Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Asset Management / Pires Investments plc

Pires Investments plc

piri · LSE Financial Services
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FY2017 Annual Report · Pires Investments plc
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Pires Investments plc 

(Incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 02929801) 

Annual Report and 
Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Contents 

Company Information 

Chairman’s Statement 

Strategic Report 

Directors’ Report 

Report on Remuneration 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Corporate Governance Report 

Report of the Independent Auditor 

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Statement of Changes in Equity 

Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

      Page 

1 

2 

3 

5 

7 

8 

9 

10 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Company Information 

Directors 

Peter Redmond (Chairman) 
John May (Non-Executive Director) 
Nicholas Lee (Non-Executive Director) 

Secretary 

Robert Porter 

Registered office 

Independent Auditors 

Nominated adviser 

Broker 

Registrars 

c/o Cooley Services Limited 
Dashwood House 
69 Old Broad Street 
London 
EC2M 1QS 

Welbeck Associates 
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 
30 Percy Street 
London 
W1T 2DB 

Cairn Financial Advisers LLP 
62-63 Cheapside 
Cheyne House 
Crown Court 
London 
EC2V 6AX 

Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited 
3rd Floor 
New Liverpool House 
15 – 17 Eldon Street 
London 
EC2M 7LD 

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

Company Registration 
number 

02929801 

Page | 1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Chairman’s Statement  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

During  the  year  to  31  October  2017,  the  Company’s  net  assets  increased  significantly  to  £627,548 
compared to the previous year’s figure of £130,714.  This  was principally due to fundraising during the 
year and the favourable performance of the Company’s investment portfolio. 

The  operating  loss  from  continuing  activities  for  the  period  amounted  to  £142,916,  a  significant 
reduction compared to the previous year.  This improvement was principally due to the increase in value 
of  the  Company’s  investment  portfolio,  as  already  mentioned.  We  were  also  able  to  realise  some  of 
these  investment  gains  through  certain  strategic  disposals.  The  results  also  included  a  significant 
provision against our VAT receivable balance, which has had the effect of inflating our operating costs.  
Discussions  with  Customs  and  Excise  continue  however  the  Directors  consider  it  prudent  to  make  this 
provision at this stage.   

During  the  period  under  review,  we  raised  £675,000  gross  (£639,750  net  of  fees)  in  new  equity  from 
investors and these funds were largely used to make a significant investment in Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas 
Limited (“ECO”), an oil and gas exploration company listed on both AIM and the Toronto Stock Exchange. 
Since the year end, the Company’s net asset position has continued to grow and is, at the date of this 
statement approximately 30% higher than as at the year end.  This is principally due to the increase in 
the share price of ECO, which now represents the Company’s largest investment. 

The  Company  reviewed  a  number  of  potential  reverse  transaction  opportunities  during  the  year. 
However, none of them advanced beyond the diligence stage. The Company continues to review a range 
of  opportunities  and  the  Directors  believe  that  it  is  in  a  stronger  position  to  attract  interesting 
transactions given the improvement in its financial position. 

Peter Redmond 
Chairman 
29 April 2018 

Page | 2 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Strategic Report 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Business review and future developments 

Investments  

During the year, the Company disposed of part of its holding in SalvaRx Group plc and its entire holding 
in  EVR  Holdings  plc.    It  also  acquired  some  additional  shares  in  Kazera  Global  plc  (formerly  Kennedy 
Ventures plc) and subscribed for shares in Eco (Atlantic)  Oil and Gas Limited as part  of  this company’s 
introduction  to  AIM  in  February  2017.    As  at  31  October  2017,  the  Company’s  principal  investments 
comprised:  

Investment 

SalvaRx Group plc 
Kazera Global plc 
Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Limited 

Total 

Value (£)* 

76,139 
36,296 
424,875 

537,310 

*based on the market valuation of the respective companies’ shares at 31 October 2017.   

Going concern 

The Company’s activities resulted  in a  loss of £142,916 (2016: loss of £559,637) and, as at 31 October 
2017, the Company’s cash balance was £241,142 (2016: £49,448).  

The  Company’s  administrative  expenses  in  the  12  month  period  from  the  signing  of  these  financial 
statements may exceed the Company’s current  cash balance. The  Company, however, has a significant 
portfolio  of  listed  investments  some  of  which  could  be  easily  realised  to  meet  a  possible  shortfall  if  it 
were to arise. This provides more than sufficient headroom for the Company, as at the date of signing of 
these accounts. 

The  Directors  therefore  consider  that,  based  upon  financial  projections,  the  Company  will  be  a  going 
concern for the next twelve months. For this reason, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements.   

Investing Policy  

The  Company’s  investing  policy  was  approved  by  shareholders  on  16  April  2012  and  implemented  in 
accordance with the requirements of Rule 15 of the AIM Rules (as in force at that time) on 12 April 2013.  
A copy of the investing policy is available on the website (www.piresinvestments.com).  

Financial risk management objectives and policies 

Details of the  Company’s financial instruments and financial risk  management  policies  can be found in 
notes 14 and 15 to the financial statements. 

Page | 3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Strategic Report 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Key performance indicators 

The key performance indicators are set out below: 

Net asset value 
Net asset value – fully diluted per share 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Principal business risks and uncertainties 

31 October  
2017 
£ 
627,548 
0.014p 
241,142 

31 October 
2016 
£ 
130,714 
0.011p 
49,448 

Change % 

379% 
27% 
388% 

Identifying suitable targets 
The Company is dependent upon the ability of the Directors to identify suitable investment opportunities 
in accordance with its Investing Policy. There is no guarantee that the  Company will be able to source 
further opportunities, or complete investments, at an appropriate price, or at all, as a consequence of 
which resources may be expended fruitlessly on investigative work and due diligence. 

Market conditions 
Market  conditions  may  have  a  negative  impact  on  the  Company’s  ability  to  execute  investments  in 
suitable  entities  which  generate  acceptable  returns.  There  is  no  guarantee  that  the  Company  will  be 
successful in sourcing suitable investments. 

Costs associated with potential investments 
The  Company  expects  to  incur  certain  third  party  costs  associated  with  the  sourcing  of  suitable 
investments. The Company can give no assurance as to the level of such costs, and given that there can 
be  no  guarantee  that  negotiations  to  acquire  any  given  investment  will  be  successful,  the  greater  the 
number  of  deals  that  do  not  reach  completion,  the  greater  the  likely  impact  of  such  costs  on  the 
Company’s performance, financial condition and business prospects. 

