on its Board and has already 
achieved the Hampton-Alexander Review target of having at least 33% 
female representation within its Executive Committee and direct reports.
•  Melrose is committed to investing £10 million over five years through the 

Melrose Skills Fund in order to help build the UK’s industrial base.

•  Our “Buy, Improve, Sell” business model improves financial performance, 

which in turn contributes to the economic development of the communities  
in which our businesses operate.

•  All employees, suppliers and contractors must comply with our Code of 

Ethics, conducting business with integrity and in a responsible, ethical and 
sustainable manner. 

Ethics and 
Compliance 
Pages 86 to 87

4

Purposefully engage with  
key stakeholders to better 
understand and deliver  
on their expectations

•  Engage where appropriate in regular, constructive dialogue with a variety of key 

stakeholders at each stage of our “Buy, Improve, Sell” cycle, and encourage and empower 
our businesses to do the same. 

•  Maintain an informed focus on delivering improved returns for shareholders whilst also 

meeting best practice for sustainability performance, that is attuned to their expectations  
and concerns.

Buy

Improve

Sell

•  Melrose provides a consistent and transparent flow of information and 

management insight to shareholders and the wider investment community.

Our stakeholders 
Page 61

•  Melrose and its businesses regularly engage with employees across the 

Group, and enable key views of the workforce to be heard and considered  
by business unit executive teams where they can have the most impact.
•  Melrose has regular dialogue with various governmental and regulatory 

bodies regarding the undertakings and commitments given in connection 
with the acquisition of GKN.

Section 172 
statement 
Pages 54 to 57

61

Our stakeholders

The success of our “Buy, Improve, Sell” 
model and our commitment to investing in 
our businesses to improve their sustainability 
performance relies on maintaining strong 
support from our key stakeholders, including 
our investors. Melrose provides a consistent 
and transparent flow of information and 
management insight to shareholders and the 
wider investment community, and we take an 
honest, transparent and open approach to 
investor relations and communications. We 
recognise that shareholders, as well as other 
stakeholders such as corporate governance 
agencies and independent reporting bodies, 
require robust information and guidance to 
best inform their decision-making. We deliver 
this through enhanced disclosure on topics 
that are material to the Company including 
sustainability, supported by active and 
transparent engagement, to enable our 
stakeholders to accurately review and assess 
our performance in line with best practice.

In addition to our annual programme of key 
information publications and engagement 
initiatives including the annual general 
meeting, general meetings on specific 
material items, publication of full and half  
year results, regular trading statements,  
and this Annual Report, the Board and the 
Melrose senior management team meet  
and communicate with shareholders on a 
frequent and proactive basis throughout the 
year, including at specific capital markets 
days on the different businesses we own. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic 
constrained our face-to-face activities in 
2020 (and continues to do so), we continued 
to engage with our investors by providing 
trading updates, published more frequently 
during 2020 to ensure that investors were 
appropriately informed as to the Group’s 
performance, and virtual capital markets 
presentation days to provide shareholders, 
analysts, and their representatives with direct 
access to the Directors and the opportunity 
to engage directly with the executive 
management teams of our largest 
businesses. Further information is available 
on the Investors section of our website.

Details about our stakeholder engagement 
during 2020, including our engagement with 
employees, suppliers and customers, and 
government bodies, can be found in our 
Section 172 statement on pages 54 to 57.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

Sustainability report 
Continued

Sustainable and 
Safe Products

UN SDG

Our Sustainability Principle

Our Key Sustainability actions

Respect and protect  
the environment

We will minimise the impact that we and our 
businesses’ products have on the environment 
through innovative design and operational 
excellence.

We are committed to ensuring that our businesses 
achieve the highest standards of product quality, 
reliability and safety.

We will act ethically and with integrity and expect 
our suppliers to do the same. Where applicable, 
we have strict procedures in place to seek to 
identify whether 3TG (Tungsten, Tantalum, Tin, 
and Gold) minerals are sourced responsibly and 
from conflict-free regions of the world.

Product responsibility is a core tenet of the 
Melrose model of acquiring and improving 
underperforming manufacturing businesses. 
This is grounded in safety and sustainable 
production practices, and demonstrated by 
sustainable product performance and effective 
product life cycle management. Examples of 
this include GKN Automotive’s torque vectoring 
technology for all-wheel drive (“AWD”) products 
that improves vehicle safety, and AQH’s 
product development focus on improving the 
air quality inside the home by safely eliminating 
pollutants that can adversely impact human 
health. Furthermore, we recognise the risks and 
opportunities that the transition to a net zero 
emissions economy presents. Despite 
operating in some of the hardest industries to 
decarbonise, our businesses are well 
positioned to meet emerging regulatory 
requirements and wider environmental 
expectations. Through our significant 
investment, we help our businesses and their 
customers tackle pressing environmental 
challenges such as climate change.

63

Helping our 
customers address 
climate change

Cultivating the technical capabilities, innovation 
and foresight to provide effective solutions to  
the emerging sustainability challenges that our 
businesses’ customers face is a key priority.  
We are taking active steps to anticipate how 
climate change will affect our businesses, and  
to drive positive climate action. We will continue  
to strengthen our understanding of the specific 
climate-related risks our businesses face, and 
work to mitigate these risks through alignment with 
the recommendations of the TCFD during 2021.

Climate-related issues have a direct impact on 
product strategy, development and financial 
planning across all of our businesses. Our 
businesses work closely with their customers  
and world-class research institutions to develop 
market-leading, cost-effective innovations, delivering 
solutions that address environmental challenges.

In 2020, our businesses invested over 
£150 million(1) in developing products that help their 
customers improve their energy efficiency and to 
reduce their GHG emissions, water consumption 
and waste generation compared with conventional 
technologies. More information on high profile 
projects including GKN Aerospace’s investment 
and continued innovation in Additive Manufacturing 
to enable the development of their leading Fan 
Case Mount Ring structural design, GKN 
Automotive’s cutting edge eDrive technology, and 
Nortek Air Management’s StatePoint Technology® 
sustainable data cooling system, can be found 
within the Divisional reviews on pages 14 to 33.

(1)  Data has been collected from 95% (by 

R&D) of the Group.

We are committed to ensuring that 
our businesses achieve the highest 
standards of product quality, 
reliability and safety. In recognition  
of the importance of our businesses 
in protecting the wellbeing of  
the ultimate end-users of their 
products, each business follows  
strict product design and 
development procedures.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202064

Sustainability report 
Continued

65

GKN Aerospace continues to invest a 
significant proportion of its R&D spend  
each year(1) on enhancing fuel efficiency  
and reducing emissions within aircraft. The 
business leverages publicly available funding 
to support climate-related R&D, such as 
Clean Sky in Europe. Examples of recent  
and ongoing activities include:

•  Signing the Joint Declaration of European 
Aviation Stakeholders related to Clean 
Aviation in Horizon Europe in June 2019, 
committing to a European Partnership 
towards achieving goals of the Paris 
Agreement. GKN Aerospace has 
committed to achieving net zero 
GHG emissions by 2050 and designing 
products that enable its customers to 
develop aircrafts that emit net zero 
GHG emissions throughout their life cycle 
by 2050. In order to meet these longer-
term goals, GKN Aerospace has set an 
interim target of reducing its Scope 1 and 
Scope 2 GHG emissions by 5% annually. 

•  GKN Aerospace is a key partner in the 

Wing of Tomorrow composite spar project. 
The UK Aerospace Technology Institute 
funded programme led by Airbus UK aims 
to provide technologies for a sustainable 
Future Single Aisle Wing. A composite 
wing is the most significant opportunity  
for the Single Aisle airframe to improve 
aerodynamic performance, reducing 
global CO2 emissions by many millions  
of tonnes every year. The work is being 
undertaken in GKN Aerospace’s new 
Global Technology Centre in Bristol, UK, 
with the business investing more than £25 
million in the programme over three years.

•  GKN Aerospace is leading the 

development of a ground-breaking  
liquid hydrogen propulsion system for 
aircraft. The c.£55 million collaborative 
H2GEAR programme will push hydrogen 
technology and accelerate aerospace 
decarbonisation with the goal of zero  
CO2 emissions hydrogen-powered 
sub-regional aircraft entering the skies as 
early as 2026. The H2GEAR programme 
will create more than 3,100 jobs across 
the UK and reinforces the UK’s position  
at the forefront of aerospace technology 
research and development, as well as 
putting GKN Aerospace at the heart of 
the technology developments needed for 
the future of more sustainable aviation. 

(1)  Gross budget for 2021 is c.£40 million.

•  Eviation and GKN Aerospace continue  

their quest to deliver the world’s first electric 
commuter aircraft (Alice). In development 
since 2015, Alice will be capable of operating 
in the lower end of the regional market 
carrying nine passengers and two crew 
members on journeys up to 800km. Regional 
and domestic air travel account for a large 
part of aviation’s CO2 emissions, with CO2 
produced per km per passenger for flights of 
less than 500km almost double that of flights 
over 1,000km. Battery-powered aircraft are a 
key part of the journey towards zero-emission 
aviation. GKN Aerospace is providing its 
expertise across the integration of large-scale 
components including the complete wing, 
the complete tail including empennage, and 
electrical wiring interconnection systems. 
Design and manufacturing activities are 
already ongoing on-site at Eviation in Israel 
and in several GKN Aerospace engineering 
centres across Europe, and the companies 
are targeting an Entry into Service date 
of 2022.

•  GKN Aerospace Sweden is leading in 

the testing of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. 
Groundbreaking development in the use  
of biofuels in aviation could lead to huge 
reductions in carbon emissions. Test flights 
using the Gripen RM12 engine powered 
100% by biofuel have so far shown  
excellent performance both in flight and  
on the ground. The biofuel used is fully 
interchangeable with normal jet fuel and 
no engine changes or modifications 
are required.

GKN Automotive is at the forefront of 
increasing the efficiency of the products 
it manufactures. 

At the GKN Automotive UK Innovation  
Centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the 
business is helping progress the electric 
vehicle revolution and the ongoing 
decarbonisation of the global automotive 
sector. Projects based at the UK Innovation 
Centre include a partnership with  
the University of Nottingham and Drive 
System Design to develop the future 
generation of eDrive system platforms, 
including the world’s lightest and most 
efficient electric vehicle powertrain suitable  
for the volume market, and Advanced  
Cooling and Control of High Speed e-Drive 
(“Ace Drive”) technology, which targets: 
(i) a 25% reduction in packaging size  
and cost; (ii) a 20% drop in weight; and  
(iii) a 10% increase in efficiency compared  
to current equivalents, and production 
readiness by 2023. 

As a result of the business’s continued 
investment and focus in electric motors,  
GKN Automotive is now the market leader  
in highly efficient AWD systems, enabling its 
customers to improve fuel efficiency  
and reduce their carbon emissions. The 
Disconnect AWD technology provides 
around 80% more reductions in AWD-related 
CO2 emissions than conventional AWDs. The 
new generation AWD components are 30% 
more efficient and 20% lighter than previous 
generations and are made from 98% 
recyclable materials. Product durability has 
been increased by 25%, and the use of 
expensive and supply constrained materials 
such as copper and rare earth elements has 
been reduced. These new products are 
more efficient, lighter (due to reduced material 
usage) and significantly longer lasting. The 
510,000 systems of this type expected to be 
sold in 2021 will reduce vehicle emissions by 
more than 40,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.  
In addition, the ePowertrain product line will 
invest approximately £70 million in 2021 in 
new products or in further enhancing existing 
products to support the CO2 agenda. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy’s new e-pumps 
are substituting engine-driven pumps on 
vehicle transmissions. 

A conventional automobile pump system 
causes the pump to be constantly driven, 
whether or not it is required, which causes 
energy wastage. The new e-pump system 
operates on demand, actuated from the 
electronic controlling unit of the car. This 
ground-breaking technology can achieve  
a fuel benefit of up to 10% compared to  
a conventional engine-driven pump 
operating within a conventional driving 
mode. For full hybrid and electric vehicles, 
the e-pump is the leading solution for 
lubrication and cooling. 

In addition, see pages 24 and 25 for an 
overview of GKN Powder Metallurgy’s 
Hy2Green hydrogen fuel storage technology.

Nortek Global HVAC through its Nortek  
Air Solutions division continues to develop 
best-in-class technologies that directly benefit 
communities around the world, and ensure 
continuity of critical infrastructure following a 
major weather or seismic event. Its air 
handling units rank 1, 2 and 3 in Miami-Dade 
County’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone rating 
compliances for AHU cabinets. Earthquake-
resistant climate control technology supplied 
to hospitals on the West Coast of the US have 
been proven to withstand a 6.7 magnitude 
seismic event for a duration of 30 seconds 
with virtually no damage. 

Between 2018 and 2020, AQH’s Broan 
division developed and introduced to market 
its AI Series Fresh Air System. Ever-increasing 
regulation to promote energy-efficient homes 
requires houses to be more airtight, which 
inherently creates a reduction in natural 
ventilation and can reduce air quality.  
The AI Series provides constant ventilation  
to homes to help improve indoor air quality, 

while reducing the energy impact. The system 
requires less energy to heat or cool a house 
and get the best air quality, and has an 
energy recovery rate of at least 75% of the 
previous energy cost. 

In response to a growing need for a network 
of easily accessible and cost-effective electric 
vehicle charging points across the UK, Brush 
commenced a pilot project to develop and 
provide an integrated and containerised 
electric vehicle charging station solution. 
Through a combination of innovative design 
and technical excellence, Brush built a 
self-contained solution which could operate 
autonomously, be remotely monitored, and 
would require very little maintenance or 
intervention while also supporting the 
transition to a net zero carbon economy. The 
prototype solution, which comprises a 33kV 
Transformer, Switchgear, Vacutap® VBO 
tapchanger and condition monitoring, will be 
delivered by July 2021.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202066

Sustainability report 
Continued

67

Ensuring the highest standards 
of product quality and safety

Product life cycle 
management

We are committed to ensuring that our 
businesses achieve the highest standards 
of product quality, reliability and safety. In 
recognition of the importance of our 
businesses in protecting the wellbeing of 
the ultimate end-users of their products, 
each business follows strict product 
design and development procedures to 
ensure precise delivery to customer 
specification, and to seek opportunities to 
enhance quality and safety performance. 

The Group takes a preventative approach 
to product responsibility. We ensure that 
effective controls and processes are in 
place around social factors such as safety 
and quality assurance, including crisis 
management procedures and 
processes including, but not limited to, 
potential recall programmes.

In 2020, 92% of the Group’s product 
portfolio (by revenue) was certified to a 
recognised international quality 
management standard of ISO 9001, ISO/
IATF 16949 or EN/AS9100. All GKN 
Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy 

products are certified to the ISO/IATF 
16949 standard, except for certain GKN 
Powder Metallurgy products which are 
certified to ISO 9001 (this standard is the 
application of ISO 9001 for automotive 
production and relevant service part 
organisations). Surveillance audits are 
conducted annually to ensure the 
standards are maintained, and re-
certification occurs every three years. In 
addition, Nortek Global HVAC has 
committed to achieving ISO 9001 
compliance across the entire organisation 
in 2021. 

These high standards of product quality 
are recognised by our customers. GKN 
Aerospace has received more than 15 
separate external recognition awards in 
the past three years, and its Hoogeveen 
and Papendrecht sites in the Netherlands 
have received the Boeing Silver 
Performance Award for three years in  
a row. Other customer awards received 
by GKN Aerospace have been from 
Lockheed Martin, Bombardier and  
Spirit AeroStructures. 

Our businesses assess the impact of their 
products on the environment in terms of 
material usage, waste, energy usage and 
CO2 emissions throughout each product life 
cycle. By incorporating circular economy 
principles in their design and manufacturing 
processes, our businesses can reduce their 
environmental impact and deliver products 
to their end markets with increased durability 
and longevity and reduced waste. Across 
the Group, life-cycle assessments have been 
completed for 11% of products (by revenue) 
with 10% of products (by revenue) certified 
to ISO 14040 and/or ISO 14044.

GKN Aerospace technologies ensure  
that only 20% of procured metal billets  
are removed in the production process, 
whereas the norm is up to 80%, therefore 
significantly reducing the ‘buy to fly’ ratio.

Nortek Global HVAC is aiming to reduce 
waste materials through better fabrication 
and manufacturing processes, with a cost 
saving target of US$20 million (£14.7 million). 

Responsible  
sourcing

We are committed to ensuring that our businesses source raw 
materials and manufacture products in a responsible, ethical and 
sustainable manner. This applies to our businesses’ global supply 
chains and is important in mitigating the risk of supply chain shocks. 

We require our businesses to work closely with their suppliers to 
ensure they respect human rights and promote good working 
conditions across their supply bases. In practice, this means that 
suppliers are expected to treat their workers equally and with respect 
and dignity, for all workers to be of an appropriate age in compliance 
with the local legal minimum age for work, for all workers to be paid  
a fair wage that meets or exceeds the legal minimum standard or 
prevailing industry standard, to eliminate excessive working hours for 
all workers in compliance with local laws, and for all workers’ health 
and safety rights to be protected at work.

Our businesses work with their suppliers to ensure that they 
conduct business in a manner that embraces sustainability and 
reduces environmental impact. We require our businesses to have 
strict procedures in place, in respect of sourcing products or raw 
materials containing 3TG minerals, to the extent required by 
applicable laws or customer expectations, to seek to identify 
whether 3TG minerals are sourced responsibly and from conflict-
free regions of the world, as set out in the Group conflict minerals 
policy, which is available on our website. As a minimum, relevant 
suppliers are required to:
•  perform due diligence to ascertain whether any 3TG minerals 

in products are conflict-free; and

•  complete the Responsible Minerals Initiative reporting template 

or equivalent, as required by the respective business.

In line with our decentralised model, while the Board retains 
oversight of supplier-related Group policies that have applicability 
across the Group, such as the conflict minerals policy, responsibility 
for the implementation and management of all supplier-related 
policies rests with divisional management. The Group supports its 
businesses in implementing and managing such policies across 
their respective supply chains, in line with the nature and 
geographical representation of their supplier base. 

Our businesses implement supplier qualification processes where 
relevant which, at a minimum, require suppliers to complete a risk 
assessment. Many of the businesses require suppliers to sign their 
supplier code of conduct or equivalent policies and depending on 
the determined level of risk, may also result in an audit or further 
reviews. GKN Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder 
Metallurgy have each prepared a supplier code of conduct that 
applies globally to all their suppliers and is based on the ethos of 
“doing the right thing”.

As well as providing high quality goods and services, our 
businesses are expected to operate in a manner that supports  
the Group’s commitment to acting ethically and responsibly and is 
consistent with the Melrose Code of Ethics. Please see the Ethics 
and Compliance section on page 86 and 87 for more details.

To limit the end-of-life product impact on the 
environment, a number of our businesses are 
actively involved in product take-back 
programmes. GKN Automotive is involved in 
an initiative whereby old driveshafts are collected 
from designated garages and transformed into 
“as good as new” products with savings on 
energy, water, CO2 and steel production. In 
addition, 100% of GKN Automotive’s driveline 
products can be remanufactured for reuse. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy performs life cycle 
product assessments certified with applicable 
standards (ISO 14040 and/or ISO 14044). The 
process is reviewed during third party external 
audits. Hazardous substances, GHG emissions, 
and raw materials are included in the review. 
Risks and opportunities are considered across 
all processes: design, development, 
procurement, production, transport, packaging, 
use, end-of-life treatment and end-of-life cycle. 
Several improvement actions have been 
identified following the completion of these 
assessments, including:
•  recycling of metals and other materials to 

reduce landfill; 

•  conducting surveys on compressed air 

systems to reduce energy consumption from 
air leaks;

•  eliminating or reducing the use of petroleum 

products; and 

•  improving manufacturing operations to 
improve energy efficiency and GHG 
emissions.

Designing products that require less materials 
whilst maintaining and improving performance is 
not only the right thing to do for the environment, 
but is commercially beneficial. Brush’s Fusion 
software for design optimisation has resulted in 
up to 10% less materials and improved 
performance on its transformers. Brush has 
achieved an average reduction of 6% in copper, 
steel, polycarbonate and thermoplastics waste 
due to optimised manufacturing processes, and 
more optimised raw material, machined/
pre-formed sections and extrusions. 

Ergotron performs life cycle product 
assessments in accordance with the ANSI/BIFMA 
e3:2014 standard to reduce energy use, water 
use, and hazardous materials in production 
processes and end products. Life cycle 
assessments are performed on 100% of new 
office products and were completed on 21% (by 
revenue) of total products sold in 2020. 

Our other businesses focus on reusability of 
products. All products made by GKN Powder 
Metallurgy’s Hoeganaes division are 100% 
recyclable, and its powder is made from scrap. 
Furthermore, it takes back green (not yet 
sintered) scrap and unused powder from internal 
and external customers, re-mills it and mixes it 
back into new products. 

The use of recyclable components is key to 
AQH, with its products being 90% recyclable 
based on their material composition. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202068

Sustainability report 
Continued

Environmental 
Leadership

UN SDG

Our Sustainability Principle

Our Key Sustainability actions

Respect and protect  
the environment

Melrose as a Group will achieve net zero 
GHG emissions by 2050. 

Through 2021, we will develop a multi-year 
sustainability action plan to embed sustainable 
performance targets within our Group and the 
business structure. We will publish those targets. 

Environmental 
performance in 2020

During 2020, operational energy consumption 
across the Group decreased by 14%, and 
between 2019 and 2020 our total Scope 1 
and Scope 2 GHG emissions decreased  
by 11%. These significant reductions  
were achieved during a year that saw 
unprecedented lockdowns and associated 
working restrictions, which included 
temporary closures of certain of our 
businesses’ production. Our businesses  
were proactive in preserving production 
capabilities during these times, and ensuring 
that employees could safely attend their sites 
at the earliest opportunity to mitigate 
preventable supply chain disruption. 

Although it remains difficult to quantify the 
precise impact of COVID-19 restrictions on 
production, we recognise that temporary site 
closures were reasonably limited in duration, 
and in their impact on our businesses’ 
operations. Most indirect production activities 
were maintained to preserve site integrity and 
allow our businesses the ability to ramp up 
production in response to customer 
requirements following the lifting of 
restrictions. With the full, longer-term impact 
of COVID-19 still under review across the 
world, we are pleased to have seen a strong 
improvement in the Group’s emissions 
reductions outpacing the expected impact  
of COVID-19 disruption. This demonstrates 
our commitment towards driving sustainable 
production methods and infrastructure, and 
to minimising the potential negative impact 
that our businesses may have on the 
environment over the longer term.

Managing 
environmental 
performance

We are committed to ensuring that good 
environmental governance directly impacts 
the highest level of our businesses’ 
executive decision-making, where it can 
have the most impact. In line with our 
decentralised model, our businesses are 
charged with identifying, monitoring and 
managing the environmental risks that affect 
their operating and market environments. 
Each business has frameworks in place for 
identifying principal risks and opportunities 
appropriate to that business, including 
climate-related risks. Each business’s 
executive management team regularly 
reviews the significant climate-related 
issues, risks and opportunities related to 

their business. These reviews consider the 
level of climate-related risk that the business 
is prepared to take in pursuit of its business 
strategy and the effectiveness of 
management controls in place to mitigate 
climate-related risk. In 2020, each of the 
businesses carried out a climate change risk 
assessment, covering 88%(1) of the Group’s 
operations in total. Any identified material 
risks are discussed with the Melrose senior 
management team and escalated to the 
Board where necessary.

With Melrose support, each business invests 
in and implements appropriate systems and 
processes to manage their impact on the 
environment, and continually reviews these in 
line with evolving best practices. At the end of 
2020, 131 (81%) sites across our businesses 
were certified to ISO 14001 standard, and 26 
sites (16%) had achieved ISO 50001 
certification, in recognition of the businesses’ 
strong focus on ensuring an efficient and 
sustainable use and management of energy. 

Melrose’s position 
on climate change

Improving operational efficiency is a key 
factor that shapes the long-term 
profitability and sustainability of our 
businesses and contributes to their 
compliance with increasing environmental 
standards and regulation. Our ambition is 
to achieve net zero GHG emissions in our 
Group’s operations by 2050 in line with the 
UK Government’s target, in order to 
achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. 
As part of our evolving sustainability 
strategy, we aim to identify and implement 
relevant Group level targets to ensure we 
meet this goal. 

The Group recognises the serious threat 
posed by climate change and the urgent 
need for meaningful action. We invest in 
and encourage our businesses to improve 
their operations and market offerings to 
minimise their impact on climate change 
and make them less vulnerable to 
climate-related risks, while safeguarding 
their long-term commercial success. 

We are believers in industry, and in the 
potential of industry, to help solve society’s 
most pressing needs. We buy high-quality 
but underperforming industrial businesses, 
with established positions in their markets. 

Compliance to the standards is ensured by 
independent auditing. For example, in GKN 
Automotive, a full re-certification audit is 
carried out every three years for all sites by 
the external certification body SGS. 

No material environmental fines or penalties 
were issued against any of the businesses in 
2020 or in the previous four years. 

We and our businesses strive to be open and 
transparent in our actions. In 2021, we will 
submit our environmental performance data 
to the CDP for the first time. This data will be 
publicly accessible through the CDP website 
at www.cdp.net.

(1)  Data has been collected from 96% (by sites) of the Group.

69

Inherent in the nature of the manufacturing 
businesses that we acquire is that they 
often operate in the industries that are 
some of the hardest to decarbonise. By 
investing heavily in research and 
development, we enable our businesses to 
develop and provide the innovative and 
cost-effective solutions that their customers 
need to help tackle underlying causes of 
climate change.

Melrose sets a positive example and 
enables and empowers its businesses to 
follow its lead. Although the central Melrose 
carbon footprint is relatively limited, we 
offset the emissions that we generate. The 
Melrose corporate offices have attained the 
CarbonNeutral® company certification for 
2019, 2020 and 2021 through a 
combination of internal energy efficiency 
initiatives and financing high-quality, 
high-impact emissions reduction projects in 
accordance with The CarbonNeutral 
Protocol(1). The Melrose corporate office in 
the US has also achieved the HinesGo 
(Green Office) designation in recognition of 
its sustainability practices and energy 
efficiency performance, among other 
environmental and wellbeing criteria. 

(1)  Source: https://carbonneutral.com/the-carbonneutral-

protocol.

Environmental 
reporting

This section of the report covers all entities 
over which the Group had financial 
control for a period of at least one year as 
at 31 December 2020. Emissions from 
entities acquired or disposed of during the 
reporting period (i.e. disposed of before 
31 December 2020 or acquired on or 
after 1 January 2020) are not accounted 
for in this section. 

Given that the Melrose business model 
is to buy, improve and sell businesses 
over a three to five-year time frame, the 
consolidated Group emissions data 
contained in this report can often show 
significant year-on-year changes, 
which may not reflect the underlying 
performance of each individual 
business in the Group.

In 2020, the Group achieved reductions 
in total energy and water consumption, 
waste generation, and Scope 1 and 
Scope 2 GHG emissions. The Group’s 
activities were partially affected by  
the pandemic, which resulted in  
some temporary site closures. 

However, as our businesses maintained 
the required site operations to ensure 
recommencement of production once 
restrictions were lifted, the reductions 
are not expected to be solely attributed 
to the pandemic as our businesses 
also continued to implement climate-
related initiatives throughout 2020. It is 
hoped that these and future activities 
will support a long-term trend in energy 
and emissions reductions.

The Group’s chosen intensity ratio is 
emissions reported above normalised 
tonnes, MwH, or m3 per £1,000 of 
turnover, which we believe remains  
the most appropriate intensity ratio  
for Melrose given our business model 
and structure. Although emissions 
decreased in 2020, total Group 
revenues decreased at a greater rate 
than emissions reduced, which caused 
an increase in the intensity ratios. This is 
a reflection of the prolonged reduction 
in demand due to the pandemic, while 
sites continued to operate.

This section has been prepared for the reporting period of 1 January 2020 to 31 December 
2020, and in accordance with the principles and requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, 
Revised Edition, ISO 14064 Part 1 and the Environmental Reporting Guidelines, including the 
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting guidance dated March 2020. The Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol standard covers the accounting and reporting of seven greenhouse gases covered by 
the Kyoto Protocol.

We have reported on all of the emission sources required under the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013 and under the UK’s Streamlined 
Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements. All material emissions from within the 
organisational and operational scope and boundaries of the Group are reported.

These sources fall within our consolidated financial statements. We do not have responsibility for 
any emission sources that are not included in our consolidated financial statements. We have 
used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition), and 
data has been gathered in accordance with our GHG reporting procedure. The emission factors 
from the UK Government’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2020 (DEFRA 
factors) have been used to calculate the GHG emission figures together with IEA country-specific 
factors for the associated overseas electricity usage.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202070

Sustainability report 
Continued

71

Table 3 shows the energy consumption by type for the Group, broken down by UK and overseas consumption, in accordance with the 
requirements of the SECR regulations. The Company’s chosen intensity ratio in this regard is megawatts usage (MWh) per £1,000 of turnover. 
The scope of this disclosure has also been expanded for 2020 by including a more detailed breakdown of the various energy types.

Table 3: Melrose Group energy consumption by type for the period 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020 (MWh unless stated)

Energy type 

Natural gas

LPG 

Gas oil

Fuel oil

Diesel

Petrol (gasoline)

Steam

Wood pellets

2020

Global  

2019

Global  

UK

(excl UK)

Total

UK

(excl UK)

Total

Energy (MWh)

52,132

809,336

861,468

121,350

962,039

1,083,389

317

37,716

38,033

0

0

261

13

0

0

5,669

9,189

6,809

667

21,713

18,819

5,669

9,189

7,070

680

21,713

18,819

320

0

0

904

39

0

0

50,221

8,533

21,538

12,024

2,177

30,253

19,383

50,541

8,533

21,538

12,928

2,216

30,253

19,383

Total non-renewable fuels consumption

52,723

909,918

962,641

122,613

1,106,168

1,228,781

Total renewable electricity consumption

0

8,052

8,052

274

6,021

6,295

Total non-renewable electricity consumption

75,549

1,864,732

1,940,281

108,459

2,055,094

2,163,553

Total electricity consumption

75,549

1,872,784

1,948,333

108,733

2,061,115

2,169,848

Total operational energy consumption

128,272

2,782,702

2,910,974

231,346

3,167,283

3,398,629

Change
(Total)

-20%

-25%

-34%

-57%

-45%

-69%

-28%

-3%

-22%

28%

-10%

-10%

-14%

Company’s chosen intensity measurement:
MWh per £1,000 turnover(1)

0.015

0.318

0.332

0.021

0.283

0.304

9%

(1) The turnover figure used does not include any share of revenues from entities in which the Group holds an interest of 50% or less.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Table 1 shows the GHG emissions for the Group, broken down by Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

Table 1: Total Melrose Group GHG emissions for the period 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020  
(tonnes CO2e(1) unless stated):

Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions

Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities(6)

Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions

UK electricity

Overseas electricity

Total purchased electricity

Other purchased energy

Total Scope 2 (7)

Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions

2020(2)

2019(3)

2018(4)

 Change 
(2020/2019)(5)

184,874

223,847

23,261

-17%

17,614

26,909

1,718

711,898

774,569

29,592

729,512

801,478

2,045

3,165

731,557

804,643

31,310

1,801

33,111

916,431 1,028,490

56,372

-35%

-8%

-9%

-35%

-9%

-11%

Company’s chosen intensity measurement:  
Emissions reported above normalised tonnes per £1,000 turnover (8)

0.105

0.092

0.030

+14%

(1)  CO2e – carbon dioxide equivalent, this figure includes GHGs in addition to carbon dioxide, as set out in Table 2 below. 
(2)  The 2020 emissions data does not include GKN Wheels & Structures as it was sold part way through that year. The emissions from this business fall below our materiality threshold.
(3)  The 2019 emissions data does not include the Walterscheid Powertrain Group as it was sold part way through that year.
(4)  The 2018 emissions data does not include the GKN business units as they were acquired part way through that year.
(5)  The percentage change is relative to the base year of 2019, the first full reporting year that GKN Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy were part of the Group. 
(6)  Our Scope 1 figures include emissions from fuel used on premises, transport emissions from owned or controlled vehicles, losses of refrigerant, and process and fugitive emission. 
(7)  Our Scope 2 figures include emissions from electricity and heat purchased by the Group’s businesses. Scope 2 emissions, and total GHG emissions, are calculated using the 

location-based method. 

(8)  The turnover figure used to calculate the intensity ratio does not include any share of revenues from entities in which the Group holds an interest of 50% or less.

For 2020 we have expanded our disclosure to describe the types of gases included within our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 
disclosure provided in Table 1. Table 2 shows a breakdown of the Group’s GHG emissions by type and by where those emissions 
were incurred. Our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions encompass methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and 
tetrafluoroethane (R134a). The vast majority of our emissions are from carbon dioxide (CO2), which is common among most 
industrial businesses. 2020 will be our base year for these calculations.

Table 2: Melrose Group GHG emissions by type (CO2e) for the period 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020  
(tonnes CO2e(1) unless stated)

Scope 1(1)

CO2
CH4
N2O
SF6
R134a

Total Scope 1 CO2e
Scope 2(2)

CO2
CH4
N2O

Total Scope 2 CO2e

Global 
 (excl UK)

UK

Total

9,700

172,514

182,214

13

6

2,075

0

227

137

741

59

240

143

2,816

59

11,794

173,678

185,472

17,455

708,809

726,264

54

104

466

2,624

520

2,728

17,613

711,899

729,512

(1)  Our Scope 1 figures include emissions from fuel used on premises, transport emissions from owned or controlled vehicles, losses of refrigerant, and process and fugitive emission. 
(2)  Our Scope 2 figures include emissions from electricity and heat purchased by the Group’s businesses. Scope 2 emissions, and total GHG emissions, are calculated using the 

location-based method. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

Sustainability Report 
Continued

73

Water consumption
We encourage our businesses to reduce 
water consumption through implementing 
measures to lessen water use throughout 
the production process. Our businesses 
continue to make encouraging steps 
towards reducing their water use, including:

•  GKN Automotive tracking water usage 

and waste generation as part of its 
product Life Cycle Assessment. 

•  GKN Powder Metallurgy is in the 
process of defining KPIs for water 
management performance along with 
annual improvement targets, as it 
recognises that water management 
performance is one of the business’s  
key environmental challenges.

Water consumption data is presented in 
Table 4, showing a 7% decrease compared 
with 2019. We expect this was partially 
driven by temporary site shutdowns caused 
by the pandemic.

Waste management
Our businesses are actively encouraged to 
reduce the amount of waste they generate 
and to divert waste from landfill. An 
example of a business-specific initiative  
to reduce waste includes the continued 
expansion of Nortek Global HVAC’s 
recycling programme, which has reduced 
the amount of waste sent to landfill by 25% 
from 4,530 tonnes in 2019 to 3,425 tonnes 
in 2020. Key recycling initiatives include its 
cardboard recycling programme with 1,200 
tonnes recycled in 2020 (2019: 253 tonnes) 
and a new paper recycling programme 
with 11 tonnes recycled in 2020.

Table 5 shows the waste generation data 
for the Group in 2020, showing an overall 
decrease in the total waste generated, as 
well as the weight of both the non-hazardous 
and hazardous waste produced by the 
Group’s businesses. Similar to the water 
consumption data reported below, we 
expect this was partially driven by temporary 
site shutdowns caused by the pandemic. 

Table 4: Melrose Group water consumption data for the period 1 January 2020 –  
31 December 2020(1) 

Freshwater water consumption in operation (m3)

3,880,393

4,165,220

Company’s chosen intensity ratio:
m3 per £1,000 turnover(2)

0.443

0.380

-7%

17%

2020

2019

Change

(1)  Water consumption data was collected from 147 sites (93%) across the Group’s businesses, up from 129 sites (80%) in 2019. 

Although a small number of sites did not record their water consumption, to give an indication as to size, these sites accounted 
for less than 3% of the Group’s total GHG emissions in 2020, and so these omissions are not material.

(2)  The turnover figure used does not include any share of revenues from entities in which the Group holds an interest of 50% or less.

Table 5: Melrose Group waste generation data for the period 1 January 2020 –  
31 December 2020(1) 

Weight of total non-hazardous waste (tonnes)

Weight of total hazardous waste (tonnes)

Total waste generated (tonnes)

Breakdown:

- Total recycled (tonnes)

- Total incineration (tonnes)

- Total landfill (tonnes)

2020

2019

Change

139,388

192,869

11,087

13,983

150,475

206,852

121,912

176,463

9,103

15,601

-(2)

8,248

-28%

-21%

-27%

-31%

-

+89%(3)

-  Hazardous waste disposed through legally approved treatment 

routes (tonnes)(4)

3,859

-(2)

-

(1)  Waste generation data was collected from 136 sites (86%) across the Group in 2020, up from 126 (78%) sites in 2019. 

Although a small number of sites did not record their waste generation, to give an indication as to size, these sites accounted 
for less than 3% of the Group’s total GHG emissions in 2020, and so these omissions are not material. 

(2) “Total incineration” and “Hazardous waste disposed through legally approved treatment routes” were reported for the first time 
in these categories in 2020 and therefore no prior year comparison is available. Hazardous waste was reported more generally 
in 2019, but for 2020 we have the data to provide a detailed breakdown as between the different categories of total waste 
generated, and feel this provides better disclosure.

(3) Total landfill for 2020 accounted for 10% of total waste generated, and the year-on-year increase was largely driven by a 

change in the sites included in the data coverage for 2020 compared to 2019. Some of the sites that reported for the first time 
in 2020 mainly send their waste to landfill, as well as some GKN Automotive sites showing an increase in landfill in 2020. We 
will look to achieve reductions in this area during 2021. 

(4) This figure was calculated on the basis of the guidance published by the EU (see source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/

legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02000D0532-20150601), which includes waste from physical and chemical processing 
of metals that are hazardous to humans and wildlife, oil spills and waste materials containing oil, wastes containing mercury 
and heavy metals, waste paint, varnish and coatings containing organic solvents and other hazardous substances.

Environmental 
stewardship

As part of their improvement plans, our 
businesses seek to reduce their energy 
usage and GHG emissions within their 
operations through more efficient use of 
electricity, fuel and heat, by increasing the 
proportion of renewable energy where 
commercially viable, and by implementing 
other climate-positive actions such as 
sustainable transport initiatives for 
employees. The businesses take an 
appropriately tailored approach to 
implementing climate-related initiatives  
that are most relevant and impactful to 
improving their business activities and 
requirements, and their operational and 
market environments. Each business is  
at a different stage in their climate strategy 
depending on their maturity in this area. 

Notable examples of climate-related initiatives 
and activities in 2020 include: 

•  GKN Aerospace’s decision to move  
to full ‘green’ electricity use generated 
through renewable energy in the 
Netherlands, with an estimated saving  
of 12,200 metric tonnes of CO2 annually 
from 2021. In addition, the Trollhättan  
site in Sweden, which consumes over  
50 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity 
annually and is GKN Aerospace’s largest 
site in Europe, began purchasing 
renewable energy from its local 
hydropower plant. 

•  Approximately 45,000 square metres  
of efficient LED lighting being installed  
at certain GKN Aerospace facilities in the 
US and Mexico, saving approximately 
800,000 kWh per year in 2020. 

•  Continued promotion by GKN Aerospace 

(since 2017) of electric vehicle 
transportation for its employees. It has 
installed 26 dual point and 17 single point 
electric vehicle charging stations across 
eight of its facilities and shares five 
stations at a multi-tenant location for  
a total vehicle charging capacity of  
74 vehicles per hour.

•  GKN Automotive’s European sites 

continue to drive energy efficiencies and 
cost savings with ongoing projects relating 
to LED lighting installation, improved 
building insulation, and investment in 
energy-efficient equipment including air 
conditioning and heating systems. Notable 
examples in 2020 include the installation of 
a roof top solar system at the Pune, India 
site with anticipated annual energy savings 
of 1,000,000 kWh, and at the Köping, 
Sweden site, where 100% of heating is 
now provided by district heating which  
is generated from industrial waste heat, 
waste incineration and biofuels.

•  Investment in energy-efficient equipment 
by GKN Powder Metallurgy, with a 
strong focus given to replacing old and 
less efficient equipment with LED lighting, 
compressed air generators, motors and 
motor convertors.

•  Nortek Global HVAC provides a bus 

system for employees to use to and from 
work at their sites in Mexico. This has 
eliminated more than 700 vehicle trips per 
day and their associated emissions.

In addition to the business-specific examples, 
the Group as a whole spent £304,579(1) on 
LED lighting retrofits in 2020.

(1)  Data has been collected from 53% (by revenue) of the Group.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
74

Sustainability Report 
Continued

Health  
and Safety

UN SDG

Our Sustainability Principle

Our Key Sustainability actions

Prioritise and nurture  
the wellbeing and skills 
development of employees  
and the communities that  
they are part of

Stop all preventable accidents for employees and 
contractors.
Promote safe behaviours and monitor unsafe 
behaviours encouraging an enhanced focus on 
hazard identification and awareness.

Group Health and Safety Management Framework

Board 
Supported by the Melrose  
senior management team

Quarterly external health and 
safety audit reports produced 
by the Group insurance broker

Quarterly health and safety 
performance reporting against 
Group KPIs, and regular reporting 
of serious or material accidents

External assurance

Business Unit  
executive management teams

External health and safety 
audit reviews conducted by 
the Group insurance broker

Regular health 
and safety 
performance 
reporting

Implement, monitor and maintain 
high standards of health and 
safety awareness, appropriate 
protective measures, and 
systems, controls, training and 
protocols to drive high health and 
safety performance, with a view to 
eliminating preventable accidents

Site Health and Safety teams

Safety first

We require our businesses to prioritise the 
health and safety of employees and 
contractors. We are committed to setting high 
standards and have effective policies, 
procedures and training in place to support 
the health, safety and wellbeing of all 
employees and contractors across the 
Group. We recognise the increasing 
importance of taking a holistic approach to 
employee wellness, to protect their physical 
and mental health and social wellbeing, and 
to foster a positive workplace culture that 
attracts and retains a highly skilled workforce. 
We are committed to ensuring that our 
employees are safe, and we drive our 
businesses to safeguard employee health 
and wellbeing across the Group. 

The Group has a decentralised business 
model, employing 51,785 people globally 
(as at 31 December 2020) across Melrose 
and its eight businesses. In addition to the 
Group-level expectations for health and safety 
standards, each business is ultimately 
responsible for creating and maintaining their 
own safe and healthy workplaces, 
implementing operational best practices, and 
maintaining a robust culture of health and 
safety awareness, training and performance. 
This is delivered through the Group health 
and safety management framework.

75

We recognise the importance  
of taking a holistic approach to 
employee wellness, to protect their 
physical and mental health and 
social wellbeing, and to foster a 
positive workplace culture that 
attracts and retains a highly  
skilled workforce.

Health and safety management systems are implemented 
across all of our businesses to ensure that robust policies 
and procedures are in place to reduce risk and instil an 
enhanced focus on continuous improvement. Health and 
safety management systems are supported by internal 
health and safety effectiveness audits, external assurance 
reviews conducted by the Group’s insurance brokers, 
with regular oversight and challenge by the Melrose senior 
management team.

As at 31 December 2020, 75%(1) of sites within the Group 
were certified to ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001 
(Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) 
international standards, with additional relevant sites 
progressing towards ISO accreditation. Across the GKN 
businesses, 100% of sites in GKN Automotive and GKN 
Powder Metallurgy, and 60% of sites in GKN Aerospace 
are certified to ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001 standard. To 
maintain accreditation, third-party auditing is undertaken 
within a three-year certification cycle, with annual 
surveillance audits taking place in between to ensure 
standards are being maintained. 

ISO 45001 was introduced in 2018 as the definitive global 
health and safety standard, replacing OHSAS 18001. A 
three-year migration period, due to end in March 2021, 
was extended to 11 September 2021 due to COVID-19. 
For those sites currently under the OHSAS 18001 
standard, programmes are on track to migrate to ISO 
45001 by September 2021.

(1)  Data has been collected from 99% (by sites) of the Group.

Response  
to COVID-19

Melrose and its businesses took rapid and decisive action 
in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The 
many actions that were implemented across the 
businesses to keep our employees safe include the 
establishment of COVID-19 task forces and steering 
committees, which have been assigned responsibility for 
assessing and managing risks and ensuring clear 
communication to key stakeholders about the pandemic, 
and delivery of COVID-19 related safety training covering 
issues such as PPE, social distancing, and hand washing. 
Other measures included: 

•  global coordination of PPE, including supplies being 

shared across the businesses, and enhanced 
procurement of PPE to meet immediate and  
ongoing requirements;

•  enhanced workplace cleaning and disinfecting 

protocols;

•  working from home where duties could continue to 

be performed effectively;

•  policies and procedures to assist in the identification 
of workers who had contracted the virus, to ensure 
they were instructed to stay at home;

•  engineering and administrative protocols for social 

distancing;

•  additional physical barriers introduced where 

necessary in factories and offices;

•  increased provision of sanitising stations;

•  regular PCR testing at high-risk sites; and

•  return to work protocols, including management of 

processes to enable distancing and guidelines issued 
to employees on safe working.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202076

Sustainability Report 
Continued

77

Employees across the Group’s businesses 
received health and safety training in 2020.

89%

All employees within the GKN businesses 
have access to the online thinkSAFE! training 
portal and must complete at least one 
module per quarter. Over 90% compliance 
was seen in 2020, and the Group will 
continue to build on this and seek to increase 
this further. Training modules in 2020 
included eight related to COVID-19 including 
coronavirus control measures, working from 
home fundamentals, and work-related stress.

Our businesses carry out technical health 
and safety training related to specific 
business activities. For example, Nortek 
Global HVAC provides training to staff on 
topics such as Control of Hazardous 
Substances, Chemical Exposure Control, 
Respiratory Protection, and Ergonomics.

(1)  Data has been collected from 98% (by headcount) of the Group.

Health and 
safety training

Health and safety training is a prerequisite to 
achieving our ‘zero preventable accidents’ 
goal, with all employees receiving training on 
a regular basis. Awareness of health and 
safety issues and the Group’s policy on health 
and safety is included in induction training for 
all new joiners across the Group. 45,144(1) 
(89%) employees across the Group’s 
businesses received health and safety 
training in 2020.

Safety 
performance

We are focused on cultivating a strong 
safety culture within our businesses 
through emphasising the importance of 
preventing avoidable incidents and 
implementing near miss reporting, which 
encourages an enhanced focus on hazard 
identification and awareness. Behaviour-
based programmes and continuous 
training and awareness campaigns remain 
central to the approach of all divisions in 
improving their safety performance. 

No fatalities were recorded across 
employees and contractors in the Group 
during 2020. To support the Group’s 
overarching goal of stopping all 
preventable accidents for employees and 
contractors, the businesses have set 
enhanced targets for reducing injuries and 
occupational illness in the workplace, 
which include:

Business

Target

Areas of focus

GKN 
Aerospace

•  Reduce lost time accident 
(LTA) rate by 10% per 
year.

•  Reduce total injury rate by 

10% per year.

GKN 
Automotive

•  Reduce LTA rate by 20% 

per year.

GKN Powder 
Metallurgy

•  Reduce accident 

frequency rate by 10% 
per year.

•  Reduce accident severity 
rate by 10% per year.

•  Reduce serious injury rate 

by 10% per year.

•  Reduce total recordable 
accident rate by 26% by 
2023.

AQH

Ergotron

•  Medium-term (2-5 years) 
goal to achieve zero 
injuries and occupational 
illnesses.

In 2021, four new health and safety awareness topics 
(one per quarter) will be added to the thinkSAFE! and 
thinkGREEN! online training portals, with a goal of 
achieving an attendance level 5 score, equivalent to 
over 91% completion by employees. The division’s 
long-term goal is zero injuries. 

GKN Automotive is focusing on reducing behavioural- 
related incidents and ensuring the right safety 
competencies are in place at all levels.

GKN Powder Metallurgy has implemented a 
programme of internal audits, corrective action, and 
root cause elimination. There is a focus on prevention, 
rather than detection, which is delivered through a 
culture of performance monitoring.

At site level, action-based goals are in place to drive 
hazard identification and employee engagement. 
In 2021, the business will implement a Safety 
Management System Evaluation that will provide a 
numerical score that correlates with a maturity rating. 
This data will enable AQH to set further quantitative 
targets in the future.

Ergotron has set ambitious goals across the short and 
medium term. The business is closely tracking near 
misses in order to proactively reduce safety incidents.

Case study
Nortek Global HVAC’s 
“Accept Only Zero” initiative

The health and safety of our employees is a core strategic priority 
for the Group. Nortek Global HVAC has implemented an “Accept 
Only Zero” strategy with respect to health and safety incidents. In 
2020, Nortek Global HVAC’s proactive approach to safety resulted 
in 14,474 Behaviour Based Safety Observations (with feedback), 
939 Site Leader Safety Gemba Walks, 6,897 Supervisor weekly 
inspections, 631 Near Misses reported, 1,108 Job Safety Analysis 
and Personal Protective Equipment assessments, and 1,454 
LOTO/Machine Guarding assessments. 

By focusing on leading indicators rather than the traditional lag 
indicators, the business has seen the number of injuries incurred 
at its sites decrease by 62% since 2018, and employees have 
become more engaged across all levels of the business in 
ensuring that health and safety best practices are adhered to.

At a Group level, three key health and safety KPIs are measured. 
Weightings are applied to their respective reported health and safety 
performance according to the size of each business’s workforce 
relative to the other businesses in the Group. 

Major accident frequency rate 
Records the average number of lost time accidents that have 
resulted in more than three days off work (defined as ‘major’ 
accidents), per 200,000 hours worked.

‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

 0.38

 0.50

 0.21

 0.19

Accident frequency rate 
Records the average number of lost time accidents, both major and 
minor, per 200,000 hours worked.

‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

 0.70

 0.47

 0.43

 0.30

Accident severity rate 
Records the average number of days an employee takes off work 
following an accident at work.

‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

 14.15

 22.08

 18.97

 20.39

Employee 
wellbeing 

The Group recognises the increasing importance 
of taking a holistic approach to employee wellness 
by protecting physical health, mental health and 
social wellbeing. This helps to foster a positive 
workplace, and to attract and retain a highly skilled 
workforce. In line with our wider Group health and 
safety framework, employee wellbeing 
programmes are implemented at a business level 
to ensure they are relevant to each business and 
most impactful. For example:

GKN Aerospace’s Mental Health & Wellbeing 
Committee shares best practice in supporting 
employees with mental health and wellbeing 
initiatives in each region. GKN Aerospace has also 
produced a Think Health e-brochure, highlighting 
areas such as self-care and providing information 
on support resources available to employees. 

GKN Automotive has introduced localised 
Employee Assistance Programmes which provide 
employees with access to counselling and 
support. There are a range of other health and 
wellbeing initiatives, including those focused on 
diet and lifestyle. For example, the GKN 
Automotive US healthcare scheme provides a 
discount to non-smokers to encourage smokers 
to quit, and support is also provided to enable 
them to do so.

Nortek Global HVAC offers a range of health 
and wellness benefits and support to its 
employees including access to an Employee 
Assistance Programme that provides counselling, 
mental health, financial and wellness support and 
a monthly wellness newsletter. Employees also 
benefit from discounted gym memberships.

Brush holds annual health and wellbeing days 
with the objective of raising awareness and 
promoting a healthy working environment with a 
view to enhancing productivity, individual 
performance and attendance.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202078

Sustainability Report 
Continued

79

In 2019, Melrose established a Group 
workforce advisory panel (“WAP”) to enable 
key views of the workforce to be heard and 
considered by our businesses’ executive 
teams where they can have maximum 
impact. The WAP reports to the Board 
annually to provide visibility and oversight 
of key workforce views and also to  
ensure that the WAP and its underlying 
engagement processes are operating 
effectively for each business.

The WAP is chaired by a member of the 
Melrose Executive Committee and 
comprises the Chief Human Resources 
Officer (or equivalent) from each business. 
Each member of the WAP is responsible  
for promoting workforce engagement, 
disseminating information, collating the 
voice of their workforce through workforce 
engagement and demonstrating how that 
voice is fed into executive management 
decisions. The WAP played a key role in 
2020 in allowing the businesses to share 
best practices and resources on how to 
engage with employees on COVID-19 and 
to prepare them for returning to work where 
national lockdowns had been enforced  
and then lifted. The feedback received from 
the WAP is discussed at Board meetings 
along with the whistleblowing report (see 
page 86 for further details on the Group 
whistleblowing policy). 

Melrose requires all of its businesses to 
safeguard the contractual and statutory 
employment rights of their respective 
employees. Each business is also 
encouraged to maintain constructive 
relationships with employee representative 
bodies, including unions and works councils. 
We respect the rights of workers across all 
businesses to participate in collective 
bargaining and freedom of association. 
Workers, without distinction, have the right to 
join or form trade unions of their own choosing 
and to bargain collectively in relation to a host 
of employee related matters. Workers’ 
representatives are not discriminated against 
and have access to carry out their 
representative functions in the workplace.  
In 2020, 20,539(1) (40%) of our employees 
belonged to a recognised trade union (2019: 
34%; 2018: 31%; 2017: 29%; 2016: 31%).

Group employees as at 31 December 
2020

Permanent full-time employees

Temporary employees

Apprentices

Total

49,668

1,389

728(2) 

51,785

(1)  Data was collected from 99% (by headcount) of the 
Group in 2016, 99% (by headcount) in 2017, 71% (by 
headcount) in 2018, 69% (by headcount) in 2019 and 
99% (by headcount) in 2020.

(2)  Data was collected from 93% (by headcount) of the Group.

The workforce advisory 
panel played a key  
role in 2020 in allowing  
the businesses to share 
best policies and resources 
on how to engage with 
employees on COVID-19.

Employee 
engagement

We recognise the importance of engaging with 
our employees in a meaningful way in order to 
support their development and for us to deliver 
better business performance. We and our 
businesses regularly consult with employees 
across the Group, and this was particularly 
important in 2020 in light of the unprecedented 
disruption and uncertainty caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Each of our businesses 
were highly responsive in addressing 
employee concerns, with increased direct 
communication between the businesses’ 
executive teams and their wider workforces. 
For example, the CEO of GKN Automotive 
held live broadcast events for all employees 
across Europe, APAC and the Americas to 
discuss business performance and employee-
related matters directly with the workforce. 
These events were recorded and uploaded  
to a newly created employee portal which  
also provided a source for executive team  
and local site-based messages. 

Communication was increased with 
representative bodies, with GKN Aerospace 
increasing its contact with its works councils 
and other consultative bodies throughout the 
year. Other tailored methods of engagement 
were adopted by our smaller businesses. For 
example, Ergotron conducted a COVID-19 
employee engagement survey to better 
understand productivity in the home 
workspace, engagement preferences, 
messaging around COVID-19 and overall 
wellbeing. Feedback from the survey was 
taken on board with the aim of improving 
employee wellbeing.

Our People

UN SDG

Our Sustainability Principle

Our Key Sustainability actions

Promote diversity and prioritise 
and nurture the wellbeing and 
skills development of employees 
and the communities that they 
are part of

We seek to create better-funded pension schemes 
with more prudent targets under our stewardship.
Melrose has achieved the 2021 Parker Review 
target of having one director from an ethnic 
minority on its Board.
Melrose is committed to achieving the Hampton-
Alexander Review target in 2021 of having 33% 
female representation on its Board and has 
already achieved the Hampton-Alexander Review 
target of having at least 33% female representation 
within its Executive Committee and direct reports.
Melrose is committed to investing £10 million over 
five years through the Melrose Skills Fund in order 
to help build the UK’s industrial base.
Our “Buy, Improve, Sell” business model improves 
financial performance, which in turn contributes to 
the economic development of the communities in 
which our businesses operate.

The Melrose Code of Ethics reinforces  
our sustainability principles, and provides 
employees with clear guidance as to how 
the Board expects them to conduct 
business, and the consequences of 
non-compliance. The Melrose Code of 
Ethics outlines the policies and procedures 
in place to drive best practice and to 
promote diversity and inclusion at all levels.

A great place to work 
For our businesses to perform well and 
exceed their potential, it is important to 
nurture an engaged, capable and 
enthusiastic workforce. We want our 
people to enjoy the work they do, and to 
trust that their safety and wellbeing is our 
priority. We value and champion diversity  
in its broadest sense and drive our 
businesses to create working environments 
that encourage and nurture employees to 
grow, develop and act with integrity. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Strategic ReportMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202080

Sustainability Report 
Continued

81

Reward and 
recognition

Our businesses have policies in place on recruitment, 
talent development and succession planning, supported 
by training programmes and effective management. 
Opportunities exist across all the businesses for 
employees to discuss career development with their 
direct managers, and each business encourages internal 
applications for open positions. In 2020, 25% of open 
positions were filled by internal candidates(1).

Open positions filled by 
internal candidates

Overall voluntary attrition

2020

2019

2018

2017

25%

10%

31%

10%

15%

25%

20%

21%

Performance evaluations are undertaken across our 
businesses, with 49%(2) of employees having received a 
performance appraisal in 2019 (2018: 51%). At the time of 
this report, performance evaluations for 2020 were 
ongoing. Annual salary reviews are aligned with 
performance evaluations to ensure employees are paid 
fairly and correctly for the position they hold. In 
compliance with all applicable local laws relating to the 
provision of pensions, 44,878 (87%) of the Group’s 
employees benefit from being a member of a company-
based pension scheme. Other forms of workplace 
recognition are also in place. For example, GKN 
Aerospace hosts annual excellence awards, with awards 
given to employees who have contributed to decision-
making and the direction of the business at a divisional 
and/or site level.

In Focus
Pensions

With every acquisition, Melrose seeks to 
strengthen pension scheme arrangements 
for the benefit of employees and retirees. 
Since its establishment in 2003, Melrose 
has contributed £704 million to the pension 
schemes of its businesses. We take pride in 
having substantially improved all the UK 
pension schemes under our ownership, 
with many of them becoming fully funded 
on departure from the Group. For example, 
under Melrose ownership the McKechnie 
UK pension scheme was improved from 
58% funded at acquisition to more than 
fully funded upon leaving the Group, and 
the FKI UK pension scheme was improved 
from 87% to fully funded upon its departure 
from the Group. Both of those schemes 
were sold into Honeywell International Inc., 
a US-listed group with the financial 
covenant strength expected of a market 
capitalisation exceeding $140bn. For further 
details, please refer to page 6. 

Our focus on strengthening pension schemes 
begins from when we acquire a new 
business, and the GKN pension schemes are 
the latest example of this. The GKN UK 
defined benefit pension schemes had been 
chronically underfunded and we were 
proactive, transparent and constructive in 
agreeing commitments with pension trustees 
during the acquisition of GKN. Prior to 
acquiring GKN, we committed to providing up 
to £1 billion of funding contributions, doubling 
annual contributions to £60 million, and 
providing £150 million of upfront contributions. 
In our short period of ownership, we have met 
our commitments and have significantly 
strengthened the pension schemes and cut 
the accounting deficit on the GKN UK defined 
benefit pension schemes by over 80% since 
just before acquisition. 

Our model for ensuring the long-term 
prosperity of our businesses’ pensions 
schemes is founded on the following principles:

•  Improve funding targets to ensure 

improved financial health for the long-term 
sustainability of our businesses’ pension 
schemes.

•  Increase funding levels to begin an 

enhanced level of immediate support 
during our period of stewardship. 
•  Provide better structural and financial 
security to our businesses’ pension 
schemes during our ownership.

•  Insist on independent chairs to govern our 

businesses’ pension schemes in 
accordance with governance best practice.

Securing our employees’ and retirees’ 
futures through responsible stewardship of their 
pensions is of strategic importance to the Board.

For further information on Melrose’s 
engagement with pension scheme trustees and 
our investment in transforming the UK defined 
benefit pension schemes of our businesses, 
please refer to page 5.

(1)  Data was collected from 82% (by headcount) of the Group in 2017, 96% (by headcount) in 2018, 66% (by headcount) in 2019 and 66% (by headcount) in 2020.
(2)  Data was collected from 96% (by headcount) of the Group in 2018 and 97% (by headcount) in 2019.

Diversity and 
inclusion

We prioritise creating and maintaining a 
diverse, inclusive and safe environment 
within our businesses. We recognise the 
importance of diversity in building a 
high-calibre workforce, and we are 
committed to championing diversity in the 
broadest sense, be that along geographical, 
cultural or personal lines, encompassing 
gender, race, ethnicity, country of origin, 
nationality, colour, social and cultural 
background, religion, family responsibilities 
(including pregnancy), sexual orientation, 
age and disability. We are actively engaged 
in finding ways to increase diversity across 
the Group, and the sectors in which our 
businesses operate. 

Melrose ensures that entry into, and 
progression within, the Group is based on 
aptitude and the ability to meet set, fair 
criteria outlined in job descriptions. For any 
employees with a disability, we take steps to 
ensure reasonable adjustments are made 
where required. Melrose is proud to be a 
member of the Business Disability Forum, a 
not-for-profit member organisation that 
works with the business community to 
understand the changes required in the 
workplace for disabled persons to be treated 
fairly, so that they can contribute on an 
equal-opportunity basis to business 
success, to society and to economic growth. 

The Melrose Code of Ethics highlights the 
importance of diversity and inclusion and is 
supported by our diversity policy, which is 
reviewed and approved each year by our 
Nomination Committee. Copies of these 
policies can be found on our website at 
www.melroseplc.net. Further details on 
diversity can also be found in our 
Nomination Committee report on pages 
108 to 109. The Nomination Committee has 
ultimate oversight and responsibility for 
ensuring the diversity policy is adhered to 
and the individual business executive 
management teams are responsible for 
ensuring day-to-day compliance with the 
diversity policy.

Promoting diversity 
at all levels 

Melrose leads its businesses by example, 
starting at Board level. The Board requests 
diverse candidates within shortlists, and 
two of the most important roles on the 
Board, being the Senior Independent 
Director and the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, are held by a woman. Further, 
100% of Director appointments in the past 
three years have been women(1).

As at 31 December 2020, Melrose had 
30% female representation on its Board. 
Melrose had been on track to achieve the 
Hampton-Alexander Review target of 
having 33% female representation on its 
Board by the end of 2020 with the intended 
retirement of Mr David Roper in May 2020. 

However, as a result of the global pandemic, 
the Board and Nomination Committee 
agreed that it was not the appropriate time 
to lose the expertise and experience of one 
of its co-founders. The Board’s decision to 
delay Mr Roper’s retirement was the reason 
that Melrose did not achieve its goal of 33% 
female Board members by the end of last 
year as intended. Melrose is committed to 
achieving the Hampton-Alexander Review 
target in 2021, and in anticipation of Mr 
Roper’s retirement, it has started the 
process of recruiting for a new female 
Non-executive Director. 

Gender diversity within the Melrose Group Board 

Board(1)

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Male

Female

Male

7 (70%)

3 (30%)

7 (70%)

Female

3 (30%)

(1)  Mr Peter Dilnot joined the Board on 1 January 2021, bringing total number of Board members to 11. Mr Roper will retire from 

the Board in May 2021 having delayed his retirement by 12 months due to COVID-19.

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Sustainability Report 
Continued

Melrose also recognises other forms of 
diversity and has achieved the Parker Review 
target of having one Director from an ethnic 
minority background on the Board by the end 
of 2021 following the appointment of Ms 
Funmi Adegoke to the Board in October 2019. 

Diversity is valued below Board level. The 
Melrose Executive Committee, having been 
established in 2020, consists of 35% female 
representation, exceeding the Hampton-
Alexander Review target of 33% female 
representation within executive teams and 
their direct reports. 

Whilst recognising that the Melrose “Buy, 
Improve, Sell” strategy means that we inherit 
the shape of our workforces, our businesses 
are encouraged to promote diversity once 
they have entered the Melrose Group. GKN 
Aerospace has external partnerships to help 
promote diversity with OUTstanding (a 
network which commends LGBT+ executives 
and allies who are not only successful in their 
own careers but also in creating supportive 
workplaces for other LGBT+ people), and 
Where Women Work (an organisation which 
celebrates women’s achievements in the 
workplace while recognising the companies 
that support them).

GKN Aerospace has continued implementing 
the ‘Inspired Women’s Leadership 
Development Programme’ with the 
professional training and coaching 
organisation ‘Forward Ladies’, designed to 
help women in the organisation succeed and 
to encourage women to mentor other female 
colleagues in the business. Furthermore, the 
Black Lives Matter movement, and in 
particular the George Floyd protests, 
accelerated Ergotron’s planned 
implementation of its updated Equality, 
Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Programme and 
EDI all-employee survey. This was accelerated 
following feedback from employees to have 
further education in this area.

Through the Melrose Skills Fund, Melrose is 
working on a project to help improve 
socio-economic and ethnic diversity within 
the engineering sector as a whole. This 
project is being led by Enginuity, a not-for-
profit organisation that leads on several 
initiatives to support the engineering and 
manufacturing sectors, and also involves 
input from Unite the Union. The project is in 
the early stages of development and will 
involve creating an engineering task-
orientated computer game contextualised for 
the aerospace sector with a focus on 
sustainable projects. This will be piloted in 
targeted schools in order to attract young 
people to the engineering industry who may 
not normally apply. The game will provide 
further resources on working in the 
engineering sector, including the skills and 
qualifications that are needed to apply, and 
further information on potential work 
experience opportunities. Melrose is also 
looking to work with Enginuity on a project to 
help upskill older Group employees. This 
project will be developed further in 2021.

Gender pay gap reporting 
The gender pay gap indicates the percentage 
difference in the mean and median base and 
bonus pay between all men and women in 
the workforce. Gender pay gap reporting 
legislation in the UK requires employers with 
250 or more employees to publish information 
every year indicating the pay gap between 
their male and female employees. This 
legislation is currently applicable to four 
companies within the Group, including GKN 
Aerospace Services Limited, which chose to 
voluntarily report in 2020 on its 2019 data 
despite the reporting requirements having 
been suspended due to COVID-19. 

GKN Aerospace Services Limited saw its 
trend in median gender pay gap markedly 
improve in 2019, having reported a median 
gender pay gap of 14.7% (2018: 16.4%). Its 
gender pay gap was materially smaller than 
the UK’s national average median gender pay 
gap (17.4%) and the company also achieved a 
significantly smaller median gender pay gap 
than the industry average for manufacturing 
companies (18.1%) (1).

All of our Group companies that are required 
to report on their 2020 data will do so by the 
October 2021 deadline.

Senior managers 
Melrose is required to report on gender 
diversity at a senior manager level. In 
accordance with section 414C of the 
Companies Act 2006, the definition of senior 
managers is required to include Group 
employees who are directors of Group 
undertakings but excludes the Board of 
Melrose Industries PLC. Melrose does not 
consider that including the employee 
directors of its undertakings provides an 
accurate reflection of the senior management 
at Melrose, nor its executive pipeline. As 
reflected in note 3 to the financial statements, 
Melrose has many undertakings, including 
dormant, non-trading and immaterial 
subsidiaries that we have inherited and do not 
remain in the Group for long. We have 35% 
female representation on our Executive 
Committee which represents a more accurate 
reflection of the senior management team 
and executive pipeline at Melrose. Melrose 
has increased female representation among 
its senior managers under section 414C by 
4 percentage points since 2019. 

Total Group employee gender diversity at 31 December 2020

Total Group employees

Male

Female 

Total 

41,405

10,380

51,785

Male 
(%)

80%

Female 
(%)

20%

Senior Managers diversity at 31 December 2020

Senior managers  
(section 414C of the Companies Act 2006)

Employees in senior management positions

Directors of group undertakings, excluding the above

Total Senior Managers

Male

Female 

Total 

Male 
(%)

Female 
(%)

19

149

168

8

19

27

27

168

195

70%

89%

86%

30%

11%

14%

(1)  Source: Office for National Statistics Gender Pay Gap 

Tables 1.12 and 16.12. 

83

Leadership training is an integral part of 
ensuring the workforce remains engaged 
and innovative, whilst enabling the 
businesses to develop a diverse pipeline of 
successors for key roles and leadership 
positions. The businesses have developed 
their own leadership programmes that are 
most relevant to their employees and 
organisations. However, there are elements 
that are consistent across all businesses. 

Annual talent reviews and regular check-ins 
between managers and employees identify 
individuals who have the ability and aspiration 
to grow into more stretching roles. 
Leadership training programmes are in place 
for high performing employees to support 
their transition from individual contributor to 
first leadership position and beyond. The 
programmes are becoming increasingly 
popular and have received positive feedback. 
GKN Aerospace has identified 174 people as 
potential future participants in their leadership 
programme. Since 2019, 45 people have 
participated in the Future Leaders 
programme and since June 2018, 77 people 
have taken part in the Leaders of Leaders 
programme. Furthermore, 64 employees at 
GKN Automotive have completed leadership 
programmes over the last year. 

GKN Aerospace launched its Lean Learning 
Academy in 2020, with the curriculum 
designed to provide frameworks to improve 
performance and reduce inefficiencies 
using the Lean Six Sigma principles. In 
2020, 853 people were trained, and 698 
achieved certification on Lean capabilities. 
In 2021, the plan is to certify over 3,000 
people at Lean Foundation level, over 750 
people at the Lean Advanced level, over 
500 at the Six Sigma Green Belt level and 
50 at the Six Sigma Black Belt level.

In-person training programmes were largely 
put on hold in 2020 due to COVID-19, 
which caused a decline in both overall 
training hours and spend on training. Online 
training was adapted to focus on 
supporting the remote workforce, with 
modules such as ‘leading remote teams’ 
and ‘driving collaboration remotely’ 
introduced in a number of businesses.  
We expect our businesses to build on their 
flexible delivery programmes to improve 
their training engagement levels in 2021.

Talent and career 
management
Skills development 

Melrose champions talent development and 
recognises the importance of investing in 
human capital. Our businesses are proactive 
in anticipating both short and long-term 
employment needs and skills requirements 
for the long-term success of their business. 
This is central to Melrose’s strategy to boost 
productivity and improve business 
performance. Extensive training opportunities 
are available and promoted to all workers at 
all stages of their careers to ensure that high 
skills levels are cultivated and maintained 
across the Group.

