Quarterlytics / Raven Property Group

Raven Property Group

rav · LSE
Claim this profile
Ticker rav
Exchange LSE
Sector
Industry
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · Raven Property Group
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED

2019 Annual Report

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

CONTENTS

Results Highlights 

Chairman’s Message 

The Portfolio 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Chief Executive’s Report 

Business Model 

Portfolio Review 

Finance Review 

Risk Report 

Viability Statement 

GOVERNANCE REPORT 

Directors 

Corporate Governance 

Corporate Responsibility 

Letter from the Remuneration Committee 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Audit Committee Report 

Directors’ Report 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Group Income Statement 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Group Balance Sheet 

Group Statement of Changes in Equity 

Group Cash Flow Statement 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Advisers 

Enquiries 

3

PAGE

4

5

6

28

29

30

35

40

44

45

46

52

54

56

60

64

67

74

75

76

79

80

82

119

120

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
4

RESULTS  
HIGHLIGHTS

NET OPERATING 
INCOME 

UNDERLYING EARNINGS 
AFTER TAX 

IFRS EARNINGS  
AFTER TAX  

£126.5 MILLION

£43.2 MILLION

£46.0 MILLION

BASIC EARNINGS  
PER SHARE 

8.16 PENCE

DILUTED NAV  
PER SHARE  

75 PENCE

PORTFOLIO 
OCCUPANCY TODAY  

92%

INVESTMENT PROPERTY 
VALUATION 

CASH BALANCES 
TODAY OF  

£1.34 BILLION

£104.4 MILLION

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

5

CHAIRMAN’S  
MESSAGE

I am pleased to report that, in the 12 months to 31 December 2019, we have enjoyed a strengthening in all aspects of our business. High average 

occupancy, improving asset valuations, increasing market rents, reducing Central Bank rates and stable average Rouble exchange rates in 2019 

have all contributed to improved results.

Together, they have supported an increase in underlying earnings to £43.2 million (2018: £20.0 million), a significant swing in IFRS earnings to 

£46.0 million (2018: loss of £120.7 million) and a jump in basic net asset value per share from 48p at the end of 2018 to 76p at 31 December 2019.

As you will read in this Annual Report, the executive team focus in the last 12 months has been diverted to deal with shareholder issues.  

We have purchased and contracted to purchase 38% of our ordinary shares from our two largest institutional holders. It has been a distracting 

and stressful period for our senior executive team, but the enhancements are well worth the effort and I’d like to congratulate them all on their 

determination to secure these transactions. 

As I write, the issues with Coronavirus are on all personal and business agendas. This has now been exacerbated by the oil price crash and the 

impact that has had on Rouble exchange rates. We have agreed an extension to the back stop date to acquire our shares from Invesco as a direct 

consequence of this. We have yet to see any tangible effect on our trading operations but we are progressing with caution.

As we continue with our Board succession planning, I am sorry to say that Christopher Sherwell will be stepping down as a Non Executive 

Director at the AGM. Christopher has been an exemplary Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee and will be 

missed. We are actively searching for new members of the non executive team and hope to make an announcement soon.

All in all, a good year but with mixed emotions on the loss of two long term shareholders and supporters of the Company and we will continue 

into 2020 with a cautious approach given the wider issues in play today.

Sir Richard Jewson

Chairman

15 March 2020

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

6

THE PORTFOLIO

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

LAND BANK

ST PETERSBURG

MOSCOW

NIZHNY NOVGOROD

ROSTOV-ON-DON

OMSK

NOVOSIBIRSK

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

7

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

KAD

M10

KAD

KAD

8

THE PORTFOLIO

Moscow

SEVER

LOBNYA

SHOLOKHOVO

SHEREMETIEVO  
AIRPORT

PUSHKINO

ISTRA

NOVA RIGA

NOGINSK

KREKSHINO

SOUTHERN

VNUKOVO 
AIRPORT

DOMODEDOVO 
AIRPORT

KLIMOVSK

Warehouse

Office

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

THE PORTFOLIO

9

St Petersburg

KAD

M10

KAD

PRIMIUM

KELLERMANN

KONSTANTA

KAD

SHUSHARY

PULKOVO

GORIGO

PULKOVO 
AIRPORT

Warehouse

Office

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

10

WAREHOUSE

Sever, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

254,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  X5 Retail Group
•  R-Pharm
•  OBI
•  Miratorg
•  O’Key
•  Major Terminal
•  Zara

LOCATION

The property is located north of 
Moscow city centre, 35km from the 
MKAD, 0.5km from the Betonka A107 
motorway and 1.5km from the new 
Moscow-St Petersburg toll highway.

11

WAREHOUSE

Pushkino, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

214,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  DHL
•  Itella
•  Makita 
•  Megapolis
•  Axioma
•  Perrino

LOCATION

The property is located on the 
Yaroslavskoe Highway, approximately 
15km from the MKAD in the 
northeastern part of Moscow Region.

12

WAREHOUSE

Istra, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

206,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  DSV Solutions
•  Azbuka Vkusa
•  Major Terminal
•  Santens
•  Bacardi
•  Kerry
•  Splat
•  Amway

LOCATION

The property is directly adjacent to 
the Nova Riga highway, approximately 
50km from Moscow city centre, 41km 
from the MKAD and 8km from the 
Betonka A107 motorway.

13

WAREHOUSE

Noginsk, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse  
Complex with 26ha of land suitable  
for construction

KEY TENANTS

•  X5 Retail Group
•  Dixy
•  Cotton Club
•  ID Logistics
•  UPM
•  Roto Frank

GLA

204,000 sqm

LOCATION

The property is located approximately 
55km from the city centre, 44km from 
the MKAD and 3km from the Betonka 
A107 motorway. Access is from the 
Volga highway, which links Moscow 
to Nizhny Novgorod. A rail spur serves 
the site.

14

WAREHOUSE

Klimovsk, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

158,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  Kupi VIP
•  Marvel
•  Danone
•  FARM
•  Mir Instrumenta
•  AccordPost
•  Gates
•  Fischer Clinical
•  Rhenus Automotive

LOCATION

The property is located to the south 
of Moscow, approximately 21km from 
the MKAD in the town of Klimovsk. 
The project is a short distance from the 
M2 Simferopolskoye highway, a major 
route to the south of Moscow.

15

WAREHOUSE

Shushary, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

KEY TENANTS

•  RosLogistics
•  Dixy
•  Officemag Sbp
•  Bbraun
•  Amway

GLA

148,000 sqm

The property is located in the 
Shushary District of St. Petersburg, 
approximately 15km south of the city 
centre and 5km from the St Petersburg 
ring road (KAD) on a motorway linking 
St. Petersburg to Moscow, close to 
Pulkovo International airport.