Valuation error 
The  Company  may  miscalculate  the  realisable  value  of  an  investment  in  a  project.  A  lack  of  reliable 
information, errors in assumptions or forecasts and/or inability to successfully implement an investment, 
among other factors, could all result in the project having a lower realisable value than anticipated. If the 
Company  is  not  able  to  realise  an  investment  at  its  anticipated  levels  of  profitability,  projected 
investment returns could be adversely affected. 

Funding 
It is likely that, if the Company identifies and wishes to pursue an investment opportunity or a reverse 
takeover, it is likely to need to raise further funds for further working or development capital.  There is 
no  guarantee  that  the  then  prevailing  market  conditions  will  allow  for  such  a  fundraising  or  that  new 
investors will be prepared to invest on a basis which is acceptable to shareholders.  

Assessment of Business Risk 

The  Board  regularly  reviews  operating  and  strategic  risks  and  considers  in  such  reviews  financial  and 
non-financial information including:  

 
 
 
 

a review of the business at each Board meeting, focusing on any new decisions/risks arising;  
the performance of investments;  
selection criteria of new investments; and  
reports prepared by third parties.  

Peter Redmond 
Director 
29 April 2018 

Page | 4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Directors’ Report  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

The  Directors  present  their  annual  report  and  the  audited  Company  financial  statements  of  Pires 
Investments plc for the year ended 31 October 2017. 

On 2 November 2016 the  the  Company raised, £525,000 gross of  expenses, for the Company, through 
the issue to third party investors of 17,500,000 new ordinary shares in the Company at a placing price of 
3 pence per share. 

Placees  also  received  one  warrant  for  every  two  placing  shares  subscribed  for.  The  warrants  have  an 
exercise price of 4.25 pence each, and are exercisable for a period of 18 months from the date of issue, 
the last exercise date being 2 May 2018. 

On 28 November 2016, the Company raised a further £150,000, gross of expenses, through the issue of 
5,000,000 new ordinary shares at a placing price of 3 pence per share. 

Placees  also  received  one  warrant  for  every  two  placing  shares  subscribed  for.  The  warrants  have  an 
exercise price of 4.25 pence each, and are exercisable for a period of 18 months from the date of issue, 
the last exercise date being 25 May 2018. 

The  Company’s  Ordinary  Shares  are  traded  on  AIM  Market  of  the  London  Stock  Exchange  under  the 
ticker PIRI.  

Results and dividends 

The  Company’s  loss  from  continuing  activities  for  the  year  was  £142,916  (2016  loss:  £559,637).  The 
Directors  are  unable  to  recommend  the  payment  of  a  dividend,  given  the  deficit  on  distributable 
reserves. 

Principal activities and review of business 

The  principal  activities  of  the  Company  throughout  the  year  under  review  and  since  have  been  as  an 
investment company which has involved the seeking, investigation and making of investments.  

The review of the business is contained within the Strategic Report on page 3. 

Events after the Reporting Period 

In March 2018 the Company exercised warrants to acquire 1,000,000 shares  in Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas 
Limited at a total cost of £176,000.  

Directors 

The following Directors have held office since 1 November 2016: 

Peter Redmond 
John May  
Nick Lee                (appointed 13th February 2017) 
Placid Gonzales   (resigned 18th August 2017) 

Charitable and political donations 

No charitable or political donations were made during the year (2016: nil). 

Page | 5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Directors’ Report (continued) 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Substantial shareholders 

As at 25 April 2018, the Company’s share register showed the following shareholdings representing 3% 
or more of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital: 

Fiske Nominees Limited 

Beaufort Nominees Limited 

Lawshare Nominees Limited  

Interactive Investor Services Nominees Limited 

HSDL Nominees Limited 

Manoli Vaindirlis 

Ambrosia Investment Limited 

HSDL Nominees Limited ( Maxi) 

Ordinary  
shares  
of 0.25p  
each  
Number 
8,685,259 

5,329,368 

3,231,503 

2,379,669 

1,859,937 

1,585,624 

1,500,000 

1,077,201 

% of the issued 
ordinary share 
capital 

25.62% 

15.72% 

9.53% 

7.02% 

5.49% 

4.68% 

4.42% 

3.18% 

8,333,333  shares  within  the  Fiske  Nominees  holding  are  beneficially  owned  by  Paternoster  Resources 
plc, the Chairman of which is Nicholas Lee, a director of the Company. 

Auditor 

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

By order of the Board 

Peter Redmond 
Director 
29 April 2018 

Page | 6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Report on Remuneration  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Policy on Directors’ remuneration 

The  policy  of  the  Board  is  to  provide  remuneration  packages  designed  to  attract,  motivate  and  retain 
Directors of the calibre necessary to maintain the Company’s position. The remuneration will reflect the 
Directors’ responsibilities and time commitment.  

Remuneration of the Directors 

During the period, the following remuneration and other benefits were charged to the Company: 

Peter Redmond  
John May 
Placid Gonzales 
Nick Lee  

Salaries 
2017 
£ 
18,000 
- 
- 
8,500 
26,500 

Fees 
2017 
£ 
18,000 
24,332 
10,866 
8,500 
61,698 

Total 
2017 
£ 
36,000 
24,332 
10,866 
17,000 
88,198 

Total 
2016 
£ 
60,000 
25,000 
15,000 
- 
100,000 

As at 31 October 2017, £24,500 of Directors fees had been deferred for payment. 

Directors’ interests 

The Directors had no beneficial interests in the share capital of the Company as at 31 October 2016 and 
31 October 2017. 

Peter Redmond 
Director 
29 April 2018 

Page | 7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

The Directors are responsible for preparing 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  Company  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 also chosen to prepare the Company financial statements 
under  IFRSs  as  adopted  by  the  EU.    Under  company  law,  the  Directors  must  not  approve  the  financial 
statements  unless  they  are  satisfied  that  they  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state  of  affairs  of  the 
Company  and  Parent  Company  and  of  the  profit  or  loss  of  the  Company  for  that  period.  In  preparing 
those financial statements, International Accounting Standard 1 requires the Directors to: 

•  properly select and apply accounting policies; 
•  present  information,  including  accounting  policies,  in  a  manner  that  provides  relevant,  reliable, 

comparable and understandable information; 

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent 
•  provide  additional  disclosures  when  compliance  with  the  specific  requirements  in  IFRSs  are 
insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and 
conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance; and  
•  make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain  the  Company’s  transactions  and  disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the  financial 
position  of  the  Company  and  enable  them  to  ensure  that  the  financial  statements  comply  with  the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.  