We are committed to promoting employee 
career development and life-long learning. 
Training programmes across the businesses 
start with new-hire onboarding programmes 
to accelerate knowledge and exposure to 
the business’s culture and objectives. 

All employees are encouraged to actively 
engage in their career development and 
a wide range of learning opportunities 
are available throughout their career, 
extending beyond functional skills 
development to personal development 
and leadership opportunities.

Training and development

Average training time per employee (hours) (1)

Average training spend per employee (£) (2)

2020

13 

166

2019

2018

2017

2016

15 

222 

3 

128 

9 

142 

-

152 

– 

Total number of training hours (3) 

338,406

410,638

39,823 

37,951 

Total annual spend on workforce training (£) (4)  8,591,293 12,182,473  1,200,461  1,377,247  300,025 

(1)  Data was collected from 38% (by headcount) of the Group in 2017, 21% (by headcount) in 2018, 25% (by headcount) in 2019 

and 39% (by headcount) in 2020. Data was not available in 2016.

(2)  Data has been collected from 99% (estimate of spend as only AQH Zephyr Pacific location and Melrose head office not 

included) of the Group.

(3)  Data was collected from 38% (by headcount) of the Group in 2017, 21% (by headcount) in 2018, 25% (by headcount) in 2019 

and 39% (by headcount) in 2020. Data was not available in 2016.

(4)  Data has been collected from 99% (estimate of spend as only AQH Zephyr Pacific location and Melrose head office not 

included) of the Group.

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Sustainability Report 
Continued

85

Apprenticeships  
and graduate 
programmes

Apprenticeship programmes assist with 
training a new generation of employees and 
help to ensure that knowledge is retained 
within the businesses. In 2020, 728(1)
apprenticeships were in place across the 
Group’s businesses, of which 96% were 
within the GKN Aerospace, GKN Automotive 
and GKN Powder Metallurgy divisions. 

GKN Aerospace sits on the Aerospace 
Trailblazer Apprenticeship Employer Group 
to help shape future apprenticeships and is 
also an employer partner for the West of 
England Institute of Technology, which 
focuses on advanced engineering and high 
value manufacturing. GKN Aerospace’s 
Filton and Western Approach schools’ 
engagement team have been working on 
activities to recruit more female apprentices 
over the last four years. As a result, within 
the GKN Aerospace Bristol apprenticeship 
programme, 17% of the overall apprentice 
population is now female. In recognition of 
their strong commitment and continuous 
improvement of their apprenticeship 
programmes, GKN Aerospace’s Filton and 
Western Approach UK sites were named 
‘Large Employer of the Year’ for the sixth 
consecutive year, and one of its apprentices 
was awarded ‘Outstanding Apprentice of 
the Year’ in each case in the 2020 Bristol & 
Bath Apprenticeship Awards. 

We also place a strong focus on training  
and developing graduates, with some of the 
Group’s largest businesses including GKN 
Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN 
Powder Metallurgy each running global 
graduate programmes. In September 2019, 
GKN Aerospace launched its graduate 
programme with the first cohort meeting  
in January 2020 for their first development 
week. The programme will continue to 
support global graduates in 2021 through  
its structured development framework, 
preparing some graduates to move into 
leadership or technical roles. GKN 
Aerospace plans for its third global  
cohort to start in September 2021. 

Apprenticeship and graduate programmes 
across the GKN Aerospace, GKN 
Automotive and Brush businesses are 
supported by the Melrose Skills fund,  
which was launched in 2019.

(1)  Data has been collected from 92% (by headcount)  

of the Group.

In Focus
Melrose Skills Fund

The Melrose Skills Fund was launched in 
2019 to provide the financing to develop the 
capabilities required to build the UK’s 
industrial base, and is utilised by our GKN 
Aerospace, GKN Automotive and Brush 
businesses. With a commitment to invest 
£10 million over five years through the 
creation of STEM programmes, 
apprenticeships and degrees to invest in 
manufacturing hubs, digital skills, and 
employee development, Melrose is helping 
to equip the UK with the future skills it 
needs to grow its industrial skillset.

In 2020, GKN Aerospace developed and 
delivered new training and digital learning 
modules to upskill its teams. Foundation 
topics for digital learning modules such as 
Introduction to Jet Engines, Aircraft 
Familiarisation, Geometric Dimensioning 
and Tolerancing received excellent 
feedback from the user community. Almost 
£200,000 was invested on a range of 
training programmes which have so far 
been completed by more than 300 people. 
The Global Technology Centre in Filton has 
established a Learning and Education Hub 
where future training programmes will be 
hosted and active engagement with early 
careers (schools and colleges) will be 
pursued. A number of exciting projects are 
lined up for 2021 to continue to build new 
skills and capabilities in line with new 
technologies such as electrification and 
alternative fuels, and effective use of digital 
technologies to improve efficiency and add 
value to our customers.

GKN Automotive has also continued to 
utilise the Melrose Skills Fund to support  
its UK Innovation Centre in Abingdon, 
Oxfordshire, which focuses on developing 
skills and R&D capability. In 2020, the Skills 
Development Programme at Abingdon saw 
two apprentices complete their L3 
apprenticeship, one apprentice graduate  
to an L6 Levy-Funded degree, and four 
degree students complete their “ABI 
Year-in-Industry” assignment. A number  
of internal staff are also undertaking 
qualifications at the Innovation Centre.  
In addition to qualifications, the Innovation 
Centre has supported several other skills 
development initiatives, including working 
with local secondary schools on STEM 
events, and delivering training to nearly  
100 external individuals to deliver  
the VentilatorChallengeUK (detailed  
further on page 85). 

In 2020, Brush utilised the Melrose Skills 
Fund to enhance internal capabilities and 
support skills development across a range 
of topics including leadership skills, project 
management essentials, and environmental 
impact assessment training. The business 
also supported a range of student 
internships from 12-month placements  
to summer programmes. 

Melrose is also working on a diversity 
project which is supported by the Melrose 
Skills Fund with the aim of increasing 
socio-economic and ethnic diversity within 
the engineering sector. This project is being 
led by Enginuity and involves Unite the 
Union. Further details can be found on  
page 82.

Community 
partnerships

Our businesses promote the social wellbeing 
of employees by encouraging them to actively 
contribute to local charitable and community 
projects, and lead by example through the 
sponsorship of such projects. The Group 
made cash donations to not-for-profit 
charitable organisations(1) in 2020 of £634,221 
(2019: £799,196; 2018: £312,485). The Group 
made cash expenditure to community 
projects(2) in 2020 of £532,613 (2019: 
£229,038, 2018: £113,441).

•  GKN Aerospace and GKN Automotive 

were at the heart of the 
VentilatorChallengeUK consortium of 
manufacturing companies making 
desperately needed medical ventilators 
for NHS hospitals, enabling staff to care 
for patients worst affected by COVID-19. 
Employees worked around the clock at 
no profit to the business and the relevant 
teams delivered more than 13,000 
ventilators, an incredible 12 years’ worth 
of normal production in 14 weeks.

•  Melrose is a proud sponsor of the work 
being conducted at Newcastle University 
on the Human Cell Atlas project. The aim 
of this project is to create a 
comprehensive reference map of all 
human cells for a better understanding of 
human health and diagnosing, monitoring 
and treating disease. 

(1)  Data was collected for 84% (by administration expenses) 
of the Group in 2018, 64% (by administration expenses) in 
2019 and 62% (by administration expenses) in 2020.
(2)  Data was collected for 73% (by administration expenses) 
of the Group in 2018, 65% (by administration expenses) in 
2019 and 100% (by administration expenses) in 2020.

•  GKN Powder Metallurgy supports an 
extensive list of local charitable causes 
and community projects, with employees 
encouraged to volunteer their time and 
expertise. In 2020, the company 
contributed around £180,000 through 
cash donations and community spend. 
•  In August 2020, Nortek Global HVAC 
launched the ‘Nortek Gives’ community 
service initiative, which encourages 
each employee to live out its mission 
statement of Creating a Better 
Tomorrow Every Day by providing one 
community service day each year for 
each employee to give back to the 
communities in which they live, work 
and play. As an example, project 
engineers from the Montreal, Canada 
site led a virtual engineering workshop 
to encourage high school students to 
pursue a career in the field. Students 
were tasked with building beehives to 
help increase the presence of wild bees 
near the crops they pollinate. As would 
be the case in a commercial 
engineering project, students were 
guided on how to overcome financial 
and technical constraints.

In Focus
Filter for Life

Our businesses are focused on giving back 
to their local communities and providing 
volunteer opportunities for employees. A 
great example of this is Nortek Global 
HVAC’s partnership through its Nortek Air 
Solutions division with the charitable 
organisation Center of Family Love (CFL). 

residents an opportunity to develop and 
grow their skillset while making a positive 
impact on their community. Nortek Air 
Solutions has donated equipment, and 
employees have assisted in projects to 
improve workflow and efficiency at the 
FFL facility. 

Nortek Air Solutions provides career 
opportunities to more than 130 adults with 
physical and intellectual disabilities through 
the Filter for Life (FFL) centre in Kingfisher, 
Oklahoma. Residents who work at the FFL 
facility hand make air filters in a variety of 
custom sizes. The programme gives 

Employees have also volunteered in other 
areas of CFL’s campus. This has included 
providing mentoring to residents, cleaning 
up debris after a storm, and designing a 
visiting booth to allow residents to safely visit 
family during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Sustainability Report 
Continued

Ethics and 
compliance

UN SDG

Our Sustainability Principle

Our Key Sustainability actions

Exercise robust governance, risk 
management, and compliance

All employees, suppliers and contractors must 
comply with our Code of Ethics, conducting 
business with integrity and in a responsible,  
ethical and sustainable manner. 

Exercise robust governance,  
risk management, and compliance 

The Code of Ethics, which can be found on 
our website (https://www.melroseplc.net/
about-us/governance/code-of-ethics/), 
has been approved by the Board and 
includes policies covering best practice 
with respect to anti-bribery and corruption, 
anti-money laundering, anti-facilitation of 
tax evasion, competition, conflict minerals, 
trade compliance, data privacy, 
whistleblowing, treasury and financial 
controls, anti-slavery and human trafficking, 
document retention, and joint ventures.

Implementation is supported by risk 
assessments, audits and reviews and 
annual compliance certifications. Melrose 
strongly believes that policies and 
procedures are only as effective as the 
people who implement them. To that end, 
all of the above measures are backed by 
investment, resources and training. 

The Audit Committee reports directly to the 
Board. It oversees the Group’s internal 
control processes and, together with the 
Board, monitors breaches of the Melrose 
Code of Ethics. Please refer to pages 44 to 
45 for full details on the Group’s approach 
to risk management.

Sound business ethics and integrity are 
core to the Group’s values and are 
fundamental for the success of our strategy. 
Melrose is a UK premium listed company 
with strong, established financial controls 
that are continually assessed, tested and 
reviewed. This robust framework is 
supported by an independent internal audit 
function, regular public disclosure and 
financial reporting, external audits, public 
accountability and conformance with 
leading benchmarks set by the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. It is also 
supported by investor requests and direct 
engagement with them and corporate 
governance and proxy advisors, and 
extensive engagement with the Group’s 
wider stakeholder base to ensure best 
market practice is implemented. 

The high standards of financial and 
non-financial controls, and strong 
governance backed by internal and external 
auditing of financial and non-financial 
compliance, are enforced throughout the 
Group. Directors, officers, employees, and 
contractors throughout the Group, whether 
permanent or temporary, and in respect of 
any entities over which Melrose has effective 
control, must comply with Melrose’s Code 
of Ethics, which was updated in 2020 to 
reflect current best practice and strong 
corporate citizenship. Each business is 
required to communicate and embed the 
Code of Ethics within their operations and 
activities to ensure that they conduct 
business with integrity and in a responsible, 
ethical and sustainable manner. 

Anti-bribery and corruption 
We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery, 
corruption and other unethical or illegal 
practices, and are committed to acting 
professionally, fairly and with integrity in all 
business dealings and relationships, within all 
jurisdictions in which we and our businesses 
operate. Melrose requires its businesses to 
adopt high governance standards, to ensure 
that the Group conducts business responsibly, 
sustainably, and in the pursuit of long-term 
success for the collective benefit of 
stakeholders. This is outlined in our anti-bribery 
and corruption policy, which is implemented 
and administered throughout the Group.
Melrose prohibits lobbying involvement 
and political involvement of any kind across 
the Group. 

Whistleblowing 
Melrose runs a Group-wide whistleblowing 
platform, which is overseen by the Audit 
Committee reporting to the Board and 
supported by the Melrose senior management 
team. The platform is monitored by the 
businesses’ legal, compliance and HR 
functions, with support from the Melrose 
senior management team. All employees have 
access to a multi-lingual online portal to raise 
concerns, confidentially and anonymously, 
about possible wrong-doing in any aspect of 
their business, including financial and 
non-financial matters. The businesses 
undertake a number of measures to bring 
awareness to employees of the whistleblowing 
platform, using online and offline media as 
appropriate. Employees who come forward 
with a genuine concern are treated with 
respect and dignity and do not face retaliation. 
During 2020, 128 whistleblowing cases were 
recorded. This highlights the effectiveness of 
awareness campaigns together with the trust 
placed by employees in the whistleblowing 
programme. Each case is investigated 
confidentially by the business with appropriate 
response measures taken. Whistleblowing 
cases are regularly reported to the Audit 
Committee and ultimately, to the Board.

Modern slavery and  
human trafficking
As set out in the Melrose anti-slavery and 
human trafficking policy, the Group has a 
zero-tolerance approach to any form of 
modern slavery. In accordance with the 
Modern Slavery Act 2015, Melrose publishes 
its own Modern Slavery statement, which is 
approved by the Board annually and can be 
found on our website (https://www.
melroseplc.net/media/2568/modern-
slavery-statement-june-2020.pdf). Under 
Melrose’s decentralised group structure, each 
business is responsible (where applicable) for 
publishing their own Modern Slavery 
Statement in accordance with the 
requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 
2015, with support provided by Melrose where 
needed. This approach ensures that those 
senior managers closest to the business 
operations devise appropriate measures to 
eradicate slavery from their supply chains. 

Melrose drives its businesses to implement 
employee training with respect to anti-slavery 
and human trafficking, to ensure that 
employees understand the risks and are 
prepared to take the required action if they 
suspect that modern slavery is happening 
internally or within the supply chain.

Human rights
We are committed to acting in an ethical 
manner with integrity and transparency in all 
business dealings, and to create effective 
systems and controls across the Group to 
safeguard against adverse human rights 
impacts. The Group has a strong culture of 
ethics and integrity and works to ensure 
adherence to the Melrose Code of Ethics, which 
encompasses key human rights considerations. 
The Group supports the principles set out in the 
UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Our businesses also implement effective and 
proportionate measures to identify, assess 
and mitigate potential labour and human 
rights abuses across their operations or 
supply chain. These include training, modern 
slavery policies, employee handbooks and 
business-specific policies. All business-
specific employee policies are reviewed 
locally within each business in order to ensure 
compliance with local laws and standards as 
a minimum. As at 31 December 2020, 99%(1) 
of direct (tier 1) suppliers had been assessed 
against labour and human rights standards.
There have been no violations reported on 
human rights by our Group businesses in 
2020 and for the previous two years.

Paying tax responsibly
Melrose is committed to paying taxes that 
are due, complying with all applicable laws, 
and engaging with all applicable tax 
authorities in an open and cooperative 
manner. The Group does not engage in 
aggressive tax planning. The Group’s Tax 
Strategy is reviewed, discussed and 
approved by the Board annually. The Audit 
Committee periodically reviews the Group’s 
tax affairs and risks.
The Group has adopted a policy in respect 
of the prevention of the facilitation of tax 
evasion which has been implemented by 
the businesses, with guidance on 
undertaking risk assessments and training 
to employees in relevant roles. 
The Group does not reside in countries 
considered as partially compliant or 
non-compliant according to the OECD tax 
transparency report, or in any countries 
blacklisted or grey listed by the EU, for the 
purposes of tax avoidance and/or harmful 
tax practices, per the latest lists released as 
at 31 December 2020.

(1)  Data coverage of the Group is 93% (by Cost of Sales).

Protecting information  
security and data privacy 

87

Melrose strongly respects privacy and seeks 
to minimise the amount of personal data that 
it collects, as well as ensuring the robust and 
sufficiently segregated storage of any data 
that is held. Information security and cyber 
threats are an increasing priority across all 
industries globally, and like many businesses, 
Melrose recognises that the Group must be 
protected from potential exposures in this 
area, particularly in light of its scale, reach, 
complexity and public-facing nature, as well 
as the potential sensitivity of data held in 
relation to civil aerospace technology and 
controlled defence contracts. 

The Melrose senior management team 
continues to work with the divisional 
executive teams and external security 
consultants to track the Group’s exposure to 
cyber security risk and, to ensure appropriate 
compliance with the GDPR, mitigation 
measures are in place for the Group.

Melrose has deployed its information 
security strategy and risk-based governance 
framework to all businesses within the 
Group, which follows the UK Government’s 
recommendations on cyber security. This 
strategy has enabled risk profiling and 
mitigation plans to be developed for each 
business to mitigate and reduce their 
exposure to cyber risk in a manner that is 
adequate for their level of sophistication. 
This ensures clarity and consistency in the 
assessment of IT and cybersecurity matters 
across our diverse and decentralised Group. 
The progress of each business is measured 
against the information security strategy and 
is monitored on a quarterly basis. 

The Board supported by the Melrose senior 
management team oversees the Group’s 
cyber security risk profile and, in line with our 
decentralised model, each business is 
required to protect their business and 
personal information, ensuring safe and 
appropriate usage of their IT systems and 
processes by their employees. 

To mitigate the impact of external cyber-
attacks, the Melrose senior management 
team works with the executive teams of each 
business and external security consultants to 
review each business’s cyber risk profile to 
monitor and drive continuous improvement 
actions. The results of this ongoing review 
programme are reported to the Board on  
a quarterly basis. 

Through a hosted, externally auditable 
self-assessment process, each business is 
reviewed and reports on their compliance in 
key areas of cyber management incorporating 
disaster recovery processes and business 
continuity plans, cyber incident response 
plans, applications and database 
management including access controls 
testing, appropriate security products, policies 
and procedures, confirmation of appropriate 
change management processes for all 
business-critical systems, IT inventory listings 
including all classified data to meet compliance 
with legal and regulatory requirements, 
monitoring and logging of all cyber incidents, 
physical environment access controls and 
network security, regular security training, and 
management of third party access control. 

The businesses regularly perform internal 
and external testing of their perimeter 
defences through penetration testing, 
ensuring appropriate threat monitoring 
systems are in place. All of our businesses 
follow and work towards national and 
international business accreditations in 
varying aspects of cyber management where 
applicable and relevant to their business 
activities, including the UK’s National Cyber 
Security Strategy (NCSS), ISO 27001, and 
industry-specific NIST in the defence sector 
and TISAX in the automotive sector.

As part of Melrose’s overall information 
security strategy, IT Security awareness 
training was deployed by all businesses 
in 2020.

Looking forward to 2021
We made strong progress during 2020 in 
embedding our key sustainability principles 
throughout the Group, mapping the material 
sustainability issues that matter most to the 
Group’s business activities and our key 
stakeholders, and aligning the Group’s 
activities with Melrose’s overarching 
sustainability ambitions and relevant UN 
SDGs. We look forward to accelerating that 
progress during 2021 by augmenting our 
sustainability improvement initiatives and 
ongoing reporting, continuing to actively 
promote and invest in the decarbonisation of 
the industries that our businesses operate in, 
protecting our workforce, upholding strong 
ethical and governance principles and 

practices, and building innovative products 
that enable us, our customers, and our key 
stakeholders to achieve the transition to a net 
zero carbon economy.

The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 
1 to 87 has been approved by the Board. 

On behalf of the Board

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive 
4 March 2021

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Governance overview

89

The Board is committed to maintaining the  
high standards of corporate governance 
required to ensure that the Company can 
continue to deliver on its strategic goals,  
and to achieve long-term success for the 
benefit of its stakeholders.

senior management. The Board will continue 
with some elements of this reinforced 
governance structure in 2021 as the effects of 
the pandemic continue to be felt. 

Succession planning
Succession planning continued to be an area 
of focus for Melrose in 2020. The Nomination 
Committee and the Board considered the 
leadership needs of the Group, present and 
future, together with the skills, experience and 
diversity needed from its Directors going 
forward. We recognise that succession 
planning is an ongoing process and is critical to 
maintaining an effective and high-quality Board.

During the year, Executive Vice-Chairman Mr 
David Roper had intended on retiring from the 
Board. However, as a result of the global 
pandemic, the Board and the Nomination 
Committee agreed that it was not the 
appropriate time to lose the expertise and 
experience of one of its co-founders. Mr 
Roper therefore agreed to delay his retirement 
to assist the Company in navigating its way 
through the challenges presented by the 
pandemic. Mr Roper will instead retire on 31 
May 2021. His knowledge and experience 
have been very helpful in ensuring that the 
Group ended the year in a strong position. 
We thank him for his long and successful 
service, particularly for the last twelve 
months, and wish him all the best.

As a result of the valuable contribution that 
Mr Peter Dilnot has made since joining 
Melrose as Chief Operating Officer in 2019, 
the Board in consultation with the Nomination 
Committee approved the appointment of Mr 
Dilnot to the role of executive Director, and 
such appointment took effect on 1 January 
2021. We welcome Mr Dilnot to the Board.

Succession planning arrangements by the 
Board as a whole were reviewed in 2020. This 
included reviewing the skills set, tenure, 
diversity and independence of those already 
on the Board in order to ensure that the right 
balance of skills, experience and diversity 
were reflected and being developed. 
Following such review, the Nomination 
Committee recommended to the Board that 

Justin Dowley
Non-executive Chairman

As part of this approach, the Board 
has applied the principles and 
complied with the provisions of 
corporate governance contained 
in the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the “Code”) issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council (the 
“FRC”) and available to view on the 
FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk.

In support of this commitment, the 
Board carried out a number of key 
governance activities during 2020 
designed to ensure that Melrose 
remains compliant with the 
provisions of the Code and to 
enable continuous improvement in 
line with best practice corporate 
governance guidelines.

Impact of COVID-19
As is described elsewhere in this Annual 
Report, 2020 was undoubtedly defined by 
widespread disruption to production and 
trading environments caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. In times of crisis, it is 
even more critical that high standards of 
corporate governance are maintained by the 
Board. In addition to its scheduled quarterly 
meetings, the Board held weekly meetings 
during the initial height of the pandemic to 
ensure close oversight of critical issues across 
the Group, backed up by weekly cash 
management meetings held with the 
divisional executive teams driven by site level 
bottom-up financial information to enhance 
the focus on cash generation, analyse trading, 
cash and working capital, and implemented 
measures to reduce cost and accelerate 
working capital efficiency improvements. We 
also felt it was important to publish more 
frequent trading updates to ensure that 
investors were appropriately informed as to 
the Group’s performance and the impact of 
the pandemic on the Group, supported by 
regular bespoke interactions between 
investors, analysts, and members of Melrose 

a new female Non-executive Director should 
be appointed. Stonehaven International has 
been retained to recruit for this role. Further 
details are outlined in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 108.

Melrose Executive Committee
The Melrose Executive Committee operates 
under the direction of the Chief Executive. It is 
chaired by a member of the Melrose senior 
management team on a rotating basis to 
encourage diversity, and comprises members 
of the Melrose head office team from London, 
Birmingham and Atlanta. The Melrose Executive 
Committee meets on a weekly basis and 
executive and Non-executive Directors attend 
by invitation. Its key roles are to ensure that there 
is full knowledge of, and coordination between, 
the Melrose central team on all important 
issues, to consider what, if any, actions are 
required that week in respect of acquisitions, 
disposals and day-to-day management, to 
ensure that the appropriate resource is being 
devoted to resolve any such issues, and to 
ensure that actions being taken are supportive 
of the Group’s aims, objectives and culture.

Remuneration
The Directors’ Remuneration report, 
comprising the annual statement from the 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and the Annual Report on Remuneration, is 
available on pages 110 to 126. 

Following a successful consultation with 
shareholders earlier in the year, the current 
Directors’ remuneration policy was approved 
at the 2020 AGM and was effective from the 
close of that meeting. The Directors’ 
remuneration policy was subsequently 
amended with effect from the close of the 
general meeting that took place on 21 
January 2021 to incorporate the 2020 
Employee Share Plan (see below).

As further detailed in the Directors’ 
Remuneration report, the decision to renew 
the Company’s management incentive plan 
arrangements was postponed given the 
sudden impact of COVID-19 in March 2020. 
Following an extensive and detailed follow-on 
consultation with key shareholders and proxy 
advisors later in the year, a proposal to renew 
the arrangements was made to shareholders 
in December 2020, with the 2020 Employee 
Share Plan (and consequent changes to the 
Directors’ remuneration policy) being strongly 
approved by shareholders in January 2021.

Melrose’s remuneration philosophy remains 
unchanged in order to align senior 
management with shareholders: executive 
remuneration should be simple, transparent, 
support the delivery of the Melrose value 
creation strategy and pay only for performance.

COVID-19 response 
2020 was undoubtedly defined by 
widespread disruption to production and 
trading environments caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. This included a sharp 
market decline in the aerospace sector due  
to unprecedented global travel restrictions. 
Each of the Group’s businesses and their 
respective production and market 
geographies were impacted by the 
COVID-19 pandemic to various extents,  
with the most common effects across the 
Group being the temporary reduction of 
manufacturing capacity and reduced 
requirements due to lockdown measures 
and international travel restrictions. 

We and our businesses implemented strong 
and responsive measures during 2020 to 
mitigate the impact of COVID-19, primarily 
centred around enhanced cash 
management, minimising operational 
disruption, and above all else, protecting the 
health and safety of the Group’s workforce. 
Actions included:
•  Publishing trading updates more  

frequently to ensure that investors  
were appropriately informed as to the 
Group’s performance and the impact  
of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 
economic environment on the Group. 
This was supported by frequent 
bespoke interactions between investors, 
analysts, and members of management.
•  Weekly meetings of the Board to ensure 
close oversight of critical issues across 
the Group.

•  Holding weekly cash management 

meetings with the divisional executive 
teams driven by site level bottom-up 
financial information to: enhance the 
focus on cash generation; analyse 
trading, cash, and working capital; and 
implement measures to reduce cost, 
accelerate working capital efficiency 
improvements, and preserve cash until 
market conditions improve.

•  Close and regular monitoring of order 

books, cash performance, cost control 
and other leading indicators at a Group 
level to guide our businesses in 
mitigating the impact of adverse  
trading conditions.

•  Global coordination of PPE supplies  
and distribution across the Group to 
enable our smaller businesses to  
benefit from the scale and influence  
of our larger businesses.

•  Board and senior management took  
a reduction in salary to mirror the 
difficulties faced within the Group,  
and the wider economic disruption.

•  Contingency planning for potential future 
lockdowns and the implementation of 
strong protective measures, including 
the building of short-term inventory 
buffers for 2021.

•  Revising production processes and 

operations to ensure employees could 
return to work safely, based on wide, 
regular, and direct consultation with  
the workforce.

•  Increased flexible working options to 

enable the workforce to work from home, 
supported by increased engagement 
with the workforce via remote means,  
to discuss business performance and 
employee-related matters.

•  The Group’s largest businesses were at 
the heart of the VentilatorChallengeUK 
consortium providing round the clock 
resources at no profit in the national 
effort to deliver more than 13,000 
ventilators in approximately 14 weeks.

We thank our shareholders for their 
continued support of our management 
team and business model; our employees 
for their extraordinary efforts; and our 
supportive banking syndicate, who have 
ensured that the Group had access to 
finance throughout 2020 including 
temporary covenant relief to provide the 
Group with the flexibility, if required, over  
the medium term, to continue to improve 
our businesses, despite the periods of 
unprecedented market turmoil that were 
experienced due to the global pandemic. 

For further detail about these and the other 
significant and accelerated actions that we 
and our businesses took to minimise the 
impact of COVID-19 during 2020, please 
refer to the following sections:

Finance Director’s review 

pages 36 to 42

Risks and uncertainties 

pages 46 to 53

Corporate Governance report 

pages 97 to 102

Section 172 statement  

pages 54 to 57

Sustainability report 

pages 58 to 87

Audit Committee report 

pages 103 to 107

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202090

Governance overview

Board gender diversity

Board ethnic diversity

Male  

Female

70%

30%

Non BAME(2)

BAME(2)

90%

10%

91

Board skills 

Melrose Executive Committee

Industrial  

Accounting 
and Finance 

Legal

Investment

Corporate 
Governance

5

6

2

7

7

Male  

Female

65%

35%

Melrose Central employees (excl. Board)

Male  

Female

57%

43%

Sustainability
The Board is mindful of its responsibilities 
regarding sustainability and has carefully 
considered how it can deal with matters 
relating to sustainability in the most efficient 
and appropriate way, in light of Melrose’s 
decentralised model and the industries in 
which its businesses operate. The Board 
oversees and retains ultimate responsibility 
for Melrose’s initiatives, disclosure and 
reporting in respect of improving the 
sustainability performance of its businesses. 
The Board receives external training annually 
and quarterly updates on key sustainability 
issues that impact the sectors within which 
the Group’s businesses operate, and on the 
specific measures that are required to be 
implemented to drive improved sustainability 
performance over the longer term for the 
benefit of all stakeholders.

Risk management and compliance
Melrose has implemented a uniform 
Enterprise Risk Management programme 
across all its business units. Our processes 
and procedures are now fully embedded in all 
Group businesses.

Our Code of Ethics (which can be found at 
https://www.melroseplc.net/about-us/
governance/code-of-ethics/) reinforces our 
values and provides guidance for all 
employees, contractors and business 
associates so that they are fully aware of what 
is expected of them, their responsibilities and 
the consequences of non-compliance. All 
business units are required to ensure that the 
Code of Ethics is communicated and 
embedded into their business operations. 
Each business unit is also required to ensure 
there is a mechanism in place for anyone to 
whom the Code of Ethics applies to seek 

Main responsibilities of the Board

•  Effectively manage and control the 
Company via a formal schedule of 
matters reserved for its decision.

•  Define the Group’s purpose, determine 
and review Group strategy and policy  
to deliver that purpose, and provide 
strategic leadership to the Group.

•  Set the Group’s values and behaviours 
that shape its culture and the way it 
conducts business.

•  Consider acquisitions, disposals and 
requests for major capital expenditure.

•  Review financial and trading 

performance in line with the Group’s 
strategic objectives.

•  Ensure that adequate funding and 

personnel are in place.

•  Engage with stakeholders and key 

shareholders on issues that are most 
important to the long-term success  
of the Company.

•  Oversee the effective operations of the 
workforce advisory panel in ensuring  
the views of the Group’s business unit 
workforces are considered in its 
discussions and decision-making.

•  Report to shareholders and give 

consideration to all other significant 
financial matters.

•  Agree Board succession plans and 

consider the evaluation of the Board’s 
performance over the preceding year.

•  Oversee the Group’s risk management 

and internal control systems.

•  Determine the nature and extent of  
the risks the Group is willing to take.

•  Agree the Group’s governance 
framework and approve Group 
governance policies.

•  Monitor, assess and review cyber 

security and fraud risk for the Group.

•  Delegate and oversee responsibility for 
entrepreneurial leadership and strategic 
management of the Group to the Group 
senior executives.

•  Challenge, review and exercise robust 

managerial oversight across key 
decisions, actions and processes 
performed by the Group’s business units.

•  Promote the success of the Company 
over the long term for the benefit of 
shareholders as a whole, having regard 
to a range of other key stakeholders  
and interests.

•  Oversee and retain ultimate responsibility 
for Melrose’s enhanced sustainability 
initiatives, disclosure and reporting in 
respect of improving the sustainability 
performance of its businesses.

guidance on interpreting its principles, where 
required. This is supported by a compliance 
framework comprising policies covering best 
practice with respect to anti-bribery and 
anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, 
anti-facilitation of tax evasion, competition, 
conflict minerals, trade compliance, data 
privacy, whistleblowing, treasury and financial 
controls, anti-slavery and human trafficking, 
document retention and joint ventures. 

In 2020, the Melrose Code of Ethics and 
Group compliance policies were updated to 
bring them up to date for key regulatory and 
legal developments and to align them more 
closely with the Group’s sustainability 
principles. The policies have been 
implemented across all business units 
together with refreshed risk assessment 
guidance, and continue to be monitored to 
ensure their effectiveness for the Group. The 
Group also introduced its first Group-wide 
conflict minerals policy, and further details 
about this can be found on page 67 of this 
Annual Report. Taken together, these 
initiatives have enhanced our businesses’ 
effectiveness at identifying and managing 
risks and have promoted and embedded a 
more risk-aware culture. Further details on the 
Group’s management of risk can be found on 
pages 44 to 45 of this Annual Report.

Melrose’s reputation for acting responsibly 
plays a critical role in its success as a business 
and its ability to generate shareholder value. 
We maintain high standards of ethical conduct 
and take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery, 
corruption, modern slavery and human 
trafficking and any other unethical or illegal 
practices. We are committed to acting 
professionally, fairly and with integrity in all 
business dealings and relationships, within all 
jurisdictions in which we operate. Further 
details of the Group’s stance and focus on 
ensuring effective stewardship in respect of 
key environmental, social and governance 
matters are set out in the Sustainability report 
on pages 58 to 87. Supporting our updated 
compliance policies are a comprehensive 
online training platform, an industry-leading 
whistleblowing reporting facility and a 
data-driven risk reporting dashboard 
providing increased risk management visibility 
and trend analysis to senior management and 
the Audit Committee. The integrity of the 
compliance framework is further reinforced 
by the use of independent assurance and 
compliance audits. 

Engagement with stakeholders
Engagement with key shareholders and 
governance bodies continued throughout 2020 
on a number of important topics including 
diversity, sustainability and remuneration.

In advance of the intended renewal of our 
Directors’ remuneration policy and long-term 
incentive arrangements at the start of the 
year, we commenced a thorough and 
successful engagement process with proxy 
advisors and key shareholders together 
representing over 65% of our register, who 
strongly supported the proposal that was 
adapted to their feedback.

In March 2020, following the sudden impact 
of COVID-19, the proposal for the renewal of 
the long-term incentive arrangements was 
withdrawn. Close contact was maintained 
with shareholders, resulting in an extensive 
second round of consultation in the autumn in 
which we contacted over 75% of our register. 
This follow-on engagement process was both 
informative and successful, and we believe 
resulted in a final proposal that was in the 
interest of all stakeholders, and which was 
strongly supported at the general meeting  
of shareholders in January 2021. 

Melrose also continued with a variety of 
workforce engagement initiatives, most 
notably through its workforce advisory panel 
(“WAP”) which met twice in 2020. Given the 
Group’s decentralised nature and Melrose’s 
strategic business model and regular turnover 
of businesses, the WAP comprises the Chief 
Human Resources Officer (or equivalent) from 
each business unit and a Melrose Group 
representative. The purpose of the WAP  
is to promote effective engagement with,  
and encourage participation from, the 
Group’s workforce. 

It is our intention to continue with our 
programme of stakeholder engagement in 
2021. Full detail on how the Board engages 
with all of its stakeholders and considers 
them in its decision-making is set out in our 
Section 172 statement on pages 54 to 57 and 
in the Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87.

Justin Dowley  
Non-executive Chairman  
4 March 2021

Governance structure

Non-executive Chairman

– Justin Dowley

Executive Directors

– Simon Peckham 
– Christopher Miller 
– David Roper

– Geoffrey Martin 
–  Peter Dilnot (appointed  

1 January 2021)

Non-Executive Directors

– Liz Hewitt 
– David Lis 
– Archie G. Kane

– Charlotte Twyning 
– Funmi Adegoke

Audit Committee 
See page 103

Nomination Committee 
See page 108

Remuneration Committee 
See page 124

Diversity and skills overview(1)

Board gender diversity

Board ethnic diversity

Male  

Female

70%

30%

Non BAME(2)

BAME(2)

90%

10%

Board skills 

Melrose Executive Committee

Industrial  

Accounting 
and Finance 

Legal

Investment

Corporate 
Governance

5

6

2

7

7

Male  

Female

65%

35%

Melrose Central employees (excl. Board)

Male  

Female

57%

43%

(1)  Diversity data as at 31 December 2020. Mr Peter Dilnot was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2021 and it is intended that 
Mr David Roper will retire at the end of May 2021. The Board is currently recruiting for a new female Non-executive Director. 

(2)  Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202092

Board of Directors

93

Christopher Miller
Executive Vice-Chairman
Year appointed
Appointed as Executive Vice-Chairman on 1 January 
2019, having previously served as Executive Chairman 
from May 2003.
Skills and experience
Christopher’s long-standing involvement in 
manufacturing industries and private investment 
brings a wealth of experience to the Board. A 
chartered accountant, Christopher qualified with 
Coopers & Lybrand, following which he was an 
Associate Director of Hanson PLC. In September 
1988, Christopher joined the board of Wassall PLC as 
its Chief Executive. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Other significant appointments
• Trustee of the Prostate Cancer Research Centre 

David Roper
Executive Vice-Chairman
Year appointed
Appointed as Executive Vice-Chairman on 9 May 
2012, having previously served as Chief Executive 
from May 2003.
Skills and experience
From a wide range of roles in corporate finance, 
private investment and management in manufacturing 
industries, David brings significant investment, 
financial and operational expertise. A chartered 
accountant, David qualified with Peat Marwick 
Mitchell, following which he worked in the corporate 
finance divisions of S.G. Warburg, BZW and 
Dillon Read. In September 1988, David was appointed 
to the board of Wassall PLC, before becoming its 
deputy Chief Executive in 1993. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Not applicable

Not applicable

Independent 

Tenure(2) 

Not applicable

Not applicable

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

Justin Dowley
Non-executive Chairman
Year appointed
Appointed as Chairman on 1 January 2019, having 
previously served as a Non-executive Director from 
1 September 2011 and as the Senior Independent 
Director from 11 May 2017 to 31 December 2018.
Skills and experience
Justin has extensive experience with over 35 years spent 
within the banking, investment and asset management 
sector. A chartered accountant, Justin qualified with 
Price Waterhouse and was latterly Vice Chairman 
of EMEA Investment Banking, a division of Nomura 
International PLC. He was also a founder partner of 
Tricorn Partners, Head of Investment Banking at Merrill 
Lynch Europe and a director of Morgan Grenfell.

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Other significant appointments
• Senior Independent Director of Scottish Mortgage 

Investment Trust PLC

• Director of a number of private companies
• Steward of the Jockey Club
• Deputy Chairman of The Panel on Takeovers and 

Mergers

Committee membership 
 • Nomination  • Remuneration

Independent 

Tenure(2) 

Yes

9 years

Simon Peckham
Chief Executive
Year appointed
Appointed as Chief Executive on 9 May 2012, having 
previously served as Chief Operating Officer from 
May 2003.
Skills and experience
Simon provides widespread expertise in corporate 
finance, mergers and acquisitions, strategy and 
operations. Simon qualified as a solicitor in 1986, 
before moving to Wassall PLC in 1990, where he 
became an executive Director in 1999. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended (3) 

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

4

1

Not applicable

Not applicable

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as Group Finance Director on 7 July 2005.
Skills and experience
Geoffrey provides considerable public company 
experience and expertise in corporate finance, raising 
equity finance and financial strategy. A chartered 
accountant, Geoffrey qualified with Coopers & 
Lybrand, where he worked within the corporate 
finance and audit departments. In 1996, Geoffrey 
joined Royal Doulton PLC, serving as Group Finance 
Director from October 2000 until June 2005. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

4

2

Not applicable

Not applicable

Peter Dilnot 
Chief Operating Officer
Year appointed
Appointed as an executive Director on 1 January 
2021, having served as Chief Operating Officer since 
April 2019.
Skills and experience
Peter has considerable public company and industrial 
business experience having been the Chief Executive 
Officer of international recycling company Renewi 
plc (formerly Shanks Group plc) and having been a 
senior executive at Danaher Corporation. Peter also 
spent seven years at the Boston Consulting Group, 
working primarily with industrial businesses. Peter has 
an engineering and aviation background, and was a 
helicopter pilot in the British Armed Forces. He also 
holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

n/a

n/a

Other significant appointments
• Non-executive Director of Rotork PLC, and Senior 
Independent Director of Rotork PLC from 30 April 
2021

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

Not applicable

Not applicable

Liz Hewitt
Senior Independent Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as the Senior Independent Director on 
1 January 2019, having previously served as a Non-
executive Director from 8 October 2013.
Skills and experience
Liz has extensive business, financial and investment 
experience gained from a number of senior roles in 
international companies. A chartered accountant, 
Liz qualified with Arthur Andersen & Co., following 
which she held a variety of positions within Gartmore 
Investment Management, CVC and 3i Group PLC. 
Between 2004 and 2011, Liz was the Group Director of 
Corporate Affairs for Smith & Nephew PLC, following 
a secondment to the Department for Business, 
Innovation and Skills and the HM Treasury, where Liz 
worked to establish The Enterprise Capital Fund.

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Other significant appointments
• Non-executive Director of National Grid PLC, 
Silverwood Property Ltd, St George’s Fields Ltd and 
St George’s Fields (No2) Ltd

David Lis
Independent Non-executive Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as a Non-executive Director on 12 May 2016.
Skills and experience
David has held several senior roles in investment 
and fund management, as well as other board 
appointments. He brings extensive financial 
experience to the Board. David commenced his 
career at NatWest, and held positions at J Rothschild 
Investment Management and Morgan Grenfell 
after which David founded Windsor Investment 
Management. David joined Norwich Union Investment 
Management in 1997 (later merging to form Aviva 
Investors), before becoming Head of Equities in 2012 
and latterly Chief Investment Officer, Equities and 
Multi Assets, until his retirement in March 2016.

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Other significant appointments
• Non-executive Director of Electra Private Equity PLC 

and Dowgate Capital Limited

Committee membership
• Audit  • Nomination  • Remuneration (Chairman)

Committee membership
• Audit (Chairman)  • Nomination

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

Yes

7 years

Yes

4 years

Archie G. Kane
Independent Non-executive Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as a Non-executive Director on 5 July 2017.
Skills and experience
Archie has held several senior roles in the financial 
services sector and brings extensive financial 
experience to the Board. Archie qualified as a 
chartered accountant with Mann Judd Gordon & 
Company. After a move into the financial services 
sector as Group Financial Controller of the TSB 
subsidiary United Dominions Trust, Archie became 
Group Strategy Director. Archie later served in senior 
roles for Lloyds Bank and was appointed as CEO 
of the former mutual Scottish Widows in 2003. In 
2009 he moved to become Group Executive Director 
for all the group’s insurance businesses and for 
Scotland, until his retirement in May 2011. He was also 
Non-Executive Governor of the Board of the Bank of 
Ireland until July 2018 and Non-Executive Chairman of 
Reassure Group plc until July 2020. 

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

4

2

Committee membership
• Audit  • Nomination (Chairman)  • Remuneration

Independent 

Tenure(2) 

Yes

3 years

Charlotte Twyning 
Independent Non-executive Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as a Non-executive Director on  
1 October 2018.
Skills and experience
Charlotte brings a diverse range of experience and 
commercial acumen to the Board. After a successful 
legal career specialising in competition and M&A law 
in the City, she held various senior positions in the 
telecommunications and transport sectors, most 
recently in aviation. She has proven leadership skills 
in large, complex organisations and has consistently 
succeeded in driving performance and building the 
foundations for growth.

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

Committee membership
• Audit  • Nomination  • Remuneration

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

4

2

Yes

2 years

Funmi Adegoke
Independent Non-executive Director 
Year appointed
Appointed as a Non-executive Director on  
1 October 2019.
Skills and experience
Funmi has extensive experience as a global legal 
and compliance leader, and has also held senior 
commercial and project management roles. Having 
worked in a number of multinationals, and across 
sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, energy 
and technology, Funmi brings diverse industrial 
knowledge and significant commercial expertise 
to the Board. Funmi is a qualified Barrister, and is 
currently Group General Counsel at the FTSE 100 
company, Halma Plc.

Board meetings attended (1) 

Business reviews attended 

Committee membership
• Nomination  • Remuneration

Independent  

Tenure(2) 

4

2

Yes

1 year

(1)  Meetings attended refers to scheduled meetings.
(2)  Tenure runs from the date of appointment until 

31 December 2020 and is based on full years only.
(3)  With agreement from the Board, SImon Peckham was 

unable to attend the January 2020 business review due to his 
attendance at a critical joint venture meeting internationally.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202094

Directors’ report

95

Directors’ report

The Directors of Melrose Industries PLC present the 
Annual Report and financial statements of the Group for 
the year ended 31 December 2020.

Incorporated information
The Corporate Governance report set out on pages 97 to 102, the 
Finance Director’s review on pages 36 to 42 and the Sustainability 
report on pages 58 to 87 are each incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ report.

Disclosures elsewhere in the Annual Report are cross-referenced 
where appropriate. Taken together, they fulfil the combined 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) and of the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (the “DTRs”) and  
of the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Leconfield 
House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JA at 11.00 am on 6 May 2021. 
A detailed explanation of each item of business to be considered at 
the AGM is included with the Notice of Meeting. The notice convening 
the meeting is shown on pages 208 to 213 and includes full details of 
the resolutions to be proposed, together with explanatory notes in 
relation to such resolutions (the “AGM Notice”). 

Directors
The Directors of the Company as at the date of this Annual Report, 
together with their biographies, can be found on pages 92 to 93.

Changes to the Board during the year are set out in the Corporate 
Governance report on pages 97 to 102. Details of Directors’ service 
contracts are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration report on 
page 124.

The Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the 
consolidated financial statements is set out on page 127, which is 
incorporated into this Directors’ report by reference.

Appointment and removal of Directors and their powers
The Company’s articles of association (the “Articles”) give the 
Directors the power to appoint and replace other Directors. Under the 
terms of reference of the Nomination Committee, any appointment 
must be recommended by the Nomination Committee for approval by 
the Board.

Pursuant to the Articles and in line with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, all of the Directors of the Company are required to stand for 
re-election on an annual basis. With the exception of Mr Peter Dilnot, 
who will be standing for election for the first time following his 
appointment on 1 January 2021, all current Directors of the Company 
will be standing for re-election by shareholders at the forthcoming 
AGM, and in each case an ordinary resolution will need to be passed 
to approve such (re-)election.

The Directors are responsible for managing the business of the Company 
and exercise their powers in accordance with the Articles, directions given 
by special resolution, and any relevant statutes and regulations.

Insurance and indemnities
In accordance with the Articles and the indemnity provisions of the 
Act, the Directors have the benefit of an indemnity from the Company 
in respect of any liabilities incurred as a result of their office. This 
indemnity is provided both within the Articles and through a separate 
deed of indemnity between the Company and each of the Directors.

The Company has taken out an insurance policy in respect of those 
liabilities for which the Directors may not be indemnified. Neither the 
indemnities nor the insurance provides cover in the event that a 
Director is proved to have acted dishonestly or fraudulently.

Post balance sheet events
There are no post balance sheet events which require disclosure.

Capital structure
The table below shows details of the Company’s issued share capital 
as at 31 December 2019 and as at 31 December 2020.

Share class

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2020

Ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each

4,858,254,963

4,858,254,963

Incentive Shares (2017)

12,831(1)

12,831(1)

(1)  The Incentive Plan (2017) was approved by the Company’s shareholders at a general meeting 
of the Company held on 11 May 2017, and these Incentive Shares were issued pursuant to the 
authority granted at such meeting to issue Incentive Shares up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £50,000. The Incentive Plan (2017) expired in May 2020 for no value, and therefore 
these incentive shares have no value. The Incentive Shares (2017) will be cancelled by the 
Company prior to the forthcoming AGM.

The Company’s ordinary shares are admitted to the premium 
segment of the official list. 

Shareholders’ voting rights
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting attached to 
any class of shares by or in accordance with the Articles, at a general 
meeting of the Company, each member who holds ordinary shares in 
the Company and who is present (in person or by proxy) at such 
meeting is entitled to:
•  on a show of hands, one vote; and 
•  on a poll, one vote for every ordinary share held by them.

With the exception of the Incentive Shares (2017), which do not carry 
voting rights (and which will be cancelled by the Company prior to the 
forthcoming AGM), there are currently no special rights or restrictions 
as to voting attached to any class of shares.

The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders 
that restrict voting rights attached to the ordinary shares in the Company.

Where any call or other amount due and payable in respect of an 
ordinary share remains unpaid, the holder of such shares shall not be 
entitled to vote or attend any general meeting of the Company in 
respect of those shares. As at 4 March 2021, all ordinary shares 
issued by the Company are fully paid.

Details of the deadlines for exercising voting rights in respect of the 
resolutions to be considered at the 2021 AGM are set out in the AGM 
Notice on pages 208 to 213.

Shareholders whose combined shareholdings amount to at least 5% 
of the issued voting share capital may, pursuant to section 303 of the 
Act, request that the Directors call a general meeting of the Company. 
Shareholders whose combined shareholdings amount to at least 5% 
of the issued share capital entitled to vote can also request that the 
Company introduces a resolution to be voted on at an AGM.

Restrictions on transfer of securities
The Articles do not contain any restrictions on the transfer of ordinary 
shares in the Company, aside from the usual restrictions applicable 
where shares are not fully paid up, if entitled to do so under the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, where the transfer 
instrument does not comply with the requirements of the Articles or, in 
exceptional circumstances, where approved by the Financial Conduct 
Authority provided such refusal would not disturb the market in such 
shares. Restrictions may also be imposed by laws and regulations 
(such as insider trading and market abuse provisions). Directors and 
certain senior employees of the Group may also be subject to internal 
approvals before dealing in ordinary shares of the Company and 
minimum shareholding requirements. We do not have any anti-takeover 
devices in place, including devices that would limit share ownership.

The Company’s incentive shares may only be transferred with the 
prior written consent of the Board (such consent expressly provided in 
respect of transfers to personal trusts, companies wholly-owned by 
the relevant holder and certain of their close relatives).

The Company is not aware of any agreements between shareholders 
that restrict the transfer of ordinary shares in the Company.

Articles of association
The Articles may only be amended by a special resolution at a general 
meeting of the shareholders of the Company. There are no amendments 
proposed to be made to the Articles at the forthcoming AGM.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 December 2020, the following voting interests in the ordinary 
share capital of the Company, disclosable under DTR 5, had been 
notified to the Directors:

Shareholder

The Capital Group Companies, Inc

BlackRock Inc

Select Equity Group, L.P.

Aviva Plc

% of ordinary 
share capital as 
at 31 December 
2020

12.03

6.84

5.27

2.92

Shareholding

584,610,247

332,302,037

256,129,470

141,906,393

Between 1 January 2021 and 4 March 2021 no changes to the voting 
interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company, disclosable 
under DTR 5, were notified to the Directors.

Shareholder dividend
The Directors are pleased to recommend the payment of a final 
dividend of 0.75 pence per share (2019: 0 pence) to be paid on 19 
May 2021 to ordinary shareholders on the register of members of the 
Company at the close of trading on 6 April 2021. This dividend 
recommendation will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming 
AGM of the Company, to be held on 6 May 2021. Subject to 
shareholder approval being obtained at the AGM for the final dividend, 
this will mean a full year 2020 dividend of 0.75 pence per share (2019: 
1.7 pence).

For discussion on the Board’s intentions with regard to the dividend 
policy, please see the Chairman’s statement on pages 10 to 11, which 
is incorporated into this report by reference.

The Company offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”), which 
gives shareholders the opportunity to use their dividend payments  
to purchase further ordinary shares in the Company. Further details 
about the DRIP and its terms and conditions can be found within the 
Investors section of the Company’s website at www.melroseplc.net. 

Historical dividends
The Company administers the unclaimed dividends of the former FKI 
plc (now “Brush Holdings Limited”). Pursuant to law and the 
company’s articles of association, the company is obliged to pay such 
unclaimed dividends for a period of 12 years from the date on which 
they were declared or became due for payment. Six months after this 
time period has expired, the Company’s policy is to donate the 
amount of the unclaimed dividends to a charity of the Company’s 
choice. The amount of unclaimed dividends of the company that 
surpassed this 12 year threshold during the period was £6,727.33. If 
the unclaimed dividends are not claimed by 30 June 2021, the 
Company will look to donate the funds to charity.

Equiniti, the Company’s registrar, administers the unclaimed dividends 
of the former GKN plc (now “GKN Limited”). Pursuant to law and the 
company’s articles of association, the company is obliged to pay such 
unclaimed dividends for a period of 12 years from the date on which 
they were declared or became due for payment. The amount of 
unclaimed dividends of the company that surpassed this 12-year 
threshold during the period was £26,755.01.

Ability to purchase own shares
Pursuant to sections 693 and 701 of the Act and a special resolution 
passed at a general meeting of the Company on 7 May 2020,  
the Company is authorised to make market purchases of up to 
485,825,496 of its ordinary shares, representing approximately 10%  
of the current issued ordinary share capital of the Company. The Company 
has not made any purchases of its own shares pursuant to this authority. 

This authority will expire at the end of this year’s AGM, at which the 
Company is seeking approval to make market purchases of its 
ordinary shares up to 485,825,496, being approximately 10% of the 
current issued ordinary share capital, thereby renewing the authority. 
The full text of the resolution, together with minimum and maximum 
price requirements, is set out in the AGM Notice on pages 208 to 213.

Financial instruments
The disclosures required in relation to the use of financial instruments 
by the Company, including the financial risk management objectives 
and policies (including in relation to hedging) of the Company and the 
exposure of the Company to liquidity risk, cash flow risk, exchange 
rate risk, contract and warranty risk and commodity cost risk, can be 
found in the Finance Director’s review on pages 36 to 42, the Risks 
and uncertainties section of the Strategic Report on pages 46 to 53 
and in note 25 to the financial statements, which are incorporated by 
reference into this Directors’ report.

Research and development activities
The industries in which the Group invests are highly competitive and 
the businesses within the Group are encouraged to research and 
develop new and innovative product lines and processes in order to 
meet customer demands in a continuously evolving environment and 
to support its sustainability goals.

As noted in the Divisional reviews on pages 14 to 33, which are 
incorporated by reference into this Directors’ report, investment into 
research and development activities continued throughout 2020. GKN 
Aerospace entered into production on the Wing of Tomorrow 
programme and initiated a collaboration with Eviation to design and 
manufacture the wings, aircraft tail and electrical wiring systems for 
Alice, a ground-breaking regional electric aircraft. In 2021, GKN 
Aerospace will also commence full operations at its flagship 
£32 million Global Technology Centre in Filton, UK. For GKN 
Automotive, its Driveline division continued to develop and expand its 
product range, executing 36 new programme launches in 2020. On 
the ePowertrain side, its partnership with Delta Electronics Inc. for the 
development of advanced eDrive technology, which is set to enhance 
its existing capabilities in this area, is operating smoothly and we hope 
will yield positive results in 2021. 

The significant investment in innovation and technology at GKN 
Powder Metallurgy has culminated in the successful validation of its 
Hy2green technology, which enables hydrogen to be stored locally 
and from carbon-free renewable energy sources, and can be used in 
a range of energy storage capacities. The system is expected to be 
officially launched to market in 2021.

Through continued investment in 2020, Nortek Global HVAC 
continued to maximise the full potential of technological developments 
in relation to its StatePoint Technology®. It successfully developed the 
next iteration of the technology in the form of the HyperScale Data 
Centre, and further developed its roadmap for future StatePoint 
Technology® products, to ensure that it remains agile and competitive 
in the dynamic data centre cooling market.

The Melrose Skills Fund has also funded initiatives in the GKN 
Aerospace, GKN Automotive and Brush businesses. Further details 
on the initiatives being implemented are set out in the Sustainability 
report section of the Strategic Report on pages 58 to 87.

Business review and risks
A review of the Group’s performance, the key risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group and details on the likely development of the Group 
can be found in the Chairman’s statement on pages 10 to 11 and the 
Strategic Report on pages 1 to 87 of this Annual Report (including the 
Longer-term viability statement on page 43 and the Risks and 
uncertainties section on pages 46 to 53), which are incorporated into 
this Directors’ report by reference.

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Directors’ report
Continued

Corporate Governance report

97

Employee engagement
Details in relation to the workforce advisory panel, employment 
policies, and employee involvement, consultation and development, 
together with details of some of the human resource improvement 
initiatives implemented during 2020, are shown in the Sustainability 
report and in the Section 172 statement set out in the Strategic Report 
on pages 54 to 57, both of which are incorporated by reference into 
this Directors’ report.

Business relationships
Details of our businesses’ clients and suppliers and how our 
businesses work and engage with them are described in the 
Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87, and in the Section 172 
statement set out in the Strategic Report on pages 54 to 57, both of 
which are incorporated by reference into this Directors’ report. 

Environmental
Details of the Group’s environmental initiatives, Greenhouse gas 
emissions and the methodology used to calculate such emissions  
are set out in the Sustainability report on pages 68 to 73, which is 
incorporated by reference into this Directors’ report.

Political donations
The Group’s policy is not to make any political donations and there 
were no political donations made during the year ended 31 December 
2020 (2019: nil).

Branches
The Melrose Group and its businesses operate across various 
jurisdictions. The businesses, through their various subsidiaries, have 
established branches in a number of different countries in which they 
operate.

Disclosures required under Listing Rule 9.8.4R
Other than the following, no further information is required to be 
disclosed by the Company in respect of Listing Rule 9.8.4R:
•  details of the 2020 Employee Share Plan, which are set out on 

pages 116 to 117 of the Directors’ Remuneration report and note 
23 to the financial statements (incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ report);

•  GKN had historically operated employee share option plan trusts 
to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards of ordinary shares 
made under GKN’s share-based incentive arrangements. On the 
acquisition of GKN, these shares were converted into Melrose 
shares. A dividend waiver is in place on the shareholdings in 
respect of relevant trusts in part, or in full, in accordance with the 
provisions of the relevant trust deeds; and

•  each member of the Board agreed to a temporary 20% reduction 
in their salary or base fee (as applicable) in 2020 to support the 
Company’s cash management strategy in light of the COVID-19 
crisis.

Significant agreements and change of control
With the exception of the Group’s banking facilities, the 2020 
Employee Share Plan, and the divisional management long-term 
incentive plans, there are no other agreements that would have a 
significant effect upon a change of control of Melrose Industries PLC 
as at 4 March 2021.

The Group has a committed bank facility, comprising a multi-currency 
term loan denominated £100 million and US$960 million and a multi-
currency revolving credit facility denominated £1.1 billion, US$2.0 billion 
and €0.5 billion. Details of this facility are provided in the Finance 
Director’s review on page 41 and note 25 to the financial statements. 

In the event of a change of control of the Company following a 
takeover bid, the Company and lenders under the facility agreement 
are obliged to enter into negotiations to determine whether, and if so 
how, to continue with the facility. There is no obligation for the lenders 
to either fund new loans requested during the 30 day period after a 
change of control, or continue to make the facility available for more 
than 30 days beyond any change of control. Failure to reach 
agreement with parties on revised terms could require an acquirer to 
put in place replacement facilities.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GKN Holdings Limited, has 
outstanding £450 million fixed rate notes paying 5.375% p.a. interest 
and maturing on 19 September 2022 and £300 million fixed rate notes 
paying 4.625% p.a. interest and maturing on 12 May 2032, in each 
case issued under Euro medium-term note programmes (together, the 
“Notes”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of each of the Notes, a 
holder of the Notes has the option to require GKN Holdings Limited to 
redeem or (at GKN Holdings Limited’s option) purchase the holder’s 
Notes at their principal amount together with accrued interest, if there 
is a change of control of GKN Limited and either (i) the Notes are 
unrated or do not carry an investment grade credit rating from at least 
two ratings agencies; or (ii) if the Notes carry an investment grade 
credit rating from at least two ratings agencies, the Notes are 
downgraded to a non-investment grade rating or that rating is 
withdrawn within 90 days of the change of control and such 
downgrade or withdrawal is cited by the ratings agencies as being  
the result of the change of control.

In the event of a takeover of the Company, awards granted under the 
2020 Employee Share Plan would crystallise and convert into ordinary 
shares in the Company or give rise to an entitlement to a dividend paid 
in cash. The rate of conversion is based upon the offer price of the 
Company’s ordinary shares as calculated on the date of the change of 
control of the Company. If the offer price, or any element of the offer 
price, is not in cash, the Remuneration Committee will determine the 
value of the non-cash element, having been advised by a reputable 
investment bank that such valuation is fair and reasonable.

Long-term management incentive plans have been put in place for our 
key divisions which would be triggered upon a sale of their respective 
business or a takeover of the Company. The plans provide for the 
payment of bonuses to certain key managers of these divisions based 
upon the increase in value of their respective business. If a sale of the 
relevant business has not occurred within a certain period, the 
incentive plan will crystallise and any payment to be made to 
participants will be based on the increase in value of the business 
during this period.

Commitments
Melrose entered into certain undertakings and other continuing 
obligations with the UK Government and other regulatory bodies in 
connection with its acquisition of GKN. It remains in full compliance 
with these obligations and meets its regular reporting requirements.

Auditor
So far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 
(being information that is needed by the Company’s auditor to prepare 
its report) of which the Company’s auditor is unaware. Each Director 
has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director 
to make him or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance 
with the provisions of section 418 of the Act.

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee has reviewed the 
effectiveness, performance, independence and objectivity of the 
existing external auditor, Deloitte LLP, for the year ended 31 December 
2020 and concluded that the external auditor was in all respects 
effective. Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in 
office as auditor of the Group. Accordingly, resolutions will be 
proposed at this year’s AGM for the reappointment of Deloitte LLP as 
auditor of the Group and to authorise the Audit Committee to 
determine its remuneration.

Approval
Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Jonathon Crawford  
Company Secretary  
4 March 2021

Corporate Governance 
report

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
“Code”) and the Listing Rules issued by the Financial 
Conduct Authority, this section of the Annual Report 
and financial statements details the ways in which the 
Company has applied the principles and complied with 
the provisions of the Code applicable during the year 
ended 31 December 2020. 

The Audit Committee report, Nomination Committee report, Directors’ 
Remuneration report, Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the Risk 
management and Risks and uncertainties sections of the Strategic 
Report, together with the Sustainability report and the Section 172 
statement, also form part of this Corporate Governance report.

Statement of compliance
Throughout the year ended 31 December 2020, the Company has 
applied the principles and complied with the provisions of the Code.

1.  Principles A-E: Board Leadership and Company Purpose

Long-term sustainable success
The Board is constituted of individuals from a diverse range of 
backgrounds and with a wealth of knowledge, understanding and 
experience. The Chairman, with the assistance of the Vice-Chairmen, 
is responsible for leadership of the Board. The division of 
responsibilities is described further in section 2 on page 98. 

The Board’s overarching objective is to generate value for the 
Company’s shareholders in a way that is sustainable in the long term 
and contributes to wider society. The Section 172 statement on pages 
54 to 57 and the Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87 set out the 
ways in which the Board took these considerations into account in its 
decision-making in 2020.

Purpose, strategy and values 
Melrose was founded in 2003 to empower businesses to unlock  
their full potential for the benefit of all stakeholders, whilst providing 
shareholders with an above-average return on their investment.  
This has been delivered through Melrose’s “Buy, Improve, Sell” 
strategy, which means we buy good quality but underperforming 
manufacturing businesses and then invest heavily to improve 
performance and productivity as they become stronger, better 
businesses under our responsible stewardship. At the appropriate 
time, we find them a new home for the next stage of their 
development and return the proceeds to shareholders. 

The Company’s purpose and strategy are underpinned by the 
principles and values on which it was founded. We act with integrity, 
honesty and decisiveness and believe in a lean operating model, high 
productivity and sustainable business practices. We do not shy away 
from difficult decisions based on sound financial information, holding 
people accountable but always treating them fairly. We provide the 
space and resources to empower people to perform and reward them 
well when they do. These are the principles that lie at the heart of the 
success of Melrose and are the basis on which we strive for more 
success in the future. 

Resources and controls
As described in more detail in the Risk management section  
of the Strategic report and the Audit Committee report on pages 44 to 
45 and 103 to 107 respectively, the Board has established a framework 
of reporting procedures, lines of responsibility and delegated authority, 
which is updated regularly and understood by all Board members and 

the Melrose senior management team. These reporting processes 
allow the Board and Melrose senior management team to allocate 
resources in a sustainable and appropriate manner, enabling the Group 
to meet its objectives and measure performance effectively. The Board 
and the Audit Committee have access to the Melrose senior 
management team and to external assistance in order to satisfy 
themselves that appropriate and effective controls are in place.

Stakeholder engagement
Through presentations and regular meetings between the executive 
Directors, analysts and institutional shareholders, including those 
following the announcements of the Company’s annual and interim 
results and trading updates, the Company seeks to build on a mutual 
understanding of objectives with its shareholders. During 2020, in 
addition to the usual disclosure rounds following the release of annual 
and interim results, the Company continued its programme of 
engagement with major investors and corporate governance bodies  
in respect of specific material topics including the renewal of the 
Directors’ remuneration policy and long-term incentive arrangements, 
as well as open-agenda discussions between key shareholders and 
members of the Board. Engagement with key shareholders, proxy 
advisors, employee bodies, ratings agencies and other governance 
bodies remains a central part of the Company’s approach to 
stakeholder engagement and governance and shall continue in  
the lead up to the 2021 AGM. Further details on the Company’s 
engagement with stakeholders are contained in the Section 172 
statement on pages 54 to 57 and in the Sustainability report on 
page 61.

In order to promote effective engagement with, and encourage 
participation from, its workforce, Melrose operates a workforce 
advisory panel (“WAP”). Given the Group’s decentralised nature  
and Melrose’s strategic business model and regular turnover of 
businesses, the WAP comprises the Chief Human Resources Officer 
(or equivalent) from each business unit and a Melrose Group 
representative. Each member of the WAP is responsible for 
determining how the workforce should be defined for their respective 
business unit, promoting workforce engagement, collating the voice of 
the workforce and demonstrating how that voice is fed into executive 
decisions for that business unit. The WAP meets twice a year and an 
annual report is prepared for the Board which highlights workforce 
engagement and key views. Further details on the WAP are contained 
in the Section 172 statement on pages 54 to 57. 

Workforce policies and practices
Melrose’s reputation for acting responsibly plays a critical role in its 
success as a business and its ability to generate shareholder value. 
It maintains high standards of ethical conduct which are reflected in 
the compliance policies that are rolled out to the business units, and 
cover best practice with respect to anti-bribery and corruption, 
anti-money laundering, anti-facilitation of tax evasion, competition, 
conflict minerals, trade compliance, data privacy, whistleblowing, 
treasury and financial controls, anti-slavery and human trafficking, 
document retention and joint ventures.

The Company also operates an externally hosted whistleblowing portal 
which is readily available to all Group employees and supported by 
regularly updated policies, procedures and awareness campaigns to 
create an environment in which the workforce feels it is safe to raise 
concerns in confidence without fear of retaliation, and to foster an 
ethical and supportive culture within each of the Group’s business 
units. The Board is provided with updates on material whistleblowing 
events as they are reported from time to time to the Melrose senior 
management team, and they are provided with an overview of 
whistleblowing activity on a quarterly basis. An annual report is 
prepared for the Board which highlights whistleblowing activity in 
further detail across the business units, together with a summary of the 
approach taken by each business unit to their whistleblowing process.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 202098

Corporate Governance report
Continued

99

2. Principles F-I: Division of Responsibilities

The Board
Details of the structure of the Board and its key responsibilities are 
shown on pages 62 and 63.

There were four formally scheduled Board meetings held during the 
year and the attendance of each Director at these meetings is shown 
on page 99. 

Business review meetings are held between scheduled Board 
meetings. There were two business review meetings held during the 
year due to the frequency of informal Board meetings held, and the 
attendance of Directors at these review meetings is set out on page 
99. These meetings provide the Directors with a comprehensive 
understanding of the current performance of, and the key issues 
affecting, the Group’s businesses, without the formality or rigidity of a 
Board meeting. Divisional CEOs and other senior management from 
the businesses are periodically invited to attend and present to these 
meetings, providing the Directors with an opportunity to discuss each 
business directly and to develop relationships with their leadership 
teams. The executive Directors also visit the sites of the business units 
on an ad hoc basis and sessions are held between the executive 
Directors and the business unit executive teams at such site visits. 

During 2020, the regular Board meetings and business review 
meetings were supplemented by weekly meetings of the Board and 
weekly cash management meetings with the divisional executive 
teams during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second and 
third quarters of 2020. As the initial disruption subsided, these 
meetings were followed by fortnightly Board meetings and regular key 
financial information reporting to the Board where necessary. The 
increased frequency of meetings at Board level enabled the Board to 
discuss and increase their monitoring and oversight of the financial 
performance of the Group, particularly in light of the focus on cash 
generation. It also enabled the Board to have increased monitoring 
and oversight of the impact of macro-political events on the Group, 
including national and regional lockdowns, material working pattern 
changes, and PPE supplies and distribution, and the business units’ 
ongoing assessment and/or use of and paying back of national 
support schemes where determined appropriate.

Detailed briefing papers containing financial and operational business 
summaries and an agenda are provided to the Directors in advance of 
each Board, Committee (where relevant) or business review meeting. 
The Directors are able to seek further clarification and information on 
any matter from any other Director, the Company Secretary or any 
other employee of the Group whenever necessary.

Decisions are taken by the Board in conjunction with the 
recommendations of its Committees and advice from external 
consultants, advisors and Melrose senior management.

The Board has a fully encrypted electronic portal, enabling Board, 
Committee and business review papers to be delivered securely and 
efficiently to Directors. This facilitates a faster and more secure 
distribution of information, accessed using electronic tablets and 
reduced resource usage, which in turn helps to reduce paper waste.

The Company Secretary is responsible for advising and supporting 
the Chairman and the Board on corporate governance matters as well 
as assisting the Chairman in ensuring a smooth flow of information to 
enable effective decision-making. All Directors have access to the 
advice and services of the Company Secretary and, through him, 
have access to independent professional advice in respect of their 
duties, at the Company’s expense. The Company Secretary, 
supported by the Group company secretariat, acts as secretary to the 
Board, the Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee.