16

WAREHOUSE

Novosibirsk

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex 

121,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  Pepsi
•  Sportmaster
•  OSG
•  Metro
•  Oriflame
•  Toyota
•  FM Logistics
•  Wildberries
•  Ozon

LOCATION

The property is located on Petukhova 
Street in the south of the city of 
Novosibirsk, close to the M51 highway 
to Moscow, with a rail spur serving  
the site.

17

WAREHOUSE

Krekshino, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex 

KEY TENANTS

•  Gorenje
•  Simple Wines
•  Diageo

GLA

118,000 sqm

The property is located in Moscow 
about 40km to the south west of the 
city centre, 24km from the MKAD, 
between the Minsk and Kiev highways. 
Vnukovo airport, one of the largest 
airports in Moscow, is located within 
15km of the complex.

18

WAREHOUSE

Rostov-on-Don

DESCRIPTION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex  
with 27ha of land suitable for construction

GLA

102,000 sqm

LOCATION

The scheme is located on the Federal 
Highway M4 to Moscow, approximately 
10km from the city centre and 7km 
from the airport.

KEY TENANTS

•  Auchan
•  Electrosystem
•  Mars
•  KDV Group
•  Mir Instrumenta
•  Mobis Parts CIS
•  FM Logistics
•  Havi Logistics

19

WAREHOUSE

Gorigo, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

88,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  DB Schenker
•  Logisan
•  DNS Retail
•  Major Terminal
•  220 Volt
•  KDV Group
•  Kiilto
•  Greenland

LOCATION

The property is located south of 
St Petersburg close to Pulkovo 
International Airport, just 2 km away 
from the Ring Road and Tallin highway, 
which provides easy access to the city.

20

WAREHOUSE

Nova Riga, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

The property is directly adjacent to 
the Nova Riga highway allowing easy 
access to the centre of Moscow, 25km 
from the MKAD and 5km from the 
Betonka A107 motorway.

Grade A Logistics Warehouse  
Complex with 25ha of land suitable  
for construction

KEY TENANTS

•  Pernod Ricard
•  Maunsfeld
•  BGLC Group
•  ORB

GLA

68,000 sqm

21

WAREHOUSE

Volga, Nizhny Novgorod

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

Grade A warehouse complex with 
additional 21.5ha of land 

KEY TENANT

•  X5 Retail Group

•  Bristol Alcohol

GLA

64,000 sqm

Volga Logistics Park is located on  
33 ha land plot 7 km away from  
Nizhny Novgorod in Kstovo town. 
There is a direct access provided  
from the complex to M7 highway 
(Moscow-Kazan).

22

WAREHOUSE

Lobnya, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex 

KEY TENANTS

•  Nippon Express
•  RosLogistics
•  ProStore

GLA

52,000 sqm

The property is located on the 
Rogachevckoe highway approximately 
35km to the north of the Moscow 
city centre, 20km from the MKAD and 
10km north-east of Sheremetyevo 
airport.

23

WAREHOUSE

Sholokhovo, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex 

KEY TENANT

•  BVK Group
•  Perspektiva
•  Godovalov

GLA

45,000 sqm

The property is located in 
Myitischensky District of the Moscow 
Region, on the Dmitrovskoe highway, 
approximately 16km from the MKAD, 
and 15km from Sheremetyevo airport.

24

WAREHOUSE

Pulkovo, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex

37,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  SKL Group
•  OSG
•  UPM
•  Melon Fashion Group
•  Holodilnik.ru

LOCATION

The property is located to the south of the city centre on Pulkovskoe highway forming part of 
the Finland-Russia-Ukraine corridor and in close proximity to the Ring Road (KAD) and 2km 
from Pulkovo International airport.

Southern, Moscow

DESCRIPTION

GLA

Grade A Logistics Warehouse Complex 

14,000 sqm

KEY TENANTS

•  Lindex
•  A&D Rus
•  L’Occitane

LOCATION

The property is located in an industrial area of the Southern administrative district of 
Moscow, approximately 10km from the city centre, around 1km from the Varshavskoye 
highway and 5km from the MKAD.

25

OFFICE

Kellermann, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

The property is located in 
historical centre of St Petersburg in 
Admiralteyskiy district, 15 min drive 
from the Nevskiy prospect. 

High quality Office Complex

KEY TENANTS
•  Baltiyskiy Leasing
•  Melon Fashion Group
•  MAERSK
•  Saint-Gobain
•  Gefco

GLA

22,000 sqm

26

OFFICE

Primium, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

Class A Office Complex

KEY TENANT

•  YIT
•  TELE 2
•  Valio
•  PIK Group

GLA

11,000 sqm

LOCATION

The property is located north-west of St Petersburg in Primorskiy district, close to the new 
Gazprom headquarters.

Konstanta, St Petersburg

DESCRIPTION

Grade B+ office building

KEY TENANT

•  LenEnergo

GLA

16,000 sqm

LOCATION

The Konstanta office is located on Leninsky Prospekt in the Moskovskiy district of St. Petersburg, 
approximately 8km to the south of the city centre. The property is a modernised administrative 
building, which was converted in 2005 to provide an eight storey, self contained office building 
for Lenenergo.

Fountain at Manezh Square, Moscow

27

28

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S  
REPORT

Dear Shareholders,

The normal process for producing these statements involves an early 

discussion draft some weeks ahead of the results date. This draft gets 

fine tuned up to the announcement date but rarely changes much. 

This year external events have meant two redrafts, one for coronavirus 

and the second following the oil price collapse.

We are yet to see any immediate impact on our operating business 

due to the Coronavirus situation but we have delayed the acquisition 

of IAML’s various shareholdings until we can see some stability 

returning. As with the majority of international businesses we have 

implemented a number of preventative measures, stopping all non 

essential travel, increasing the use of our VCU facilities, monitoring of 

all staff that do travel and implementing back up plans for working 

2019 was a very good year although not in the way we originally 

remotely. The mayor of Moscow has also introduced strict rules for 

planned. Our market continued to improve. Vacancy rates in the 

companies. This covers the monitoring of employees, including 

market are down, rents are up and Russian Central Bank (“CBR”) 

mandatory temperature tests each day, and he has also introduced 

rates continued to fall. This is now impacting positively on a 

isolation periods for travellers from numerous countries arriving in 

business with no exposure to Dollar debt and only 15% of our space 

Moscow which only reinforces our own travel restrictions.

now with Dollar pegged leases. The continuation of this Dollar 

income is benefitting us during this current period of market and 

currency turmoil.

We know that the Russian economy is heavily influenced by the oil 

market. Recent movements have impaired external sentiment but at 

this early stage our day to day business of renting warehouses has not 

E-commerce has arrived and is an expanding force in our market. 

been affected.