Disclosure of information 

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

•  so far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined in the 

Companies Act 2006) of the which the Company’s auditor is not aware; and 

•  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 (as defined) and to establish that the Company’s 
auditor is aware of that information. 

The  Directors  are  also  responsible  for  the  maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  investor  information 
contained  on  the  website.  Legislation  in  the  UK  concerning  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of 
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Publication of Accounts on the Company Website 

Financial  statements  are  published  on  the  Company’s  website:  www.piresinvestments.com.  The 
maintenance  and  integrity  of  the  website  is  the  responsibility  of  the  Directors.  The  Directors 
responsibility also extends to the financial statements contained therein.  

By order of the Board 

Peter Redmond 
Director  
29 April 2018

Page | 8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Corporate Governance Report  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

The  Company’s  shares  are  traded  on  AIM  and,  accordingly,  compliance  with  the  revised  UK  Corporate 
Governance  Code  is  not  mandatory.  However,  the  Company  has  sought  to  comply  with  the  principles 
underlying the provisions of the Code in so far as it considers them to be appropriate for a company of 
this  size  and  nature.  The  Board  is  accountable  to  the  Company’s  shareholders  for  good  corporate 
governance. This report and the Remuneration Report describe how the Company applies the provisions 
of good corporate governance. 

Directors 

The  Board  currently  consists  of  the  Chairman  and  two  other  Directors  whilst  it  is  seeking  investment 
opportunities. It is responsible for approving Company policy and strategy and for  implementing it with 
support from consultants. The Directors will review the composition of the Board on a regular basis. All 
Directors have access to advice from the Company Secretary and independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense. 

Relations with shareholders 

The  Company  values  the  views  of  its  shareholders  and  recognises  their  interest  in  the  Company’s 
strategy and performance. The Annual General Meeting is used to communicate with investors and they 
are encouraged to participate and the Directors are available to answer questions. Separate resolutions 
are proposed on each issue so that they can be given proper consideration. 

Audit Committee 

During the year the Audit Committee comprised John May and Peter Redmond. The Committee has met 
with  the  auditors  and  considered  the  results  and  the  audit  process,  and  has  satisfied  itself  as  to  the 
auditor’s independence during the year. 

Remuneration Committee 

During the year the Remuneration Committee comprised John May and Nicholas Lee.  The policy of the 
Company on remuneration is to reward individual  performance  so as to promote the  best  interests of 
the Company and enhance shareholder value.  The remuneration of Directors is approved by the Board.  
Individual Directors do not participate in decisions concerning their own remuneration. 

Internal control 

The  Board  is  committed  to  the  maintenance  of  effective  internal  controls.  The  Board  recognises  its 
responsibility for maintaining a strong system of internal control to safeguard  shareholders’ investment 
and the Company’s assets and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system of internal financial control is 
designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. 

The Board has determined that there is currently no requirement for an internal audit function whilst it 
is undertaking its current activities. However, the Directors will continue to review the requirement for 
an internal audit function on a regular basis.  

Peter Redmond 
Director 
29 April 2018 

Page | 9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Pires Investments Plc  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Opinion 
We have audited the financial statements of Pires Investments Plc (the ‘Company’) for the year ended 31 
October 2017 which comprise the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, the 
Company statements of changes in equity, the Company statements of financial position, the Company 
statements of cash flows, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant 
accounting policies. 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. 

In our opinion, the financial statements: 

• 

• 
• 

give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 October 2017 and of its 
loss for the year then ended; 
have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and 
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and 
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the 
company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the 
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Conclusions relating to going concern 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require 
us to report to you where: 

• 

• 

the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial 
statements is not appropriate; or 
the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties 
that may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the 
financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Emphasis of matter 
We draw attention to note 2 of the financial statements.  
The  Company’s  administrative  expenses  in  the  12-month  period  from  the  signing  of  these  financial 
statements  may  exceed  the  Company’s  current  cash  balance,  barring  any  fundraising  activities 
undertaken  by  Pires.  The  Company,  however,  has  a  significant  portfolio  of  listed  investments,  some  of 
which  could  be  easily  realised  to  meet  a  possible  shortfall  if  it  were  to  arise.  This  provides  more  than 
sufficient headroom for Pires, as at the date of signing of these accounts. 

Our opinion is not modified in this respect. 

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our 
audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of 
material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the 
greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the 
efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 
financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate 
opinion on these matters. 

Page | 10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Pires Investments Plc  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Key audit matter 
Accounting Estimates 
Are prepared on a reasonable and 
consistent basis and are disclosed 
adequately in the financial statements. 

Related Parties 
We are required to consider if the 
disclosures made in the financial statements 
are complete and accurate and the 
processes for identifying related parties and 
related party transactions. 

Management override 
We are required to consider how 
management biases could affect the results 
of the company 

Going Concern 
We consider the company’s ability to 
finance its activities for a period of not less 
than 12 months from the date the financial 
statements are approved. 

Investments 
We consider the disclosure of the 
investment net book value, the realised and 
unrealised gains, the acquisitions and 
disposals. 

How we addressed it 

We have considered the basis of the accounting estimates you 
have applied when preparing the financial statements and 
consider your responses to audit questions with professional 
scepticism. 

We have assessed the Company’s procedures for identifying 
related parties and ensuring the completeness of the 
disclosures that are included in the audit planning pack. 

We have considered the controls in place, remained alert for 
material and unusual items and tested a sample of journals to 
assess the risk. 

Our going concern review focused on the cash flow forecasts 
and current and future financing arrangements in place in 
order to assert the going concern assumption. 

We have performed a test of details through agreement to 
bank statements and the contracts, together with a review of 
the client calculations and valuations. We have tested 
valuations of the listed investments through agreement to 
London Stock Exchange prices at the year end.  

Our application of materiality 
Materiality for the Company financial statements as a whole was set at £ 42,000 (2016: £12,000). 

This has been calculated as 5% of the benchmark of Net Assets (2016: 3% of the benchmark of Gross 
Assets), which we have determined, in our professional judgment, to be one of the principal benchmarks 
within the financial statements relevant to members of the Company in assessing financial performance. 