In accordance with its Articles and in compliance with the Act, the 
Company has granted a qualifying third-party indemnity to each 
Director. This indemnity is provided both within the Company’s 
Articles and through a separate deed of indemnity between the 
Company and each of the Directors. The Company also maintains 
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and Chief Executive
The roles of each of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairmen and the Chief 
Executive of the Company are, and will remain, separate in 
accordance with the Code and Board policy.

The Chairman, with the assistance of the Vice-Chairmen, is 
responsible for leadership of the Board. The Chairman sets the Board 
agenda and ensures that adequate time is given to the discussion of 
issues in order to facilitate constructive discussions with effective 
contributions from the Non-executive Directors, particularly on those 
issues of a strategic nature. The Chairman, with the support of the 
Company Secretary, also facilitates constructive board relations by 
providing accurate and clear information in a timely manner. 
Responsibility for ensuring effective communications are made to 
shareholders rests with the Chairman, the Vice-Chairmen and the 
three other executive Directors.

The Chief Executive is responsible for strategic direction and decisions 
involving the day-to-day management of the Company.

Non-executive Directors
The Company’s Non-executive Directors are encouraged to, and  
do, scrutinise the performance of the executive Directors in all areas, 
including on strategy, risks and financial information, through their 
roles on the Company’s Committees, at the Board’s scheduled 
meetings and business review sessions and on an ad hoc basis.  
The Non-executive Directors come from a diverse range of 
backgrounds and as such are able to draw on their own specialist 
knowledge to give necessary guidance and advice, and hold 
management to account. 

The Board consists of five executive Directors, five Non-executive 
Directors (inclusive of the Senior Independent Director) and the 
Non-Executive Chairman. As such, the Board is satisfied that there  
is sufficient challenge by Non-executive Directors of executive 
management in meetings of the Board, and that no individual  
or small group of individuals dominates its decision-making. 

Together with the Chairman, each of the Non-executive Directors are 
members of the Nomination Committee and as such, they play a key 
role in appointing and removing executive Directors. As considered in 
section 3, the Non-executive Directors are also key in evaluating the 
performance of the Directors. 

Non-executive Director independence
In accordance with the provisions of the Code, consideration has 
been given to the independence of all Non-executive Directors. The 
Board considers all of the Non-executive Directors to be independent.

Upon Mr Justin Dowley’s appointment to the role of Chairman of the 
Board he was considered independent. Ms Liz Hewitt is the 
appointed Senior Independent Director, and acts as an intermediary 
for the other Directors and shareholders. In accordance with the Code 
requirements, at least half of the Board, excluding the Chairman of the 
Board, comprises Non-executive Directors determined by the Board 
to be independent. The number of independent Directors on the 
Board will increase from 50% to 60% (excluding the Chairman of the 
Board) with the intended retirement of Mr David Roper in May 2021 
and the current recruitment process for a new independent Non-
executive Director.

Although Mr Dowley has only served as independent Non-executive 
Chairman since 2019, the Board recognises that he has served as a 
Non-executive Director for just over nine years, having first joined the 
Board as an independent Non-executive Director in September 2011. 
The Code provides that service on the Board for more than nine years 
from the date of first appointment is a circumstance which may impair 
independence. In 2019 the Board agreed that Mr Dowley should stay 
in his position for up to three years beyond 2020, subject to his annual 
re-election at the Company’s AGM, in order to facilitate succession 
planning arrangements and the development of a diverse Board. This 
decision had been reached following a positive engagement process 
with key institutional shareholders on Mr Dowley’s tenure. Following 
strong support for Mr Dowley at the 2020 AGM together with the need 
to provide stability and certainty in the face of the global pandemic, 
the Board continues to hold this view. 

The Non-executive Directors are not entitled to any cash bonus or 
shares under the 2020 Employee Share Plan.

Corporate governance framework and terms of 
reference
The Board has an overarching corporate governance framework to 
ensure continued alignment of the Board and Committee members’ 
roles and division of responsibilities with the Code, Melrose’s 
top-down Board and senior management risk oversight, and the 
business units’ bottom-up risk management responsibilities. Each 
member of the Board is provided with a copy of the Company’s 
corporate governance framework, which they review, discuss and 
update periodically.

Each of the Committees has their own written terms of reference.  
The Company Secretary supports the Committees in updating these 
terms of reference in order to comply with the Code and other good 
corporate practice. The terms of reference are continuously reviewed, 
although they are more formally reviewed on an annual basis in the 
Committee meetings. The terms of reference are available via the 
Melrose website at www.melroseplc.net.

Board induction, training and support
An induction programme tailored to the needs of individual Directors is 
provided for new Directors joining the Board. The primary aim of the 
induction programme is to introduce new Directors to, and educate 
them about, the Group’s businesses, its operations and its 
governance arrangements. Individual induction requirements are 
monitored by the Chairman and the Company Secretary to ensure 
that new Directors gain sufficient knowledge to enable them to 
contribute to the Board’s deliberations as quickly as possible.

The Board also receives annual training and quarterly updates on key 
sustainability issues that impact the sectors within which the Group’s 
businesses operate, and on the specific measures that are required to 
be implemented to drive improved sustainability performance over the 
longer term for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Time commitments and attendance of Directors 
at meetings
When considering appointments to the Board, the Board in 
conjunction with the Nomination Committee reviews any other 
demands on a candidate’s time, and new Directors are required  
to disclose any directorships held and other business interests.  
The ability of Directors to have sufficient time to meet their board 
responsibilities is considered on an annual basis as part of the 
performance evaluation process. Mr Peter Dilnot is a Non-executive 
Director of Rotork PLC although the Board has concluded that this 
does not affect Mr Dilnot’s ability to meet his board responsibilities. 
None of the other executive Directors hold any significant 
appointments nor do they have any non-executive directorships  
in any FTSE 100 company.

The following table shows the attendance of each of the Directors at 
the scheduled meetings of the Board and its Committees held during 
the year. The quorum necessary for the transaction of business by the 
Board and each of its Committees is two. The table also shows 
attendance at business review meetings held between scheduled 
Board meetings. Non-executive Directors are invited to, but are not 
required to attend, such meetings.

Attendance of Directors

Board Audit Nomination Remuneration

Business 
review

Number of meetings (1)

Justin Dowley

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Peter Dilnot(4)

Liz Hewitt

David Lis

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning

Funmi Adegoke

4

4

4

4

4

4

–

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

–

–

–

4(3)

–

4

4

4

4

–

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

1(2)

2

–

2

2

2

2

2

(1)  In addition to the above scheduled meetings, ad hoc Board and Committee meetings are held 
from time to time which are attended by a quorum of Directors and are convened to deal with 
specific items of business.

(2) With agreement from the Board, Simon Peckham was unable to attend the January 2020 
business review due to his attendance at a critical joint venture meeting internationally.

(3)  Geoffrey Martin attended by invitation.
(4)  Peter Dilnot was appointed as an executive Director with effect from 1 January 2021. Mr Dilnot 

attended each of the Board meetings and business reviews by invitation. 

3. Principles J-L: Composition, Succession and Evaluation

Board composition
The Board believes that the Directors bring a combination of skills, 
experience and knowledge to the Board that is complementary  
to the activities of the Company. Biographies of the Directors are 
shown on pages 62 and 63, and on the Company’s website at  
www.melroseplc.net. These biographies identify any other  
significant appointments held by the Directors. 

During the year, Mr Roper had intended on retiring from the Board. 
However, as a result of the global pandemic, the Board and 
Nomination Committee agreed that it was not the appropriate time to 
lose the expertise and experience of one of its co-founders. Mr Roper 
therefore agreed to delay his retirement to assist the Company in 
navigating its way through the challenges presented by the pandemic 
and he will instead retire at the end of May 2021. His knowledge and 
experience have been very helpful in ensuring the businesses ended 
the year in a strong position. 

Furthermore, as a result of the valuable contribution that Mr Peter 
Dilnot has made since joining Melrose as Chief Operating Officer in 
April 2019, the Board appointed Mr Dilnot to the role of executive 
Director, and such appointment took effect on 1 January 2021. 
Mr Dilnot brings to the Board a deep understanding of the 
Melrose business model together with strong sector experience 
in engineering and aviation.

The Board has made significant progress with paving the way for 
diversity, including having met the Parker Review target of having one 
Director from an ethnic minority background on the Board well in 
advance of the 2021 deadline following the appointment of Ms Funmi 
Adegoke in October 2019. As at 31 December 2020, Melrose had 
30% female representation on its Board, and half of Board 
appointments between 2016 and 2020 have been female. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020100

Corporate Governance report
Continued

101

Melrose had been on track to achieve the Hampton-Alexander Review 
target of having 33% female representation on its Board by 2020 with 
the intended retirement of Mr Roper in May 2020. The Board’s 
decision to delay Mr Roper’s retirement was the reason that Melrose 
did not achieve this goal by the end of last year as had been intended. 
The middle of the crisis was not the time to lose someone of Mr 
Roper’s experience, but this is now being addressed. Melrose is 
committed to achieving the Hampton-Alexander Review target in 
2021 and along with Mr Roper’s retirement it has started the process 
of recruiting for a new female Non-executive Director. Stonehaven 
International, an external recruitment consultancy firm unconnected 
with the Company and its Directors, has been retained to identify 
suitable candidates for the Board’s consideration.

Succession planning
Succession planning is coordinated via the Nomination Committee 
in conjunction with the Board and includes all Directors and senior 
management. It was a core focus in 2020 and as explained in section 2 
on pages 98 and 99, the Board approved the extension of Mr Dowley’s 
Chairmanship tenure in order to aid effective succession planning. 

Succession planning arrangements for the Board as a whole were 
reviewed by the Nomination Committee and the Board. This included 
reviewing the skills set, tenure, diversity and independence of those 
already on the Board, and reviewing the Melrose senior management 
team including the career planning and talent management 
programmes in operation for them. In each case this was to allow the 
Nomination Committee to ensure that the right balance of skills, 
experience and diversity were reflected and being developed.

Given the strength of Melrose’s decentralised operating structure in 
achieving the Group’s strategic objectives, the Nomination Committee 
does not have direct involvement in the succession planning 
arrangements of the divisions. However, the Nomination Committee 
has access to the divisional executive teams through the business 
review cycle.

Board evaluation
Evaluation approach and process
In accordance with its obligations under the Code to conduct an 
external Board evaluation at least once every three years, the Board 
engaged Lintstock Ltd in 2020 to undertake an independent 
evaluation of the Board, the Audit Committee, the Nomination 
Committee, the Remuneration Committee, and the Chairman’s 
performance in order to identify areas where performance and 
procedures might be further improved. Lintstock Ltd is a specialist 
corporate governance consultancy and, other than the Board, 
Committee and Chairman evaluations, has no commercial dealings or 
other connection with the Melrose Group. A range of topics were 
discussed as part of the evaluation including the Board’s adjustment 
of its focus and priorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
mix of the Board, with diversity of gender, race and thought, 
succession planning oversight, risk management and internal 
controls, strategic oversight, understanding of the views and 
requirements of key stakeholders, and the integration of sustainability 
into the Group’s strategy and operations.

Outputs of the evaluation
The report and subsequent discussion concluded that the Board, the 
Chairman and the Senior Independent Director continue to be highly 
effective.

In order to further enhance the Board’s effectiveness, the following 
areas were designated as the subject of management focus 
during 2021:
•  continuing to monitor senior management succession;
•  returning to physical meetings for the whole Board;
•  further developing the Board’s visibility over the impact of 

principal risks on the divisions, and continuing to monitor and 
enhance the Group’s management of risk;

•  further integrating and embedding sustainability into the Group’s 
business strategy and operations, which the Group views as a 
process of continuous progression in response to ever-evolving 
sustainability developments;

•  although considerable steps were taken to improve cyber security 
across all business units in 2020, it was recognised that cyber 
security is an ongoing risk and will, therefore, be focused on 
again in 2021;

•  continuing to improve and monitor the cash management culture 
within the businesses (particularly within the GKN businesses) 
and to improve cash performance; and

•  continuing to impress upon all divisions that the health and safety 
of their workers is of utmost importance and ensuring that the 
divisions’ executive teams place a high degree of focus on 
implementing, monitoring and maintaining high standards of 
health and safety awareness, coupled with appropriate protective 
measures and high performance, with a view to eliminating 
preventable accidents.

Annual re-election of Directors
Pursuant to the Company’s Articles and in accordance with the 
provisions of the Code, all of the Directors stood for election or 
re-election at the 2020 AGM. With the exception of Mr Dilnot, who 
is standing for election for the first time, all current Directors of the 
Company will be standing for re-election by shareholders at this 
year’s AGM and in each case an ordinary resolution will need to be 
passed to approve such (re-)elections.

In considering whether each Director should stand for re-election, 
the Nomination Committee in consultation with the Board considers 
whether the Board has the appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence and diversity to enable the Board to carry out its duties 
and responsibilities effectively. The time commitments of each Director 
are also reviewed as part of this assessment, and Directors are 
required to disclose any directorships held and other business 
interests. The annual performance evaluation referred to above assists 
with determining whether each Director should stand for re-election.

Following performance evaluations of each of the Directors, and 
having considered in turn the individual skills, relevant experience, 
contributions and time commitment of the Directors to the long-term 
sustainable success of the Company, the Chairman is of the opinion 
that each Director’s performance continues to be effective and 
demonstrates commitment to the role. Similarly, following 
performance evaluations of the Chairman, and having carefully 
considered the commitments required and the contributions made by 
the Chairman, the Non-executive Directors, led by the Senior 
Independent Director, are of the opinion that the Chairman’s 
performance continues to be effective and that he continues to 
demonstrate commitment to the role. 

The justification for Mr Dowley’s re-election as Chairman is considered 
in section 2 on pages 98 and 99. 

Mr Simon Peckham, Chief Executive, is standing for re-election as 
Director due to his deep understanding of the Melrose business 
model, having joined the Company initially in 2003 as Chief Operating 
Officer. He has widespread expertise in corporate finance, mergers 
and acquisitions, strategy and operations. 

Mr Christopher Miller and Mr Roper (Vice-Chairmen), are also 
standing for re-election on the basis of their deep understanding of 
the Melrose business model, having co-founded Melrose. Mr Miller 
has long-standing involvement in manufacturing industries and private 
investment, and Mr Roper (who will retire from the Board at the end of 
May 2021) has significant financial and operational expertise.

Mr Geoffrey Martin, Group Finance Director, is standing for re-election 
due to his deep understanding of the Melrose business model, having 
been appointed as Group Finance Director in 2005. He also brings to 
the Board considerable public company experience and expertise in 
corporate finance, equity finance raising and financial strategy.

Mr Dilnot, Chief Operating Officer, is standing for election for the first 
time. Mr Dilnot brings to the Board a deep understanding of the 
Melrose business model together with strong sector experience in 
engineering and aviation.

Ms Hewitt, Senior Independent Director, is standing for re-election as 
Director due to her extensive business, financial and investment 
experience gained from a number of senior roles in international 
companies. In particular, Ms Hewitt is the longest serving Non-
executive Director after the Chairman, having served on the Board 
since 2013, and fulfils the pre-requisite of being independent. 

The remaining Non-executive Directors are standing for re-election 
due to their independence, diversity, skills and experience. In 
particular, Mr David Lis brings to the Board extensive financial 
experience and deep insight into the expectations of Melrose’s 
institutional investor base, having held several roles in investment 
management. Mr Archie G. Kane has extensive financial and general 
management expertise, having held several roles in the financial 
services sector and public company boards. Ms Charlotte Twyning 
brings a diverse range of experience and commercial acumen due to 
her experience having held various senior positions in the 
telecommunications and transport sectors, and most recently in 
aviation. Ms Adegoke brings diverse industrial knowledge as well as 
significant transactional and commercial management expertise due 
to her extensive experience working in and leading legal teams across 
the globe at multi-national organisations. 

Biographies of the Directors are shown on pages 62 to 63, and on the 
Company’s corporate website at www.melroseplc.net. Detailed 
justifications for each Director’s re-election (or election, as the case 
may be) are set out in the AGM Notice, on pages 208 to 213.

4. Provisions M-O: Audit, Risk and Internal Control

Objectives and policy
A key responsibility of the Board and Melrose senior management 
team is to safeguard and increase the value of the businesses and 
assets of the Group for the benefit of its shareholders. Achievement of 
their objectives requires the development of policies and appropriate 
internal control frameworks to ensure the Group’s resources are 
managed properly and that any key risks are identified and mitigated 
where possible.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the development of the Group’s 
overall risk management policies and system of internal control 
frameworks and for reviewing their respective effectiveness, while the 
role of Melrose senior management is to implement these policies and 
frameworks across the Group’s business operations. The Directors 
recognise that the systems and processes established by the Board 
are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failing to 
achieve business objectives and cannot provide absolute assurance 
against material financial misstatement or loss.

The Board is committed to satisfying the internal control guidance for 
Directors set out in the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting. In accordance 
with this guidance, the Board assumes ultimate responsibility for risk 
management and internal controls, including determining the nature 
and extent of the principal risks it is willing to take to achieve its 
strategic objectives (its “risk appetite”) and ensuring an appropriate 
culture has been embedded throughout the organisation. The 
establishment of a revised risk management and internal control 
system has been complemented by ongoing monitoring and review, 
to ensure the Company is able to adapt to an evolving risk 
environment.

A separate Audit Committee report is set out on pages 103 to 107 
and provides details of the role and activities of the Audit Committee 
and its relationship with the internal and external auditors.

Managing and controlling risk
Since 2016, the Group’s approach to risk management has been 
reviewed and enhanced. The systems, processes and controls 
in place accord with the Code and the FRC’s updated guidance. 
Details on the Group’s risk management strategy are set out on 
pages 44 to 45.

Further information regarding the Group’s financial risk objectives and 
policies can be found in the Finance Director’s review on pages 36 to 
42. A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties that could 
impact upon the Group’s performance is set out on pages 46 to 53.

Internal financial controls and reporting
The Group has a comprehensive system for assessing the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls, including strategic 
business planning and regular monitoring and reporting of financial 
performance. A detailed annual budget is prepared by senior 
management and thereafter is reviewed and formally adopted by 
the Board.

The budget and other targets are regularly updated via a rolling 
forecast process and regular business review meetings are held with 
the involvement of senior management to assess performance. The 
results of these reviews are in turn reported to, and discussed by, the 
Board at each meeting. As discussed in the Audit Committee report 
on pages 103 to 107, the Group engages BM Howarth as internal 
auditor. A total of 28 internal audit physical site visits were completed 
by BM Howarth and Ernst & Young during 2020 across the Group.  
As was common across most large, geographically dispersed 
companies during 2020, COVID-19 disruption presented a number  
of challenges and limitations due to restricted international travel and 
extended periods of remote working for many site-based finance 
teams. Further details about the additional assurance measures that 
were taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 disruption on internal 
controls during 2020 can be found in the Audit Committee report on 
pages 103 to 107. 

The Directors can report that based on the sites visited and reviewed 
in 2020, there has been progress across the Group following the 2020 
internal audit programme and that the majority of the 
recommendations presented in the internal audit report have been or 
are in the process of being implemented. 

The Audit Committee also monitors the effectiveness of the internal 
control process implemented across the Group through a review of 
the key findings presented by the external and internal auditors. 
Management are responsible for ensuring that the Audit Committee’s 
recommendations in respect of internal controls and risk management 
are implemented.

Compliance and ethics
The Company takes very seriously its responsibilities under the laws 
and regulations in the countries and jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates and has in place appropriate measures to ensure 
compliance. A compliance framework is in place comprising a suite of 
policies relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption, anti-money 
laundering, anti-facilitation of tax evasion, competition, conflict 
minerals, trade compliance, data privacy, whistleblowing, treasury and 
financial controls, anti-slavery and human trafficking, document 
retention and joint ventures. These policies are in place within each 
business and, other than in respect of certain policies where it would 
not be appropriate for them to have such a broad reach, they 
generally apply to all Directors, employees (whether permanent, 
fixed-term, or temporary), pension trustees, consultants and other 
business advisors, contractors, trainees, volunteers, business agents, 
distributors, joint venture partners or any other person working for or 
performing a service on behalf of the Company, its subsidiaries and/or 
associated companies in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
has a majority interest.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020102

Corporate Governance report
Continued

Audit Committee report

103

Development of policies
The Remuneration Committee has a formal and transparent 
procedure for developing the policy on executive remuneration. It 
regularly engages with shareholders to seek their views (and 
particularly more so in advance of renewals), takes those views into 
account when formulating proposals on executive remuneration, 
obtains advice from external remuneration advisors, and undertakes 
benchmarking exercises with respect to executive pay to ensure that 
the executive remuneration structure remains accurate. Shareholders 
have the opportunity to vote on executive remuneration through their 
binding vote at least every three years on the Directors’ remuneration 
policy and their advisory vote annually on the Directors’ remuneration 
report. As described further in the Directors’ Remuneration report, the 
Chief Executive retains responsibility for setting and managing the 
remuneration of Melrose senior management and divisional CEOs, of 
which the Remuneration Committee has full disclosure. No Director is 
involved in deciding their own remuneration outcome.

Independent judgement and discretion
The Directors exercise independent judgement and discretion when 
authorising remuneration outcomes, taking account of both Company 
and individual performance, and wider circumstances. As mentioned 
above, the Remuneration Committee obtains regular advice from 
external remuneration advisors in order to ensure that proposals are in 
line with the Code, and benchmarked against the FTSE 100. The 
current Directors’ remuneration policy provides the Remuneration 
Committee with the ability to exercise discretion to override formulaic 
outcomes. 

Details regarding Directors’ remuneration, both generally and in 
relation to the requirements of the Code, are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration report on pages 110 to 126, which is presented in the 
following two sections:
•  the annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, which can be found on pages 110 to 111; and
•  the Annual Report on Remuneration, which can be found on 

pages 112 to 126.

The current Directors’ remuneration policy, which was approved by 
shareholders at the 2020 AGM and subsequently amended in 
January 2021 to incorporate the 2020 Employee Share Plan, is 
available on the Company’s website(1).

During 2020, the Melrose Code of Ethics and Group compliance 
policies were updated to bring them up to date with key regulatory  
and legal developments and to align more closely with the Group’s 
sustainability principles. They have been fully implemented across  
all business units together with refreshed risk assessment guidance, 
and they continue to be monitored to ensure their effectiveness for  
the Group. The Group also introduced its first Group-wide conflict 
minerals policy, and further details about this can be found on page 67 
of this Annual Report. Online compliance training continued to be 
conducted within all businesses, covering topics such as anti-trust, 
trade compliance and export controls, data privacy, anti-bribery and 
anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, to enhance and 
supplement the existing compliance regime.

The Company’s Modern Slavery Statement is approved by the Board 
annually and the current statement is available on the Company’s 
website at https://www.melroseplc.net/media/2568/modern-
slavery-statement-june-2020.pdf. Under Melrose’s decentralised 
group structure, each division is responsible (where applicable) for 
publishing their own Modern Slavery Statements in accordance with 
the requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and are 
supported by Melrose where needed. To support the Company’s 
belief in the importance of this matter, it has a Group-wide policy on 
the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking, which the 
businesses have rolled out to employees, along with an online 
compliance training module. Please also refer to section 1 on page 97 
for details of the Company’s whistleblowing policies and procedures. 

BDO LLP have been engaged to conduct an independent non-
financial review programme of the GKN Aerospace and GKN 
Automotive divisions, to test and provide additional external assurance 
in respect of those businesses’ key compliance areas and safeguards 
as a result of their relative scale and complexity. COVID-19 travel 
restrictions have caused some delay to the original site visit schedule. 
However, site visits recommenced during the fourth quarter of 2020. A 
total of 37 physical site visits were conducted in 2020, which included 
GKN Aerospace sites across the UK, Netherlands, India, Singapore, 
Thailand, Sweden, and Norway, as well as GKN Automotive sites 
including those located in Mexico, France, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, 
India and Japan.

5. Provisions P-R: Remuneration

Policies and practices
Melrose’s remuneration philosophy has been the same since being 
founded in 2003 and requires that executive remuneration be simple 
and transparent, support the delivery of the value creation strategy, 
and pay only for performance. The Company’s policy of restricting 
opportunity in annual salary, bonus and benefits to below the lower 
quartile of its peers, while heavily weighting potential reward to the 
long-term employee share plan that is entirely performance based, 
reflects those principles and is intended to align management’s 
incentive arrangements directly with the interests of shareholders. In 
compliance with the Code, the 2020 Employee Share Plan (which is 
the only share plan the Company operates for management) has a 
five-year total vesting and holding period, which promotes long-term 
sustainable success for shareholders, and is also expected to be 
awarded in shares, further aligning management with shareholders. 

(1)  The full details of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy can be found on pages 103 to 111 of the 
2019 Annual Report (www.melroseplc.net/media/2536/melrose-ar2019.pdf), and the full 
details of the amendments can be found on pages 15 to 24 of the circular to shareholders dated 
29 December 2020 (www.melroseplc.net/media/2587/291220-melrose-circular.pdf).

Audit Committee 
report

Liz Hewitt
Audit Committee Chairman

The responsibilities of the Audit 
Committee (the “Committee”) include 
overseeing financial reporting, risk 
management and internal financial 
controls, in addition to making 
recommendations to the Board regarding 
the appointment of the Company’s internal 
and external auditors.

Member

Liz Hewitt (Chairman)

David Lis

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning

No. of meetings(1)

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

(1)  In addition to the usual scheduled three meetings per year, an additional Committee 
meeting was held in June 2020 to review the Group’s control environment during the 
COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the four Committee meetings, all Committee 
members attended weekly meetings of the Board backed up by weekly cash 
management meetings during the initial height of the pandemic to ensure close 
oversight of critical issues across the Group, including a higher frequency of review 
with respect to the Group’s controls, which were followed by fortnightly meetings and 
regular key financial information reporting where necessary.

Role and responsibilities
The Committee’s role and responsibilities are set out in its terms  
of reference. These were updated in November 2020 in line with  
best practice and are available on the Company’s website at  
www.melroseplc.net and from the Company Secretary at the 
Company’s registered office. In discharging its duties, the Committee 
embraces its role of protecting the interests of all stakeholders with 
respect to the integrity of financial information published by the 
Company and the effectiveness of the audit. The responsibilities  
of the Committee include:
•  reviewing and monitoring the integrity of the financial statements 

of the Group, including the Annual Report and financial 
statements and interim financial statements, and reviewing and 
reporting to the Board on significant financial reporting issues and 
judgements which they contain;

•  keeping under review the effectiveness of the Group’s financial 

reporting; 

•  reviewing the effectiveness of and monitoring and overseeing the 
Group’s risk management (excluding cyber security and fraud 
risk, which are retained by the Board), internal financial control 
systems and processes and compliance controls;

•  overseeing the adequacy and security of the Company’s 

arrangements for its employees to raise concerns in confidence in 
accordance with the Company’s whistleblowing policy, including 
about possible wrongdoing in financial reporting or other matters;
•  monitoring and evaluating the independence and effectiveness of the 
internal audit function and approving the internal audit plan and fee;
•  monitoring and evaluating the independence and effectiveness of 
the external audit and approving the external audit plan and fee;
•  reviewing, challenging and reporting to the Board on the going 

concern assumption and the assessment forming the basis of the 
longer-term viability statement;

•  reviewing and where necessary challenging the consistency of 

accounting policies, and methods used to account for significant or 
unusual transactions, and compliance with accounting standards;

•  reviewing the Company’s procedures for detecting fraud, and its 

systems and controls for the prevention of bribery;

•  developing, implementing and monitoring the Group’s policy on 

external audit and overseeing the objectivity and effectiveness of 
the external auditor;

•  assessing annually the external auditor’s independence and 

objectivity, taking into account relevant UK law, regulation, the 
Ethical Standards and other professional requirements and the 
relationship with the auditor as a whole, including the provision of 
any non-audit services;

•  reviewing and where necessary challenging the provision of 

non-audit services by the external auditor; and

•  reviewing and considering the Annual Report and financial 

statements to ensure that it is fair, balanced and understandable 
and advising the Board on whether it can state that this is the case. 

Composition
Ms Liz Hewitt continues to serve as the Chairman of the Committee.  
Ms Hewitt and Mr Archie G. Kane bring their significant and relevant 
financial experience to their roles on the Committee. Furthermore, each 
member of the Committee including Mr David Lis and Ms Charlotte 
Twyning brings strong corporate governance experience to the 
Committee. Further details of the relevant experience of each member of 
the Committee is described in their biographies on pages 92 to 93. The 
Committee is made up 100% of independent Non-executive Directors.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee.

To enable the Committee to provide robust challenge of the reports 
submitted to it, the Committee invites the Group Finance Director, the 
Head of Financial Reporting and senior representatives of the external 
and internal auditors to attend its meetings. The Committee has the 
right to invite any other Directors and/or employees to attend meetings 
where this is considered appropriate. In addition, the Committee meets 
at least once per year with the external and internal auditors without 
management present, and the Chairman of the Committee speaks with 
the external and the internal auditors prior to each Committee meeting.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020104

Audit Committee report
Continued

105

Summary of meetings in the year
The Committee is expected to meet not less than three times a year. 
In 2020, the Committee met in March, September and November. The 
scheduling of these meetings is designed to be aligned with the 
financial reporting timetable, thereby enabling the Committee to review 
the Annual Report and financial statements, the interim financial 
statements and the audit plan ahead of the year-end audit and to 
maintain a view of the internal financial controls and processes 
throughout the year.

In addition to the three scheduled meetings, in June 2020 the 
Committee met to review the Group’s control environment during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, which included: 
•  review and challenge of the approach taken to internal audit as a 

result of the travel disruption caused by the pandemic; 
•  consideration of the closer monitoring and tighter controls 

measures implemented across the Group, including increased 
frequency of review of Group controls over cash reporting and 
trading results from monthly to weekly to ensure that appropriate 
challenges were being made and addressed almost on a 
real-time basis, and that key decisions were supported by the 
Group all the way through to Board level;

•  review of the Group’s response to the UK Financial Reporting 
Council’s (“FRC”) guidance and emerging market practice to 
separately disclose specific balance sheet implications from 
COVID-19 in accordance with the Group’s existing policy for 
‘adjusting items’; and

•  re-evaluation of operational controls to ensure that any additional 
risks as a result of COVID-19 were being considered and where 
possible addressed. 

Significant activities related to the 2020 financial 
statements
As part of its duties the Committee undertook the following recurring 
activities that receive annual scrutiny:
•  review of the 2020 Annual Report and financial statements and  
the interim financial statements, including the going concern of  
the Group assumption and the assessment forming the basis  
of the longer-term viability statement. As part of this review, the 
Committee received reports from the external auditor on their audit 
of the Annual Report and financial statements and their review of 
the interim financial statements, as well as papers prepared by 
management in respect of the going concern and long-term viability 
and significant accounting and control matters from management;

•  consideration of the Annual Report and financial statements in 
the context of being fair, balanced and understandable and a 
review of the content of a paper prepared by management in 
relation to the 2020 Annual Report and financial statements. The 
Committee advised the Board that, in its view, the 2020 Annual 
Report and financial statements when taken as a whole is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy;

•  review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and 

internal financial controls, impacted by remote working and 
disclosures made in the 2020 Annual Report and financial 
statements on this matter;

•  review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal and external 

auditors; and

•  review of and agreement of the scope of work to be undertaken 

Given the ongoing uncertainty and disruption caused by COVID-19, 
the Committee has scheduled four meetings in 2021 to enable further 
review and challenge of significant accounting matters.

in respect of the 2020 financial statements by the external  
auditor and the scope of work to be undertaken in 2021  
by the internal auditor.

In addition to these matters, the Committee considered the following significant issues in relation to the financial statements during the year:

The Audit Committee’s activities during 2020

Significant issue considered by the Audit Committee
Impairment testing of goodwill
Impairment testing is inherently subjective as it includes assumptions in 
calculating the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) 
being tested. Assumptions include future cash flows of the relevant CGU, 
discount rates that reflect the appropriate risk and long-term growth rates 
which are applicable to the geography of operations.

During 2019, the Group disclosed additional sensitivities for Nortek Control, 
following an impairment charge, and the Powder Metallurgy and Automotive 
Driveline groups of CGUs due to global automotive market decline at that time.

During 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic had a significant impact on the 
global end markets in which certain of the Group’s businesses operate with 
a sharp decline in revenue during the second quarter. During the second 
half of the year, there was an improvement in trading conditions for most 
businesses, however, there remains a range of possible outcomes around 
the speed of future recovery of end markets.

How the issue was addressed by the Audit Committee

The Committee challenged the outcome of the impairment review in respect 
of all groups of CGUs and particularly where headroom was considered low, 
and also considered the proposed disclosures in respect of the Aerospace 
Engine Systems, Aerospace Aerostructures, Automotive Driveline, Automotive 
ePowertrain, Powder Metallurgy, Ergotron and Nortek Control groups of CGUs, 
given their sensitivity to reasonably possible changes in assumptions.

In doing so the Committee considered the following:
•  a paper prepared by management, which included the key outputs from the 

impairment models;

•  the trading assumptions, including macro-economic factors, applied in the 
models and in particular those that were key, being revenue growth and 
operating margin;

•  the market-based assumptions for the long-term growth rates and the 

discount rate;

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the businesses have mitigated the impact 
of lower levels of demand through cost reduction and efficiency actions, 
including significant restructuring. Under IAS 36, the value in use basis 
prohibits the inclusion of benefits from future uncommitted restructuring 
plans although this is permitted when applying the fair value less costs to 
sell basis, to the extent that similar actions would be carried out by a market 
participant. Due to the timing of impairment testing a fair value less costs 
to sell approach has resulted in higher valuations than the value in use 
approach for certain, but not all, groups of CGUs.

•  risk adjustments that were applied to the model, in particular regarding the 
extent of market decline and timing of when volume reductions would 
recover; and

•  the appropriateness of the full disclosures in the financial statements in 

respect of the impairment review performed and the impact, together with 
sensitivities that could cause a future impairment.

The Committee discussed with Deloitte the audit work performed by them and 
their conclusion regarding the disclosures presented.

As disclosed in 2019, there has been a change to the Aerospace group of 
CGUs in the year, following the announcement of a new operating model 
in the business. This new CGU structure, comprising Engine Systems and 
Aerostructures, was effective from 1 January 2020. A further change in both 
the Aerospace and Automotive groups of CGUs took place with effect from 
1 November 2020, resulting from the implications of organisational structural 
changes and the impact of COVID-19. Rather than two groups of CGUs in 
each of Aerospace and Automotive, there is now one group of CGUs within 
each business.

(Refer to notes 3 and 11 of the financial statements)

Considering all of the above, as well as management responses to challenge and 
Deloitte’s views, the Committee was satisfied that the assumptions used were 
reasonable and that the impairment conclusions together with disclosures were 
appropriately presented.

The Audit Committee’s activities during 2020

Significant issue considered by the Audit Committee
Going concern and viability
The Committee is required to make an assessment of the going concern 
assumptions for the Group and the basis of the viability statement before 
making a recommendation to the Board.

The assessment of going concern for the annual financial statements uses 
the same forecast data as included in many other areas of estimation within 
the full year accounting and takes into account the revised covenant tests 
agreed with the Group’s banking syndicate during the year.

(Refer to note 2 of the financial statements)

Provisions for loss-making contracts
The level of provisioning for loss-making contracts requires estimation and 
assumptions for long-term programmes.

Although provisions are reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted for 
management’s best views, their inherently subjective nature means that 
future amounts settled may be different from those provided.

During the year, as a result of a continued focus on improving profitability 
through operational actions or enhancing commercial terms with customers, 
a number of contracts have successfully become break-even or better. There 
has been a consequential net release of provisions of £95 million, recorded 
as an adjusting item to avoid positively distorting adjusted operating profit.

(Refer to notes 3, 6 and 21 of the financial statements)

Accounting for revenue under IFRS 15
Following the Group’s adoption of IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers” in 2018, management continue to monitor the key assumptions 
used within the GKN Aerospace business, specifically regarding recognition 
of variable consideration for risk and revenue sharing partnerships (“RRSPs”).

The reduction in activity in the year led to significantly less variable 
consideration recognised of £13 million (2019: £45 million). The additional 
controls which were introduced by management in light of the complex 
commercial arrangements, evolving programme matters and dynamic 
market conditions have continued to be robust in the year.

(Refer to notes 3, 4 and 17 of the financial statements)

GKN Aerospace North America financial information  
in relation to inventory balances
The Group has again reviewed the inventory balances in GKN Aerospace 
North America following historical pre-acquisition concerns, to ensure that 
balances were appropriately stated.

The current year review has been less intrusive into the business than 
previously, with assurance taken from necessarily higher-level procedures. 
The review focused on inventory provisioning, as these calculations often 
require judgement by management of the expected value of future sales.

(Refer to notes 3 and 16 of the financial statements)

Classification of adjusting items and use of Alternative 
Performance Measures (“APMs”)
The reporting, classification and consistency of adjusting items continues to 
be an area of focus for the Committee, in particular, given the guidance on 
APMs provided by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”).

The Committee considers this a key consideration when reviewing if the 
financial statements are fair, balanced and understandable.

(Refer to notes 3 and 6 of the financial statements)

How the issue was addressed by the Audit Committee

The Committee reviewed and approved management’s recommendation to 
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The key principles 
debated were the level of committed facility headroom on bank covenants 
and flexibility of liquidity arrangements to meet obligations. In addition to base 
case modelling which uses approved financial forecasts, a reasonably possible 
downside was considered.

The Committee also considered a paper and financial model prepared by management 
in respect of the longer-term viability statement to be included in this Annual Report and 
financial statements as well as analysis conducted by the external auditor. The additional 
period beyond the going concern review of twelve months meant that refinancing 
events were also considered in the context of future available finance to the Group. The 
Committee challenged the assumptions and judgements made by management before 
concluding that the longer-term viability statement was appropriate. 

At 31 December 2020, the carrying value of loss-making contract provisions 
in the Group was £246 million (2019: £384 million). The Committee considered 
management’s position and challenged the proposed changes during the year as 
well as the closing provisions. The key assumptions and estimates include volumes, 
price and costs to be incurred over the life of the contract and, where changes have 
occurred in commercial terms, relevant legal advice.

Deloitte also reported on loss-making contract provisions to the Committee.

Having considered the matters presented and responses to challenge, the 
Committee concluded that management’s proposed provisioning, released 
amounts and the associated disclosures in the financial statements were 
appropriate and the approach taken was consistent with previous years.

The Committee discussed with management the ongoing implications of IFRS 
15, which included an assessment of estimates used in calculating variable 
consideration within RRSPs.

The Committee discussed the audit work performed by Deloitte, to assess 
whether the proposed revenue to be recognised, together with incremental 
disclosures, were appropriate. 

The Committee was satisfied that the approach and assumptions used remained 
both reasonable and appropriate. However, it is understood that there are reasonably 
possible changes in assumptions, that could lead to the recognition of further variable 
consideration in the next year in respect of previous performance obligations.

During the year, the Committee reviewed a report updating on the previously 
disclosed concerns relating to GKN Aerospace’s North American business. The 
assessment considered trends in inventory carrying amounts and other balance 
sheet accounts as well as the overall control environment and progress since the 
prior year. Specifically, senior management from the Group finance team met with 
site management as well as senior members of divisional finance and governance 
functions to discuss the local control environment, any impact of COVID-19 on 
compliance and documentation and results of year-end balance sheet review work.

The Committee discussed the results from year-end testing with management as 
well as the findings from Internal Audit. Additionally, the Committee sought a view 
from Deloitte following their audit work, to assess whether the balances included in 
the Group consolidated financial statements were appropriate.

Having considered the matters presented and evidence provided, the Committee 
concluded that management’s response to issues was appropriate and balances 
were reasonably stated.

The Committee has considered the nature, classification and consistency of 
adjusting items, whilst addressing the guidance provided by ESMA. These items 
are defined and discussed in the Finance Director’s review and detailed in note 6 
to the financial statements together with the glossary to the financial statements.

Following a review of management’s paper and challenge, the Committee 
is satisfied that there has not been any change in substance of the policy. It 
was noted that the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic had required 
management to review the carrying values of operating assets within the Group. A 
charge of £159 million relating to fixed assets, and £25 million relating to other net 
operating assets, mostly in the second quarter of the year within the Aerospace 
division, was recorded to reflect new levels of industry demand.

The Committee also determined that disclosures are clear and transparent, assisting 
shareholders in measuring the operating performance of the Group. The Committee 
therefore concluded that adjusting items were appropriately captured and disclosed.

The Committee also considered disclosure of the Group’s APMs with respect to 
applicable guidelines and noted that these are set out in detail in the glossary to 
the financial statements together with reconciliations of adjusted performance 
measures to statutory results in note 6 to the financial statements. The Committee 
found the disclosures to be clear and transparent.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
106

Audit Committee report
Continued

107

Risk management and internal control
During 2020, the Committee continued to keep under review the 
Company’s internal financial controls systems that identify, assess, 
manage and monitor financial risks and other internal control and risk 
management systems, and the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management system, through regular updates from management. 
This included a review of the key findings presented by the external 
and internal auditors having agreed the scope, mandate and review 
schedule in advance.

During 2020, management with support from Ernst & Young 
consolidated the businesses’ risk reporting to the Company using the 
online interactive dashboard that was developed in 2019. Since the 
rollout of the dashboard, the Group risk management processes, 
reporting and data collection from the businesses have continued to 
be enhanced, in order to bolster the Committee’s oversight of risk 
areas and trends. The dashboard includes data from the risk registers 
prepared by the risk and legal leads from each business, as well as 
objective trend analysis based on that data and independent insight 
from Ernst & Young. The Committee reviewed and challenged the 
process of compiling the dashboard, as well as a summary report of 
the Group enterprise risk management profile which guided the 
Committee on relevant updates to the Group risks as reported in the 
Risks and uncertainties section on pages 46 to 53, and set out a 
consolidated risk profile report for each business within the Group. 

Management also reported on the Group’s internal control systems 
supported by the internal audit review. Samples of both Group and 
business unit controls, including financial, operational and compliance 
controls, were presented and examined.

The Group’s risk management and internal financial control systems 
were reviewed and the Committee confirmed their effectiveness. No 
significant weaknesses were identified. The Committee reported its 
conclusions to the Board at the next scheduled Board meeting.

Committee evaluation
The UK Corporate Governance Code requires that FTSE 350 
companies undertake a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of the 
performance of the Board, its committees, the Chair and individual 
Directors. In particular, FTSE 350 companies should undertake an 
externally facilitated Board and Committee evaluation once every 
three years. The last external Melrose Board and Committee review 
was in 2017, and so the Company was required to undertake another 
in 2020. For this purpose, the Company engaged Lintstock Ltd who 
engaged directly with the Directors on (i) the constitution and 
performance of the Board and each Committee; (ii) the Chairman of 
the Board; and (iii) individual performance reviews. Lintstock Ltd 
produced a report based on the feedback of Committee members 
and analysis of the responses, which was presented and discussed at 
the December Board meeting. Alongside such formal feedback, the 
Committee continued to facilitate direct ongoing contact between its 
members and the Chairman of the Committee about any relevant 
matters that the members wish to raise as part of the ongoing review.

External audit
Assessment of effectiveness and reappointment
The Committee reviews and makes recommendations with regard to 
the reappointment of the external auditor. In making these 
recommendations, the Committee considers auditor effectiveness 
and independence, partner rotation and any other factors which may 
impact the external auditor’s reappointment.

The Committee has reviewed the external auditor’s performance and 
effectiveness. For 2020, a series of questions covering key areas of 
the audit process that the Committee is expected to have an opinion 
over were considered by the Committee, including:
•  the calibre, experience, resources, leadership and technical and 
industry knowledge of the engagement partner and of the wider 
external audit team;

•  the planning and execution of the audit process;
•  the quality and timeliness of communications from the external 

auditor; and

•  the quality of support provided to the Committee by the external 

audit partner.

Committee members, together with the Group Finance Director and 
the divisional finance directors, were requested to provide detailed 
feedback on the effectiveness of the external auditor. The Chairman of 
the Committee also sought feedback from the Chief Executive and the 
internal auditor. The Company Secretary subsequently produced a 
paper summarising the responses, which was considered by the 
Committee at length. The Committee subsequently concluded that 
the quality of the external audit team remains very high, the external 
audit process is operating effectively and Deloitte LLP continues to 
prove effective in its role as external auditor.

FRC Audit Quality Review
The FRC’s Audit Quality Review team selected to review the audit of 
the 2019 Melrose Industries PLC financial statements as part of their 
annual inspection of audit firms. The FRC review covered selected 
aspects of the audit only and focused on identifying areas where 
improvements were required. The Chairman of the Committee 
received a full copy of the findings from the Audit Quality Review team 
and has discussed these with Deloitte. The Committee confirmed that 
there were no significant areas for improvement identified within the 
report and was satisfied that there is nothing within the report which 
might have a bearing on the audit appointment. As detailed below, the 
Committee regularly monitors the objectivity and independence of the 
external auditor. Deloitte LLP was appointed in 2003 when the 
Company commenced trading and the external audit has not been 
formally tendered since then. The Committee is satisfied that the 
effectiveness and independence of the external auditor is not impaired 
in any way. 

Audit tendering
The Committee has considered audit tendering provisions outlined in 
the Code. The Committee has also reviewed the regulations provided 
by the European Commission (as they form part of retained UK law) 
and the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”). The Committee 
understands that rotation of the external audit firm is required by 2024. 
The Committee’s intention is to put the external audit out to tender in 
accordance with the relevant timeframes.

The current audit engagement partner was appointed in 2019. The 
Company’s audit firm is required to be rotated by 2024. Therefore, the 
new audit engagement partner will serve a full five-year term for the 
Group until the firm rotation in 2024.

Non-audit services
Under CMA and EU regulations (as they form part of retained UK law), 
there are restrictions on the type and amount of non-audit services 
provided by Deloitte, which cap the level of permissible non-audit 
services awarded to the external auditor at 70% of the average audit fee 
for the previous three years. The cap applies in respect of the current 
financial year, with audit fees in 2017, 2018 and 2019 being relevant.

A policy on the engagement of the external auditor for the supply of 
non-audit services is in place to ensure that the provision of non-audit 
services does not impair the external auditor’s independence or 
objectivity. The policy outlines which non-audit services are pre-
approved (being those which are routine in nature, with a fee that is 
not significant in the context of the audit or audit-related services), 
which services require the prior approval of the Committee and which 
services the auditor is excluded from providing. The general principle 
is that the audit firm should not be requested to carry out non-audit 
services on any activity of the Company where the audit firm may, in 
the future, be required to give an audit opinion. In accordance with 
best practice FRC guidelines, the Company’s policy in relation to 
non-audit services is kept under regular review and was updated in 
2020 to reflect current market practice. 

Despite being well within the CMA guidance, the Committee has 
taken into account feedback from institutional shareholder services 
and has continued migrating non-audit work to other firms and has 
recently worked with Ernst & Young and KPMG in respect of 
corporate finance affairs and risk management and obtained reward, 
tax, consulting advice and advice on the remuneration reporting 
regulations and preparation of the Directors’ Remuneration report 
from PwC LLP.

During 2020, the main non-audit services provided by Deloitte LLP 
were in relation to non-statutory audits of carve-out financial 
statements, assurance reports for government grants or subsidies 
and tax compliance in non-EU subsidiaries. The Company did not use 
Deloitte LLP for any significant taxation services and does not intend 
to in the future. The Company’s non-audit fee paid to the external 
auditor of £1.93 million represents 21.8% of the audit fees for 2020.

The Committee closely monitors the amount of non-audit work 
undertaken by the external auditor and considers using other firms for 
transaction-related work. However, there are occasions when it is 
appropriate, because of background knowledge, to use the auditor for 
non-audit work, for example on certain compliance projects.

An analysis of the fees earned by the external auditor for audit and 
non-audit services can be found in note 7 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Auditor objectivity and independence
The Committee carries out regular reviews to ensure that auditor 
objectivity and independence are maintained at all times. As in 
previous years, the Committee specifically considered the potential 
threats that each limited non-audit engagement may present to the 
objectivity and independence of the external auditor. In each case, the 
Committee was satisfied with the safeguards in place to ensure that 
the external auditor remained independent from the Company and its 
objectivity was not, and is not, compromised. No fees were paid to 
Deloitte LLP on a contingent basis.

At each year end, Deloitte LLP submits a letter setting out how it 
believes its independence and objectivity have been maintained. As 
noted above, Deloitte LLP is also required to rotate the audit partner 
responsible for the Group audit every five years and significant 
subsidiary audits every five years.

Based on these strict procedures, the Committee remains confident 
that auditor objectivity and independence have been maintained.

Internal audit
Due to the size and complexity of the Group, it is appropriate for an 
internal audit programme to be used within the business. BM Howarth 
Ltd, an external firm, provides internal audit services to the Group in 
accordance with an annually agreed Internal Audit Charter and internal 
audit plan. Where additional or specific resource is required, additional 
support is provided by Ernst & Young. A rotation programme is in 
place, such that every business unit site will have an internal audit at 

least once every three years, with the largest sites being reviewed at 
least once every two years. The rotation programme allows divisional 
management’s actions and responses to be followed up on a timely 
basis. The internal audit programme of planned visits is discussed and 
agreed with the Committee during the year.

The internal auditor’s remit includes assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal financial control systems, compliance with the Group’s 
Policies and Procedures Manual and a review of the businesses’ 
balance sheets. A report of key findings and recommendations is 
presented to Melrose senior management, including the Head of 
Financial Reporting, followed by a meeting to discuss these key 
findings and to agree on resulting actions. 

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the internal audit 
programme for 2020 was reassessed in the first half of the year as 
restrictions on site access were necessary and there was a reduced 
ability to travel. After a near full programme in the first quarter, there 
was little activity in the second quarter due to site closures and certain 
staff on temporary leave. During the second half of the year, the 
internal audit programme was adapted to reflect an achievable level of 
activity, acknowledging the ongoing implications from the global 
pandemic. The balance between assurance sought from the internal 
audit programme and other areas of internal control was considered 
by the Committee in setting a revised schedule of internal audit site 
visits along with additional procedures for senior management to 
conduct, thus allowing the Committee to fulfil its obligations with 
regard to internal control. Site visits during the second half of the year 
were conducted through a mix of remote working and physical 
presence where possible such that a total of 28 sites were assessed 
in 2020.

To supplement the internal audit programme, a targeted sample of sites 
was selected for a balance sheet review with interviews of site controllers 
conducted by the internal auditor and senior management, together with 
self-certification questionnaires which were discussed in detail with 
divisional finance directors at the internal control sign-off meetings. A 
report of all significant findings is presented by the internal auditor to the 
Committee at each meeting and implementation of recommendations is 
followed up at the subsequent Committee meeting.

During the previous year there were no significant deficiencies found 
in internal financial controls that needed action by the Group Finance 
Director and the Melrose accounting function. Any control findings are 
followed up by the businesses to ensure a strengthening of the 
site-based accounting functions, including specific action plans to 
address the shortcomings identified. Follow-up visits were performed 
during 2020 which identified significant progress in the improvement 
of financial controls at sites.

A review of the internal audit process and scope of work covered by 
the internal auditor is the responsibility of the Committee, to ensure 
their objectives, level of authority and resources are appropriate for the 
nature of the businesses under review. This also considers the insights 
provided, improvements achieved and feedback from a number of 
sources including key representatives of the Company.

The Committee reviewed the reappointment of BM Howarth Ltd as 
internal auditor, following an assessment of the services delivered and 
approved their reappointment.

The Committee would like to thank the Group finance team, the 
internal auditor, the external auditor and the Company Secretariat for 
their hard work throughout 2020.

Liz Hewitt  
Chairman, Audit Committee  
4 March 2021

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020108

Nomination Committee report

Nomination 
Committee report

Archie G. Kane 
Nomination Committee Chairman

The Nomination Committee (the 
“Committee”) has overall responsibility for 
making recommendations to the Board on 
all new appointments and for ensuring that 
the Board and its Committees have the 
appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence, diversity and knowledge to 
enable them to discharge their respective 
duties and responsibilities effectively. 

Member

Archie G. Kane (Chairman) 

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis 

Charlotte Twyning

Funmi Adegoke

No. of meetings

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

Discharge of responsibilities
The Committee discharges its responsibilities through:
•  regularly reviewing the size, structure and composition of the Board 

including by means of overseeing the annual evaluation processes of the 
Board and its committees, and providing recommendations to the Board 
of any adjustments that may be necessary from time to time;

•  giving full consideration to succession planning in order to ensure an 

optimum balance of executive and Non-executive Directors in terms of 
skills, experience and diversity, and in particular formulating plans for 
succession for the key roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief 
Executive;

•  reviewing the career planning and talent management programme related 
to senior executives of the Company to ensure that it meets the needs of 
the business;

•  managing the Board recruitment process and evaluating the skills, 

knowledge, diversity and experience of potential Board candidates in 
order to make appropriate nominations to the Board;

•  reviewing and approving the diversity policy of the Company; and
•  keeping up to date and fully informed on strategic issues and commercial 
changes affecting the Company and the markets in which it operates.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which were last reviewed in 
November 2020, are available to view on the Company’s website at:  
https://www.melroseplc.net/about-us/governance/nomination-committee/.

Committee membership and attendance
The Committee is made up 100% of independent Non-executive Directors and 
all of the current Non-executive Directors are members of the Committee. 

The Committee is expected to meet not less than twice a year and during 
2020, the Committee met twice. The attendance of its members at these 
Committee meetings is shown in the table above.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Nomination Committee. On 
occasion, the Nomination Committee invites the Chief Executive, the executive 
Vice-Chairmen and the Group Finance Director to attend discussions where 
their input is required.

Board composition and succession planning
The Committee keeps under review the membership of the Board, including 
its size and composition, and makes recommendations to the Board on 
any adjustments it thinks necessary. The Committee recognises the value 
in attracting Board members from a diverse range of backgrounds who 
can contribute a wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience. The 
Committee works with the Board in order to ensure both of these matters are 
taken into account to aid effective succession planning.

During the year, Mr David Roper had intended on retiring from the Board. 
However, as a result of the global pandemic, the Board and Committee agreed 
that it was not the appropriate time to lose the expertise and experience of one 
of its co-founders. Mr Roper therefore agreed to delay his retirement and he 
will instead retire on 31 May 2021. We thank him for his long and successful 
service, particularly for the last twelve months, and wish him all the best.

Furthermore, as a result of the valuable contribution that Mr Peter Dilnot has made 
since joining Melrose as Chief Operating Officer in 2019, the Board in consultation 
with the Committee had approved the appointment of Mr Dilnot to the role of 
executive Director, and such appointment took effect on 1 January 2021. Mr 
Dilnot brings to the Board a deep understanding of the Melrose business model 
together with strong sector experience in engineering and aviation.

Succession planning arrangements for the Board as a whole were reviewed 
by the Committee in 2020. This included reviewing the skills set, tenure, 
diversity and independence of those already on the Board, and reviewing the 
Melrose senior management team including the career planning and talent 
management programmes in operation for them. In each case this was to 
allow the Committee to ensure that the right balance of skills, experience 
and diversity were reflected and being developed. Following such review, the 
Committee recommended to the Board that a new female Non-executive 
Director should be appointed, particularly with a view to further increasing 
diversity at Board level. Stonehaven International, an external recruitment 
consultancy firm unconnected with the Company and its Directors, has been 
retained to identify suitable candidates for the Board’s consideration.

Given the strength of Melrose’s decentralised operating structure in achieving 
the Group’s strategic objectives, the Committee does not have direct 
involvement in the succession planning arrangements of the businesses. 
However, the Committee has access to the divisional executive teams through 
the business review cycle.

109

Chairman’s tenure
The Committee also reviewed the role of Mr Justin Dowley as Melrose’s 
inaugural Non-executive Chairman. Although Mr Dowley was appointed to the 
role in 2019, he first joined the Board as a Non-executive Director in September 
2011, meaning he has served on the Board for over nine years. Under the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, this is a key date in the consideration of the 
independence of the Chairman. 

In 2019 the Committee had recommended to the Board that Mr Dowley stay in 
his position for up to three years beyond 2020, subject to his annual re-election 
at the Company’s AGM. This recommendation had been reached following 
a positive engagement process with key institutional shareholders on Mr 
Dowley’s tenure.

During the year, the Committee remained supportive of its recommendation 
on Mr Dowley’s tenure. Given the global pandemic, the acquisition of GKN, 
and the elevation of the Company to the FTSE 100, the Committee considered 
that there was a need for continuity and stability at Board level to facilitate 
succession planning arrangements and the development of a diverse Board. 
The Committee therefore considered it vital that any Chairman must have an 
in-depth understanding of the unique and particular drivers behind Melrose’s 
business model so as to be able to provide the necessary leadership in such a 
period of change and uncertainty. Mr Dowley had also received strong support 
from shareholders at last year’s AGM when shareholders approved his re-
election to the Board.

Re-election of Directors
The effectiveness and commitment of each of the Directors is reviewed 
annually as part of the Board evaluation upon recommendations from the 
Committee. The Committee reviewed each Director in turn to satisfy itself as to 
the individual skills, relevant experience, contributions and time commitment 
of the Directors to the long-term sustainable success of the Company. The 
Committee and Board have satisfied themselves that each of the Directors 
should stand for re-election (and Mr Dilnot should stand for election for the first 
time), and the justifications for such re-elections (and election) are set out on 
pages 100 to 101 of this Annual Report and in the Notice of AGM on pages 
208 to 213. 

Diversity
Melrose is a meritocracy and individual performance is the key determinant 
in any appointment, irrespective of ethnicity, gender or other characteristic, 
trait or orientation. The Board and the Committee does however place great 
emphasis on ensuring that the membership of the Board and the pipeline 
for succession planning purposes reflects diversity. In particular, the past 
two Non-executive Director appointments have been women. Melrose has 
also achieved well ahead of schedule the Parker Review target of having one 
Director from an ethnic minority background on the Board by the end of 2021 
following the appointment of Ms Funmi Adegoke to the Board in October 2019. 

The Committee currently takes into account a variety of factors before 
recommending any new appointments to the Board, including relevant skills 
to perform the role, experience and knowledge needed to ensure a rounded 
Board and the benefits each candidate can bring to the overall Board 
composition. The Committee also takes into account race, ethnicity, country 
of origin, nationality, cultural background and gender in the selection process 
to ensure a diverse Board and it also strongly encourages executives to adopt 
the same approach when making appointments to the Melrose Executive 
Committee or the wider senior management team. The most important priority 
of the Committee, however, has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that the 
best candidate is selected, and this approach will remain in place going forward. 

As at 31 December 2020 Melrose had 30% female representation on its 
Board. Melrose had been on track to achieve the Hampton-Alexander Review 
target of having 33% female representation on its Board by 2020 with the 
intended retirement of Mr Roper in May 2020. However, as a result of the global 
pandemic, the Board and Committee agreed that it was not the appropriate 
time to lose the expertise and experience of one of its co-founders. Mr Roper 
agreed to delay his retirement to assist the Company in navigating its way 
through the challenges presented by the pandemic. His knowledge and 
experience have been very helpful in ensuring that the businesses ended the 
year in a strong position. The Board’s decision to delay Mr Roper’s retirement 
was the reason that Melrose did not achieve the goal of 33% female Board 
members by the end of last year as had been intended. The middle of the crisis 
was not the time to lose someone of Mr Roper’s experience, but this is now 
being addressed. Melrose is committed to achieving the Hampton-Alexander 
Review target in 2021 and along with Mr Roper’s retirement it has started the 
process of recruiting for a new female Non-executive Director. 

Below Board level, Melrose had established an Executive Committee in 2020 
and focus has been placed on pursuing diversity at this level in order to pave 
the way for a diverse pipeline for succession planning purposes. This focus 
is represented through the fact that the Executive Committee and its direct 
reports consists of 34% female representation (and 35% female representation 
specifically at an Executive Committee level), which is in line with the Hampton-
Alexander Review target of diversity at this level. 

Further details of Melrose’s commitment to diversity and the various diversity 
initiatives undertaken within the Group can be found in the Sustainability 
report on pages 78 to 85, and Melrose’s diversity policy can be viewed on the 
Company’s website at www.melroseplc.net/sustainability/. Additionally, 
further details on diversity and Board skills can be found on page 91 of this 
Annual Report.

External evaluation
During 2020 an evaluation of the Chairman, the Board and its committees was 
undertaken in line with their respective terms of reference. These evaluations 
were conducted externally by Lintstock Ltd, a company unconnected with the 
Company and its Directors. The evaluation process involved direct engagement 
by Lintstock Ltd with each of the Directors. Lintstock Ltd prepared a report 
for the Board giving details of its evaluation and recommendations, and such 
report was subsequently discussed amongst the Board. The evaluation 
process demonstrated that the Board and its committees were operating 
effectively and the composition of such Boards and committees promoted the 
long-term sustainable success of the Company. 

Archie G. Kane  
Chairman, Nomination Committee  
4 March 2021

Diversity overview(1)

Board gender diversity

Board ethnic diversity

Melrose Executive Committee

Senior management 
and direct reports(3)

Male  

Female

70%

30%

Non BAME(2)  

BAME(2)

90%

10%

Male  

Female

65%

35%

Male  

Female

66%

34%

(1)  As at 31 December 2020. Mr Dilnot joined the Board on 1 January 2021.
(2)  Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.
(3)    In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, senior management is defined as the executive committee, or the first layer of management below board level, including the 

Company Secretary. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
110

Directors’ Remuneration report

111

Directors’ 
Remuneration report
Chairman’s Annual Statement

David Lis 
Remuneration Committee Chairman

Dear Shareholders,
When I wrote to you this time last year, it was with the Group’s 2019 
preliminary results in mind, which had demonstrated another very 
successful year for Melrose in its “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy. 
However, in the few short weeks following the announcement of the 
Group’s 2019 preliminary results, the global situation had completely 
changed. The UK and much of the rest of the world had been placed 
into national lockdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
we faced very difficult health and economic circumstances. The 
Board, along with the Melrose senior management team, took 
immediate action right across the Group to protect the health and 
wellbeing of our employees, customers and suppliers, and to ensure 
that our businesses dealt with the crisis in the best manner possible 
for all stakeholders. 

The actions undertaken by the management team since the start of 
the crisis have been highly successful in addressing the significant 
immediate challenges presented by the pandemic, as well as 
positioning the Group to emerge from the crisis in the best shape 
possible. Although there remains plenty of hard work ahead, the focus 
has returned squarely on driving the strategic improvements that will 
generate returns in the future for our shareholders, in line with the 
Company’s strategy. 

We do not underestimate the enormity of the impact of the pandemic 
on the Group, but as a Board we remain cautiously optimistic, and see 
some encouraging signs emerging in some of our businesses’ end 
markets. Clearly the outlook for the aerospace sector remains difficult 
to predict with certainty, at least for so long as governments place 
widespread restrictions on travel. 

We believe that the last twelve months have been a further 
demonstration of our resilient business model, and a management 
team with a proven track record. Your Board remains convinced that 
we will unlock the full potential of our businesses and continue to 
deliver the high level of returns that shareholders have enjoyed for 
many years. 

Impact of COVID-19 on executive remuneration
As detailed elsewhere in this Annual Report, the pandemic had a 
significant impact on the Group’s financial performance in 2020, 
which we expect will continue into 2021. We recognise the material 
impact on our shareholders too, including the withdrawal of dividends 
last year, which we are very pleased to be able to reinstate this year. 
All of the Group’s businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, 
and the Melrose central team is no exception to this, including in 
respect of remuneration. One of the first actions that the Board took in 
March 2020 was to commit to a temporary 20% reduction in salary for 
the executive Directors and Melrose senior management team, as well 
as the basic fee for the Non-executive Directors, mirroring sacrifices 
made elsewhere in the Group.

Shortly afterwards in May, the 2017 Incentive Plan expired with no 
value payable to its participants, despite being on track to generate a 
reward before the impact of COVID-19 just over a month earlier. In a 
remuneration structure so heavily weighted to long-term incentive 
arrangements, this meant that for each of the three years of the 2017 
Incentive Plan’s performance period, the annual remuneration 
received by the executive Directors put them amongst the lowest paid 
management teams in the FTSE 100. The Committee did not seek to 
exercise its discretion to make any adjustment to this result. The 
management team is wholly aligned with shareholders and it has 
always been one of the central tenets of the Melrose remuneration 
structure that pay is only for performance.

The Company had also conducted a comprehensive engagement 
exercise during January and February 2020 as part of the preparation 
for the renewal of both the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 
Company’s long-term incentive arrangements. However, just prior to 
issuing last year’s Notice of AGM, the world was plunged into crisis with 
the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed and scale of 
the disruption caused by COVID-19 was unprecedented and, given the 
significant uncertainty, volatility and lack of clarity as to its impact on the 
Company’s businesses and the wider economy, the Board determined 
that it was not appropriate for a resolution to be proposed at the 2020 
AGM in relation to any long-term incentive arrangements. Instead, the 
2020 Notice of AGM put forward the Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 
approval in line with the successful consultation and stated that a new 
plan, continuing from the previous plan, would be separately put 
forward for shareholder approval at a later date when appropriate, 
incorporating any changes deemed necessary by the Board. The 2020 
Employee Share Plan (see page 111) was eventually put to a 
shareholder vote in January 2021, and approved with strong support. 

The impact of the pandemic on the Group’s trading has also resulted 
in a substantial reduction in the annual bonuses awarded for 2020. 
With no reward available for audited diluted earnings per share 
growth, the basis for the 80% financial metric, opportunity for the 
executive Directors participating in the annual bonus scheme was 
limited to strategic factors only. Having fully considered management’s 
performance during 2020 against the strategic factors, the 
Remuneration Committee has determined to make a full award for 
these, resulting in a bonus of 20% awarded for the year, as further 
detailed on page 114. This is the proper operation of the annual bonus 
scheme, without the exercise of any discretion by the Remuneration 
Committee, either upwards or downwards, which we did not consider 
appropriate. However, the award does not necessarily fully reflect the 
very hard work and success of the executive Directors over the last 
twelve months, for which we thank them. 

Melrose continues to be a responsible steward of its businesses. The 
Committee notes that Melrose has fully repaid all payments received 
by the Group under the UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
during 2020. This means the performance of the business over the 
year has been delivered by the Company, without the assistance of 
UK Government support.

It is also worth noting that management are significant shareholders in 
the Company, together holding approximately 1.5% of the register as 
at 31 December 2020, putting them in the top 20 shareholders of the 
Company. Accordingly, they have shared the difficult experience 
during 2020 with their fellow shareholders. 

2020 Employee Share Plan
As mentioned on page 110, an extensive consultation with 
shareholders had been carried out in early 2020 regarding the renewal 
of the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements, prior to the 
proposal being withdrawn. While certain of the Group’s businesses 
continued to feel the effects of the pandemic over a protracted period, 
and with the outlook for the aerospace sector remaining hard to 
predict with certainty, at least for so long as governments continued to 
place widespread restrictions on travel, the end markets of the rest of 
the Group continued to show encouraging signs. Considering how 
central the Melrose long-term incentive plan has always been to our 
success, in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Board felt it was 
appropriate to reinstate an amended plan following considerable 
shareholder engagement and to therefore suitably incentivise 
management to continue to drive exceptional shareholder value in the 
coming years. Shareholders made it clear throughout the year in the 
course of discussing with us that they shared this sense of urgency 
and wanted this addressed as soon as possible.

Following multiple rounds of engagement with our shareholders and 
other stakeholders (as described in further detail below), we were able 
to refine and simplify the proposal that was put to shareholders for 
approval at the end of 2020, followed by the general meeting to 
approve the 2020 Employee Share Plan in January 2021, which 
received strong support of 82.64%. The 2020 Employee Share Plan is 
a continuation of the highly successful long-term arrangement that 
has existed since Melrose was established in 2003, with added 
protections including the annual rolling cap. Full details can be found in 
the circular to shareholders dated 29 December 2020(1). We thank 
shareholders for both their constructive engagement and ongoing 
support for the Company. 

Melrose remuneration structure
Our long-standing executive remuneration structure is both well 
understood and well supported, being central to the success 
delivered for our shareholders, as evidenced by Melrose being the 
second highest performer of the FTSE 350 in terms of shareholder 
return over the decade to the end of 2019, a record that Melrose is 
keen to maintain in the years to come, as the COVID-19 crisis 
hopefully subsides.

We remain firm believers that Melrose’s existing remuneration 
structure is entirely appropriate in supporting our “Buy, Improve, Sell” 
strategy. Our reward structure has always enjoyed strong support 
from our investors, including throughout the consultations during 
2020, and as most recently demonstrated by the votes in favour of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM and the 2020 
Employee Share Plan at the January 2021 general meeting.

Executive Directors’ salaries continue to deliberately remain well below 
the lower quartile of our FTSE 100 peers, with annual bonuses 
similarly capped well below our peers at 100% of salary. With the 
increasing focus on sustainability, during 2021 the Committee will 
consider the best way to ensure this is properly incorporated into the 
Company’s remuneration structure. The only benefits that executive 
Directors receive are medical cover and a pension contribution 
capped at 15% of salary, being the same percentage contribution that 
all Melrose employees receive, and lower than most FTSE 100 peers 
in the last year. The table on page 115 sets out the most recently 
available CEO annual remuneration (excluding the LTIP element for 
comparison) and puts this deliberate strategy in context, highlighting a 
difference of almost £2 million from the average FTSE 100 CEO 
annual remuneration in 2019.

As this and the table on page 115 clearly indicate, the opportunity for 
significant reward has always been heavily weighted to the Company’s 
long-term incentive arrangements, which are long-term in nature and 
entirely based on performance. Executive Directors have the 
opportunity to share in the value they create for shareholders above a 
threshold return over a three-year performance period; however, if 
executive Directors do not deliver the required level of performance to 
achieve the threshold return, they receive no payout. 

(1) Available at www.melroseplc.net/media/2587/291220-melrose-circular.pdf.