E-commerce tenants now occupy 6% (2018: 3%) of our portfolio  

and we expect this increase to continue.

Inevitably the Coronavirus and a volatile oil market will lead us to 

adopt a more financially cautious approach which is a frustration 

Due to completely non-related circumstances in the fund 

given the positive trends we were seeing across all aspects of our 

management industry, 2019 was an extraordinary year for the 

business. 

company. Shareholder liquidity issues meant we were offered the 

opportunity to purchase 38% of our ordinary shares from two large 

institutional investors, Woodford Investment Management (“WIM”) 

and Invesco Asset Management Limited (“IAML”), at a near 50% 

discount to net asset value per share. We completed the purchase of 

16% in 2019 including all of WIM’s holding, and have contracted to 

purchase the remainder from IAML, together with their holding of 

preference and convertible preference shares, before 31 July 2020, 

Despite an excellent 2019 current market turbulence necessitates 

a cautious approach to distributions particularly given our tender 

offers which are sensitive to market movements . With that in mind 

we intend to make a final distribution of 2.25p per share which 

amounts to 3.5p for the year. However the timing and structure of this 

distribution will be determined at a later date when market volatility 

has calmed down.

subject to certain shareholder approvals. Although this has led to a 

Finally, I and my colleagues, delight in congratulating our Chairman, 

diversion of our cash resources away from property acquisitions it is 

Sir Richard Jewson, on being awarded his knighthood during the year. 

an opportunity too good to miss. 

An honour highly reflective of a man marrying great integrity and 

The announcement of the share buy backs did have an impact on 

share price performance and we had seen an improvement prior 

to the recent market sell off. We hope that when markets return to 

normal, this will again have a positive effect on price performance.

compassion with strong leadership. Bravo Sir Richard.

Glyn Hirsch

Chief Executive Officer

Net asset value per share at 31 December 2019 increased to 76p 

15 March 2020

(2018: 48p) following the year end valuations and the prospects were 

looking very good from here prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. 

At today’s date we have £104.4 million in cash.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

29

BUSINESS 
MODEL

Purpose and Culture

The original purpose of our business in 2005 was to act as a conduit 

for international funds into an underdeveloped and undersupplied 

logistics property market in Russia at an exciting time of expansion 

and opportunity for the country. The nascent business encapsulated 

the entrepreneurial spirit of a small group of pioneers entering a 

new, untapped market. That spirit remains in the business today and 

We have acquired our investment portfolio, typically with yields of 

between 11% and 14% and have bank financing costs across the 

Group of 6.52%. The majority of our operating business is Rouble 

denominated, with a small number of legacy US Dollar pegged leases 

remaining and secured debt of Rouble and Euro denomination.  

We intend to continue our move to Rouble denominated debt in the 

coming year. 

underpins our culture. This has allowed us to be dynamic and quick 

At the year end, US Dollar leases accounted for 16% of the Gross 

in reacting to the many obstacles that we have been presented with, 

Lettable Area (“GLA”) of our warehouse portfolio (2018: 26%).  

from the global crisis of 2009, through international sanctions to the 

Our office portfolio now has no currency exposure (2018: Euro 20%; 

shock of the oil price collapse and Rouble float at the end of 2014.

US Dollar 9%). The majority of leases are “triple net” meaning property 

Today, we have 179 employees in three countries. We have a 

management team that promotes our entrepreneurial and 

operating expenses are recharged to tenants, leakage of cost only 

occurring on vacant space.

meritocratic spirit with integrity and openness. The growth of the 

The Group’s secured banking facilities are 57.6% (2018: 31.1%) Rouble 

business also brings the requirement to professionalise, the need for 

denominated, 42.4% (2018: 34.8%) Euro and we now have no US 

a robust internal control framework and appropriate systems and 

Dollar liabilities (2018: 34.1%). Debt amortisation is weighted toward 

procedures. The last year has seen a focus on all of these areas, from 

the Euro element of our financing facilities to reduce the foreign 

the introduction of an internal audit function to a review of all internal 

exchange exposure over the facility term.

procedures and IT systems to improve integration.

Other than our St Petersburg office portfolio, each of the secured 

Our Cyprus Board have run two forums for all senior management 

facilities sits in a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) structure to minimise 

this year, to discuss the way the business is managed and controlled. 

recourse to the overall portfolio. At the year end, asset specific debt 

This is fostering a better flow of information and understanding of 

represented 50.1% loan to value (2018: 54.1%). 

the control environment amongst employees. It has also precipitated 

a number of initiatives that are being implemented, covering areas 

such as data management, IT integration and group structure. At the 

outset of those meetings however, was a reminder not to lose sight of 

that original entrepreneurial spirit.

Business Model and Strategy

Our strategy of holding an investment portfolio of Grade A logistics 

warehouses in Russia for the long term, with the aim of producing 

rental income that delivers progressive distributions to our 

shareholders has not changed. The market remains fragmented 

with a number of developers and single asset owners as our main 

competitors. Until recently, there had not been an investment 

property competitor with a sole focus on the logistics market. 

However, with market fundamentals improving and logistics seen as a 

Our average letting size by tenant is 8,722sqm (2018: 9,000sqm). 

We do not have one tenant with more than 9% (2018: 8%) of our 

portfolio’s GLA and the top ten tenants, including Roslogistics, 

account for 43% (2018: 42%) of our portfolio in GLA terms and 49% 

(2018: 53%) in income terms.

Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs’)

Occupancy levels and average Rouble rents achieved are our primary 

operating focus. Our measure of average Rouble rents incorporates 

the running rent for all parts of a lease: the indexed dry warehouse 

rent; mezzanine; related office space; ancillary items such as parking; 

and “rentalised” tenant improvements on high specification space.

We also aim to refinance at least our secured debt amortisation each 

year, which approximates to a four year refinancing cycle for each 

key property sector globally, interest in portfolio building does seem 

asset.

to be on the agenda for some international funds.

Having built our infrastructure and with a strong team of property, 

finance and legal specialists we do believe we have a strong 

competitive advantage but with such an immature property 

investment market we would welcome additional players in the 

sector. It could only benefit the market and support further growth in 

property valuations.

The ability to distribute to ordinary shareholders from cash covered 

underlying earnings and operating cash flows after interest remains 

our focus when determining distribution policy. 

All of the above underpin financial targets set for annual bonus 

incentives.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

30

PORTFOLIO  
REVIEW

Geographical analysis

Warehouse

15%

15%

14%

9%

70%

77%

Space

NOI

Office

The Group's office portfolio is located in St Petersburg.

Leasing and maturities 

Moscow

St Petersburg

Regions

During a year without acquisitions we have focussed on maintaining occupancy, investing in our properties for the long term and positioning 

ourselves to benefit from the upswing in tenant demand and rents. Occupancy began and ended the year at 90% but has improved since the 

year end and now stands at 92% with a further 2% covered by letters of intent (“LOIs”).

