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Mulberry Group Plc

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FY2011 Annual Report · Mulberry Group Plc
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ANNUAL
REPORT 
AND
ACCOUNTS

For the year ended
31 March 2011

Mulberry Annual Report and Accounts

Year ended 31 March 2011

Financial HigHligHts

l  Revenues increased by 69% to £121.6 million (2010: £72.1 million)

l  Retail sales up 44% to £73.5 million, like-for-like up 43%

l  Wholesale shipments to third-parties up 130% to £48.1 million

l  Profit before tax up 358% to £23.3 million (2010: £5.1 million)

l  Basic earnings per share up by 473% to 29.8p (2010: 5.2p)

l  Proposed dividend up 82% to 4.0p per share (2010: 2.2p per share)

OPERating HigHligHts

l  9  new  stores  opened  during  the  year  in  Beijing,  Hong  Kong,  Malaysia,  Korea,  Qatar,  UAE,  the  Netherlands  

and Sydney

l  New flagship store opened at 50 New Bond Street, London

l  Global expansion continued with international revenues growing 145% to £40.5 million (2010: £16.6 million)

l  Online sales grew 64% to £9.2 million, accounting for 8% of sales

l  New London headquarters opened on Kensington Church Street

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Mulberry Annual Report and Accounts

Contents

  Chairman and Chief Executive’s review 

Financial review 

  Directors, secretary and advisers 

  Corporate governance 

  Directors’ remuneration report 

  Directors’ report 

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

Independent auditor’s report 

  Consolidated income statement 

  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

  Consolidated balance sheet 

  Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

  Consolidated cash flow statement 

  Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Independent auditor’s report 

  Company balance sheet 

  Notes to the Company financial statements 

  Notice of Annual General Meeting 

  Group five year summary 

Page

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3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive’s review

Year ended 31 March 2011

The Group has continued to deliver strong sales and profit growth during the year to 31 March 2011. 

As a result of continuous investment over a number of years, we have been successful in developing international 
demand for the Mulberry brand. This, combined with the programme of new store openings in all regions, means that 
future growth is becoming less dependent upon consumers in the UK or any other single market.

Looking forward, we will continue our strategy of building the brand in international markets by investing in opening 
shops and progressively increasing our marketing activity to drive sales growth. 

BusinEss REviEw
Sales increased 69% to £121.6 million for the year to 31 March 2011 (2010: £72.1 million) and profit before tax increased 
358% to £23.3 million (2010: £5.1 million). International sales were £40.5 million, 145% up on the prior year.

Retail sales from our own stores, department store concessions and website in the UK, France, the Netherlands and 
North America have increased by 44% compared to the prior year to £73.5 million (like-for-like up 43%).

UK  Retail  sales  in  our  own  44  stores  and  department  store  concessions  increased  for  the  year  by  40%  (like-for-like  
up  39%).  Our  UK  full  price  stores  and  concessions  were  up  48%  (like-for-like  up  47%).  Sales  through  our  website,  
www.mulberry.com,  grew  by  64%  to  £9.2  million  during  the  year,  accounting  for  8%  of  Group  sales  (2010:  8%).  
In addition to being a profitable and growing sales channel, the website is a key marketing tool for the brand.

Our  two  stores  in  New  York  have  recorded  sales  increases  of  122%  compared  to  the  prior  year  whilst  our  North 
American wholesale and online businesses have also increased satisfactorily. In France, sales in our Rue St Honoré 
store increased by 151% compared to the prior year.

Wholesale shipments to customers during the year to 31 March 2011 were £48.1 million, up 130% compared to the prior year. 
The Wholesale business includes sales to our European franchise partners, European and North American independent 
retailers and department stores, as well as sales to our international distribution partners in Asia and the Middle East. In Asia, 
sales to our partner shops and wholesale accounts grew by 319% to £14.8 million, reflecting strong underlying growth and 
the opening of new shops, as well as restocking from their depleted inventory position at 31 March 2010.

The Group’s balance sheet remains strong with cash of £21.4 million and no debt at 31 March 2011. This means that we 
are able to move quickly to invest in new retail opportunities and other projects when they arise.

The  Mulberry  network  of  stores  continues  to  develop.  On  1  December  2010,  we  opened  a  new  flagship  store  at  
50 New Bond Street, London and closed the old flagship store at 40–41 New Bond Street. Sales since opening at the 
new store are 42% higher than sales at the old store for the same period last year. We have also moved our Manchester 
store to the new Spinningfields development and opened a concession in De Bijenkorf, Amsterdam during the year.

During  the  year,  new  Mulberry  stores  have  been  opened  by  our  partners  in  Beijing,  Hong  Kong,  Malaysia,  Korea, 
Qatar, UAE and Sydney. 

During March 2011, the Group moved into its new London headquarters at 30 Kensington Church Street, bringing all 
the London teams under one roof for the first time and providing excellent showroom facilities. The net cash cost of 
this project during the year was £3.2 million. We opened new showrooms in both Paris and New York during the year 
to support the growing international wholesale business.

As a result of the rapid increase in demand, we have doubled the production of women’s handbags whilst ensuring 
that quality standards are maintained. 

cuRREnt tRaDing anD OutlOOK
In our 40th anniversary year, Mulberry continues to focus on the craftsmanship and quality that is synonymous with its 
brand. These authentic British attributes differentiate the brand and are in tune with the changing times and attitudes.

The strong consumer demand for Mulberry products has continued since 31 March 2011. 

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Chairman and Chief Executive’s review

(continued)

During the 10 weeks to 4 June 2011, total Retail sales were 38% above the same period last year with like-for-like sales 
up 42%. Within this figure, UK full price Retail sales have grown by 33% like-for-like compared to the off price business 
which has increased by 56% like-for-like.

With 5 months selling yet to go the Autumn/Winter 2011 season has started strongly with the third-party wholesale 
order book already 38% higher than the Autumn/Winter 2010 end of season position. 

In May 2011, we delivered the new Taylor family of bags, which has been well received and will join the already strong 
product line up.

In  Europe,  we  have  taken  back  the  distribution  rights  for  Germany,  the  Netherlands  and  Belgium  from  our  agents 
and the retail rights from our Amsterdam franchise partner. The main Amsterdam store, which is currently closed for 
redevelopment, will reopen under our direct control before Christmas. We are planning to open approximately 10 
stores in Germany, Switzerland and Austria over the next 3 years as sites become available. We are already negotiating 
on a number of leases.

In North America, a new 5,000 sq ft flagship store on Spring Street, Soho, New York will open during the Autumn which 
will mark the beginning of the next stage of development of our North American business. We have commenced a 
search for locations on the West Coast in Los Angeles and San Francisco with the objective of building a small group 
of stores over the next 2 years. 

Our partner in Korea, who started the current year with 10 shop-in-shops, has already opened another 3 and is planning 
a further 5 before the end of March 2012.

Club 21, our partner for the rest of Asia, plans to open a number of new stores as sites become available. The main focus 
will be on China after the successful opening of a Beijing store during January 2011 which is already trading profitably. 
In  Hong  Kong,  the  very  successful  store  in  Harbour  City  will  relocate  to  a  much  larger  space  before  Christmas.  In 
addition, we are working with Club 21 on plans to expand in Japan which is an under-developed market for Mulberry.

We continue to build production capacity with our partners around the world in order to meet the rapidly growing 
demand. In the UK, we are expanding our factory in Somerset and construction is well advanced. We will start occupying 
the new space during August 2011. This will add approximately 30% to our UK capacity and is projected to generate 
over 50 new manufacturing jobs which will include school leavers who will be trained under our apprenticeship scheme.

DiviDEnDs
The Board is recommending the payment of a dividend on the ordinary shares of 4.0p per ordinary share (2010: 2.2p) 
which will be paid on 19 August 2011 to shareholders on the register on 22 July 2011.

DiREctOR cHangEs
During the year, Edward Vandyk stepped down as a Non-Executive Director after 8 years of service and Melissa Ong 
was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director bringing considerable experience of the Asian markets.

staFF
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff and our partners for their enthusiasm and commitment to 
Mulberry and its strategy. The significant achievements of the last year would not have been possible without them. 

Godfrey Davis
Chairman and Chief Executive
15 June 2011

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5

Financial review

Year ended 31 March 2011

gROss MaRgin
The Group’s gross profit as a percentage of revenue has increased to 65% from 59% for the prior year. This significant 
increase in gross margin is a consequence of a higher proportion of sales being made at full retail price throughout 
the  year  combined  with  much  reduced  summer  and  winter  clearance  sales  compared  to  the  prior  year  because 
there was relatively little end of season stock for clearance. The underlying gross margin has also seen an increase of 
approximately 1% due to volume related efficiency. 

nEt OPERating EXPEnsEs
Net operating expenses for the year increased by £18.9 million to £56.5 million (2010: £37.6 million). The main elements 
of this increase were: £4.9 million variable rents and agents’ commissions directly linked to the sales growth; £2.3 million 
non-recurring property costs arising largely from rent and related costs incurred during the fit out of the flagship store 
that opened during December on New Bond Street and the new corporate headquarters opened during March 2011; 
£3.2 million additional spend on advertising and promotion and; £4.7 million increased employee costs.

EXcEPtiOnal itEMs
Under the terms of the purchase agreement for the USA business which was announced on 14 May 2009, £1.0 million of 
deferred consideration will become payable to Challice Limited should the turnover in the North American market exceed a 
threshold of $6.0 million for the year ending 31 March 2012. Given the rapid growth currently being experienced in this market, 
it is deemed prudent to make a provision for this exceptional cost now. The £1.0 million consideration may be satisfied in either 
cash or shares at the option of the Group following the end of the 2011/12 financial year. In addition, £0.9 million of exceptional 
income has been recognised in relation to the surrender of the lease on the old New Bond Street store. As a result, the net 
exceptional costs for the year were £0.1 million. The residual net book value of the fixed assets at the old New Bond Street store 
of £1.0 million was expensed during the previous financial year ended 31 March 2010 and disclosed as an exceptional item. 

sHaRE OF REsults OF assOciatEs
Our associate in Norway had a successful year with our share of their results increasing to £0.3 million (2010: £0.2 million).

FinancE incOME anD EXPEnsE
The decrease in net finance income to £30,000 (2010: £48,000) has resulted from the continued low rates of interest 
available in the market. 

taXatiOn
The Group has an effective tax rate of 26.9% for the year (2010: 41.7%) resulting in a tax charge of £6.3 million (2010: 
£2.1 million). The decrease in the effective rate compared to the prior year is due to the absence of unrelieved overseas 
losses and exceptional property impairment which attracted no tax relief in the prior year. In the current year, the US 
deferred  consideration  is  a  non-deductible  expense  but  this  has  been  offset  by  tax  deductions  for  share  options 
exercised in the year and other timing differences.

BalancE sHEEt
Investment  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  the  year  totalled  £12.8  million  (2010:  £2.0  million)  and  included 
the new London offices (£7.0 million), the UK factory (£0.9 million) and the relocation of the New Bond Street and 
Manchester stores (£3.0 million). The expenditure of £0.5 million on intangible assets reflects the ongoing investment 
in the Group’s ERP system and the development of our online capabilities.

Inventory levels have increased by £13.3 million to £22.4 million (2010: £9.1 million) which reflects the increased scale 
of the business and the fact that the timetable for the launch of the Autumn/Winter 2011 season has been brought 
forward by one month compared to the prior year, resulting in Autumn/Winter 2011 inventory being in the warehouse 
at the year end for the first time. 

casH FlOw
The cash generated from operations for the year amounted to an inflow of £26.6 million (2010: inflow of £12.9 million). 
The  net  cash  balance  has  increased  to  £21.4  million  at  31  March  2011  (2010:  £12.2  million)  due  to  the  operational 
performance of the Group.

sHaREHOlDER REtuRn
The basic earnings per share for the year increased by 473% to 29.8p (2010: 5.2p). This reflects the increase in pre-tax 
profit and the lower effective tax rate. 