2020 clearly demonstrated the application of our remuneration 
strategy, with executive Directors receiving an inflationary-only 
increase to base salary of 3%, but with total remuneration decreasing 
by approximately 6%. In particular, no awards crystallised under the 
2017 Incentive Plan, which had been on track to produce a reward for 
participants prior to the impact of COVID-19. 

We strongly believe that our remuneration structure continues to be 
the right approach for Melrose. Under the 2020 Employee Share Plan 
recently approved by shareholders, executive Director awards are 
expected to continue to be made in shares and will be subject to a 
further two-year holding period, so that executive Directors remain 
completely aligned with shareholders. All other elements of 
remuneration continue to be pegged below or in line with the lower 
quartile of FTSE 100 peers. The Committee strongly believes that the 
2020 Employee Share Plan will continue to be very effective in 
incentivising management to deliver real value to shareholders over 
the performance period. 

Full details are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on 
pages 112 to 126 that will be put to an advisory vote at the 2021 AGM.

Stakeholder engagement
Melrose always strives for the full support of all its shareholders in all 
that we do. Our shareholders are critical to our success, we keep 
them informed, and their support is never taken for granted. Never is 
this more true than during challenging times like we experienced in 
2020. As detailed in the Annual Report on Remuneration on page 113, 
we consulted extensively with shareholders and proxy advisors 
throughout the course of 2020 in relation to both the renewal of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM and the renewal of 
the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements (including the 
related consequential amendments to the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy). Throughout multiple rounds of our engagement with 
shareholders, we received a significant level of helpful and 
constructive feedback from them, which assisted the Committee in 
shaping and refining the final proposals, and we sincerely thank our 
shareholders for their time. 

Adjustments to the final proposals for both the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and the 2020 Employee Share Plan (including 
the related consequential amendments to the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy) were made as a direct result of shareholder feedback, to 
incorporate further protections for shareholders. The result was a 
strongly supported proposal that stayed true to the Melrose 
remuneration model and strategy, which struck the right balance 
between setting stretching targets for management whilst nonetheless 
making them attainable and effective, and acknowledging the impact 
of COVID-19 on the financial performance of the Group’s businesses. 

We were pleased that the 2019 Directors’ Remuneration Report, the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the 2020 Employee Share Plan all 
received strong shareholder support at the 2020 AGM and the 
general meeting in January 2021, receiving voting outcomes of 
99.57%, 98.40% and 82.64% respectively. 

Your Board considers that the Melrose remuneration structure is 
highly successful, appropriate for the value creation strategy, and is 
critical to the ongoing long-term performance of the Company. We 
encourage you to provide your support for the Annual Report on 
Remuneration at the 2021 AGM.

Yours sincerely

David Lis  
Chairman, Remuneration Committee  
4 March 2021

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020112

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

Annual Report on Remuneration

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present our annual report on Director remuneration (the “Annual Report on Remuneration”) at the end 
of what we see as a positive year for Melrose, given the circumstances.

In this section of the Directors’ Remuneration report, we set out:
•  the actual performance and executive remuneration outcomes for the 2020 financial year; and
•  the application of the current Directors’ remuneration policy (the “Directors’ Remuneration Policy”) to the 2020 financial year and how the 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy was operated in 2020.

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the AGM on 7 May 2020 with over 98% of votes cast in favour of the 
resolution, and subsequently amended on 21 January 2021 to include the 2020 Employee Share Plan. This level of support was also reflected 
in the approval of the 2020 Employee Share Plan, which was approved by shareholders on 21 January 2021 with over 82% of votes cast in 
favour of the proposal. 

The full details of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy can be found on pages 103 to 111 of the 2019 Annual Report(1) and the full details of the 
amendments can be found on pages 15 to 24 of the circular to shareholders dated 29 December 2020(2).

Key elements of the Annual Report on Remuneration and where to find them

Element

Single figure of remuneration

Share interests awarded in the Financial Year

Statement of Director shareholdings and interests

Performance graph and table

CEO pay ratio

Percentage change in remuneration of the CEO

Relative importance of spend on pay

Consideration of matters relating to Directors’ remuneration

Statement of voting

Payments to Past Directors / For Loss of Office

Page

114

116 to 117

118 and 123

120

120

121

122

112 to 114

126

None

Melrose’s Remuneration Strategy 
Since the Company was first established in 2003, the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) has pursued a consistent remuneration 
strategy that closely aligns the executive Directors with the Company’s shareholders, drives the Company’s “Buy, Improve, Sell” model and has 
been central to its success. This strategy is based around four key principles – namely, that executive remuneration is:

(1)  Simple – since Melrose was first established, executive Directors have received the same four simple elements as the rest of the Melrose 
employees – base salary, annual bonus, pension contribution (15% of salary, being the same percentage contribution for all Melrose employees) 
and medical benefits – as well as being eligible under a single and consistent long-term incentive plan based on a single value creation metric. 

(2)  Transparent – each year, there is full and detailed disclosure in the Directors’ Remuneration report of each component of remuneration, 
including an explanation of the calculation of any variable element and the current value of any unvested award pursuant to the Melrose 
Employee Share Plan. 

(3)  Supports the delivery of the value creation strategy – with the fixed elements and the annual bonus cap being deliberately pegged well 
below the lower quartile of FTSE 100 peers, the opportunity for any significant reward is heavily weighted to the Melrose Employee Share Plan, 
which is entirely based on the creation of shareholder value. 

(4)  Pays only for performance – executive remuneration is heavily weighted to the Melrose Employee Share Plan, which pays nothing to 
participants unless the executive Directors deliver a threshold return to shareholders over a three-year period, and only pays a significant award 
if they materially outperform in the creation of shareholder value. 

These four key principles are wholly aligned with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) factors of clarity, simplicity, risk, predictability, 
proportionality and alignment to culture, as set out on page 125. The Committee ensured that it took all of these elements into account when 
establishing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, as well as its application to executive Directors during the period. 

Operation of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy in 2020
2020 was a difficult year for most of the world’s businesses due to the impact of the pandemic. However, as this Annual Report and financial 
statements demonstrates, the hard work of management during the year ensured that we have been able to deliver a good performance in the 
circumstances. Management are continuing to make progress on their improvement plans for the businesses, although many were slowed during 
the year as the Board tackled the rapidly changing circumstances presented by the pandemic. It is based on this performance, and in line with 
Melrose’s remuneration philosophy of paying only for performance, that the Committee has taken its decisions in respect of executive Director 
remuneration arrangements for 2020 and 2021.

The Committee understands that shareholders expect executive remuneration to be aligned with the overall experience of the Company, its 
shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. The Committee is also mindful of the need to consider the impact of COVID-19 on executive 
remuneration. As is demonstrated elsewhere in this Directors’ Remuneration report – in particular, Comparison to Peers (page 115), CEO Pay 
Ratio (page 120), and Wider workforce considerations (page 122), we believe that the remuneration structure operated by Melrose, and the 
outcomes produced by the operation of this structure, are appropriate and result in a strong alignment between the executive Directors, 
shareholders and other stakeholders.

(1) Available at www.melroseplc.net/media/2536/melrose-ar2019.pdf. 
(2) Available at www.melroseplc.net/media/2587/291220-melrose-circular.pdf.

113

2020 key decisions 
The Committee remains committed to a responsible approach to 
executive pay in accordance with the current Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, which was effective from the close of the 2020 AGM (as 
amended with effect from the close of the general meeting that took 
place on 21 January 2021), and its four key remuneration principles.

In line with increases in previous years, an inflationary increase of 3% 
was made to the executive Directors’ base salaries with effect from 
1 January 2020, consistent with the salary rises awarded to the wider 
Melrose head office population. Salaries remained below the lower 
quartile of the FTSE 100, as is demonstrated by the table on page 115. 
There were also inflationary increases made to Non-executive Director 
fees with effect from 1 January 2020, as set out on page 123. It is 
noted that all members of the Board, both executive and Non-
executive Directors, took a temporary 20% reduction to their salary  
or fee in 2020 to support the wider Group in its cash management 
efforts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following an extensive consultation with key shareholders and other 
stakeholders in January and February 2020, the Committee finalised its 
proposal for the renewal of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. It was 
as a direct result of this engagement that further protections for the 
benefit of shareholders were included, such as the increased minimum 
shareholding requirements for executive Directors of 300% of salary 
and post-cessation minimum shareholding requirements of 300% of 
salary for two years post-cessation. The Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
was approved at the 2020 AGM with over 98% support.

Another key decision taken by the Committee in 2020, which is 
mentioned in my Annual Statement, was the decision not to propose a 
resolution for the renewal of the Company’s long-term incentive 
arrangements at the 2020 AGM, due to the impact of COVID-19. This 
had followed a successful consultation with shareholders at the 
beginning of the year in relation to the renewal of both the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and the long-term incentive arrangements, but as a 
Committee we felt that given the significant uncertainty, volatility and lack 
of clarity as to COVID-19’s impact on the Company’s businesses and the 
wider economy, it was not appropriate for a resolution to be proposed at 
the 2020 AGM in relation to any long-term incentive arrangements. Given 
how critical management incentivisation is to the Company’s success, 
and with executive remuneration being heavily weighted towards the 
long-term incentive plan, this was not a decision that we took lightly.

We were pleased to see encouraging signs in the end markets of 
most of the Group’s businesses by the fourth quarter of 2020. With 
this in mind, we returned to shareholders with a revised proposal for 
the 2020 Employee Share Plan, to reflect the impact of the pandemic 
on the Group. Following constructive feedback from shareholders, we 
incorporated further shareholder protections into the 2020 Employee 
Share Plan that was eventually put forward to shareholders for 
approval at the end of 2020, followed by the general meeting to 
approve the 2020 Employee Share Plan in January 2021. The 
Conditional Awards under the 2020 Employee Share Plan were 
granted on 29 December 2020, subject to approval by shareholders. 
The Committee is very pleased that the 2020 Employee Share Plan 
was approved by shareholders in January 2021 with over 82% 
support, reaffirming their belief in the Melrose remuneration structure.

Although the annual bonus outcomes for 2020 were finally determined 
by the Committee in 2021, we refer to them here for completeness, as 
they are a key decision relating to the reporting period. As mentioned in 
my Annual Statement, the financial element of the annual bonus was 
not met, due to the impact of the pandemic on the Company’s financial 
performance. The Committee carefully considered the strategic 
objectives and the extent to which these were met during 2020. As is 
detailed further on page 116, the Committee felt that management’s 
performance met the strategic objectives in full, without any basis for a 
deduction, and have therefore determined to make an award in this 
regard of the full 20%.

The Committee has reviewed the remuneration outcomes for the year 
and confirms that the Directors’ Remuneration Policy operated as 
intended during the year and that there were no deviations from the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy during the year. The Committee felt 
that the incentive outcomes were in line with the overall performance 
of the Group and therefore did not exercise any discretion to alter the 
outcomes from the application of the performance conditions. 

Stakeholder engagement
We constantly seek the views of our investors, which becomes 
particularly important at the time of remuneration renewals, as well as 
during times of heightened uncertainty. As mentioned in my Annual 
Statement last year, we conducted an extensive stakeholder 
engagement exercise during January and February 2020 as part of 
the preparation for the renewal of both the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy and the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements. This 
engagement was constructive and helpful and included numerous 
discussions with proxy advisors and key shareholders holding in 
excess of 65% of our register. Feedback received during this initial 
engagement led to adjustments to the final proposals for the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy and long-term incentive arrangements that were 
approved by the Board to be put to shareholders at the AGM in 2020. 
The Committee was pleased that the 2019 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy were approved by 
shareholders at the 2020 AGM with high rates of approval (with 
99.57% and 98.40% voting in favour, respectively). 

This engagement exercise had encompassed both the renewal of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the renewal of the Company’s 
long-term incentive arrangements. However, just prior to issuing the 
2020 Notice of AGM, the Board took the decision to postpone the 
renewal of the long-term incentive arrangements given the significant 
uncertainty, volatility and lack of clarity resulting from the pandemic, to 
a more appropriate time. 

With the publication of our half-year results in September 2020, and the 
positive messages and trends highlighted by those results, we felt that 
presented an appropriate time to return to shareholders with a revised 
proposal for the 2020 Employee Share Plan, which would be adjusted 
appropriately to reflect the impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s financial 
performance. Over a three-month period with multiple rounds of 
consultation, we discussed the revised proposal with key shareholders 
representing over 75% of our register. Shareholders reconfirmed their 
belief in the Melrose remuneration structure and played a significant role 
in helping the Committee finalise the proposal for the 2020 Employee 
Share Plan. Over the course of the consultation, we made a number of 
adjustments to the proposal in line with shareholder feedback, to 
incorporate further shareholder protections, which resulted in the final 
proposal that was put to shareholders at the end of 2020. The 
Committee was pleased that the 2020 Employee Share Plan was 
approved by shareholders at the general meeting in January 2021,  
with 82.64% voting in favour. 

This outcome reaffirmed the support of our shareholders for the 
Melrose remuneration structure, as well as reaffirming the belief that 
our shareholders have in the management team to deliver exceptional 
returns. It is clear that our key shareholders understand and appreciate 
that the Melrose remuneration structure is deliberately not the same as 
the standard FTSE company, a point that we note is encouraged by 
the UK Stewardship Code. However, it is appropriate for the Melrose 
model, as it properly incentivises management and drives the value 
creation strategy. The 2020 Employee Share Plan also, as a direct 
result of shareholder feedback, incorporates strong protections for 
shareholders against the risk of excessive pay and windfall gains, 
benchmarking both the 2020 Employee Share Plan and the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy very well against the Code and the guidelines of 
other stakeholders who have published their views on remuneration.

The Committee will continue to engage with stakeholders on 
matters relating to executive remuneration during the course of 2021, 
as appropriate. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020114

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

115

Business performance
Immediately prior to the global onset of the pandemic at the start of 
2020, the Company was continuing its work to unlock the full potential 
of the Group’s businesses, having recently announced a very 
successful set of 2019 preliminary results. As the pandemic hit the 
Group, management’s focus was forced to quickly turn to more 
immediate actions such as prioritising strong cash management, 
quickly implementing operational initiatives to generate efficiency 
improvements, and carefully executing restructuring projects to 
significantly improve the Group’s trading performance in 2021 and 
beyond. 2020 was therefore a challenging year for Melrose, as 
demonstrated by these results. However, we are already beginning to 
see the benefits of these decisive management actions and we are 
looking forward in 2021 to repositioning the businesses on the same 
improvement tracks that they were on prior to the pandemic. 

We have seen some encouraging signs of recovery in the end markets 
of some of our businesses, including the GKN Automotive, GKN Powder 
Metallurgy and Nortek Air Management divisions. The aerospace sector 
continues to be challenging and neither we, nor the market, expect this 
to change for some time. However, the Melrose business model has 
proven resilient through varied economic cycles and previous crises, and 
our management team have a proven track record in delivering 
exceptional returns for shareholders, even in times of crisis. We therefore 
remain cautiously optimistic as to 2021 performance.

This Annual Report and financial statements and specifically the 
Group’s strategic KPIs on pages 34 to 35 demonstrates the good 
progress that was made in 2020 towards the achievement of our 
objective of building better, stronger businesses under our ownership, 
even against the backdrop of the pandemic. The Company’s Annual 

Bonus Plan focuses directly and indirectly on rewarding executive 
Directors and Melrose senior management for delivering these KPIs. 
The 2020 Employee Share Plan is designed to reward the flow-
through of the successful implementation of the strategy into 
longer-term sustainable shareholder returns, consistent with  
previous incentive plans.

Sustainability
We appreciate and understand that investors are requiring enhanced 
disclosure from issuers around matters relating to sustainability. It was with 
this in mind that management produced the Company’s inaugural ESG 
report, included in last year’s Annual Report and financial statements, 
and significant work has gone into enhancing our disclosures for 
2020, as contained in the Sustainability report on pages 58 to 87. As 
the Sustainability report demonstrates, there is a lot of excellent work 
being done by our businesses to develop cutting-edge technology 
and products that help them and their customers to deliver on their 
environmental goals. 

The Committee considers that the most appropriate place to 
recognise performance in relation to sustainability within the 
remuneration structure is in the Annual Bonus Plan, as it allows for 
performance assessment against a number of strategic elements, in 
addition to the focus on financial elements. In order to better align the 
strategic elements with the focus and importance placed on 
sustainability matters, during 2021, the Committee will be considering 
how progress on sustainability matters may be better incorporated 
into the executive remuneration structure. To the extent that changes 
proposed as a result of this review require an amendment to the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy, we will consult with key shareholders 
and their approval for any amendments will of course be sought.

Single total figure of remuneration for the executive Directors for the 2020 financial year (audited)
The following chart summarises the single figure of remuneration for 2020 in comparison with 2019(1): 

Executive Director

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Total

Total salary 
and fees(2) 
£000

Taxable 
benefits 
£000

Period

Bonus
£000

LTIP(3)
£000

Pension(4) 
£000

Total Fixed 
£000

Total 
Variable 
£000

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

490

520

490

520

490

520

395

419

1,866

1,979

2

3

3

4

3

3

10

10

18

20

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

107

375

86

302

193

677

0

–

0

–

0

–

0

–

0

–

80

78

80

78

80

78

65

63

305

297

572

601

574

602

573

601

470

492

2,189

2,296

0

0

0

0

107

375

86

302

193

677

Total
£000

572

601

573

602

680

976

556

794

2,382

2,973

(1) The “Total” figures in the above table may not add up to the sum of the component parts due to rounding.
(2) The executive Directors, with the rest of the Board, committed to a temporary 20% reduction in salary in 2020 to support the Company’s cash management strategy in light of the pandemic. The 

amounts stated in the table for 2020 are the actual amounts that were paid to the executive Directors.

(3)  The 2017 Incentive Plan crystallised on 31 May 2020 for no value. The 2020 Employee Share Plan, which has a commencement date of 31 May 2020, is a five-year plan in total (comprised of a 

three-year performance period and a two-year holding period). Accordingly, no value was vested to participants in respect of the year to 31 December 2020 under either plan.

(4)  All amounts attributable to pension contributions were paid as a supplement to base salary in lieu of pension arrangements.

Comparison to Peers
The total remuneration of £680,113 paid to the Melrose Chief Executive in respect of 2020 was approximately 30% lower than last year’s total, 
due to the temporary 20% salary reduction and significantly reduced annual bonus award, as detailed below. The Committee benchmarked the 
Melrose Chief Executive’s 2020 pay against the most recent available remuneration information from our FTSE 100 peers (being 2019)(1).

As the table below shows, the single total figure of remuneration for the Melrose Chief Executive in 2020 was well below the lower quartile of 
FTSE 100 peers, and less than one third of, or almost £2 million less than, the FTSE 100 average. This demonstrates in practice the 
Committee’s policy of deliberately setting salary, benefits and annual bonus for the executive Directors low, with the opportunity for significant 
reward being heavily weighted towards the Melrose Employee Share Plan, which is entirely performance based and ensures that executive 
Directors only receive substantial rewards when they have outperformed and created very significant value for shareholders.

Metric (GBP ’000) 

Melrose Chief Executive

FTSE 100 Lower Quartile

FTSE 100 Average

FTSE 100 Upper Quartile

Total

680

1,653

2,410

2,981

Each of the elements in the single figure table is set out in more detail below, along with the benchmark for the Melrose Chief Executive to the 
most recent available information for our FTSE 100 peers (being 2019).

Base Salary
Salaries are fixed at a level which is well below the lower quartile of FTSE 100 peers. Each executive Director received an inflationary increase in 
base salary of 3% effective from 1 January 2020, although base salaries were subject to a temporary 20% reduction during the year to support 
the Company’s cash management strategy in light of the pandemic.

Metric (GBP ’000) 

Annual Salary

Melrose Chief Executive

FTSE 100 Lower Quartile

FTSE 100 Average

FTSE 100 Upper Quartile

490

700

944

1,100

Pensions
Executive Directors receive the same 15% of base salary pension contribution(2) as the rest of the Melrose employees, which the Committee 
notes is in line with the lower quartile of pension contributions in the FTSE 100 and is also within the range of the wider workforce contributions 
in the UK. This contribution rate has not changed since Melrose was founded and no executive Director participates or has ever participated in 
a Group defined benefit or final salary pension scheme.

Metric (GBP ’000) 

Pension Contribution

Pension Contribution %

Melrose Chief Executive

FTSE 100 Lower Quartile

FTSE 100 Average

FTSE 100 Upper Quartile

80

15%

124

15%

217

21%

289

25%

Benefits
Executive Directors receive the same taxable non-pension benefits as the rest of the Melrose employees, being generally private medical 
insurance and a fuel allowance. The Group Finance Director also received paid train travel to and from London. 

Metric (GBP ’000) 

Melrose Chief Executive

FTSE 100 Lower Quartile

FTSE 100 Average

FTSE 100 Upper Quartile

Benefits

3

20

65

69

Annual Bonus
Annual bonuses are entirely performance driven and are calculated by the Committee using two elements: 80% being based on audited diluted 
earnings per share growth; and 20% based on the achievement of strategic elements. The maximum bonus opportunity is set at 100% of base 
salary, which is significantly below the lower quartile maximum annual bonus opportunity for other FTSE 100 companies as set out in the table 
below. Neither of the executive Vice-Chairmen participate in the annual bonus scheme. 

Metric (GBP ’000) 

Annual Bonus

Max bonus opportunity %

Melrose Chief Executive

FTSE 100 Lower Quartile

FTSE 100 Average

FTSE 100 Upper Quartile

107

100%

662

150%

1,188

202%

1,600

215%

(1)  For comparison purposes, the included peer information excludes any payments made under long-term incentive arrangements, as none were payable to the Chief Executive in 2020.
(2)  All of the amounts attributable to pension contributions were paid as supplements to base salary in lieu of pension arrangements.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020116

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

117

2020 Annual Bonus (audited)
The 2020 Annual Bonus has applied a consistent approach to previous years, in line with the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The 
Committee awarded participating executive Directors a bonus of 20% of their 2020 unadjusted base salary, based on 2020 performance, with 
the full breakdown of the award calculation set out below. 

As is shown by the table, the financial element of the 2020 Annual Bonus was not satisfied and therefore no award was made for this part of it. 
The Committee did not seek to exercise any discretion to adjust for this or to adjust the performance conditions in any way to account for the 
impact of COVID-19. With respect to the strategic element, the Committee determined that each of the strategic objectives were fully met during 
2020 and therefore that the strategic element was met in full. The Committee determined that no exercise of discretion to adjust this element of 
the award was required. Full disclosure of the strategic objectives and why the Committee determined that these had been met is provided below. 

In addition to a detailed and thorough consideration of each of the strategic objectives and management’s performance against them during 
2020, the Committee was also mindful of the guidance published by the Investment Association regarding the payment of executive annual 
bonuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the Committee felt that the Company’s proposal to reinstate the payment of dividends to 
shareholders in 2021, the repayment by the Company of all payments received by the Group under the UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
during 2020, and the Company choosing not to raise additional capital from shareholders during the period, meant that the executive 
remuneration awarded for 2020 is appropriate and in line with that guidance, and that no exercise of discretion to adjust the strategic element of 
the award for the impact of COVID-19 was required.

Financial Objectives (80%)

EPS Growth 

% award

Threshold

5%

20%

Target

10%

40%

EPS Growth sub-total:

Strategic Objectives (20%)

Maximum

Actual Performance

20%

80%

0%

0%

Percentage of maximum bonus earned

Percentage of maximum bonus earned

0%

Cash generation 
across the Group – 
maximum 4%

This is always a key objective for the Group, particularly so during 2020, with its businesses being in the “Improve” phase of 
the Company’s “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy, and as a result of the pandemic. As demonstrated by these results, Melrose 
was able to end the year having generated adjusted free cash of £628 million, notwithstanding the challenges presented by 
the pandemic. This was a 6% increase on the previous year, reducing net debt to £2.85 billion and holding leverage to 4.1x 
adjusted EBITDA, despite reduced profit. This was well beyond the Board’s expectations. 

Improvement 
in working  
capital – 
maximum 4%

Management continued to focus on working capital improvements and efficiencies in each of the divisions, particularly in the 
GKN businesses. Management were intensely focused on cash generation following the outbreak of the pandemic, as 
mentioned above. Consequently, management implemented increased discipline in working capital management practices 
across the Group, based on strict inventory control and backed by forensic weekly cash management calls with each 
business, and focused on working with the businesses to reduce and align working capital with reduced sales. As a result, 
net working capital for the year reduced by £424 million, a reduction of 52% on the previous year.

Resolution of GKN 
onerous contract 
burden – maximum 
4%

Significant improvements continued to be made on the GKN onerous contracts during 2020. With management’s full 
support, all of the GKN businesses continued to take significant steps to resolve a number of their key onerous 
contracts, with over 60% of the total original exposure under these contracts having now been resolved. This is a 
significant step forward in management’s aim to eradicate the entire exposure in the coming years, as part of its wider 
improvement strategy for the GKN businesses.

Intensification of 
acceleration  
of sustainability 
performance and 
reporting – 
maximum 4% 

As demonstrated by the 2020 Sustainability report, management have significantly improved the level of disclosure on sustainability 
matters, as well as continuing to invest in sustainable products and processes. The Group also committed to net zero greenhouse 
gas emissions by 2050 and is actively pursuing the development of critical zero-emissions technology in order to help decarbonise 
the aerospace and automotive sectors. At the same time, there has been a reduction in emissions from production across the 
Group, including an 11% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The cumulative effect of these actions is expected 
to translate into much improved ratings when the relevant agencies reassess the Group’s sustainability score later this year.

Restructuring projects 
and divestment of 
non-core businesses 
– maximum 4% 

Management have continued to work with each of the businesses to assess the need for restructuring programmes, a 
number of which intensified as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the end markets of the businesses and their 
customers. The strong cash generation of the Group enabled management to undertake the necessary restructuring 
programmes in GKN in 2020 that will deliver over £125 million full year benefit for 2021, as discussed further in the Chief 
Executive’s review on page 12. Management has also continued to assess the Group’s businesses and to strategically 
review potential divestments for non-core assets, including the disposal of the GKN Wheels & Structures business, which 
successfully signed and completed during the period. 

Strategic Objectives sub-total:

Total annual bonus for 2020:

4%

4%

4%

4%

4%

20%

20%

All bonus payments for 2020 will be made in cash, as both participating executive Directors have exceeded their minimum shareholding 
requirements. See page 118 for details of the requirements.

Long-term incentive arrangements (audited)
2017 Incentive Plan
Following the withdrawal of the proposal for the renewal of the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements, the 2017 Incentive Plan expired in 
May 2020 with no value payable to its participants, despite being on track to generate a reward before the impact of COVID-19. The Committee 
did not seek to adjust this outcome on the crystallisation date of the 2017 Incentive Plan or to adjust the performance conditions, whether for 
share price appreciation, the impact of COVID-19, or otherwise. 

Long-term incentive arrangements granted in the year
The 2020 Employee Share Plan, which was approved by shareholders on 21 January 2021, is due to crystallise on 31 May 2023. On expiry, 
therefore, it will be the only Melrose long-term incentive plan for a six-year period. Participants in the 2020 Employee Share Plan share in 7.5% of 
the increase in invested capital above a 5% annual charge, measured at the end of a three-year performance period commencing on 31 May 
2020. The Committee still considers that this is the appropriate performance condition in light of the Company’s business model and strategy. 
Awards are subject to an annual rolling cap and downwards adjustment in the event of an earlier than expected aerospace market recovery, 
which means that executive Directors will not be rewarded for windfall gains. The preference expressed by most shareholders involved in our 
consultation was for such a market adjustment to be included, rather than for the performance period to be adjusted or delayed. The awards 
under the 2020 Employee Share Plan are structured as Conditional Awards, which are contingent rights to be granted an award of ordinary 
shares of the Company or a nil cost option (exercisable into ordinary shares of the Company) on the crystallisation date.

As set out in the circular dated 29 December 2020(1), which contains full 
details of the 2020 Employee Share Plan, Conditional Awards have been 
granted to the executive Directors as set out in the table below, with the 
remainder being allocated to other members of the Melrose senior 
management team. The Conditional Awards of the executive Directors 
under the 2020 Employee Share Plan were made in one grant on 
29 December 2020, subject to approval by shareholders. This approval 
was granted at the general meeting that was held on 21 January 2021. 

We will continue to provide disclosure on the current performance of 
the 2020 Employee Share Plan in subsequent Directors’ Remuneration 
reports during the remainder of the performance period.

Therefore no long-term incentives crystallised during the 2020 
financial year under either the 2017 Incentive Plan or the 2020 
Employee Share Plan, nor were any performance conditions adjusted 
to account for the impact of COVID-19.

Executive Directors

Position

Christopher Miller

Executive Vice-Chairman

David Roper(1)

Executive Vice-Chairman

Simon Peckham

Chief Executive

Geoffrey Martin

Group Finance Director

Peter Dilnot(2)

Chief Operating Officer

Participation Rate 
Percentage

14%

5%

16%

16%

12%

(1)  David Roper will retire at the end of May 2021.
(2)  Peter Dilnot was appointed as an executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 January 2021.

The three-year performance period of the 2020 Employee Share Plan 
commenced on 31 May 2020 and will not mature until the 
crystallisation date on 31 May 2023. As noted in the circular to 
shareholders dated 29 December 2020(1), the start price under the 
2020 Employee Share Plan is 170 pence, assuming a crystallisation 
date of 31 May 2023. To provide an illustration of the current status of 
the 2020 Employee Share Plan, we note that the average price of an 
ordinary share for the 40 business days prior to 31 December 2020 
was 161 pence, which is less than the start price of 170 pence. To be 
clear, no value can be received by participants until the crystallisation 
date, and so we include this information for illustrative purposes only. 

Illustration and application of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy in 2020
The charts set out below are updated versions of charts which 
appeared in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy approved at the 2020 
AGM. These set out an illustration of the current Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy compared to the actual executive Director 
remuneration paid in 2020(1).

The executive Directors’ options under the 2017 Incentive Plan could 
have delivered to them part of the growth in value of the Company 
from May 2017 to May 2020 (or an earlier trigger date determined in 
accordance with the Articles of Association). Accordingly, the value  
of participation in the 2017 Incentive Plan was not expressed as a 
multiple of salary but on a valuation done at the time of the renewal  
of the incentive plan in May 2017 (see circular dated 7 April 2017(2)). 
The 2017 Incentive Plan crystallised on 31 May 2020 with no value 
accruing to the scheme, and so the 2017 Incentive Plan expired with 
no award being made to participants.

The executive Directors’ options under the 2017 Incentive Plan, in 
addition to any Incentive Shares (2017) held by the executive Directors, 
crystallised in May 2020 with no value payable to them, as the 
performance conditions had not been met. 

Simon Peckham

(£’000)

£3,295

Geoffrey Martin

(£’000)

£1,956

 65%

£2,143

 54%

£1,071

£3,079

£1,792

 70%

£2,143

60%

£1,071

£618

 14%

£267

 16%

£535

£680

 16%

£107

£506

 12%

£216

 14%

£431

 100%

£618

 32%

£618

 19%

£618

 84%

£573

 100%

£506

 28%

£506

 16%

£506

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Actual

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

£86

 16%
 84%

£556

£470

Actual

Christopher Miller

(£’000)

£2,571

David Roper

(£’000)

£2,572

£1,594

 76%

£1,954

 61%

£977

£617

£1,595

 76%

£1,954

 61%

£977

£573

£618

£574

 100%

£617

 39%

£617

 24%

£617

 100%

£573

 100%

£618

 39%

£618

 24%

£618

 100%

£574

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Actual

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Actual

Fixed

Annual variable

LTI

Fixed

Annual variable

LTI

In illustrating the potential reward under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy compared to the actual single figures awarded for 2020, the following assumptions have been made:
•  Minimum performance: fixed elements of remuneration only. Base salary effective from 1 January 2020, and benefits and pension rate as set out in the single figure table for the year ended 

31 December 2020 on page 114.

•  On-Target: fixed elements of remuneration as above, plus a bonus of 50% of salary (other than in the case of Christopher Miller and David Roper, who do not participate in the annual bonus 

arrangements), plus an amount in relation to the executive Directors’ entitlements under the 2017 Incentive Plan, being 50% of the fair value of the award, calculated as set out above. 

•  High-performance: fixed elements of remuneration as above, plus a bonus of 100% of salary (other than in the case of Christopher Miller and David Roper, who do not participate in the annual 
bonus arrangements), plus an amount in relation to the executive Directors’ entitlements under the 2017 Incentive Plan, being 100% of the fair value of the award, calculated as set out above.

(1)  The total figures shown in the above bar charts may not add up to the sum of the component parts due to rounding.
(2)  Available at www.melroseplc.net/media/2587/291220-melrose-circular.pdf. 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020118

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

119

Minimum shareholding requirements and equity exposure of the Board (audited)
Executive Directors are subject to two concurrent minimum shareholding requirements. The first is to always hold at least an amount of shares 
equal to 300% of salary. The second requirement is for executive Directors to hold all of the shares acquired pursuant to the crystallisation of the 
2017 Incentive Plan, after satisfying tax obligations following the crystallisation of that plan and subject to capital adjustments, and for a two-year 
holding period. As the 2017 Incentive Plan expired for no value on crystallisation in May 2020, there are no shares to which this requirement 
applies. A similar shareholding requirement applies in respect of the 2020 Employee Share Plan, which (to the extent that crystallisation results 
in an award of ordinary shares being made) will require executive Directors to hold all the shares they acquire pursuant to crystallisation of the 
2020 Employee Share Plan, after satisfying tax obligations following the crystallisation of that plan and subject to capital adjustments, for the 
two-year holding period.

In the event that an executive Director were to leave the Company, he would be subject to a post-cessation minimum shareholding requirement 
of 300% of salary, for a two-year period following the date of cessation. This obligation is enforceable under direct contractual arrangements 
between the Company and each executive Director. In practice, this obligation has never been applicable as there have been no departures 
from the executive team since Melrose’s formation in 2003 to date. However, we note that co-founder and Executive Vice-Chairman David 
Roper is due to retire on 31 May 2021, and these post-cessation obligations will apply to him from that date.

In reality, the executive Directors hold well in excess of these minimum amounts, which reflects their long-term stewardship of the Company and 
long-term investment in the Company’s shares. It is the Committee’s view that it is important when considering the remuneration paid in the year 
under the single figure to take a holistic view of how each executive Director’s total wealth is linked to the performance of the Company. In the 
Committee’s opinion, the impact on the total wealth of the executive Director is as important as the single figure in any one year; this approach 
encourages executive Directors to take a long-term view of the sustainable performance of the Company and aligns them with shareholders.

This is demonstrated by the following table, which sets out all subsisting interests in the equity of the Company held by the executive Directors 
as at 31 December 2020, as well as an indication as to the size of these interests relative to the entire issued share capital of the Company. It 
also sets out the number of ordinary shares of the Company held by each executive Director at the end of the 2019 and 2020 financial years 
and the impact on the value of these ordinary shares taking the closing mid-market prices for those dates:

Applicable 
shareholding 
requirement 
(% salary)(3)

Current 
shareholding 
(% salary)(4)

Shareholding 
requirement 
met?

Shareholding 
(% ordinary 
share capital) 
as at 31 
December 
2020

Shares 
beneficially 
held on  

Shares 
beneficially 
held on  

Value of  
shares on  

31 December

31 December

31 December

Value of 
shares on 
31 December

 2019(5)

2020(5)

 2019(6)

 2020(4)

Difference in 
value of 
shares 
between 
31 December 
2019 and 
31 December 
2020 £

300%

300%

300%

300%

9,846%

5,853%

6,324%

3,332%

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

0.55%

0.33%

0.36%

0.15%

27,108,510

27,108,510

£65,087,533

£48,266,702

(16,820,830)

16,373,732

16,115,302

£39,313,331

£28,693,295

(10,620,035)

17,265,565

17,413,217

£41,454,622

£31,004,233

(10,450,389)

7,395,256

7,395,256

£17,756,001

£13,167,253

(4,588,756)

Executive Directors(1)(2)

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

(1)  Peter Dilnot is not included in the above table as he was appointed as an executive Director with effect from 1 January 2021.
(2)  In addition to the share interests set out in the table, each of the executive Directors has an additional exposure by virtue of their Conditional Awards under the 2020 Employee Share Plan (see 

“Long-term incentive arrangements” on pages 16 and 17). 

(3) The shareholding requirement under the current Directors’ Remuneration Policy is 300% of base salary. 
(4)  For these purposes, the value of a share is 178.05 pence, being the closing mid-market price on 31 December 2020, being the last business day of the 2020 financial year.
(5)  For these purposes, the interests of each executive Director listed in the table include any ordinary shares held by a person closely associated with that executive Director within the meaning of the 

EU Market Abuse Regulation, as it forms part of retained EU law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

(6)  For these purposes, the value of a share is 240.1 pence, being the closing mid-market price on 31 December 2019, being the last business day of the 2019 financial year.

No executive Director may dispose of any ordinary shares without the consent of the Chairman of the Committee, which will not normally be 
withheld provided the executive Director will continue to hold at least the “minimum number” of ordinary shares referred to in the table above 
following any such disposal. 

Between them, the executive Directors in 2020 purchased a further 689,222 ordinary shares in the Company and none were sold. David Roper 
gifted 800,000 ordinary shares during the period to family members for nil consideration, as part of standard family financial planning. There 
have been no changes in the ordinary shareholdings of the executive Directors between 31 December 2020 and 4 March 2021.

Please see page 123 for a table setting out the equity interests of the Non-executive Directors as at 31 December 2020.

(1) Available at www.melroseplc.net/media/1728/21347274-_-1-_circular.pdf. 

Key decisions and statement of implementation for 2021
Salary review
The executive Directors in the period have received an inflationary 
increase of 3% to their base salaries with effect from 1 January 2021, 
consistent with the wider Melrose head office population, with the 
exception of the Group Finance Director, who received an additional 
1% increase. The executive Directors’ salaries for 2021 are therefore 
as follows: 

Executive Director

Position

Christopher Miller

Executive Vice-Chairman

David Roper

Executive Vice-Chairman

Simon Peckham

Chief Executive

Geoffrey Martin

Group Finance Director

Peter Dilnot

Chief Operating Officer

Salary with effect from 
1 January 2021 
£000

551

551

551

450

450

Peter Dilnot was appointed as an executive Director with effect from 1 
January 2021, having served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer 
since April 2019. His remuneration package is in line with the recruitment 
remuneration policy outlined in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. He 
will be included in the Annual Bonus Plan for 2021, along with the Chief 
Executive and Group Finance Director, and will therefore be eligible to 
receive an annual bonus in respect of the financial year ending 
31 December 2021. As disclosed elsewhere in this report, Peter Dilnot is 
a participant in the 2020 Employee Share Plan. He will also receive the 
same benefits as the other executive Directors, including a pension 
contribution of 15% of salary. Full details of Mr Dilnot’s executive 
remuneration in respect of the 2021 financial year will be disclosed in 
next year’s Directors’ Remuneration report.

Non-executive Directors’ basic fees for 2021 have also been increased 
by 3%, with effect from 1 January 2021, which is consistent with the 
increase for the executive Directors and in line with FTSE 100 peers. 

Pensions and benefits
For 2021, standard benefits will be provided to the executive Directors 
in line with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the pension 
contribution rate remains at 15% of salary, the same percentage 
contribution rate as for all Melrose employees.

Annual bonus
The overall framework for the executive Director annual bonus 
arrangements for 2021 will remain the same as in 2020, with a 
maximum bonus opportunity of 100% of salary, based on financial 
and strategic performance metrics. The financial performance metrics 
remain as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The 
Committee considers that the strategic performance measures are 
commercially sensitive but will disclose the nature of those measures 
on a retrospective basis, where appropriate, on a similar basis to the 
disclosure on page 116 in respect of the annual bonus for the year 
ending 31 December 2020. In addition, as described on page 114, the 
Committee will commence a review on how to better incorporate 
progress on sustainability matters into the Company’s executive 
remuneration structure, with any changes proposed as a result of this 
review being put to shareholders for their approval next year, to the 
extent required.

Long-term incentive arrangements
Given the nature of the long-term incentive arrangements that the 
Company has in place (see “Long-term incentive arrangements” on 
pages 16 and 17, no grants will be made to the executive Directors 
during 2021.

Regulatory disclosures
Chief Executive remuneration for previous ten years
In accordance with the regulations governing the reporting of executive Director remuneration, the total figure of remuneration set out in the 
table below includes the value of long-term incentives vesting in respect of the relevant financial year. This means that the full value of the 
crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Plan on 11 April 2012 is shown for the year ended 31 December 2012 and that the full value of the 2012 
Incentive Plan which crystallised in May 2017 is shown for the year ended 31 December 2017, although these each represent rewards earned 
over the previous five years. As disclosed in detail on pages 110 and 116, the 2017 Incentive Plan crystallised in May 2020 for no value. The next 
award in relation to long-term incentive arrangements is therefore not payable until May 2023, and only if the performance conditions are met.

Financial year

Chief Executive

Year ended 31 December 2020

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2019

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2018

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2017

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2016

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2015

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2014

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2013

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2012(5)

Simon Peckham

Year ended 31 December 2011

David Roper

David Roper

LTIP 
£

Total remuneration 
£

Annual bonus as a 
percentage of 
maximum 
opportunity

Long-term 
incentives as a 
percentage of 
maximum 
opportunity

0(1)

0

0

41,770,000(3)

0

0

0

0

19,791,212

10,656,806

0

680,113

976,000

1,049,000

42,764,000

987,725

928,541

773,167

927,276

20,280,584(6)

10,915,846(6)

811,152

20%

72%

95%

90%

95%

88%

58%

100%

64%

64%

84%

n/a(2)

–

–

n/a(4)

–

–

–

–

n/a(7)

n/a(7)

–

Non-LTIP 
£

680,113

976,000

1,049,000

994,000

987,725

928,541

773,167

927,276

489,372

259,040

811,152

(1)  As disclosed in detail on pages 110 and 116, the 2017 Incentive Plan crystallised in May 2020 for no value.
(2)  Although the 2017 Incentive Plan crystallised in May 2020 for no value, because the value that would have been derived on the crystallisation of the Incentive Shares (2017) and options depended 

upon the shareholder value created over the relevant period, it would not have been possible to express the value derived as a percentage of the maximum opportunity.

(3) The value derived in 2017 from the 2012 Incentive Shares represents the Chief Executive’s share, determined in accordance with the terms of those shares, of the shareholder value created over a 

period of approximately five years. This amount was paid in shares, not cash.

(4)  On the crystallisation in May 2017 of the 2012 Incentive Plan, participants as a whole were entitled to 7.5% of the increase in shareholder value from 22 March 2012 to 31 May 2017. Because the 
value derived on the crystallisation of the Incentive Shares (2012) depended upon the shareholder value created over the relevant period, it is not possible to express the value derived as a 
percentage of the maximum opportunity.

(5)  In the year ending 31 December 2012, David Roper was Chief Executive for the period from 1 January 2012 until 9 May 2012 and Simon Peckham was Chief Executive for the period from 9 May 

2012 onwards. In the table above, the “Total remuneration” figure shows, in respect of David Roper, his total remuneration in respect of his service in the period from 1 January 2012 to 9 May 2012 
and in respect of Simon Peckham, his total remuneration in respect of his service in the period from 9 May 2012 to 31 December 2012. Included in this figure for each of David Roper and Simon 
Peckham is the value of the long-term incentives vesting in the year, pro-rated to reflect the portion of the year for which he was Chief Executive.

(6)  The value derived in 2012 from the 2009 Incentive Shares represents the relevant Chief Executive’s share, determined in accordance with the terms of those shares, of the shareholder value created 

over a period of approximately five years.

(7)  On the crystallisation in April 2012 of the 2009 Incentive Plan awarded in 2009, participants as a whole were entitled to 10% of the increase in shareholder value from 18 July 2007 to 23 March 2012. 
Because the value derived on the crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Shares depended upon the shareholder value created over the relevant period, it is not possible to express the value derived 
as a percentage of the maximum opportunity. The crystallisation of the 2009 Incentive Shares was satisfied by the conversion of those shares into ordinary shares.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020120

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

121

CEO Pay Ratio
Our median CEO to employee pay ratio for 2020 continued to be low at 16:1. The following table provides pay ratio data in respect of the Chief 
Executive’s total remuneration compared to the 25th, median and 75th percentile UK employees.

Financial year

Year ended 31 December 2020

Year ended 31 December 2019

Method

Option A

Option A

25th percentile 
pay ratio

Median 
pay ratio

75th percentile 
pay ratio

20:1

30:1

16:1

24:1

13:1

19:1

The employees used for the purposes of the table above were those employed by any business within the Group on 31 December 2020 and 
the remuneration figures were determined with reference to the financial year to 31 December 2020. Option A was chosen as it is considered to 
be the most accurate way of identifying the relevant employees. This captures all relevant pay and benefits and aligns to how the single figure 
table is calculated for the Chief Executive and other Directors. The value of each employee’s total pay and benefits was calculated using the 
single figure methodology consistent with the Chief Executive, with the exception of the annual bonus, which was calculated using 2019 
financial year bonuses (which were paid during 2020) where the 2020 financial year data was not available at the last practical date before the 
finalisation of this report. No elements of pay have been omitted. Where required, remuneration was approximately adjusted to reflect full-time 
and full-year equivalents based on the employees’ contracted hours and the proportion of the year they were employed and not on furlough.

The following table provides salary and total remuneration information in respect of the employees at each quartile.

Financial year

Year ended 31 December 2020

Element of pay

Salary and wages(1)

Total pay and benefits

25th percentile pay 
employee

Median employee

£30,000

£34,000

£39,000

£42,000

75th percentile 
employee

£50,000

£53,000

(1)  Base salary includes overtime and shift allowances/premiums. The individual at the median received shift premium during the year.

All ratios have fallen since last year primarily as a result of the Chief Executive’s salary being reduced for a significant part of the year due to 
COVID-19, and a reduction in the bonus awarded to the Chief Executive in relation to 2020 performance. In addition, the Chief Executive’s 
long-term incentive arrangements, which represent the potential for significant opportunity in the executive remuneration structure, crystallised 
during the year for no value. Although COVID-19 also impacted pay for reward outcomes for employees, the scale of reduction for the Chief 
Executive was greater and this has therefore driven the reduction in the ratios. This year’s continued low pay ratios reflect the relationship 
between the Chief Executive’s pay and the experience of UK employees as a whole.

We have considered the pay data for the three employees identified and believe that it fairly reflects pay at the relevant quartiles amongst the UK 
workforce. The Committee considers that the median pay ratio is consistent with the relative role and responsibilities of the Chief Executive and the 
identified employee. Base salaries of all employees, including our executive Directors, are set with reference to a range of factors, including market 
practice, experience and performance in role. The Chief Executive’s remuneration package is weighted towards variable pay due to the nature of 
the role, and this means that the ratio is likely to fluctuate depending on the outcomes of incentive plans in each year. The Chief Executive’s 
remuneration package is otherwise very reasonable compared to the Company’s FTSE 100 peers, which is also demonstrated on page 115 of this 
report. This is particularly relevant for the 2020 financial year where remuneration paid to the Chief Executive was significantly lower due to the 
impact of COVID-19 on the performance-related incentive elements of his pay, particularly the long-term incentive arrangements which crystallised 
for no value, and the temporary period of reduced salary. The ratio is therefore likely to be higher in following years.

To give context to the Chief Executive remuneration for the previous ten years and the CEO pay ratio, we have included an illustrative chart 
tracking CEO pay and average employee pay over the last ten financial years alongside Melrose’s TSR performance and the FTSE 100’s TSR 
performance over the same period. The Committee has always been committed to ensuring that the Chief Executive’s reward is commensurate 
with performance. The chart shows a clear alignment between shareholder returns and the Chief Executive’s single figure pay. 

)

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2000

1500

1000

500

0

45,000

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Average Employee Pay

CEO Total Single Figure excluding LTIP

LTIP

Melrose TSR

FTSE 100 

)

0
0
0
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£

(

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Percentage change in Directors’ remuneration
The table below sets out, in relation to base salary, taxable benefits and annual bonus, the percentage increase in pay for each Director 
compared to the average increase for a group consisting of the Company’s senior head office employees and the divisional CEOs, managing 
directors and finance directors of the Group’s business units. The reporting legislation in this regard requires companies to publish the annual 
percentage change in the total remuneration of Directors and employees of the Company. The Company itself does not have any employees 
other than the executive Directors. However, in the interest of providing a relevant comparison to stakeholders, we choose to voluntarily disclose 
a comparison against the aforementioned group of senior management, which we consider to be an appropriate comparator group because of 
their level of seniority and the structure of their remuneration packages. The spread of the Company’s operations across various countries and 
industries means that remuneration policies vary to take account of geography and industry such that the Committee considers that selecting a 
wider group of employees would not provide a meaningful comparison. The percentages shown relate to the financial year ended 31 December 
2020 as a percentage comparison to the financial year ended 31 December 2019.

Element of remuneration

Executive Directors

Christopher Miller

David Roper

Simon Peckham

Geoffrey Martin

Non-executive Directors

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis 

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning

Funmi Adegoke

Senior employees(8)

Basic salary/fee
percentage change(1)

Additional fee percentage 
change(2)

Benefits percentage
change(3)

Annual bonus

percentage change(4)

 -6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

-6%

278%(7)

-1%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

29%(6)

0%

0%

n/a

n/a

n/a

 -20%

-8%

-2%

7%(5)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

11%

n/a

n/a

-71%

-72%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

45%(9)

(1)  The annual percentage change is calculated by reference to actual basic salary or fee (as applicable) paid for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 compared to the financial year ended 31 
December 2019. All Directors agreed to a temporary 20% reduction in their basic salary or fee (as applicable) during 2020 to support the Group’s cash management strategy in light of COVID-19.
(2)  This includes the additional fees for holding the position of Senior Independent Director, the Chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee, the Chairmanship of the Audit Committee, and the 

Chairmanship of the Nomination Committee.

(3)  Benefits data is calculated on the same basis as the benefits data in the single total figure table. It does not include any pension allowances.
(4) The annual percentage change in bonus is calculated by reference to the bonus payable in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2020 compared to the financial year ended 31 

December 2019 for the applicable executive Directors, and by reference to all bonus payments received during the financial year ended 31 December 2020 in comparison to the financial year 
ended 31 December 2019 for senior employees. Neither the Executive Vice-Chairmen nor the Non-executive Directors are eligible to receive an annual bonus.

(5)  This reflects an increase to the annual train travel fare.
(6) This reflects an increase to the additional fee for the Chairmanship of the Audit Committee, which was increased for 2020 to better reflect the increased scope and complexity of the role.
(7)  Funmi Adegoke was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 October 2019. The increase in her basic fee from 2019 to 2020 reflects the pro-rated period of directorship in 2019 received for the 
period 1 October 2019 to 31 December 2019 versus a full year for 2020, so is not a meaningful comparison. If an annualised figure is assumed for her basic fee in 2019, the percentage change is 
-6%, the same as for the other Non-executive Directors.

(8)  In light of the Company’s business model of “Buy, Improve, Sell”, this group of senior management inevitably varies from year to year, and can vary significantly in acquisition and disposal years. 
(9) The change shown was impacted by legacy retention awards granted to GKN employees prior to our acquisition, a number of which crystallised during the period.

Total Shareholder Return
The total shareholder return graph below shows the value as at 31 December 2020 of £100 invested in the Company in October 2003, 
compared with £100 invested in the FTSE 100 Index, the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE All-Share Index. This shows a TSR of 1,936% and 
demonstrates very clearly the long-term performance of the Company.

The Committee considers the FTSE 100 Index, the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE All-Share Index to be appropriate indices for the year ended 
31 December 2020 for the purposes of this comparison because of the comparable size of the companies which comprise the FTSE 100 Index 
and the FTSE 250 Index and the broad nature of companies which comprise the FTSE All-Share Index. The data shown below assumes that all 
cash returns to shareholders made by the Company during this period are reinvested in ordinary shares. 

)

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(

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3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0
Oct 03

Oct 04

Oct 05

Oct 06

Oct 07

Oct 08

Oct 09

Oct 10

Oct 11

Oct 12

Oct 13

Oct 14

Oct 15

Oct 16

Oct 17

Oct 18

Oct 19

Oct 20

Melrose Industries PLC

FTSE All-Share

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
122

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

Wider workforce considerations
Melrose is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and to rewarding our employees throughout the organisation in a fair 
manner. The Committee is mindful of wider workforce remuneration and conditions, and uses its awareness of these arrangements to ensure 
that Melrose executive pay is aligned with the Company’s culture and strategy. 

The Committee is responsible for setting the remuneration of the executive Directors and the Non-executive Chairman. It does not have 
responsibility for setting and managing the remuneration of Melrose senior management or divisional executive teams, which remain the 
responsibility of the Chief Executive, or the pay policies of the business units, responsibility for which sits with businesses themselves. The 
Committee remains of the view that such an approach is appropriate in light of Melrose’s decentralised business model. The Committee does, 
however, have oversight of workforce pay, policies and incentives at a Melrose level and at a business unit executive level, which enables it to 
ensure that the approach taken to executive remuneration is consistent with those workforces. This consistency is evidenced by the 15% pension 
contribution and other benefits payable to the executive Directors, which are equal to those for Melrose employees and within the range of the 
benefits of the wider workforce. In addition, the CEO pay ratio continues to remain low, and we anticipate it remaining one of the lowest in the 
FTSE 100.

Given the differing nature of our businesses, the Committee does not expect a standardised approach to remuneration, nor would this be 
appropriate. However, when conducting its review, it does pay particular attention to whether each element of remuneration is consistent with 
the Company’s remuneration philosophy. The Committee also receives confirmation from each business unit on an annual basis that the 
remuneration provided to its executive team is consistent with the remuneration provided to its wider workforce, and that the incentives 
operated by that business unit align with its culture and strategy. Based on these disclosures, the Committee is satisfied that the approaches 
taken to remuneration at all levels are consistent with the Company’s remuneration philosophy.

Long-term incentives
Participation in the 2020 Employee Share Plan is limited to Melrose head office employees. However, we also recognise the need to appropriately 
incentivise the executive teams of our businesses, in order to ensure that they are invested in helping us to build stronger, better businesses. Consistent 
with Melrose’s decentralised business model, divisional long-term incentive plans have been implemented for senior managers of certain of our 
business units, to incentivise them to create value for the Company and our shareholders. Depending on the amount of value created in relation to that 
particular business, participants in such incentive plans will receive a cash payment on the sale of the business. If a sale of the relevant business has not 
occurred within a certain period, the incentive plan will crystallise and any payment to be made to participants will be based on the increase in value of 
the business during this period.

Retirement provisions
The Company provides retirement benefits to Melrose employees and the business units determine the retirement benefits provided to their 
respective employees. The Group’s commitments with regards to pension contributions are 15% of an employee’s salary for members of the 
Melrose pension scheme, including the executive Directors, and these contributions are within the range of pension provisions across our 
various business unit UK pension schemes.

In line with the “Improve” aspect of Melrose’s “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy, we have continued to improve funding levels in the pension plans of our 
business units. As further detailed on page 5, Melrose has a stellar record of successfully taking underfunded pension schemes under our 
stewardship and bringing them to full funding. In particular, under Melrose ownership, the deficit under the GKN UK defined benefit pension 
schemes has reduced by over 80% to £0.1 billion.

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in dividends and the overall expenditure on pay (as a whole across the Group).

Expenditure

Remuneration paid to all employees(1)

Distributions to shareholders by way of dividend and share buy back

Year ended  
31 December 2019  

£ million

2,868

231

Year ended  
31 December 2020 
£ million

Percentage change

2,434

0

-15%

-100%

(1)  The figure for the year ended 31 December 2019 is the total staff costs as stated in note 7 to the financial statements and the figure for the year ended 31 December 2020 is the total staff costs as stated 

in note 7 to the financial statements. In light of the Company’s business model of “Buy, Improve, Sell”, your Board does not consider that the table is meaningful in the context of the Group’s 
remuneration structure, which provides a strong alignment with shareholder interests.

Non-executive Directors
Single figure table and share interests (audited)
The following table sets out the single figure of remuneration for 2020 in comparison with 2019 for the Company’s Non-executive Directors:

Non-executive Directors

Justin Dowley (Chairman)

Liz Hewitt (Senior Independent Director)

David Lis

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning 

Funmi Adegoke(3)

Total

Period

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total basic fees

Total other fees

£000(1)

330

350

71

75

71

75

71

75

71

75

71

19

685

669

£000(2)

0

0

45

35

20

20

10

10

0

0

0

0

75

65

Other (bonus, 
pension, LTIP, 
taxable benefits) 
£000

Total Fixed
£000

Total Variable 
£000

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

330

350

116

110

91

95

81

85

71

75

71

19

760

734

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

123

Total
£000

330

350

116

110

91

95

81

85

71

75

71

19

760

734

(1)  Along with the executive Directors, all Non-executive Directors of the Company took a temporary 20% reduction in their basic fee payable during 2020 to support the Group’s cash management 

strategy in light of COVID-19. The amounts stated in the table for 2020 are the actual amounts that were paid to the executive Directors.

(2)  These are additional fees for holding the Chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee, the Audit Committee and the Nomination Committee, and for holding the position of Senior Independent 

Director. There are no additional fees payable for membership of a Committee. All of our Non-executive Directors are members of at least one Committee.

(3)  Funmi Adegoke was appointed as a Non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 October 2019 and the fees referred to above for 2019 reflect her fees for the period 1 October 2019 to 

31 December 2019.

The Non-executive Director fee levels for 2020 and 2021 are set out in 
the table below. We note that the basic Non-executive Director fee 
was subject to a temporary 20% reduction during 2020 due to 
COVID-19, in addition to the executive Director salaries, which explains 
the difference between the fees stated in the table below and the total 
fees shown in the single figure table above for 2020.

Fee element

Non-executive Chairman fee

Basic Non-executive Director fee

Additional fee for holding the Chairmanship 
of the Remuneration Committee

Additional fee for holding the Chairmanship 
of the Audit Committee

Additional fee for holding the Chairmanship 
of the Nomination Committee

Additional fee for holding the position of 
Senior Independent Director

Previous fee 
with effect from 
1 January 2020

Fee
with effect from 
1 January 2021

£360,500

£77,250

£371,315

£79,600

£20,000

£20,000

£30,000

£30,000

£10,000

£10,000

£15,000

£15,000

The following table sets out the subsisting interests in the equity of the 
Company held by the Non-executive Directors as at 31 December 
2020, as well as an indication as to the size of these interests relative 
to the entire issued share capital of the Company: 

Non-executive Directors

Ordinary shares held as 
at 31 December 2020(1)

Shareholding 
(% ordinary share capital) 
as at 31 December 2020

Justin Dowley

Liz Hewitt

David Lis

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning

Funmi Adegoke

1,568,395

211,377

458,947

50,000

70,418

0

0.0321%

0.0044%

0.0094%

0.0010%

0.0014%

0%

(1)  For these purposes, the interests of each Non-executive Director listed in the table include any 
ordinary shares held by a person closely associated with that Non-executive Director within 
the meaning of the EU Market Abuse Regulation, as it forms part of retained EU law by virtue 
of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

Non-executive Directors’ fees
Non-executive Directors’ basic fees and the Non-executive 
Chairman’s fee have been increased by 3% with effect from 1 January 
2021, in keeping with increases made to executive Directors and other 
Melrose employees in previous years, and in line with other FTSE 100 
companies. We note that while all Non-executive Directors serve on at 
least one of the Company’s committees, there are no additional 
committee membership fees. As noted in the single figure table 
above, the Company remains of the view that it is not appropriate for 
our Non-executive Directors to receive any taxable benefits, pension 
contributions or variable remuneration.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020124

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

125

As described on page 122, although they retain oversight, the 
Committee is not responsible for setting and managing the 
remuneration of Melrose senior management and divisional executive 
teams, nor is it responsible for determining wider business unit 
employee pay, which are the responsibility of the Chief Executive and 
the relevant business unit, respectively. Responsibility for determining 
the remuneration of the Non-executive Directors (other than the 
Chairman) sits with the Board. No Director plays a part in any decision 
about his or her own remuneration.

The Committee’s terms of reference, which were last revised in 
November 2020, are available on our website, www.melroseplc.net, 
and from the Company Secretary at Melrose’s registered office.

External evaluation 
During 2020 an evaluation of the Chairman, the Board and its 
committees was undertaken in line with their respective terms of 
reference. These evaluations were conducted externally by Lintstock 
Ltd, a company unconnected with the Company and its Directors. 
The evaluation process involved direct engagement by Lintstock Ltd 
with each of the Directors. Lintstock Ltd prepared a report for the 
Board giving details of its evaluation and recommendations, and  
such report was subsequently discussed amongst the Board.  
The evaluation process demonstrated that the Board and its 
committees were operating effectively and the composition of such 
Boards and committees promoted the long-term sustainable success 
of the Company.

Attendance at meetings 
The attendance of the Non-executive Directors at the scheduled 
meetings of the Committee in 2020 was as follows:

Member

David Lis (Chairman) 

Justin Dowley 

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning 

Funmi Adegoke

No. of meetings (1) 

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

  2/2

(1)  Reflects regularly scheduled meetings of the Committee. An additional Committee meeting 

was held in October 2020 to discuss the 2020 Employee Share Plan proposal that was put to 
shareholders for approval at the end of 2020 (and approved at the general meeting held in 
January 2021). The meeting was attended by David Lis, Archie G. Kane and Charlotte 
Twyning, and the Chairman of the Committee separately discussed the proposals with the 
members of the Committee who were unable to join.

Service contracts and letters of appointment
Consistent with the best practice guidance provided by the Code, the 
Company’s policy is for executive Directors to be employed on the 
terms of service agreements, which may be terminated by either the 
executive Director or the Company on the giving of not less than 
12 months’ written notice (subject to certain exceptions).

The executive Directors’ service contracts do not provide for 
pre-determined compensation in the event of termination. Any 
payments made would be subject to normal contractual principles, 
including mitigation as appropriate. The length of service for any one 
executive Director is not defined and is subject to the requirement for 
annual re-election under both the Code and the Company’s Articles  
of Association.

There is no unexpired term as each of the executive Directors’ 
contracts is on a rolling basis.

The Non-executive Directors do not have service contracts but have 
letters of appointment for an initial term of three years, which may be 
renewed by mutual agreement. Generally, a Non-executive Director 
may be appointed for one or two periods of three years after the initial 
three-year period has expired, subject to re-election by shareholders 
at each AGM. The terms of appointment do not contain any 
contractual provisions regarding a notice period or the right to receive 
compensation in the event of early termination.

Each executive Director’s service contract and each Non-executive 
Director’s letter of appointment are available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office during normal business hours.

Details of the Non-executive Directors’ terms of appointment are set 
out below:

Non-executive Directors

Justin Dowley (Chairman)

First appointment

1 September 2011

Liz Hewitt (Senior Independent Director)

8 October 2013

David Lis

Archie G. Kane

Charlotte Twyning

Funmi Adegoke

* Subject to annual re-election.

12 May 2016

5 July 2017

1 October 2018

1 October 2019

Expires*

AGM 2023

AGM 2022

AGM 2022

AGM 2021

AGM 2021

AGM 2022

Governance 
Responsibilities
The Board has delegated to the Committee responsibility for 
overseeing the remuneration of the Chairman of the Board and the 
executive Directors.

The Committee’s responsibilities include:
•  Establishing and maintaining an executive Director remuneration 
policy that is appropriate, consistent and reflective of Melrose’s 
remuneration philosophy.

•  Determining the remuneration policy for the executive Directors.
•  Setting and managing remuneration packages of the executive 

Directors and the Chairman of the Board in accordance with the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

•  Overseeing the remuneration of Melrose senior management and 

divisional CEOs, to enable the Committee to consider their 
consistency with the executive Director remuneration packages.

•  Operating the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements.

Compliance with legislation and the Code
We apply the principles of and are fully compliant with the key provisions of the Code and the Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rules and 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, including in relation to minimum shareholding requirements, post-cessation minimum 
shareholding requirements, pension alignment, malus and clawback, and discretion to override formulaic outcomes. 

The Directors confirm that this report has also been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of the Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. 

As mentioned on page 112, the four principles of the Melrose remuneration structure are wholly aligned with the Code factors of clarity, simplicity, 
risk, predictability, proportionality and alignment to culture, as set out in the table below. The Committee ensured that it took all of these 
elements into account when establishing the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, as well as its application to executive Directors during the period. 

Factor

Clarity

Simplicity

Risk

How the Remuneration Committee has addressed and link to strategy

The Company’s performance remuneration is based on supporting the implementation of the Company’s strategy, which is 
primarily to create sustainable long-term shareholder value. This provides clarity to all stakeholders on the relationship between 
the successful implementation of the Company’s strategy and the remuneration paid.

The Company seeks to present its remuneration arrangements to investors in the clearest and most transparent way 
possible. We also remain committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with our investors, both through 
formal engagement processes, ad hoc discussions, and through the disclosures in our annual reports.

The fixed elements of remuneration are limited to base salary, pension contribution and benefits, all below the lower quartile of 
peers and in the case of pension contributions, the same as other Melrose employees. There are only two variable elements of 
remuneration: the annual bonus and the 2020 Employee Share Plan, both of which are based on simple and transparent 
metrics. The operation of the Annual Bonus Plan is linked to an earnings-based target (at least 50%) and the achievement of 
strategic factors. The Company operates a single long-term incentive scheme, which simply rewards the creation of 
shareholder value over a three-year period above a minimum level of return for shareholders. 

In the Committee’s view, this provides a very simple incentive framework which can be understood by all of the 
Company’s stakeholders. 

The Directors’ Remuneration Policy includes the following elements to mitigate against the risk of target-based incentives:
•  Setting defined limits on the maximum award that can be earned, including capping the annual bonus to a 

maximum of 100% of base salary and the application of the annual rolling cap to the 2020 Employee Share Plan.

•  Requiring the deferral of up to 50% of the annual bonus award into ordinary shares of the Company in certain 

circumstances and that all of the ordinary shares awarded in relation to the 2020 Employee Share Plan (other than any 
ordinary shares sold in order to make adequate provision for any tax liability arising in connection with the 
crystallisation) be held for a two-year holding period following the crystallisation date.

•  The post-cessation minimum shareholding requirements, which require executive Directors to maintain the 

minimum shareholding for a period of two years after leaving the Company. 

•  Aligning the performance condition with the “Buy, Improve, Sell” strategy of the Company.
•  Ensuring there is sufficient flexibility for the Committee to adjust payments through malus and clawback and an 

overriding discretion to depart from formulaic outcomes.

Predictability

Fixed remuneration for the executive Directors is set below the lower quartile of FTSE peers to limit fixed costs for the Group, to 
provide certainty and to incentivise executive Directors. 

Variable remuneration is limited to the annual bonus, which is capped at 100% of salary and performance-driven based 
on financial growth and strategic factors, and the 2020 Employee Share Plan. The Committee set out the possible values 
that may be earned under the 2020 Employee Share Plan upon approval of the plan by shareholders, and will update this 
every year. 

The method of calculation, limits and discretions under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy are clearly set out. 

The restricted fixed remuneration and capped Annual Bonus Plan is compensated by the opportunity for potentially 
significant reward entirely dependent on performance pursuant to the 2020 Employee Share Plan that supports the 
Company’s value creation strategy. 

The focus on responsible stewardship and long-term sustainable performance is a key part of the Company’s culture. 
This is supported by the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which (i) facilitates Committee oversight of workforce pay, policies 
and incentives; (ii) aligns executive Director contributions to those provided to the rest of the Melrose employees; and (iii) 
deliberately restricts the annual salaries, bonuses and benefits for the executive Directors well below the lower quartile of 
the FTSE 100.

Proportionality

Alignment to  
culture

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020126

Directors’ Remuneration report
Continued

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

127

Committee membership
All members of the Committee are independent Non-executive 
Directors within the definition of the Code. None of the Committee 
members have any personal financial interest (other than as 
shareholders in the Company) in matters to be decided, nor do they 
have any conflicts of interest from cross-directorships or any day-to-
day involvement in running the business.

Advisors to the Remuneration Committee
During the year, the Committee received advice on the remuneration 
reporting regulations and support in the review of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy from PwC LLP. PwC LLP’s fees for this advice 
were £37,250 excluding VAT, which were charged on a time/cost 
basis. During the year, PwC LLP also provided the Company with 
reward, tax, accounting, and consulting advice.

PwC LLP have been appointed by the Committee to act as its 
remuneration consultants and were reappointed to act for the period 
under review. PwC LLP is a member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group, and as such chooses to operate pursuant to a code of 
conduct that requires remuneration advice to be given objectively and 
independently. The Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by 
PwC LLP in relation to remuneration matters is objective and 
independent.

The Company Secretary acts as secretary to the Committee and 
attends Committee meetings.

Statement of voting at general meetings
The charts below set out the votes on the Annual Report on Remuneration at the 2020 AGM, on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the  
2020 AGM, and on the 2020 Employee Share Plan and the consequential amendments to the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the January 
2021 general meeting.

This Annual Report on Remuneration will be put to an advisory vote at the AGM, on 6 May 2021. 