We report to the director’s all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through our audit 
with a value in excess of £2,100 (2016: £600), in addition to other audit misstatements below that 
threshold that we believe warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Our audit is risk based and is designed to focus our efforts on the areas at greatest risk of material 
misstatement, aspects subject to significant management judgement as well as greatest complexity, risk 
and size. 

The investments balance is highly material and all but one of the investments are listed. Additionally, 
profit/loss on the sale of investments is also highly material. As such testing was detailed, through 
agreement to bank statements, contracts and LSE prices, together with a review of the client calculations 
and valuations. Specifically, there is a risk with regard to accuracy, as part of the valuation relates to 

Page | 11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Pires Investments Plc  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Evolution Energy E&P, which is unquoted. The cost of this unquoted investment is a subjective figure, 
determined by management. 

We consider management override and related parties to be qualitatively material. Although it is not the 
responsibility of the auditor to discover fraud, clearly any instances of fraud which we detect are 
material to the users of the financial statements.  We have tested manual and automated journal 
entries, with a focus on those journal entries at year end. In addition, as part of our audit procedures to 
address this fraud risk, we assessed the overall control environment and reviewed whether there had 
been any reported actual or alleged instances of fraudulent activity during the year. For Related Parties, 
we have inquired with the client as the relevant related parties. We have also assessed the Company’s 
procedures regarding related parties. 

With regard to the Going Concern assumption, materiality is less relevant in terms of our scoping, since it 
does not relate to a specific balance. However, this is nonetheless a key audit matter and we have 
therefore challenged management’s going concern model including the liquidity position at year end and 
the projected cash flows. We assessed and challenged the accuracy of the expected timing of the sale of 
suitable investments.   

Other information 
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to 
the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion 
thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are 
required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report in this regard. 

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

• 

• 

the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for 
which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 
the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable 
legal requirements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the 
directors’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 
2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

• 

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited by us; or 
• 
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 
• 
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Page | 12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Pires Investments Plc  
Annual Report and Financial Statements 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Responsibilities of directors 
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 8, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This 
description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 
of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' 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. 

Jonathan Bradley-Hoare (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Welbeck Associates 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom 

29 April 2018 

Page | 13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Statement of Comprehensive Income 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

CONTINUING ACTIVITIES 
Income 
Investment income 
Other Income  
Total income 

Gain / (Loss) on investments held at fair value through 
profit or loss 

Operating expenses 

Operating (loss) from continuing activities 

(Loss) before taxation from continuing activities 

Tax  

(Loss) for the year from continuing activities 

(Loss) for the year from discontinued operations 

(Loss) for the year and  attributable to equity holders of 
the Company 

Basic (loss) per share  

Equity holders 
Basic and diluted 

Notes 

2017 
£ 

2016 
£ 

6 

13 

4 

8 

9 

0 
8 
8 

33 
21 
54 

196,049 

(302,463) 

(338,973) 

(248,611) 

(142,916) 

(551,020) 

(142,916) 

(551,020) 

- 

- 

(142,916) 

(551,020) 

- 

(8,617) 

(142,916) 

(559,637) 

10 

(0.43)p 

(5.00)p 

The accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Page | 14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Statement of Changes in Equity 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Share 
Capital 
 £ 
11,853,192 
5,285 
- 

- 
11,858,477 

Share 
Premium  
£ 
2,904,840 
94,715 
(2,000) 

Capital 
Redemption 
Reserve 
 £ 
164,667 
- 
- 

Retained 
Earnings 
£ 
(14,330,348) 
- 
- 

Total 
 £ 
592,351 
100,000 
(2,000) 

- 
2,997,555 

- 
164,667 

(559,637) 
(14,889,985) 

(559,637) 
130,714 

23,217 

(23,217) 

- 

- 

- 

11,881,694 

2,974,338 

164,667 

(14,889,985) 

130,714 

Balance at 1 November 2015 
Issue of shares 
Share issue costs 
Total comprehensive loss for 
the year  
As at 31 October 2016 
Restatement re share consolidation: 
Adjustment re share 
consolidation 
Total restated balance at 31 
October 2016 

Issue of shares 
Total comprehensive loss for 
the year  
As at 31 October 2017 

56,250 

583,500 

- 

- 

639,750 

- 
11,937,944 

- 
3,557,838 

- 
164,667 

(142,916) 
(15,032,901) 

(142,916) 
627,548 

The accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Page | 15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
(Incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 02929801) 
Statement of Financial Position 
AT 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Investments 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total current assets 
Total assets 

Equity 
Issued share capital 
Share premium 
Retained earnings 
Capital redemption reserve 
Total equity 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities and current liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

11 
16 

13 
17 

18 
18 

2017 
£ 

0 
1 
1 

2016 
£ 

230 
1 
231 

543,421  
9,875 
241,142 
794,438 
794,439 

152,624 
53,865 
49,448 
255,937 
256,168 

11,937,944 
3,557,838 
(15,032,901) 
164,667 
627,548 

11,881,694 
2,974,338 
(14,889,985) 
164,667 
130,714 

19 

166,891 

125,454 

166,891 

125,454 

794,439 

256,168 

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 29 April 
2018 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Peter Redmond 
Director  

John May 
Director 

The accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Page | 16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Statement of Cash Flows 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Cash flows from operating activities 
(Loss) 
Depreciation 
Realised (gain)/loss on disposal of investments 
Fair value movements in investments 
Finance income 
Decrease in receivables  
Increase/(decrease) in payables 
Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets 
Payments to acquire investments 
Proceeds of disposal of investments 
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary operations 

Finance income received net 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Net proceeds from share issues 
Net cash from financing activities 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
during the year 

2017 
£ 

2016 
£ 

(142,916) 
230 
(44,205) 
(151,844 ) 
(8) 
43,990 
41,437 
(253,316) 

- 
(520,000) 
325,252 
- 

8 
(194,740) 

(559,637) 
827 
3,996 
298,647 
(33) 
22,475 
43,560 
(190,165) 

- 
- 
61,434 
18,321 

33 
79,788 

639,750 
639,750 

98,000 
98,000 

191,694 

(12,377) 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

49,448 

61,825 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

241,142 

49,448 

Page | 17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

General Information 

Pires Investments plc (“the Company”) was throughout the year an investing company with an investing policy 
adopted on 16 April 2012 and re-adopted on 21 March 2013. 