4

Roger Mather
Group Finance Director
15 June 2011

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  Directors: 

Directors, secretary and advisers

Year ended 31 March 2011

Godfrey Pawle Davis FCA
Roger Thomas Mather FCA
Robert (Robin) Edward Graeme Gibson
Andrew Christopher (Chris) Roberts FCCA
Steven Grapstein
Bernard Lam Kong Heng
Melissa Ong 

Registered Office: 

The Rookery, Chilcompton, Somerset BA3 4EH

secretary: 

Roger Thomas Mather FCA

  nominated adviser and  
  nominated Broker: 

Altium Capital Limited
London

Registered auditor: 

Deloitte LLP
Bristol

solicitors: 

Principal Bankers: 

Registrars: 

Osborne Clarke
Bristol

HSBC Bank plc
Bristol

Computershare Investor Services plc
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 7NH

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7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate governance

Year ended 31 March 2011

The Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and is not required to comply with the provisions set 
out in Section 1 of the 2008 FRC Combined Code. However, the Directors support the principles contained in these 
requirements and apply these where they consider they are appropriate to Mulberry Group plc.

tHE BOaRD OF DiREctORs
During the year the Board comprised of 2 Executive Directors and 5 Non-Executive Directors. Details of the Directors 
and  the  changes  during  the  year  are  set  out  on  page  9.  Since  the  roles  of  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  are  not 
separated, as recommended by the Combined Code, the Directors consider it important that the Board should include 
Non-Executive Directors who bring strong independent judgement and considerable knowledge and experience to 
the Board’s deliberations.

The Board meets formally on a bi-monthly basis and is responsible inter alia for overall Group strategy, investments 
and  capital  projects  and  for  ensuring  that  an  appropriate  framework  of  internal  control  is  in  place  throughout  
the Group.

The Executive Directors are each employed under a contract of employment which can be terminated on not more 
than one year’s notice. The Non-Executive Directors provide their services under twelve month agreements renewed 
annually in January.

nOMinatiOns anD REMunERatiOn cOMMittEE
The Nominations and Remuneration Committee is chaired by a Non-Executive Director, Robin Gibson. It is responsible 
for nominating Directors to the Board and then determining the remuneration and terms and conditions of employment 
of Directors and senior employees of the Group. The Directors’ remuneration report is set out on pages 9, 10 and 11.

auDit cOMMittEE
The  Audit  Committee  is  chaired  by  a  Non-Executive  Director,  Chris  Roberts.  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  Board  that  all 
Directors should attend Audit Committee meetings where possible as part of the programme to maintain the Group’s 
systems of internal control. The Committee may examine any matters relating to the financial affairs of the Group. 
This includes review of the annual financial statements prior to their approval by the Board, together with accounting 
policies and compliance with accounting standards, and of internal control procedures and monthly financial reporting, 
and other related functions as the Committee may require. The Non-Executive Directors have access to the Group’s 
auditor and legal advisers at any time without Executive Directors being present.

intERnal Financial cOntROl
The  Board  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  Group’s  systems  of  internal  financial  control  and  for  monitoring  their 
effectiveness.

The  Directors  place  considerable  importance  on  maintaining  full  control  and  direction  over  appropriate  strategic, 
financial,  organisational  and  compliance  issues,  and  have  put  in  place  an  organisational  structure  with  formally 
defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority. There are established procedures for planning and capital 
expenditure,  for  information  and  reporting  systems  and  for  monitoring  the  Group’s  business  and  its  performance. 
Adherence to specified procedures is required at all times and the Board actively promotes a culture of quality and 
integrity. Compliance is monitored by the Directors.

The  systems  of  internal  financial  control  are  designed  to  provide  reasonable,  but  not  absolute,  assurance  against 
material misstatement or loss. They include comprehensive budgeting systems with an annual budget approved by 
the Board, monthly consideration of actual operational results compared with budgets, forecasts and regular reviews 
by the Board of year end forecasts. The Board reports to shareholders half-yearly.

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Corporate governance

(continued)

The Group’s control systems address key business and financial risks. Matters arising are reviewed on a regular basis. 
Performance indicators are reviewed at least monthly to assess progress towards objectives. Variances from approved 
plans are followed up vigorously.

The auditor is engaged to express an opinion on the financial statements. They review and test the system of internal 
financial control and the data contained in the financial statements to the extent necessary to express their audit opinion.

gOing cOncERn
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company will have adequate resources 
to  continue  in  operational  existence  for  the  foreseeable  future.  More  information  on  how  the  Board  assesses  and 
controls the principal risks of the business (including going concern) is given within the Directors’ report. Accordingly, 
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and financial statements.

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9

Directors’ remuneration report

Year ended 31 March 2011

Mulberry Group plc is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and therefore is not required to prepare a Directors’ 
remuneration report.

The following narrative disclosures are prepared on a voluntary basis and are not subject to audit.

During the year, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee comprised:

l  Robin Gibson (Chairman and Non-Executive Director)

l  Chris Roberts (Non-Executive Director)

l  Steven Grapstein (Non-Executive Director)

l  Bernard Heng (Non-Executive Director)

l  Melissa Ong (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 7 September 2010

l  Edward Vandyk (Non-Executive Director) – resigned 7 September 2010

The  Committee  decides  the  remuneration  policy  that  applies  to  Executive  Directors  and  the  Group’s  other  senior 
management. In setting the policy it considers a number of factors including:

l 

the basic salaries and benefits available to Executive Directors of comparable companies;

l 

the need to attract and retain Directors of an appropriate calibre; and

l 

the  need  to  ensure  Executive  Directors’  commitment  to  the  continued  success  of  the  Group  by  means  of  
incentive schemes.

The Committee meets at least once a year in order to consider and set the annual salaries for Executive Directors, 
having regard to personal performance. Executive Directors’ salaries are reviewed on 31 March each year, along with 
the remuneration of all other Group employees.

REMunERatiOn OF nOn‑EXEcutivE DiREctORs
The Non-Executive Directors each receive a fee for their services, which is agreed by the Board taking into account 
the role to be undertaken. They do not receive any pension or other benefits from the Company apart from a small 
allowance of Mulberry products, nor do they participate in any of the share option or bonus schemes.

The Non-Executive Directors are appointed for a twelve month term.

REMunERatiOn POlicY FOR EXEcutivE DiREctORs
The Company’s remuneration policy for Executive Directors is to:

l  have regard to the Director’s experience and the nature and complexity of their work in order to pay a competitive 

salary that attracts and retains Directors of the highest quality;

l 

link individual remuneration packages to the Group’s long-term performance through the award of annual bonuses 
and share-based incentive schemes;

l  provide post-retirement benefits through the Group’s pension schemes; and

l  provide employment-related benefits including the provision of a company car or cash alternative, life assurance, 

insurance relating to the Director’s duties, medical insurance and permanent health insurance.

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Directors’ remuneration report

(continued)

salaRiEs anD incEntivE BOnusEs
Each  Executive  Director  receives  a  base  salary  and  an  annual  incentive  bonus  which  shall  not  in  any  year  exceed  
50% of the basic salary for the Director, without the prior sanction of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. 
The base salary reflects job responsibility, market value and the sustained level of individual performance.

The  long-term  incentive  strategy  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  management  team  has  been  revised  by  the 
Nominations and Remuneration Committee to include a balance of benefits to reward current performance and long-
term commitment. The strategy comprises of the following: 

l  An  unapproved  share  option  scheme  which  was  introduced  in  April  2008  following  the  expiry  of  the  previous 

scheme. Options granted in this scheme vest after three years. 

l  A Deferred Bonus Plan which represents a long-term award scheme where participants receive all or part of their 
annual bonus in shares. These shares are held as deferred shares in the Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share Trust. 
Matching shares are then granted and vest after a period of two years conditional upon the participant remaining 
an employee of the Group and the original deferred shares remaining in the Trust.

l  A Co-ownership Equity Incentive Plan where participants are granted shares which are co-owned by the Mulberry 
Group Plc Employee Share Trust and participate in the value to the extent that the Mulberry share price exceeds 
20% above the market price at the date of grant. The vesting period is three years, after which the employee has 
the right to acquire the beneficial interest in the share. This plan was established in August 2009.

The following information is required by the Companies Act and is subject to audit.

Executive Directors
Godfrey Davis 
Roger Mather 

Non-Executive Directors
Robin Gibson 
Chris Roberts 
Steven Grapstein 
Bernard Heng 
Melissa Ong 
Edward Vandyk 

Fees/ 
Basic salary 
£’000 

220 
160 

18 
18 
18 
18 
9 
8 

Bonus 
£’000 

313 
228 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Pension 
taxable 
benefits  contributions 
£’000 

£’000 

25 
18 

1 
1 
– 
– 
1 
1 

55 
22 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2011 
total 
£’000 

613 
428 

19 
19 
18 
18 
10 
9 

2010
total
£’000

449
304

18
17
17
18
–
18

Total 

469 

541 

47 

77 

1,134 

841

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11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The emoluments disclosed above do not include any amounts for the value of share options or share awards granted 
to or held by the Directors. These are detailed as follows:

a) Options granted under the unapproved share option schemes 

Godfrey Davis 
Godfrey Davis 
Roger Mather 

31 March  
2010 

100,000 
150,000 
250,000 

granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

31 March 
2011 

Exercise
price (p)

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

100,000 
150,000 
250,000 

145.5
144.5
144.7

The outstanding options are exercisable between 4 August 2008 and 25 July 2018. On 14 April 2011, Roger Mather 
exercised 130,000 of the options at a market price of 1250p.

b) Matching shares granted under the Deferred Bonus Plan

31 March  
2010 

granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

31 March 
2011 

Exercise
price (p)

Godfrey Davis 
Roger Mather 

48,932 
35,922 

5,037 
7,196 

– 
4,014 

– 
– 

53,969 
39,104 

–
–

The matching shares vest between 15 August 2010 and 30 June 2013. Each of the matching shares relates to vested 
and unvested shares held in the Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share Trust. The market price of the shares granted 
during the year was 1362p.

c) Jointly owned shares under the Co-ownership Equity Incentive Plan

Godfrey Davis 
Roger Mather 

31 March  
2010 

300,000 
250,000 

granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

31 March 
2011 

Exercise
price (p)

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

300,000 
250,000 

145.8
145.8

The  right  to  acquire  the  beneficial  interest  in  the  shares  will  vest  on  9  October  2012  and  remain  exercisable  until  
9 October 2019. The market price of the shares at the date of the award was 121.5p.

The market price of Mulberry Group plc ordinary shares at 31 March 2011 was 1372p (2010: 190.5p) and the range 
during the year was 185p to 1415p (2010: 59.5p to 200p).

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Directors’ report

Year ended 31 March 2011

The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Group, together with the financial statements and independent 
auditor’s report, for the year ended 31 March 2011.

BusinEss REviEw anD PRinciPal activitiEs
The Group’s principal activities are the design and manufacture or sourcing of fashion accessories and clothing and 
their subsequent sale through wholesale channels or the Group’s own shops in home and export markets. There have 
not been any significant changes in these activities during the year under review. The Directors are not aware, at the 
date of this report, of any likely major changes in the Group’s activities during the next year.

The Company’s principal activity is that of a holding company.

The Group continues to invest in design and development in order to develop and market two accessory and clothing 
collections per year. This results in the continuous introduction of new products and updates to existing products. 
The Directors regard this investment in design and product development as necessary for continuing success in the 
medium to long-term future.

The Chairman and Chief Executive’s review on pages 3 and 4 and the Financial review on page 5 provide a review of 
the business for the year and future developments.

PRinciPal RisKs anD uncERtaintiEs
The management of the business and the execution of the Group’s growth strategies are subject to a number of risks, 
which could adversely affect the Group’s future development.

Competitive pressures, changes in fashion and hence consumer demand are continuing risks which could result in the 
loss of sales. The Group manages this risk by the continuous investment in the design of new products and marketing 
to stimulate customer interest and by maintaining strong relationships with customers.

During  the  current  year,  the  Group  has  shown  continued  resilience  to  the  wider  global  economic  climate  but  any 
further deterioration could affect sales both in the UK and internationally. A significant amount of Mulberry sales are 
generated  in  the  UK.  As  a  result,  a  decline  in  the  UK  economy  that  reduced  consumer  spending  on  luxury  goods 
could materially affect our trading results. The Group’s continuing strategy to increase the penetration of international 
markets is expected to reduce the impact of this risk over time. The impact on current trading is discussed further in 
the Chairman and Chief Executive’s review.