Resolution to approve the Directors' Remuneration Report
for the year ended 31 December 2019 (7 May 2020)

Resolution to approve the Directors' Remuneration Policy (7 May 2020)

Percentage of votes cast for the resolution

99.57%

Percentage of votes cast for the resolution

98.40%

Percentage of votes cast against the resolution

0.43%

Percentage of votes cast against the resolution

1.60%

Votes withheld 77,371,889

Votes withheld 422,042,417

Resolution to approve and implement the 2020 Employee Share Plan 
(21 January 2021)

Resolution to approve the amendments proposed to the 2020 Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy to accommodate the 2020 Employee Share Plan 
(21 January 2021)

Percentage of votes cast for the resolution

82.64%

Percentage of votes cast for the resolution

81.81%

Percentage of votes cast against the resolution

17.36%

Percentage of votes cast against the resolution

18.19%

Votes withheld 228,313,488

Votes withheld 108,963,824

This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

David Lis  
Chairman, Remuneration Committee  
4 March 2021

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a strategic report, directors’ report, directors’ 
remuneration report and corporate governance statement, each of 
which complies with law and regulation.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

Directors’ responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant 

financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole;

•  the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face; and

•  the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are 
fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors 
on 4 March 2021 and is signed on its behalf by:

Geoffrey Martin 
Group Finance Director 
4 March 2021 

Simon Peckham  
Chief Executive  
4 March 2021

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Accounting Standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted pursuant to Regulation 
(EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The financial 
statements also comply with IFRSs as issued by the IASB. The 
Directors have also chosen to prepare the parent company financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and 
applicable law), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard 
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”. Under company law, the 
Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 
Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:
•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

•  state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International Accounting 
Standard 1 requires that Directors:
•  properly select and apply accounting policies;
•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 

that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information;

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

•  make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a 

going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020GovernanceMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
128

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Melrose Industries PLC

129

Report on the audit of the financial statements

3.  Summary of our audit approach

1.  Opinion

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements of Melrose Industries PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) give a true and fair view of 
the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;
•  the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union; 

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and 
Republic of Ireland”; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
•  the Consolidated Income Statement;
•  the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income;
•  the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows;
•  the Consolidated and Parent Company Balance Sheets;
•  the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity; and
•  the related notes 1 to 30 and the related notes 1 to 8 to the Parent Company Balance Sheet.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and international 
accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable law and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

2.  Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the group and the parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. The non-audit services provided to the 
group and parent company for the year are disclosed in note 7 to the financial statements. We confirm that the non-audit services prohibited by 
the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key audit matters The key audit matters that we identified in the current 

Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows:

year were:
•  Impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles;
•  Classification of adjusting items;
•  Revenue recognition in respect of RRSPs; and
•  Valuation of loss-making contract provisions.

Newly identified

Increased level of risk

Similar level of risk

Decreased level of risk

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was £30 million which was determined on the based on a 
number of benchmarks including adjusted profit before tax, net assets and revenue. 
We selected 29 reporting units where we requested component auditors to perform a full scope audit of the components’ 
financial information.

Significant 
changes in our 
approach

We also requested component auditors to audit certain account balances and transactions (“SAB”) at a further 23 
reporting units. Finally we requested that component auditors perform specified audit procedures (“SAP”) on a further 7 
reporting units. Coverage from full scope, SAB and SAP scope components totals 80% of the group’s revenue, 83% of 
adjusted operating profit and 93% of net assets.
Inventory valuation in Aerospace is no longer considered a key audit matter due to the reduction in value of the inventories held 
at the sites where a significant audit risk in inventory valuation was pinpointed to in the prior year. 

Our approach to scoping has changed slightly since the prior year, with a new category of scoped reporting unit identified. 
We now have full scope, audit of certain account balances and transactions (SAB) and specified audit procedures (SAP). 
SAP components differ from SAB components according to the size and risks associated with the particular entities.

Our approach to materiality has changed for FY20 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the group’s financial 
performance. This has been discussed in more detail in section 6.

4.  Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting included assessment of the following:
•  obtained understanding of the financing facilities including nature of facilities, repayment terms and covenants;
•  assessed the impact of risk and uncertainties on the business model and future cash flow forecasts; 
•  considered as part of our assessment the nature of the group, its business model and related risks including where relevant the impact 

of Covid-19 and Brexit, the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework and the system of internal control;

•  evaluated the directors’ assessment of the group’s ability to continue as a going concern, including challenging the underlying data and 
key assumptions used to make the assessment, and evaluated the directors’ plans for future actions in relation to their going concern 
assessment. This was done through detailed assessment of the operating and non-operating cash flows for reasonableness and 
consistency with the underlying forecast and plans for individual businesses; 

•  assessed the sufficiency headroom available in the forecasts (cash and covenants) with respect to the risks and uncertainties; 
•  assessed management’s sensitivity analysis in order to assess whether that the reasonable worst case sensitivities capture all the 

reasonably possible downside risks and uncertainties; and

•  assessed the adequacy of the disclosures provided in the financial statements. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or 
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve 
months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
5.2 Classification of adjusting items 

Key audit matter 
description

In addition to the statutory results, the group continues to present adjusted profit measures which are before the impact of 
adjusting items. Judgements made by management regarding the classification of adjusting costs and income therefore 
have a significant impact on the presentation of the group’s results. In total, adjustments of £678 million have been made to 
the statutory operating loss of £338 million to derive adjusted operating profit of £340 million. 

131

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

Adjusting items included:
•  amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets (£526 million);
•  restructuring costs (£220 million);
•  impairment of assets (£184 million);
•  equity accounted investments adjustments (£30 million);
•  equity settled compensation scheme charges (£11 million); 
•  acquisition and disposal costs (£5 million); 
•  impact of GMP equalisation (£2 million)
•  gain on movement in fair value of derivatives (£182 million); and
•  income from releases and changes in discount rate of fair value items (£118 million);

A key audit matter has been identified in respect of the classification of items recorded as adjusting. While the key measure 
used by management to monitor performance is adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax is also a key measure 
used by management in communication with shareholders. There is a risk that items may be classified as adjusting which 
are underlying or recurring items, and therefore distort the reported adjusted profit, whether due to manipulation or error. 
Consistency in the identification and presentation of these items is important for the comparability of year on year reporting.

Explanations of each adjustment are set out in note 6 to the financial statements. Refer also to page 105 (Report of the 
audit committee).

We obtained understanding of the relevant controls over the classification of adjusting items in the financial statements.

We evaluated the appropriateness of the inclusion of items, both individually and in aggregate, within adjusted results. 
Specifically, we:
•  assessed the consistency of items included year on year and the application of management’s accounting policy, 

challenging the nature of these items in comparison to ESMA guidance and latest FRC guidance, and challenging in 
particular the inclusion of those items that recur annually;

•  tested a sample of adjusting items by agreeing to source documentation and evaluating their nature in order to assess 

whether they are disclosed in accordance with the group’s accounting policy, and also to assess consistency of 
adjusting items between periods in the financial statements; 

•  focussed our challenge on certain categories within adjusted items where we assessed that increased level of 

judgement had been applied by management, and there was increased opportunity for fraud or error. This included 
additional testing of restructuring costs, movements in fair value adjustments and impairment of assets;

•  agreed the amounts recorded through to underlying financial records and other audit support to test that the amounts 

disclosed were complete and accurate;

•  tested that the asset impairments included in adjusting items include specific fixed assets, inventory, and other assets 

write offs and are allowed to be so included under the group’s existing policy;

•  where management recognised releases to fair value adjustments, we challenged this classification and assessed 

whether events and conditions existed to cause a release of the provision recognised as part of acquisition 
accounting; 

•  for restructuring costs, assessed whether that the recognised costs meet the recognition criteria set out in IAS 37 

‘Provisions’; and

•  assessed whether the disclosures within the financial statements provide sufficient detail for the reader to understand 

the nature of these items and how adjusted results are reconciled to statutory results.

Key observations

The value of adjusting items results in a material difference between the statutory and adjusted results. Whilst we note that the 
majority of adjusting items recur from period to period, their classification and presentation is consistent with the Group’s policy.

130

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Melrose Industries PLC
Continued

5.  Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These 
matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the 
efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

5.1  Impairment of Goodwill and acquired intangibles 

Key audit matter 
description

Goodwill on the balance sheet at 31 December 2020 is £3,640 million (2019: £3,653 million), and the acquired intangible 
assets balance is £5,150 million (2019: 5,689 million). The risk associated with the impairment of Goodwill and acquired 
intangibles has increased in the year to the adverse impact of Covid-19 on the group’s performance during the year and its 
pervasive impact on the future outlook of Aerospace and Automotive industries. As required by IAS 36 Impairment of assets 
(“IAS 36”) management performs an impairment review for all goodwill balances on an annual basis and for other assets 
whenever an indication of impairment is identified. This review identified the following groups of CGUs where headroom is 
limited and sensitive to changes in key assumptions:
•  Aerostructures (goodwill £605 million, other intangible assets £1,020 million)
•  Aerospace Engine Systems (goodwill £337 million, other intangible assets £1,773 million)
•  Automotive ePowertrain (goodwill £336 million, other intangible assets £488 million)
•  Automotive Driveline (goodwill £690 million, other intangible assets £658 million)
•  Powder Metallurgy (goodwill £524 million, other intangible assets £628 million)
•  Nortek Control (goodwill £167 million, other intangible assets £109 million)
•  Ergotron (goodwill £406 million, other intangible assets £67 million)

Headroom available at 31 December 2020 has decreased considerably for the CGUs noted above. This has been identified as 
a key audit matter as a result of the quantitative significance of the balances, and the application of management judgement 
and estimation in performing impairment reviews for these groups of CGUs in particular, specifically with respect to: 
•  The selection of the appropriate methodology (fair value less costs to sell or value in use) in determining recoverable 

amount for each group of CGUs;

•  the effect on future cash flows of the pace of recovery of the Aerospace industry;
•  the margin improvements as a result of restructuring programmes (implemented in 2020 and forecast to be 

implemented in the future across Aerostructures, Aerospace Engine Systems, Powder Metallurgy, Automotive Driveline 
and Automotive ePowertrain); and

•  determination of the correct discount and growth rates to be used in the model.

Further details are included in note 11 to the financial statements in relation to the sensitivities reflecting the risks inherent 
in the valuation of goodwill and other non-current assets and also in note 3 to the financial statements in relation to the key 
sources of estimation uncertainty for these businesses.

Refer also to page 104 of the report of the audit committee.

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, in particular 
the relevant controls over the forecasts that underpin the value in use and fair value less cost to sell models and controls 
around management’s preparation of impairment models.

We assessed management’s impairment paper, underlying analysis and supporting financial models, and challenged the 
reasonableness of the assumptions that underpin management’s forecasts. Specifically, our work included, but was not 
limited to: 
•  assessed the methodology selected by management to estimate recoverable amount (fair value less cost to sell or 

value in use) against the requirements of IAS 36 and IFRS 13 Fair value measurement; 

•  understood management’s process for assessing the impact on operating margin of ongoing and future restructuring 

programmes and challenged the benefit assumed by benchmarking against previous restructuring programmes;
•  challenged management’s assumptions within the impairment models, particularly forecast cash flows and how 

management will achieve improvements to operating margin through ongoing restructuring programmes;

•  benchmarked long term growth rates to applicable macro-economic and market data, also taking into account the 

assumed recovery post Covid-19 outbreak in 2020; 

•  involved our internal valuation specialists to challenge the discount rate applied, by obtaining the underlying data used 

in the calculation and benchmarking it against market data and comparable organisations, and by evaluating the 
underlying process used to determine the risk adjusted cash flow projections;

•  checked the integrity of the impairment models through testing of the mathematical accuracy, checking the application 

of the input assumptions and testing its compliance with IAS 36;

•  performing sensitivity analysis to identify the key assumptions that have a significant effect on the model; 
•  assessed for appropriateness, all the reorganisations made in the CGUs for Aerospace and Automotive divisions. 

Furthermore, we assessed whether that the change in impairment assessment dates is in line with the requirements of 
IAS 36; and

•  assessed the appropriateness of the sensitivity disclosures included by management in note 11 to the financial 

statements, challenging management’s choice regarding the assumptions to be sensitised, and re-performing the 
underpinning calculations.

The results of the impairment tests demonstrated that the recoverable amount is dependent on the success of restructuring 
plans and consequent improvement in margins for Aerostructures, Aerospace Engine Systems, Powder Metallurgy, 
Automotive Driveline, Automotive ePowertrain, Nortek Controls and Ergotron, and recovery of the Aerospace and automotive 
market more broadly. 

We determined that the assumptions applied in the impairment model were within an acceptable range, that the overall 
position adopted was reasonable and that the disclosures in respect of sensitivity to reasonably possible changes to key 
assumptions are appropriate.

Key observations

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
132

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Melrose Industries PLC
Continued

133

5.3 Revenue Recognition in respect of RRSPs 

5.4 Valuation of Loss-making contracts provision 

Key audit matter 
description

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

The group has recognised total revenue of £8,770 million in 2020 (2019: £10,967 million).

There are judgements taken within the revenue recognition of material Risk and Revenue Sharing Partnerships (“RRSPs”) in 
the Aerospace division (where revenue totals £2,804 million (2019: £3,852 million)). The risk specifically arises in the Engine 
Systems businesses and focuses on the timing at which performance obligations are met as well as the valuation of revenue 
recognised given the increased level of estimation and judgement on application of principles set out in IFRS 15 Revenue 
from contracts with customers. This includes the revenue recognised from those contracts identified by management where 
the pricing for the same parts varies across the contract. There is judgement in how the overall price is allocated across the 
units supplied where there is a contractual right to aftermarket revenues. The amount of revenue recognised from RRSP 
contracts during the year was £354 million, which includes variable consideration of £13 million (2019: £679 million, which 
included variable consideration of £45 million).

Furthermore, the revenue recognition models used by management for RRSPs involve a number of significant assumptions 
based on any modifications to the contracts and historical data and trends, such as engineering requirements to support 
programmes and the expected life of mature engines. Any changes to these assumptions requires a higher level of 
judgement and estimation. This increases the risk that revenue recognition may not be appropriate. 

Refer to page 105 (Report of the audit committee) and page 153 (note 3 to the financial statements) and page 154 (note 4 to 
the financial statements ).

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the recognition of revenue for RRSP contracts.

For each RRSP contract with material variable consideration, we recalculated the amount of revenue recognised to assess 
that it has been calculated in accordance with IFRS 15, the contractual agreement and the latest correspondence with the 
customer. In particular, we have:
•  agreed the percentage of revenue entitlement to the customer contract;
•  reviewed correspondence with the customer in the period, in particular entitlement reports;
•  challenged estimations made by management at the year end by taking account of historical settlements and 

checking historical estimation accuracy;

•  challenged the assumptions used in arriving at the element of variable consideration recognised. This was done by 

performed a number of procedures listed below;

•  performed an assessment of the timing at which control is transferred and revenue is recognised by identifying the 

performance obligations from the contract and checking the recognition triggers;

•  obtained and checked the contract modifications, including programme share or changes in pricing, and tested that 

they have been appropriately included in the RRSP models; and

•  tested underlying data included in the trend analysis above and performed independent industry research for evidence 

that may contradict management’s assumptions on margin and engine life.

In assessing the key assumptions in the revenue recognition model, we performed specific procedures that included: 
•  obtained an understanding of the relevant controls in place within the Aerospace business to review the underlying data;
•  challenged and assessed the position papers prepared by management, and the model prepared; 
•  assessed accuracy of the underlying data that has been used in the determination of the assumptions including usage 

profiles, industry data and customer correspondence; and

•  assessed the disclosure provided in the financial statements in relation to the changes in these assumptions against 

the requirements of IFRS 15.

Key observations

We are satisfied that the key assumptions made in determining the value of revenue recognised on RRSP contracts with 
variable consideration were within an acceptable range and the overall position was reasonable. 

We consider the disclosure provided in the financial statements in relation to the changes in the key assumptions is 
appropriate and consistent with the requirements of IFRS 15.

Key audit matter 
description

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

In 2018, upon acquisition of GKN, the group recognised provisions of £629 million in relation to loss-making contracts. At 
31 December 2020, following utilisation and release during the year, £241 million remained unutilised (2019: £384 million). 
The methodology supporting the provisions is inherently complex and involves a high level of management judgement and 
estimation. We consider the following to be the key judgements and estimates in relation to these provisions:
•  accounting for the effect of negotiations and correspondence with customers on the existing loss-making contracts 

provision;

•  forecast cost projections including the level of material, direct labour and contract-related overheads;
•  calculation of utilisation for the year;
•  assessing changes in inputs and assumptions to evaluate whether the correct timing of releases; and
•  the classification of provision utilisation and release.

Refer to page 105 (of the audit committee report) and page 153 (note 3 to the financial statements and page 175 (note 21 to 
the financial statements).

We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls over the review and estimation of loss-making contract provisions.

For a sample of loss-making contract provision balances (including all material provisions) our work included, but was not 
limited to: 
•  obtaining and checking supporting documentation for key assumptions and inputs, for example:

 – price data from corresponding contracts;
 – volumes from independent and recognised industry reports; 
 – invoice and supplier documentation that supports costs; and
 – executed agreements for changes to pricing or early termination of contracts and other terms;

•  enquiry of legal, commercial, operational, programme and engineering management to understand any changes to 

the relevant programmes that would impact valuation (e.g. new tooling, manufacturing improvements and efficiencies, 
changes in raw material costs);

•  checking relevant third party correspondence (with customers and suppliers) and assessed the impact on the 

valuation of the provision;

•  recalculating the amount of the provision utilised in the year, and testing assumptions and inputs used to calculate 

utilisation;

•  for any releases of provisions, challenging the judgements applied by management and examined appropriate 

evidence supporting the release (new commercial agreements, price amendments, support for cost reductions such 
as labour cost and direct overheads savings etc); and

•  evaluating whether that the releases and utilisation are classified in accordance with the accounting policy.

Key observations

We are satisfied that the loss-making contracts provision at 31 December 2020 is valued appropriately, that releases and 
utilisation recorded during the year were appropriate, and that key estimates formed by management are reasonable.

6.  Our application of materiality
6.1  Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a 
reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in 
evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Materiality

Basis for determining 
materiality

Group financial statements

£30 million (2019: £42 million)

We considered the following metrics: 
•  adjusted profit before tax; 
•  revenue; and
•  net assets. 

Parent company financial statements

£15 million (2019: £8.7 million)

We determined materiality based on net assets, which was 
then capped at 50% (2019: 35%) of group materiality in 
order to address the risk of aggregation when combined 
with other businesses.

Using professional judgment we determined materiality to be 
£30m. In the prior year, materiality was determined on the 
basis of 5% of adjusted profit before tax.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

In determining our benchmark for materiality we considered 
a number of different metrics used by investors and other 
readers of the Financial Statements. This approach is a 
change from the prior year to reflect the volatility in the 
results of the group arising from the impact of Covid-19. 

In our professional judgement we believe that use of 
a balance sheet measure is appropriate for a holding 
company. This is with reference to the net asset position of 
the company when compared to the net asset position of 
the group.

Materiality for the current year represents:
•  19.6% of adjusted profit before tax (FY19: 4.7%); 
•  0.3% of revenue (FY19: 0.4%); and
•  0.4% of net assets (FY19: 0.6%).

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020134

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Melrose Industries PLC
Continued

135

6.2 Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Performance materiality

60% (2019: 60%) of group materiality

60% (2019: 60%) of parent company materiality 

Basis and rationale for 
determining performance 
materiality

•  the assessment of the complexity of the group and nature of the group’s business model; and 
•  the de-centralised nature of the group’s control environment and its variation across the group.

6.3 Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the audit committee that we would report to the committee all audit differences in excess of £1.5 million (2019: £2 million), as 
well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the audit committee on 
disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

7.  An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1  Identification and scoping of components
In order to determine the scoping of components we consider the nature of the Group and its structure. There are now five operating segments 
in the continuing operations of the group: 
•  Aerospace; 
•  Automotive; 
•  Powder Metallurgy; 
•  Nortek Air Management; and
•  Other Industrial (which consists of Brush, Nortek Control, and Ergotron)

In addition to the operating segments above, the group has a number of central cost centres which report to the Board and include head office 
companies for corporate functions and costs. 

Each division consists of a number of reporting units, and manages operations on a geographical and functional basis. There are 326 reporting 
units in total, each of which is responsible for maintaining their own accounting records and controls and using an integrated consolidation 
system to report to UK head office. Our group audit scope focused on audit work at 60 components (2019: 68), of which 
•  17 relate to components that form part of the Aerospace segment; 
•  19 relate to components that form part of the Automotive segment; 
•  5 relate to components that form part of the Powder Metallurgy segment; 
•  7 relate to components that form part of the Nortek Air management; 
•  5 relate to components that form part of the Other Industrial segment; and 
•  7 relate to corporate cost centres. 

Each component was set a specific component materiality, considering its relative size and any component-specific risk factors such as internal 
audit findings and history of error. The component materialities applied were in the range £7 million to £16 million.

We selected 29 reporting units where we requested component auditors to perform a full scope audit of the components’ financial information. 
We also requested component auditors to audit certain account balances and transactions (“SAB”) at a further 23 reporting units. Finally we 
requested component auditors to perform specified audit procedures (“SAP”) on a further 7 reporting units. Coverage from full scope, SAB and 
SAP scope components totals 80% of the group’s revenue, 79% of adjusted operating profit and 94% of net assets. 

Aerospace 
In respect of the Aerospace division, 5 components were subject to a full audit and 11 components were subject to SAP and SAB scope. 
These 16 components together accounted for 79% of the Aerospace division’s revenue and 80% of the Aerospace division’s adjusted operating 
profit and divisional costs. 

Automotive 
In respect of the Automotive division, 8 components were subject to a full audit and 11 components were subject to SAP and SAB scope. 
These 19 components accounted for 83% of the Automotive division’s revenue and 99% of the Automotive division’s adjusted operating profit 
and divisional costs. 

Powder Metallurgy 
In respect of the Powder Metallurgy division, 1 component was subject to a full audit and 4 components were subject to SAB scope. These 5 
components together accounted for 73% of the Powder Metallurgy division’s revenue and 78% of the Powder Metallurgy division’s adjusted 
operating profit and divisional costs. 

Nortek Air management
In respect of the Nortek Air management division, 7 components were subject to a full audit. These 7 components together accounted for 
100% of the Nortek Air management division’s revenue and 79% of the Nortek Air Management’s adjusted operating profit and divisional costs. 

Other Industrial 
In respect of the Other Industrial division, 4 components were subject to a full audit. These 4 components together accounted for 50% of the 
Other Industrial division’s revenue and 84% of the Other Industrial division’s adjusted operating profit and divisional costs. 

Corporate cost centres
In respect of the corporate cost centres, 4 components were subject to a full audit and 3 components were subject to SAB scope.

Company
The audit of the Company was performed by the group engagement team based at the Company’s head office.

Residual balances
All entities not subject to the audit procedures above were subject to analytical procedures by the group engagement team.

While we understood and tested design and implementation of relevant controls in key areas, given the number and diverse nature of the 
components of the group, we took controls reliance in certain limited areas of the audit only.

7.2 How we worked with other auditors
Due to restrictions on working practices caused by Covid-19 the majority of the audit work was executed remotely. No sites were visited due to 
the restrictions to travel. Instead, regular communication took place with component audit teams and component management teams using 
conference and video calls, with a particular focus on locations where work was performed on significant audit risks. 

In addition to the above, the senior statutory auditor held group-wide, divisional and individual planning and close meetings which covered all 
businesses. Each division has a dedicated senior member of the group audit team responsible for the supervision and direction of components, 
including where appropriate sector-specific expertise. We included the component audit teams in our team briefing, discuss and review their 
risk assessment, and reviewed documentation of the findings from their work. We also reviewed the audit work papers supporting component 
teams’ reporting to us remotely using shared desktop technology. 

Revenue

Adjusted operating profit

Net assets

Full audit scope

SAP & SAB

Review at 
group level

51%

29%

20%

Full audit scope

SAP & SAB

Review at 
group level

57%

22%

21%

Full audit scope

SAP & SAB

Review at 
group level

66%

28%

6%

8.  Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a 
material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

9.  Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors 
either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

10. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but 
is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
136

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Melrose Industries PLC
Continued

11.   Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, 
outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of 
detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

11.1  Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, we considered the following:
•  the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the group’s remuneration 

policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;

•  results of our enquiries of management, internal audit, legal counsel, operational staff and the audit committee about their own 

identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities; 

•  any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

•  the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams and involving relevant internal 

specialists, including tax, valuations, pensions and IT specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements 
and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified 
the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, classification of adjusted items, revenue 
recognition in respect of RRSPs and valuation of loss-making contracts provisions. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also 
required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and 
regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and 
regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act and Listing Rules, UK Bribery Act as well as pensions legislation and 
tax legislation. 

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance 
with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included the group’s environmental 
regulations in the jurisdictions the group operates in. 

11.2  Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified the following key audit matters: impairment of goodwill and intangibles, classification of adjusted 
items, revenue recognition in respect of RRSPs and valuation of loss-making contracts provision as key audit matters related to the potential risk 
of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matters in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed 
in response to those key audit matters. In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
•  reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant 

laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

•  enquiring of management, the audit committee and in-house legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
•  performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement 

due to fraud;

•  reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence with 

HMRC; and

•  in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 

adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating 
the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal 
specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations 
throughout the audit. 

137

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

12.   Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

13.   Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors' statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to the group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance 
Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 
•  the directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material 

uncertainties identified set out on page 42;

•  the directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is 

appropriate set out on page 43;

•  the directors' statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 127;
•  the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 44;
•  the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out on 

page 45; and

•  the section describing the work of the audit committee set out on page 103.

14.   Matters on which we are required to report by exception
14.1  Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not been 
made or the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

15.   Other matters which we are required to address
15.1  Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the Board of Directors in 2003 to audit the financial statements 
for the year ending 31 December 2003 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous 
renewals and reappointments of the firm is 18 years, covering the years ending 31 December 2003 to 31 December 2020.

15.2  Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

16.   Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than 
the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Edward Hanson (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom

4 March 2021

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020138

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

139

Continuing operations

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Share of results of equity accounted investments
Net operating expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

Finance costs
Finance income

(Loss)/profit before tax
Tax

(Loss)/profit after tax for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Loss for the year from discontinued operations 

Loss after tax for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share
Continuing operations
– Basic
– Diluted

Continuing and discontinued operations
– Basic
– Diluted

Adjusted (1) results from continuing operations

Adjusted revenue
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted profit after tax
Adjusted basic earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

(1)  Defined in the summary of significant accounting policies (note 2).

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

8,770 
(7,492)

1,278 
32 
(1,648)

(338)

(200)
3 

(535)
12 

(523)

(10)

(533)

(536)
3 

(533)

(10.8)p
(10.8)p

(11.0)p
(11.0)p

9,361 
340 
153 
120 
2.4p
2.4p

10,967  
(8,732)

2,235  
38  
(1,955)

318  

(221)
9  

106  
(51)

55 

(106)

(51) 

(60) 
9  

(51) 

0.9p
0.9p

(1.2)p
(1.2)p

11,592  
1,102  
889  
699  

14.3p
14.3p

Notes

4, 5

15
7

5, 6

7
7

8

13

10
10

10
10

5
5, 6
6
6
10
10

Loss after tax for the year

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Net remeasurement gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations 
Fair value loss on investments in equity instruments
Income tax (charge)/credit relating to items that will not be reclassified 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement:
Currency translation on net investments 
Share of other comprehensive income/(expense) from equity accounted investments
Transfer to Income Statement from equity of cumulative translation differences 
  on disposal of foreign operations
Derivative losses on hedge relationships
Transfer to Income Statement on hedge relationships
Income tax credit/(charge) relating to items that may be reclassified

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Total comprehensive expense for the year 

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

Notes

24
12
8

15

13

8

(533)

244 
(16)
(42)

186 

(42)
16 

– 
(99)
8 
9 

(108)

78 

(455)

(458)
3 

(455)

(51) 

(32)
–  
15  

(17)

(346)
(23)

(13)
(17)
–  
(19)

(418)

(435)

(486) 

(494)
 8  

(486)

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheet

141

Operating activities 
Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

Net cash from operating activities

Investing activities
Disposal of businesses, net of cash disposed
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of computer software and capitalised development costs
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Purchase of investments
Settlement of derivatives used in net investment hedging
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
New bank loans raised 
Costs of raising debt finance 
Repayment of principal under lease obligations
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Dividends paid to owners of the parent

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations

Net cash used in financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts
Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts at the beginning of the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts at the end of the year

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

768 
(4)

764 

10 
(275)
25 
(42)
54 
(2)
–  
(19)
3 

(246)
(2)

(248)

(598)
–  
(1)
(76)
–  
–  

(675)
(1)

(676)

(160)
317 
3 

160 

769  
(20)

749  

169  
(465)
24 
(54)
67 
(50)
(100)
–  
9 

(400)
(15)

(415)

(456)
350 
– 
(70)
(6)
(231)

(413)
(2)

(415) 

(81)
415 
(17)

317 

Notes

27
27

15
12

11

27

28

9

27

27
27

27

As at 31 December 2020, the Group had net debt of £2,847 million (31 December 2019: £3,283 million). A definition and reconciliation of the 
movement in net debt is shown in note 27.

Non-current assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Interests in equity accounted investments
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial assets
Trade and other receivables 

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets classified as held for sale

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease obligations
Derivative financial liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Provisions
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

Net current (liabilities)/assets

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease obligations
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity 
Issued share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Other reserves
Translation and hedging reserve
Retained earnings

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

31 December 
2020  
£m

Notes

Restated(1)
31 December 
2019 
£m

Restated(1)
31 December 
2018 
£m

11
14
12
15
22
25
17

16
17
25

18

5

19
20
28
25

21

19
20
28
25
22
24
21

5

26

26

9,198 
3,133 
34 
430 
180 
101 
439 

9,784  
3,432  
48  
436  
160  
38  
424  

13,515 

14,322  

1,126 
1,658 
47 
23 
311 
– 

3,165 

1,332  
1,970  
19  
20  
512  
65  

3,918  

11,098 
3,171 
– 
492 
132 
26 
504 

15,423 

1,489 
2,328 
15 
74 
511 
– 

4,417 

16,680 

18,240  

19,840 

2,456 
165 
81 
58 
188 
415 
–  

3,363 

(198)

421 
2,926 
474 
210 
732 
838 
606 

6,207 

9,570 

7,110 

333 
8,138 
109 
(2,330)
(30)
861 

7,081 

29 

7,110 

2,461  
284  
71  
106  
106  
412  
46  

3,486  

432  

444  
3,464  
511  
216  
772  
1,121  
675  

7,203  

10,689  

7,551  

333  
8,138  
109  
(2,330)
78  
1,197  

7,525  

26 

7,551 

2,583 
473 
5 
204 
137 
391 
– 

3,793 

624 

762 
3,378 
52 
227 
874 
1,413 
1,080 

7,786 

11,579 

8,261 

333 
8,138 
109 
(2,330)
495 
1,492 

8,237 

24 

8,261 

(1)  Cash and cash equivalents and current interest-bearing loans and borrowings have been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no impact on net assets.

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 4 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director

4 March 2021

Simon Peckham 
Chief Executive 

4 March 2021

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
142

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to the Financial Statements

143

Issued 
share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium 
account
£m

Merger 
reserve
£m

Other 
reserves
£m

Translation 
and hedging 
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

Equity 
attributable  
to owners  
of the parent 
£m

Non-
controlling 
interests
£m

At 1 January 2019

(Loss)/profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive (expense)/income
Dividends paid
Equity-settled share-based payments

333

8,138

109

(2,330)

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

–  
–  

–  
–  
–  

At 31 December 2019

333 

8,138

109 

(2,330)

(Loss)/profit for the year
Other comprehensive (expense)/income

Total comprehensive (expense)/income
Equity-settled share-based payments

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

– 
– 

– 
– 

At 31 December 2020

333

8,138

109

(2,330)

495 

–  
(417)

(417)
–  
–  

78  

– 
(108)

(108)
– 

(30)

1,492 

8,237 

(60)
(17)

(77)
(231)
13 

1,197 

(536)
186 

(350)
14 

861 

(60) 
(434)

(494)
(231)
13  

7,525  

(536)
78 

(458)
14 

7,081 

24 

9  
(1)

8  
(6)
–  

26  

3 
– 

3 
– 

29 

Total 
equity
£m

8,261 

(51) 
(435)

(486)
(237)
13  

7,551  

(533)
78 

(455)
14 

7,110 

Further information on issued share capital and reserves is set out in note 26.

1.  Corporate information
Melrose Industries PLC (“the Company”) is a public company limited by shares. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the 
Companies Act 2006 and registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given on the back cover. The nature of the 
Group’s operations and its principal activities by operating segment are set out in note 5 and in the Divisional reviews on pages 14 to 33. The 
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 were authorised in accordance with a resolution of the 
Directors of Melrose Industries PLC on 4 March 2021.

These Financial Statements are presented in pounds Sterling which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the 
Company is based. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set out in note 2.

Corporate structure
On 2 January 2020, the Powder Metallurgy division completed the acquisition of FORECAST 3D, a leading US specialist in plastic additive 
manufacturing and 3D printing services offering a full range of services from concept to series production for consideration of up to £29 million. 
The acquisition furthers Powder Metallurgy’s ambition to achieve global market leadership in industrialising additive manufacturing. As the 
acquisition is not material to the Group, limited additional information is provided in note 11. 

On 25 November 2020, the Group completed the disposal of the Wheels & Structures business to Aurelius Group AG, and in the prior year 
completed the disposal of the Walterscheid Powertrain Group. The Wheels & Structures business is shown as a discontinued operation in 
these Consolidated Financial Statements prior to its disposal. Further detail is shown in note 13.

Prior year restatement of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts
During the year, the Group changed the presentation of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts within the Balance Sheet relating to cash 
pooling arrangements. While the Group has the legal right to offset amounts under these cash pooling arrangements, it was determined that the 
appropriate current and prior year presentation should be on a gross basis in line with the requirements of IAS 32: “Financial Instruments: 
Presentation” and other associated interpretations. Prior year comparatives have been restated accordingly. The impact of this change is to increase 
both cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts within current interest-bearing loans and borrowings by £195 million as at 31 December 2019, 
and by £96 million as at 31 December 2018 in the Balance Sheet. This has no impact on net assets or other primary statements.

1.1  New Standards, Amendments and Interpretations affecting amounts, presentation or disclosure reported in the current year 
In the current financial year, the Group has adopted the following new and revised Standards, Amendments and Interpretations. Their adoption 
has not had a significant impact on the amounts reported in these Financial Statements:
•  Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a business
•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of material
•  Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
•  Amendments to references to Conceptual Framework in IFRS standards
•  Amendments to IFRS 16: COVID-19 related rent concessions

1.2 New Standards, Amendments and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective
At 31 December 2020, the following Standards, Amendments and Interpretations were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases had not 
been adopted by the EU):
•  IFRS 17: Insurance contracts 
•  IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (amendments): Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and an associate or joint venture
•  IFRS 14: Regulatory deferral accounts
•  Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of liabilities 
•  Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Phase 2)

The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the above Standards, Amendments and Interpretations will have a material impact on the 
Financial Statements of the Group in future periods. 

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union in addition to 
IFRSs as issued by the IASB. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the revaluation 
of certain financial instruments and investments which are recognised at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Historical cost is 
generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets. 

Alternative Performance Measures
The Group presents Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”) in addition to the statutory results of the Group. These are presented in 
accordance with the Guidelines on APMs issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”).

APMs used by the Group are set out in the glossary to these Financial Statements on pages 204 to 207 and the reconciling items between 
statutory and adjusted results are listed below and described in more detail in note 6.

Adjusted revenue includes the Group’s share of revenue from equity accounted investments (“EAIs”). 

Adjusted profit measures exclude items which are significant in size or volatility or by nature are non-trading or non-recurring, any item released 
to the Income Statement that was previously a fair value item booked on an acquisition, and include adjusted profit from EAIs. 

On this basis, the following are the principal items included within adjusting items impacting operating profit:
•  Amortisation of intangible assets that are acquired in a business combination, excluding computer software and development costs;
•  Significant restructuring costs and other associated costs, including losses incurred following the announcement of closure for identified 
businesses, arising from significant strategy changes that are not considered by the Group to be part of the normal operating costs of 
the business;

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2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
•  Acquisition and disposal related costs; 
•  Impairment charges that are considered to be significant in nature and/or value to the trading performance of the business;
•  Movement in derivative financial instruments not designated in hedging relationships, including revaluation of associated financial assets 

and liabilities;

•  Removal of adjusting items, interest and tax on equity accounted investments to reflect operating results;
•  The charge for the Melrose equity-settled compensation scheme, including its associated employer’s tax charge;
•  Costs associated with the gender equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension (“GMP”) for occupational schemes; and
•  The net release of fair value items booked on acquisitions.

Further to the adjusting items above, adjusting items impacting profit before tax include: 
•  Acceleration of unamortised debt issue costs written off as a consequence of Group refinancing; and
•  The fair value changes on cross-currency swaps, entered into by GKN prior to acquisition, relating to cost of hedging which are not 

deferred in equity. 

In addition to the items above, adjusting items impacting profit after tax include: 
•  The net effect on tax of significant restructuring from strategy changes that are not considered by the Group to be part of the normal 

operating costs of the business; and

•  The tax effects of adjustments to profit/(loss) before tax.

The Board considers the adjusted results to be an important measure used to monitor how the businesses are performing as this provides a 
meaningful reflection of how the businesses are managed and measured on a day-to-day basis and achieves consistency and comparability 
between reporting periods, when all businesses are held for a complete reporting period. 

The adjusted measures are used to partly determine the variable element of remuneration of senior management throughout the Group and are 
also in alignment with performance measures used by certain external stakeholders. The adjusted measures are also taken into account when 
valuing individual businesses as part of the “Buy, Improve, Sell” Group strategy model.

Adjusted profit is not a defined term under IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled profit measures reported by other companies. It is not 
intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. All APMs relate to the current year results and comparative periods where provided.

Basis of consolidation
The Group’s Financial Statements include the results of the parent undertaking and all of its subsidiary undertakings. In addition, the Group’s 
share of the results and equity of joint ventures and associated undertakings (together “equity accounted investments”) are included. The results 
of businesses acquired during the period are included from the effective date of acquisition and, for those sold during the period, to the effective 
date of disposal. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the Financial Statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into 
line with those used by the Group. 

All intra-Group balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from intra-Group transactions, have been eliminated in full.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. The interest of non-controlling shareholders is 
initially measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportion of the share of the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Subsequent to 
acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling 
interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the 
non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Going concern
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors consider that adequate resources exist 
for the Company to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The Group’s liquidity and funding arrangements are described in the Finance Director’s Review. There is significant liquidity headroom in excess 
of £1.6 billion at 31 December 2020 and sufficient headroom throughout the going concern forecast period. There has been a greater focus on 
forecast covenant compliance which is considered further below.

Covenants
The Group’s banking facility has two financial covenants being a net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant and an interest cover covenant, both of 
which are tested half yearly in June and December. The net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test was originally set at 3.5x and the interest 
cover covenant was originally set at 4.0x for each of the half yearly measurement dates for the remainder of the term of the facility.

Due to the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on certain of the Group’s businesses, it was necessary to formally renegotiate the financial covenants 
with lending banks. The revised financial covenants during the period of assessment for going concern are as follows:

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA

Interest cover

31 December 
2020

Waived

2.5x

30 June 
2021

Waived

3.0x

31 December 
2021

5.25x

3.0x

Testing
The Group has modelled two scenarios in its assessment of going concern; a base case and a reasonably possible sensitised case. Please 
refer to note 11 for further details of the Group’s forecasting considerations.

The base case takes into account the estimated impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as other end market and operational factors 
throughout the going concern period and has been monitored against the actual results and cash generation in the year. Due to the severe 
impact on trading during the second quarter of 2020, along with ways of working to accommodate social distancing and other regulations in 
factories, it is difficult to estimate with precision the impact on the Group’s prospective financial performance although improvements were seen 
in certain businesses within the Group in the second half of 2020.

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
The reasonably possible sensitised case models a reduction in sales in 2021 and the first half of 2022 compared to the base case. A 5% 
decline in revenue in 2021 and 9% decline in H1 2022 over and above the base case has been included, taking into account the different 
businesses and geographies affected, with an impact on adjusted operating profit of between 27% and 41% of absolute revenue changes. This 
does not take into account the potential outcome of further factory closures for any significant length of time.

Under the reasonably possible sensitised case, no covenant is breached at any of the forecast testing dates being; 30 June 2021 and 
31 December 2021, with the testing at 30 June 2022 also favourable, and the Group will not require any additional sources of finance. 

The reasonably possible sensitised case has also been used as a ‘reverse stress test’ to consider the point at which the covenants may be 
breached. This reverse stress test indicates that a significant reduction in sales, beyond what is considered reasonable, would be required in 
order to breach covenants. In this remote situation, management could take further mitigating actions to protect profits and conserve cash, 
including reducing capital expenditure to minimum maintenance levels. Annual adjusted operating profit would need to fall by c.£150 million 
from that achieved in the year ended 31 December 2020 or by c.£350 million from the annualised amount achieved in the second half of the 
year, before a covenant breach would occur in the assessment period.

Business combinations and goodwill
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the fair value of assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange of control and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for 
control of the acquiree. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee 
entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Costs directly attributable to business combinations are recognised as an expense in the 
Income Statement as incurred. 

The acquired identifiable assets and liabilities are measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition except those where specific guidance is 
provided by IFRSs. Non-current assets and directly attributable liabilities that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5: “Non-
current assets held for sale and discontinued operations”, are recognised and measured at fair value less costs to sell. Also, deferred tax assets 
and liabilities are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 12: “Income taxes”, liabilities and assets related to employee benefit 
arrangements are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 19 (revised): “Employee benefits” and liabilities or equity instruments 
related to the replacement by the Group of an acquiree’s share-based payments awards are measured in accordance with IFRS 2: “Share-
based payment”. Any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. 

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group 
reports provisional amounts where appropriate. Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional assets 
or liabilities recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, 
would have affected the amounts recognised at that date.

The measurement period is the period from the date of acquisition to the date the Group obtains complete information about facts and 
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and is subject to a maximum period of one year.

Goodwill on acquisition is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-
controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the acquirer’s interest in 
the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any 
accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying value may be impaired.

If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration 
transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the 
acquiree, the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

As at the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to the cash-generating units acquired. Impairment is determined by assessing the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less 
than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the Income Statement and is not subsequently reversed. When there is a 
disposal of a cash-generating unit, goodwill relating to the operation disposed of is taken into account in determining the gain or loss on 
disposal of that operation. The amount of goodwill allocated to a partial disposal is measured on the basis of the relative values of the operation 
disposed of and the operation retained.

Equity accounted investments
A joint venture is an entity which is not a subsidiary undertaking but where the interest of the Group is that of a partner in a business over which 
the Group exercises joint control with its partners over the financial and operating policies. In all cases voting rights are 50% or lower. 

Associated undertakings are entities that are neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, but where the Group has a significant influence. The 
results, assets and liabilities of equity accounted investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Group’s share of 
equity includes goodwill arising on acquisition.

When a Group entity transacts with an equity accounted investment of the Group, profits and losses resulting from the transactions with the 
equity accounted investments are recognised in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements only to the extent of interests in equity 
accounted investments that are not related to the Group. 

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2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Revenue
Revenues are recognised either at the point of transfer of control of goods and services, or recognised over time on an activity basis using the 
costs incurred as the measure of the activity. Costs are recognised as they are incurred.

The nature of agreements into which the Group enters means that certain of the Group’s arrangements with its customers have multiple 
elements that can include any combination of:
•  Sale of products and services;
•  Risk and revenue sharing partnerships (“RRSPs”);
•  Design and build; and
•  Construction contracts.

Contracts are reviewed to identify each performance obligation relating to a distinct good or service and the associated consideration. The 
Group allocates revenue to multiple element arrangements based on the identified performance obligations within the contracts in line with the 
policies below. A performance obligation is identified if the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or together with other 
readily available resources, and it can be separately identified within the contract. This review is performed by reference to the specific 
contract terms. 

Sale of products and services
This revenue stream accounts for the majority of Group sales. Contracts in the Automotive, Powder Metallurgy, Nortek Air Management and 
Other Industrial segments operate almost exclusively on this basis, and it also covers a high proportion of the Aerospace segment’s revenues. 

Invoices for goods are raised and revenue is recognised when control of the goods is transferred to the customer. Dependent upon contractual 
terms this may be at the point of despatch, acceptance by the customer or, in Aerospace, certification by the customer. The revenue 
recognised is the transaction price as it is the observable selling price per product. 

Cash discounts, volume rebates and other customer incentive programmes are based on certain percentages agreed with the Group’s 
customers, which are typically earned by the customer over an annual period. These are allocated to performance obligations and are recorded as 
a reduction in revenue at the point of sale based on the estimated future outcome. Due to the nature of these arrangements an estimate is made 
based on historical results to date, estimated future results across the contract period and the contractual provisions of the customer agreement.

Many businesses in the Powder Metallurgy and Automotive segments recognise an element of revenue via a surcharge or similar raw material cost 
recovery mechanism. The surcharge is generally based on prior period movement in raw material price indices applied to current period deliveries.

Risk and revenue sharing partnerships (“RRSPs”)
This revenue stream affects a small number of businesses, exclusively in the Aerospace segment. Revenue is recognised under RRSPs for both 
the sale of product as detailed above and sales of services, which are recognised by reference to the stage of completion based on the 
performance obligations in the contract. In most RRSP contracts, there are two separate phases where the Group earns revenue; sale of 
products principally to engine manufacturers and aftermarket support.

The assessment of the stage of completion is dependent on the nature of the contract and the performance obligations within it. 

The value of revenue is based on the standalone selling price for each element of the contract. 

Revenue is recognised at the point control passes to the customer. For products and services, this has been identified as the point of despatch, 
acceptance by the customer or certification by the customer. Where the amount of revenue recognised is not yet due for collection under the 
terms of the contract, it will be recognised as variable consideration within contract assets. Revenue is not recognised where recovery is not 
probable due to potential significant reversals in the future. This can be affected by assessment of future volumes including aftermarket 
expectations which are impacted by technology development, fuel price and competition.

Participation fees are payments made to engine manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers relating to RRSPs and long-term 
agreements. They are recognised as contract assets to the extent they can be recovered from future sales. Where participation fees have been 
paid under the RRSP, the amortisation is recognised as a revenue reduction under IFRS 15, as performance obligations are satisfied. 

Generally, during the design and development phase of a typical RRSP contract, the Group performs contractually agreed-upon tasks for a 
customer. It is usual for the Intellectual Property Rights (“IPRs”) that underpin technology advancement or know-how to remain with the Group 
such that the customer cannot benefit from the IPRs either on their own or together with other resources that are readily available to the 
customer. Where IPRs are transferred to the customer the Group has determined this is not separately identifiable from other promises in the 
contract due to an exclusivity clause for the supply of product. Accordingly, it has been determined that the Group’s promise to transfer goods 
to its customer is a performance obligation that is separately identifiable and this uses development and know-how as an input.

Design and build
This revenue stream affects a discrete number of businesses, primarily in the Aerospace segment but also on a smaller scale in the Automotive 
segment. Generally, revenue is only recognised on the sale of product as detailed above, however, on occasions cash is received in advance of 
work performed to compensate the Group for costs incurred in design and development activities. The Group performs an assessment of its 
performance obligations to understand multiple elements. Where it is determined there is only one type of performance obligation, being the 
delivery of product, any cash advance is factored into the revenue allocated across the deliveries required under the contract. Where the 
performance obligation has not been satisfied amounts received are recognised as a contract liability. If there is more than one performance 
obligation, revenue is allocated to each one based on a standalone selling price for each element of the contract. 

Due to the nature of design and build contracts, there can be significant ‘learning curves’ while the Group optimises its production processes. 
During the early phase of these contracts, all costs including any start-up losses are taken directly to the Income Statement, as they do not 
meet the criteria for fulfilment costs. 

Construction contracts 
Where multiple performance obligations are identified, revenue is recognised as each performance obligation is met. This requires an assessment 
of total revenue to identify the allocation across the performance obligations, based on the standalone selling price for each obligation. 

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
In cases where one of the following criteria is met, revenue is recognised over time:
•  The customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance;
•  The Group’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or
•  The Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment for 

performance completed to date.

Due to the nature of the criteria above, only certain contracts in the Group qualify for over time recognition. On this basis revenue is recognised 
using the input method, which uses costs incurred and the assessed margin across the contract. The input method is used to measure 
progress as it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. The margin and associated revenue are calculated based on the estimated 
transaction price and expected total costs, with considerations made for the associated contract risks.

If any of the above criteria are not met, revenue is recognised at a point in time when control transfers to the customer which, in line with the sale 
of goods and services above, is the point of delivery or customer acceptance dependent on the terms of the contract. 

Variable consideration, such as price or scope amendments, is included based on the expected value or most likely amount. A constraint is 
included unless it is highly probable that the revenue will not significantly reverse in the future. This constraint is calculated based on a cautious 
expectation of the life of certain RRSPs and by assessing the impact of a 10% reduction in expected spares sales. Variations in contract work, 
claims and incentive payments are included in revenue from construction contracts based on an estimate of the expected value the Group 
expects to receive. Variations are included when the customer has agreed to the variation or acknowledged liability for the variation in principle. 
Claims are included when negotiations with the customer have reached an advanced stage such that it is virtually certain that the customer will 
accept the claim. 

Finance income 
Finance income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income can be measured 
reliably. Finance income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a 
substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are 
substantially ready for their intended use or sale. 

Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from 
the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Issue costs of loans
The finance cost recognised in the Income Statement in respect of the issue costs of borrowings is allocated to periods over the terms of the 
instrument using the effective interest rate method.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bring the asset into operation, 
and any borrowing costs on qualifying assets. Qualifying assets are defined as an asset or programme where the period of capitalisation is 
more than 12 months. Purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to 
acquire the asset. 

Where assets are in the course of construction at the balance sheet date, they are classified as capital work-in-progress. Transfers are made to 
other asset categories when they are available for use, at which point depreciation commences.

Right-of-use assets arise under IFRS 16 and are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated life and the lease term. 

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:

Freehold land

nil

Freehold buildings and long leasehold property

over expected economic life not exceeding 50 years

Short leasehold property 

Plant and equipment

over the term of the lease

3-15 years

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis and, if necessary, changes in useful lives are 
accounted for prospectively.

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually for indicators of impairment, or if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists an impairment test is performed and, where the 
carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of 
property, plant and equipment is the greater of net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use, estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the 
cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the 
continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal 
proceeds or costs and the carrying amount of the item) is included in the Income Statement in the period that the item is derecognised.

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2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

On acquisition of businesses, separately identifiable intangible assets are initially recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date.

Access to the use of brands and intellectual property are valued using a “relief from royalty” method which determines the net present value of 
future additional cash flows arising from the use of the intangible asset.

Customer relationships and contracts are valued on the basis of the net present value of the future additional cash flows arising from customer 
relationships with appropriate allowance for attrition of customers.

Technology assets are valued using a replacement cost approach, or a “relief from royalty” method.

Amortisation of intangible assets is recorded in administration expenses in the Income Statement and is calculated on a straight-line basis over 
the estimated useful lives of the asset as follows:

Customer relationships and contracts

Brands and intellectual property

Technology 

Computer software

Development costs

20 years or less

20 years or less

20 years or less

5 years or less

20 years or less

Where computer software is not integral to an item of property, plant or equipment, its costs are capitalised and categorised as intangible 
assets. Computer software is initially recorded at cost. Where these assets have been acquired through a business combination, this will be the 
fair value allocated in the acquisition accounting. Where these have been acquired other than through a business combination, the initial cost is 
the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset.

Intangible assets (other than computer software and development costs) are tested for impairment annually or more frequently whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are measured on a similar basis to 
property, plant and equipment. Useful lives are also examined on an annual basis and adjustments, where applicable, are made on a 
prospective basis.

Research and development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred.

Costs relating to clearly defined and identifiable development projects are capitalised when there is a technical degree of exploitation, adequacy 
of resources and a potential market or development possibility in the undertaking that are recognisable; and where it is the intention to produce, 
market or execute the project. A correlation must also exist between the costs incurred and future benefits and those costs can be measured 
reliably. Capitalised costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of 20 years or less. Costs not meeting such criteria are 
expensed as incurred.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value and are measured using a first in, first out or weighted average cost basis. 
Cost includes all direct expenditure and appropriate production overhead expenditure incurred in bringing goods to their current state under 
normal operating conditions. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less costs expected to be incurred to completion and 
disposal. Provisions are made for obsolescence or other expected losses where necessary.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, balances with banks and similar institutions, and short-term deposits which are readily 
convertible to cash and are subject to insignificant risks of changes in value.

For the purpose of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined 
above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated with the borrowings.

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, and any discount or premium on settlement.

Gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement when the liabilities are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortisation 
process.

Government refundable advances
Government refundable advances are reported in “Trade and other payables” in the Balance Sheet. Refundable advances include amounts 
advanced by a government, accrued interest and directly attributable costs. Refundable advances are provided to the Group to part-finance 
expenditures on specific development programmes. The advances are provided on a risk sharing basis, i.e. repayment levels are determined 
subject to the success of the related programme. Balances are held at amortised cost and interest is calculated using the effective interest rate 
method. 

Leases
Where a lease arrangement is identified, a liability to the lessor is included in the Balance Sheet as a lease obligation calculated at the present 
value of minimum lease payments. A corresponding right-of-use asset is recorded in property, plant and equipment. The discount rate used to 
calculate the lease liability is the Group’s incremental borrowing rate, unless there is a rate implicit in the lease. The incremental borrowing rate is 
used for the majority of leases. Incremental borrowing rates are based on the term, currency, country and start date of the lease and reflect the 
rate the Group would pay for a loan with similar terms and security. 

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Following initial recognition, the lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Where there is a change in 
future lease payments due to a rent review, change in index or rate, or a change in the Group’s assessment of whether it is reasonably certain to 
exercise a purchase, extension or break option, the lease obligation is remeasured. A corresponding adjustment is made to the associated 
right-of-use asset. 

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.

Lease payments are apportioned between finance costs and a reduction in the lease obligation so as to reflect the interest on the remaining 
balance of the obligation. Finance charges are recorded in the Income Statement within finance costs.

Leases with a term of 12 months or less and leases for low value are not recorded on the Balance Sheet and lease payments are recognised as 
an expense in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Expenses relating to variable lease payments which are not 
included in the lease liability, due to being based on a variable other than an index or rate, are recognised as an expense in the Income 
Statement.

Financial instruments – assets
Classification and measurement
All financial assets are classified as either those which are measured at fair value, through profit or loss or Other Comprehensive Income, and 
those measured at amortised cost. 

Financial assets are initially recognised at fair value. For those which are not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss, this 
includes directly attributable transaction costs. Trade and other receivables, contract assets and amounts due from equity accounted 
investments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

Recognition and derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are recognised in the Group’s Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the 
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. 

Impairment of financial assets
For trade receivables and contract assets, the simplified approach permitted under IFRS 9 is applied. The simplified approach requires that at 
the point of initial recognition the expected credit loss across the life of the receivable must be recognised. As these balances do not contain a 
significant financing element, the simplified approach relating to expected lifetime losses is applicable under IFRS 9. Cash and cash equivalents 
and other receivables are also subject to impairment requirements. 

Investments 
The Group has an investment in unlisted shares that are not traded in an active market, but are classified as financial assets, measured at fair 
value. Fair value is determined by assessment of expected future dividends discounted to net present value. Any changes in fair value are 
recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in retained earnings. Dividends from investments are recognised in the Income 
Statement when the Group’s right to receive the dividend is established. 

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are measured and carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. For trade 
receivables, the carrying amount is reduced by an allowance for expected lifetime losses. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off 
are credited against the allowance account and changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in the Income Statement.

Trade receivables that are assessed not to be impaired individually are also assessed for impairment on a collective basis. In measuring the 
expected credit losses, the Group considers all reasonable and supportable information such as the Group’s past experience at collecting 
receipts, any increase in the number of delayed receipts in the portfolio past the average credit period, and forward looking information such as 
forecasts of future economic decisions.

Other receivables are also considered for impairment and if required the carrying amount is reduced by any loss arising which is recorded in the 
Income Statement, although for the Group this is not material. 

Financial instruments – liabilities 
Recognition and derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instruments and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. The Group derecognises financial liabilities when the Group’s 
obligations are discharged, significantly modified, cancelled or they expire.

Classification and measurement
Non-derivative financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense 
recognised on an effective interest rate basis. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability 
and of allocating interest expense over the relevant periods. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments 
throughout the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period to the gross carrying amount of the financial liability. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedging
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity risks, arising 
from operating and financing activities. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Details of 
derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 25 of the Financial Statements.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised and stated at fair value in the Group’s Balance Sheet. Their fair value is recalculated at each 
reporting date. The accounting treatment for the resulting gain or loss will depend on whether the derivative meets the criteria to qualify for 
hedge accounting and are designated as such. 

Where derivatives do not meet the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses on the revaluation to fair value at the period end 
are recognised immediately in the Income Statement. Where derivatives do meet the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any 
resulting gain or loss on revaluation depends on the nature of the hedge relationship and the item being hedged.

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2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Derivative financial instruments with maturity dates of less than one year from the period end date are classified as current in the Balance Sheet. 
Derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts are recognised at their fair value in the Group’s Balance Sheet when the nature, 
characteristics and risks of the derivative are not closely related to the host contract. Gains and losses arising on the remeasurement of these 
embedded derivatives at each balance sheet date are recognised in the Income Statement.

Hedge accounting
In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document from inception the relationship between the item being hedged and 
the hedging instrument, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at 
the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents that the hedge will be highly effective, which is when the hedging 
relationships meet all of the following hedge effectiveness requirements:
•  there is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument;
•  the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship; and
•  the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged item that the Group actually 

hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item.

The Group discontinues hedge accounting only when the hedging relationship (or a part thereof) ceases to meet the qualifying criteria (after 
rebalancing, if applicable). This includes instances when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. The discontinuation 
is accounted for prospectively.

The Group designates certain hedging instruments as either cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Cash flow hedge
Derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges when they hedge the Group’s exposure to the variability in cash flows that are 
either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecasted cash flow. 

The Group designates the full change in the fair value of a foreign exchange forward contract (i.e. including the forward elements) as the hedging 
instrument for all of its hedging relationships involving foreign exchange forward contracts.

The effective portion of any gain or loss from revaluing the derivative financial instrument is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and accumulated in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income Statement. 

Amounts previously recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity are recycled to the Income Statement in the 
periods when the hedged item is recognised in the Income Statement or when the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur. However, when 
the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously 
deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations
Derivative financial instruments are classified as net investment hedges when they hedge the Group’s net investment in foreign operations. The 
effective element of any foreign exchange gain or loss from revaluing the derivative at a reporting period end is recognised in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. Any ineffective element is recognised immediately in the Income Statement.

The Group designates only the spot rate component of cross currency swaps in net investment hedges. The changes in the fair value of the 
aligned forward and currency basis elements are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity. If the hedged item is 
time-period related, then the amount accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss on an appropriate basis.

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are recognised immediately in the Income Statement when the foreign operation is disposed.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an 
outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount 
of the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at 
a rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where 
discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combination
Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combination are initially measured at fair value at the acquisition date. At the end of subsequent 
reporting periods, such contingent liabilities are measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognised in accordance with IAS 37: 
“Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets” and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amount of revenue recognised in 
accordance with the principles of IFRS 15: “Revenue from contracts with customers”. 

Pensions and other retirement benefits
The Group operates defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans, some of which require contributions to be made to 
administered funds separate from the Group.

For the defined benefit pension and retirement benefit plans, plan assets are measured at fair value and plan liabilities are measured on an 
actuarial basis and discounted at an interest rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent currency 
and term to the plan liabilities. Any assets resulting from this calculation are limited to past service cost plus the present value of available 
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan. The present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related current service 
cost and past service cost, are measured using the projected unit credit method.

The service cost of providing pension and other retirement benefits to employees for the period is charged to the Income Statement.

Net interest expense on net defined benefit obligations is determined by applying discount rates used to measure defined benefit obligations at the 
beginning of the year to net defined benefit obligations at the beginning of the year. The net interest expense is recognised within finance costs.

Remeasurement gains and losses comprise actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets 
(excluding interest). Remeasurement gains and losses, and taxation thereon, are recognised in full in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 
in the period in which they occur and are not subsequently recycled.

2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Actuarial gains and losses may result from differences between the actuarial assumptions underlying the plan obligations and actual experience 
during the period or changes in the actuarial assumptions used in the valuation of the plan obligations. 

For defined contribution plans, contributions payable are charged to the Income Statement as an operating expense when employees have 
rendered services entitling them to the contributions.

Foreign currencies
The individual Financial Statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it 
operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the results and financial position of each Group 
company are expressed in pounds Sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company, and the presentation currency for the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

In preparing the Financial Statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign 
currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items 
carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was 
determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in the Income 
Statement for the period. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in the Income 
Statement for the period except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and losses are 
recognised directly in equity. For such non-monetary items, any exchange component of that gain or loss is also recognised directly in equity.

For the purpose of presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations are translated at 
exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, 
unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. 
Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity (attributed to 
non-controlling interests as appropriate). Such translation differences are recognised as income or as expenses in the period in which the 
related operation is disposed of. Any exchange differences that have previously been attributed to non-controlling interests are derecognised 
but they are not reclassified to the Income Statement.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and 
translated at the rate prevailing at the balance sheet date.

Taxation
The tax expense is based on the taxable profits for the period and represents the sum of the tax paid or currently payable and deferred tax.

Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or 
deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated 
using tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

A tax provision is recognised for those matters for which the tax determination is uncertain but it is considered probable that there will be a 
future outflow of funds to a tax authority. The provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amount expected to become payable. The 
assessment is based on the judgement of tax professionals within the Company supported by previous experience in respect of such activities 
and in certain cases based on specialist independent advice. 

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences except:
•  where the deferred tax liability arises on the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 

combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•  where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and interests in equity 

accounted investments can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses, to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and carry-forward of unused tax 
assets and unused tax losses can be utilised except:
•  where the deferred tax asset arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination 

and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

•  in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and interests in equity accounted 

investments, deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the 
foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is 
settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the relevant balance sheet date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and 
when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a 
net basis. 

Tax relating to items recognised directly in other comprehensive income is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and not in 
the Income Statement.

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2.  Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of sales tax except:
•  where the sales tax incurred on a purchase of goods and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the sales 

tax is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable; and

•  where receivables and payables are stated with the amount of sales tax included.

The net amount of sales tax recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables in the Balance Sheet.

Share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2: “Share-based payment”. The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain 
employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value of the equity instrument excluding the effect of non-market based 
vesting conditions at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of 
non-market based vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on the 
Directors’ best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Non-current assets and disposal groups
Non-current assets and businesses classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. 
Non-current assets and businesses are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction 
rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as having been met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or 
business is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale which should be expected to 
qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and 
associated assumptions are based on historical experiences and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in 
which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both 
current and future periods. 

Critical judgements 
In the course of preparing the Financial Statements, a critical judgement within the scope of paragraph 122 of IAS 1: “Presentation of Financial 
Statements” is made during the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies.

Adjusting items 
Judgements are required as to whether items are disclosed as adjusting, with consideration given to both quantitative and qualitative factors. 
Further information about the determination of adjusting items in the year ended 31 December 2020 is included in note 2.

There are no other critical judgements other than those involving estimates, that have had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the 
Financial Statements. Those involving estimates are set out below. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that may have a significant risk of 
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed below. 

a)  Assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount of goodwill and other assets
The carrying value of goodwill in the Group at 31 December 2020 was £3,640 million (31 December 2019: £3,653 million).

Determining whether goodwill of groups of cash generating units (“CGUs”) is impaired requires an estimation of its recoverable amount which is 
compared against the carrying value. Recoverable amount is deemed to be the higher of the value in use and fair value less costs to sell. The 
value in use calculation requires the Directors to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the groups of CGUs and a suitable 
discount rate in order to calculate present value. The fair values of the groups of CGUs are calculated using a combination of estimated 
discounted cash flows and EBITDA multiples, as in the current environment it has been difficult to assess a sales value using observable market 
inputs (level 1) or inputs based on market evidence (level 2) and so unobservable inputs (level 3) have been used. 

Due to the impact of COVID-19, as explained in note 11, certain of the groups of CGUs are sensitive to changes in estimates:

Carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets (not including computer software and development costs)

Nortek Control (formerly Security & Smart Technology)
Ergotron

Aerostructures
Aerospace Engine Systems 

Aerospace

Automotive Driveline
Automotive ePowertrain

Automotive

Powder Metallurgy

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

276
534

1,625
2,110

3,735

1,348
824

2,172

1,152

297
566

1,722
2,295

4,017

1,407
913

2,320

1,156

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued
Certain groups of CGUs are more at risk than others and this could possibly lead to an impairment or loss on disposal in the next year, 
depending on how markets continue to recover from the COVID-19 implications. The sensitivity disclosures in note 11 show reasonably possible 
changes to key assumptions and their effect on the impairment models, which could reduce headroom to nil. In order for a material impairment 
to be recorded the following, which are also reasonably possible changes in key assumptions, would need to change as set out below:

•  In the Aerospace groups of CGUs, terminal operating profit would need to reduce by 15% which would reduce the terminal operating 

margin by 1.6 percentage points, or revenue reduce by 17%.

•  In the Automotive groups of CGUs, terminal operating profit would need to reduce by 16% which would reduce the terminal operating 

margin by 1.8 percentage points.

•  In the Powder Metallurgy groups of CGUs, terminal operating profit would need to reduce by 16% which would reduce the terminal 

operating margin by 2.2 percentage points.

•  In the Nortek Control groups of CGUs, terminal operating profit would need to reduce by 39% which would reduce the terminal operating 

margin by 4.1 percentage points.

•  In the Ergotron groups of CGUs, terminal operating profit would need to reduce by 4% which would reduce the terminal operating margin 

by 1.0 percentage points.

b)  Assumptions used to determine the carrying amount of the Group’s retirement benefit obligations 
The Group’s pension plans are significant in size. The defined benefit obligations in respect of the plans are discounted at rates set by reference 
to market yields on high quality corporate bonds. Significant estimation is required when setting the criteria for bonds to be included in the 
population from which the yield curve is derived. The most significant criteria considered for the selection of bonds to include are the issue size 
of the corporate bonds, quality of the bonds and the identification of outliers which are excluded. In addition, assumptions are made in 
determining mortality and inflation rates to be used when valuing the plan’s defined benefit obligations. At 31 December 2020, the retirement 
benefit obligation was a deficit of £838 million (31 December 2019: £1,121 million). 

Further details of the assumptions applied and a sensitivity analysis on the principal assumptions used to determine the defined benefit liabilities 
of the Group’s obligations are shown in note 24. Whilst actual movements might be different to sensitivities shown, these are a reasonably 
possible change that could occur.

c)  Loss-making contracts 
Loss-making contract provisions represent the forecast unavoidable costs required to meet the obligations of long-term agreements, in excess 
of the contractual inflow expected to be generated in respect of these agreements. In assessing the unavoidable costs, management has 
considered the possibility that future actions could impact the profitability of the contracts. Calculation of the liability includes estimations of 
volumes, price and costs to be incurred over the life of the contract, which are discounted to a current value. Future changes within these 
estimates, or commercial progress could have a material impact on the provision in future periods. At 31 December 2020, the carrying value of 
the loss-making contract provision in the Group was £241 million (31 December 2019: £384 million). In the last two years significant progress 
has been made resolving commercial and operational issues within a large number of loss-making contracts inherited on acquisition of GKN. 
The release has on average been 27% of the balance immediately before reassessment. If the Group were to achieve a similar level of success 
on the amount outstanding at 31 December 2020, there could be a further £65 million released to adjusting items in the next year. 

d)  Inventory provisioning 
The calculation of inventory provisions requires judgement by management of the expected value of future sales. If the carrying value of 
inventory is higher than the expected recoverable value, the Group makes provisions writing inventory down to its net recoverable value. The 
inventory is initially assessed for impairment by comparing inventory levels to recent utilisation rates and carrying values to historical selling 
prices. A detailed review is completed for inventory lines identified in the initial assessment considering sales activity, order flow, customer 
contracts and current selling price.

At 31 December 2020, there were provisions of £351 million (31 December 2019: £292 million) against gross inventory of £1,477 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,624 million). During the year ended 31 December 2020, the increase in inventory provisions has been significantly 
impacted by the global implications of COVID-19. The provision as a proportion of gross inventory has increased from 18% to 24%. If 
commercial and market conditions change such that just half of this movement occurs in the next year to a stable gross balance, the Group 
could see a further change to inventory provisions of £44 million. 

e)   Estimates of future revenues and costs of long-term contractual arrangements
The Group has certain large, complex contracts where significant judgements and estimates are required in order to identify the performance 
obligations and associated consideration.

A key judgement is the recognition and measurement of variable consideration, in particular relating to risk and revenue sharing partnerships 
(“RRSPs”). A detailed review of the Group’s RRSP contracts determined where terms and conditions result in variable consideration and this is 
further set out in note 17. Distinguishing between a contractual right and the economic compulsion of partners with regard to the sale of original 
equipment (“OE”) components and aftermarket activities relies on an interpretation of complex legal agreements. This specific point governs 
whether variable consideration is recognised on the sale of OE components and this can significantly impact the level of profitability from one 
period to the next. Further disclosure is set out in note 4.

The forecast revenues and costs in respect of RRSP contracts are inherently imprecise and significant estimates are required to assess the 
pattern of future maintenance activity, the costs to be incurred and escalation of revenue and costs. The estimates take account of the 
uncertainties, constraining the expected level of revenue as appropriate. Measurement of variable consideration is driven by forecasting 
aftermarket revenue per delivered engine which is in turn contingent on overall programme success, levels of discounting that might be offered 
by the engine manufacturers (the Group’s customers), engineering requirements needed for optimal performance of the engine and the 
allocation of revenue to individual units. In addition, where programmes are at an early stage the wider implications of any competing engines as 
well as complications outside of the Group can be difficult to assess. Any of these inputs could change in the next year as programmes evolve 
and due to the size and scale of these contracts, almost any modification could result in material changes in future periods. 

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3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued
The variable consideration contract asset calculated is the best estimate of revenue allocated to completed performance obligations using input 
assumptions and constraints as detailed further in note 17. A reasonably possible change in assumptions, such as engineering requirements to 
support programmes and the expected life of certain engines could have led to the variable consideration asset on the Balance Sheet of 
£247 million (2019: £242 million) increasing to between £261 million and £264 million. This could lead to recognition of additional profit in the 
year of between £14 million and £17 million.