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in England. 

The  address  of  the  registered  office  is  c/o  Cooley  Services  Limited,  Dashwood  House,  69  Old  Broad  Street, 
London, EC2M 1QS. 

These  financial  statements  are  prepared  in  Pounds  Sterling,  because  that  is  the  currency  of  the  primary 
economic environment in which the Company operates.  

Principal accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set  out  below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all periods presented, unless otherwise stated.  

Basis of preparation 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) and IFRIC interpretations as adopted by the European Union applicable to companies reporting under 
IFRSs.  The financial statements have also been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires the use of certain critical accounting 
estimates.  It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Company’s 
accounting  policies.    The  areas  involving  a  higher  degree  of  judgement  or  complexity,  or  areas  where 
assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed later in these accounting 
policies. 

Going Concern  

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. 

Any consideration of the foreseeable future involves making a judgement, at a particular point in time, about 
future  events  which  are  inherently  uncertain.  The  ability  of  the  Company  to  carry  out  its  planned  business 
objectives  is  dependent  on  its  continuing  ability  to  raise  adequate  capital  from  equity  investors  and/or  the 
realisation of quoted investments.  

At  the  time  of  approving  these  financial  statements  and  after  making  due  enquiries,  the  Directors  have  a 
reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable 
future.  For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Company’s financial 
statements. 

Page | 18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Adoption of new and revised Standards 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, The Company has not applied the following new and revised 
IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective and had not yet been adopted by the EU. The directors do not 
expect that the adoption of the Standards listed below will have a material impact on the financial statements of the 
Company in future periods. 

Amendments – Classification and measurement of share-based payments 
transactions 
Amendment – applying IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” with IFRS 4 “Insurance 
Contracts” 
Financial instruments – incorporating requirements for classification and 
measurement, 
impairment, general hedge accounting and de-recognition. 
Amendment – Prepayment features with negative compensation 
Amendments – Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its 
associate or joint venture 
Revenue from contracts with customers, and the related clarifications 
Leases – recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure 
Insurance contracts 
Amendment – Transfers of investment property 

IFRS 2 

IFRS 4 

IFRS 9 

IFRS 9 
IFRS 10/ IAS 28 

IFRS 15 
IFRS 16 
IFRS 17 
IAS 40 

Tangible assets 

Tangible  fixed  assets  are  stated  at  historic  purchase  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  accumulated 
impairment losses.  Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing 
the asset to its working condition for its intended use. 
The  company  assesses  at  each  reporting  date  whether  tangible  fixed  assets  (including  those  leased  under  a 
finance lease) are impaired. 

Computer equipment is measured at cost less provision for depreciation.  Depreciation is provided on these assets at 
33 1/3% of cost per annum which is calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of the assets over 
their expected useful lives. 

Revenue recognition  

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for 
goods or services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales-related taxes, and 
provisions for returns. 

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. Dividend income is recognised at the time any market share price is 
adjusted to exclude the right to receive such dividend or, if there is no such adjustment, when received.  

Deferred taxation 

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 

Page | 19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

(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 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 Company intends to settle its current tax assets 
and liabilities on a net basis. 

Share based awards  

The Company has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share based payment. All services received in exchange for the 
grant of any share based remuneration are measured at their fair values. These are indirectly determined by reference 
to the fair value of the share options/warrants awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the 
impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets). 

Share  based  payments  are  ultimately  recognised  as  an  expense  in  the  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  with  a 
corresponding credit to the retained earning reserve in equity, net of deferred tax where applicable. If vesting periods 
or  other  vesting  conditions  apply,  the  expense  is  allocated  over  the  vesting  period,  based  on  the  best  available 
estimate  of  the  number  of  share  options/warrants  expected  to  vest.  Non-market  vesting  conditions  are  included  in 
assumptions  about  the  number  of  options/warrants  that  are  expected  to  become  exercisable.  Estimates  are 
subsequently  revised  if  there  is  any  indication  that  the  number  of  share  options/warrants  expected  to  vest  differs 
from  previous  estimates.  No  adjustment  is  made  to  the  expense  or  share  issue  cost  recognised  in  prior  periods  if 
fewer share options ultimately are exercised than originally estimated. 

Upon  exercise  of  share  options,  the  proceeds  received  net  of  any  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  up  to  the 
nominal value of the shares issued are allocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as share premium. 

Where share options are cancelled, this is treated as an acceleration of the vesting period of the options.  The amount 
that  otherwise  would  have  been  recognised  for  services  received  over  the  remainder  of  the  vesting  period  is 
recognised immediately within the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

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. 

Investments in subsidiaries 

Investments in subsidiaries are stated in the Company's  statement  of  financial position at cost  less any attributable 
impairment losses. 

Financial assets 

The Company classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories, cash and cash equivalents, loans and 
receivables and investments held at fair value through profit or loss depending on the purpose for which the asset was 
acquired. The Company has not classified any of its financial assets as held to maturity, held for trading or available for 
sale. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  at  hand  and  current  and  deposit  balances  at  banks,  together  with  other 
short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject 
to an insignificant risk of changes in value. 

Loans and receivables 

Loans and receivables from third parties are initially  recognised at fair  value and subsequently  carried  at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method.   

Page | 20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss 

All short term investments are designated upon initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). 
Investment  transactions  are  accounted  for  on  a  trade  date  basis.  Assets  are  de-recognised  at  the  trade  date  of the 
disposal.  Investments  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value  plus  incidental  acquisition  costs.  Subsequently,  they  are 
measured at fair value in accordance with IAS 39. This is either the bid price or the last traded price, depending on the 
convention  of  the  exchange  on  which  the  investment  is  quoted.  The  fair  value  of  the  financial  instruments  in  the 
balance sheet is based on the quoted bid price at the balance sheet date, with no deduction for any estimated future 
selling cost.  

Unquoted investments are valued by the directors using primary valuation techniques such as recent transactions, last 
price and net asset value. Changes in the fair value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss and gains 
and  losses  on  disposal  are  recognised  in  the  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  as  “Net  change  in  fair  value  of 
investments”.  

Impairment of financial assets 

Financial  assets,  other  than  those  at  FVTPL,  are  assessed  for  indicators  of  impairment  at  each  balance  sheet  date. 
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred 
after  the  initial  recognition  of  the  financial  asset,  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  of  the  investment  have  been 
impacted. 