A major terrorist attack, particularly in central London, could seriously affect our operations, as would a fire or significant 
disruption  to  our  warehouse.  The  Group  has  developed  a  business  continuity  plan  to  mitigate  the  impact  on  the 
business where possible.

The risk of the loss of key personnel is mitigated by regular reviews of remuneration packages (including long-term 
incentive schemes) and succession planning within the management team. 

The  Group  continues  to  engage  in  a  substantial  programme  of  change.  Over  the  next  year,  the  Group  plans  to 
implement  the  remaining  modules  of  its  ERP  system  covering  product  development  and  manufacturing  and 
to  commence  implementation  of  a  new  internet  platform,  and  a  Retail  EPOS  system  which  will  operate  initially  in 
its  international  stores.  If  these  projects  were  to  be  unsuccessful,  it  could  have  an  impact  on  operations.  Senior 
management  involvement  and  significant  pre-implementation  testing  are  part  of  the  carefully  designed  project  to 
minimise the risks of the roll out.

The Group’s sales and purchases are made in Sterling, Euros and US Dollars and so it is exposed to the movement in 
the Euro and the US Dollar to Sterling exchange rates. The Group manages this risk by building a natural hedge of 
Euro and US Dollar denominated sales and purchases whereby the inflows and outflows of Euros and US Dollars are 
roughly equal. If significant currency positions were to develop, forward foreign exchange contracts would be used to 
mitigate the exposure.

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13

The management of cash is of fundamental importance. The large growth in sales has led to a significant cash inflow. 
This has partly been offset by the capital expenditure programme in the year, so that at the year end the Group had a 
cash balance of £21.4 million. As discussed in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s review, the Group has agreed various 
capital expenditure plans for the coming year which will be financed by the Group’s operating cash flow. The Group 
currently has no debt but nonetheless has organised facilities of £4.5 million (including £2.0 million of a multicurrency 
overdraft facility).  These banking facilities are in place until 31 May 2012. As such, the Group is on a firm financial 
footing and confident of its ability to continue as a going concern.

REsults anD DiviDEnDs
The results for the year are set out in the consolidated income statement. The Directors are recommending the payment 
of a final dividend of 4.0p per ordinary share (2010: 2.2p), to be paid on 19 August 2011 to ordinary shareholders on 
the register on 22 July 2011.

tREasuRY anD FOREign EXcHangE
The Group has continued a policy of balancing its currency exchange exposures which arise through normal trading. 
This is achieved through the natural hedge which exists, in which the total inflows and outflows generated from normal 
trading, principally in the Euro and US Dollar, are balanced to similar levels. This minimises the potential impact on the 
Group of movements in exchange rates.

Where necessary the Group would enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency risks arising 
from the Group’s operations and its sources of finance not covered by the natural hedge. There were no open forward 
foreign exchange contracts at the year end. The Group’s policy is and has been throughout the year that no trading in 
financial instruments shall be undertaken.

The Group’s financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise cash and liquid resources and items such as trade 
debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations.

DiREctORs anD tHEiR intEREsts
The Directors who served during the year and subsequently are shown below.

Executive Directors
godfrey Davis Fca, 62, is Chairman and Chief Executive. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales and joined Mulberry as Group Finance Director in 1987 after 15 years at Arthur Andersen, where 
he was an international partner. He became Chairman and Chief Executive in November 2002. He is also a Director of 
Hestercombe Gardens Limited, a Trustee of Hestercombe Gardens Trust and a Director of Woodard Schools (Taunton) 
Limited.

Roger  Mather  Fca,  46,  is  the  Group  Finance  Director.  He  is  a  fellow  of  the  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in 
England and Wales having trained professionally with Price Waterhouse. He joined Mulberry during November 2007 
after  spending  the  previous  10  years  in  senior  finance  and  commercial  roles  within  the  multi-national  Otto  Group 
based  both  in  Hong  Kong  and  the  UK.  He  was  appointed  as  Company  Secretary  on  20  December  2007  and  was 
appointed as a Director on 7 May 2008.

non‑Executive Directors
Robin gibson, 69, is Chairman of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. He was appointed on 1 May 1996.

andrew  christopher  Roberts  Fcca,  47, is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He was appointed on 6 June 2002. 
Chris is Finance Director of Astaire Group plc, an AIM quoted financial services group. He is a fellow of the Chartered 
Association of Certified Accountants.

steven  grapstein,  53,  was  appointed  on  17  November  2003.  He  is  presently  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Como 
Holdings  USA  Inc.,  an  international  investment  group  with  extensive  interests  in  the  retail  and  hotel  industries; 
Chairman of Presidio International dba A/X Armani Exchange, a fashion retail company, and serves as Chairman of the 
Board of Directors of Tesoro Petroleum Corporation, a US publicly held Fortune 150 company engaged in the oil and 
gas industry. He is a certified public accountant.

12

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Directors’ report

(continued)

Bernard lam Kong Heng, 65, was appointed on 17 November 2003. He is presently the Chief Executive of Como 
Holdings (UK) Ltd. a Singapore based company which has extensive retail, hotel and real estate operations in the UK 
and internationally.

Melissa Ong, 37, was appointed on 7 September 2010. She is also a Director of the following international companies 
which are involved in the retail and  hotel industries:  Club  21  (Singapore) Pte  Ltd,  Supernature Pte  Ltd,  Lushington 
Entertainment Pte Ltd and Will Focus Ltd.

Previous Directors
Edward Vandyk, was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 6 June 2002 and resigned on 7 September 2010. 

Directors’ beneficial interests in the shares of the company are as follows:

Godfrey Davis 
Roger Mather  
Robin Gibson 

  5p Ordinary   5p Ordinary
shares
2010

shares 
2011 

916,404 
43,282 
5,029 

1,718,490
35,922
10,029

Melissa Ong does not hold any shares directly in the Company. However she is the daughter of Ong Beng Seng and 
Christina Ong, who together are beneficially interested in approximately 57% of the Company’s total voting rights.

The other Directors had no interests in the shares of the Company. Details of Directors’ share options, share awards 
(including jointly owned shares issued under the Co-ownership Equity Incentive plan) and other interests in shares are 
disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report.

suBstantial sHaREHOlDings
At 15 June 2011 the Company had been notified of the following interests of 3% or more of the share capital of the 
Company, other than those of the Directors above:

l  Challice Limited  

l  Banque Havilland SA  

57.0%

24.7%

suPPliER PaYMEnt POlicY
The Company’s current policy concerning the payment of its suppliers is:

l 

settle the terms of payment with those suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction;

l  ensure that those suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment; and

l  abide by the terms of payment, subject to the terms and conditions being met by the supplier.

At the year end, trade creditors expressed as a number of days purchases outstanding was nil for the Company (2010: 
nil). The Group uses its cash resources to take advantage of early payment terms with suppliers. As such, for Mulberry 
Company (Design) Limited, the main trading subsidiary, it was 16 days (2010: 22 days).

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EQual OPPORtunitiEs
The Group is committed to an active equal opportunities policy. It is our policy to promote an environment free from 
discrimination, harassment and victimisation, where everyone will receive equal treatment regardless of gender, colour, 
ethnic or national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or religion. We apply employment practices 
which are fair, equitable and consistent with the skills and abilities of our employees and the needs of the business.

DisaBlED EMPlOYEEs
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the 
applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their 
employment with the Group continues and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the 
training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical with that of 
other employees.

EMPlOYEE cOnsultatiOn
The Group places considerable value on the involvement of its employees and has continued its previous practice of 
keeping them informed on matters affecting them as employees and on the various factors affecting the performance 
of  the  Group,  which  is  achieved  through  formal  and  informal  meetings.  Employee  representatives  are  consulted 
regularly on a wide range of matters affecting their current and future interests.

cHaRitaBlE anD POlitical DOnatiOns
The Group made charitable donations of £44,000 (2010: £8,000) during the year. The Group made no political donations.

auDitOR
In the case of each of the persons who are Directors of the Company at the date when this report was approved:

l 

so far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is 
unaware; and

l  each of the Directors has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself 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 Companies 
Act 2006.

Deloitte  LLP  have  expressed  their  willingness  to  continue  as  auditor  and  a  resolution  to  re-appoint  them  will  be 
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board

Roger Mather
Secretary
15 June 2011

14

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Statement of directors’ responsibilities

Year ended 31 March 2011

The  Directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Annual  Report  and  the  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 Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have elected to prepare the parent 
company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the accounts 
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:

l 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

l  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

l 

state  whether  applicable  UK  Accounting  Standards  have  been  followed,  subject  to  any  material  departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

l  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:

l  properly select and apply accounting policies;

l  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 

understandable information; 

l  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

l  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.

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.

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Independent auditor’s report

To the members of Mulberry Group plc

We  have  audited  the  Group  financial  statements  of  Mulberry  Group  plc  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2011  which 
comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated 
balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement, and the related 
notes  1  to  33.  The  financial  reporting  framework  that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

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 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.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to 
audit and express an opinion on the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards  on  Auditing  (UK  and  Ireland).  Those  standards  require  us  to  comply  with  the  Auditing  Practices  Board’s 
(APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have 
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 
Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial 
information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become 
aware of any apparent misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In our opinion the Group financial statements:

l  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 March 2011 and of its profit for the year then 

ended;

l  have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
l  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
In  our  opinion  the  information  given  in  the  Directors’  report  for  the  financial  year  for  which  the  Group  financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial statements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where under the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion:

l 
certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
l  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

OTHER MATTER
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 
31 March 2011 and on the information in the Directors’ remuneration report that is described as having been audited.

David Hedditch (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP, Chartered Accountants
and Statutory Auditor, Bristol, United Kingdom
15 June 2011

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Consolidated income statement

Year ended 31 March 2011

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses 
Other operating income 

Operating profit 

Operating profit before exceptional items 

Share of results of associates   
Finance income 
Finance expense 

Profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit for the year 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

All activities arise from continuing operations.

Note 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

5 

7 
7 

7 

19 
11 
12 

13 

8 

121,645 
(42,144) 

72,052
(29,565)

79,501 

42,487

(58,147) 
1,656 

(38,077)
446

23,010 

23,110 

305 
74 
(44) 

4,856

5,843

192
74
(26)

23,345 

5,096

(6,282) 

(2,124)

17,063 

2,972

17,063 

2,972

pence 

pence

15 
15 

29.8 
29.1 

5.2
5.2

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Year ended 31 March 2011

Profit for the year 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations   

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 

2011 
£’000 

17,063 
1 

2010
£’000

2,972
(108)

17,064 

2,864

17,064 

2,864

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19

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet

At 31 March 2011

Note 

16 
17 
19 
23 

20 
21 
21 

2011 
£’000 

2,134 
18,207 
210 
69 

2010
£’000

2,499
7,876
347
38

20,620 

10,760

22,408 
12,186 
21,373 

9,090
8,263
12,171

55,967 

29,524

76,587 

40,284

24 

(30,476) 
(4,079) 

(12,197)
(1,622)

25 

26 

(34,555) 

(13,819)

42,032 

26,465

2,943 
7,007 
(621) 
154 
1,467 
386 
30,696 

2,943
7,007
(107)
154
1,467
385
14,616

42,032 

26,465

Non-current assets
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Interests in associates 
Deferred tax asset 

Current assets
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 

Total liabilities   

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Own share reserve 
Capital redemption reserve 
Special reserve  
Foreign exchange reserve 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

The financial statements of Mulberry Group plc (company number 01180514) were approved by the Board of Directors 
and authorised for issue on 15 June 2011. They were signed on its behalf by:

Godfrey Davis 
Director 

Roger Mather
Director

18

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Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Year ended 31 March 2011

Share 
capital 
£’000 

Capital 
Share  Own share redemption 
reserve 
reserve 
£’000 
£’000 

premium 
£’000 

Foreign
Special  exchange 
reserve* 
reserve 
£’000 
£’000 

Retained
earnings 
£’000 

Total
£’000

2,871 

7,007 

(49) 

154 

1,467 

493 

12,441 

24,384

– 
72 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
(58) 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

(108) 
– 

2,972 
– 

2,864
72

– 
– 

– 

351 
– 

351
(58)

(1,148) 

(1,148)

2,943 

7,007 

(107) 

154 

1,467 

385 

14,616 

26,465

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
(514) 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

1 

17,063 

17,064

– 

– 
– 

– 

701 

(418) 
– 

701

(418)
(514)

(1,266) 

(1,266)

2,943 

7,007 

(621) 

154 

1,467 

386 

30,696 

42,032

Balance at 
  1 April 2009 

Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  for the year 
Issued share capital 
Charge for employee 
  share-based 
  payments 
Own shares 
Ordinary dividends 
  paid   

Balance at 
  31 March 2010 

Total comprehensive
  income for the year 
Charge for employee 
  share-based 
  payments 
Exercise of 
  share options 
Own shares 
Ordinary dividends
  paid   

Balance at 
  31 March 2011 

* The special reserve was created as part of a capital restructuring of the Group in 2004. 