4.  Revenue
An analysis of the Group’s revenue is as follows:

Continuing operations

Revenue recognised at a point in time
Revenue recognised over time

Revenue

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

7,600
1,170

8,770

9,751
1,216

10,967

As set out in the accounting policies in note 2, the Group has four primary revenue streams. There is little judgement or estimation in the 
revenue recognition of three of these areas; (i) sale of products and services, (ii) design and build and (iii) construction contracts. However, in the 
fourth area, as disclosed in note 3e, there is estimation involved in accounting for certain RRSP contracts, which arise exclusively in the 
Aerospace business. RRSP contracts generally include the sale of products and services as well as certain aspects of design and build 
arrangements. Further details are set out below.

Risk and revenue sharing partnerships
The Group has approximately £9 billion (2019: £9 billion) in respect of contractual transaction prices including a constrained estimate of variable 
consideration, on four engine programmes, out of a wider population of such programmes, which has been allocated to contracted 
performance obligations not satisfied at 31 December 2020. These performance obligations will be satisfied and revenue will be recognised 
over a period of up to 28 years (2019: 29 years).

The amount of revenue recognised from RRSP contracts during the year was £354 million, which includes variable consideration of £13 million 
(2019: £679 million, which included variable consideration of £45 million). Within this there is revenue from the delivery of product which is 
recognised at a point in time of £326 million (2019: £637 million) and revenue from provision of service which is recognised over time of 
£28 million (2019: £42 million). Due to the nature of certain of these RRSP arrangements, there is associated variable consideration and the 
contract asset, including movements during the year, is disclosed in note 17. 

The nature of products and services delivered in RRSP contracts varies depending on the individual terms. Typically, they include a design and 
development phase (which has been determined not to be a distinct performance obligation and so no revenue is recognised) and two other 
phases where the Group does have performance obligations and earns revenue:

i)   

ii)  

 Sale of structural OE engine components, such as turbine cases, principally to engine manufacturers, where revenue is recognised at a 
point in time; and

 Aftermarket support which can include: sale of spare parts where revenue is recognised at a point in time and stand ready services for life 
of engine obligations to maintain permanent technical, and other programme related, support functions. Obligations can occur at any time 
during the engine life and include; engineering and technical support for engine configuration changes and provision of aftermarket 
inventory support solutions. 

RRSP revenue recognised over time
The nature of these RRSP contracts on long-term engine programmes means that, as a partner, the Aerospace business can share revenue 
earned from maintenance, repair and overhaul services which are provided by the engine manufacturers (the Group’s customers) or their 
sub-contractors, but not the Group. The Group has a stand ready obligation to contribute to certain of the partnerships which typically results in 
the provision of services such as technical and other programme support activities over the whole life of the engine. These services occur over 
the life of the engine and due to the nature of compensation from customer arrangements, which is often flight hour based, as well as costs 
which are less predictable, revenue is recognised over time using the engine manufacturer’s actual overhaul costs as an input method. This 
method is considered appropriate as it best reflects the customers’ receipt and consumption of benefit from the Group’s stand ready 
performance obligation. 

The total contract revenue includes amounts from: expected sales of OE engine components, expected sales of spare parts and aftermarket 
revenue per delivered engine for stand ready services for the life of engine obligations. The total contract revenue is allocated to all of the 
performance obligations. 

During the year £nil (2019: £3 million) of revenue has been recognised relating to performance obligations satisfied by the Group in the previous 
year, as risks have been reduced and the constraint reassessed. In 2019 there was an additional £7 million of revenue recognised from changes 
in assumptions following operational progress with customers.

5.  Segment information
Segment information is presented in accordance with IFRS 8: “Operating Segments” which requires operating segments to be identified on the 
basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reported to the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), 
which has been deemed to be the Group’s Board, in order to allocate resources to the segments and assess their performance. 

The operating segments are as follows:

Aerospace – a multi-technology global tier one supplier of both civil and defence airframes and engine structures.

Automotive – a global technology and systems engineer which designs, develops, manufactures and integrates an extensive range of driveline 
technologies, including electric vehicle components.

Powder Metallurgy – a global leader in precision powder metal parts for the automotive and industrial sectors, as well as the production of 
powder metal. 

Nortek Air Management – comprises the Group’s Air Management businesses, which includes the Air Quality and Home Solutions business 
(“AQH”) and the Global Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning business (“HVAC”). AQH is a leading manufacturer of ventilation products for the 
professional remodelling and replacement markets, residential new construction market and DIY market. HVAC manufactures and sells 
split-system and packaged air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air handlers and parts for the residential replacement and new construction 
markets along with custom designed and engineered products and systems for data centres and non-residential applications. 

Other Industrial – comprises the Group’s Ergotron, Brush and Nortek Control (formerly Security & Smart Technology) businesses.

In addition, there are central cost centres which are also reported to the Board. The central corporate cost centres contain the Melrose Group 
head office costs and charges related to the divisional management long-term incentive plans.

Reportable segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those which can be allocated on a reasonable basis. 
Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

The Group’s geographical segments are determined by the location of the Group’s non-current assets and, for revenue, the location of external 
customers. Inter-segment sales are not material and have not been disclosed.

The following tables present the results and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group’s operating segments and central cost 
centres for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

a)  Segment revenues
The Group derives its revenue from the transfer of goods and services over time and at a point in time. The Group has assessed that the 
disaggregation of revenue recognised from contracts with customers by operating segment is appropriate as this is the information regularly 
reviewed by the CODM in evaluating financial performance. The Group also believes that presenting this disaggregation of revenue based on 
the timing of transfer of goods or services provides useful information as to the nature and timing of revenue from contracts with customers. 

Year ended 31 December 2020 

Continuing operations

Adjusted revenue
Equity accounted investments

Revenue

Timing of revenue recognition 
At a point in time
Over time

Revenue

Year ended 31 December 2019

Continuing operations

Adjusted revenue
Equity accounted investments

Revenue

Timing of revenue recognition 
At a point in time
Over time

Revenue

Aerospace 
£m

Automotive 
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy 
£m

Nortek Air 
Management 
£m

Other
Industrial
£m

2,804 
(6)

2,798 

1,704 
1,094 

2,798 

3,797 
(566)

3,231 

3,231 
– 

3,231 

905 
(19)

886 

886 
– 

886 

1,227
–

1,227

1,155
72

1,227

628
–

628

624
4

628

Aerospace 
£m

Automotive 
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy 
£m

Nortek Air 
Management 
£m

Other
Industrial
£m

3,852  
(16)

3,836  

2,644  
1,192  

3,836  

4,739  
(593)

4,146  

4,146  
–  

4,146  

1,115 
(16)

1,099 

1,099 
– 

1,099 

1,178 
– 

1,178 

1,157 
21 

1,178 

708 
– 

708 

705 
3 

708 

Total 
£m

9,361 
(591)

8,770 

7,600 
1,170 

8,770 

Total 
£m

11,592 
(625)

10,967 

9,751 
1,216 

10,967 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020156
156

157
157

5.  Segment information continued
b)  Segment operating profit 

Year ended 31 December 2020

Continuing operations

Aerospace
£m

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Management 
£m

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

14 

82 

39 

188 

Other 
Industrial
£m

63 

Corporate(2)

£m

(46)

Items not included in adjusted  
  operating profit(1):
Amortisation of intangible assets  
  acquired in business combinations
Restructuring costs
Impairment of assets
Equity accounted investments adjustments
Melrose equity-settled compensation  

scheme charges

Acquisition and disposal costs
Impact of GMP equalisation on UK pension 

schemes

Movement in derivatives and associated  
  financial assets and liabilities
Net release and changes in discount rates  

of fair value items

Operating (loss)/profit

Finance costs
Finance income

Loss before tax
Tax

Loss for the year from  
  continuing operations

(256)
(110)
(133)
– 

– 
– 

(1)

(9)

85 

(410)

(147)
(60)
(21)
(30)

– 
– 

(1)

(2)

(4)

(183)

(52)
(48)
(30)
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

34 

(57)

(36)
(3)
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

149 

(35)
3 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

3 

34 

– 
(2)
– 
– 

(11)
(5)

– 

193 

– 

129 

Total
£m

340 

(526)
(220)
(184)
(30)

(11)
(5)

(2)

182 

118 

(338)

(200)
3 

(535)
12 

(523)

Year ended 31 December 2019

Continuing operations

Aerospace
£m

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Management 
£m

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)

409

367  

117 

175 

Other 
Industrial
£m

86 

Corporate(2)

£m

(52)

Total
£m

1,102 

Items not included in adjusted  
  operating profit(1):
Amortisation of intangible assets 
  acquired in business combinations
Restructuring costs
Impairment of assets
Equity accounted investments adjustments
Melrose equity-settled compensation  
  scheme charges
Net release and changes in discount rates  

of fair value items 

Movement in derivatives and associated  
  financial assets and liabilities 
Acquisition and disposal costs 

Operating profit/(loss)

Finance costs
Finance income

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit for the year from  
  continuing operations

(261)
(79)
–
(1)

–

34

2
–

104 

(148)
(83) 
– 
(27)

–

79

(2)
– 

186 

(48)
(19)
– 
–

–

28

–
(1)

77 

(36)
(11)
– 
–

–

11

–
– 

139 

(41)
(37)
(179)
–

–

1

–
– 

(170)

–
(9)
– 
–

(17)

–

55
5 

(18)

(534)
(238)
(179)
(28)

(17)

153 

55 
4 

318  

(221)
9 

106 
(51)

55 

(1)  Further details on adjusting items are discussed in note 6. 
(2)  Corporate adjusted operating loss of £46 million (2019: £52 million), includes £12 million (2019: £20 million) of costs in respect of divisional long-term incentive plans.

5.  Segment information continued
c)  Segment total assets and liabilities

Aerospace
Automotive
Powder Metallurgy
Nortek Air Management
Other Industrial
Corporate

Total continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total 

Total assets

Total liabilities

31 December 
2020  
£m

Restated(1)
31 December 
2019  
£m

31 December
2020
£m

Restated(1)

31 December
2019
£m

6,614
5,172
1,816
1,436
1,129
513

16,680

–

16,680

7,478
5,391
1,906
1,415
1,237
748

18,175

65

18,240

2,691
2,407
476
500
215
3,281

9,570

–

9,570

3,089
2,304
472
362
259
4,157

10,643

46

10,689

(1)  Cash and cash equivalents and current interest-bearing loans and borrowings have been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This impacts the total assets 

and total liabilities within Corporate.

d)  Segment capital expenditure and depreciation

Capital expenditure(1)

Depreciation of  
owned assets(1)

Depreciation of  
leased assets

Year ended
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
2019
£m

Year ended
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
2019
£m

Year ended
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
2019
£m

98
130
33
23
6
–

290

–

290

178
231
55
37
8
–

509

11

520

121
199
61
26
10
1

418

–

418

139
194
59
23
11
–

426

12

438

28
18
9
13
5
1

74

–

74

30
16
8
11
6
1

72

1

73

Aerospace
Automotive
Powder Metallurgy
Nortek Air Management
Other Industrial
Corporate 

Total continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total 

(1) Including computer software and development costs. Capital expenditure excludes lease additions. 

e)  Geographical information
The Group operates in various geographical areas around the world. The parent company’s country of domicile is the UK and the Group’s 
revenues and non-current assets in the rest of Europe and North America are also considered to be material.

The Group’s revenue from external customers and information about its segment assets (non-current assets excluding deferred tax assets; 
non-current trade and other receivables; and non-current derivative financial assets) by geographical location are detailed below:

UK
Rest of Europe
North America
Other

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

(1)  Revenue is presented by destination.

Revenue(1) 
from external customers

Year ended
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
2019
£m

Segment assets

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

646
1,989
5,004
1,131

8,770

144

8,914

1,048
2,426
6,073
1,420

10,967

423

11,390

2,166
4,871
4,535
1,223

12,795

–

12,795

2,319
5,136
4,917
1,328

13,700

–

13,700

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
158
158

159
159

6.  Reconciliation of adjusted profit measures 
As described in note 2, adjusted profit measures are an alternative performance measure used by the Board to monitor the operating 
performance of the Group. 

a)  Operating profit

Continuing operations

Operating (loss)/profit

Amortisation of intangible assets acquired in business combinations
Restructuring costs
Impairment of assets
Equity accounted investments adjustments
Melrose equity-settled compensation scheme charges
Acquisition and disposal costs
Impact of GMP equalisation on UK pension schemes
Movement in derivatives and associated financial assets and liabilities
Net release and changes in discount rate of fair value items

Total adjustments to operating (loss)/profit 

Adjusted operating profit

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

Notes

a
 b
 c
 d
 e
 f 
g
 h
 i 

(338)

526 
220 
184 
30 
11 
5 
2 
(182)
(118)

678 

340 

318 

534  
238  
179  
28 
17  
 (4) 
– 
(55)
(153) 

784 

1,102  

a. 

b. 

 The amortisation charge on intangible assets acquired in business combinations of £526 million (2019: £534 million) is excluded from 
adjusted results due to its non-trading nature and to enable comparison with companies that grow organically. However, where intangible 
assets are trading in nature, such as computer software and development costs, the amortisation is not excluded from adjusted results. 

 Restructuring and other associated costs in the year totalling £220 million (2019: £238 million) are shown as adjusting items due to their size 
and non-trading nature. During the year ended 31 December 2020 these included:
•   A charge of £110 million (2019: £79 million) within the Aerospace division primarily relating to costs incurred globally to reduce the 

business’s headcount and cost structure in reaction to the significant impact that COVID-19 is having on the aerospace industry. This 
charge also included costs in respect of the continuation of the business’s global integration, announced last year, to create “One 
Aerospace”, ensuring the business is well positioned and able to react to changes in its new environment; and the continuation of 
costs relating to rationalisation projects commenced in the previous year. 

•  A charge of £60 million (2019: £83 million) within the Automotive division, as the business has accelerated its efforts to address its 

high cost base, inherited on acquisition, and best position itself as it recovers post COVID-19.

•  A charge of £48 million (2019: £19 million) within the Powder Metallurgy division including costs associated with realigning the 

business for future demand, along with consolidation actions started in 2019 and the commencement during 2020 of the closure of 
a site in its underperforming North American Structural business.

•  A net charge of £2 million (2019: £57 million) within the Nortek Air Management, Other Industrial and Corporate divisions which 
includes the completion of a factory consolidation within the HVAC business; the finalisation of the changes made in the Nortek 
Control business to move to a third party contract manufacturing model; and the profit from the disposal of a Dutch property held 
within the Brush business left vacant following the factory consolidation programme commenced in 2018.

c. 

 The write down of assets in the year of £184 million, mostly recognised in the second quarter of the year as a result of the impact of 
COVID-19, includes £133 million within the Aerospace division. As a result of the impact of the pandemic, a review of the operating assets of 
the Group was performed and resulted in £159 million of fixed assets and £25 million of other net operating assets being written down 
across certain sites within the businesses, as they adapted to new levels of industry demand. The write down of these assets is shown as 
an adjusting item due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, its non-trading nature and size. The charge of £179 million, 
recognised in 2019, related to impairment of goodwill allocated to the Nortek Control group of CGUs.

d. 

 The Group has a number of equity accounted investments (“EAIs”) in which it does not hold full control, the largest of which is a 50% 
interest in Shanghai GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems (“SDS”), within the Automotive business. The EAIs generated £591 million (2019: 
£625 million) of revenue in the year, which is not included in the statutory results but is shown within adjusted revenue so as not to distort 
the operating margins reported in the businesses when the adjusted operating profit earned from these EAIs is included. 

 In addition, the profits and losses of EAIs, which are shown after amortisation of acquired intangible assets, interest and tax in the statutory 
results, are adjusted to show the adjusted operating profit consistent with the adjusted operating profits of the subsidiaries of the Group. 
The revenue and profit of EAIs are adjusted because they are considered to be significant in size and are important in assessing the 
performance of the business. 

 The charge for the Melrose equity-settled Employee Share Scheme, including its associated employer’s tax charge, of £11 million (2019: 
£17 million) is excluded from adjusted results due to its size and volatility. The shares that would be issued, based on the Scheme’s current 
value at the end of the reporting period, are included in the calculation of the adjusted diluted earnings per share, which the Board 
considers to be a key measure of performance.

 Acquisition and disposal related costs of £5 million (2019: net credit of £4 million), arose in the year. These items are excluded from adjusted 
results due to their non-trading nature.

 During the year the Company incurred a further £2 million in respect of gender equalisation of guaranteed minimum pensions for occupational 
pension schemes in the UK. This charge resulted from amendments made in 2020 to a High Court judgment from October 2018. For 
consistency with the accounting treatment in 2018 and because of its non-trading nature the charge is excluded from adjusted results.

 Movements in the fair value of derivative financial instruments (primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts where hedge 
accounting is not applied) entered into within the GKN businesses to mitigate the potential volatility of future cash flows, on long-term foreign 
currency customer and supplier contracts, along with foreign exchange movements on the associated financial assets and liabilities is 
shown as an adjusting item because of its volatility and size. This totalled a credit of £182 million (2019: £55 million) in the year. 

e. 

 f.  

 g. 

h. 

6.  Reconciliation of adjusted profit measures continued
i.  

 The net release of fair value items in the year of £118 million (2019: £153 million) where items have been resolved for more favourable amounts 
than first anticipated is shown as an adjusting item, avoiding positively distorting adjusted operating profit. During the year this included a net 
release of £101 million in respect of loss-making contract provisions, held within the GKN businesses, where either contractual terms have 
been renegotiated with the relevant customer or operational efficiencies have been identified and demonstrated for a sustained period. 

 b)   Profit before tax

Continuing operations

(Loss)/profit before tax

Adjustments to operating (loss)/profit as above 
Bank facility negotiation fees 
Fair value changes on cross-currency swaps

Total adjustments to (loss)/profit before tax

Adjusted profit before tax 

Notes

j 
k

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

(535)

678 
8 
2 

688 

153 

106  

784  
– 
(1)

783  

889  

j.  

k. 

 Following the impact of COVID-19, the Group paid fees in negotiating waivers and amendments to its bank facility covenants for the remaining 
period of the facilities. These fees were immediately written off and are shown as an adjusting item because of their non-trading nature.

 The fair value changes on cross-currency swaps relating to cost of hedging which are not deferred in equity, is shown as an adjusting item 
because of its volatility and non-trading nature. 

 c)  Profit after tax

Continuing operations

(Loss)/profit after tax 

Adjustments to (loss)/profit before tax as above 
Tax effect of adjustments to (loss)/profit before tax
Tax effect of significant restructuring
Equity accounted investments – tax

Total adjustments to (loss)/profit after tax

Adjusted profit after tax

Notes

8
8
l

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

(523)

688 
(115)
78 
(8)

643 

120 

55 

783
(123)
(9)
(7)

644

699

l.  

 As explained in paragraph d above, the profits and losses of EAIs are shown after interest and tax in the statutory results. They are adjusted 
to show the profit before tax and the profit after tax, consistent with the subsidiaries of the Group. 

7.  Expenses

Continuing operations 

Net operating expenses comprise:
Selling and distribution costs 
Administration expenses(1) 

Total net operating expenses

(1)  Includes £648 million (2019: £756 million) of adjusting items (note 6).

Continuing operations 

Operating (loss)/profit is stated after charging/(crediting):
Cost of inventories
Amortisation of intangible assets acquired in business combinations
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of goodwill
Amortisation and impairment of computer software and development costs
Lease expense(1)
Staff costs
Research and development costs(2) 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Expense of writing down inventory to net realisable value 
Reversals of previous write-downs of inventory 
Impairment recognised on trade receivables 
Impairment reversed on trade receivables 

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

(177)
(1,471)

(1,648)

(224)
(1,731)

(1,955)

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

7,492 
526 
596 
– 
75 
5 
2,434 
248 
(6)
163 
(65)
18 
(17)

8,732 
534 
448 
179 
64 
3 
2,868 
283 
(6)
66 
(38)
21 
(6)

(1)  Includes costs relating to short-term leases of £3 million (2019: £2 million), low value leases of £1 million (2019: £1 million) and variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities of £1 million 

(2019: £nil). 

(2)  Includes staff costs totalling £175 million (2019: £195 million).

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020   
160
160

161
161

7.  Expenses continued
The analysis of auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

7.  Expenses continued
An analysis of finance costs and income is as follows: 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for other audit services to the Group:
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Total audit fees

Audit-related assurance services:
Review of the half year interim statement
Non-statutory audit of certain of the Company’s businesses
Other assurance services

Total audit-related assurance services

Total audit and audit-related assurance services

Tax compliance services
Other tax advisory services

Total audit and non-audit fees

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

7.7

1.2

8.9

0.4
1.6
0.4

2.4

11.3

–
–

11.3

 7.6

1.1

8.7

0.4
0.4
–

0.8

9.5

0.1
0.1

9.7

Details of the Company’s policy on the use of the auditors for non-audit services and how auditor’s independence and objectivity were 
safeguarded are set out in the Audit Committee report on page 106 to 107. No services were provided pursuant to contingent fee arrangements.

An analysis of staff costs and employee numbers is as follows:

Continuing operations

Staff costs during the year (including executive Directors)
Wages and salaries(1)
Social security costs(2) 
Pension costs (note 24)
– defined benefit plans(3)
– defined contribution plans 
Share-based compensation expense(4) (note 23)

Total staff costs

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

2,004
335

12
69
14

2,373
388

8
86
13

2,434

2,868

(1)  Net of amounts received of £91 million (2019: £nil) as a result of global government assistance schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic. All amounts received from the UK government have been 

repaid during the year.

(2)  Includes an employer’s tax credit of £3 million (2019: charge of £4 million) on the change in value of the employee share plans, shown as an adjusting item (note 6). 
(3)  Includes a past service cost of £2 million (2019: £nil) in respect of GMP equalisation, shown as an adjusting item (note 6).
(4)  Shown as an adjusting item (note 6).

Continuing operations

Average monthly number of persons employed (including executive Directors)
Aerospace
Automotive
Powder Metallurgy
Nortek Air Management
Other Industrial 
Corporate 

Total average number of persons employed

Year ended
31 December
 2020
Number

Year ended
31 December
 2019
Number

16,402
20,040
6,433
5,495
2,975
50

51,395

17,050
22,596
6,934
5,571
3,894
47

56,092

Continuing operations 

Finance costs and income
Interest on bank loans and overdrafts
Amortisation of costs of raising finance(1)
Net interest cost on pensions
Lease interest
Unwind of discount on provisions 
Fair value changes on cross-currency swaps(2) 

Total finance costs
Finance income 

Total net finance costs

(1)  Includes £8 million (2019: £nil) in respect of bank facility negotiation fees. These costs are shown as adjusting items (note 6).
(2)  These costs are shown as adjusting items (note 6).

8.  Tax

Continuing operations 

Analysis of tax (credit)/charge in the year:
Current tax
Current year tax charge
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Total current tax charge

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Tax on the change in value of derivative financial instruments
Adjustments to deferred tax attributable to changes in tax rates
Non-recognition of deferred tax 
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets

Total deferred tax credit

Tax (credit)/charge on continuing operations

Tax charge on discontinued operations

Total tax (credit)/charge in the year

Analysis of (credit)/charge on continuing operations in the year:

Tax charge in respect of adjusted profit before tax 
Tax credit recognised as an adjusting item

Total tax (credit)/charge on continuing operations

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

(136)
(20)
(19)
(21)
(2)
(2)

(200)
3 

(197)

(152)
(11)
(31)
(21)
(7)
1 

(221)
 9 

(212)

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

88 
(12)

76 

(188)
– 
41 
(6)
65 
– 

(88)

(12)

2 

(10)

£m

33 
(45)

(12)

156  
(10)

146  

(89)
5  
(10)
(2) 
17  
(16) 

(95)

51 

3 

54 

£m

190 
(139)

51 

The tax charge of £33 million (2019: £190 million) arising on adjusted profit before tax of £153 million (2019: £889 million), results in an effective 
tax rate of 21.6% (2019: 21.4%).

The £45 million (2019: £139 million) tax credit recognised as an adjusting item includes £115 million (2019: £123 million) in respect of tax credits 
on adjustments to (loss)/profit before tax of £688 million (2019: £783 million), £8 million (2019: £7 million) in respect of the tax on equity 
accounted investments and a charge of £78 million (2019: credit of £9 million) in respect of restructuring, being a £71 million (2019: £nil) tax 
charge arising on the legal separation of the Nortek Air Management and Ergotron businesses and a £7 million charge (2019: credit of 
£9 million) arising from other internal Group restructuring. 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
162
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163
163

8.  Tax continued 
The tax (credit)/charge for the year for continuing and discontinued operations can be reconciled to the (loss)/profit before tax per the Income 
Statement as follows:

10.   Earnings per share

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

Earnings attributable to owners of the parent

Earnings for basis of earnings per share
Less: loss for the year from discontinued operations (note 13)

Earnings for basis of earnings per share from continuing operations

(Loss)/profit before tax:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations (note 13)

Tax (credit)/charge on (loss)/profit before tax at the weighted average rate of 27.0% (2019: 21.0%)
Tax effect of:
Disallowable expenses and other permanent differences within adjusted profit 
Disallowable items included within adjusting items 
Temporary differences not recognised in deferred tax
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets 
Tax credits, withholding taxes and other rate differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Tax charge/(credit) classified within adjusting items
Effect of changes in tax rates

Total tax (credit)/charge for the year

(535)
– 

(535)

(144)

– 
3 
65 
– 
6 
(12)
78 
(6)

(10)

106 
(82)

24 

5 

 6  
54  
17  
(16) 
4  
(5)
(9) 
(2) 

54 

The reconciliation has been performed at a blended Group tax rate of 27.0% (2019: 21.0%) which represents the weighted average of the tax 
rates applying to profits and losses in the jurisdictions in which those results arose in 2020.

Tax charges included in Other Comprehensive Income are as follows: 

Deferred tax on retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax on hedge relationship gains and losses
Deferred tax on foreign currency gains and losses 

Total charge for the year 

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

42 
(9)
– 

33 

(15)
16
3

4

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share (million)
Further shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share (million)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share (million)

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share
From continuing and discontinued operations
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Diluted earnings per share
From continuing and discontinued operations
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations

Adjusted earnings from continued operations

Adjusted earnings for the basis of adjusted earnings per share(1)

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

(536)
10 

(526)

(60)
106

46

Year ended
31 December
 2020
Number

Year ended
31 December
 2019
Number

4,858
–

4,858

4,858
–

4,858

Year ended
31 December
 2020 
pence

Year ended
31 December
 2019 
pence

(11.0)
(10.8)
(0.2)

(11.0)
(10.8)
(0.2)

(1.2) 
0.9 
(2.1)

(1.2) 
0.9 
(2.1)

Year ended
31 December
 2020 
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019 
£m

117

693

Franked investment income – litigation
Since 2003, the GKN group has been involved in litigation with HMRC in respect of various advance corporate tax payments and corporate tax 
paid on certain foreign dividends which, in its view, were levied by HMRC in breach of the Group’s EU community law rights. The most recent 
Supreme Court judgment in the case was published in November 2020. The Supreme Court referred back to the High Court the question of 
the relevant time limit for claims. Detailed technical points were heard by the Supreme Court in October 2020. The judgment on these matters 
has not yet been delivered and, accordingly, significant uncertainty over the future outcome remains. 

The continuing complexity of the case and uncertainty over the issues raised (and in particular the timetable issue referred back to the High 
Court) means that it is not possible to predict the final outcome of the litigation with any reasonable degree of certainty. 

(1) Adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 December 2020 comprises adjusted profit after tax of £120 million (2019: £699 million) (note 6), net of an allocation to non-controlling interest of £3 million 

(2019: £6 million). 

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations

Adjusted basic earnings per share 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

Year ended
31 December
 2020
pence

Year ended
31 December
 2019
pence

2.4
2.4

14.3 
14.3 

9.  Dividends

Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 3.05p
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 of 1.7p

Year ended
31 December
 2020 
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019 
£m

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
148
83

231

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020 of 0.75p per share totalling £36 million. The initially proposed final dividend for 
the year ended 31 December 2019 of 3.4p per ordinary share was withdrawn as announced on 7 May 2020.

The final dividend of 0.75p per share was proposed by the Board on 4 March 2021 and in accordance with IAS 10: “Events after the reporting 
period”, has not been included as a liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
164
164

165
165

11.   Goodwill and other intangible assets

Customer 
relationships 
and contracts
£m

Brands and 
intellectual 
property
£m

Goodwill
£m

Computer
software 
£m

Development
costs
£m

Cost
At 1 January 2019 
Additions 
Transfer to held for sale(2)
Disposal of businesses(3)
Disposals 
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019
Additions 
Acquisition of businesses(4)
Disposals 
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2019 
Charge for the year:
  Adjusted operating profit
  Adjusting items
Impairments(5)
Transfer to held for sale(2)
Disposal of businesses(3)
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019
Charge for the year:
  Adjusted operating profit
  Adjusting items
Impairments(5)
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

4,277 
 –  
 –  
(92)
 –  
(147) 

 4,038 
– 
15 
– 
(30)

4,023 

(219)

–  
–  
(179)
–  
–  
–  
13  

 (385)

–  
–  
–  
– 
2 

5,226 
 – 
(10)
(65)
 –  
(190) 

 4,961
– 
10 
– 
(55)

4,916 

(372)

–  
(383)
–  
1  
5  
–  
23  

 (726)

–  
(379)
–  
–  

22

871 
 –  
(8)
(68)
  –  
(19) 

 776 
– 
– 
– 
–

776 

(124)

–  
(48)
–  
1  
11  
–  
4  

(156)

–  
(43)
–  
–  
1

Other(1)
£m

1,057 
 –  
(3)
–  
 –  
(17)

 1,037 
– 
9 
– 
(1)

1,045 

(98)

–  
(109)
–  
1  
–  
–  
3  

(203)

–  
(104)
–  
–  
1

Total
£m

11,980 
54  
(23)
(230)
(2)
(406) 

11,373 
42 
34 
(13) 
(88)

11,348 

(882)

(64)
(540)
(179)
5  
20  
2  
49  

(1,589)

(57)
(526)
(18)
13 
27

496 
48  
–  
–  
(1)
(30)

513 
25 
–  
(8)
(1)

529 

(47)

(52)
–  
–  
–  
–  
1  
2  

(96)

(44)
–  
(17)
8 
–

53 
6  
(2)
(5)
(1)
(3) 

48 
17 
–  
(5)
(1)

59 

(22)

(12)
–  
–  
2  
4  
1  
4  

(23)

(13)
–  
(1)
5 
1

(31)

28 

25  

(383)

(1,083)

(198)

(306)

3,640 

3,653  

3,833 

4,235  

578 

620  

739 

 834  

(149)

(2,150)

380 

417  

9,198 

9,784  

(1)  Other includes technology and order backlog intangible assets recognised on acquisitions.
(2)  Transfers to held for sale in 2019 related to the Wheels & Structures business, which is shown as a discontinued operation, and was subsequently disposed of in 2020 (note 13).
(3)  Disposal of businesses in 2019 related to the sale of the Walterscheid Powertrain Group.
(4)  Acquisition of businesses in 2020 relates to the purchase of FORECAST 3D in the Powder Metallurgy division.
(5)  The impairment charge in 2020 primarily relates to development costs written off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2019 related to goodwill in Nortek Control. These are shown as 

adjusting items within impairment of assets (note 6). 

On 2 January 2020, Powder Metallurgy completed the acquisition of FORECAST 3D, a leading US specialist in plastic additive manufacturing 
and 3D printing services, offering a full range of services from concept to series production, for a total consideration of up to £29 million. A total 
of £19 million was paid in cash on 2 January 2020. The fair value allocation has been finalised. 

The goodwill generated as a result of major acquisitions represents the premium paid in excess of the fair value of all net assets, including 
intangible assets, identified at the point of acquisition. The carrying value of goodwill includes a premium, paid in order to secure shareholder 
agreement to the business combination, that is less than the value that the Directors believed could be added to the acquired businesses 
through the application of their specialist turnaround experience.

The goodwill arising on bolt-on acquisitions is attributable to the anticipated profitability and cash flows arising from the businesses acquired, 
synergies as a result of the complementary nature of the business with existing Melrose businesses, the assembled workforce, technical 
expertise, knowhow, market share and geographical advantages afforded to the Group.

The future improvements applied to the acquired businesses, achieved through a combination of revised strategic direction, operational 
improvements and investment, are expected to result in improved profitability of the acquired businesses during the period of ownership and 
are also expected to result in enhanced disposal proceeds when the acquired businesses are ultimately disposed. The combined value 
achieved from these improvements is expected to be in excess of the value of goodwill acquired.

11.   Goodwill and other intangible assets continued
Goodwill acquired in business combinations, net of impairment, has been allocated to the businesses, each of which comprises several 
cash-generating units (“CGUs”). The goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or as required if indicators of impairment are identified. Effective 
from the year ended 31 December 2020, the date of the annual impairment test has been moved to 31 October to better align with internal 
forecasting and review processes. The key assumptions used in the 31 October impairment testing were reassessed at 31 December, however, 
there were no further indicators of value decline that necessitated further consideration.

Following the Aerospace reorganisation, announced on 3 September 2019, the Aerostructures, Aerospace Engine Systems and Aerospace 
Special Technologies groups of CGUs were reorganised into the Aerospace Engine Systems and Aerostructures groups of CGUs effective 1 
January 2020. As a consequence of COVID-19 and subsequent further rationalisations, the Aerostructures and Aerospace Engine Systems 
groups of CGUs were reorganised into one Aerospace group of CGUs. Also due to business changes resulting from the COVID-19 global 
pandemic, the Automotive Driveline and Automotive ePowertrain groups of CGUs were reorganised into one Automotive group of CGUs. Both 
of these reorganisations were effective from 1 November 2020.

Goodwill

AQH
HVAC
Nortek Control
Ergotron

Aerostructures(1)
Aerospace Engine Systems

Aerospace

Automotive Driveline
Automotive ePowertrain

Automotive

Powder Metallurgy

31 December
 2020
£m

31 December
 2019
£m

345
230
167
406

605
337

942

690
336

1,026

524

3,640

355
237
172
418

595 
346

941

688 
339 

1,027

503

3,653 

(1)  Reflects the revised groups of CGUs effective 1 January 2020 whereby the Aerostructures and Aerospace Special Technologies groups of CGUs were organised into one group of CGUs. 

Impairment testing
The Group tests goodwill annually or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. In accordance with IAS 36: 
“Impairment of assets” the Group values goodwill at the recoverable amount, being the higher of the value in use basis and the fair value less 
costs to sell basis. Due to the maturity of the different groups of CGUs within Melrose’s strategic life cycle of “Buy, Improve, Sell” the value in use 
methodology generally yields a higher recoverable amount for businesses owned for a longer time and fair value less costs to sell gives a higher 
value where the improvement phase is ongoing.

Value in use calculations have been used to determine the recoverable amount of goodwill and other relevant net assets allocated to the AQH, 
HVAC and Ergotron groups of CGUs. The calculation used the latest approved forecasts extrapolated into perpetuity using growth rates shown 
below, which do not exceed the long-term growth rate for the relevant market. 

Fair value less costs to sell calculations have been used to determine the recoverable amount of goodwill and other relevant net assets allocated 
to the Aerostructures, Aerospace Engine Systems, Automotive Driveline, Automotive ePowertrain, Powder Metallurgy and Nortek Control 
groups of CGUs. When applying the fair value less cost to sell methodology, it has been difficult to assess a sale value using observable market 
inputs (level 1) or inputs based on market evidence (level 2) in the current environment and so unobservable inputs (level 3) have been used. A 
combination of discounted cash flows and EBITDA multiples have been used to establish fair values for each of the groups of CGUs. 

Under IAS 36, the value in use basis prohibits inclusion of benefits from future uncommitted restructuring plans although this is permitted when 
applying the fair value less costs to sell basis, to the extent that similar actions would be carried out by a market participant. 

Based on impairment testing completed no impairment was identified in respect of any of the groups of CGUs. Impairment testing has been 
performed for both the groups of CGUs as at 31 October 2020, as well as those revised groups of CGUs as at 31 December 2020. There is no 
reasonably possible change in key assumptions that could result in an impairment in the AQH and HVAC groups of CGUs. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on global end markets in which certain of the Group’s businesses operate which has 
resulted in reduced levels of headroom, such that sensitivity analysis has been provided in respect of reasonably possible changes to key 
assumptions.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020166
166

167
167

11.   Goodwill and other intangible assets continued
Significant assumptions and estimates
The basis of impairment tests and the key assumptions are set out in the tables below:

Groups of CGUs – value in use
AQH
HVAC
Ergotron

31 December 2020(1)

31 December 2019

Pre-tax
 discount rates
9.5%
9.5%
9.4%

Long-term 
growth rates
3.0%
2.8%
3.0%

Years in 
forecast
3
3
3

Pre-tax
 discount rates
11.0%
11.2%
10.9%

Long-term 
growth rates
3.3%
3.1%
3.4%

Years in 
forecast
3
3
3

Groups of CGUs – fair value less costs to sell

 discount rates(3)

Post-tax

Long-term 
growth rates

Years in 
forecast

Pre-tax

 discount rates(3)

Long-term 
growth rates

Years in 
forecast

31 December 2020(1)

31 December 2019

Nortek Control
Aerostructures(2)
Aerospace Engine Systems
Automotive Driveline
Automotive ePowertrain
Powder Metallurgy

7.8%
7.5%
7.0%
9.8%
7.8%
9.0%

2.9%
2.9%
2.7%
2.5%
2.4%
2.5%

3
5
5
5
5
5

11.5%
9.4%
9.4%
13.5%
10.0%
11.8%

3.5%
2.9%
3.0%
2.5%
2.8%
2.5%

3
5
5
5
5
5

(1)  Shows discount rates used in the annual impairment test for the year ended 31 December 2020, which was performed on 31 October 2020.
(2)  Reflects the revised groups of CGUs effective 1 January 2020 whereby the Aerostructures and Aerospace Special Technologies groups of CGUs were organised into one group of CGUs.
(3)  The groups of CGUs tested in 2020 had a higher recoverable amount under the fair value less costs to sell methodology, which requires the use of post-tax discount rates. The groups of  
CGUs tested in 2019 had a higher recoverable amount under the value in use methodology, which requires the use of pre-tax discount rates, and so pre-tax discount rates are shown as a 
comparative.

Risk adjusted discount rates
Cash flows within the AQH, HVAC and Ergotron groups of CGUs are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate specific to each group of CGUs. 
Cash flows within the Aerostructures, Aerospace Engine Systems, Automotive Driveline, Automotive ePowertrain, Powder Metallurgy and 
Nortek Control groups of CGUs are discounted using a post-tax discount rate specific to each group of CGUs. Discount rates reflect the current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the territories in which the group of CGUs operates. In determining the cost of equity, the 
Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”) has been used. Under CAPM, the cost of equity is determined by adding a risk premium, based on an 
industry adjustment (“Beta”), to the expected return of the equity market above the risk-free return. The relative risk adjustment reflects the risk 
inherent in each group of CGUs relative to all other sectors and geographies on average. 

The cost of debt is determined using a risk-free rate based on the cost of government bonds, and an interest rate premium equivalent to a 
corporate bond with a similar credit rating to Melrose. 

Assumptions applied in financial forecasts
The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from financial budgets and medium-term forecasts. Each forecast has been prepared using a 
cash flow period deemed most appropriate by management, considering the nature of each group of CGUs. The key assumptions used in 
forecasting cash flows relate to future budgeted revenue and operating margins likely to be achieved and the expected rates of long-term 
growth by market sector. Underlying factors in determining the values assigned to each key assumption are shown below:

Revenue growth and operating margins: 
Revenue growth assumptions in the forecast period are based on financial budgets and medium-term forecasts by management, taking into 
account industry growth rates and management’s historical experience in the context of wider industry and economic conditions. Projected 
sales are built up with reference to markets and product categories. They incorporate past performance, historical growth rates, projections of 
developments in key markets, secured orders and orders forecast to be achieved in the short to medium term given trends in the relevant 
market sector. Revenue assumptions are made using external market data, where available, and also consider the recovery period to return to 
pre COVID-19 levels, and have been disclosed where appropriate for groups of CGUs within the sensitivities below. 

Operating margins have been forecast based on historical levels achieved considering the likely impact of changing economic environments 
and competitive landscapes on volumes and revenues and the impact of management actions on costs. Projected margins reflect the impact 
of all initiated projects to improve operational efficiency and leverage scale and increase from returning sale volumes. The projections do not 
include the impact of future restructuring projects to which the Group is not yet committed, where testing has been performed using a value in 
use methodology. Where testing has been performed using the fair value less costs to sell methodology, the assumptions to derive operating 
profit margins take into account both normal cost saving activities and a significant contribution from planned restructuring activity. Forecasts 
for other operating costs are based on inflation forecasts and supply and demand factors.

Aerospace – The key drivers for growth in revenue and operating margins are global demand for commercial and military aircraft. Consumer 
spending, passenger load factors, raw material input costs, market expectations for aircraft production requirements, technological 
advancements, and other macro-economic factors influence demand for these products.

Automotive – The key drivers for growth in revenue and operating margins are global demand for a large range of cars including smaller 
low-cost cars to larger premium vehicles. Demand is influenced by technological advancements particularly in electric and full hybrid vehicles, 
market expectations for global vehicle production requirements, fuel prices, raw material input costs, consumer spending, credit availability, and 
other macro-economic factors.

Powder Metallurgy – The key drivers for growth in revenue and operating margins are trends in the automotive and industrial markets. Market 
expectations for global light vehicle production requirements, raw material input costs, technological advancements, particularly in additive 
manufacturing, influence demand for these products along with other macro-economic factors.

11.   Goodwill and other intangible assets continued
HVAC and AQH – The key drivers for growth in revenue and operating margins are the levels of residential remodelling and replacement 
activity, data centre global expansion and the levels of residential and non-residential new construction in the markets in which these 
businesses operate. New residential and non-residential construction activity and, to a lesser extent, residential remodelling and replacement 
activity are affected by seasonality and cyclical factors such as interest rates, credit availability, inflation, consumer spending, employment levels 
and other macro-economic factors.

Nortek Control – The key driver for growth in revenue and operating margins is global demand for newly-launched security and home 
automation products. Consumer spending, employment levels, regulation, technological advancements and the evolution of the traditional 
security market towards home automation and other macro-economic factors influence demand for these products.

Ergotron – The key driver for growth in revenue and operating margins is demand for technology and wellness products in the markets in 
which Ergotron operates. Seasonal factors, public authority spending, corporate and consumer spending, employment levels, the public 
awareness of wellness, regulation, technological advancements and other macro-economic factors influence demand for these products.

Long-term growth rates:
Long-term growth rates are based on long-term forecasts for growth in the sectors and geography in which the group of CGUs operates. 
Long-term growth rates are determined using long-term growth rate forecasts that take into account the international presence and the markets 
in which each business operates. 

Sensitivity analysis impacting certain groups of CGUs
Due to the impact of COVID-19, certain businesses are mitigating the impact of lower levels of demand through cost reduction and efficiency 
actions, including restructuring. The Aerospace groups of CGUs remain the most severely affected by the pandemic, and as such management 
are not assuming that revenue returns to pre COVID-19 levels within the five year forecast period. Other groups of CGUs are assumed to 
recover within their forecast period.

Aerostructures group of CGUs – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £309 million above the carrying amount for the Aerostructures group of CGUs. Sensitivity analysis has been 
carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 7.5% to 8.2% or from 2.9% to 2.1% 
respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. A failure to execute restructuring plans or a delay in currently anticipated market recovery would 
impact operating profit and operating margin assumptions and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 14% would reduce the terminal 
operating margin by 1.0 percentage points and would reduce headroom to £nil. A reasonably possible change to revenue in the final year of the 
forecast period of 16% would also reduce the headroom to £nil.

Aerospace Engine Systems group of CGUs – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £437 million above the carrying amount for the Aerospace Engine Systems group of CGUs. Sensitivity 
analysis has been carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 7.0% to 7.7% or from 2.7% 
to 1.9% respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. A delay in the forecast market recovery or execution of restructuring plans would impact 
operating profit and operating margin assumptions and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 15% would reduce the terminal operating 
margin by 2.9 percentage points and would reduce headroom to £nil. A reasonably possible change to revenue in the final year of the forecast 
period of 16% would also reduce the headroom to £nil.

Powder Metallurgy group of CGUs – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £186 million above the carrying amount for the Powder Metallurgy group of CGUs. Sensitivity analysis has 
been carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 9.0% to 9.8% or from 2.5% to 1.4% 
respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. Executing restructuring plans and optimising market penetration are key to margin assumptions 
and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 13% would reduce the terminal operating margin by 1.8 percentage points and would reduce 
headroom to £nil. 

Automotive Driveline group of CGUs – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £288 million above the carrying amount for the Automotive Driveline group of CGUs. Sensitivity analysis has 
been carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 9.8% to 10.6% or from 2.5% to 1.3% 
respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. If restructuring plans are not appropriately executed or if there is a change in the market dynamics 
this could impact margin assumptions and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 11% would reduce the terminal operating margin by 1.3 
percentage points and would reduce headroom to £nil.

Automotive ePowertrain group of CGUs – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £213 million above the carrying amount for the Automotive ePowertrain group of CGUs. Sensitivity analysis 
has been carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 7.8% to 8.7% or from 2.4% to 1.1% 
respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. If restructuring plans are not completed on a timely basis or there is a change in the electric vehicle 
market dynamics these could impact margin assumptions and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 18% would reduce the terminal 
operating margin by 1.5 percentage points and would reduce headroom to £nil. 

Nortek Control – sensitivity analysis
The forecasts show headroom of £135 million above the carrying amount for the Nortek Control group of CGUs. Sensitivity analysis has been 
carried out and a reasonably possible change in the discount rate and long-term growth rate from 7.8% to 9.8% or from 2.9% to 0.5% 
respectively would reduce headroom to £nil. A failure to deliver the successful launch of a new product and exploit potential market share could 
impact margin assumptions and a reduction in the terminal operating profit of 31% would reduce the terminal operating margin by 3.2 
percentage points and would reduce headroom to £nil.

Ergotron – sensitivity analysis
As part of an internal reorganisation during the year, the Ergotron group of CGUs was valued at a little above its carrying amount. A failure to 
rebalance sales mix or exploit potential market share could impact margin assumptions and a reasonably possible small reduction in discount 
rate, growth rate or the terminal operating margin would reduce headroom to £nil.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020168
168

169
169

11.   Goodwill and other intangible assets continued
Allocation of significant intangible assets
The allocation of significant customer relationships, brands, intellectual property and technology is as follows:

Customer relationships

Brands, intellectual property and technology

Remaining amortisation period

Net book value

Remaining amortisation period

Net book value

31 December 
2020
years

31 December 
2019
years

31 December 
2020
£m

31 December 
2019
£m

31 December 
2020
years

31 December 
2019
years

31 December 
2020
£m

31 December 
2019
£m

–
10
7
10
6

8
18

10
7

15

–
11
8
11
7

9
19

11
8

16

–
137
66
83
61

544
1,601

2,145

549
241

790

551

–
155
79
95
74

604
1,761

2,365

604
285

889

578

8
11
11
11
14

18
18

18
18

18

9
12
12
12
15

19
19

19
19

19

44
43
56
26
67

476
172

648

109
247

356

77

48
49
63
30
74

523
188

711

115
289

404

75

3,833

4,235

1,317

1,454

Brush
AQH
HVAC
Nortek Control
Ergotron

Aerostructures(1)
Aerospace Engine Systems

Aerospace

Automotive Driveline
Automotive ePowertrain

Automotive

Powder Metallurgy

(1)  Reflects the revised groups of CGUs effective 1 January 2020 whereby the Aerostructures and Aerospace Special Technologies groups of CGUs were organised into one group of CGUs.

12.   Investments

Investments, carried at fair value

Shares

31 December 
2020
£m

31 December 
2019
£m

34

48

The investment in shares represents the Group’s 4% investment in PW1100G-JM Engine Leasing LLC, an engine leasing business. The Group 
paid £50 million for this investment in 2019 and an additional £2 million in the year ended 31 December 2020. There was a loss on 
remeasurement to fair value of £16 million (2019: £nil) and a foreign exchange translation loss of £nil (2019: £2 million). A dividend of £4 million 
(2019: £nil) was received during the year which was recorded in operating profit.

This investment is classified as a level 3 fair value under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. To calculate the value at 31 December 2020, the 
expected dividend flow was discounted to net present value using a discount rate of 9.5%. If the discount rate changed from 9.5% to 8.5% the 
fair value would have changed to £37 million.

13.   Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Wheels & Structures
On 28 April 2020, the Group disposed of two Chinese entities from the Wheels & Structures business for cash consideration of £8 million and 
recognised a loss on disposal of £6 million. On 25 November 2020, the remainder of the Wheels & Structures business was disposed for cash 
consideration of £13 million, realising no gain or loss on disposal. In addition, the costs charged to the Income Statement associated with the 
two disposals totalled £2 million and an amount of £nil was recycled from the translation and hedging reserve on disposal. Total cash disposed 
was £3 million. This business was held for sale as at 31 December 2019.

On 25 June 2019, the Group completed the sale of the Walterscheid Powertrain Group for cash consideration of £185 million. The costs 
charged to the Income Statement associated with the disposal were £7 million. The loss on disposal was £21 million after the recycling of a net 
favourable cumulative translation difference of £13 million. 

Financial performance of discontinued operations:

Revenue
Operating costs(1)

Operating loss
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Tax

Loss after tax
Loss on disposal of businesses including disposal costs

Loss for the year from discontinued operations

Year ended 
31 December 
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December 
2019
£m

144 
(144)

– 
– 

– 
(2)

(2)
 (8)

(10)

423
(503)

(80)
(2)

(82)
(3)

(85)
(21)

(106)

(1)  Operating costs in the year ended 31 December 2019 included a £64 million charge on remeasurement to fair values less costs of disposal relating to the Wheels & Structures business on 

reclassification to assets held for sale.

14.   Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Recognition of right-of-use assets 
Additions
Disposals 
Transfer to held for sale
Disposal of businesses
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 December 2019
Additions
Right-of-use asset reassessments 
Acquisition of businesses
Disposals 
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2019
Charge for the year
Disposals
Transfer to held for sale
Disposal of businesses
Impairments(1)
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 December 2019
Charge for the year
Disposals
Impairments(1)
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 December 2020

Net book value 

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Land and 
buildings
£m

Plant and 
equipment
£m

943 
486  
89  
(25)
(21)
 (62)
(75) 

 1,335 
74 
14 
3 
(33)
1 

1,394 

(62)
(90)
1  
 3  
1  
(27) 
6  

 (168)
(86)
4 
(68)
2

(316)

2,571 
103  
 458  
(65)
(65)
(68)
(129) 

 2,805 
230 
– 
8 
(54)
6

2,995 

(281)
(357)
 57  
23  
19  
(7)
 6  

(540)
(349)
44 
(93)
(2)

(940)

1,078 

 1,167  

2,055 

 2,265  

Total 
£m

3,514 
589  
 547  
(90)
(86)
(130)
(204)

 4,140 
304 
 14 
11 
(87)
7

4,389 

(343)
(447)
 58  
26  
20  
(34)
12  

(708)
(435)
48 
(161)
– 

(1,256)

3,133 

 3,432  

(1)  Includes £141 million (2019: £nil) within impairment of assets and £20 million (2019: £14 million) within restructuring costs both shown as adjusting items (note 6) and £nil (2019: £20 million) of 

onerous lease liabilities transferred from property related cost provisions. 

Property, plant and equipment includes the net book value of right-of-use assets as follows: 

Right-of-use asset

At 1 January 2019(1)
IFRS 16 transition adjustment
Additions
Depreciation
Impairments(2)
Disposal of businesses
Transfer to held for sale
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019
Additions
Depreciation
Impairments
Disposals
Right-of-use asset reassessments 
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Land and
buildings
£m

Plant and 
equipment
£m

57 
486 
59 
(51)
(28)
(28)
–  
(17)

478 
39 
(52)
(68)
(18) 
14 
(12)

381 

– 
103 
22 
(22)
(4)
(6)
(2)
(3)

88 
17 
(22)
(14)
(2)
– 
– 

67 

Total
£m

57 
589 
81 
(73)
(32)
(34)
(2)
(20)

566 
56 
(74)
(82)
(20)
14 
(12)

448 

(1)  The balance at 1 January 2019 represented finance lease assets held within property, plant and equipment prior to the adoption of IFRS 16.
(2)  Included a £20 million reduction in right-of-use assets following the transfer of onerous lease liabilities from property related cost provisions.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020170
170

171
171

15.   Equity accounted investments

Aggregated amounts relating to equity accounted investments:
Share of current assets
Share of non-current assets
Share of current liabilities
Share of non-current liabilities

Interests in equity accounted investments

Group share of results from continuing operations

Revenue
Operating costs

Adjusted operating profit
Adjusting items

Profit before tax
Tax

Share of results of equity accounted investments

Group share of equity accounted investments 

At 1 January
Share of results of equity accounted investments
Dividends paid to the Group
Disposal of businesses
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December

31 December
 2020
£m

31 December
 2019
£m

334 
371 
(263)
(12)

430 

 278  
 386  
(205)
(23)

 436  

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

591 
(529)

62 
(22)

40 
(8)

32 

625  
(559)

66  
(21) 

45  
(7)

38  

Year ended
31 December
 2020
£m

Year ended
31 December
 2019
£m

436 
32 
(54)
– 
16 

430 

492 
38
 (67)
(4)
(23)

436 

Within the Group’s share of equity accounted investments there is one significant joint venture, held within the Automotive segment, Shanghai 
GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems Co Limited (“SDS”). SDS had total sales in the year of £1,101 million (2019: £1,158 million), adjusted operating 
profit of £116 million (2019: £123 million), adjusting items of £44 million (2019: £39 million), statutory operating profit of £72 million (2019: 
£84 million), an interest charge of £nil (2019: £nil) and a tax charge of £15 million (2019: £13 million), leaving retained profit of £57 million (2019: 
£71 million). 

Total net assets of SDS at 31 December 2020 were £798 million (31 December 2019: £816 million). These comprised non-current assets of 
£684 million (31 December 2019: £710 million), current assets of £598 million (31 December 2019: £488 million), current liabilities of £484 million 
(31 December 2019: £382 million) and non-current liabilities of £nil (31 December 2019: £nil). During 2020, SDS paid a dividend to the Group of 
£53 million (2019: £65 million). Further information about SDS can be found in note 3 to the Melrose Industries PLC Company Financial 
Statements. 

16.   Inventories

Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

481
292
353

1,126

597
329
406

1,332

In 2020 the write down of inventories to net realisable value amounted to £163 million (2019: £68 million), of which £1 million (2019: £6 million) 
related to restructuring activities and is included within adjusting items. The reversal of write downs amounted to £65 million (2019: £38 million). 
Write downs and reversals in both years relate to ongoing assessments of inventory obsolescence, excess inventory holding and inventory 
resale values across all of the Group’s businesses. Included in the amounts above is a charge of £14 million (2019: £nil) relating to the write 
down of assets in the year, shown as an adjusting item (note 6).

The Directors consider that there is no material difference between the net book value of inventories and their replacement cost.

17.   Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade receivables
Allowance for expected credit loss
Other receivables
Prepayments
Contract assets

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

1,269 
(41)
258 
54 
118 

1,658 

 1,473 
(47)
 298 
 71 
175 

1,970

Trade receivables are non interest-bearing. Credit terms offered to customers vary upon the country of operation but are generally between 30 
and 90 days. 

Non-current

Other receivables
Contract assets

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

13
426

439

2 
 422

424

As described in note 25, certain businesses participate in receivables working capital programmes and have the ability to choose whether to 
receive payment earlier than the normal due date, for specific customers on a non-recourse basis. As at 31 December 2020, eligible receivables 
under these programmes have been factored and derecognised in line with the derecognition criteria of IFRS 9. 

An allowance has been made for expected lifetime credit losses with reference to past default experience and management’s assessment of 
credit worthiness over trade receivables, an analysis of which is as follows:

At 1 January 2019
Income Statement charge
Utilised
Disposal of businesses
Transfer to assets held for sale
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019
Income Statement charge/(credit)
Utilised

At 31 December 2020

Aerospace
£m

Automotive 
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Management 
£m

Other 
Industrial 
£m

Discontinued 
Operations
£m 

15 
1  
(3) 
–  
–  
(1) 

12  
3 
(3)

12 

6 
7  
–  
–  
–  
(1)

12  
–  
(1)

11 

3
2
 –
–
–
–

 5
–
–

5

7 
–  
–  
–  
 –  
(1)

6  
1 
(1)

6 

9 
5  
(2)
–  
–  
–  

12  
(3)
(2)

7 

2 
1  
–  
(2)
(1)
–  

–  
– 
– 

– 

Total
£m

42 
16  
(5)
(2)
(1)
(3)

47  
1 
(7)

41 

The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the large number of unrelated customers. Credit control procedures are implemented to ensure 
that sales are only made to organisations that are willing and able to pay for them. Such procedures include the establishment and review of 
customer credit limits and terms. The Group does not hold any collateral or any other credit enhancements over any of its trade receivables nor 
does it have a legal right of offset against any amounts owed by the Group to the counterparty.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020172
172

173
173

17.   Trade and other receivables continued
The ageing of impaired trade receivables past due is as follows:

0 – 30 days
31 – 60 days
60+ days

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

15
1
25

41

15
1
31

47

Included in the Group’s trade receivables balance are overdue trade receivables with a gross carrying amount of £97 million (31 December 
2019: £154 million) against which a provision of £41 million (31 December 2019: £47 million) is held.

There are no amounts provided against balances that are not overdue as these are deemed recoverable, following an assessment for 
impairment in accordance with policies described in note 2.

The ageing of the balance deemed recoverable of £56 million (31 December 2019: £107 million) is as follows:

17. Trade and other receivables continued
Variable consideration is measured using a weighted average unit method, taking account of an estimate of stand-alone selling price for 
individual performance obligations and is recognised when control of the OE component passes to the customer (the engine manufacturer). 
Due to the long-term nature of agreements, calculation of the total programme revenues is inherently imprecise and as set out in note 3e 
requires significant estimates, including an assessment of the aftermarket revenue per engine which reflects the pattern of future maintenance 
activity and associated costs to be incurred. In order to address the future uncertainties, risk adjustments as well as constraints have been 
applied to the expected level of revenue as appropriate. This approach best represents the value of goods and services supplied taking 
account of the performance obligations, risk and overall contract revenues.

As a consequence of allocating additional revenue to the sale of OE components, a variable consideration contract asset has been recognised 
which will be satisfied through cash receipt during the aftermarket phase. The constraint applied to variable consideration is reassessed at each 
period end, and will unwind as risks reduce and when uncertainties are resolved. This is expected to lead to additional revenue recognition in 
future periods in relation to items sold in the current and preceding periods.

18.   Cash and cash equivalents

31 December
2020
£m

Restated(1)

31 December
2019
£m

311

512

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

Cash and cash equivalents

0 – 30 days
31 – 60 days
60+ days

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value. 

The Group’s contract assets comprise the following:

At 1 January 2019
Additions
Utilised
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2019
Additions
Utilised
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2020

Participation 
fees
£m

Unbilled 
receivables 
£m

Variable 
consideration
£m

213 
10  
(12) 
(9)

202  
9 
(11)
(5)

195 

145 
1,192  
(1,227)
(5) 

105  
1,096 
(1,149)
– 

52 

206 
60  
(15)
(9)

 242  
26 
(13)
(8)

247 

41
10
5

56

Other
£m

32 
25  
(6)
(3)

48  
5 
(3)
– 

50 

72
24
11

107

Total 
£m

596 
1,287  
(1,260)
(26)

597  
1,136 
(1,176)
(13)

544 

An assessment for impairment of contract assets has been performed in accordance with policies described in note 2. No such impairment 
has been recorded.

Participation fees 
Participation fees are described in the accounting policies (note 2) and are considered to be a reduction in revenue for the related customer 
contract. Amounts are capitalised and ‘amortised’ to match to the related performance obligation.

Unbilled receivables for over time recognition 
Unbilled receivables for over time recognition represent work completed with associated margins where contracts contain a legal right to 
compensation for work completed, including a margin, and there is no alternative use for the customer’s asset.

Variable consideration
Variable consideration only has a material impact on one entity in the Group, exclusively relating to certain RRSP arrangements in the Aerospace 
business. RRSP contracting is a feature of the aircraft engine market and typically reflects the engine manufacturer’s economic model where 
discounts are given on the sale of original equipment (“OE”) and generally a higher value is associated with the subsequent maintenance, repair 
and overhaul services. The nature of RRSP arrangements is covered further in the accounting policies (note 2) and the impact on the Group is 
that OE products sold to engine manufacturers are at a lower margin with more favourable pricing in the aftermarket phase. As a partner in the 
arrangements, the Aerospace business’s cash compensation profile often reflects that of the OE engine manufacturer.

Where the Group has a contractual right to aftermarket revenue, IFRS 15 requires that the total contract revenue is allocated to the performance 
obligations. The principal contractual term that determines the existence of variable consideration is the absence of a termination clause that the 
customer can unilaterally exercise and which results in future purchases being considered optional. Where there is such a termination clause 
and the Group commercially relies on economic compulsion of the contracting parties, the two phases of activity are treated as distinct and no 
variable consideration is recognised. In the absence of such a term, there is a contractual link between the sale of OE components and 
aftermarket, which results in variable consideration, and the total contract revenue is allocated to the distinct performance obligations.

(1) Cash and cash equivalents has been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no impact on net assets.

Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash at bank and in hand which earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates and 
short-term deposits which are made for varying periods of between one day and one month. The carrying amount of these assets is 
considered to be equal to their fair value. 

19.   Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables
Other payables
Customer advances and contract liabilities
Other taxes and social security
Government refundable advances
Accruals
Deferred government grants

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

1,153
417
397
91
7
371
20

2,456

1,223
387
343
74
7
413
14

2,461

As at 31 December 2020, and as described in note 25, included within trade payables were drawings on supplier finance facilities of £62 million 
(31 December 2019: £75 million). 

Trade payables are non-interest-bearing. Normal settlement terms vary by country and the average credit period taken for trade and other 
payables is 69 days (31 December 2019: 78 days). 

Non-current

Other payables
Customer advances and contract liabilities
Other taxes and social security
Government refundable advances
Accruals
Deferred government grants

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

13
304
3
51
36
14

421

11
352
2
59
2
18

444

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

Non-current amounts owed to suppliers fall due within two years. Government refundable advances are forecast to fall due for repayment 
between 2021 and 2055. 

Customer advances and contract liabilities include cash receipts from customers in advance of the Group completing its performance 
obligations and is generally utilised as product is delivered. Non-current amounts in respect of customer advances and contract liabilities will be 
utilised as follows: one to two years £90 million, two to five years £124 million and over five years £90 million (31 December 2019: one to two 
years £132 million, two to five years £154 million and over five years £66 million).

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020174
174

175
175

20.   Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Details of the Group’s 
exposure to credit, liquidity, interest rate and foreign currency risk are included in note 25.

Floating rate obligations
Bank borrowings – US Dollar loan
Bank borrowings – Sterling loan
Other loans and bank overdrafts

Fixed rate obligations 
2022 £450 million bond
2032 £300 million bond
Other loans

Unamortised finance costs(2)
Non-cash acquisition fair value adjustment

Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Current

Non-current

Total

31 December 
2020
£m

Restated(1)
31 December 
2019
£m

31 December 
2020
£m

31 December 
2019
£m

31 December 
2020
£m

Restated(1)
31 December 
2019
£m

–
–
151

–
–
3

154
–
11

165

–
–
195

–
–
78

273
–
11

284

1,850 
254 
80  

450 
300 
– 

2,934 
(19)
11 

2,926 

 2,199  
 520  
–  

450  
300  
3  

3,472 
(30) 
22 

 3,464  

1,850 
254 
231 

450 
300 
3 

3,088 
(19)
22 

3,091 

2,199 
520 
195 

450 
300 
81 

 3,745 
 (30)
33 

3,748 

(1)  Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings has been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no impact on net assets.
(2)  Includes £1 million of debt issue costs paid during the year (2019: £nil).

The Group’s committed bank funding includes: a multi-currency denominated term loan of £100 million and US$960 million that was due to 
mature in April 2021; and a multi-currency denominated revolving credit facility of £1.1 billion, US$2.0 billion and €0.5 billion that matures in 
January 2023. In February 2021, the Group exercised its option to extend the term loan for a further three years to April 2024. Loans drawn 
under this facility are guaranteed by Melrose Industries PLC and certain of its subsidiaries, and there is no security over any of the Group’s 
assets in respect of this facility.

At 31 December 2020 the term loan was fully drawn and there was a significant amount of headroom on the multi-currency revolving credit 
facility. Applying the exchange rates at 31 December 2020 the headroom equated to £1,632 million. There are also a number of uncommitted 
overdraft, guarantee and borrowing facilities made available to the Group. 

Throughout the year, the Group remained compliant with all covenants under the facilities disclosed above. A number of Group companies continue to 
be guarantors under the bank facilities. Further details on covenant compliance for the year ended 31 December 2020 are contained in note 25.

Drawdowns under the existing facilities bear interest at interbank rates plus a margin determined by reference to the Group’s performance under 
its debt cover ratio, ranging between 0.75% to 2.0% on the term loan, and 0.95% to 2.25% on the revolving credit facility. As at 31 December 
2020 the margin was 2.0% (31 December 2019: 1.4%) on the term loan and 2.25% (31 December 2019: 1.65%) on the revolving credit facility.

The £450 million bond maturing in 2022 has associated cross-currency swaps. Details of the bonds are in the table below:

Maturity date

September 2022

May 2032

Notional amount
 £m

450

300

Coupon 
% p.a.

5.375%

4.625%

Cross-currency
swaps
million

Interest rate on 
swaps 
% p.a.

US $373 
€284

n/a

5.70% 
3.87%

n/a

The coupon rate on the £300 million bond, maturing in 2032, increased from 3.375% to 4.625% in May 2019.

Maturity of financial liabilities (excluding currency contracts and lease obligations)
The table below shows the maturity profile of anticipated future cash flows, including interest, on an undiscounted basis in relation to the 
Group’s financial liabilities (other than those associated with currency risk, which are shown in note 25, and lease obligations which are shown in 
note 28). The amounts shown therefore differ from the carrying value and fair value of the Group’s financial liabilities. 

Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years
After five years
Effect of financing rates

31 December 2020

Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years
After five years
Effect of financing rates

31 December 2019 (restated)(1)

Interest-bearing 
loans and 
borrowings
£m

Interest rate 
derivative 
financial  
liabilities
£m

Other financial 
liabilities 
£m

Total financial 
liabilities 
£m

242 
539 
2,252 
397 
(339)

3,091 

393 
929 
2,495 
411 
 (480)

3,748 

33 
34 
22 
– 
 (2)

87 

11  
14  
35  
–  
 –  

60  

1,948
53
17
30
–

2,048

2,030
33
21
18
–

2,102

2,223 
626 
2,291 
427 
(341)

5,226 

2,434  
976  
2,551 
429  
(480)

5,910  

(1)  Current interest-bearing loans and borrowings has been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no impact on net assets. 

21.   Provisions

At 1 January 2020 
Utilised
Charge to operating profit(1)  
Release to operating profit(2)
Unwind of discount(3) 
Acquisition of businesses
Exchange adjustments

31 December 2020

Current
Non-current

Loss-making
contracts
£m

Property
related costs
£m

Environmental 
and litigation
£m

Warranty 
related costs 
£m

Restructuring
£m

Other 
£m

384 
(59)
15 
(108)
6 
– 
3 

241 

44 
197 

241 

45 
(2)
1 
(2)
– 
1 
– 

43 

5 
38 

43 

155 
(52)
108 
(17)
– 
– 
 (3)

191 

95 
96 

191 

324 
(48)
83 
(34)
– 
– 
5 

330 

135 
195 

330 

114 
(172)
216 
(13)
– 
– 
2 

147 

126 
21 

147 

65 
(3)
15 
(8)
– 
– 
– 

69 

10 
59 

69 

Total
£m

1,087 
(336)
438 
(182)
6 
1 
7 

1,021 

415 
606 

1,021 

(1)  Includes £234 million of adjusting items and £204 million recognised in adjusted operating profit.
(2)  Includes £147 million of adjusting items and £35 million recognised in adjusted operating profit.
(3)  Includes £2 million within finance costs relating to the time value of money and £4 million relating to changes in discount rates on loss-making contract provisions recognised as fair value items on 

the acquisition of GKN, which has been included as an adjusting item within operating profit (note 6).

Loss-making contracts
Provisions for loss-making contracts are considered to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. This obligation has been discounted and will be utilised over the 
period of the respective contracts, which is up to 15 years. 

Calculation of loss-making contract provisions is based on contract documentation and delivery expectations, along with an estimate of directly 
attributable costs and represents management’s best estimate of the unavoidable costs of fulfilling the contract.

Utilisation during the year of £59 million (2019: £83 million) has benefited adjusted operating profit with £32 million recognised in Aerospace, 
£21 million recognised in Automotive, £5 million recognised in Powder Metallurgy and £1 million recognised in Other Industrial.  In addition, 
£93 million has been released on a net basis with a net £101 million shown as an adjusting item, as described in note 6, as part of the release of 
fair value items split; £72 million in Aerospace, £36 million in Powder Metallurgy and a charge of £7 million in Automotive.

Property related costs
The provision for property related costs represents dilapidation costs for ongoing leases and is expected to result in cash expenditure over the 
next eight years. Calculation of dilapidation obligations are based on lease agreements with landlords and external quotes, or in the absence of 
specific documentation, management’s best estimate of the costs required to fulfil obligations.

Environmental and litigation
Environmental and litigation provisions relate to the estimated remediation costs of pollution, soil and groundwater contamination at certain sites 
and estimated future costs and settlements in relation to legal claims and associated insurance obligations. Liabilities for environmental costs 
are recognised when environmental assessments are probable and the associated costs can be reasonably estimated. 

Provisions are recorded for product and general liability claims which are probable and for which the cost can be reliably estimated. These 
liabilities include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported and are based on actuarial valuations using claim data. Due to their nature, 
it is not possible to predict precisely when these provisions will be utilised.