Financial liabilities 

Financial  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the  Company’s  balance  sheet  when  the  Company  becomes  a  party  to  the 
contractual provisions of the instrument.  All interest related charges are recognised as an expense in finance cost in 
the income statement using the effective interest rate method.   

The Company's financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables. 

Trade payables are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost less settlement 
payments. 

Equity instruments 

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all 
of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received net of direct issue 
costs. 

The share premium account represents premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction 
costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits. 

Share capital account represents the nominal value of the shares issued.  

Retained earnings include all current and prior period results as disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

2. 

  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATIONS 

The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  the  use  of  estimates  and  assumptions 
that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  financial  statements  and  the  reported 
amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s 
best knowledge of the amounts, events or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates  and  judgements  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors, 
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

Page | 21 

 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

2. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATIONS (continued) 

In certain circumstances, where fair value cannot be readily established, the Company is required to make judgements 
over carrying value impairment, and evaluate the size of any impairment required. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period. Judgements and estimates that may affect future periods are as follows: 

GOING CONCERN 

The Company’s activities resulted in a loss of £142,916 (2016: loss of £559,637) and, as at 31 October 2017, the 
Company’s cash balance was £241,142 (2016: £49,448).    

The Company’s administrative expenses in the 12-month period from the signing of these financial statements 
may  exceed  the  Company’s  current  cash  balance,  barring  any  fundraising  activities  undertaken  by  Pires.  The 
Company, however, has a significant portfolio of listed investments, some of which could be easily realised to 
meet a possible shortfall if it were to arise. This provides more than sufficient headroom for Pires, as at the date 
of signing of these accounts. 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The  Company  holds  investments  that  have  been  designated  as  held  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss.  Investment 
transactions  are  accounted  for  on  a  trade  date  basis.    Assets  are  de-recognised  at  the  trade  date  of  the  disposal. 
Assets are sold at their fair value, which comprises the proceeds of sale less any transaction cost. The fair value of the 
financial  instruments  in  the  balance  sheet  is  based  on  the  quoted  bid  price  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  with  no 
deduction  for  any  estimated  future  selling  cost.  Unquoted  investments  are  valued  by  the  directors  using  primary 
valuation  techniques  such  as  recent  transactions,  last  price  and  net  asset  value.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of 
investments  held  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  and  gains  and  losses  on  disposal  are  recognised  in  the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income as “Net gains on investments”. Investments are initially measured 
at fair value plus incidental acquisition costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value in accordance with IAS 39. 
This  is  either  the  bid  price  or  the  last  traded  price,  depending  on  the  convention  of  the  exchange  on  which  the 
investment is quoted. 

3.  BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL REPORTING 

The  Company’s  operations  are  solely  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Its  primary  trading  operation  and  activity  is  the 
rendering of services and so no segmental analysis of operations is included. 

4.  OPERATING LOSS 

Operating loss from continuing activities is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Provision against VAT receivable  

2017 
£ 

230 

68,157 

2016 
£ 

827 

- 

Page | 22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

5.  AUDITORS REMUNERATION 

During the year the Company obtained the following services  from the Company’s auditor (in  respect of continuing 
and discontinuing activities): 

Fees payable to auditors for the audit of the Company’s financial  statements 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services: 

Other services relating to taxation 

All other services 

6.  OTHER INCOME 

The Company’s other income was: 

Interest receivable 

  7.  REMUNERATION 

The Company’s employee benefit expense (for continuing activities in 2016) was: 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

2017 
£ 
15,000 

1,500 

- 

16,500 

2016 
£ 
14,500 

1,500 

- 

16,000 

2017 
£ 
8 

8 

2016 
£ 
33 

33 

2017 
£ 
26,500 

1,779 

2016 
£ 
26,250 

1,725 

28,279 

27,975 

The average monthly number of persons employed by the Company, including  Directors, during the year was as 
follows: 

2017 
No 
3 

2016 
No 
3  

Details of Directors’ emoluments, are given in the Report on  Remuneration. These disclosures form part of the 
audited  financial  statements  of  the  Company.    The  Directors  of  the  Company  are  considered  to  represent  key 
management of the Company as defined by IFRS. 

Page | 23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

8.  TAX EXPENSE 
8. 

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year 

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation 

(Loss)/ profit on ordinary activities before taxation multiplied by the standard 
rate of UK corporation tax of 19.4% (2016: 20%) 

Effects of: 

Expenses  not  deductible  for  tax  purposes  net  of  income  not  subject  to 
corporation tax 

Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation 

Gain on disposal of capital assets 

Tax losses arising in the year carried forward 

Unrealised taxable losses not subject to tax in the period 

Tax charge 

2017 
£ 

2016 
£ 

(142,916) 

(551,020) 

(27,726) 

(110,204) 

137 

- 

- 

0 

54,819 

(81) 

5,225 

2,429 

(27,230) 

102,631 

- 

- 

The Company has tax losses  available to  carry forward against  relevant  future taxable  income and profits of 
approximately £3.4 million (2016: £3.0 million) in respect of which no deferred tax asset has been recognised. 

Where it is anticipated that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses will be utilised a 
deferred tax asset is recognised.  

Page | 24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

9.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  

On 11 March 2016 the Company announced that it had disposed of the entire issued share capital of Ventec 
Renewable  Energy  Limited,  a  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  to  Ambrosia  Investments  Limited.  See  Note  23  – 
Related party transactions. 

The  Company,  prior  to  the  disposal,  obtained  an  independent  valuation  for  Ventec  which  confirmed  the 
directors’  view  that  the  subsidiary  had  nil  economic  value.  Consideration  for  the  disposal  was  £2  and  the 
intercompany liabilities amounting to circa £45,000 were settled in cash. 