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21

   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement

Year ended 31 March 2011

Operating profit for the year  

Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Effects of foreign exchange 
Share-based payments charge 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories 
Increase in receivables 
Increase in payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Corporation taxes paid 
Interest paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Investing activities:
Interest received 
Dividend received from associate 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Acquisition of intangible fixed assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities:
Dividends paid  
Proceeds on issue of shares 
Cash settlement of share awards 
Investment in own shares 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

23,010 

4,856

2,261 
837 
152 
24 
701 

2,879
289
74
(14)
351

26,985 

8,435

(13,318) 
(3,848) 
16,805 

5,740
(2,065)
829

26,624 

12,939

(3,856) 
(44) 

(1,693)
(26)

22,724 

11,220

47 
308 
(11,176) 
– 
(503) 

74
–
(1,365)
6
(340)

(11,324) 

(1,625)

(1,266) 
– 
(418) 
(514) 

(1,148)
72
–
(58)

(2,198) 

(1,134)

9,202 

12,171 

8,461

3,710

21,373 

12,171

20

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Mulberry Group plc is a company incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act. The address of 
the registered office is given on page 6. The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activities are set out 
in note 6 and in the Directors’ report.

These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are included in accordance with the policies set 
out in note 3.

2.  ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS

In the current year the following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted but have not 
had an impact on the Group:

l 
l 
l 
l 
l 

IFRS 2 – Share-based payments 
IFRS 3 – Business combinations 
IAS 31 – Interests in joint ventures 
IAS 32 – Financial instruments: presentation 
IFRS 5, IFRS 8, IAS 1, IAS 17, IAS 27, IAS 36, IAS 38, 
IAS 39 amendments from annual improvement process 

l 

l 
l 

l 

instruments:  recognition   

IAS  39  –  Financial 
& measurement
IFRIC 9 – Reassessment of embedded derivatives
IFRIC  16  –  Hedges  of  a  net  investment  in  a  
foreign operation
IFRIC 17 – Distribution non-cash assets

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have 
not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective:

l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 

IFRS 7 – Financial instruments 
IFRS 9 – Financial instruments  
IFRS 10 – Consolidated financial statements 
IFRS 11 – Joint arrangements 
IFRS 12 – Disclosure of interests in other entities 
IFRS 13 – Fair value measurement  
IFRS 5, IAS 1, IAS 34 amendments from annual
improvement process

l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 

IAS 12 – Income taxes
IAS 24 – Related party transactions
IAS 27 (2011) 
IAS 28 (2011) 
IFRIC 14
IFRIC 19

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no 
material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs adopted by the European Union.

For the year ended 31 March 2011, the financial year runs for the 52 weeks to 26 March 2011.

The  financial  statements  are  prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention.  The  principal  accounting  policies 
adopted are set out below.

Going concern

The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company 
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they 
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further details are 
contained in the Directors’ report.

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23

 
 
 
 
3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled 
by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 March each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the 
power to govern the financial and operating policies of each investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of in any year are included in the consolidated income statement 
from the date of acquisition or up to the 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 transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Goodwill

Goodwill  written  off  to  reserves  under  UK  GAAP  prior  to  1998  has  not  been  reinstated  and  is  not  included  in 
determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is 
charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Computer software that is integral to a related item of hardware is included as property, plant and equipment. All 
other computer software is recorded as an intangible asset and is amortised over the estimated useful life of the 
asset (typically 20% to 25% depreciation policy).

Research and development

Expenditure on research is written off against profits as incurred. An internally generated intangible asset arising 
from the Group’s product development is recognised only if the following conditions are met:

l  An asset is created that can be identified;
l 
l  The development cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

It is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits; and

Internally  generated  intangible  assets  are  amortised  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  useful  lives.  Where  no 
internally generated intangible asset can be recognised, development expenditure is recognised as an expense 
in the period in which it is incurred.

Property, plant and equipment

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any  recognised  impairment  loss.  Assets  in  the  course  of  construction  are  carried  at  cost  less  any  recognised 
impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees. 

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets over their estimated useful lives, using the 
straight-line method, on the following bases:

Freehold buildings 
Short leasehold land and buildings 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 
Plant and equipment 
Motor vehicles 

5%
over the term of the lease
10% to 33%
20%
25%

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Freehold land and assets under the course of construction are not depreciated. Depreciation on assets commences 
when the assets are ready for intended use.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned 
assets or, where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in income.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where 
the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable 
amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is 
tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
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 which the estimates of future 
cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, 
the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss 
is recognised as an expense immediately. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount 
of  the  asset  (cash-generating  unit)  is  increased  to  the  revised  estimate  of  its  recoverable  amount,  but  so  that 
the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no 
impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment 
loss is recognised as income immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case 
the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

Investments in associates

An associate is an entity over which the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or 
joint control, through the participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. Significant 
influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control 
or joint control over these policies. The results and assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in these 
financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Investments in associates are carried in the balance 
sheet at cost as adjusted by post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate, less 
any impairment in the value of individual investments. Losses of the associates in excess of the Group’s interest in 
those associates are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or 
made payments on behalf of the associate.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share of the net fair values of the identifiable net assets 
of  the  associate  at  the  date  of  acquisition  is  recognised  as  goodwill.  Any  deficiency  of  the  cost  of  acquisition 
below the Group’s share of the fair values of the identifiable net assets of the associate at the date of acquisition  
(i.e. discount on acquisition) is credited in profit or loss in the period of acquisition.

Where a Group entity transacts with an associate of the Group, profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of 
the Group’s interest in the relevant associate.

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3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises materials, direct labour costs 
and those overheads incurred in bringing the inventories to their current location and condition. Cost is calculated 
using  the  standard  cost  method.  Net  realisable  value  represents  the  estimated  selling  price  less  all  estimated 
costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. 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 that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets  and  liabilities  in  the  financial  statements  and  the  corresponding  tax  bases  used  in  the  computation  of 
taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 
recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is 
probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against  which  deductible  temporary  differences  can  be  utilised. 
Such  assets  and  liabilities  are  not  recognised  if  the  temporary  difference  arises  from  the  initial  recognition  of 
goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a 
transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and 
associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary 
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

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 profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or 
the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items 
charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

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.

Leases

Leases  are  classified  as  finance  leases  whenever  the  terms  of  the  lease  transfer  substantially  all  the  risks  and 
rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present 
value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability 
to  the  lessor  is  included  in  the  balance  sheet  as  a  finance  lease  obligation.  Lease  payments  are  apportioned 
between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the 
remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Rentals  payable  under  operating  leases  are  charged  to  income  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  term  of  the 
relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on 
a straight-line basis over the lease term.

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Provisions

A provision is recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, 
and where it is probable that an outflow will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured at the 
Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date and are 
discounted to present value where the effect is material.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a 
third-party, a receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and 
the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

Present  obligations  arising  under  onerous  contracts  are  recognised  and  measured  as  provisions.  An  onerous 
contract is considered to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it.

Share-based payments

The  Group  issues  equity-settled  share-based  payments  to  certain  employees.  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 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 model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural 
considerations.

Retirement benefit costs

Payments to employees’ personal pension plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. Payments made to 
state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where 
the Group’s obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement 
benefit scheme.

Revenue recognition

Revenue represents amounts receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, 
VAT  and  other  sales-related  taxes  and  intra-group  transactions.  Sales  of  goods  are  recognised  at  the  point  of 
sale,  or  for  the  wholesale  business,  when  goods  are  delivered  and  title  has  passed.  Sales  of  gift  vouchers  are 
recognised on presentation of the voucher for payment of goods. 

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest 
rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life 
of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Royalty income is recognised on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreement and 
is recognised as other operating income.

Operating profit

Operating profit is stated before the share of results of associates, finance income and finance expense.

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3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

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 profit or loss for the period. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items 
carried at fair value are included in profit or loss 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 the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if 
any, are classified as equity and transferred to the Group’s foreign exchange reserve. Such translation differences 
are recognised as income or as expenses in the period in which the operation is disposed of.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Trade receivables

Trade  receivables  do  not  carry  any  interest  and  are  stated  at  their  nominal  value  as  reduced  by  appropriate 
allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  on  hand  and  demand  deposits,  and  other  short-term  highly  liquid 
investments  that  are  readily  convertible  to  a  known  amount  of  cash  and  are  subject  to  an  insignificant  risk  of 
changes in value.

Financial liabilities and equity

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after 
deducting all of its liabilities.

Bank borrowings

Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the fair value of the proceeds received, net of direct 
issue costs. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are 
accounted for on an accruals basis against profit or loss using the effective interest rate method and are added 
to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Trade payables

Trade payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING jUDGEMENTS AND kEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies 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 experience 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 the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The  critical  judgements  undertaken  by  the  Directors  relate  to  the  key  sources  of  estimation  uncertainty.  The 
following estimates that 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.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. When a review for impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount is 
determined based on value in use calculations prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates. 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives. The selection of the 
estimated lives requires the exercise of management judgement.

Recoverability of intangible asset

The carrying value of the lease premium and related costs for the shop in Rue St Honoré, Paris, is reassessed each 
year based on the ongoing performance of the store and the realisable value of the lease.

Stock provisions

The Group designs, produces and sells luxury goods and as such is at risk that the net realisable value of stock will 
be less than the carrying value. Provisions for raw materials are calculated based on the expected future usage and 
for finished goods on the saleability of finished goods and age and condition of the items.

Onerous lease provisions

Following the relocation of the London offices, management have considered the need for provision against any 
future lease costs and have concluded that at the year end no costs were considered probable.

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5.  REVENUE

Sale of goods 
Royalty income 
Other income 
Finance income 

Total revenue 

2011 
£’000 

121,645 
385 
1,271 
74 

2010
£’000

72,052
402
44
74

123,375 

72,572

Included within other income in 2011 is the £900,000 income received on the exit of the New Bond Street lease 
(see note 7).

6.  BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

The  Group  has  adopted  IFRS  8  Operating  Segments  with  effect  from  1  April  2009.  IFRS  8  requires  operating 
segments  to  be  identified  on  the  basis  of  internal  reports  about  components  of  the  Group  that  are  regularly 
reviewed by the Chief Executive to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. In contrast, 
the  predecessor  Standard  (IAS  14  Segment  Reporting)  required  the  Group  to  identify  two  sets  of  segments 
(business and geographical), using a risks and returns approach, with the Group’s system of financial reporting to 
key management personnel serving only as the starting point for the identification of such segments. Following 
the adoption of this Standard, no change has been made to the identified reportable segments.

(A) Business segments

For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into two operating divisions – the Retail and Design 
businesses.  These  divisions  are  the  basis  upon  which  the  Group  reports  its  primary  segment  information.  The 
principal activities are as follows:

Retail – sale of Mulberry branded fashion accessories and clothing through a number of shops and department 
store concessions.

Design – brand management, marketing, product design, manufacture, sourcing and wholesale distribution for 
the Mulberry brand.

Inter-segment sales for both years are charged at market prices in line with our third party wholesale customers.

28

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

6.  BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (continued)

Segment information about these businesses is presented below.