The Group has on occasion been required to take legal or other actions to defend itself against proceedings brought by other parties. 
Provisions are made for the expected costs associated with such matters, based on past experience of similar items and other known factors, 
considering professional advice received. This represents management’s best estimate of the likely outcome. The timing of utilisation of these 
provisions is frequently uncertain, reflecting the complexity of issues and the outcome of various court proceedings and negotiations. 
Contractual and other provisions represent management’s best estimate of the cost of settling future obligations and reflect management’s 
assessment of the likely settlement method, which may change over time. However, no provision is made for proceedings which have been, or 
might be, brought by other parties against Group companies unless management, considering professional advice received, assess that it is 
more likely than not that such proceedings may be successful. 

Warranty related costs
Provisions for the expected cost of warranty obligations under local sale of goods legislation are recognised at the date of sale of the relevant 
products and subsequently updated for changes in estimates as necessary. The provision for warranty related costs represents the best 
estimate of the expenditure required to settle the Group’s obligations, based on past experience, recent claims and current estimates of costs 
relating to specific claims. Warranty terms are, on average, between one and five years.

Restructuring
Restructuring provisions relate to committed costs in respect of restructuring programmes, as described in note 6, usually resulting in cash 
spend within one year. A restructuring provision is recognised when the Group has developed a detailed formal plan for the restructuring and 
has raised a valid expectation in those affected that it will carry out the restructuring by either starting to implement the plan or by announcing its 
main features to those affected by it. The measurement of a restructuring provision includes only the direct expenditures arising from the 
restructuring, which are those amounts that are necessarily entailed by the restructuring programmes. 

Other
Other provisions include long-term incentive plans for divisional senior management and the employer tax on equity-settled incentive schemes 
which are expected to result in cash expenditure in the next five years.

Where appropriate, provisions have been discounted using discount rates between 0% and 7% (31 December 2019: 0% and 7%) depending 
on the territory in which the provision resides and the length of its expected utilisation. 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020176
176

177
177

22.   Deferred tax
The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the current and prior 
reporting period.

23.   Share-based payments continued
The annual IFRS 2 charge to be recognised in respect of the 2020 Employee Share Plan is £16 million. The inputs into the Black-Scholes 
valuation model that were used to fair value the plan at the grant date were as follows:

At 1 January 2019
Transfer to held for sale
Disposal of businesses 
(Charge)/credit to income
Charge to equity
Exchange adjustments
Movement in set off of assets and liabilities(1) 

At 31 December 2019
Acquisition of businesses
Credit/(charge) to income
Charge to equity
Exchange adjustments
Movement in set off of assets and liabilities(1) 

At 31 December 2020

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Tax losses and 
other assets
£m

Accelerated  
capital allowances 
and other liabilities
£m

Deferred tax on 
intangible assets
£m

Total deferred 
tax liabilities
£m

Total net
deferred tax
£m

132 
(6)
(25)
(13)
(4)
(19) 
95  

160 
– 
17 
(33)
7 
29 

180 

(166)
2  
1  
(15) 
–  
1  
3  

(174)
– 
(13)
– 
1 
19 

(167)

(708)
– 
33  
124  
–  
51  
(98)

(598)
 (5)
84 
– 
2 
(48)

(565)

(874)
2  
34  
109  
 –  
52  
 (95)

 (772)
 (5)
71 
– 
3 
(29)

(732)

(742)
(4)
9 
96 
(4)
33 
 – 

 (612)
(5)
88 
(33)
10 
– 

(552)

(1)  Set off of deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with IAS 12 within territories with a right of set off. 

As at 31 December 2020, the Group had gross unused corporate income tax losses of £2,166 million (31 December 2019: £2,036 million) 
available for offset against future profits. A deferred tax asset of £290 million (31 December 2019: £204 million) has been recognised in respect 
of £1,337 million (31 December 2019: £1,052 million) of these gross losses. No asset has been recognised in respect of the remaining losses 
due to the divisional and geographic split of anticipated future profit streams. Most of these losses may be carried forward indefinitely subject to 
certain continuity of business requirements. Where losses are subject to time expiry, a deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that 
sufficient future profits are anticipated to utilise these losses. In addition to the corporate income tax losses included above, a deferred tax asset 
of £60 million (31 December 2019: £46 million) has been recognised on tax credits (primarily US) and US state tax losses. 

Deferred tax assets have also been recognised on Group retirement benefit obligations at £122 million (31 December 2019: £122 million) and on 
other temporary differences at £338 million (31 December 2019: £447 million). The gross deferred tax assets therefore amount to £810 million 
(31 December 2019: £819 million). 

Deferred tax liabilities have been recognised on intangible assets at £1,161 million (31 December 2019: £1,243 million) and accelerated capital 
allowances and other temporary differences at £201 million (31 December 2019: £188 million). The gross deferred tax liabilities therefore amount 
to £1,362 million (31 December 2019: £1,431 million). 

There are no material unrecognised deferred tax assets at 31 December 2020, other than the losses referred to above.

No deferred tax is recognised on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries except where the distribution of such profits is planned. If 
these earnings were remitted in full, tax of £65 million (31 December 2019: £51 million) would be payable. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, 
the Group will rely on withholding tax rates as set out in Double Taxation Conventions agreed between the UK and other countries. The 
unrecognised deferred tax is higher as a result, primarily on dividend receipts from Germany and Italy. 

23.   Share-based payments
2017 Incentive Plan and 2020 Employee Share Plan
The 2017 Incentive Plan was approved on 11 May 2017 and comprised 50,000 2017 options which enabled the holders to subscribe for 2017 
Incentive Shares. These options were issued to Directors and Senior Management in three annual tranches. For accounting purposes, the IFRS 
2 charge was calculated as if all three tranches had been granted on day one because of a common expectation, established at that date, 
between employees and the Company that the options would be allocated annually over the three year performance period. The 2017 Incentive 
Plan crystallised on 31 May 2020 and the value of the scheme on crystallisation was £nil. Accordingly, no Ordinary Shares were issued to the 
participants of the 2017 Incentive Plan.

The 2020 Employee Share Plan was approved on 21 January 2021. An IFRS 2 charge has however been recognised from 1 June 2020, the 
start date of the 2020 Employee Share Plan, because employees rendered services to the Company from that date and there was a common 
expectation between the employees and the Company that the 2020 Employee Share Plan would be agreed.

Further details of the crystallisation of the 2017 Incentive Plan and the 2020 Employee Share Plan are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 116 and 117.

During the year, the Group recognised a charge of £1 million (2019: £17 million) in respect of the 2017 Incentive Plan, inclusive of a £4 million 
credit in respect of related national insurance (2019: charge of £4 million) and a charge of £10 million (2019: £nil) in respect of the 2020 Employee 
Share Plan, inclusive of a £1 million charge in respect of related national insurance (2019: £nil).

The estimated value of the 2020 Employee Share Plan at 31 December 2020 if settled at that date was £33 million (31 December 2019: value of 
the 2017 Incentive Plan was £nil). Using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, the projected value of this plan at 31 May 2023 (being the end of 
the three year performance period) will be £34 million (31 December 2019: projected value of the 2017 Incentive Plan at 31 May 2020 was 
£39 million). The projected value is impacted by future acquisition and disposal assumptions. 

Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected life as at inception
Risk free interest

Valuation assumptions

£1.81
£1.71
58%
2.4 years
0.0%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price.

24.   Retirement benefit obligations
Defined contribution plans
The Group operates defined contribution plans for qualifying employees across several jurisdictions. The assets of the plans are held separately 
from those of the Group in funds under the control of trustees.

The total costs charged in relation to the continuing businesses during the year of £69 million (2019: £86 million) represent contributions payable 
to these plans by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the plans.

Defined benefit plans
The Group sponsors defined benefit plans for qualifying employees of certain subsidiaries. The funded defined benefit plans are administered 
by separate funds that are legally separated from the Group. The Trustees of the funds are required by law to act in the interest of the fund and 
of all relevant stakeholders in the plans. The Trustees of the pension funds are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of 
the fund.

The most significant defined benefit pension plans in the Group at 31 December 2020 were:

GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4)
The GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4), which are shown within the Aerospace and Automotive segments, net liabilities are split 
58% and 42% respectively as at 31 December 2020, are funded plans, closed to new members and were closed to future accrual in 2017. The 
valuation of the plans was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 30 June 2019, updated to 31 December 2020 by independent actuaries.

GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan
The GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan is a funded plan, closed to new members with no active members, containing assets and liabilities in respect 
of the pension schemes from various legacy GKN businesses. The valuation of the plan was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 5 April 
2019, updated to 31 December 2020 by independent actuaries.

GKN US Consolidated Pension Plan
The GKN US Consolidated Pension Plan is a funded plan, closed to new members and closed to future accrual. The US Pension Plan valuation 
was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 1 January 2020, updated to 31 December 2020 by independent actuaries. 

GKN Germany Pension Plans
The GKN Germany Pension Plans provide benefits dependent on final salary and service with the Company. The plans are generally unfunded 
and closed to new members.

Brush UK Pension Plan
The Brush Group (2013) (“Brush UK”) Pension Plan is a funded plan, closed to new members and closed to future accrual. The valuation of the 
Brush UK Pension Plan was based on a full actuarial valuation as of 31 December 2019, updated to 31 December 2020 by independent 
actuaries. 

Other plans include a number of funded and unfunded defined benefit arrangements and retiree medical insurance plans, predominantly in the 
US and Europe.

The cost of the Group’s defined benefit plans is determined in accordance with IAS 19 (revised): “Employee benefits” using the advice of 
independent professionally qualified actuaries on the basis of formal actuarial valuations and using the projected unit credit method. In line with 
normal practice, these valuations are undertaken triennially in the UK and annually in the US and Germany.

Contributions
The Group committed on acquisition of GKN to contribute, and during 2019 completed payment of, £150 million in total to the GKN UK pension 
plans in the first 12 months of ownership, as well as ongoing annual contributions of £60 million. In addition, the Group has committed to 
contribute £270 million upon the disposal of Powder Metallurgy, 10% of the proceeds from disposal of other GKN businesses and 5% of the 
proceeds from disposal of non-GKN businesses to the GKN UK pension plans. These commitments cease when the funding target which has 
been agreed with Trustees is achieved, being gilts plus 25 basis points for the GKN UK 2016 plan and gilts plus 75 basis points for the GKN 
Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4). 

The Group contributed £111 million (2019: £185 million, including the remaining £94 million of the £150 million commitment on acquisition of 
GKN and a £17 million special contribution paid on disposals) to defined benefit pension plans and post-employment plans in the year ended 
31 December 2020. The Group expects to contribute £98 million to defined benefit pension plans and post-employment plans in 2021. 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020178
178

179
179

24.   Retirement benefit obligations continued
Actuarial assumptions
The major assumptions used by the actuaries in calculating the Group’s pension liabilities are as set out below:

24.   Retirement benefit obligations continued
The major categories and fair values of plan assets at the end of the reporting period for each category were as follows:

31 December 2020
GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4)
GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan
GKN US plans
GKN Europe plans
Brush UK Pension Plan

31 December 2019
GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4)
GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan
GKN US plans
GKN Europe plans
Brush UK Pension Plan

Rate of increase  

of pensions in payment
% per annum

Discount rate 
% per annum

Price inflation
(RPI/CPI)
% per annum

2.4
1.9
n/a
1.4
3.1

2.8
2.8
n/a
1.5
2.8

1.4
1.4
2.4
0.6
1.4

2.0
2.0
3.1
1.1
2.0

2.7/2.2
2.7/2.2
n/a
1.4/1.4
2.7/2.2

2.9/2.1
2.9/2.1
n/a
1.5/1.5
2.9/2.1

Mortality
GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4), GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan and the Brush UK Pension Plan
Mortality assumptions for the Brush UK Pension Plan as at 31 December 2020 were based on the Self Administered Pension Scheme (“SAPS”) 
“S3” base tables, using a scaling factor of 112%. The GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 4) and the GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan use 
the SAPS “S3PA” base tables with scheme-specific adjustments. The base table mortality assumption for each of the UK plans reflects best 
estimate results from the most recent mortality experience analyses for each scheme. Weighting factors vary by scheme. 

Future improvements for all UK plans are in line with the 2019 Continuous Mortality Investigation (“CMI”) core projection model (SK = 7.0, A = 
0%) with a long-term rate of improvement of 1.25% p.a. for both males and females.

GKN US Consolidated Pension Plan
GKN US Pension and Medical Plans use base mortality tables that are adjusted for recent plan experience (equivalent to RP2006 projected to 
2018 using scale MP2018 with a 6.1001% load). Future improvements for all US plans are in line with MP2020.

GKN Germany Pension Plans
All German plans use the Richttafein 2018 G tables, with no adjustment.

The following table shows the future life expectancy of individuals age 65 at the year end and the future life expectancy of individuals aged 65 in 
20 years’ time.

Male today
Female today
Male in 20 years’ time
Female in 20 years’ time

GKN Group
Pension 
Schemes 
(Numbers 1 – 4)
years

GKN UK 2016
Pension Plan
years

GKN US
Consolidated 
Pension Plan
years

GKN Germany
Pension Plans
years

Brush UK
Pension Plan
years

21.3
24.2
22.3
25.7

21.4
23.8
22.7
25.3

19.0
21.0
20.5
22.4

20.3
23.8
23.1
26.0

21.1
23.5
22.4
24.9

Balance Sheet disclosures
The amount recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet arising from net liabilities in respect of defined benefit plans was as follows:

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets

Funded status
Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations

Net liabilities

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

(3,930)
3,775 

(155)
(683)

(838)

(3,899)
3,412 

(487)
 (634)

(1,121)

The net retirement benefit obligation is attributable to Aerospace: liability of £171 million (2019: £353 million), Automotive: liability of £693 million 
(2019: £753 million), Powder Metallurgy: liability of £47 million (2019: £48 million), Nortek Air Management: liability of £21 million (2019: 
£28 million), Other Industrial: asset of £30 million (2019: £17 million) and Corporate: asset of £64 million (2019: £44 million).

The plan assets and liabilities at 31 December 2020 were as follows:

Plan assets
Plan liabilities

Net liabilities

UK
 Plans(1)
£m

3,442 
 (3,560)

(118)

US  

Plans
£m

271 
(408)

(137)

European  

Plans
£m

27 
(603)

(576)

Other  
Plans
£m

35 
(42)

(7)

Total
£m

3,775 
(4,613)

(838)

(1)  Includes a net liability in respect of the GKN Group Pension Schemes (Numbers 1 – 3), GKN post-employment medical plans, and the Nortek UK plan, and a net asset in respect of the Brush UK 

Pension Plan, the GKN UK 2016 Pension Plan and the GKN Pension Scheme Number 4. 

Equities
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Property
Insurance contracts
Multi-strategy/Diversified growth funds 
Private equity
Other(1)

Total

(1)  Primarily consists of cash collateral and liability driven investments. 

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

699
1,164
671
96
162
83
175
725

3,775

749 
1,051 
437 
97 
174 
432 
177 
295

3,412 

The assets were well diversified and the majority of plan assets had quoted prices in active markets. All government bonds were issued by 
reputable governments and were generally AA rated or higher. Interest rate and inflation rate swaps were also employed to complement the role 
of fixed and index-linked bond holdings for liability risk management.

The trustees continually review whether the chosen investment strategy is appropriate with a view to providing the pension benefits and to 
ensure appropriate matching of risk and return profiles. The main strategic policies included maintaining an appropriate asset mix, managing 
interest rate sensitivity and maintaining an appropriate equity buffer. Investment results are regularly reviewed.

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations during the year:

At 1 January 
Current service cost
Past service cost/(credit)(1)
Interest cost on obligations
Remeasurement losses/(gains) – demographic
Remeasurement losses – financial
Remeasurement gains – experience
Benefits paid out of plan assets
Benefits paid out of Group assets for unfunded plans
Settlements
Disposal of businesses
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

4,533 
10 
2 
88 
 7 
365 
(178)
(192)
(36)
(7)
– 
21 

4,613 

4,686
12 
(4)
125 
(157)
 569 
(1)
(181)
(28) 
(261)
(175)
(52) 

4,533 

(1) An expense of £2 million was recorded in the year ended 31 December 2020 as a past service cost in respect of the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension (“GMP”) benefits in the UK. This 
was treated as an adjusting item (note 6). A credit of £4 million was recorded in the year ended 31 December 2019 as a past service cost following a curtailment gain on a GKN Germany pension 
scheme. This was treated as an adjusting item in restructuring (note 6). 

The defined benefit plan liabilities were 20% (31 December 2019: 27%) in respect of active plan participants, 27% (31 December 2019: 26%) in 
respect of deferred plan participants and 53% (31 December 2019: 47%) in respect of pensioners.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit plan liabilities at 31 December 2020 was 16.4 years (31 December 2019: 17.1 years).

Movements in the fair value of plan assets during the year:

At 1 January 
Interest income on plan assets
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Contributions
Benefits paid out of plan assets
Plan administrative costs
Settlements
Disposal of businesses 
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 

The actual return on plan assets was a gain of £507 million (2019: £472 million). 

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

3,412 
69 
438 
75 
(192)
(14)
(7)
– 
 (6)

3,775 

 3,273
93 
379 
157 
(181)
(15)
(262)
(20)
(12) 

3,412 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020180
180

181
181

24.   Retirement benefit obligations continued
Income Statement disclosures
Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of these defined benefit plans were as follows:

25.  Financial instruments and risk management
The table below sets out the Group’s accounting classification of each category of financial assets and liabilities and their carrying values at 
31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019:

Continuing operations

Included within operating (loss)/profit:
– current service cost
– past service cost/(credit)(1)
– plan administrative costs
Included within net finance costs:
– interest cost on defined benefit obligations
– interest income on plan assets

Discontinued operations

Included within net finance costs:
– interest cost on defined benefit obligations

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

10 
2 
14

88 
(69)

 12 
(4)
 15

 124 
 (93)

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

–

 1 

(1)  An expense of £2 million was recorded in the year ended 31 December 2020 as a past service cost in respect of the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pension (“GMP”) benefits in the UK. This 
was treated as an adjusting item (note 6). A credit of £4 million was recorded in the year ended 31 December 2019 as a past service cost following a curtailment gain on a GKN Germany pension 
scheme. This was treated as an adjusting item in restructuring (note 6).

Statement of Comprehensive Income disclosures
Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of these defined benefit plans were as follows:

Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Remeasurement (losses)/gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Remeasurement losses arising from changes in financial assumptions
Remeasurement gains arising from experience adjustments

Net remeasurement gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

438 
(7)
(365) 
178 

244 

379 
157 
(569) 
1 

 (32)

Risks and sensitivities 
The defined benefit plans expose the Group to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk and market (investment) risk. 
The Group is not exposed to any unusual, entity specific or plan specific risks.

A sensitivity analysis on the principal assumptions used to measure the plan liabilities at the year end was as follows:

Discount rate

Inflation assumption(1)

Assumed life expectancy at age 65 (rate of mortality)

Decrease/
(increase) to plan 
liabilities
£m

74 
(78)
(46)
48 
(250)
249 

Change in assumption

Increase by 0.1 ppts
Decrease by 0.1 ppts
Increase by 0.1 ppts 
Decrease by 0.1 ppts
Increase by 1 year
Decrease by 1 year

Increase/
(decrease)  
to profit  

before tax
£m

1 
(1)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

(1)  The inflation sensitivity encompasses the impact on pension increases, where applicable.

The sensitivity analysis above was determined based on reasonably possible changes to the respective assumptions, while holding all other 
assumptions constant. There has been no change in the methods and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis from prior years. 

The sensitivities are based on the relevant assumptions and membership profile as at 31 December 2020 and are applied to the obligations at 
the end of the reporting period. Whilst the analysis does not take account of the full distribution of cash flows expected, it does provide an 
approximation to the sensitivity of the assumptions shown. Extrapolation of these results beyond the sensitivity figures shown may not be 
appropriate and the sensitivity analysis presented may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is unlikely 
that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated. 

31 December 2020

Financial assets 
Classified as amortised cost: 
Cash and cash equivalents
Net trade receivables
Classified as fair value:
Investments
Derivative financial assets
  Foreign currency forward contracts
  Embedded derivatives(1)
Financial liabilities
Classified as amortised cost:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Government refundable advances
Lease obligations
Other financial liabilities
Classified as fair value:
Derivative financial liabilities
  Foreign currency forward contracts

Interest rate swaps
  Cross-currency swaps
  Embedded derivatives(1)

31 December 2019 (restated)

Financial assets 
Classified as amortised cost: 
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
Net trade receivables
Classified as fair value:
Investments
Derivative financial assets
  Foreign currency forward contracts

Interest rate swaps

  Embedded derivatives(1)
Assets classified as held for sale
Financial liabilities
Classified as amortised cost:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings(2)
Government refundable advances
Lease obligations
Other financial liabilities
Classified as fair value:
Derivative financial liabilities
  Foreign currency forward contracts

Interest rate swaps
  Cross-currency swaps
  Embedded derivatives(1)
Liabilities associated with assets  
  held for sale

Aerospace
£m 

Automotive
£m

Powder 
Metallurgy
£m

Nortek Air 
Management
£m

Other 
Industrial 
£m

Corporate 
£m

Discontinued
Operations
£m

Total
£m

– 
453

34

– 
13

– 
 (58)
(266)
(564)

– 
– 
– 
(6)

 – 
626

48

– 
 – 
16 
–

– 
(66)
(287)
(741)

– 
– 
– 
(8)

– 

– 
372

– 

1 
–

– 
– 
 (113)
(899)

(4)
– 
– 
 – 

– 
143

–

– 
–

– 
– 
 (59)
(179)

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
173

– 

5 
–

– 
– 
 (90)
(195)

(13)
– 
– 
– 

– 
 87

– 

3 
– 

– 
– 
 (24)
(100)

 – 
– 
– 
– 

– 
402

–
155

– 
141

– 
102 

–

– 
– 
– 
–

–

–
–
–
–

– 
– 
(117)
 (842)

– 
– 
(59)
 (138)

(2) 
– 
– 
– 

– 

–
–
–
–

–

–

2 
– 
– 
–

– 
– 
(89)
(154)

(1)
– 
– 
– 

– 

–

1 
– 
– 
–

– 
– 
(26)
(115)

(1)
– 
– 
– 

– 

311 
– 

–

126 
 – 

(3,091)
– 
 (3)
(53)

(69)
(87)
(89)
– 

512 
– 

–

37 
1 
– 
–

(3,748)
– 
(4) 
(46)

(170)
(60)
(80)
– 

– 

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

– 
– 

–

– 
– 
– 
65

– 
– 
– 
–

– 
– 
– 
–

(46)

311 
1,228

34

135 
13

(3,091)
(58)
(555)
(1,990)

(86)
(87)
(89)
(6)

512 
1,426

48

40 
1 
16 
65 

(3,748)
(66)
(582)
(2,036)

(174)
(60)
(80)
 (8)

(46)

(1)  The embedded derivative is classified as a level 3 fair value under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. 
(2)  As disclosed in note 1, the Group’s cash pooling arrangements have been restated to meet the presentational requirements for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32.

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
Liabilities arising from financing activities, as defined by IAS 7, totalled £4,215 million at 31 December 2019 comprising; external debt of 
£3,553 million (excluding £195 million of bank overdrafts), cross-currency swaps of £80 million and lease obligations of £582 million. During the 
year a cash outflow in those liabilities totalled £674 million as follows: repayment of external debt and cross-currency swaps associated with 
debt of £598 million (note 27) and repayment of principal on lease obligations of £76 million (note 28). Whilst there is a payment of £1 million 
included within the financing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, in respect of costs of raising debt finance, this 
does not affect liabilities arising from financing activities. There is also an increase to liabilities arising from financing activities relating to 
non-cash items totalling £43 million comprising; a reduction in external debt and cross-currency swaps associated with debt of £6 million due 
to changes in foreign exchange rates and an increase in respect of lease obligations of £49 million. As at 31 December 2020, liabilities arising 
from financing activities, as defined by IAS 7, totalled £3,584 million comprising; external debt of £2,940 million (excluding £151 million of bank 
overdrafts), cross-currency swaps of £89 million and lease obligations of £555 million.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
182
182

183
183

25.  Financial instruments and risk management continued
Liabilities arising from financing activities, as defined by IAS 7, totalled £4,011 million at 31 December 2018 comprising; external debt of 
£3,755 million (excluding £96 million of bank overdrafts), cross-currency swaps of £199 million and lease obligations of £57 million. During the 
year a cash outflow in those liabilities totalled £276 million as follows: repayment of external debt and cross-currency swaps associated with 
debt of £206 million (note 27) of which £100 million is recorded as an investing activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and 
repayment of principal on lease obligations of £70 million. Payments of £237 million included within the financing activities section of the 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, in respect of dividends paid to non-controlling interests and to owners of the parent, do not affect 
liabilities arising from financing activities. There is also an increase to liabilities arising from financing activities relating to non-cash items totalling 
£480 million comprising; a reduction in external debt and cross-currency swaps associated with debt of £115 million due to changes in foreign 
exchange rates and other non-cash movements and an increase in respect of lease obligations of £595 million. As at 31 December 2019, 
liabilities arising from financing activities, as defined by IAS 7, totalled £4,215 million comprising; external debt of £3,553 million (excluding 
£195 million of bank overdrafts), cross-currency swaps of £80 million and lease obligations of £582 million.

Fair values
As at 31 December 2020, the £450 million bond maturing in 2022 had a carrying value of £467 million (31 December 2019: £478 million) and a 
fair value of £478 million (31 December 2019: £490 million), and the £300 million bond maturing in 2032 had a carrying value of £305 million 
(31 December 2019: £305 million) and a fair value of £322 million (31 December 2019: £311 million). 

The Directors consider that the other financial assets and liabilities have fair values not materially different to the carrying values.

25.  Financial instruments and risk management continued
Liquidity risk management
Overview of banking facilities 
The Group’s committed bank funding includes: a multi-currency denominated term loan of £100 million and US$960 million that was due to 
mature in April 2021; and a multi-currency denominated revolving credit facility of £1.1 billion, US$2.0 billion and €0.5 billion that matures in 
January 2023. In February 2021, the Group exercised its option to extend the term loan for a further three years to April 2024. Loans drawn 
under this facility are guaranteed by Melrose Industries PLC and certain of its subsidiaries, and there is no security over any of the Group’s 
assets in respect of this facility. 

As at 31 December 2020 the term loan was fully drawn. There remains a significant amount of headroom on the multi-currency committed 
revolving credit facility at 31 December 2020. Applying the exchange rates at 31 December 2020, the headroom equated to £1,632 million 
(31 December 2019: £1,136 million). 

Cash, deposits and marketable securities amounted to £311 million at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019 (restated): £512 million) and are 
offset to arrive at the Group net debt position of £2,847 million (31 December 2019: £3,283 million). Cash and cash equivalents and current 
interest-bearing loans and borrowings have been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no 
impact on net assets. The combination of this cash and the headroom on the revolving credit facility allows the Directors to consider that the 
Group has sufficient access to liquidity for its current needs. The Board takes careful consideration of counterparty risk with banks when 
deciding where to place cash on deposit. 

Credit risk
The Group’s principal financial assets were cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and derivative financial assets which represented the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

Covenants
The committed bank funding has two financial covenants, being a net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant and an interest cover covenant, both 
of which are normally tested half-yearly in June and December. 

The Group’s credit risk on cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial assets was limited because the counterparties were banks with 
strong credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies. Exposure is managed on the basis of risk rating and counterparty limits. 
The value of credit risk in derivative assets has been modelled using publicly available inputs as part of their fair value.

The Group’s credit risk was therefore primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
were net of allowance for expected credit loss, estimated by the Group’s management based on prior experience and their assessment of the 
current economic environment. Note 17 provides further details regarding the recovery of trade receivables.

The following financial assets and liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements:

31 December 2020

Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial assets

Financial assets subject to master netting arrangements 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities subject to master netting arrangements

31 December 2019

Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative financial assets

Financial assets subject to master netting arrangements 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities subject to master netting arrangements

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial assets/
(liabilities)
£m

Gross amounts of 
recognised financial  
assets/(liabilities) 
set off in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

Net amounts of 
financial  
assets/(liabilities) 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

Related amounts 
of financial 
instruments not 
set off in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

338 
148 

486 

(3,118)
(268)

(3,386)

(27)
– 

(27)

27 
– 

27 

311 
148 

459 

(3,091)
(268)

(3,359)

(146) 
(131) 

(277) 

19  
258  

277  

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial assets/
(liabilities)
£m

Gross amounts of 
recognised financial 
assets/(liabilities) 
set off in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

Net amounts of 
financial  
assets/(liabilities) 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

Related amounts 
of financial 
instruments not 
set off in the 
Balance Sheet
£m

512 
57 

569 

(3,748)
(322)

(4,070)

–
–

–

–
–

–

512 
57 

569 

(3,748)
(322)

(4,070)

 (244)
(39)

(283)

–  
283 

283 

Net amount
£m

165 
17 

182 

(3,072)
(10)

(3,082)

Net amount
£m

268 
18 

286 

(3,748)
(39)

(3,787)

Capital risk
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern. 

The capital structure of the Group as at 31 December 2020 consists of net debt, as disclosed in note 27, and equity attributable to the owners 
of the parent, comprising issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

During the year the Group agreed, with its lending banks, a waiver for its net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test as at 31 December 2020 
and 30 June 2021. The Group also renegotiated the net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test level to be 5.25x at 31 December 2021; 4.75x at 
30 June 2022; and 4.0x at 31 December 2022, before returning to 3.5x at 30 June 2023 and onwards. At 31 December 2020 the Group net 
debt leverage was 4.1x.

Similarly, the interest cover bank covenant test was renegotiated such that at 31 December 2020 the test is set at 2.5x; 3.0x at 30 June 2021 
and 31 December 2021; and 3.25x at 30 June 2022, before returning to 4.0x from 31 December 2022 onwards. At 31 December 2020 the 
Group interest cover was 5.1x, affording comfortable headroom.

Following the completion of a material disposal from within the Group, the net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test level would be adjusted 
downwards to be 4.25x at 31 December 2021; 4.0x at 30 June 2022; and 3.75x at 31 December 2022, before returning to 3.5x at 30 June 2023 
and onwards. No such adjustment would be made to the interest cover bank covenant test following a material disposal.

Bonds 
Capital market borrowings as at 31 December 2020, inherited as part of the GKN acquisition, consist of a £450 million bond maturing 
September 2022 and a £300 million bond maturing May 2032. Details of the bonds outstanding at 31 December 2020 are shown in note 20.

The £450 million bond was fully swapped into US$373 million and €284 million by GKN in September 2014 by using a number of cross-
currency swaps. At 31 December 2020, the fair value liability of these cross-currency swaps was £80 million (31 December 2019: £74 million). 

In respect of the cross-currency swaps on the £450 million bond, during the year there was a charge of £1 million (2019: £1 million) recognised 
within the cost of hedge reserve related to the cost of hedging. At 31 December 2020, the cumulative value of the cost of hedging recognised 
within the cost of hedge reserve is £8 million (2019: £7 million).

Working capital 
The Group has a small number of uncommitted working capital programmes, which predominantly relate to the programmes inherited as part 
of the GKN acquisition. These programmes provide favourable financing terms on eligible customer receipts and competitive financing terms to 
suppliers on eligible supplier payments. 

GKN businesses which participate in these customer related finance programmes have the ability to choose whether to receive payment earlier 
than the normal due date, for specific customers on a non-recourse basis. As at 31 December 2020, the drawings on these facilities were 
£314 million (31 December 2019: £200 million), and the net cash benefit in the year was approximately £60 million. 

In addition, some suppliers have access to utilise the Group’s supplier finance programmes, which are provided by a small number of the 
Group’s banks. There is no cost to the Group for providing these programmes to its suppliers. These arrangements do not change the date 
suppliers are due to be paid by the Group, and therefore there is no additional impact on the Group’s liquidity. If the Group exited these 
arrangements there could be a potential impact of up to £32 million (31 December 2019: £37 million) on the Group’s cash flow. These 
programmes allow suppliers to choose whether they want to accelerate the payment of their invoices, by the financing banks, for an interest 
cost which is competitive, based on the credit rating of the Group as determined by the financing banks. The amounts owed to the banks are 
presented in trade payables on the Balance Sheet and the cash flows are presented in cash flows from operating activities. As at 31 December 
2020, total facilities were £250 million (31 December 2019: £161 million) with drawings of £62 million (31 December 2019: £75 million). The 
arrangements do not change the timing of the Group’s cash outflows.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020184
184

185
185

25.   Financial instruments and risk management continued
Hedge of net investments in foreign entities using loans and derivatives
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings together with cross-currency swaps are designated as hedges of net investments in the Group’s 
subsidiaries in the USA and Europe to reduce the exposure to the related foreign exchange risks. 

The value of these were as follows: 

Local borrowing: 
US Dollar
Euro

GKN cross-currency swaps:
US Dollar
Euro

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

1,478
381

273
255

1,731
473

281
241

The foreign exchange movement on the local borrowings, which is recorded in currency translation on net investments within Other 
Comprehensive Income, was a gain of £61 million (2019: £83 million).

The Euro borrowings include US Dollar debt that was swapped into Euros using cross-currency swaps. The fair value of these cross-currency 
swaps was a liability of £9 million (31 December 2019: £6 million). The foreign exchange movement on these cross-currency swaps, which is 
recorded in derivative losses on hedge relationships within Other Comprehensive Income, was a loss of £49 million (2019: £6 million). Net cash 
settlements in the year totalled £46 million (2019: £nil).

The foreign exchange movement on the GKN cross-currency swaps, which is recorded in derivative losses on hedge relationships, was a loss 
of £6 million (2019: gain of £25 million).

Finance cost risk management
Drawdowns under the existing facilities bear interest at interbank rates plus a margin determined by reference to the Group’s performance 
under its debt cover ratio, ranging between 0.75% to 2.0% on the term loan, and 0.95% to 2.25% on the revolving credit facility. As at 
31 December 2020 the margin was 2.0% (31 December 2019: 1.4%) on the term loan and 2.25% (31 December 2019: 1.65%) on the revolving 
credit facility.

The policy of the Board is to hedge approximately 70% of the interest rate exposure of the Group. In addition to the fixed rate bonds inherited as 
part of the GKN acquisition, the Group holds interest rate swap instruments to fix the cost of LIBOR on borrowings under the bank facility. 
Under the terms of the swaps on the bank borrowings and excluding the bank margin, the Group will pay a weighted average fixed cost of 
approximately 2% until the swaps terminate on 17 January 2023.

The average cost of the debt for the Group is expected to be approximately 4.2% over the next 12 months.

The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and were highly effective throughout 2020. The fair value of the contracts as at 
31 December 2020 was a net liability of £87 million (31 December 2019: £59 million). The net charge of £28 million for the year ended 
31 December 2020 (2019: £36 million) being the movement in the year, excluding accrued interest, was booked to derivative losses on hedge 
relationships within Other Comprehensive Income. 

Due to some of the critical terms of the interest rate swaps and the hedged items not being perfectly matched, this could give rise to 
ineffectiveness through the Income Statement in future periods. This is not expected to be material and no ineffectiveness was booked through 
the Income Statement in the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £nil).

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
Assuming the net debt, inclusive of interest rate swaps, held as at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year, a one percentage 
point rise in market interest rates for all currencies would decrease profit before tax by the following amounts: 

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

(1)
(2)
– 

(4) 
(3) 
(1)

On the basis of the floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps in place at the balance sheet date, a one percentage point fall in market interest rates for 
all currencies would decrease Group equity by £35 million (31 December 2019: £51 million).

Exchange rate risk management
The Group trades in various countries around the world and is exposed to movements in a number of foreign currencies. The Group therefore 
carries exchange rate risk that can be categorised into three types, transaction, translation and disposal related risk as described in the 
paragraphs below. The Group’s policy is designed to protect against the majority of the cash risks but not the non-cash risks. 

The most common exchange rate risk is the transaction risk the Group takes when it invoices a customer or purchases from suppliers in a 
different currency to the underlying functional currency of the relevant business. The Group’s policy is to review transactional foreign exchange 
exposures, and place necessary hedging contracts, quarterly on a rolling basis. To the extent the cash flows associated with a transactional 
foreign exchange risk are committed, the Group will hedge 100% at the time the cash flow becomes committed. For forecast and variable cash 
flows, the Group hedges a proportion of the expected cash flows, with the percentage being hedged lowering as the time horizon lengthens. 
The average time horizons are longer for GKN Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy to reflect the long-term nature of the 
contracts within these divisions. Typically, in total the Group hedges around 90% of foreign exchange exposures expected over the next year, 
and approximately 60% to 80% of exposures between one and two years. This policy does not eliminate the cash risk but does bring some 
certainty to it.

25.  Financial instruments and risk management continued
The translation rate risk is the effect on the Group results in the period due to the movement of exchange rates used to translate foreign results 
into Sterling from one period to the next. No specific exchange instruments are used to protect against the translation risk because it is a 
non-cash risk to the Group, until foreign currency is converted to Sterling. However, the Group utilises its multi-currency revolving credit facility 
and cross-currency swaps, where relevant, to maintain an appropriate mix of debt in each currency. The hedge of having debt drawn in these 
currencies funding the trading units with US Dollars or Euro functional currencies protects against some of the Balance Sheet and banking 
covenant translation risk.

Lastly, exchange rate risk arises when a business that is predominantly based in a foreign currency is sold. The proceeds for those businesses 
may be received in a foreign currency and therefore an exchange rate risk may arise on conversion of foreign currency proceeds into Sterling, 
for instance to pay a Sterling dividend or Capital Return to shareholders. Protection against this risk is considered on a case-by-case basis and, 
if appropriate, hedged at the time. 

As at 31 December 2020, the Group held foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate expected exchange rate fluctuations on future cash 
flows from sales to customers and purchases from suppliers. The fair value of all foreign exchange forward contracts across the Group was a 
net asset at 31 December 2020 of £49 million (31 December 2019: net liability of £134 million). A small proportion of these contracts have been 
designated as cash flow hedges within the Nortek Air Management and Other Industrial reporting segments. Contracts where hedge 
accounting was applied had a fair value liability as at 31 December 2020 of £5 million (31 December 2019: asset of £2 million). These contracts 
all mature between January 2021 and November 2023. 

The change in fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts recognised in derivative losses on hedging relationships within Other 
Comprehensive Income was a charge of £16 million (2019: credit of £1 million) and a loss of £6 million (2019: £nil) was reclassified to the Income 
Statement.

Cross-currency swaps are designated as net investment hedges. The critical terms of the hedges are not perfectly matched against the 
hedged item in terms of the cost of hedging; this gives rise to ineffectiveness through the Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 
2020, and could also do so in future reporting periods.

In respect of the cross-currency swaps designated as net investment hedges, for the year ended 31 December 2020, £5 million (2019: 
£7 million) was booked through the Income Statement in finance costs, of which a charge of £2 million (2019: credit of £1 million) was 
reclassified to the Income Statement from Other Comprehensive Income and has been treated as an adjusting item (note 6). The cross-
currency swaps are designated in a net investment hedge accounting relationship against US Dollar and Euro net assets of certain subsidiaries. 
The hedged risk of spot rate represents the significant component of the movement and therefore has been recorded in the foreign currency 
translation reserve (note 26).

The following table shows the maturity profile of undiscounted contracted gross cash outflows of derivative financial liabilities used to manage 
currency risk, being both the cross-currency swaps above and foreign exchange forward contracts used to manage transaction exchange rate risk:

Year ended 31 December 2020
Foreign exchange forward contracts 
Cross-currency swaps

Year ended 31 December 2019
Foreign exchange forward contracts 
Cross-currency swaps

0-1 years
£m

1-2 years
£m

2-5 years
£m

5+ years
£m

712
407

1,104
499

393
553

552
25

374
–

703
547

–
–

42
–

Total
£m

1,479
960

2,401
1,071

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
Currency risks are defined by IFRS 7: “Financial instruments: Disclosures” as the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial asset or 
liability will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

The following table details the transactional impact of hypothetical changes in foreign exchange rates on financial assets and liabilities at the 
balance sheet date, illustrating the increase/(decrease) in Group operating profit caused by a 10% strengthening of the US Dollar and Euro 
against Sterling compared to the year-end spot rate. The analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other foreign currency exchange 
rates, remain constant. The Group operates in a range of different currencies, and those with a notable impact are noted below: 

US Dollar
Euro

Year ended 
31 December
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m

(10)
(2)

3 
(3) 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020186
186

187
187

25.   Financial instruments and risk management continued
The following table details the impact of hypothetical changes in foreign exchange rates on financial assets and liabilities at the balance sheet 
date, illustrating the increase/(decrease) in Group equity caused by a 10% strengthening of the US Dollar and Euro against Sterling. The analysis 
assumes that all other variables, in particular other foreign currency exchange rates, remain constant. 

25.   Financial instruments and risk management continued
Below are the details of the hedging instruments and hedged items in scope of the IFRS 9 amendments due to interest rate benchmark reform 
by hedge type. The terms of hedged items listed match those of the corresponding hedging instruments. 

Hedge type

Instrument type 

Maturing

Notional 

Hedged item

US Dollar
Euro

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

8 
(7)

 15
– 

In addition, the change in equity due to a 10% strengthening of the US Dollar against Sterling for the translation of net investment hedging 
instruments would be a decrease of £178 million (2019: £204 million) and for Euro, a decrease of £65 million (2019: £75 million). However, there 
would be no overall effect on equity because there would be an offset in the currency translation of the foreign operation.

Fair value measurements recognised in the Balance Sheet 
Foreign currency forward contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest rates 
matching the maturities of the contracts.

Interest rate swap and cross-currency swap contracts are measured using yield curves derived from quoted interest and foreign exchange rates. 

Hedge accounted derivatives
The following table sets out details of the Group’s material hedging instruments where hedge accounting is applied at the balance sheet date:

Hedging Instruments

Pay fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps – assets 
Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years

Total

Pay fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps – liabilities
Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years

Total

Pay fixed, receive fixed cross-currency swaps
Within one year
In one to two years
In two to five years

Total

Average fixed rate

Notional principal

2020
%

–
–
–

1.95%
1.98%
1.94%

4.82%
4.82%
–

2019
%

0.96%
0.92%
–

2.04%
2.06%
2.02%

4.86%
4.86%
4.86% 

2020
£m

–
–
–

1,752
1,876
2,079

528
528
–

2019
£m

259
223
–

1,523
1,617
1,889 

522
522
522 

Fair value of assets/
(liabilities)

2020
£m

2019
£m

– 
– 
– 

– 

(2)
–  
(85)

(87)

–  
(80)
– 

(80)

–  
1  
–  

1  

(18) 
 (13)
(29) 

(60)

(1)
(1)
(72) 

(74)

The Group also has cross-currency swaps designated in net investment hedge accounting relationships which convert US Dollar borrowings to 
Euros as discussed in the Hedge of net investments in foreign entities using loans and derivatives section of this note.

The Group is exposed to the following interest rate benchmarks within its hedge accounting relationships, which are subject to interest rate 
benchmark reform: GBP LIBOR, USD LIBOR, EURIBOR (“IBORs”). The hedged items are Sterling, US Dollar and Euro floating rate debt. 

The Group has closely monitored the market and the output from various industry working groups managing the transition to new benchmark 
interest rates. This includes announcements made by LIBOR regulators (including the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the US 
Commodity Trading Futures Commission) regarding the transition away from LIBOR to the Sterling Overnight Indexed Average Rate (“SONIA”), 
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) and Euro Short-Term Rate (“ESTR”) respectively. The FCA has made it clear that, at the end of 
2021, it will no longer seek to persuade, or compel banks to submit to LIBOR. 

In response to the announcements, during the year the Group commenced dialogue with its banking group in respect of IBOR reform, with the 
expectation that the banking facility will transition to updated referenced benchmarked rates prior to the end of 2021. 

Interest rate swaps, pay Sterling fixed annually, 
receive 1 month GBP LIBOR

Interest rate swaps, pay Sterling fixed annually, 
receive 1 month GBP LIBOR

July 2021

£95 million

January 2023

Cash flow 
hedges

Interest rate swaps, pay US Dollar fixed annually, 
receive 3 month US Dollar LIBOR

July 2021

Interest rate swaps, pay 3 month US Dollar LIBOR, 
receive 1 month US Dollar LIBOR 

July 2021

Interest rate swaps, pay US Dollar fixed annually, 
receive 1 month US Dollar LIBOR

Interest rate swaps, pay US Dollar fixed annually, 
receive 1 month US Dollar LIBOR

January 2023

January 2023

Interest rate swaps, pay Euro fixed annually, receive 
1 month EURIBOR

January 2023

Interest rate 0% caps, pay Euro fixed annually, 
receive 1 month EURIBOR

January 2023

€220 million

Variable 
(£30 million – £110 million)

Variable  
($170 million – $265 million) 

Variable  
($170 million – $265 million)

Variable  
($1,100 million – $1,500 million)

Variable  
($450 million – $500 million)

Variable  
(€160 million – €400 million)

Sterling floating rate debt 
linked to LIBOR

US Dollar floating rate debt 
linked to US LIBOR

Euro floating rate debt 
linked to EURIBOR

The Group will continue to apply the amendments to IFRS 9 until the uncertainty arising from the interest rate benchmark reforms with respect 
to the timing and the amount of the underlying cash flows that the Group is exposed to ends. The Group has assumed that this uncertainty will 
not end until the Group’s contracts that reference IBORs are amended to specify the date on which the interest rate benchmark will be 
replaced, the cash flows of the alternative benchmark rate and the relevant spread adjustment. This will, in part, be dependent on the 
introduction of fallback clauses which have yet to be added to the Group’s contracts and the negotiation with lenders. 

Derivative and financial assets and liabilities are presented within the Balance Sheet as:

Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities 

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
£m

101 
47 
(210)
(58)

38  
19  
(216)
(106)

The change in fair value of interest rate swaps is discussed in the Finance Risk Management section.

All hedging instruments are booked in the Balance Sheet as derivative financial assets or derivative financial liabilities. 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) and they are therefore categorised within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy set out in 
IFRS 13: “Fair value measurement”. The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and out of the different fair value hierarchy levels at the date 
the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer to occur. There have been no transfers between levels in the year.

The following table sets out details of the Group’s material hedged items at the balance sheet date where hedge accounting is applied: 

Hedged items
Floating rate borrowings – interest risk
Net assets of designated investments

Change in fair value for  
calculating ineffectiveness

Balance in translation  
and hedging reserve  
for continuing hedges

Balance in translation  
and hedging reserve  
for discontinued hedges

2020
£m

28
3

2019
£m

36
27

2020
£m

70
63

2019
£m

42
60

2020
£m

7
–

2019
£m

–
–

There is no balance held in cash flow hedge reserve from hedging relationships for which hedge accounting is no longer applied. During the 
year, at the request of one of its financial counterparties, the Group novated one of its interest rate swaps to another of its financial 
counterparties, which had the initial effect of leaving a £9 million debit in the translation and hedging reserve for the discontinued hedge, 
reducing to £7 million by 31 December 2020. The remaining value in reserves will be charged to the Income Statement over the remaining life of 
the cash flows to January 2023, reflecting the cash flow profile on which the hedge had been originally designated.

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020188
188

189
189

26.   Issued share capital and reserves

27.   Cash flow statement

Share Capital

Allotted, called-up and fully paid

4,858,254,963 (31 December 2019: 4,858,254,963) Ordinary Shares of 48/7p each  

(31 December 2019: 48/7p each)

12,831 (31 December 2019: 12,831) 2017 Incentive Plan Shares of £1 each(1)

31 December
2020
£m

31 December
2019
 £m

333

–

333

333

–

333

(1)  Following the crystallisation of the 2017 Incentive Plan on 31 May 2020 for £nil, the 2017 Incentive Plan shares will be re-designated as deferred shares and cancelled by the Company. 

The rights associated with each class of share are described in the Directors’ Report.

Merger reserve and Other reserves
The Merger reserve represents the excess of fair value over nominal value of shares issued in consideration for the acquisition of subsidiaries. 
Other reserves comprise accumulated adjustments in respect of Group reconstructions.

Translation and hedging reserve
In order to provide useful information about the Group’s hedging arrangements, the translation reserve and hedging reserve are combined. 
Including the different components of hedging in one place enables a clearer explanation of the three components of hedging. These 
components are disaggregated below with movements within Other Comprehensive Income during the year shown below and further 
explanation provided in note 25.

Reconciliation of operating (loss)/profit to net cash from operating activities generated by 

continuing operations

Operating (loss)/profit
Adjusting items

Adjusted operating profit
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of computer software and development costs
Share of adjusted operating profit of equity accounted investments
Restructuring costs paid and movements in provisions
Defined benefit pension contributions paid(1)
Change in inventories
Change in receivables
Change in payables
Acquisition costs and associated transaction taxes
Tax paid
Interest paid on loans and borrowings
Interest paid on lease obligations

Net cash from operating activities 

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

Notes

6

6

15

(338)
678 

340

435 
57 
(62)
(150)
(111)
187 
250 
(13)
– 
– 
(144)
(21)

768 

318  
784  

1,102

 434  
 64  
(66)
(320)
(183)
 (12)
72  
(2) 
(16)
(117)
(166)
(21)

769 

Cost of hedge 
reserve  

Cash flow hedge 
reserve  

Foreign currency 
translation 
reserve  

Translation  
and hedging 
reserve  

(1)  In the year ended 31 December 2019, the Company made one-off contributions of £111 million, being the £94 million balance of the £150 million upfront commitment on acquisition of GKN, and a 

£17 million contribution following the disposal of the Walterscheid Powertrain Group. 

At 1 January 2019

Movements within other comprehensive income/(expense):
Retranslation of net assets
Foreign exchange differences on borrowings hedging net assets 
Associated deferred tax
Change in fair value of derivatives designated in net investment hedges
Associated deferred tax
Change in fair value of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges
Amounts reclassified to the Income Statement
Associated deferred tax
Net movement in cost of hedging 

At 31 December 2019

Movements within other comprehensive income/(expense):
Retranslation of net assets
Foreign exchange differences on borrowings hedging net assets 
Associated deferred tax
Change in fair value of derivatives designated in net investment hedges
Associated deferred tax
Change in fair value of derivatives designated in cash flow hedges
Associated deferred tax
Amounts reclassified to the Income Statement

At 31 December 2020

£m

(6)

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(1)

(7)

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(1)

(8)

£m

(5)

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
(35)
–  
6  
–  

(34)

–  
–  
–  
–  
– 
(44)
9 
6 

(63)

£m

506 

(451)
83  
(3)
19  
(22)
–  
(13)
–  
–  

119  

(87)
61 
–  
(55)
– 
– 
– 
3 

41 

£m

495 

(451)
83  
(3)
19  
(22)
(35)
(13)
6  
(1)

78  

(87)
61 
– 
(55)
– 
(44)
9 
8 

(30)

The cash flow hedge reserve represents the cumulative fair value gains and losses on derivatives for which cash flow hedge accounting has 
been applied. Movements and balances on derivatives designated in net investment hedges are shown as part of the foreign currency 
translation reserve.

The foreign currency translation reserve contains exchange differences on the translation of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than 
Sterling, together with gains and losses on the translation of liabilities and cumulative fair value gains and losses on derivatives that hedge the 
Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries.

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts
Cash and cash equivalents per Balance Sheet
Bank overdrafts included within current interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 20)
Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts per Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flow information relating to discontinued operations is as follows:

Cash flow from discontinued operations

Net cash used in discontinued operations
Defined benefit pension contributions paid
Interest paid on lease obligations
Tax paid

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Disposal costs 

Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations

Repayment of principal under lease obligations 

Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations 

31 December 
2020  
£m
311 
(151)
160 

31 December 
2019  
£m
512 
(195)
 317 

Year ended  

31 December

 2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

(3)
– 
– 
 (1)

(4)

(2)
– 

(2)

(1)

(1)

(16)
(2)
(1)
(1) 

 (20)

(12)
(3)

(15)

(2)

(2)

Net debt reconciliation
Net debt consists of interest-bearing loans and borrowings (excluding any acquisition related fair value adjustments), cross-currency swaps  
and cash and cash equivalents. Currency denominated balances within net debt are translated to Sterling at swapped rates where hedged by 
cross-currency swaps. 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
190
190

27.   Cash flow statement continued
Net debt is considered to be an alternative performance measure as it is not defined in IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is the 
aggregate of interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) and cash and cash equivalents. A reconciliation from the most 
directly comparable IFRS measure to net debt is given below:

28.  Commitments continued 
The table below shows the key components in the movement in lease obligations. 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – due within one year
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – due after one year

External debt
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents

Adjustments:
Impact of cross-currency swaps
Non-cash acquisition fair value adjustments

Net debt

31 December 
2020  
£m

Restated(1)
31 December 
2019  
£m

(165)
(2,926)

(3,091)
311 

(2,780)

(89)
22 

(284)
(3,464)

(3,748)

512 

(3,236)

(80)
33 

(2,847)

 (3,283)

(1)  Cash and cash equivalents and current interest-bearing loans and borrowings have been restated to meet the requirements of IAS 32 as further described in note 1. This has had no impact on net 

debt. 

The table below shows the key components of the movement in net debt:

External debt (excluding bank overdrafts)
Cross-currency swaps
Non-cash acquisition fair value adjustments

Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts

Net debt

28.  Commitments 
Amounts payable under lease obligations:

Minimum lease payments

Amounts payable:
Within one year
After one year but within five years 
Over five years
Less: future finance charges

Present value of lease obligations

Analysed as:
Amounts due for settlement within one year 
Amount due for settlement after one year 

Present value of lease obligations 

At  
31 December 
2019 
£m

(3,553)
(80)
33  

(3,600)

317  

(3,283)

Cash flow 
£m

Acquisitions  
and disposals 
£m 

 Other non-cash 
movements 
£m

552 
46 
– 

598 

(149)

449 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(11)

(11)

– 
– 
(11)

(11)

– 

(11)

 Effect of foreign 
exchange  

£m

61 
(55)
– 

6 

3 

9 

At  
31 December 
2020 
£m

(2,940)
(89)
22 

(3,007)

160 

(2,847)

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

101 
239 
325 
(110)

555 

81 
474 

555 

91  
235  
375  
(119)

582  

71  
511  

582  

It is the Group’s policy to lease certain of its property, plant and equipment. The average lease term is 10 years. Interest rates are fixed at the 
contract date. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments. 

The Group’s obligations under lease arrangements are secured by the lessors’ rights over the leased assets.

Certain leases within the Group contain extension or termination options to allow for flexibility within these lease agreements. Where these 
options are not reasonably certain to be exercised they are not included in the lease obligation. The value of these associated undiscounted 
cash flows is £277 million.

191

£m

582 
56 
21 
14 
(76)
(21)
(20)
(1)

555 

At 31 December 2019
Additions 
Interest charge
Reassessment of lease obligation
Payment of principal
Payment of interest
Disposals
Exchange adjustments 

At 31 December 2020

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2020, there were commitments of £106 million (31 December 2019: £164 million) relating to the acquisition of new plant  
and machinery.

29.   Related parties
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed 
in this note. Sales to and purchases from Group companies are priced on an arm’s length basis and generally are settled on 30 day terms. 

In the ordinary course of business sales and purchases of goods take place between subsidiaries and equity accounted investment  
companies priced on an arm’s length basis. Sales by subsidiaries to equity accounted investments in the year ended 31 December 2020 
totalled £23 million (2019: £12 million). Purchases by subsidiaries from equity accounted investments in the year ended 31 December 2020 
totalled £7 million (2019: £7 million). At 31 December 2020, amounts receivable from equity accounted investments totalled £9 million 
(31 December 2019: £5 million) and amounts payable to equity accounted investments totalled £1 million (31 December 2019: £1 million). 

Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the Directors, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the 
categories specified in IAS 24: “Related party disclosures”. Further information about the remuneration of individual Directors is provided  
in the audited part of the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 114 and 123.

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

3
7

10

4
9

13

30.   Contingent liabilities
As a result of acquisitions made by the Group, certain contingent legal and warranty liabilities have been identified as part of the fair value review 
of these acquisition balance sheets. Whilst it is difficult to reasonably estimate the timing and ultimate outcome of these claims, the Directors’ 
best estimate has been included in the Balance Sheet where they existed at the time of acquisition and hence were recognised in accordance 
with IFRS 3: “Business combinations”. Where a provision has been recognised, information regarding the different categories of such liabilities 
and the amount and timing of outflows is included within note 21.

Given the nature of the Group’s business many of the Group’s products have a large installed base, and any recalls or reworks related to such 
products could be particularly costly. The costs of product recalls or reworks are not always covered by insurance. Recalls or reworks may have 
a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

The Group has contingent liabilities representing guarantees and contract bonds given in the ordinary course of business on behalf of trading 
subsidiaries. No losses are anticipated to arise on these contingent liabilities. The Group does not have any other significant contingent liabilities. 

Notes to the Financial StatementsContinuedMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020192

Company Balance Sheet for Melrose Industries PLC

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet

193

Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiaries

Debtors:
  Amounts falling due within one year
  Amounts falling due after one year
Creditors:
  Amounts falling due within one year

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities 

Provisions

Net assets

Capital and reserves 
Issued share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Retained earnings

Shareholders’ funds

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

Notes

3

4
4

5

6

7

10,579 

10,573  

425 
29

(2,041)

(1,587)

8,992 

(1)

8,991 

333 
8,138 
109 
411 

8,991 

413  
25 

(2,016)

(1,578)

8,995  

(3)

8,992  

333  
8,138  
109  
412  

8,992  

The Company reported a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 of £15 million (2019: loss of £10 million). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 4 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Geoffrey Martin
Group Finance Director

4 March 2021

Registered number: 09800044

Simon Peckham 
Chief Executive 

4 March 2021

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

At 1 January 2019 

Loss for the year (note 2)

Total comprehensive expense
Dividends paid
Equity-settled share-based payments

At 31 December 2019

Loss for the year (note 2)

Total comprehensive expense
Equity-settled share-based payments

At 31 December 2020

Issued share 
capital  

Share premium 
account  

£m

333

–

–
–
–

£m

8,138

–

–
–
–

333

8,138

–

–
–

–

–
–

333

8,138

Merger reserve 
£m

109

–

–
–
–

109

–

–
–

109

Retained 
earnings  

£m

640 

(10)

(10)
(231)
 13  

412  

(15)

(15)
14 

411 

Shareholders’ 
funds  
£m

9,220 

(10)

(10)
(231)
13  

8,992  

(15)

(15)
14 

8,991 

Refer to the Section 172 statement in the Strategic Report on pages 54 to 57 for further details on the Company’s Distribution Policy.

1.  Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
Melrose Industries PLC (“the Company”) is a public company limited by shares. The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the 
Companies Act 2006 and registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given on the back cover. The nature of the 
Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 87.

The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 
(FRS 102) issued by the Financial Reporting Council. 

The functional currency of Melrose Industries PLC is considered to be pounds Sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the Company operates. 

Melrose Industries PLC meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 102 and has therefore taken advantage of the disclosure 
exemptions available to it in respect of its separate Financial Statements. Melrose Industries PLC is consolidated in its Group Financial 
Statements. Exemptions have been taken in these separate Company Financial Statements in relation to share-based payments, presentation 
of a cash flow statement, the remuneration of key management personnel and financial instruments. 

The principal accounting policies are consistent with the prior year and are summarised below. 

Going concern
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors consider that adequate resources exist for the 
Company to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The Group’s liquidity and funding arrangements are described in the Finance Director’s Review. There is significant liquidity headroom in excess 
of £1.6 billion at 31 December 2020 and sufficient headroom throughout the going concern forecast period. There has been a greater focus on 
forecast covenant compliance which is considered further below.

Covenants
The Group’s banking facility has two financial covenants being a net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant and an interest cover covenant, both of 
which are tested half yearly in June and December. The net debt to adjusted EBITDA covenant test was originally set at 3.5x and the interest 
cover covenant was originally set at 4.0x for each of the half yearly measurement dates for the remainder of the term of the facility.

Due to the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on certain of the Group’s businesses, it was necessary to formally renegotiate the financial covenants 
with lending banks. The revised financial covenants during the period of assessment for going concern are as follows:

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA

Interest cover

31 December 
2020

Waived

2.5x

30 June 
2021

Waived

3.0x

31 December 
2021

5.25x

3.0x

Testing
The Group has modelled two scenarios in its assessment of going concern; a base case and a reasonably possible sensitised case.

The base case takes into account the estimated impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as other end market and operational factors 
throughout the going concern period and has been monitored against the actual results and cash generation in the year. Due to the severe 
impact on trading during the second quarter of 2020, along with ways of working to accommodate social distancing and other regulations in 
factories, it is difficult to estimate with precision the impact on the Group’s prospective financial performance although improvements were seen 
in certain businesses within the Group in the second half of 2020.

The reasonably possible sensitised case models a reduction in sales in 2021 and the first half of 2022 compared to the base case. A 5% 
decline in revenue in 2021 and 9% decline in H1 2022 over and above the base case has been included, taking into account the different 
businesses and geographies affected, with an impact on adjusted operating profit of between 27% and 41% of absolute revenue changes. This 
does not take into account the potential outcome of further factory closures for any significant length of time.

Under the reasonably possible sensitised case, no covenant is breached at any of the forecast testing dates being; 30 June 2021 and 
31 December 2021, with the testing at 30 June 2022 also favourable, and the Group will not require any additional sources of finance. 

The reasonably possible sensitised case has also been used as a ‘reverse stress test’ to consider the point at which the covenants may be 
breached. This reverse stress test indicates that a significant reduction in sales, beyond what is considered reasonable, would be required in 
order to breach covenants. In this remote situation, management could take further mitigating actions to protect profits and conserve cash, 
including reducing capital expenditure to minimum maintenance levels. Annual adjusted operating profit would need to fall by c.£150 million 
from that achieved in the year ended 31 December 2020 or by c.£350 million from the annualised amount achieved in the second half of the 
year, before a covenant breach would occur in the assessment period.

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment. 

For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured by 
reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus fair value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored. 

Impairment of assets
Assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is 
recognised in profit or loss as described below.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
 
194

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
Continued

195195

1.  Significant accounting policies continued
Non-financial assets
An asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated 
recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value 
in use. 

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is 
reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than 
the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 
Financial liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. 

Financial assets and liabilities
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs).

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the Balance Sheet when, and only when, there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the 
recognised amounts and the Company intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when, and only when, a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, 
b) the Company transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the Company, 
despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party. 

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Share-based payments
The Company issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. The required disclosures are included in the Group 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of 
grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting 
conditions.

Fair value is measured by use of the Black-Scholes pricing model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on the 
Directors’ best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Where equity-settled share-based payments are made available to employees of the Company’s subsidiaries, these are treated as increases in 
equity over the vesting period of the award with a corresponding increase in the Company’s investment in subsidiaries.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions 
or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred. Timing differences are 
differences between the Company’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the Financial Statements that arise from the inclusion of gains 
and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the Financial Statements. 

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an 
outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount 
of the obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at 
a rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where 
discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
There were no critical accounting judgements that would have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Parent Company Financial 
Statements or key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date that would have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. 

2.  Result for the year
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has elected not to present its own Profit and Loss Account for the year. 
Melrose Industries PLC reported a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 of £15 million (2019: loss of £10 million).

The auditor’s remuneration for audit services to the Company is disclosed in note 7 to the Group Consolidated Financial Statements.

Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 110 to 126. There were no other employees of the 
Company in the year. 

3.  Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 January 2020
Additions

At 31 December 2020

£m

10,573
6

10,579

A £6 million investment from equity-settled share-based payments for subsidiaries is included as an addition to investments in subsidiaries at 31 December 
2020. Further details on the Group’s share-based payment schemes are included in note 23 to the Group Consolidated Financial Statements.

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued
The Company evaluates its investments in subsidiary undertakings annually for any indicators of impairment. The Company considers the 
relationship between its market capitalisation and the carrying value of its investments, among other factors, when reviewing for indicators of 
impairment. As at 31 December 2020, the market capitalisation of the Company of £8,650 million was below the carrying value of its investment 
(£10,579 million) net of intercompany positions (£1,616 million) indicating a potential impairment, along with the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on 
certain of the Group’s businesses. 

The recoverable amount of the investment has been determined using the information set out in Note 11 to the Group Consolidated Financial 
Statements and is in excess of its carrying value.