‘000 sqm

Maturity profile at 1 January 2019

Renegotiated and extended

Maturity profile of lease extensions

Vacated/terminated

New lettings

Maturity profile at 31 December 2019

2019

255

(111)

5

(154)

5

–

2020

2021

2022

2023-2032

265

(46)

18

(26)

28

239

359

(33)

1

(21)

11

317

237

(25)

57

(5)

5

269

616

(66)

200

(6)

176

920

Total

1,732

(281)

281

(212)

225

1,745

280,700sqm of existing leases have been renegotiated and extended in the financial year and 225,500sqm of new leases signed. Significant new 

lettings include 11,500sqm to Inditex, 14,400sqm to Diageo and 19,200sqm for IKEA. A number of major tenants have also increased their space 

with us including Bacardi taking an extra 17,100sqm, Pernod Ricard 9,300sqm and Cotton Club 11,500sqm.

Space vacated on maturity, breaks exercised and early terminations totalled 212,200sqm during the year. Vacant warehouse space at the year end 

totalled 195,000sqm and the office portfolio had only 3,000sqm of vacancy. There are potential breaks in the portfolio of 189,000sqm in 2020 and 

241,000sqm in 2021. We currently expect tenants who occupy only circa 19,000sqm and 29,750sqm to exercise their breaks and vacate in 2020 

and 2021 respectively.

Since the year end we have signed a further 104,000sqm of deals of which 63,000sqm were new lettings and 41,000sqm were renewals or 

extensions. We currently have 218,000sqm of LOIs for renewals, extensions or expansions and 31,000sqm of new lettings.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

31

Lease Expiries at 31 December 2019

920

317

269

239

Space (’000 sqm)

2020

2021

2022

2023-2032

Our leasing strategy remains one of attracting the best tenants for the long term whilst keeping a diversified tenant mix across sectors and 

business types. We also target tenants who require significant capital investment into their premises and seek to “rentalise” these improvements 

over the term of the lease, creating enhanced returns.

Across the portfolio we are implementing a number of initiatives to reduce our energy consumption and use more sustainable sources of 

energy. In 2019, as part of our rolling capital maintenance programme, we have completed the replacement of roof membranes and associated 

insulation on 89,000sqm of buildings and also replaced outdated lights in 53,000sqm of our portfolio, installing LED fittings. Both of these 

measures have reduced energy consumption. At Noginsk in Moscow, our electricity is now supplied from a sustainable source (hydro electricity) 

and we intend to roll this out to other properties where appropriate. In Rostov, in the south of Russia, we are currently evaluating an option to 

create a solar power plant to generate electricity for our property in the city, and subject to obtaining any necessary permits will start these works 

during 2020.

At the year end, 16% (2018: 26%) of our warehouse GLA had US Dollar denominated leases with an average warehouse rental level of $158 per 

sqm (2018: $148 per sqm) and a weighted average term to maturity of 1.9 years (2018: 2.1 years). Rouble denominated leases account for 71% 

(2018: 61%) of our total warehouse space with an average warehouse rent of Roubles 4,922 per sqm (2018: 4,900 per sqm) and weighted average 

term to maturity of 4.1 years (2018: 4.5 years). Rouble leases have an average minimum annual indexation of 5.7% (2018: 5.9%).

Currency exposure of warehouse leases

10%

3%

71%

4%

16%

68%

28%

Space

NOI

USD

RUB

EUR

Vacant

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

32

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Investment Portfolio
Warehouse portfolio

Moscow

We have ten warehouse projects in Moscow totalling 1.3million sqm with 87% (2018: 88%) of space let at the year end.

1%
3%
4%
5%
9%

12%

19%

*Excludes space 
let to Roslogistics

Space

Pushkino
Istra

0.5%
1.5%
1%
2%
8.5%

14%

15%

16%

16%

15%

16%

21%

Noginsk

Sever

Klimovsk
Krekshino

Nova Riga
Lobnya*

Sholokhovo
Southern

NOI

20.5%

Occupancy in Moscow year on year remained broadly flat, but this hides the fact that one of our largest leases expired in June releasing 

91,300sqm of space at Krekshino. At that point we took the opportunity to invest in the property undertaking some technical improvements and 

a cosmetic refurbishment. At the date of writing only 21,000sqm remains vacant with new tenants including Diageo, Wildberries and Ball Corp 

with one LOI on a further 5,600sqm. Currently we only have 116,800sqm available for rent in Moscow, although this will rise in the second half 

when Itella returns a further 65,000sqm to us at Pushkino. We are already in discussions with a number of prospective tenants to relet this space.

St Petersburg

14%

32%

54%

19%

32%

49%

Shushary*

Gorigo

Pulkovo

Space

NOI

*Excludes space 
let to Roslogistics

Regions

22%

28%

42%

40%

Novosibirsk*

Rostov*

Nizhny Novgorod

36%

32%

Space

NOI

*Excludes space 
let to Roslogistics

Warehouse occupancy in the regional markets of St Petersburg, Rostov and Novosibirsk has remained strong and we have increased rents in all 

locations. The lack of supply in the market generally means we could see further rental increases in 2020. 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

33

Tenant Mix

4%

31%

16%

Space

18%

31%

Warehouse Tenant Type

Distribution
Retail
Manufacturing
Third Party Logistics operators

E-commerce

Our tenant mix has remained diverse during the year. The proportion of space leased to the e-commerce sector increased to 4% at the year end 

and is 6% today. The influence of e-commerce on the letting market still remains small compared to other European markets but it is growing.

Office portfolio

St Petersburg

Rents have continued to improve in St Petersburg where our office portfolio is situated. This has allowed us to virtually fully relet Primium where 

the sole tenant’s lease expired in the summer. New occupiers include Tele2 and PIK as well as YIT, the original occupier, retaining 27% of the 

building. Since acquisition we had benefitted from a very high Euro rent and this has now re-based down to the market rental level, although the 

rents we have achieved are 20% above the ERV at the date of purchase. The picture at Kellerman is very similar with the last hard currency lease 

coming to an end last year. It is now 87% let with LOIs on a further 3%. The office portfolio is now entirely let in Roubles. 

23%

32%

30%

45%

43%

Kellermann

Konstanta

Primium

27%

Space

NOI

Portfolio yields

Warehouse 

2018 

2019 

Office 

2018 

2019 

Moscow (%) 

St Petersburg (%) 

10.75 - 12.60 

10.80 - 12.10 

12.30 - 12.50 

12.10 - 12.30 

Regions (%)

12.25 - 12.50

11.80 - 12.30

Moscow (%) 

St Petersburg (%) 

Regions (%)

– 

– 

12.00 - 12.25 

11.75 - 12.00 

–

–

The investment properties and additional phases of existing projects were valued by Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) at the year end, in accordance 

with the RICS Valuation and Appraisal guidelines, and are carried at a market value of £1.4 billion (see notes 11 & 12 to the financial statements). 