The  results  of  the  discontinued  operations,  which  have  been  included  in  the  financial  statements,  were  as 
follows: 

Income statement 

Revenue 

Expenses 

Loss before tax 

Attributable tax expense 

Net loss attributable to discontinued operations 

Balance sheet 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Total non-current assets 

Trade and other payables 

Net liabilities  

2017 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2017 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2016 

- 

(8,617) 

(8,617) 

- 

(8,617) 

2016 

18,502 

18,502 

(63,500) 

(44,998) 

Page | 25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

10.  LOSS PER SHARE 

Loss attributable to the owners of the Company 

Continuing Operations 

(142,916) 

(551,020) 

2017 
£ 

2016 
£ 

2017 
No. of  
Shares 

2016 
No. of  
shares 

Weighted average number of shares for calculating basic loss per share 

33,521,353 

11,400,805 

Basic and diluted loss per share 

Continuing Operations – basic and diluted 

(0.43) 

(5.00) 

2017 
Pence 

2016 
Pence 

11.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost 

At 1 November 2015 

Additions during the year 

At 1 November  2016 

Additions during the year 

At 31 October 2017 

Depreciation 

At 1 November 2015 

Charge for the year 

Disposal during the year 

At 1 November  2016 

Charge for the year 

As at 31 October 2017 

Carrying amount 

As at 31 October 2017 

At 31 October 2016 

Computer equipment 
£ 

3,363  

- 

3,363  

- 

3,363  

2,306  

230  

- 

3,133 

230 

3,363 

- 

230  

Page | 26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

12.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT 

The table below sets out the fair value measurements using the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy.  Categorisation within the 
hierarchy  has  been  determined  on  the  basis  of  the  lowest  level  of  input  that  is  significant  to  the  fair  value 
measurement of the relevant asset as follows: 

Level 1 – valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. 

Level  2  –  valued  by  reference  to  valuation  techniques  using  observable  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included 
within Level 1. 

Level 3 – valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data. 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 3 in 2017 or 2016. 

13. 

INVESTMENTS HELD AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS  

Investments at fair value brought forward 

Purchase of investments 

Investment disposals 

Movement in investment holding 

Balance  

Categorised as 

Level 1 – quoted prices 

Level 3 – Unquoted investments 

Gains / (losses) on investments held at fair value through profit or loss 

Movement in investment holding gains 

Realised gain / (loss)on disposal of investments 

Net gain / (loss) on investments held at fair value through profit or loss 

Unquoted investments (Level 3) 

2017 
£ 

152,624 

520,000 

2016 
£ 

516,520 

- 

(281,047) 

(65,429) 

151,844 

(298,467) 

543,421 

152,624 

537,310 

130,401 

6,111 

22,223 

151,844 

(298,467) 

44,205 

(3,996) 

196,049 

(302,463) 

The  value  of  the  unquoted  investments  as  at  31  October  2017  was  £6,111  and  comprised  a  holding  in 
Evolution Energy E&P plc (previously named Shale Energy plc). Evolution Energy E&P plc is an unquoted public 
company whose focus is the acquisition or development of oil, gas or shale gas assets principally in the UK and 
USA. The holding is valued on the basis of evaluation of subsequent pre-IPO fundraising. The latest fundraising 
price and liquidity of private investors are reflected in determining the fair  value of the investment  holding. 
The Directors consider this value to be supported by information they have received over the course of the 
financial year. 

14.  RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 

Page | 27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

The  Company  is  exposed  to  a  variety  of  financial  risks  which  result  from  both  its  operating  and  investing 
activities.  The Company’s risk management is coordinated by the Board of Directors, and focuses on actively 
securing the Company’s short to medium term cash flows by minimising the exposure to financial markets. 

The main risks the Company is exposed to through its financial instruments are credit risk, foreign currency 
risk, liquidity risk and market price risk.  

Capital risk management 

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are: 

 

 
 

to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it continues to provide returns 
and benefits for shareholders; 
to support the Company’s growth; and 
to provide capital for the purpose of strengthening the Company’s risk management capability. 

The  Company  actively  and  regularly  reviews  and  manages  its  capital  structure  to  ensure  an  optimal  capital 
structure and equity holder returns, taking into consideration the future capital requirements of the Company 
and capital efficiency, prevailing and projected profitability, projected operating cash flows, projected capital 
expenditures  and  projected  strategic  investment  opportunities.  Management  regards  total  equity  as  capital 
and reserves, for capital management purposes. 

Credit risk 

The Company’s financial instruments, which are subject to credit risk, are cash and cash equivalents and loans 
and receivables.  The credit risk for cash and cash equivalents is considered negligible since the counterparties 
are reputable financial institutions. 

The  Company’s  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  is  £241,142  (2016:  £103,313)  comprising  cash  and  cash 
equivalents and loans and receivables. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity  risk  arises  from  the  possibility  that  the  Company  might  encounter  difficulty  in  settling  its  debts  or 
otherwise  meeting  its  obligations  related  to  financial  liabilities.  The  Company  manages  this  risk  through 
maintaining a positive cash balance and controlling expenses and commitments.  The Directors are confident 
that adequate resources exist to finance current operations.  

Market price risk 

The Company’s exposure to market price risk mainly arises from potential movements in the fair value of its 
investments. 
The Company’s exposure to price risk on quoted investments is as follows: 

Change in equity 

Increase in quoted investments by 10% 

Decrease in quoted investments by 10% 

15.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

2017 

£ 

2016 

£ 

53,731 

13,040 

(53,731) 

(13,040) 

Financial assets by category: 
The IAS 39 categories of financial asset included in the statement of financial position and the headings in 
which they are included are as follows: 

2017 
£ 

2016 
£ 

Page | 28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Financial assets: 
Fair value through profit or loss investments 
Loans and receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total 

537,310 
0 
241,142 

778,452 

130,401 
40,895 
49,448 

220,744 

Financial liabilities by category: 
The IAS 39 categories of financial liabilities included in the statement of financial position and the headings in 
which they are included are as follows: 

Trade and other payables 

16. 

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 

Cost 
At 1 November 2015 
Disposals during the year 
At 1 November 2016 

Disposals during the year 
Additions during the year 

At 31 October 2017 

Provision for diminution in value  
At 1 November 2015 and 1 November 2016 
Disposals during the year 

At 31 October 2017 

Net book value 
At 31 October 2017 

At 31 October 2016 

2017 
£ 
68,476 

2016 
£ 

53,171 

£ 
18,503  
(18,502) 
1 

- 
- 

1  

- 
- 

-  

1 

1 

At 31 October 2017 the subsidiaries were as follows: 

Subsidiary undertaking 
Renewable Energies (Investments) Limited 

17.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Country of 
registration 
UK 

Principal 
 activity 
Dormant 

Percentage 
holding 
100% 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

             Company 
2017 
£ 
- 

9,875 

9,875 

2016 
£ 
40,895 

12,970 

53,865 

As described in note 14, the Directors do not consider credit risk to be material to the Company's operations. 
The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their 

Page | 29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

fair value.  