2011  
Design 
£’000 

48,148 
(16,048) 

32,100 
(24,573) 
– 
756 

2011  
 Retail 
£’000 

2011 
Total 
£’000 

2010 
Design 
£’000 

73,497  
(26,096) 

121,645 
(42,144) 

20,961 
 (8,035) 

47,401 
(32,484)  

– 
900 

79,501 
(57,057) 
– 
1,656 

12,926 
 (13,000) 
– 
404 

2010 
Retail 
£’000 

51,091 
(21,530) 

29,561 
(24,073) 
(987) 
– 

2010
Total
£’000

72,052
(29,565)

42,487
(37,073)
(987)
404

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Net operating costs 
Exceptional costs 
Other operating income   

Segment result 

8,283 

15,817 

24,100 

330 

4,501 

4,831

Net other operating 
  (costs)/income 
Share of results of associate 
Net finance income 

Profit before tax 

(1,090) 
305 
30 

23,345 

25
192
48

5,096

Eliminated above is £27,114,000 (2010: £21,905,000) of intercompany sales from Mulberry Company (Design) to 
the retail businesses.

Other information
Capital expenditure 

Depreciation and 
  amortisation 

2011 
Design 
£’000 

2011 
Retail 
£’000 

2011 
Total 
£’000 

2010 
Design 
£’000 

2010 
Retail 
£’000 

1,236 

4,373 

5,609 

1,130 

965 

2010
Total
£’000

2,095

1,456 

1,439 

2,895 

753 

2,298 

3,051

In addition, £7,646,000 (2010: £250,000) of capital expenditure and £203,000 (2010: £117,000) of depreciation was 
incurred by the parent company which is not included in the segments above.

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6.  BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (continued)

2011 
Design 
£’000 

2011 
Retail 
£’000 

2011 
Total 
£’000 

2010 
Design 
£’000 

2010 
Retail 
£’000 

2010
Total
£’000

Balance Sheet

Segment assets 

42,962 

22,917 

65,880 

22,732 

13,975 

36,707

Interests in associates 
Unallocated corporate assets 

Consolidated assets 

210 
10,497 

76,587 

347
3,230

40,284

Segment liabilities 

16,792 

7,581 

24,373 

8,033 

3,540 

11,573

Unallocated corporate liabilities 

Consolidated liabilities 

(B) Geographical segments

10,182 

34,555 

2,246

13,819

The following table provides an analysis of the Group’s sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of 
the goods:

Europe 
Asia 
North America 
Rest of the World 

Sales revenue by
geographical market
2010
£’000

2011 
£’000 

99,151 
15,503 
5,200 
1,791 

64,851
3,645
2,298
1,258

121,645 

72,052

The Group’s operations are mainly located in Europe and as such no additional geographical analysis has been 
provided.

7.  EXCEPTIONAL INCOME AND EXPENSES 

On 5 October 2009, a transaction to assume operational control of the two New York stores and the distribution 
rights to the North American market previously held by our joint venture partner, Mulberry USA LLC, was completed. 
As part of the agreement, deferred consideration of up to £1,000,000, will become payable to Challice Limited (the 
previous 50% shareholder of Mulberry USA LLC and the majority shareholder of Mulberry Group plc) on a stepped 
basis if sales generated from the USA operations during the third year post completion exceed certain agreed 
thresholds. The consideration will be payable in cash or, at Mulberry Group plc’s option, new Mulberry shares, the 
number of shares being calculated at the then prevailing share price. Following the growth in the USA operations, 
as at 31 March 2011 the Directors have concluded that it is probable that the deferred consideration will become 
payable. As such a provision for £1,000,000 has been made. 

30

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

7.  EXCEPTIONAL INCOME AND EXPENSES (continued)

As part of the Group’s future growth strategy, the decision was made during the year ended 31 March 2010 to 
relocate the flagship New Bond Street store to an alternative site on New Bond Street. Consequently, the residual 
net book value of the leasehold improvements and fixtures and fittings at the existing store on the anticipated 
date of closure of £987,000 was deemed to be impaired. Given the one-off nature and size of the impairment, the 
costs were disclosed separately on the face of the consolidated income statement. Furthermore, an agreement 
was made with the landlord to purchase back the lease of the old New Bond Street store in return for a payment 
to the Group of £900,000. This was received during January 2011.

8.  PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

Profit for the year has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Net foreign exchange loss/(gain) 
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment:
  Owned (including exceptional impairment in 2010 per note 7) 
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Operating lease rentals 
Write downs of inventories recognised as an expense   
Staff costs (see note 10) 
Impairment of trade receivables 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

9.  AUDITOR REMUNERATION

The analysis of auditor’s remuneration 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 services to the Group:
  The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Total audit fees 

Tax services 
Other services 

Total non-audit fees 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

76 

(201)

2,261 
837 
7,441 
353 
21,847 
183 
152 

2,879
289
4,486
48
17,335
105
74

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

16 

37 

53 

12

36

48

£’000 

£’000

85 
3 

88 

71
32

103

In  2011  tax  services  includes  advice  in  relation  to  the  company  share  schemes.  In  2010  tax  and  other  services 
includes advice in relation to restructuring of the USA operations.

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10.  STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors and those on a part time basis) was:

Production 
Sales and distribution 
Administration 

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs (see note 30) 
Share-based payments (see note 29) 

2011 
Number 

2010
Number

313 
436 
72 

821 

292
374
55

721

£’000 

£’000

18,726 
1,964 
456 
701 

14,984
1,603
397
351

21,847 

17,335

Details of Directors’ remuneration and interests are provided in the audited section of the Directors’ remuneration 
report and should be regarded as part of these financial statements.

11.  FINANCE INCOME

Interest income on cash balances 

12.  FINANCE EXPENSE

Interest on bank overdraft and loans 

13.  TAX

Current tax 
Adjustment to prior year corporation tax 
Deferred tax (note 23) 
Adjustment to prior year deferred tax 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

74 

74

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

44 

26

2011 
£’000 

6,416 
(103) 
(13) 
(18) 

2010
£’000

2,297
(3)
(170)
–

6,282 

2,124

32

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

13.  TAX (continued)

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit per the consolidated income statement as follows:

Profit before tax 

£’000 

£’000

23,345 

5,096

£’000 

£’000

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2010: 28%)   
Tax effect of items that are (deductible)/not deductible in determining taxable profit 
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances  
Short-term timing differences 
Permanent differences 
Profits offset against prior year losses 
Losses carried forward to offset against future profits   
Losses not available for set off against future profits 

6,537 
(360) 
156 
23 
– 
(74) 
– 
– 

1,427
150
265
(8)
(12)
–
142
160

Tax expense for the year   

6,282 

2,124

In the Budget on 23 March 2011 the Government announced that legislation will be introduced in the Finance Bill 
2011 to reduce the main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 26% from 1 April 2011 and to 25% from 1 April 2012. 
On 29 March 2011 a resolution approving the rate change to 26% was passed.  Therefore 26% has been used to 
calculate the position on deferred tax at 31 March 2011 (2010: 28%).  Further phased reductions to 23% by April 
2014 have not yet been enacted. The Directors are not aware of any other factors that will materially affect the 
future tax charge.

14.  DIVIDENDS

The dividends approved and paid during the year are as follows:

2.2p (2010: 2.0p) per share on 5p ordinary shares 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

1,266 

1,148

The Directors are recommending the payment of a final dividend of 4.0p per ordinary share. This proposed final 
dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a 
liability in these financial statements.

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15.  EARNINGS PER SHARE (‘EPS’)

Basic earnings per share   
Diluted earnings per share 

Adjusted basic earnings per share 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share is calculated based on the following data:

Profit for the year for basic and diluted earnings per share 
Adjustment to exclude exceptional items (see note 7)   

2011 
pence 

2010
pence

29.8 
29.1 

30.4  
29.7 

2011 
£’000 

17,063 
352 

5.2
5.2

6.9
6.9

2010
£’000

2,972
987

Adjusted profit for the year for adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share 

17,415 

3,959 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic EPS 
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: share options 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted EPS  

2011 
million 

2010
million

57.3 
1.4 

58.7 

57.4
0.1

57.5

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year excludes those held by the Mulberry 
Group Plc Employee Share Trust. On 14 April 2011, 300,000 5p ordinary shares were issued at par. This share issue 
has not been adjusted for in the above EPS calculations.

34

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

16.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost
At 1 April 2009 
Additions 
Exchange differences 

At 1 April 2010 
Additions 
Exchange differences 

At 31 March 2011 

Amortisation
At 1 April 2009 
Charge for the year 
Exchange differences 

At 1 April 2010 
Charge for the year 
Exchange differences 

At 31 March 2011 

Carrying amount
At 31 March 2011 

At 31 March 2010 

At 31 March 2009 

Software 
£’000 

852 
340 
– 

1,192 
503 
– 

Lease
costs 
£’000 

2,076 
– 
(84) 

1,992 
– 
(35) 

Total
£’000

2,928
340
(84)

3,184
503
(35)

1,695 

1,957 

3,652

224 
216 
– 

440 
768 
– 

1,208 

487 

752 

628 

177 
73 
(5) 

245 
69 
(4) 

310 

1,647 

1,747 

1,899 

401
289
(5)

685
837
(4)

1,518

2,134

2,499

2,527

Lease costs comprise the lease premium and related costs associated with the Group’s shop on Rue St Honoré in 
Paris which are being amortised over the effective lease term of twenty seven years.

At 31 March 2011, the Group had entered into contractual commitments for the acquisition of software of £615,000 
(2010: nil).

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17.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Freehold 
land and 
buildings 
£’000 

Short
leasehold 
land and 
buildings 
£’000 

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000 

Fixtures,
fittings and 
equipment 
£’000 

Motor
vehicles 
£’000 

3,763 
85 
– 
– 

3,848 
752 
– 
– 

3,195 
515 
(131) 
(6) 

3,573 
8,581 
(3,051) 
– 

4,063 
686 
(58) 
– 

4,691 
511 
– 
– 

8,377 
701 
(130) 
(26) 

8,922 
2,907 
(2,179) 
(14) 

105 
18 
(24) 
– 

99 
1 
– 
– 

Total
£’000

19,503
2,005
(343)
(32)

21,133
12,752
(5,230)
(14)

Cost
At 1 April 2009 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 1 April 2010 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 31 March 2011 

4,600 

9,103 

5,202 

9,636 

100 

28,641

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2009 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

At 1 April 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange differences 

1,188 
107 
– 
– 

1,295 
109 
– 
– 

1,880 
1,098 
(81) 
(3) 

2,894 
262 
(2,978) 
– 

2,893 
416 
(43) 
– 

3,266 
500 
– 
– 

4,627 
1,237 
(95) 
(7) 

5,762 
1,366 
(2,100) 
(6) 

43 
21 
(24) 
– 

40 
24 
– 
– 

10,631
2,879
(243)
(10)

13,257
2,261
(5,078)
(6)

At 31 March 2011 

1,404 

178 

3,766 

5,022 

64 

10,434

Carrying amount
At 31 March 2011 

3,196 

8,925 

1,436 

4,614 

At 31 March 2010 

2,553 

679 

1,425 

3,160 

At 31 March 2009 

2,575 

1,315 

1,170 

3,750 

36 

59 

62 

18,207

7,876

8,872

Freehold land of £997,000 (2010: £997,000) has not been depreciated.

18.  SUBSIDIARIES

A list of the significant investments in subsidiaries, including the name, country of incorporation, proportion of 
ownership interest is given in note 36 to the Company’s separate financial statements.

36

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

19.  INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES

Aggregated amounts relating to associates
Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Revenues 
Profit 

Aggregated amounts recognised relating to associates
Share of profits recognised for the year   

2011 
£’000 

1,177 
(1,040) 
2,060 
610 

2010
£’000

1,372
(673)
1,706
383

£’000 

£’000

305 

192

A  list  of  the  significant  investments  in  associates,  including  the  name,  country  of  incorporation,  proportion  of 
ownership interest is given in note 36 to the Company’s separate financial statements.

20.  INVENTORIES

Raw materials 
Work-in-progress 
Finished goods 

21.  OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

Trade and other receivables

Amount receivable for the sale of goods  
Allowance for doubtful debts 

Amounts owed by associate undertakings 
Other debtors 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2011 
£’000 

1,684 
655 
20,069 

22,408 

2011 
£’000 

8,977 
(403) 

8,574 
386 
696 
2,530 

12,186 

2010
£’000

619
425
8,046

9,090

2010
£’000

6,022
(220)

5,802
398
680
1,383

8,263

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21.  OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)

Trade receivables

The average credit period taken on the sale of goods is 39 days (2010: 43 days). No interest is charged on the 
outstanding receivables.