This has resulted in a net profit on revaluation of £46.6 million in portfolio value during the year. In Rouble terms the value of the properties has 

increased by 4.2%.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

34

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

JLL reduced both the cap and discount rate inputs during the second half of the year by 25 basis points, reflecting the improving market, CBR 

rates and market evidence. JLL still quote a range of yields across all sectors to reflect the difference in quality of assets, leases and differing 

currencies. The figures in the table above are the discount rates applied to the cash flows from the properties. These are derived from the prime 

cap rates that JLL publish adjusted for individual property factors. 

The property investment market improved in 2019 with the total value of transactions increasing by 41% to $4.1 billion. Domestic buyers remain 

the largest part of the market with western capital almost non existent, foreign investment instead coming from China and the Middle East. 

Land Bank

Regions
Moscow

32%

68%

55%

22%

16%

7%

Regions

Rostov-On-Don
Omsk
Omsk 2
Novgorod

Space

In Moscow, after some delays caused by changes in the planning system we have now renewed our construction permit at Nova Riga, and could 

start to build out up to 75,000sqm if we secure a sizeable prelet.

The Market

In our main market of Grade A warehouses in Moscow where we hold 70.5% of our portfolio, demand has remained strong and market vacancy 

has reduced to circa 4%. In real terms this means there is only circa 500,000sqm of space available in the market. At last year’s take up levels this 

amounts to only five months supply. The robust level of demand and limited new supply has forced rents upwards and we are generally seeing 

average rents of Rub4,000 per sqm in Moscow and the Moscow region. There are variations in different sub markets, with the range of rents being 

from Rub3,500-Rub4,250, however the vast majority are now above Rub4,000 per sqm. In St Petersburg and our two regional hubs of Rostov and 

Novosibirsk rental levels are broadly the same as in Moscow.

In 2019, 1.1million sqm of warehouse space was delivered. This is the highest volume since 2016 and 7% higher than in 2018. Only 21% of new 

supply was speculative, the majority being build to suit or pre-leased, one third of the level of two years ago. Overall take-up amounted to 

1.3million sqm which was the driving factor in reducing vacancy. Demand was strongest from the retail, logistics and manufacturing businesses 

which accounted for 35%, 28% and 18% respectively. E-commerce companies continued to expand, and although their share of take up was 

down in the year this can partly be explained by the very high level of take up in 2018. 

For the coming year it is estimated that a further 918,000sqm will be delivered and take up will be circa 1.2milllion sqm. Of the space under 

construction 352,000sqm or 38% is pre committed as build to suit for lease or sale, leaving 566,000sqm of speculative space coming to the 

market. Construction costs have increased by approximately 5% during the year and may continue to rise as a result of Rouble weakness.

Investment volumes in the year increased to $4.1 billion, with 67% of this in Moscow. Over 74% of all deals were funded by Russian capital, and 

only 7% of the total capital or $290 million went into the warehouse sector. JLL predict prime yields in the range of 10.50-12.00% for Moscow 

warehouses. We continue to look at a number of new acquisition ideas in our preferred sector of Grade A warehouses and would have made 

acquisitions in 2019, if the opportunity to buy back our ordinary shares had not arisen. 

Tenant demand has started the year very strongly and we are now 92% let. What the medium term effects of the Coronavirus will be are as yet 

unknown, but we are well placed with high occupancy, a diversified tenant mix and with little vacancy in the broader market. In a favourable 

scenario where the effect of Coronavirus is muted then 2020 should be another year of high occupancy and rising rents. Even though the CBR 

reduced rates by 1.75% in 2019, cap rates have only fallen by 25 basis points so we expect there to be further positive movement in cap rates as 

the cost of borrowing falls. As we have said before, in any other European market yields would be considerably lower than we see today and in 

the medium to long term the relative high yields and low rents should attract more capital.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

35

FINANCE  
REVIEW

Increased occupancy and a stronger Rouble have supported our income and profitability in the year. Improving asset valuations have also given a 

boost to IFRS earnings. Our net asset value per share has benefitted from a stronger year end Rouble, property valuation uplifts and the purchase 

and cancellation of 99 million ordinary shares at a discount to net asset value per share in the year.

Income Statement

We assess our ability to make covered distributions with reference to underlying earnings and operating cash flows after interest. The former also 

allows a comparison of operating results before mark to market valuation movements. The reconciliation between underlying and IFRS earnings 

is given in note 9 to the accounts.

Underlying Earnings 

(Adjusted non IFRS measure) 

Net rental and related income 

Administrative expenses 

Share based payments 

Foreign exchange gains/(losses) 

Share of profits of joint ventures 

Operating profit 

Net finance charge 

Underlying profit before tax 

Tax 

Underlying profit after tax 

Basic underlying earnings per share 

2019 

£’000 

126,504 

(23,130) 

(4,927) 

27,462 

792 

126,701 

(72,966) 

53,735 

(10,510) 

43,225 

7.67p 

2018

£’000

118,285

(22,714)

–

(2,480)

1,630

94,721

(68,510)

26,211

(6,197)

20,014

3.12p

Net rental and related income benefits from a full year of income from acquisitions completed in 2018. The average Rouble/Sterling rate of 82.6 

(2018: 83.7) has had minimal effect on translating the income statement to presentation currency. The stronger year end Rouble/Euro exchange 

rate of 69.3 (2018: 79.3) results in an unrealised profit on foreign exchange when our Russian subsidiaries account for their Euro debt liability.

Underlying Administrative Expenses

Underlying administrative expenses increase as a result of bonus provisions. The 2019 results include £1.2 million paid in relation to 2018 

performance but also carry an accrual for 2019 bonuses of £1.3 million together with an estimate of share based bonus payments of £4.6 million, 

therefore accounting for the impact of two years.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

36

FINANCE REVIEW

Underlying Net Finance Charge

Our underlying interest expense increases as acquisitions completed towards the end of 2018 were refinanced in the year. Interest receivable 

dropped on lower average cash balances following the use of funds to acquire the company’s ordinary shares and on reducing CBR rates.