18. 

ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL 

Issued and fully paid: 

At 1 November 2015  

Ordinary shares of 0.1p each 
Deferred shares of 5p each 
Deferred shares of 4.9p each 

Ordinary shares issued in the year: 
Ordinary shares of 0.25p each 

Deferred shares of 5p each 
Deferred shares of 4.9p each 
At 31 October 2016 

Restatement of prior year:  

Number of 
shares 

Nominal value 
£ 

Share premium 
£ 

2,321,659,864 
136,171,197 
55,570,856 

2,114,166 
2,323,774,030 
136,171,197 
55,570,856 

2,321,660 
6,808,560  
2,722,972  
11,853,192 

5,285 
2,326,945 
6,808,560  
2,722,972  
11,858,477 

2,904,840 
- 
- 
2,904,840 

92,715 
2,997,555 
- 
- 
2,997,555 

On 31 March 2016 shareholders approved a capital reorganisation under which: 
(a) the ordinary shares of 0.1p each were sub-divided into one ordinary share of 0.001p each and one deferred 
share of 0.099p each;   

Ordinary shares of 0.001p each – share reorganisation 

2,321,659,864 

Deferred shares of 0.099p each – share reorganisation 

2,321,659,864 

(b) the ordinary shares of 0.001p each were consolidated on the basis of one ordinary share of 0.25p for every 

250 ordinary shares of 0.001p each; 

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each - consolidation 

9,286,639 

23,217 

(23,217) 

Total restated at 31 October 2016 

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each 

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each issued in the year 

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each as at 31 October 2016 

9,286,639 

2,114,,166 

11,500,805 

23,217  

5,285  

28,502  

Deferred shares of 0.099p each – share reorganisation 

2,321,659,864 

2,321,260  

Deferred shares of 5p each 
Deferred shares of 4.9p each 
Restated total at 31 October 2016 

136,171,197 
55,570,856 

6,808,560 
2,722,972 
11,881,694 

- 
- 
2,974,338 

Ordinary shares issued in the year: 

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each 
Ordinary shares of 0.25p each 
Current ordinary shares at 31 October 2017 

17,500,000 
5,000,000 
33,900,805 

43,750 
12,500 
84,752 

453,500 
130,000 

Page | 30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Deferred shares of 0.099p each – share reorganisation 
Deferred shares of 5p each 
Deferred shares of 4.9p each 
Total at 31 October 2017 

2,321,659,864 
136,171,197 
55,570,856 

2,321,660 
6,808,560 
2,722,972 
11,937,944 

- 
- 
- 
3,557,838 

18. 

ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL (continued) 

The holders of the ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share held on a poll.  They are also entitled 
to receive dividends declared in proportion to the number of shares held (subject to any right of another class, 
and none currently exists, to receive a preferred dividend) and, on a return of capital and subject to the limited 
participation rights of the holders of the two classes of deferred shares detailed below and any subsequently 
created class of  shares  with  preferential rights, to participate in such return in proportion to the number of 
shares held.  
Neither class of deferred shares have any voting or dividend rights and only have rights to a repayment of the 
nominal value of the shares and then only after a £100,000 per ordinary share has been returned to each 
holder of ordinary shares.  The Company has the right to acquire for cancellation each entire class of deferred 
share for an aggregate consideration of 1p and the Company intends to exercise such right in due course. 

There were no outstanding options however warrants over the ordinary share capital of the Company were 
issued during the year and were outstanding as at 31 October 2017 as detailed below. (2016: Nil): 

Number of 
shares to be 
issued upon 
exercise for the 
year ended 31  
October 
 2017 

Exercise 
price for the 
year ended             
31 October 
2017  

Number of 
shares to be 
issued upon 
exercise for the 
year ended 31  
October 
 2016 

Exercise 
price for the 
year ended             
31 October 
2016  

£ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

11,250,000 

- 

11,250,000 

- 

£ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Outstanding at beginning of period 

Arising during the period 

Lapsed during the period 

Outstanding at end of period 

Exercisable at end of period 

The warrants on 8,750,000 shares have an exercise price of 4.25 pence each, and are exercisable for a period of 
18 months from the date of issue, the last exercise date being 2 May 2018. 

The warrants on 2,500,000 shares have an exercise price of 4.25 pence each, and are exercisable for a period of 
18 months from the date of issue, the last exercise date being 25 May 2018. 

19.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables  

Company 
2017 
£ 
64,229 

2016 
£ 
48,570 

Page | 31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
             
 
 
 
  PIRES INVESTMENTS PLC 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2017 

Other payables 

Accruals and deferred income 

Taxation and social security 

3,646 

98,415 

601 

4,199 

72,283 

402 

166,891 

125,454 

The directors considers the carrying amounts of trade payables to be a reasonable approximation of their fair 
value.  

20.  CONTINGENT LIABILITES 

At 31 October 2017 and 2016, the Company had no material contingent liabilities. 

21.  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 

At  31  October  2017  and  2016,  the  Company  had  no  capital  commitments  authorised  or  contracted  by  the 
Directors.  

22.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

Ultimate controlling party 

The Directors do not consider there to be a single ultimate controlling party. 

Remuneration of key management personnel 

The remuneration of the directors, who are the key management personnel of the company, is set out below 
as specified in IAS 24: Related Party Disclosure: 

Salaries and Fees:  

Fees  for  consultancy  services  supplied  by  Catalyst  Corporate  Consultants 
Limited,  a  company  beneficially  controlled  by  Peter  Redmond  and  of  which 
he is a director 

Fees  for  consultancy  services  supplied  by  City  and  Westminster  Corporate 
Finance LLP, a company beneficially owned by John May 

Fees for  consultancy services supplied by Placid P.  Gonzales & Associates, a 
company beneficially owned by Placid Gonzales and of which he is a director. 

Fees  for  consultancy  services  supplied  by  ACL  Limited,  a  company  of  which 
Nicholas Lee is a director 

2017 
£ 
18,000 

2016 
£ 
30,000 

24,332 

25,000 

10,866 

15,000 

8,500 

- 

24.  POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 

On 9 March 2018 the Company exercised its warrants to acquire 1,000,000 shares in ECO Atlantic at a cost of 
£176,000.  

Page | 32