The following subsidiaries and significant holdings were owned by the Company as at 31 December 2020:

Argentina
Avenida Del Libertador 602, 4’ Piso, Buenos Aires
Transmisiones Homocineticas Argentinas SA (in liquidation)
Australia 
Unit 6, 256-258 Leitchs Road, Brendale, Queensland, 4500
Bristol Meci Australasia Pty Limited
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Pty Limited
45-49 McNaughton Road, Clayton Victoria, 3168
Unidrive Pty Ltd (in liquidation)
Level 16, 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Ergotron Australia Pty Ltd
Belgium
Robert Klingstraat 96 box A, 8940 Wervik
Nortek Global HVAC Belgium NV
Brazil 
Cicada de Vitoria, Estado do Espirio Santo, na Av. Nossa, Senhora da Penha, 520, Sala 404,  
Praia do Canto, 29055-131 
Nordyne do Brasil Participações Ltda
Av. Alfredo Ignácio Noqueira Penido, 335 – Sala 1103 – Edifício Madison Power, São José dos Campos, 
SP, 12246-000
GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems do Brasil Ltda
Rua Joaquim Silveira 557, Parque Sao Sebastiao, 91060-320 Porto Alegre, RS
GKN do Brasil Ltda
Av. da Emancipacao no. 4.500, CEP 13.184-542, Bairro Santa Esmeralda, Hortolandia, Sao Paulo
GKN Sinter Metals Ltda
British Virgin Islands
Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1, P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola VG1110
Nortek Trading Limited
Canada
600-1134 Grande Allée Ouest, Quebec, G1S 1E5
Brush Canada Services Inc./Services Brush Canada Inc.
Fokker Elmo Canada Inc.
Innergy Tech, Inc.
Nortek Air Solutions Quebec, Inc
44 Chipman Hill Suite 1000 Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 2A9
2GIG Technologies Canada, Inc.
Queen’s Marque 600-1741 Lower Water Street, Halifax, N.S. B3J 0J2
Ergotron Canada Corporation
3489 Allan Dr SW, Edmonton AB T6W 3GS
Venmar Ventilation ULC

1500-1874 Scarth Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 4E9
Nortek Air Solutions Canada, Inc.
7 Michigan Boulevard, St. Thomas, Ontario
GKN Sinter Metals – St. Thomas, Ltd.
China
Room 1108, Binjiang International Building, No.88 Tonggang Road, Changshu Economic and 
Technological Development Zone, Jiangsu Province, 21550 
Brush Electrical Machines (Changshu) Co. Limited 
2025, 2031 2nd Floor, Tower C., 155 West Fute Road, Waigaoqi Bonded Zone Shanghai, 200131
FKI Engineering Shanghai Limited
No. 6 Zone, Daxin Group, Zhongkai Hi-tech District, Huizhou
Guangdong Broan IAQ Systems Co. Limited
The 3rd Industry Area, Juzhou Shijie, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523290
Dongguan Ergotron Precision Technology Co Limited
Room 2913 and 2914, Taiwan Merchants Building, 11th Dongguan Avenue, Dongcheng, Dongguan, 
Guangdong Province
Dongguan Ergotron Precision Technology Design Services Co., Limited
Unit 1801-1809, Tower 2, Kingliton Financial Center, No. 1100 Xingye Road, Haiwang Community, Xin’an 
Sub-district, Baoan District, Shenzhen
Linear Electronics (Shenzhen) Limited

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

49

Ordinary B(1)

100
100

100

100

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

100

Common

100

100

100

Quota capital

Common

Common

100

Ordinary

100
100
100
100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Common stock
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Class A Common

Ordinary

Common
Class A Special

Ordinary

Common stock

Registered investment

Ordinary

Ordinary

Registered investment

100

Registered investment

100

Ordinary

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
196
196

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
Continued

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

197
197

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

Room 22D2, 22D3, No.895 South Yan’an Rd, Changning District, Shanghai
Nortek (Shanghai) Trading Co Limited
No 71 Xiangyun Road, Langfang Economic & Technical Development Zone, Langfang
Fokker Elmo (Langfang) Electrical Systems Co. Ltd
On the north of 1500 meters, Wuping Dong Road, Shengfang Town, Bazhou City, Hebei Province
GKN (Bazhou) Metal Powder Company Limited
Unit A, 6/F, Building A1#, No. 2555 Xiupu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201315
GKN China Holding Co Ltd
18 North Shitan Road, North Industrial Park, Development Zone, Danyang, Jiangsu, 212310
GKN Danyang Industries Company Limited
No. 1 Cuigu, Northern New Zone, Chongqing, 401122
GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems (Chongqing) Co. Ltd
1 Xinwang Road, Jingjiang Economic and Technic Development Zone, Jingjiang, Jiangsu
GKN Aerospace (Jingjiang) Co., Ltd
No.8 Kangmin Road, Yizheng
GKN Sinter Metals Yizheng Co Ltd
Xiguo Industrial Zone, Mengzhou City, Henan Province, 454750
GKN Zhongyuan Cylinder Liner Company Limited
Zijin Kechuang Center 4 Level, 416 Room, Economy Development Zone, Lishui, Nanjing
Nanjing FAYN Piston Ring Company Limited
898 Kangshen Road, Pudong, Shanghai
Shanghai GKN Driveline Sales Co Ltd
950 KangQiao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Shanghai GKN HUAYU Driveline Systems Company Limited
Room 805, 8th floor, Building 2, No. 1859, Shibo Avenue, Shanghai
GKN Aerospace (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Colombia 
1301, 13/F Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central
MiOS Colombia (in liquidation) 
Calle 32 No. 15 – 23 Barrio Rincon de Girón, Girón Santander
Transejes Transmisiones Homocineticas de Colombia SA
Czech Republic
Edvarda Beneše 564/39, Doudlevce, 301 00 Plzen
Brush SEM s.r.o.
France
Boulevard De L Europe, BP 177 91006 Evry-Courcouronnes CEDEX
Arianespace Participation S.A.
12 Quai du Commerce 69009 Lyon
Ergotron France SARL
Zl de Rosarge, 230 Rue de la Dombes, Les Echets, 01700, Mirabel
Nortek Global HVAC France SAS
7 rue de la Briqueterie, 02240 Ribemont
GKN Driveline Ribemont SARL
100 Avenue Vanderbilt, 78955 Carrieres-sous-Poissy
GKN Automotive SAS
GKN Driveline SA
GKN Freight Services EURL
765 rue Albert Einstein, CS 70402, 13591 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3
NH Industries SAS
20 rue Lavoisier, 95300 Pontoise
GKN Aerospace France SARL
Germany
c/o Meier & Collegen GmbH, Teichhorn 4-6, 24119, Kronshagen
Ergotron Deutschland GmbH
Brunhamstr. 21, 81249, Munich
GKN Aerospace Deutschland GmbH
Carl-Legien-Strasse 10, 63073 Offenbach am Main
GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
Hauptstrasse 130, 53797 Lohmar
GKN Driveline International GmbH
Hafenstrasse 41, 54293 Trier
GKN Driveline Trier GmbH
Nussbaumweg 19-21 51503, Rosrath
GKN Driveline Service GmbH
Opelkreisel 1-9, 67663 Kaiserslautern
GKN Gelenkwellenwerk Kaiserslautern GmbH
Krebsoege 10, 42477 Radevormwald
GKN Powder Metallurgy Holding GmbH
GKN Sinter Metals Engineering GmbH

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

100

100

40

100

100

9

100

100

59

Ordinary

Registered investment

Registered investment

Registered investment

Registered investment

Ordinary

Registered investment

Registered investment

Registered investment

19.79

Registered investment

49

50

Ordinary

Registered investment

100

Ordinary

42

49

Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

1.6110

Ordinary

100

100

100

100
99.99
100

5.5

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100
100

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Pennefeldsweg 11-15, 53177, Bonn
GKN Sinter Metals Components GmbH
Dahlienstrasse 43, 42477 Radevormwald
GKN Sinter Metals Filters GmbH Radevormwald
Industriestr. 1, 97769 Bad Brückenau 
GKN Sinter Metals & Forge Operations GmbH
Am Fliegerhorst 9, 99947 Bad Langensalza
GKN Sinter Metals GmbH, Bad Langensalza
Peterstrasse 69, 42499, Hueckeswagen
Hoeganaes Corporation Europe GmbH
Hong Kong 
31/F, Tower Two, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Linear HK Manufacturing Limited
Citicorp Centre, STE 1607-8, 18 Whitfield Road, Causeway Bay
MiOS Limited (in liquidation)
India
Block 2A No. 311, NPR Complex. Survey No 197, Hoody Village, K R Puram Hobli, Whitefield Road, 
Bangalore - 560048, Karnataka
Fokker Elmo SASMOS Interconnection Systems Limited
270, Sector-24, Faridabad 121 005, Haryana
GKN Driveline (India) Limited
146 Mumbai Pune Road, Pimpri, Pune 411 018
GKN Sinter Metals Private Limited
Shop No. 002, Lumkad Sky Vista, S. No. 230/AViman Naga/3/2, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra, 411014
GKN Fokker Elmo India Private Limited
135, 2nd Floor, RMZ Titanium, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, 560 017
GKN Aerospace Engine Systems India Private Limited
Office No. 301-308, 3rd Floor, Pride Silicon Plaza Survey No 106A, Nr Chaturshringi Temple, S.B. Road, 
Pune, Maharashtra, 411016
IntelliVision Technologies Private Limited
Ireland
3rd Floor, Kilmore House, Park Lane, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1
Nortek Air Solutions (Ireland) Limited
Isle of Man
c/o Willis Management (Isle of Man) Ltd, Tower House, Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2LZ
Ipsley Insurance Limited
Italy
Via dei Campi della Rienza 8, 39031 Brunico, BZ
GKN Driveline Brunico SpA
GKN Italia SpA
Via Fratelli Cervi 1, 50013 Campi Bisenzio, FI
GKN Driveline Firenze SpA
Via Delle Fabbriche 5, 39031 Brunico, BZ, Italy
GKN Sinter Metals SpA
Japan
Tokyo Club Building 11F, 3-2-6 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013 
Ergotron Japan KK
2388 Ohmiya-cho, Tochigi City, 328-8502 Tochigi
GKN Driveline Japan Ltd
GKN Driveline Tochigi Holdings KK
Senri Life Science Centre Building. 12F, 1-4-2 Shin Senri Higashi-machi, Toyonaka-shi, Osaka
GKN Powder Metallurgy Japan K.K.
Jersey
JTC House, 28 The Esplanade, St. Helier, JE2 3QA
GKN Finance Limited
Korea
53 3Gongdan2-ro, Seobuk-gu, CheonAn-si, Chungcheongnam-do
GKN Driveline Korea Limited
Malaysia
10th Floor, Menara Hap Seng, No.1 & 3, Jalan P. Ramless, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
GKN Engine Systems Component Repair Sdn Bhd.
Suite A, Level 9, Wawasan Open University, 54, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, Pulau, 10050, Penang
GKN Driveline Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Malta
A18b, Industrial Estate, Marsa, 3000
Mediterranean Power Electric Company Limited

100

100

100

100

100

100

42

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

49

Ordinary

97.03

Ordinary

100

100

100

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

99.99

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

100
100

100

100

100

100
100

100

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

100

Common stock

100

Ordinary

68.42

Ordinary

26

A Ordinary(3)

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
198
198

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
Continued

199
199

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

Mexico 
Calle Vinedos 4500, Parque Industrial El Bajio, Tecate, Baja California, 21430
Broan Building Products-Mexico S de RL de CV
Calle Washinton 3701, interior 18, Complejo Industrial Las Americas, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, C.P. 31114
FAE Aerostructures SA de CV
Av. CFE No. 709, Parque Industrial Millennium, San Luis Potosi S.L.P 78395
GKN Aerospace San Luis Potosi S. de R.L. de C.V. (in liquidation)
Carretera Panamericana km 284, Celaya, Guanajuato, C.P. 38110
GKN Driveline Celaya SA de CV
GKN Driveline Mexico Services SA de CV 
GKN Driveline Mexico Trading SA de CV 
Carretera Alterna Celaya Villagrán Km 11, Col. El Pintor, Villagrán, Guanajuato, C.P. 38260
GKN Driveline Villagran SA de CV
Av. Constituyentes Pte. 206, int 607 B, col., El Jacal, Queretaro, C.P. 76187 
GKN Sinter Metals Mexico S. De. R.L. De. C.V.
GKN Sinter Metals Mexico (Services) S. De. R.L. De. C.V.
Calle Profesor Rodolfo Gonzalez 100, Colonia Jardines de la Victoria, Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, CP 67119 
Manufactura e Innovacion Monterrey, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Avenida San Angel 240, numero interior 2, Colonia Valle San Agustin, C.P. 25215, Coahulia de Zaragoza
Manufacturas Avanzadas Ramsal, S. de. R.L. de C.V.
The Netherlands
Beeldschermweg 3, 3821 AH Amersfoort
Ergotron Nederland BV
Schaardijk 372 5th Floor, Building 2 2909LA Capelle aan den Ijssel
Brush HMA BV
Luna Arena, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM, Amsterdam
Nortek Holding BV
Nortek International Holdings BV
Ridderkerk Property 1 BV
Aviolandalaan 37, 4631 RP, Hoogerheide
Business Park Aviolanda B.V.
Markt 22, 3351 PB, Papendrecht
Fabriek Slobbengors Beheer B.V. 
Fabriek Slobbengors C.V. 
Hoofdkantoor Slobbengors Beheer B.V.
Kantoor Industrieweg C.V. 
Aviolandalaan 31, 4631 RP, Hoogerheide
Fokker Aircraft Services B.V.
Fokker Techniek BV
Aviolandalaan 33, Hoogerheide, 4631 RP
Fokker Elmo B.V.
Grasbeemd 28, 5705 DG, Helmond
Fokker Landing Gear B.V.
Industrieweg 4, 3351 LB, Papendrecht
Cooperative Delivery of Retrokits (CDR) V.O.F.
Fokker Procurement Combination B.V.
Structural Laminates Industries B.V.
Fokker Technologies Group B.V. 
Fokker Technologies Holding B.V. 
Fokker Technology B.V. 
GKN Aerospace Netherlands B.V. 
Fokker Engineers & Contractors B.V.
Fokker Aerospace B.V.
Fokker Aerostructures B.V. 
Fokker (CDR) B.V.
Hoeksteen 40, 2132 MS, Hoofddorp
Fokker Services B.V.
11th Floor, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT
GKN UK Holdings BV
Norway
Kirkegårdsveien 45, 3616 Kongsberg
GKN Aerospace Norway AS 
Kongsberg Technology Training Centre AS 
Kongsberg Terotech AS 
Oman
Street 14, Nizwa Industrial Estate, P.O Box 1896 PC112, Ruwi
Brush Middle East LLC

100

100

100

99.86
98
98

98

100
100

100

100

100

100

100
100
100

20

49
49
49
49

100
100

100

100

50
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100
33.33
50

Registered investment

Ordinary

Fixed equity

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Membership interest
Membership interest

Membership interest

Membership interest

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary(4)
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

A Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

70

Membership interest

Poland
Ul. B. Krzywoustego 31 G, 56-400 Oles´ nica,
GKN Driveline Polska Sp z o o 
Portugal
Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa, 1131, 4150-360, Porto
GKN Automotive Portugal, Limitada
Romania
Str. Condorilor 9, 600302, Bacau
FOAR S.R.L. 
Hermes Business Campus, Dimitrie Pompeiu Blvd 5-7, Building 2, 3rd floor Bucharest 020337 RO, 
Bucures¸ ti 077190
Fokker Engineering Romania S.R.L. 
33 Urziceni Street, Buzau 120226 
Hoeganaes Corporation Europe SA 
Russian Federation
Nizhniy Novgorod, 77 Ulitsa Gorkogo, Premises P6
IntelliVision Limited
Saudi Arabia
P.O. Box 2091, Riyadh 11451 
Huntair Arabia
Singapore
1800 West Camp Road, Seletar Aerospace Park
Fokker Services Asia Pte Ltd
38 Beach Road #29-11, South Beach Tower, 189767
Nortek Air Solutions Pte. Ltd
Slovenia
Rudniska cesta 20, Zrece 3214
GKN Driveline Slovenija d o o
Spain
Pol. Ind. Can Salvatella, Avenida Arrahona 54-56, 08210 Barbera del Valles, Barcelona
GKN Ayra Servicio, SA
Avenida de Citroen s/n, 36210 Vigo
GKN Driveline Vigo, SA
Sagarbidea 2, 20750 Zumaia
GKN Driveline Zumaia, SA
Polígono Industrial s/n, Maçanet de la Selva, 17412 Girona
Stork Prints Iberia SA
Sweden
SE - 461 81, Trollhättan
GKN Aerospace Sweden AB
GKN Sweden Holdings AB
SE - 731 36, Köping
GKN Driveline Köping AB
BRÖDERNA UGGLAS GATA, SE - 58254 Linköping
Industrigruppen JAS AB 
Taiwan
14 Kwang Fu Road, Hsin-Chu Industrial Park, Hukou, Hsin Chu 30351
Taiway Limited 
Thailand
9/21 Moo 5, Phaholyothin Road Klong 1, Klong Luang, Patumthanee, 12120
GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems (Thailand) Limited
Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate, 64/9 Moo 4, Tambon Pluakdaeng, Amphur Pluakdaeng, Rayong 21140
GKN Driveline (Thailand) Limited 
GKN Driveline Manufacturing Ltd (In liquidation)
Turkey
Ege Serbest Bölgesi, SADI Sok. No:10, 35410 Gaziemir, Izmir
Fokker Elmo Havacilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi
Organize Sanayi Bolgesi 20, Cadde No: 17, 26110, Eskisehir
GKN Eskisehir Automotive Products Manufacture and Sales A.S.
Yakuplu Mah. Haramidere Sanayi Sitesi, J Blok, No. 106-107-108, Beylikdüzü, Istanbul
GKN Sinter Istanbul Metal Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim S¸ irketi
United Kingdom
11th Floor, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT
Alcester Capricorn 
Alcester EP1 Limited 
Alcester Number 1 Limited 
Alder Miles Druce Limited
Ambi-Rad Group Limited

100

Ordinary

100

Quota

49

Ordinary

100

100

Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

49

Ordinary

100

100

Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

100

100

100

100

100
100

100

20

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

36.25

Common stock

100

100
100

100

100

100

100
100
100
100
100

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
200
200

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
Continued

201
201

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

Ball Components Limited
Birfield Limited
British Hovercraft Corporation Limited
Brush Electrical Engineering Company Limited
Brush Electrical Machines Limited
Brush Holdings Limited
Brush Properties Limited
Brush Scheme Trustees Limited
Brush Switchgear Limited
Brush Transformers Limited
Colmore Lifting Limited
Colmore Overseas Holdings Limited 
Danks Holdings Limited 
Eachairn Aerospace Holdings Limited 
Eaton-Williams Holdings Limited
Ergotron (UK) Limited
FAD (UK) Limited
Falcon Works Property Limited
Firth Cleveland Limited
FKI Plan Trustees Limited
F.P.T. Industries Limited 
GKN Aerospace Holdings Limited
GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems (Kings Norton) Limited
GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems (Luton) Limited
GKN Automotive Holdings Limited
GKN Birfield Extrusions Limited
GKN Bound Brook Limited
GKN Building Services Europe Limited
GKN CEDU Limited
GKN Composites Limited
GKN Computer Services Limited
GKN Countertrade Limited
GKN Defence Holdings Limited
GKN Defence Limited
GKN Enterprise Limited
GKN Euro Investments Limited
GKN Export Services Limited
GKN Fasteners Limited
GKN Finance (UK) Limited
GKN Firth Cleveland Limited
GKN Group Pension Trustee (No.2) Limited
GKN Group Pension Trustee Limited
GKN Group Services Limited

GKN Hardy Spicer Limited
GKN Holdings Limited
G.K.N. Industries Limited
G.K.N. International Trading (Holdings) Limited
GKN Limited
GKN Marks Limited
GKN Overseas Holdings Limited
GKN Pistons Limited
G.K.N. Powder Met. Limited
GKN Quest Trustee Limited
GKN Sankey Finance Limited
GKN SEK Investments Limited
GKN Service UK Limited
GKN Sheepbridge Limited
GKN Sheepbridge Stokes Limited
GKN Sinter Metals Limited
GKN Technology Limited
GKN Trading Limited
GKN UK Investments Limited
GKN U.S. Investments Limited
GKN USD Investments Limited
GKN Ventures Limited
GKN Westland Aerospace (Avonmouth) Limited

Equity 
interest %
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100 
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

Class of Share held

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary and 
redeemable preference
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary and deferred
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

GKN Westland Aerospace Advanced Materials Limited

GKN Westland Aerospace Aviation Support Limited
GKN Westland Aerospace Holdings Limited
GKN Westland Design Services Limited
GKN Westland Limited
GKN Westland Overseas Holdings Limited
GKN Westland Services Limited
GKN 1 Trustee 2018 Limited
GKN 2 Trustee 2018 Limited
GKN 3 Trustee 2018 Limited
GKN 4 Trustee 2018 Limited
Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds, Limited
Harrington Generators International Limited
Hawker Siddeley Switchgear Limited
Laycock Engineering Limited
McKechnie 2005 Pension Scheme Trustee Limited
Melrose Holdings Limited
Melrose Intermediate Limited 
Melrose PLC
Melrose USD 1 Limited 
Nevada UK Holding Limited
Nortek (UK) Limited
Nortek Global HVAC (UK) Limited
P.F.D. Limited
Raingear Limited
Rzeppa Limited

Rigby Metal Components Limited
Sageford UK Limited 
Sheepbridge Stokes Limited
Westland Group PLC
Westland Group Services Limited
Westland System Assessment Limited
Whipp & Bourne Limited
15 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 8HA
A. P. Newall & Company Limited
GKN Investments II GP Limited
GKN Investments II LP
GKN Investments III GP Limited
GKN Investments III LP
Chester Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 0RB
GKN Driveline Birmingham Limited
Unit 5, Kingsbury Business Park, Kingsbury Road, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9DL
GKN Driveline Service Limited
30 Milbank, London, SW1P 4WY
Hadfields Holdings Limited 
2nd Floor, One Central Boulevard Blythe Valley Park, Shirley, Solihull, B90 8BG
GKN Aerospace Civil Services Holdings Limited
GKN Aerospace Civil Services Limited
GKN Aerospace Services Limited
2100 The Crescent, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham, West Midlands, B37 7YE
GKN Automotive Limited
GKN Driveline UK Limited
GKN Driveline Mexico (UK) Limited
GKN EVO eDrive Systems Limited
GKN Freight Services Limited

GKN Hybrid Power Limited
Unit 7 Chestnut Court, Jill Lane, Sambourne, Redditch, B96 6EW
GKN Powder Metallurgy Holdings Limited
Unit 1, Cobnar Wood Close, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9RQ
GKN Cylinder Liners UK Limited
Uruguay
Arq. Baldomiro, 2408, Montevideo
GKN Driveline Uruguay SA (in liquidation)

Equity 
interest %
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100 
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100

100

Class of Share held

Ordinary and 
convertible preference
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary and 
redeemable preference
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
 Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Membership interest
Ordinary
Membership interest

Ordinary

Ordinary

37.5

Ordinary

100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary and preference
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary and 
cumulative preference
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

100

Ordinary

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
202
202

Notes to the Company Balance Sheet
Continued

3.  Investment in subsidiaries continued

4.  Debtors

Equity 
interest %

Class of Share held

USA
601 Braddock Avenue, Turtle Creek, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15145
Brush Aftermarket North America Inc.
Generator and Motor Services of Pennsylvania, LLC
40 Technology Parkway, South #300, Norcross, GA, 30092
Aerotron AirPower, Inc.
Fokker Elmo Inc.
2345 Rice Street, Suite 230, Roseville MN, 55113
Ergotron, Inc.
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801
Melrose North America, Inc.
PW1100G-JM Engine Leasing, LLC
BBVA Tower 254 Munoz, Rivera Ave, 6th Floor, San Juan, 00918, Puerto Rico
Nortek Global HVAC de Puerto Rico, LLC
601 Abbott Road, Ingham, East Lansing, Michigan, 48823
Operator Specialty Company, Inc.
300 Deschutes Way SW, Suite 304, Tumwater, WA, 98501
Fokker Aerostructures Inc.
2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150 N, Sacramento, CA, 95833
GENIL, Inc.
GKN Aerospace Camarillo, Inc.
GKN Aerospace Chem-tronics Inc.
GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems, Inc
Nortek Security & Control LLC
Zephyr Ventilation, LLC
Product Slingshot, Inc.
251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington Delaware, 19808
BNSS LP, Inc.
Broan-NuTone LLC
GKN Driveline Newton LLC
GKN Sinter Metals, LLC
GKN Aerospace Aerostructures, Inc
GKN Aerospace Florida LLC
GKN Aerospace, Inc.
GKN Aerospace New England, Inc.
GKN Aerospace Newington LLC
GKN Aerospace St. Louis LLC
GKN Aerospace Precision Machining, Inc. 
GKN Aerospace Services Structures LLC
GKN Aerospace South Carolina, Inc.
GKN Aerospace US Holdings LLC
GKN America Corp.
GKN Cylinder Liners, LLC
GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
GKN Freight Services, Inc.
GKN North America Investments, Inc.
GKN North America Services, Inc.
GKN Westland Aerospace, Inc.
Hoeganaes Corporation
Huntair Middle East Holdings, Inc.
Hoeganaes Specialty Metal Powders LLC
IntelliVision Technologies Corp.
Nevada Holdco Corp.
Nortek Air Solutions, LLC
Nortek Global HVAC, LLC
Nortek Global HVAC Latin America, Inc.
Nortek Home Control Holdings LLC
Nortek, Inc.
Nortek International, Inc
XIK, LLC
50 West Broad Street, Suite 1330, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
GKN Driveline Bowling Green, Inc.
80 State Street, Albany New York, 12207
GKN Aerospace Monitor, Inc.
135 North Pennsylvania Street, Suite 1610, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
GKN Aerospace Muncie, Inc.

100
100

100
100

100

100
4

100

100

100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
70
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

Common stock
Membership interest

Common stock
Common stock

Common

Common
Class C Unit

Membership interest

Common

Common stock

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Common
Membership interest
Membership interest
Common stock

Common
Membership interest
Membership interest
Membership interest
Common
Membership interest
Common stock
Ordinary
Membership interest 
Membership interest
Ordinary
Membership interest
Common stock
Membership interest
Common stock
Membership interest
Common stock
Common stock
Ordinary
Common
Common stock
Common stock
Common
Membership interest
Ordinary
Ordinary
Membership interest
Membership interest
Common
Membership interest
Ordinary
Common
Membership interest

Common stock

Common

Common

Each of the subsidiaries and significant holdings listed are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and are held in 
each case by a subsidiary undertaking, except for Melrose Holdings Limited and GKN Limited, which are held directly by Melrose Industries PLC. 

Notes 
(1)  The Group owns 100% of the Ordinary Class B shares with a total effective ownership of 49% in the company.
(2)  The Group owns 9% directly with a total effective ownership of 34.5% in the company.
(3)  The Group owns 100% of the Ordinary Class A shares with a total effective ownership of 26% in the company. 
(4)  The Group owns 49% directly with a total effective ownership of 49.98% in the company. 

203
203

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

425

29

454

413

25

438

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Amounts falling due after one year: 
Deferred tax

Amounts owed by Group undertakings are either interest-bearing or non interest-bearing depending on the type and duration of the  
receivable relationship.

The Directors consider that amounts owed by Group undertakings approximate to their fair value.

The deferred tax included in the Balance Sheet is as follows:

Tax losses available for carry forward

The tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely. 

5.  Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Accruals and other creditors

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

29

25

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

2,041
–

2,041

2,015
1

2,016

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are repayable on demand and are either interest-bearing or non interest-bearing depending on the type 
and duration of the payable relationship. 

The Directors consider that amounts owed to Group undertakings approximate to their fair value. 

6.  Provisions 

At 1 January 2020
Net credit to profit and loss account 

At 31 December 2020

Incentive plan 
related  

£m

3 
(2)

1 

The provision for incentive plan related costs relates to employer national insurance costs which are expected to be incurred when the 2020 
Employee Share Plan matures. Further details of this plan are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report. The costs are expected to be 
incurred within three years. 

7.  Issued share capital 

Share Capital

Allotted, called-up and fully paid 

4,858,254,963 (31 December 2019: 4,858,254,963) Ordinary Shares of 48/7 pence each  

(31 December 2019: 48/7 pence each)

12,831 (31 December 2019: 12,831) 2017 Incentive Plan Shares of £1 each(1)

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

333
–

333

333
–

333

(1)  Following the crystallisation of the 2017 Incentive Plan on 31 May 2020 for £nil, the 2017 Incentive Plan shares will be re-designated as deferred shares and cancelled by the Company. 

The rights of each class of share are described in the Directors’ Report.

8. Related party transactions
The Company has taken the exemption in FRS 102.33: “Related party information” not to disclose intercompany balances and transactions in 
the year with fully owned subsidiary undertakings.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
204

Glossary

205

Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”) 
In accordance with the Guidelines on APMs issued by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”), additional information is 
provided on the APMs used by the Group below.

In the reporting of financial information, the Group uses certain measures 
that are not required under IFRS. These additional measures (commonly 
referred to as APMs) provide additional information on the performance of 
the business and trends to stakeholders. These measures are consistent 
with those used internally, and are considered important to understanding 
the financial performance and financial health of the Group. APMs are 
considered to be an important measure to monitor how the businesses 
are performing because this provides a meaningful comparison of how 
the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis and 
achieves consistency and comparability between reporting periods. 

These APMs may not be directly comparable with similarly titled 
measures reported by other companies and they are not intended to 
be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures. All Income 
Statement and cash flow measures are provided for continuing 
operations unless otherwise stated. 

Income Statement Measures

APM
Adjusted revenue

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Revenue

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Share of revenue of equity accounted investments (note 5)

Definition and purpose
Adjusted revenue includes the Group’s share of revenue of equity accounted 
investments (“EAIs”). This enables comparability between reporting periods.

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

8,770

591

9,361

10,967

625

11,592

Revenue

Revenue
Share of revenue of equity accounted 

investments (note 5)

Adjusted revenue

APM
Adjusting items 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
None

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6)

Definition and purpose
Those items which the Group excludes from its adjusted profit metrics in 
order to present a further measure of the Group’s performance. 
These include items which are significant in size or volatility or by nature are 
non-trading or non-recurring, any item released to the Income Statement 
that was previously a fair value item booked on an acquisition, and includes 
adjusted profit from EAIs.
This provides a meaningful comparison of how the business is managed 
and measured on a day-to-day basis and provides consistency and 
comparability between reporting periods.

APM
Adjusted operating profit 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Operating (loss)/profit(1)

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6) 

Definition and purpose
The Group uses adjusted profit measures to provide a useful and more 
comparable measure of the ongoing performance of the Group. Adjusted 
measures are reconciled to statutory measures by removing adjusting items, 
the nature of which are disclosed above and further detailed in note 6.

Operating profit

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

Operating (loss)/profit
Adjusting items to operating (loss)/profit (note 6)

Adjusted operating profit

(338)
678 

340 

318
784

1,102

APM
Adjusted operating margin 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Operating margin(2)

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Share of revenue of equity accounted investments (note 5) and adjusting 
items (note 6). 

Definition and purpose
Adjusted operating margin represents Adjusted operating profit as a 
percentage of Adjusted revenue. The Group uses adjusted profit measures 
to provide a useful and more comparable measure of the ongoing 
performance of the Group.

APM
Adjusted profit before tax 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
(Loss)/profit before tax

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6) 

Definition and purpose
Profit before the impact of adjusting items and tax. As discussed above, 
adjusted profit measures are used to provide a useful and more comparable 
measure of the ongoing performance of the Group. Adjusted measures are 
reconciled to statutory measures by removing adjusting items, the nature of 
which are disclosed above and further detailed in note 6.

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

(535)

688 

153 

106

783 

889 

Profit before tax

(Loss)/profit before tax
Adjusting items to (loss)/profit before tax 

(note 6)

Adjusted profit before tax

APM
Adjusted profit after tax 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
(Loss)/profit after tax

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6) 

Definition and purpose
Profit after tax but before the impact of the adjusting items. As discussed 
above, adjusted profit measures are used to provide a useful and more 
comparable measure of the ongoing performance of the Group. Adjusted 
measures are reconciled to statutory measures by removing adjusting items, 
the nature of which are disclosed above and further detailed in note 6.

Profit after tax

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

(Loss)/profit after tax 
Adjusting items to (loss)/profit after tax (note 6)

Adjusted profit after tax

(523)
643 

120 

55 
644 

699 

APM
Adjusted EBITDA for leverage covenant purposes 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Operating (loss)/profit(1)

APM
Adjusted tax rate 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Effective tax rate

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6), depreciation of property, plant and equipment and 
amortisation of computer software and development costs, imputed lease 
charge, share of non-controlling interests and other adjustments required 
for covenant purposes(3)

Definition and purpose
Adjusted operating profit for 12 months prior to the reporting date, before 
depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and before the 
amortisation and impairment of computer software and development costs.
Adjusted EBITDA for covenant purposes is a measure used by external 
stakeholders to measure performance.

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items, adjusting tax items and the tax impact of adjusting items 
(note 6 and note 8)

Definition and purpose
The income tax charge for the Group excluding adjusting tax, and the tax 
impact of adjusting items, divided by adjusted profit before tax. 
This measure is a useful indicator of the ongoing tax rate for the Group. 

Adjusted EBITDA for leverage  

covenant purposes 

Adjusted operating profit
Depreciation of property, plant and 

equipment and amortisation of computer 
software and development costs

Imputed lease charge
Non-controlling interests
Other adjustments required  
for covenant purposes(3)

Adjusted EBITDA for  

leverage covenant purposes

Adjusted tax rate 

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

340 

1,102

Tax credit/(charge) per Income Statement 
Adjusted for:
Tax impact of adjusting items
Tax impact of restructuring 
Tax impact of EAIs

492 
(97)
(3)

(8)

724 

Adjusted tax charge

Adjusted profit before tax

Adjusted tax rate 

APM
Adjusted basic earnings per share

498 
(91)
(6)

2  

1,505  

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Basic earnings per share

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6 and note 10)

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

12 

(115)
78 
(8)

(33)

153 

21.6%

(51)

(123)
(9)
(7)

(190)

 889  

21.4%

APM
H2 annualised adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Operating (loss)/profit(1)

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6), depreciation of property, plant and equipment and 
amortisation of computer software and development costs, imputed lease 
charge, share of non-controlling interests and other adjustments required 
for covenant purposes(3)

Definition and purpose
Adjusted operating profit for the six months prior to the reporting date, 
before depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and 
before the amortisation and impairment of computer software and 
development costs. This is doubled to give a H2 annualised adjusted 
EBITDA for proforma leverage.
H2 annualised adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage is a useful indicator 
to measure performance considering the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on 
the Group’s results for the first half of the year.

H2 annualised adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage 

Adjusted EBITDA for leverage covenant purposes
Less: Adjusted EBITDA for leverage covenant purposes for 

six months to 30 June 2020

Adjustment to H2 2020 average foreign exchange rates

H2 adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage

H2 annualised adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage 

31 December 
2020  
£m

724 

(266)
–  

458

916

Definition and purpose
Profit after tax attributable to owners of the parent and before the impact of 
adjusting items, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue during the financial year. 

APM
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Diluted earnings per share 

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Adjusting items (note 6 and note 10)

Definition and purpose
Profit after tax attributable to owners of the parent and before the impact of 
adjusting items, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue during the financial year adjusted for the effects of any potentially 
dilutive options. 
The Board considers this to be a key measure of performance when all 
businesses are held for the complete reporting period. 

APM
Interest cover 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
None

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Adjusted EBITDA calculated for covenant purposes (including EBITDA of 
businesses disposed) as a multiple of net interest payable on bank loans 
and overdrafts.
This measure is used for bank covenant testing.

Interest cover 

Adjusted EBITDA for leverage covenant purposes
Adjusted EBITDA from businesses disposed 

in the year

Adjusted EBITDA for interest cover

Interest on bank loans and overdrafts (note 7)
Finance income (note 7)
Other interest for covenant purposes(4)

Net finance charges for covenant purposes

Interest cover

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

724 

2 

726 

(136)
3 
(9)

(142)

5.1x

1,505

36 

1,541  

(152)
9 
– 

(143)

10.8x 

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
  
  
206

Glossary
Continued

Balance Sheet Measures

APM
Working capital 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Inventories, trade and other receivables less trade and other payables

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Working capital comprises inventories, current and non-current trade and 
other receivables and current and non-current trade and other payables. 
This measure provides additional information in respect of working capital 
management. 

APM
Net debt 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings and 
finance related derivative instruments

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Reconciliation of net debt (note 27)

Definition and purpose
Net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings and cross-currency swaps but excludes non-cash acquisition 
fair value adjustments.
Net debt is one measure that could be used to indicate the strength of the 
Group’s Balance Sheet position and is a useful measure of the 
indebtedness of the Group. 

APM
Bank covenant definition of net debt at average rates and leverage 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings and 
finance related derivative instruments

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Impact of foreign exchange and adjustments for bank covenant purposes

Definition and purpose
Net debt (as above) is presented in the Balance Sheet translated at year end 
exchange rates. 
For bank covenant testing purposes net debt is converted using average 
exchange rates for the previous 12 months.
Leverage is calculated as the bank covenant definition of net debt divided 
by adjusted EBITDA for leverage covenant purposes. This measure is used 
for bank covenant testing. 

Net debt

Net debt at closing rates (note 27)
Impact of foreign exchange

Net debt at average rates
Other adjustments required for covenant 

purposes

Bank covenant definition of net debt at 

average rates

Leverage

31 December 
2020  
£m

31 December 
2019  
£m

2,847
106

2,953

–

2,953

4.1x

3,283 
94 

3,377

8

 3,385 

2.25x

APM
Net debt at H2 average rates and H2 annualised proforma leverage 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings and 
finance related derivative instruments

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Impact of foreign exchange and adjustments for bank covenant purposes

Definition and purpose
Net debt (as above) is presented in the Balance Sheet translated at year 
end exchange rates. 
H2 annualised proforma leverage is calculated as net debt at H2 average 
rates divided by H2 annualised adjusted EBITDA for proforma leverage. 
H2 annualised proforma leverage is a useful measure of performance 
considering the pervasive impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s results for 
the first half of the year.

Net debt

Net debt at closing rates (note 27)
Impact of foreign exchange

Net debt at H2 average rates

H2 annualised proforma leverage

Cash Flow Measures

31 December 
2020  
£m

2,847
85

2,932

3.2x

APM
Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex) and Adjusted operating cash 
flow (pre-capex) conversion

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Net cash from operating activities

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Non-working capital items (note 27)

Definition and purpose
Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex) is calculated as adjusted 
operating profit before depreciation and amortisation attributable to 
subsidiaries, repayment of principal under lease obligations, the positive 
non-cash utilisation from loss-making contracts and movements in working 
capital. 
Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex) conversion is adjusted operating 
cash flow (pre-capex) divided by adjusted profit before depreciation and 
amortisation attributable to subsidiaries, less repayment of principal under 
lease obligations and the positive non-cash utilisation from loss-making 
contracts. 
This measure provides additional useful information in respect of cash 
generation and is consistent with how business performance is 
measured internally. 

Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex)

Adjusted operating profit
Share of adjusted operating profit of equity 

accounted investments

Depreciation of owned property, plant and 

equipment and amortisation of computer 
software and development costs

Depreciation of leased property, plant and 
equipment and amortisation of leased 
computer software and development costs
Repayment of principal under lease obligations
Positive non-cash utilisation from  

loss-making contracts

Change in inventories
Change in receivables 
Change in payables 

Adjusted operating cash flow 

(pre-capex)

Adjusted operating cash flow 
(pre-capex) conversion

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

340 

(62)

1,102

  (66)

418 

426 

74 
(76)

(59)

635 
187 
250 
(13)

72 
(70)

(81)

1,383  
(12)
72  
(2)

1,059 

1,441  

167%

104%

207

APM
Movement in net working capital and percentage change

APM
Adjusted free cash flow

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Change in inventories, change in receivables and change in payables as 
included within net cash from operating activities (note 27)

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Movement in working capital represents the cash flow from inventories, 
receivables and payables during the year. The percentage reduction in net 
working capital is the movement in working capital divided by net working 
capital as at the prior Balance Sheet date. 

Movement in working capital

Change in inventories (note 27)
Change in receivables (note 27)
Change in payables (note 27)

Movement in working capital

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

187 
250 
(13)

424 

(12)
72  
(2)

58 

Year ended 
31 December
2019
£m 

Year ended 
31 December
2018
£m 

Net working capital comprises:
Inventories (note 16)
Current trade and other receivables (note 17)
Non-current trade and other receivables 

(note 17)

Current trade and other payables (note 19)
Non-current trade and other payables (note 19)

Net working capital 

Percentage reduction in net 

working capital

1,332 
1,970

424  
(2,461)
(444)

821 

1,489  
2,328

504 
(2,583)
(762)

976 

52%

6%

APM
Free cash flow

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Acquisition related cash flows, dividends paid to owners of the parent, 
foreign exchange, discontinued operating cash flows and other non-cash 
movements 

Definition and purpose
Free cash flow represents cash generated from trading from continuing 
businesses after all costs including restructuring, pension contributions, tax 
and interest payments. 

Free cash flow

Adjusted operating cash flow (pre-capex)
Net capital expenditure 
Net interest and tax paid 
Defined benefit pension contributions paid
Restructuring costs paid
Dividends received from EAIs
Trading net other cash flows(5)

Free cash flow

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

1,059 
(292)
(162)
(111)
(172)
54 
80 

456 

1,441  
(495)
(295)
(183)
(190)
67 
(55)

290 

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Free cash flow, as defined above, adjusted for special pension contributions 
and restructuring cash flows 

Definition and purpose
Adjusted free cash flow represents free cash flow adjusted for special 
pension contributions and restructuring cash flows. 

Year ended  
31 December 
2020  
£m

Year ended  
31 December 
2019  
£m

456
–
172

628

6%

290 
111 
190 

591

n/a

Adjusted free cash flow

Free cash flow
Special pension contributions(6)
Restructuring costs paid 

Adjusted free cash flow

Increase in adjusted free cash flow 

compared to 2019

APM
Capital expenditure (capex)

Closest equivalent statutory measure
None

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Calculated as the purchase of owned property, plant and equipment and 
computer software and expenditure on capitalised development costs 
during the year, excluding any assets acquired as part of a business 
combination. 
Net capital expenditure is capital expenditure net of proceeds from disposal 
of property, plant and equipment. 

APM
Capital expenditure to depreciation ratio

Closest equivalent statutory measure
None

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Net capital expenditure divided by depreciation of owned property, plant 
and equipment and amortisation of computer software and development 
costs. 

APM
Dividend per share

Closest equivalent statutory measure
Dividend per share

Reconciling items to statutory measure
Not applicable

Definition and purpose
Amounts payable by way of dividends in terms of pence per share. 

(1)  Operating (loss)/profit is not defined within IFRS but is a widely accepted profit measure being 

(loss)/profit before finance costs, finance income and tax.

(2)  Operating margin is not defined within IFRS but is a widely accepted profit measure being 

derived from operating (loss)/profit(1) divided by revenue.

(3)  Included within other adjustments required for covenant purposes are dividends received from 
equity accounted investments, the removal of adjusted operating profit of equity accounted 
investments and the inclusion of adjusted operating profit in respect of businesses classified 
as held for sale.

(4)  Other interest for covenant purposes includes bank facility renegotiation fees and debt issue 

costs paid during the year.

(5)  Trading net other cash flows include non-cash movements included in adjusted operating 

profit, cash paid against provisions and dividends paid to non-controlling interests. 

(6)  Special pension contributions in 2019 included £111 million of one-off payments, being the 

£94 million balance of the £150 million upfront commitment on acquisition of GKN, and a £17 
million contribution following the disposal of the Walterscheid Powertrain Group.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Financial statementsMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020 
 
  
208

Notice of Annual General Meeting

209

The Annual General Meeting of Melrose Industries PLC (the 
“Company”) will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 6 May 2021 
at Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JA.

This document is important and requires your immediate 
attention. If you are in any doubt as to the action you should 
take, you should consult your stockbroker, bank, solicitor, 
accountant, fund manager or other independent financial 
adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets 
Act 2000 if you are resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, 
another appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.

COVID-19 and contingencies
Our preference had been to welcome shareholders in person to our 
2021 Annual General Meeting, particularly given the constraints we 
faced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the time of 
publication of this notice, national lockdown restrictions would not 
allow shareholders to attend the Annual General Meeting in person. 
We are therefore proposing to hold the Annual General Meeting at the 
Company’s offices at Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 
5JA with the minimum attendance required to form a quorum. 
Shareholders will not be permitted to attend the Annual General 
Meeting in person, but can be represented by the Chairman of the 
Annual General Meeting acting as their proxy (as detailed in the 
explanatory notes starting on page 211).

Given the constantly evolving nature of the situation, should 
circumstances change before the time of the Annual General Meeting, 
we want to ensure that we are able to adapt arrangements and to 
welcome shareholders to the Annual General Meeting, within safety 
constraints and in accordance with government guidelines. Should we 
consider that it has become possible to do so, we will notify 
shareholders of any change to our meeting arrangements as early as 
is possible before the date of the meeting, by publishing details of the 
changes on our website at www.melroseplc.net, and, if practicable, 
by issuing a further communication via a regulatory news service and 
publishing a notice of the change in two national daily newspapers.

Given the uncertainty around whether shareholders will be able to 
attend the Annual General Meeting, we recommend that all 
shareholders complete and return a form of proxy, appointing the 
Chairman of the Annual General Meeting as their proxy. This will 
ensure that your vote will be counted even if attendance at the 
meeting is restricted or you are unable to attend in person. Please see 
the explanatory notes starting on page 211 for guidance on how to 
complete your proxy form and by when. 

Notice of Annual General Meeting
If you have sold or otherwise transferred or sell or otherwise transfer all 
of your shares in the Company, please send this document, together 
with the accompanying form of proxy, as soon as possible to the 
purchaser or transferee or to the agent through whom the sale or 
transfer was effected for delivery to the purchaser or transferee.

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will 
be held at Leconfield House, Curzon Street, London W1J 5JA at 11.00 
a.m. on Thursday 6 May 2021 for the purposes set out below. 
Resolutions 1 to 17 (inclusive) will be proposed as ordinary resolutions 
and resolutions 18 to 21 (inclusive) as special resolutions.

Ordinary resolutions
1. 

 To receive the Company’s audited financial statements for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2020, together with the 
Directors’ Report, the Strategic Report and the Auditor’s Report 
on those financial statements.

2. 

 To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2020, as set out on pages 110 to 126 of the 
Company’s 2020 Annual Report.

3. 

 To declare a final dividend of 0.75 pence per ordinary share for the 
year ended 31 December 2020.

4.  To re-elect Christopher Miller as a Director of the Company.

5.  To re-elect David Roper as a Director of the Company.

6.  To re-elect Simon Peckham as a Director of the Company.

7.  To re-elect Geoffrey Martin as a Director of the Company.

8.  To re-elect Justin Dowley as a Director of the Company.

9.  To re-elect Liz Hewitt as a Director of the Company.

10.  To re-elect David Lis as a Director of the Company.

11.  To re-elect Archie G. Kane as a Director of the Company.

12.  To re-elect Charlotte Twyning as a Director of the Company.

13. To re-elect Funmi Adegoke as a Director of the Company.

14. To elect Peter Dilnot as a Director of the Company.

15.   To re-appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company to hold 

office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of 
the next Annual General Meeting of the Company at which 
accounts are laid.

16.    To authorise the Audit Committee to determine the remuneration 

of the auditor of the Company.

17.   That, in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 

(the “Act”), the directors of the Company (the “Directors”) be and 
are generally and unconditionally authorised to allot shares in the 
Company, or to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares in the Company (“Rights”):

(A)  up to an aggregate nominal amount of £111,045,827; and

(B)   comprising equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the 
Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £222,091,655 
(such amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal 
amount of any allotments or grants made under paragraph 
(A) of this resolution) in connection with an offer by way of a 
rights issue:

(i)   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be 

practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   to holders of other equity securities as required by the 

rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the 
Directors otherwise consider necessary, 

 and so that the Directors may impose any limits or restrictions and 
make any arrangements which they consider necessary or 
appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, 
record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under 
the laws of any territory or any other matter, such authorities to 
expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next Annual General 
Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if earlier, at the close of 
business on 30 June 2022, but, in each case, so that the 
Company may make offers or agreements before the authority 
expires which would or might require shares to be allotted or 
Rights to be granted after the authority expires, and so that the 
Directors may allot shares or grant Rights in pursuance of any 
such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority 
conferred by this resolution has expired.

Special resolutions
18.   That, subject to the passing of resolution 17, the Directors be and 
are generally empowered to allot equity securities (as defined in 
section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authorities granted 
by resolution 17 and/or to sell ordinary shares held by the 
Company as treasury shares for cash, in each case as if section 
561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, 
provided that this power shall be limited:

(A)   to the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer 
of equity securities (but in the case of an allotment pursuant to 
the authority granted under paragraph (B) of resolution 17, 
such power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities 
in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue only):

(i)   to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be 

practicable) to their existing holdings; and

(ii)   to holders of other equity securities, as required by the 

rights of those securities or, subject to such rights, as the 
Directors otherwise consider necessary, and so that the 
Directors may impose any limits or restrictions and make 
any arrangements which they consider necessary or 
appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional 
entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical 
problems in, or under the laws of, any territory or any other 
matter; and

(B)   to the allotment (otherwise than in circumstances set out in 
paragraph (A) of this resolution) of equity securities pursuant 
to the authority granted by paragraph (A) of resolution 17 or 
sale of treasury shares up to a nominal amount of 
£16,656,874, 

 such powers to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next 
Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 
at the close of business on 30 June 2022, but, in each case, so that 
the Company may make offers or agreements before the power 
expires which would or might require equity securities to be allotted 
(and/or treasury shares sold) after the power expires and so that 
the Directors may allot equity securities (and/or sell treasury shares) 
in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that 
the power conferred by this authority has expired.

20.  That the Company be and is generally and unconditionally 

authorised to make one or more market purchases (within the 
meaning of section 693 of the Act) of ordinary shares in the capital 
of the Company provided that:

(A)   the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares 

authorised to be purchased is 485,825,496;

(B)   the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is 
the nominal value of an ordinary share at the time of such 
purchase;

(C)   the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share 

is not more than the higher of:

(i)   105% of the average of the middle-market quotation for an 
ordinary share as derived from the Daily Official List of the 
London Stock Exchange for the five business days 
immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share 
is purchased; and

(ii)   the higher of the price of the last independent trade and 

the highest current independent bid on the trading venue 
where the purchase is carried out, in each case, exclusive 
of expenses;

(D)   this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the Company’s 

next Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed or, 
if earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2022;

(E)   the Company may make a contract of purchase of ordinary 

shares under this authority which would or might be executed 
wholly or partly after the expiry of this authority, and may make 
a purchase of ordinary shares in pursuance of any such 
contract; and

(F)   any ordinary shares purchased pursuant to this authority may 

either be held as treasury shares or cancelled by the 
Company, depending on which course of action is considered 
by the Directors to be in the best interests of shareholders at 
the time.

21.   That a general meeting other than an Annual General Meeting 

may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

19.   That, subject to the passing of resolution 17 and in addition to any 
power granted under resolution 18, the Directors be and are 
generally empowered to allot equity securities (as defined in 
section 560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authorities granted 
by resolution 17 and/or to sell ordinary shares held by the 
Company as treasury shares for cash, in each case as if section 
561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, 
provided that this power shall be:

Recommendation
The Board believes that each of the resolutions to be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting is in the best interests of the Company and its 
shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors unanimously 
recommend that ordinary shareholders vote in favour of all of the 
resolutions proposed, as the Directors intend to do in respect of their 
own beneficial holdings.

By order of the Board

(A)   limited to the allotment of equity securities pursuant to the 

authority granted by paragraph (A) of resolution 17 or sale of 
treasury shares up to a nominal amount of £16,656,874; and

(B)   used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the 
authority is to be used within six months of the original 
transaction) a transaction which the Directors determine to be 
an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind 
contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying 
Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the Pre-
Emption Group prior to the date of this notice of the Annual 
General Meeting,

 such powers to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next 
Annual General Meeting after this resolution is passed or, if earlier, 
at the close of business on 30 June 2022, but, in each case, so that 
the Company may make offers or agreements before the power 
expires which would or might require equity securities to be allotted 
(and/or treasury shares sold) after the power expires and so that 
the Directors may allot equity securities (and/or sell treasury shares) 
in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that 
the power conferred by this authority has expired.

Jonathon Crawford 
Company Secretary  
31 March 2021

Registered Office: 
11th Floor The Colmore Building 
20 Colmore Circus Queensway 
Birmingham 
West Midlands 
B4 6AT

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Notice of Annual General Meeting
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211

Explanatory notes to the proposed resolutions
Resolutions 1 to 17 (inclusive) are proposed as ordinary resolutions, 
which means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more 
than half the votes cast must be cast in favour of the resolution. 
Resolutions 18 to 21 (inclusive) are proposed as special resolutions, 
which means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, at least 
three-quarters of the votes cast must be cast in favour of the 
resolution.

Resolution 1 – Receipt of 2020 Annual Report and Financial 
Statements
The Directors are required to lay the Company’s financial statements, 
the Strategic Report and the Directors’ and auditor’s reports on those 
financial statements (collectively, the “2020 Annual Report”) before 
shareholders each year at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).

Resolution 2 – Approval of Directors’ remuneration report 
The Directors’ remuneration report (the “Directors’ Remuneration 
Report”) is presented in two sections:
•  the annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 

Committee; and

•  the annual report on remuneration.

The annual statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, set out on pages 110 to 111 of the 2020 Annual Report, 
summarises, for the year ended 31 December 2020, the major 
decisions taken on Directors’ remuneration, any substantial changes 
relating to Directors’ remuneration made during the year and the 
context in which those changes occurred and decisions that have 
been taken.

The annual report on remuneration, set out on pages 112 to 126 of the 
2020 Annual Report, provides details of the remuneration paid to 
Directors in respect of the year ended 31 December 2020, including 
base salary, taxable benefits, short-term incentives, long-term 
incentives vested in the year, pension-related benefits, any other items 
in the nature of remuneration and any sum(s) recovered or withheld 
during the year in respect of amounts paid in earlier years.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report is subject to an annual advisory 
shareholder vote by way of an ordinary resolution. Resolution 2 is to 
approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Resolution 3 – Declaration of final dividend
The Board is recommending, and shareholders are being asked to 
approve, the declaration of a final dividend of 0.75p per ordinary share 
for the year ended 31 December 2020. The final dividend will, subject 
to shareholder approval, be paid on 19 May 2021 to the holders of 
ordinary shares whose names are recorded on the register of 
members of the Company at the close of business on 6 April 2021.

Resolutions 4 to 13 (inclusive) – Re-election of Directors 
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) 
and the Company’s Articles of Association (the “Articles”), every 
Director will stand for re-election at the AGM, with the exception of 
Peter Dilnot, who is standing for election.

The Board considers that the contribution of each Director who is 
standing for re-election is, and continues to be, important to the 
sustainable success of the Company for the following reasons: 
•  Justin Dowley, Non-executive Chairman, is standing for re-
election as Director due to his extensive and long-standing 
experience within the banking, investment and asset 
management sectors. Mr Dowley first joined the Board as a 
Non-executive Director in September 2011 and served as Senior 
Independent Director in the two years prior to his appointment as 
Non-executive Chairman, meaning he has served for just over 
nine years. Given the global pandemic, the acquisition of GKN, 
and the elevation of the Company to the FTSE 100, the 
Nomination Committee and Board consider that there is a need 
for continuity and stability at Board level to facilitate succession 
planning arrangements and the development of a diverse Board. 
Mr Dowley was considered independent upon his appointment 
as Non-executive Chairman.

•  Simon Peckham, Chief Executive, is standing for re-election as 
Director due to his deep understanding of the Melrose business 
model, having joined the Company initially in 2003 as Chief 
Operating Officer. He has widespread expertise in corporate 
finance, mergers and acquisitions, strategy and operations.

•  Christopher Miller, Vice-Chairman, is standing for re-election on 
the basis of his deep understanding of the Melrose business 
model, having co-founded Melrose. Mr Miller has long-standing 
involvement in manufacturing industries and private investment.
•  David Roper, Vice-Chairman, is standing for re-election on the 

basis of his deep understanding of the Melrose business model, 
having co-founded Melrose. Mr Roper has longstanding 
involvement in corporate finance, private investment and 
management in manufacturing industries. Mr Roper will be 
retiring from the Board on 31 May 2021.

•  Geoffrey Martin, Group Finance Director, is standing for re-

election due to his deep understanding of the Melrose business 
model, having been appointed as Group Finance Director in 
2005. He also brings to the Board considerable public company 
experience and expertise in corporate finance, equity finance 
raising and financial strategy.

•  Liz Hewitt, Senior Independent Director, is standing for re-election 
as Director due to her extensive business, financial and investment 
experience gained from a number of senior roles in international 
companies. In particular, Ms Hewitt is the longest serving Non-
executive Director after the Chairman, having served on the Board 
since 2013, and fulfils the pre-requisite of being independent.

•  David Lis, Non-executive Director, is standing for re-election due 
to his extensive financial experience and deep insight into the 
expectations of Melrose’s institutional investor base, having held 
several roles in investment management. 

•  Archie G. Kane, Non-executive Director, is standing for re-election 
due to his extensive financial and general management expertise, 
having held several roles in the financial services sector and 
public company boards.

•  Charlotte Twyning, Non-executive Director, is standing for 
re-election due to her diverse range of experience and 
commercial acumen having held various senior positions in the 
telecommunications and transport sectors, and most recently 
in aviation.

•  Funmi Adegoke, Non-executive Director, is standing for re-
election due to her diverse industrial knowledge as well as 
significant transactional and commercial management expertise 
based on her extensive experience working in and leading legal 
teams across the globe at multi-national organisations.

Biographical details of each Director can be found on pages 92 to 93 
of the 2020 Annual Report. All of the Non-executive Directors standing 
for re-election are currently considered independent under the Code.

Resolution 14 – Election of Director
In accordance with the Articles, Peter Dilnot, Chief Operating Officer, 
is standing for election as a Director of the Company following his 
appointment to the Board with effect from 1 January 2021. Mr Dilnot 
brings to the Board a deep understanding of the Melrose business 
model together with strong sector experience in engineering 
and aviation. 

Biographical details for Peter Dilnot can be found on page 93 of the 
2020 Annual Report.

Resolution 15 – Re-appointment of auditor
The Company is required to appoint auditors at each general meeting 
at which accounts are laid before shareholders, to hold office until the 
next such meeting.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the effectiveness, performance, 
independence and objectivity of the existing external auditor, Deloitte 
LLP, on behalf of the Board, and concluded that the external auditor 
was in all respects effective.

This resolution proposes the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP until the 
conclusion of the next AGM.

Resolution 16 – Authority to agree auditor’s remuneration
This resolution seeks authority for the Audit Committee to determine 
the level of the auditor’s remuneration.

Resolution 17 – Authority to allot shares
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to grant the Directors the 
authority to allot shares in the Company, or to grant rights to subscribe 
for or convert any securities into shares in the Company (“Rights”), 
pursuant to section 551 of the Act (the “Section 551 authority”). The 
authority contained in paragraph (A) of the resolution will be limited to an 
aggregate nominal amount of £111,045,827, being approximately 
one-third of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 30 March 
2021 (being the last business day prior to the publication of this notice).

In line with guidance issued by the Investment Association, paragraph 
(B) of this resolution would give the Directors authority to allot shares in 
the Company or grant Rights in connection with a rights issue up to 
aggregate nominal amount of £222,091,655, representing 
approximately two-thirds of the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital as at 30 March 2021. This resolution provides that such 
amount shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of any 
allotments or grants under paragraph (A).

The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.

If approved, the Section 551 authority shall, unless renewed, revoked 
or varied by the Company, expire at the end of the Company’s next 
AGM after the resolution is passed or, if earlier, at the close of 
business on 30 June 2022. The exception to this is that the Directors 
may allot shares or grant Rights after the authority has expired in 
connection with an offer or agreement made or entered into before 
the authority expired. The Directors have no present intention to 
exercise the Section 551 authority.

Resolutions 18 to 19 – Partial disapplication of pre-emption rights
These resolutions seek shareholder approval to grant the Directors the 
power to allot equity securities (as defined by section 560 of the Act) 
or sell treasury shares of the Company pursuant to sections 570 and 
573 of the Act (the “Section 570 and 573 power”) without first offering 
them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing 
shareholdings.

The power is limited to allotments for cash in connection with 
pre-emptive offers, subject to any arrangements that the Directors 
consider appropriate to deal with fractions and overseas requirements 
and otherwise for cash up to a maximum nominal value of 
£33,313,748, representing approximately 10% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 30 March 2021 (being the last 
business day prior to the publication of this notice).

The Directors intend to adhere to the guidelines set out in the 
Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles (as updated in March 
2015) and not to allot shares for cash on a non pre-emptive basis 
pursuant to a relevant authority in resolutions 18 or 19:
•  in excess of an amount equal to 5% of the Company’s issued 

ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) in any one-year 
period, whether or not in connection with an acquisition or 
specified capital investment; or

•  in excess of an amount equal to 7.5% of the Company’s issued 

ordinary share capital in a rolling three-year period,

in each case other than in connection with an acquisition or specified 
capital investment which is announced contemporaneously with the 
allotment or which has taken place in the preceding six-month period 
and is disclosed in the announcement of the allotment.

If approved, the Section 570 and 573 power shall apply until the end 
of the Company’s next AGM after the resolutions are passed or, if 
earlier, until the close of business on 30 June 2022. The exception to 
this is that the Directors may allot equity securities after the power has 
expired in connection with an offer or agreement made or entered into 
before the power expired. The Directors have no present intention to 
exercise the Section 570 and 573 power.

Resolution 20 – Authority to purchase own shares
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to grant the Company the 
authority to purchase its own shares pursuant to sections 693 and 
701 of the Act.

This authority is limited to an aggregate maximum number of 
485,825,496 ordinary shares, representing 10% of the Company’s 
issued ordinary share capital as at 30 March 2021.

The maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share will be 
an amount which is not more than the higher of: (i) 5% above the 
average of the middle market quotation for an ordinary share as 
derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for 
the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the 
ordinary share is purchased; and (ii) the higher of the price of the last 
independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the 
trading venue where the purchase is carried out (in each case, 
exclusive of expenses).

If approved, the authority shall, unless varied, revoked or renewed, 
expire at the end of the Company’s next AGM after the resolution is 
passed or, if earlier, at the close of business on 30 June 2022. The 
Directors have no present intention of exercising all or any of the 
powers conferred by this resolution and will only exercise their 
authority if it is in the interests of shareholders generally.

Resolution 21 – Notice period for general meetings other 
than AGMs
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to allow the Company to 
continue to call general meetings (other than AGMs) on 14 clear days’ 
notice. In accordance with the Act, as amended by the Companies 
(Shareholders’ Rights) Regulations 2009, the notice period required 
for general meetings of the Company is 21 clear days unless 
shareholders approve a shorter notice period (subject to a minimum 
period of 14 clear days). In accordance with the Act, the Company 
must make a means of electronic voting available to all shareholders 
for that meeting in order to be able to call a general meeting on less 
than 21 clear days’ notice.

The Company intends to only use the shorter notice period where this 
flexibility is merited by the purpose of the meeting and is considered to 
be in the interests of shareholders generally, and not as a matter of 
routine. AGMs will continue to be held on at least 21 clear days’ notice.

The approval will be effective until the Company’s next AGM, when it 
is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.

Explanatory notes as to the proxy, voting and attendance 
procedures at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
1. 

 As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the legislative 
measures and associated guidance introduced by the UK 
Government in response, we are currently unable to welcome 
shareholders in person at the AGM, and it is proposed that the 
AGM will be held as a closed meeting with only director 
shareholders necessary for a quorum in physical attendance. 
Attendance by other shareholders at the AGM in person will not 
be possible and members or their appointed proxies (other than 
the Chairman of the AGM) will not be permitted entry to the AGM. 
In the event that our meeting arrangements change subsequent 
to publication of this Notice of AGM, the Company will publish 
details on its website at www.melroseplc.net, and, if practicable, 
issue a further communication via a regulatory news service and 
publish a notice of the change in two national daily newspapers.

2. 

 The holders of ordinary shares in the Company are entitled to 
vote. A member entitled to vote at the AGM is also entitled to 
appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of his/her rights to vote at the 
AGM in his/her place. 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting
Continued

213

Explanatory notes as to the proxy, voting and attendance 
procedures at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
continued
3. 

 Members are entitled to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf at 
the AGM. The appointment of a person other than the Chairman 
of the AGM as your proxy will not be valid, as that person will also 
not be permitted to attend the meeting in person in order to vote 
on your behalf. Accordingly, in order to ensure your votes are 
counted, the Board recommends that members appoint the 
Chairman of the AGM as their proxy with their voting instructions. 
A form of proxy which may be used to appoint the Chairman and 
give proxy instructions for use at the AGM is enclosed with this 
notice. To be effective, a form of proxy must be completed and 
returned, together with any power of attorney or authority under 
which it is completed or a certified copy of such power or 
authority, so that it is received by the Company’s registrars at the 
address specified on the form of proxy not less than 48 hours 
(excluding any part of a day that is not a working day) before the 
stated time for holding the meeting (or, in the event of an 
adjournment, not less than 48 hours before the stated time of the 
adjourned meeting (excluding any part of a day which is not a 
working day)). 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

 Any person to whom this notice is sent who is a person nominated 
under section 146 of the Act to enjoy information rights (a 
“Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her 
and the shareholder by whom he/she was nominated, have a right 
to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for 
the AGM. If a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment 
right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any such 
agreement, have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to 
the exercise of voting rights. The statement of the rights of 
shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in 
paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 212 and above respectively does not 
apply to Nominated Persons. The rights described in paragraphs 2 
and 3 can only be exercised by the holders of ordinary shares in 
the Company. Notwithstanding any right of the Nominated Person 
to be appointed as proxy, as stated above, the appointment of a 
person other than the Chairman of the AGM will be invalid, as that 
person will not be permitted to attend the meeting in person in 
order to vote on behalf of the Nominated Person.

 To be entitled to vote at the AGM (and for the purposes of the 
determination by the Company of the number of votes they may 
cast), members must be entered on the Company’s register of 
members by 6.30 p.m. BST on 4 May 2021 (or, in the event of an 
adjournment, on the date which is two days, excluding any day 
which is not a working day, before the time of the adjourned 
meeting). Changes to entries on the register of members after this 
time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person 
to vote at the meeting.

 As at 30 March 2021 (being the last business day prior to the 
publication of this notice), the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital consists of 4,858,254,963 ordinary shares of 48/7p each, 
carrying one vote each.

 CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through 
the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by 
using the procedures described in the CREST Manual (available at 
www.euroclear.com). CREST Personal Members or other 
CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who 
have appointed a service provider(s), should refer to their CREST 
sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the 
appropriate action on their behalf.

8. 

 In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the 
CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a 
“CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in 
accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications, 
and must contain the information required for such instruction, as 

9. 

described in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of 
whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is an 
amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed 
proxy, must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be 
received by the issuer’s agent (ID RA19) by 11.00 a.m. (BST) on 4 
May 2021. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be 
the time (as determined by the time stamp applied to the message 
by the CREST Application Host) from which the issuer’s agent is 
able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner 
prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to 
proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to 
the appointee through other means.

 CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors, 
or voting service providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland 
Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for 
any particular message. Normal system timings and limitations will, 
therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy 
Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member 
concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST Personal 
Member, or sponsored member, or has appointed a voting service 
provider, to procure that his/ her CREST sponsor or voting service 
provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that 
a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any 
particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where 
applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting system providers are 
referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual 
concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

14.   Voting at the AGM will be by poll. All valid proxy votes, whether 
submitted electronically or in hard copy form, will be included in 
the poll to be taken at the meeting. In addition, the Chairman of 
the AGM will cast the votes for which he has been appointed as 
proxy. Once the results have been verified by the Company’s 
registrar, Equiniti, they will be notified to the Financial Conduct 
Authority, announced through a Regulatory Information Service 
and will be available to view on the Company’s website.

15.   A copy of this notice, and other information required by section 

311A of the Act, can be found at www.melroseplc.net. 

16.   You may not use an electronic address provided in either this 

Notice of AGM or any related documents (including the form of 
proxy) to communicate with the Company for any purposes other 
than those expressly stated.

17.   The following documents will be available for inspection upon 
request at the Company’s registered office during normal 
business hours on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public 
holidays excepted) from the date of this notice up to and including 
the date of the AGM and at the place of the AGM for 15 minutes 
prior to and during the meeting:

(A)   copies of all service agreements under which Directors of the 
Company are employed by the Company or any subsidiaries; 
and

(B)   a copy of the terms of appointment of the Non-executive 

Directors of the Company.

10.   The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in 

18.   You may register your vote online by visiting Equiniti’s website  

at www.sharevote.co.uk. In order to register your vote online,  
you will need to enter the Voting ID, Task ID and Shareholder 
Reference Number which are set out on the enclosed form  
of proxy. Shareholders who have already registered with  
Equiniti’s online portfolio service, Shareview, can appoint  
their proxy electronically by logging on to their portfolio at  
www.shareview.co.uk using your usual user ID and password. 
Once logged in simply click “View” on the “My Investments” page, 
click on the link to vote then follow the on-screen instructions.  
A proxy appointment made electronically will not be valid if sent  
to any address other than those provided or if received after  
11.00 a.m. (BST) on 4 May 2021.

the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5) (a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

11.   Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more 

corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its 
powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to 
the same shares.

12.   Under section 527 of the Act, members meeting the threshold 
requirements set out in that section have the right to require the 
Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any 
matter relating to: (i) the audit of the Company’s accounts 
(including the auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that 
are to be laid before the AGM; or (ii) any circumstance connected 
with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since the 
previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid 
in accordance with section 437 of the Act. The Company may not 
require the shareholders requesting any such website publication 
to pay its expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the 
Act. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a 
website under section 527 of the Act, it must forward the 
statement to the Company’s auditor not later than the time when it 
makes the statement available on the website. The business 
which may be dealt with at the AGM includes any statement that 
the Company has been required under section 527 of the Act to 
publish on a website.

13.   The Company will offer an opportunity for members to engage in 

advance of the meeting through an online facility to submit 
questions. If members have any questions for the Board in relation 
to the business being dealt with at the AGM, these can be 
submitted using the online service that can be accessed from 
https://www.melroseplc.net/investors/shareholder-
information/melrose-agm-2021-questions-form/. Questions 
must be received by no later than 11.00 a.m. (BST) on 4 May 
2021. The Board will upload a response to these questions on our 
website that endeavours to answer the key themes of these 
questions, but no answer need be given if: (i) to do so would 
interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the 
disclosure of confidential information; (ii) the answer has already 
been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question; 
and/or (iii) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the 
good order of the meeting that the question be answered.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Additional informationMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020   
   
214

Company and shareholder information

Notes

215

As at 31 December 2020, there were 18,608 holders of ordinary shares of 48/7 pence each in the Company. An analysis of these shareholdings 
as at 31 December 2020 is set out in the table below.

Shareholder analysis

Balance Ranges

1–5,000

5,001–50,000

50,001–500,000

Over 500,000

Total

Held by

Individuals

Institutions

Total

Financial calendar 2021

Ex-dividend date for final dividend

Record date for final dividend

Annual General Meeting

Payment date of final dividend

Announcement of interim results

Intended payment of interim dividend

Preliminary announcement of 2021 results

Total number of holdings

Percentage of holders

Total number of shares Percentage issued capital

14,321

3,356

498

433

18,608

15,856

2,752

18,608

76.96%

18.04%

2.68%

2.33%

100.00%

85.21%

14.79%

100.00%

18,587,442

43,496,230

88,613,514

4,707,557,777

4,858,254,963

 55,827,867

4,802,427,096

4,858,254,963

0.38%

0.90%

1.82%

96.90%

100.00%

1.15%

98.85%

100.00%

1 April 2021

6 April 2021

6 May 2021

19 May 2021

September 2021

October 2021

March 2022

Registrar
Equiniti  
Aspect House  
Spencer Road  
Lancing  
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Tel: 0371 384 2030 or  
+44 (0) 121 415 7047 (from 
outside UK)

Lines are open from 8.30 am to  
5.30 pm Monday to Friday, 
excluding public holidays in  
England and Wales.

Brokers
Investec  
2 Gresham Street  
London EC2V 7QP

J.P. Morgan Cazenove  
25 Bank Street  
London E14 5JP

Legal Advisers
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP  
CityPoint 
One Ropemaker Street  
London EC2Y 9HU

Bankers
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Banca IMI S.p.A, London Branch
Banco Santander S.A., London 
Branch
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
International Limited
Bank of China Limited, London 
Branch
Barclays Bank plc
Bayerische Landesbank
BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV 
Caixabank SA, UK Branch

Citibank, N.A., London Branch
Citizens Bank, N.A.
Commerzbank 
Aktiengesellschaft, London 
Branch
Crédit Agricole Corporate and 
Investment Bank
Crédit Industriel et Commercial
Deutsche Bank Luxembourg 
S.A.
HSBC Bank plc
Industrial and Commercial Bank 
of China Limited, London Branch
ING Bank N.V., London Branch
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A., 
London Branch
Mediobanca International 
(Luxembourg) S.A.

National Westminster Bank plc
Royal Bank of Canada
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken 
AB (publ)
Standard Chartered Bank
The Governor and Company of 
the Bank of Ireland
UniCredit Bank AG
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., London 
Branch

A range of shareholder information is available at Equiniti’s online portfolio service www.shareview.co.uk, where you can register for a 
Shareview Portfolio to access information about your holding and undertake a number of activities, including appointing a proxy, changing a 
dividend mandate and updating your address. To register, you will need your 11-digit Shareholder Reference Number (SRN), which can be 
found on your proxy form or dividend voucher.

Gifting your shares
If you have a small number of shares and the dealing costs or minimum fee make it uneconomical to sell them, you may like to donate them to 
benefit charities through ShareGift, a registered charity. Further information is available on the ShareGift website at www.sharegift.org or call 
+44 (0) 20 7930 3737.

Share fraud warning
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited telephone calls or correspondence concerning 
investment matters. Fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure tactics to lure investors into scams. They may offer to sell shares that turn out 
to be worthless or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an upfront payment. For more detailed information on this kind 
of activity or to report a scam, please call the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Helpline on +44 (0)800 111 6768 or visit www.fca.org.
uk/consumers/scams.

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020Additional informationMelrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020216

Notes

Melrose Industries PLC Annual Report 2020www.melroseplc.net

London Stock Exchange
Code: MRO 
SEDOL: BZ1G432 
LEI: 213800RGNXXZY2M7TR85

Melrose Industries PLC

Registered Office
11th Floor, The Colmore Building 
20 Colmore Circus Queensway 
Birmingham 
West Midlands  
B4 6AT

Tel: +44 (0) 121 296 2800 
Fax: +44 (0) 121 296 2839

Registered Number: 09800044

Head Office
Leconfield House 
Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5JA

North America Office
1180 Peachtree Street NE 
Suite 2450  
Atlanta 
GA 30309

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7647 4500 
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7647 4501

Tel: +1 404 941 2100 
Fax: +1 404 941 2772