IFRS Earnings 

Net rental and related income 

Administrative expenses 

Share based payments and other long term incentives 

Foreign exchange profit/(loss) 

Share of profits of joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of joint ventures 

Operating profit 

Profit/(loss) on revaluation 

Net finance charge 

IFRS (loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

IFRS profit/(loss) after tax 

2019 

£’000 

126,504 

(25,433) 

(5,468) 

27,462 

792 

490 

124,347 

48,271 

(107,559) 

65,059 

(19,041) 

46,018 

2018 

£’000

118,285

(25,150)

(2,853)

(2,480)

1,630

–

89,432

(121,009)

(83,311)

(114,888)

(5,793)

(120,681)

The principal movements between underlying earnings and IFRS earnings relate to mark to market changes, with a profit on revaluation of 

investment properties of £48.3 million (2018: loss of £121.0 million) and the write down of the value of CBR rate caps of £20.4 million (2018:  

£4.6 million) being the largest. The latter a factor of the CBR monetary easing over the year, interest rates dropping from 7.75% at 1 January 2019 

to 6% today.

Taxation

Tax paid increases in line with increased profits. The largest element of the charge for the year relates to deferred taxes with a reduction in 

deferred tax losses and a charge for the gain in revaluation compared to the depreciated cost of our assets in the Russian operating companies.

Investment Properties

Investment properties 

Investment properties under construction 

2019 

£m 

1,338 

34 

1,372 

2018

£m

1,175

31

1,206

The carrying value of our investment property and investment property under construction benefits from both improving valuations and a 

stronger Rouble. Revaluation gains of £46.6 million have been recognised in the year on the back of improving yields and ERVs. The stronger year 

end Rouble/Sterling rate of 81.15 compared to 88.35 at 31 December 2018 also adds £108.8 million on the retranslation of the opening balances 

to Sterling. 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
Debtors and Creditors

Debtors 

Other receivables (non current) 

Derivative financial instruments 

Trade and other receivables 

FINANCE REVIEW

37

2019 

£’000 

3,414 

2,621 

41,595 

2018

£’000

15,535

21,953

43,658

Non current asset movements in the year relate principally to financing. Other receivables reduce as restricted cash of £12 million retained 

for repayment of a loan was discharged early in the year. As noted above, the carrying value of interest rate caps on our Rouble debt reduced 

significantly as CBR rates fell, reflected in the change in derivative financial instruments’ carrying value.

Points of note in trade and other receivables include the recovery of a VAT asset of £4 million which arose on the acquisition of the Sever asset in 

2018 and the inclusion of deferred consideration of £3 million in other receivables on the sale of the Coln joint venture. 

Creditors 

Trade and other payables 

Other payables (non current) 

2019 

£’000 

51,691 

18,623 

2018

£’000

66,192

17,797

The largest movement in trade and other payables relates to the payment of £12 million of deferred consideration on the Sever acquisition in the 

year. Advanced rentals drop in the year on the loss of NLC at Krekshino. Other payables increase with the inclusion of the 2019 bonus provision as 

explained above.

Cash and Debt

Cash Flow Summary 

Net cash generated from operating activities 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Decrease in cash 

Closing cash and cash equivalents 

2019 

£’000 

93,100 

(16,196) 

(80,062) 

(3,158) 

(2,154) 

(5,312) 

68,138 

2018 

£’000

96,086

(72,203)

(139,827)

(115,944)

(7,743)

(123,687)

73,450

Cash flows for the year were relatively neutral, the main investment in the period being the buy back of our ordinary shares, costing £53.3 million 

in total, matched by net debt financing of £50.9 million after debt amortisation of £22.7 million. £3.65 million was received as the first tranche 

consideration on the sale of our share in the Coln joint venture, with a further £3 million payable later this year.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
38

FINANCE REVIEW

Bank Debt 

Fixed rate debt 
Debt hedged with caps 

Unhedged debt 

Unamortised loan origination costs and accrued interest 

Total debt 

Weighted average cost of debt 

Weighted average term to maturity 

The currency profile of secured debt at 31 December 2019 was:

58%

42%

31%

USD

EUR

RUB

2019 
£m 

– 
545 

545 

145 

690 
(7) 

683 

6.52% 

4.7 

2018 
£m

–
543

543

106

649
(6)

643

7.69%

4.0

34%

2019

35%

2018

The debt maturity profile at the year end is:

Percentage of total debt maturing (%)

5

2

1

1

–

17

60

Number of maturing facilities

–

2

9

6

1

11

1

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

411

33

2020

8

2021

–

2022

120

78

40

2023

2024

2025

2026

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Debt maturing (£m)

 
 
 
FINANCE REVIEW

39

The Group has now converted all US Dollar debt to a mixture of Rouble and Euro facilities and extended terms on the majority of facilities.  

There are five facilities of Euro only totalling €126.1 million, one facility of Rouble only and ten facilities with a Rouble/Euro mix. The amortisation 

profile of the mixed facilities is weighted towards the Euro element to reduce foreign exchange risk over the term of the facility. It is the intention 

to convert the Euro only facilities into a Rouble/Euro mix during this year, continuing to increase our Rouble debt weighting. At the year end 

Rouble debt accounted for 57.6% (2018: 31.1%) of secured facilities and Euro 42.4% (2018: 34.8%).

The weighted cost of debt reduced during the year as CBR rates fell. The majority of our facilities are hedged with interest rate caps. Of the 

unhedged amount £78.4 million relates to debt drawn late in December 2019 which was subsequently hedged with interest caps in January this 

year. The remainder relates to the near term maturities which are in the process of being extended and two Euro facilities where hedging is only 

required if EURIBOR exceeds 100 basis points.

Net Asset Value

Net asset value per share has increased from 48p at 31 December 2018 to 76p at 31 December 2019. The 2018 figure was depressed by a weak 

Rouble at the balance sheet date. 2019 increases on a stronger Rouble, investment property valuation gain and the accretive impact of buying 

ordinary shares at a significant discount to net asset value per share during the year.

Subsidiaries

In December 2019 we completed on the sale of our share in the Coln Park joint venture for a total consideration of £6.65 million. £4 million was 

received in December 2019, including the repayment of a loan of £0.35 million, with the £3 million balance payable by December 2020. This gave 

a small profit on sale of £0.5 million.

Roslogistics has continued to trade at a similar level to 2018. We expect it to reduce its let space during the year but maintain profitability levels.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

40

RISK 
REPORT

Risk Appetite

Risk Management and Internal Controls

The 2019 financial year saw a marked improvement in our sector with 

Risk assessment is built into the Group’s operating model and 

market rents increasing, vacancy dropping and property valuations 

performed throughout the organisation as part of day to day 

improving. We have now extinguished all of our US Dollar liabilities 

operations. The Board is ultimately responsible for the management 

and asset secured debt is currently a Rouble/Euro mix, reducing our 

of risk and regularly carries out a robust assessment of the principal 

foreign exchange balance sheet risk. If favourable terms for Rouble 

risks and uncertainties affecting the business, including new and 

secured facilities continue then we will further reduce our exposure to 

emerging risks, discusses how these may impact on operations, 

Euro financing in the current year.