The Group has provided for the estimated irrecoverable amount from the sale of goods, where there is doubt 
as to the recoverability of the receivables balance. Before accepting any new customer, the Group assesses the 
potential customer’s credit quality and defines individual credit limits by customer.

The Group’s receivables comprise primarily department stores, franchisee partners and associates, and wholesale 
customers. Those customers who represented more than 10% of the total balance of trade receivables at the year 
end were Club 21 and House of Fraser (Stores) Limited.

Included in the Group’s trade receivables balance are debtors with a carrying amount of £1,494,000 (2010: £684,000) 
which are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant 
change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. 

Ageing of past due but not impaired receivables

0 to 30 days overdue 
31 to 60 days overdue 

2011 
£’000 

1,494 
– 

1,494 

2010
£’000

684
–

684

Given the relatively small nature of the provision for receivables no further analysis is provided.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents 

£’000 

£’000

21,373 

12,171

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity 
of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value.

22.  BORROWINGS

The Group’s borrowings comprise bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand. The multicurrency overdraft 
facilities  of  £2,000,000  (2010:  £2,000,000)  have  been  secured  by  a  charge  over  the  Group’s  assets.  The  interest 
rates are determined based on 1% over the bank base rate. In addition the Group has available trade facilities of 
£2,500,000 (2010: £2,500,000).

No borrowings were outstanding at the year end (2010: nil).

38

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

23.  DEFERRED TAX

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon 
during the current and prior reporting periods.

  Accelerated  Short-term
timing
  depreciation  differences 
£’000 

£’000 

tax 

At 1 April 2009 
Charge/(credit) to income 

At 1 April 2010 
Charge/(credit) to income 

Net deferred tax liability/(asset) as at 31 March 2011 

332 
(162) 

170 
14 

184 

(200) 
(8) 

(208) 
(45) 

(253) 

Total
£’000

132
(170)

(38)
(31)

(69)

Certain  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  have  been  off  set.  The  following  is  the  analysis  of  the  deferred  tax 
balances (after off set) for financial reporting purposes:

Deferred tax liability 
Deferred tax asset 

24.  OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Trade creditors 
Accruals and deferred income 
Other creditors 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

184 
(253) 

(69) 

170
(208)

(38)

2011 
£’000 

9,171 
18,527 
2,778 

2010
£’000

3,826
6,236
2,135

30,476 

12,197

Trade creditors and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. 
The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 16 days (2010: 22 days). For most suppliers no interest is 
charged on the trade payables for the first 60 days from the date of the invoice. Thereafter, interest is charged on 
the outstanding balances at various interest rates. The Group has financial risk management policies in place to 
ensure that all payables are paid within the credit timeframe.

Included  within  accruals  is  the  £1,000,000  provision  for  the  USA  deferred  consideration  (2010:  nil),  £4,717,000 
relating to deferred income for lease incentives (2010: £526,000), £3,900,000 relating to payroll and bonus payments 
made post year end cut off (2010: nil) and £1,537,000 accruals for fixed assets (2010: nil).

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

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25.  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
65,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2010: 65,000,000) 

Issued and fully paid
58,869,505 ordinary shares of 5p each (2010: 58,869,505) 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

3,250 

3,250

£’000 

£’000

2,943 

2,943

The Company has granted 80,000 options in respect of 5p ordinary shares during the year (2010: 175,000).

On 8 October 2009, 1,450,000 5p ordinary shares were issued at par to the Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share 
Trust for share awards.

Subsequent to the year end, on 14 April 2011 the Company issued 300,000 5p ordinary shares in order to satisfy 
the exercise of share options.

26.  RESERVES

The  own  share  reserve  represents  1,634,857  5p  ordinary  shares  (2010:  1,472,143)  at  a  cost  of  £621,000  (2010: 
£107,000). The shares have been purchased in the market or issued as new shares by the Company, and are held 
by the Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share Trust to satisfy the deferred and matching shares under the Deferred 
Bonus Plan and Co-ownership Equity Incentive Plan. 

During the year, the reserve increased following the purchase of 188,000 5p ordinary shares from the open market 
with a market value of £524,000 and reduced by the vesting of 25,286 shares with a value of £10,000.

27.  OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense in the year 

7,387 

4,486

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under 
non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year 
In the second to fifth years inclusive 
After five years 

£’000 

£’000

7,565 
32,905 
43,688 

5,453
21,260
38,276

84,158 

64,989

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its retail stores, warehouse and 
offices. The leases are for a varied length of time with the longest lease running until 2035. Leases are typically 
subject to rent reviews at specified intervals and some payments are contingent upon levels of revenue above 
minimum thresholds. The amount paid under this contingent element in the year was £1,383,000 (2010: £236,000).

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

28.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Mulberry Group plc has acted as a guarantor on various property leases entered into between its subsidiaries and 
third-party lessors. No amounts were outstanding at the year end in respect of such guarantees (2010: nil). 

29.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group operated the following schemes during the year.

The Mulberry Group plc 1996 Company Share Option Scheme

The scheme was open to all employees. The exercise price is equal to the market value of the shares on the date 
of  grant.  The  vesting  period  is  three  years.  If  the  options  remain  unexercised  after  a  period  of  ten  years  from 
the date of grant, the options expire. Options may be forfeited if the employee leaves the Group. This scheme 
expired in 2006.

Mulberry Group plc 2008 Unapproved Share Option Scheme

The  scheme  was  established  on  14  April  2008  and  is  open  to  all  employees  of  Mulberry  Group  plc  and  its 
subsidiaries. The exercise price is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The vesting period 
is three years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant the options 
expire. Options may be forfeited if the employee leaves the Group.

Details of the share options outstanding for both schemes during the year are as follows:

2011 

2010

  Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
(in p) 

Number 
of share 
options 

  Weighted
average
exercise
price
(in p)

Number 
of share 
options 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year   
Forfeited during the year  
Exercised during the year  

1,366,000 
80,000 
(20,000) 
(65,000) 

145.7 
1205.0 
144.7 
144.7 

1,481,000 
175,000 
(40,000) 
(250,000) 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

1,361,000 

213.0 

1,366,000 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

100,000 

146.2 

125,000 

144.7
152.0
144.7
145.1

145.7

146.2

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the period was 144.7p 
(2010: 145.1p). The options outstanding at 31 March 2011 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 
0.5 years (2010: 1.3 years).

The inputs into the Black–Scholes model are as follows:

Share price 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk-free rate 
Expected dividend yields  

2011 

2010

50.0p to 1205.0p 
50.0p to 1205.0p 
33.57% to 62.41% 
3.25 years to 5 years 
1.88% to 5.05% 
0% to 1.88% 

50.0p to 152.0p
50.0p to 152.0p
33.57% to 62.41%
3.25 years to 5 years
1.99% to 5.05%
0% to 1.6%

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29.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

Expected  volatility  was  based  on  historical  volatility  over  the  expected  life  of  the  schemes.  The  expected  life 
is  based  upon  historical  data  and  has  been  adjusted  based  on  management’s  best  estimate  for  the  effects  of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Mulberry Group plc 2008 Deferred Bonus Plan

The plan was established on 8 August 2008 and is open to all employees of Mulberry Group plc and its subsidiaries. 
The share-based payments charge relates to the cost of matching shares awarded to employees participating in 
this plan. The vesting period is two years. If the matching shares remain unexercised after a period of ten years 
from the date of grant the award expires. The matching shares may be forfeited if the employee leaves the Group.

Details of the share options outstanding during the year are as follows:

2011 

2010
  Number of  Number of
matching
shares

matching 
shares 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year   
Exercised during the year  
Forfeited 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

216,685 
33,270 
(11,238) 
– 

31,129
195,413
–
(9,857)

238,717 

216,685

10,034 

–

The options outstanding at 31 March 2011 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.3 years (2010: 
1.8 years) and have an exercise price of nil. 

The inputs into the Black–Scholes model are as follows:

Share price 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk-free rate 
Expected dividend yields  

2011 

2010

121.5p to 194.0p 
nil 
43.93% to 76.07% 
2 years 6 months 
1.59% to 4.52% 
1.23% to 1.6% 

121.5p to 194.0p
nil
43.93% to 76.07%
2 years 6 months
1.59% to 4.52%
1.23% to 1.6%

Expected  volatility  was  based  on  historical  volatility  over  the  expected  life  of  the  scheme.  The  expected  life 
is  based  upon  historical  data  and  has  been  adjusted  based  on  management’s  best  estimate  for  the  effects  of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Mulberry Group plc 2009 Co-ownership Equity Incentive Plan

The plan was established on 20 August 2009. The vesting period is three years. The jointly owned shares may be 
forfeited if the employee leaves the Group prior to vesting and the rights of the participants lapse if the award has 
not been exercised after a period of seven years from the date of vesting.

42

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

29.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

Details of the share awards outstanding during the year are as follows:

2011 

2010

  Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
(in p) 

Number 
of share 
awards 

  Weighted
average
exercise
price
(in p)

Number 
of share 
awards 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted during the year   

1,325,000 
– 

145.8 
– 

– 
1,325,000 

Outstanding at the end of the year 

1,325,000 

145.8 

1,325,000 

Exercisable at the end of the year 

– 

– 

– 

–
145.8

145.8

–

The co-owned share rights outstanding at 31 March 2011 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 
1.5 years (2010: 2.5 years). 

The inputs into the Black–Scholes model are as follows:

Share price 
Exercise price 
Expected volatility 
Expected life 
Risk-free rate 
Expected dividend yields  

2011 

2010

121.5p 
145.8p 
53.79% 
2 years 3 months 
2.16% 
1.6% 

121.5p
145.8p
53.79%
2 years 3 months
2.16%
1.6%

Expected  volatility  was  based  on  historical  volatility  over  the  expected  life  of  the  scheme.  The  expected  life 
is  based  upon  historical  data  and  has  been  adjusted  based  on  management’s  best  estimate  for  the  effects  of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

The Group recognised the following expenses related to share-based payments:

Mulberry Group plc 2008 Unapproved Share Option Scheme 
Mulberry Group plc 2008 Deferred Bonus Plan 
Mulberry Group plc 2009 Co-ownership Equity Incentive Plan 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

440 
107 
154 

701 

282
25
44

351

30.  RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES

The Group contributes to personal pension plans for all qualifying employees. The total cost charged to income 
of £456,000 (2010: £397,000) represents contributions payable to these schemes by the Group at rates specified in 
the rules of the plans. As at 31 March 2011, contributions due in respect of the current reporting period which had 
not been paid over to the schemes were £69,000 (2010: £52,000).

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31.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Capital risk management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns 
while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital 
structure  of  the  Group  consists  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  equity  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the 
parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity and notes 25 and 26.

Externally imposed capital requirement

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Significant accounting policies

Details  of  the  significant  accounting  policies  and  methods  adopted,  including  the  criteria  for  recognition,  the 
basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of 
financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets
Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents) 

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost 

Financial risk management objectives

Carrying values

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

30,333 

18,371

9,171 

3,826

The Group’s Finance Director is responsible to the Board for the Group’s financial risk management. This includes 
analysing  the  Group’s  exposure  by  degree  and  magnitude  of  risks.  These  risks  include  market  risk  (including 
currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group seeks to minimise the effects of these risks where possible. It does this by maintaining bank accounts in 
all of the major currencies in which it trades and it operates its own internal hedging by offsetting currency receipts 
on sales against purchases in related currencies. Where there is significant risk remaining, and the Group deems 
it necessary, it uses derivative financial instruments to hedge these risk exposures. The Group does not enter into 
or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

Market risk

The  Group’s  activities  expose  it  primarily  to  the  financial  risks  of  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates 
and interest rates. The Group reviews the need to enter into financial instruments on a regular basis but has not 
entered into any during the current or previous periods. As the Group has no debt, it is not significantly exposed 
to interest rate risk on its financial liabilities and continues to seek to maximise the returns from its bank deposits.