As we stated in last year’s Risk Report, we intended to continue with 

our acquisition driven growth strategy in the current year but instead 

have been distracted by some unforeseen developments. 

The most significant risk we were presented with in 2019 was a 

significant overhang in our ordinary shares as firstly WIM and then 

latterly, IAML, two of our largest shareholders, faced liquidity issues. 

We diverted funds we had earmarked for property acquisitions to 

purchase WIM’s ordinary shares in August 2019 and subsequently 

contracted to purchase IAML’s. We have secured a credit committee 

approved financing line for the IAML transaction.

However, we now have the Coronavirus situation and the subsequent 

oil price collapse. Given the uncertainty surrounding the potential 

impact this may have on our business we have temporarily reduced 

our risk appetite. The immediate effect of this is a decision to maintain 

our current liquidity levels and postpone the IAML share buy back until 

we have a better understanding of the fall out, if any, from the crisis. 

Already we have seen a fall in oil prices precipitating a weakening of 

the Rouble. In a worst case scenario, this could lead to a suspension 

of investment decisions by our tenants, a disruption in supply chains 

performance and solvency and what mitigating actions, if any, can 

be taken. The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the 

internal control procedures are robust and that risk management 

processes are appropriate. A fuller explanation of the process is given 

in the Audit Committee Report. 

Our Cypriot holding company board has been working with our 

other jurisdictions reviewing and codifying the group’s internal 

control infrastructure and has overseen the first year of our internal 

audit function. The weekly operational committee meetings for each 

department within the Group allow operational and management 

information to flow through the Group’s risk matrix in a timely 

manner.

The risk management process is designed to identify, evaluate and 

mitigate any significant risk the Group faces. The process aims to 

manage rather than eliminate risks and can only provide reasonable 

and not absolute assurance. The Risk Committee has met four 

times during the year and reports are also reviewed by the Audit 

Committee. The Cypriot Board have reported to the Audit Committee 

on progress made with their internal control procedures with and 

without the internal auditors in attendance.

impacting on the demand for new warehouse space and potential 

No significant failings or weaknesses in the internal control and risk 

defaults by existing tenants whose businesses are affected most. 

assessment procedures have been identified during the year. 

However, given the experience the business had in 2015 and 2016 

following the last oil price collapse we have adapted our balance sheet 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

to reduce the impact of market shocks such as this and we believe we 

We have set out in the following tables the principal risks and 

are in a significantly stronger position than we were during that period.

uncertainties that face our business, our view on how those risks 

have changed during the year and a description of how we mitigate 

or manage those risks. We have also annotated those risks that have 

been considered as part of the viability assessment.

For now though, other than the Rouble weakening, we are not seeing 

any impact on our operations but we will proceed with caution.

The principal risk factors that follow reflect our opinion of how they 

have changed in 2019 and how the oil price volatility may impact on 

our business. The impact of Coronavirus on our local market is as yet 

unknown.

We are also cognisant of our responsibility for our impact on the 

environment and sustainability. We are looking at a number of 

potential projects at the moment. These range from introducing 

greater energy efficiency in our buildings as part of our rolling capital 

expenditure programme, through managing international travel with 

greater use of VCU technology and carbon offsets to the assessment 

of the impact of building a solar panel farm and the introduction of 

bee hives at one of our regional asset sites.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

RISK REPORT

41

Political and Economic Risk

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Change in 2019

Oil and Gas  
dependent economy 

V

Oil price volatility leads to a 
weakening of the Rouble.

The weak Rouble increases 
the cost of servicing Euro debt 
and puts pressure on banking 
covenants.

A low oil price dampens 
infrastructure spending which 
leads to a drop in consumer 
demand. This in turn impairs 
demand for warehouse space 
and a contraction in demand 
from existing tenants.

As the majority of our financing is Rouble 
denominated our banking covenants are less 
sensitive to the servicing of the Euro element of 
our debt. The amortisation profile of our facilities 
is weighted towards the Euro element of the 
facility to reduce the foreign exchange risk over 
the term of the loans.

With little or no speculative development in the 
market and low vacancy levels research indicates 
that the warehouse sector should be resilient in 
the short to medium term.

Sanctions

The use of economic sanctions 
by the US and EU continues 
for the foreseeable future.

Continued isolation of Russia 
from international markets 
and a return to a declining 
Russian economy.

The local market has accepted the inevitability of 
long term economic sanctions and this has played 
its part in the fundamental changes to the Russian 
economy. We have adapted our business model 
to secure our position in the market including 
extinguishing all US Dollar liabilities. However, the 
risk of increased sanctions remains.

Æ

Æ

Financial Risk

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Change in 2019

Foreign Exchange 

V

At the year end 42% 
of secured debt was 
denominated in Euros and all 
of our preference shares in 
Sterling.

A weakening of the Rouble 
against those foreign 
currencies reduces our ability 
to service debt and preference 
share coupons and reduces 
our profitability. 

We have significantly reduced our exposure 
to foreign currency secured debt facilities and 
will continue to do so. As noted above, bank 
covenants are now less sensitive to the servicing 
of the Euro element of facilities.

The improvement in our secured debt foreign 
exchange risk benefits the servicing of our 
preference shares as the overall foreign exchange 
risk of subordinated debt reduces. 

However, the recent weakening of the Rouble 
does increase this risk in the current year.

Æ

V

V

Interest rates

Increases in Central Bank  
rates and financing 
benchmarks. 

Share Buy Backs

We have purchased 16.5%  
of our ordinary shares in 
the year and contracted to 
purchase a further 28.5% in 
the current year.

The cost of debt increases and 
Group profitability and debt 
service cover reduce.

We are operating in a low or reducing interest rate 
environment for Euro and Rouble facilities. Our 
variable cost of debt is hedged with the use of caps 
with terms matching the debt maturity profile.

Æ

We reduce our equity base 
and increase group gearing.

The overhang of ordinary shares has been 
impeding share performance and the acquisitions 
are NAV per share enhancing. Our gearing levels 
are more an indicator of low asset valuations. The 
increase in values over the past 12 months partly 
compensates for the impact of last year’s buy 
backs on our gearing levels.

NEW

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
42

RISK REPORT

Property Investment

Risk

Acquisitions

V

Impact

Mitigation

Change in 2019

We operate in an  

Legacy issues may erode 

We have a strong senior management team 

immature investment 

earnings enhancement and 

in both our Cyprus and Moscow offices with 

market where legacy issues 

integration into our existing 

international and Russian experience in real estate 

are common with Russian 

systems may involve excessive 

acquisitions.

Ç

acquisitions.

management resource.

External advisors undertake full detailed due 

diligence on any acquisition projects.