44

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

31.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Foreign currency risk management

The  Group  undertakes  certain  transactions  denominated  in  foreign  currencies.  Hence,  exposures  to  exchange 
rate fluctuations arise. The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and 
monetary liabilities at the reporting date are as follows:

Euro 
US Dollar 

Liabilities 

Assets

2011 
£’000 

2,045 
522 

2010 
£’000 

480 
761 

2011 
£’000 

3,822 
3,933 

2010
£’000

891
1,808

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The Group is mainly exposed to the US Dollar and Euro currencies.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in Sterling against the relevant 
foreign  currencies.  10%  is  the  sensitivity  rate  which  represents  management’s  assessment  of  the  reasonably 
possible  change  in  foreign  exchange  rates.  The  sensitivity  analysis  includes  only  outstanding  foreign  currency 
denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10% change in foreign currency 
rates. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where Sterling strengthens 10% 
against the relevant currency. For a 10% weakening of Sterling against the relevant currency, there would be an 
equal and opposite impact on the profit and other equity, and the balances below would be negative or positive.

Euro currency 
impact 

US Dollar currency
impact

2011 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

Profit or loss 

161 

173 

309 

57

Interest rate risk management and sensitivity analysis

The  Group’s  exposure  to  interest  rate  risk  on  borrowings  is  limited  as  there  is  no  outstanding  debt  within  the 
Group.  The  Group’s  exposures  to  interest  rates  on  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  detailed  in  the 
liquidity risk management section of this note.

The Group’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates has been illustrated based on a 1% increase or decrease in 
interest rates. For floating rate deposits and liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability 
outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year. A 1% increase or decrease has been 
applied to represent management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates.

If interest rates had been 1% higher and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the year 
ended 31 March 2011 would have increased by £118,000 (2010: increase by £65,000). This is mainly attributable to 
the Group’s exposure to interest rates on its cash deposits.

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rates has increased during the current period mainly due to the net increase in 
the funds on which interest is received.

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31.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk management

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss 
to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining 
letters of credit where deemed appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults.

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers. Credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition 
of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, credit insurance cover is purchased.

The  Group  does  not  have  any  significant  credit  risk  exposure  to  any  single  counterparty  or  any  group  of 
counterparties having similar characteristics, other than as disclosed in note 21. The Group defines counterparties 
as having similar characteristics if they are connected entities. 

Liquidity risk management

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, which has built an appropriate 
liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding 
and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and 
banking facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of 
financial assets and liabilities. Included in note 22 is a description of additional undrawn facilities that the Group 
has at its disposal to reduce further liquidity risk.

Liquidity and interest risk tables

The Group’s financial assets all contractually mature within the next year. Trade receivables do not accrue interest. 
The weighted average interest rate on cash and cash equivalents was 0.5% (2010: 0.25%).

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. The tables have 
been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which 
the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

Weighted
average 
interest 
rate 

2011 

Less than 
1 year 
£’000 

1 to 
2 years 
£’000 

2 to 
3 years 
£’000 

3 to 
4 years 
£’000 

4 to
5 years 
£’000 

Total
£’000

Trade and 
  other payables 

– 

34,555 

– 

– 

– 

– 

34,555

Weighted
average 
interest 
rate 

2010 

Less than 
1 year 
£’000 

1 to 
2 years 
£’000 

2 to 
3 years 
£’000 

3 to 
4 years 
£’000 

4 to
5 years 
£’000 

Total
£’000

Trade and 
  other payables 

– 

12,197 

– 

– 

– 

– 

12,197

Fair value of financial instruments

The  carrying  amounts  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  recorded  at  amortised  cost  in  the  financial 
statements approximate to their fair values.

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

32.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions  between  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties,  have  been  eliminated  
on  consolidation  and  are  not  disclosed  in  this  note.  Transactions  between  the  Group  and  its  associates  are 
disclosed below.

USA transaction

On  5  October  2009,  the  transaction  to  assume  operational  control  of  the  two  New  York  shops  and  the 
distribution rights to the North American market previously held by our joint venture partner, Mulberry USA LLC, 
was  completed.  As  part  of  this  agreement,  deferred  consideration  of  up  to  £1,000,000,  will  become  payable 
to Challice Limited (the remaining shareholder of Mulberry USA LLC and the majority shareholder of Mulberry 
Group plc) on a stepped basis if sales generated from the USA operations during the third year post completion 
exceed certain agreed thresholds. The consideration will be payable in cash or, at Mulberry Group plc’s option, 
new Mulberry shares, the number of shares being calculated at the then prevailing share price. As at 31 March 
2011,  it  is  considered  probable  that  the  deferred  consideration  will  become  payable  in  full  and  a  balance  of 
£1,000,000 has been included within accruals. 

Trading transactions

During  the  year,  Group  companies  entered  into  the  following  transactions  with  related  parties  who  are  not 
members of the Group:

Mulberry Oslo AS 
Club 21 Retail (Hong Kong) Limited* 
Club 21 Pte Limited* 
Club 21 (Thailand) Co Limited* 
Club 21 Pte Limited Taiwan Branch* 
Club 21 Distribution (S) Pte Limited* 
Club Twenty-One Retail (M) Sdn Bhd* 
Club 21 Australia Pty Ltd*  
Mulberry USA LLC 

Sale of goods 

2011 
£’000 

1,433 
3,103 
1,038 
454 
227 
– 
375 
396 
– 

2010 
£’000 

678 
541 
173 
265 
139 
30 
85 
– 
26 

Amounts owed by
related parties

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

386† 
343 
186 
41 
13 
– 
66 
110 
– 

398†
196
83
40
69
6
2
–
252

* These  are  related  parties  of  the  Group  as  they  are  all  related  companies  of  Challice  Limited,  the  majority  
  shareholder of the Group.
† Includes £214,000 of dividend income outstanding at the year end (2010: £166,000).

All sales of goods have been made on an arm’s length basis. The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be 
settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in 
respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

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32.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

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 within the audited part of the Directors’ remuneration report.

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments 

2011 
£’000 

1,057 
77 
302 

1,436 

2010
£’000

770
71
125

966

33.  CONTROLLING PARTY

At  the  year  end,  Challice  Limited  controlled  57.3%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  the  Company.  The  ultimate 
controlling parties of Challice Limited are Mr Ong Beng Seng and Mrs Christina Ong. As at the date of signing 
Challice Limited controlled 57.0% of the issued share capital.

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Company financial statements

Contents

Independent auditor’s report 

  Company balance sheet 

  Notes to the Company financial statements 

  Notice of Annual General Meeting 

  Group five year summary 

Page

51

52

53

59

64

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Independent auditor’s report

To the members of Mulberry Group plc

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2011 
which comprise the parent company balance sheet and the related notes 34 to 45. The financial reporting framework 
that  has  been  applied  in  their  preparation  is  applicable  law  and  United  Kingdom  Accounting  Standards  (United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the parent company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility 
is to audit and express an opinion on the parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the parent company’s circumstances 
and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 
made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and 
non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If 
we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. 

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:

l  give a true and fair view of the state of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 March 2011;
l  have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
l  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

OPINION ON OTHER MATTER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the parent company financial statements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to 
you if, in our opinion:

l  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; or
l 
l 
certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
l  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

OTHER MATTERS
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Mulberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2011.

David Hedditch (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP, Chartered Accountants 
and Statutory Auditor, Bristol, United Kingdom
15 June 2011

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Company balance sheet

At 31 March 2011

Fixed assets
Tangible assets  
Investments 

Current assets
Debtors 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Provision for liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Special reserve  
Profit and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds 

Note 

37 
36 

38 

39 

2011 
£’000 

10,171 
13,202 

2010
£’000

2,728
13,202

23,373 

15,930

11,211 

1,719

(9,615) 

(704)

1,596 

1,015

24,969 

16,945

40 

(178) 

(7)

24,791 

16,938

2,943 
7,007 
154 
4,187 
10,500 

2,943
7,007
154
4,187
2,647

24,791 

16,938

42 
43 
43 
43 
43 

44 

The financial statements of Mulberry Group plc (company number 01180514) were approved by the Board of Directors 
and authorised for issue on 15 June 2011. They were signed on its behalf by:

Godfrey Davis 
Director 

Roger Mather
Director

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Notes to the company financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

34.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006 and 
have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards and law. They have 
been prepared under the historical cost convention and under the going concern assumption. Further details of 
the Directors’ considerations in relation to going concern are included in the Directors’ report.

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. These have been applied consistently throughout the 
year and the preceding year.

Tangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are shown at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a 
straight-line basis over its expected useful life at the following rates per annum:

Freehold buildings 
Short leasehold property 
Fixtures and fittings 

Freehold land is not depreciated.

Investments

5%
term of the lease
10% to 33% per annum

Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries and associates are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

Financial liabilities and equity

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements 
entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after 
deducting all of its liabilities.

Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Foreign exchange

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates ruling at the dates of the 
transactions.  Monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  at  the  balance  sheet  date  are 
translated at the rates ruling at that date. These translation differences are dealt with in the profit and loss account.

Pension costs

Payments to employees’ personal pension plans are charged as an expense as they fall due.

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Notes to the company financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

34.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Taxation

Current 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 at the balance sheet date. 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. A net deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only when, on the basis 
of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from 
which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured at the 
average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse, 
based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred 
tax is measured on a non-discounted basis. The taxation liabilities are reduced wholly or in part by the surrender 
of tax losses by fellow Group undertakings for which payment is made.

Cash flow statement

A cash flow statement has not been prepared as the consolidated financial statements include a consolidated 
cash flow statement.

35.  PROFIT 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. Mulberry Group plc reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 March 2011 of 
£8,836,000 (2010: £960,000).

The auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed within note 9 to the consolidated financial 
statements.  The  only  employees  of  the  Company  are  the  Directors  whose  emoluments  are  disclosed  in  the 
Directors’ remuneration report.

36.  FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Cost
At 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 

Provision for impairment
At 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 

Net book value
At 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 

  Subsidiaries  Subsidiaries
loans 
£’000 

shares 
£’000 

Total
£’000

2,858 

11,804 

14,662

(1,460) 

– 

(1,460)

1,398 

11,804 

13,202

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36.  FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS (continued)

The Company has investments in the following subsidiaries and associates which principally contributed to the 
profits or net assets of the Group.

Subsidiaries
Mulberry Company (Design) Limited 

Country of  
incorporation 

England and Wales 

Mulberry Company (France) SARL 

France 

Mulberry Company (Sales) Limited 

England and Wales 

Mulberry Company (Europe) Limited 
Kilver Street Inc 

England and Wales 
USA 

Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share Trust  Guernsey 

Principal activity 

Holding of
ordinary
shares 

Design and manufacture  
of clothing and fashion 
accessories in the UK
Establishment and operation  
of retail shops in France 
Establishment and operation  
of retail shops in the UK 
Intermediary holding company 
Establishment and operation of  
retail shops in the USA
Operation of an employee  
share trust

100%

100%

100%*

100%
100%

100%

Associates
Mulberry Oslo AS† 

Norway 

Operation of a retail shop in Oslo  50%*

* Owned by Mulberry Company (Europe) Limited
† Accounting reference date of 30 September

37.  TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 April 2010 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 March 2011 

Depreciation
At 1 April 2010 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

At 31 March 2011 

Net book value
End of year 

Beginning of year 

Freehold 
land and 
buildings 
£’000 

3,848 
752 
– 

Short
leasehold 
land and 
buildings 
£’000 

489 
6,089 
(290) 

4,600 

6,288 

1,295 
109 
– 

1,404 

314 
94 
(290) 

118 

Fixtures
and
fittings 
£’000 

– 
805 
– 

805 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Total
£’000

4,337
7,646
(290)

11,693

1,609
203
(290)

1,522

3,196 

6,170 

805 

10,171

2,553 

175 

– 

2,728

Freehold land of £997,000 (2010: £997,000) has not been depreciated.

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Notes to the company financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

38.  DEBTORS

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by Group undertakings   
Prepayments and accrued income 
Corporation tax debtor 

39.  CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to Group undertakings   
Accruals and deferred income 

40.  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

Deferred tax – accelerated capital allowances 

Deferred tax liability at 1 April 2010 
Charge for the year 

Deferred tax liability at 31 March 2011 

2011 
£’000 

11,185 
26 
– 

11,211 

2011 
£’000 

4,439 
5,176 

9,615 

2011 
£’000 

178 

2010
£’000

1,540
129
50

1,719

2010
£’000

464 
240

704

2010
£’000

7

£’000

7
171

178

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41.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Details of related party transactions are provided in note 32 of the consolidated financial statements. The Company 
has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 not to disclose details of transactions with other wholly owned 
Group companies.

42.  CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
65,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2010: 65,000,000) 

Issued and fully paid
58,869,505 ordinary shares of 5p each (2010: 58,869,505) 

2011 
£’000 

2010
£’000

3,250 

3,250

£’000 

£’000

2,943 

2,943

During the year the Company has granted 80,000 options in respect of 5p ordinary shares (2010: 175,000).

On 8 October 2009, 1,450,000 5p ordinary shares were issued at par to the Mulberry Group Plc Employee Share 
Trust for share awards. 

Subsequent to the year end, on 14 April 2011 the Company issued 300,000 5p ordinary shares in order to satisfy 
the exercise of share options. 

43.  RESERVES

Balance at 1 April 2010 
Profit for the year 
Ordinary dividends paid   
Charge for share-based payments 
Exercise of share options  

Share 
capital 
£’000 

2,943 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Capital 
Share  redemption 
reserve 
£’000 

premium 
£’000 

7,007 
– 
– 
– 
– 

154 
– 
– 
– 
– 

154 

Special 
reserve* 
£’000 

4,187 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Profit
and loss
account
£’000

2,647
8,836
(1,266)
701
(418)

4,187 

10,500

Balance at 31 March 2011  

2,943 

7,007 

* Created as part of a capital restructuring of the Group in 2004

The cumulative amount of goodwill resulting from acquisitions in earlier financial years which has been written off 
is £165,000 (2010: £165,000).

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Notes to the company financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2011

44.  RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

Balance at 1 April 2010 
Profit for the year 
Ordinary dividends paid   
Charge for share-based payments 
Exercise of share options  

Balance at 31 March 2011  

45.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

£’000

16,938
8,836
(1,266)
701
(418)

24,791

Mulberry Group plc has acted as a guarantor on various property leases entered into between its subsidiaries and 
third-party lessors. No amounts were outstanding at the year end in respect of such guarantees (2010: nil).

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Notice of Annual General Meeting

Year ended 31 March 2011

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of Mulberry Group plc will be held at Mulberry Group plc’s offices,  
30 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4HA on 17 August 2011 at 11 am for the following purposes:

ORDINARY BUSINESS:
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

Adoption of financial statements
1.  That the report of the Directors and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2011 together with the 

independent auditor’s report be received and adopted.

Dividend declaration
2.  To declare a final dividend of 4.0 pence per ordinary share for the year ended 31 March 2011.

Election of Directors
3.  To elect Miss Melissa Ong as a Director who, having been appointed since the last Annual General Meeting, offers 

herself for re-election in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association.

Re-election of retiring Directors
4.  That Mr R E G Gibson who retires as a Director by rotation in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association 

be re-elected as a Director.

5.  That Mr A C Roberts who retires as a Director by rotation in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association 

be re-elected as a Director.

Appointment of auditor
6.  That Deloitte LLP be re-appointed as auditor of the Company until the conclusion of the next general meeting 

before which accounts are laid and, that their remuneration be agreed by the Directors.

SPECIAL BUSINESS:
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, of which resolution 7 will be proposed as an ordinary 
resolution, and resolutions 8 and 9 will be proposed as special resolutions:

Directors’ power to allot relevant securities 
7.  That, in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of 
this resolution, the Directors be and they are generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 551 of 
the Act to exercise all powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company, and grant rights to subscribe for 
or to convert any security into shares of the Company (such shares, and rights to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares of the Company being “relevant securities”) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £986,158, 
provided that, unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this authority shall expire on the conclusion of the 
Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2012, except that the Company may at any time before 
such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such 
expiry and the Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this authority 
had not expired.

Waiver of statutory pre-emption rights
8.  That the Directors be and they are empowered pursuant to Section 570(1) of the Act to allot equity securities (as 
defined in Section 560(1) of the Act) of the Company wholly for cash pursuant to the authority of the Directors under 
Section 551 of the Act conferred by resolution 7 above, and/or by way of a sale of treasury shares (by virtue of Section 
573 of the Act), in each case as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to such allotment, provided that: 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting

(continued)

(a)  the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to:

(i) 

the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of equity securities to the holders of ordinary 
shares in the capital of the Company in proportion as nearly as practicable to their respective holdings of 
such shares, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary 
or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws or 
requirements of any overseas territory or by virtue of shares being represented by depository receipts or 
the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter whatsoever; and

(ii)   the allotment, otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, of equity securities up to an aggregate 

nominal value equal to £147,924; and

(b)  unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this power shall expire on the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company to be held in 2012 except that the Company may before the expiry of this power 
make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry 
and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this power had 
not expired.

Authority to purchase ordinary shares (market purchases)
9.  That the Company be and is hereby unconditionally and generally authorised for the purposes of Section 701 of 
the Act to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4) of the Act) of its ordinary shares of 5p each 
(“Ordinary Shares”) provided that:
(a)  the maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased is 2,958,475;
(b)  the minimum price which may be paid for any such Ordinary Share is 5p;
(c)  the maximum price which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall be an amount equal to 105% of the average 
middle market prices for an Ordinary Share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List 
for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the Ordinary Share is contracted to be 
purchased; and

(d)  this authority shall, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 
months after the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of 
the Company to be held in 2012, but the Company may enter into a contract for the purchase of Ordinary 
Shares before the expiry of this authority which would or might be completed (wholly or partly) after its expiry.

By order of the Board

Roger Mather
Secretary
15 June 2011

Registered office: The Rookery, Chilcompton, Somerset, BA3 4EH

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Notes:
1.  All members holding ordinary shares are entitled to attend, speak and vote at the meeting. Such members may 
appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead of them. A proxy need not also be a member of the Company 
but must attend the Annual General Meeting in order to represent his appointer. A member may appoint more 
than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares (so a member 
must have more than one share to be able to appoint more than one proxy). A form of proxy is enclosed. The 
notes to the form of proxy include instructions on how to appoint the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting 
or another person as proxy and how to appoint a proxy electronically or by using the CREST proxy appointment 
service. To be effective the form must reach the Company’s registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC at The 
Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZY by 11 am on 15 August 2011.

2.  Pursuant to regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company specifies that only those 
persons registered in the register of members of the Company at 6.00 pm on 15 August 2011 (or if the Annual 
General Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned Annual General Meeting) shall be 
entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting in respect of the number of shares registered in their 
name at that time. Any changes to the register of members after such time shall be disregarded in determining 
the rights of any person to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting.

3.  Please note that communications regarding the matters set out in this Notice of Annual General Meeting will not 

be accepted in electronic form other than as specified in the enclosed form of proxy.

4.  As at 15 June 2011 (being the last business day prior to the publication of this Notice) the Company’s issued share 
capital  consists  of  59,169,505  ordinary  shares,  carrying  one  vote  each.  Therefore,  the  total  voting  rights  in  the 
Company as at 15 June 2011 are 59,169,505. 

5.  The following documents are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during the usual 
business hours on any weekday (Saturday, Sunday or public holidays excluded) from the date of this Notice until 
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting and will also be available for inspection at the place of the Annual 
General Meeting from 10.45 am on the day of the Annual General Meeting until its conclusion:

(a)  the register of Directors’ interests in the shares of the Company; and
(b)  copies of the Executive Directors’ service contracts with the Company and letters of appointment of the Non-

Executive Directors. 

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Notice of Annual General Meeting

(continued)

Explanatory notes to the special business to be transacted at the meeting

Resolution 7 – Directors’ power to allot relevant securities 
Resolution 7, which will be proposed as an ordinary resolution, grants the Directors authority to allot shares in the 
capital  of  the  Company  and  other  relevant  securities  up  to  an  aggregate  nominal  value  of  £986,158,  representing 
approximately one-third of the nominal value of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 15 June 2011, 
being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice. The Directors do not have any present intention 
of exercising the authorities conferred by this resolution but they consider it desirable that the specified amount of 
unissued share capital is available for issue so that they can more readily take advantage of possible opportunities in 
the future.

Unless revoked, varied or extended, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company or the date falling 18 months from the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier.

Resolution 8 – waiver of statutory pre-emption rights
Resolution 8, which will be proposed as a special resolution, authorises the Directors in certain circumstances to allot 
equity  securities  for  cash  other  than  in  accordance  with  statutory  pre-emption  rights  (which  require  a  Company  to 
offer all allotments for cash first to existing shareholders in proportion to their holdings). The relevant circumstances 
are either where the allotment takes place in connection with a rights issue or the allotment is limited to a maximum 
nominal amount of £147,924, representing approximately 5% of the nominal value of the issued ordinary share capital 
of the Company as at 15 June 2011, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice. Unless revoked, 
varied or extended, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or 
18 months after the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier.

The  Company  may  hold  any  shares  it  buys  back  “in  treasury”  and  then  sell  them  at  a  later  date  for  cash  rather 
than  simply  cancelling  them.  Any  such  sales  are  required  to  be  made  on  a  pre-emptive,  pro-rata  basis  to  existing 
shareholders  unless  shareholders  agree  by  special  resolution  to  disapply  such  pre-emption  rights.  Accordingly,  in 
addition to giving the Directors power to allot unissued ordinary shares on a non pre-emptive basis, resolution 8 will 
also give the Directors power to sell ordinary shares held in treasury on a non pre-emptive basis, subject always to the 
limitations noted above. 

The  Directors  consider  that  the  power  proposed  to  be  granted  by  resolution  8  is  necessary  to  retain  flexibility  in 
relation to the management of the Company’s share capital, although they do not have any intention at the present 
time of exercising such power.

Resolution 9 – authority to purchase ordinary shares (market purchases)
Resolution 9, which will be proposed as a special resolution, authorises the Directors to make market purchases of up 
to 2,958,475 ordinary shares (representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary shares as at 15 June 
2011, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice). Shares so purchased may be cancelled or 
held as treasury shares as noted above. The authority will expire at the end of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company or 18 months from the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier. The Directors intend to seek 
renewal of this authority at subsequent Annual General Meetings. 

The minimum price that can be paid for an ordinary share is 5p, being the nominal value of an ordinary share. The 
maximum price that can be paid is 5% over the average of the middle market prices for an ordinary share, derived from 
the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange, for the five business days immediately before the day on which 
the share is contracted to be purchased.

The Directors intend to exercise this right only when, in light of the market conditions prevailing at the time and taking 
into account all relevant factors (for example, the effect on earnings per share), they believe that such purchases are in 
the best interests of the Company and shareholders generally. The overall position of the Company will be taken into 
account before deciding upon this course of action. The decision as to whether any such shares bought back will be 
cancelled or held in treasury will be made by the Directors on the same basis at the time of the purchase.

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62

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Group five year summary

Year ended 31 March 2011

Results
Revenue 

Operating profit 

Profit before tax 

2007 
£’000 

2008 
£’000 

2009 
£’000 

2010 
£’000 

2011
£’000

45,078 

51,174 

58,585 

72,052 

121,645

6,672 

4,774 

3,930 

4,856 

23,010

6,200 

5,186 

4,177 

5,096 

23,345

Profit attributable to equity holders 

3,981 

3,436 

2,581 

2,972 

17,063

Assets employed
Non-current assets 
Current assets   
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

8,910 
20,828 
(8,879) 
(3,990) 

10,791 
23,570 
(11,821) 
(21) 

11,694 
24,572 
(11,750) 
(132) 

10,760 
29,524 
(13,819) 
– 

20,620
55,967
(34,555)
–

Net assets 

16,869 

22,519 

24,384 

26,465 

42,032

key statistics
Earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

8.1p 
7.4p 

6.0p 
6.0p 

4.5p 
4.5p 

5.2p 
5.2p 

29.8p
29.1p

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Mulberry Group plc
The Rookery  Chilcompton  Somerset  BA3 4EH
Tel +44 (0)1761 234 500  Fax +44 (0)1761 234 555  mulberry.com