Leases

V

Market practice  

This can lead to uncertainty of 

We have a proactive property management team 

increasingly incorporates 

on going annualised income 

and continued open dialogue with tenants.

lease break requirements and 

due to lease break clauses.

We have a dedicated project management 

landlord fit-out obligations.

There is additional landlord 

resource assigned to construction and fit-out 

risk attached to the delivery of 

obligations under leases.

tenant fit-out requirements.

Market conditions are improving with rents 

increasing and vacancy dropping. Lease breaks 

are less likely to be exercised in this market and 

tenants are signing longer leases on new lettings 

given the lack of available space.

Ç

Capital Expenditure

V

As 75% of our warehouse 

Properties become less 

We have put in place a rolling five year capital 

portfolio was built between 

attractive to prospective 

expenditure programme to maintain our 

2007 and 2009 some 

tenants or lower rental values 

properties at a Grade A level. These works should 

elements of the buildings 

are achieved. 

protect and potentially enhance levels of rent 

Ç

require replacement or 

modernisation. 

Russian Domestic Risk

achievable.

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Change in 2019

Legal Framework

The legal framework in Russia 

The large volume of new 

We have an experienced in house legal team 

continues to develop, with 

legislation from various 

including a litigation specialist. We use a variety of 

new and proposed laws 

state bodies is open to 

external legal advisors when appropriate.

regularly being introduced.

interpretation, puts strain on 

the judicial system and can be 

open to abuse.

Our lease agreements have been challenged and 

have proven to be robust in both ICAC arbitration 

and in Russian Courts.

Russian Taxation

Russian tax code is changing 

Tax treaties may be 

Our business is a significant contributor to 

in line with global taxation 

renegotiated and new 

inward investment in the Russian logistics sector. 

trends in areas such as transfer 

legislation or clarification of 

Our structure has developed to deal with the 

pricing, beneficial ownership 

existing practice may increase 

commercial risks of operating in Russia rather than 

of cross border cash flows and 

the Group’s tax expense.

to take advantage of tax benefits. Management 

capital gains tax. 

and control is exerted as appropriate in each 

jurisdiction and the skills and experience of 

staff in each office reflect that commercial 

requirement.

Ultimately, Russia remains a relatively low tax 

jurisdiction with 20% Corporation tax.

Æ

Æ

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

RISK REPORT

43

Personnel Risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Change in 2019

Key Personnel

Failing to retain key personnel.

Strategy becomes more 

The Remuneration Committee and Executives 

difficult to flex or implement.

review remuneration packages against 

comparable market information where available;

Employees have regular appraisals and 

documented development plans and targets; and

We are continually addressing succession issues 

where they arise.

Æ

Change Key

V

Viability statement risk

Ç Increased risk in the period
Æ Stable risk in the period
 Decreased risk in the period

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

44

VIABILITY 
STATEMENT

In accordance with provision 31 of the UK Corporate Governance 

Based on the results of the procedures outlined above, the Board of 

Code, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Company 

Directors has a reasonable expectation that the Company and Group 

and Group over a longer period than the twelve months prescribed 

will be able to continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they 

for the “Going Concern” review in the financial statements.

fall due over the period of assessment.

The Board has reviewed the suitability of the three year viability 

Signed for and on behalf of the Board

period. The average term of leases including breaks remains around 

three years. Bank facilities have an average outstanding term of 

around 4 years. Together with an inherent uncertainty in the Russian 

economy tied to factors such oil prices and international sanctions 

and latterly, the global impact of Coronavirus, the Board considers 

the three year period to be appropriate. 

Mark Sinclair

Director

15 March 2020

Key considerations for the Board on solvency this year have been 

the effect of exchange rates on earnings and the servicing of 

the foreign currency denominated element of debt facilities, the 

likelihood of new debt financings and the potential impact of 

entering into an additional facility to fund the acquisition of the 

Company’s shares. 

The reduction in balance sheet foreign currency exposure, 

increasing portfolio occupancy and committed secured financing 

facilities has given the Board greater certainty of cash flows over 

the viability period and hence greater comfort in the forecasts. 

The viability model assumes current market norms remain stable 

but is then sensitised for those principal risks and uncertainties 

highlighted earlier in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section, the key 

sensitivities applied to the Group being:

Increased vacancy assumptions on lease maturities or breaks;

• 
•  Depreciation in the average Rouble exchange rate against the Euro, 

Sterling and US Dollar;

• 

Increases in debt facility interest rate benchmarks and the effect on 

the interest cost over the forecast period;

•  The impact of a tightening in available debt finance;
•  The introduction of a new finance facility to purchase the 

Company’s shares; and

•  The combined impact of all sensitivities on cash balances and 

banking covenants.

Following the application of these sensitivities, the key mitigating 

factors supporting the Company’s viability and solvency are the 

ability to place funds on deposit with banking counterparts to satisfy 

any marginal breaches in banking covenants hence avoiding defaults, 

the ability to control ordinary share distributions and minimising 

uncommitted capital expenditure.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

DIRECTORS

45

Sir Richard Jewson (aged 75) 

Non Executive Chairman

Christopher Sherwell (aged 72) 

Senior Independent Non Executive Director

Richard Jewson joined Jewson, the timber and building merchant, in 

Christopher Sherwell is a former Managing Director of Schroders in 

1965 becoming the Managing Director, then Chairman of its holding 

the Channel Islands. Before joining Schroders in 1993, he was Far 

group, Meyer International plc, from which he retired in 1993. Since 

East Regional Strategist in London and Hong Kong for Smith New 

then he has served as Non Executive Director and Chairman of a 

Court Securities and prior to that spent 15 years as a journalist, much 

number of public companies. He retired in 2004 after 10 years as 

of them as a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times. He has 

Chairman of Savills plc and in 2005, after 14 years as a Non Executive 

considerable public company experience and since 2004 has acted as 

Director and Deputy Chairman of Anglian Water plc. He is currently 

a Non Executive Director on a number of publicly listed investment 

Chairman of Tritax Big Box REIT Plc, and a Non Executive Director of 

companies. Currently he is a director of Trian Investors 1 Limited.

Temple Bar Investment Trust plc. 

He is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a member of 

He is Chairman of the Nominations Committee and a member of the 

the Audit and Nominations Committees. Christopher intends to step 

Remuneration Committee.

Anton Bilton (aged 55) 

Executive Deputy Chairman

down as a Non Executive Director at the AGM.

Michael Hough (aged 59) 

Non Executive Director

Anton Bilton is an economics graduate from The City University in 

Michael Hough previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Drexel 

London. Anton was the founder of The Raven Group. He has also been 

Burnham Lambert as well as Apax Partners and Altium Capital. He 

a founder and director of three other companies that have floated on 

subsequently co-founded two private Equity firms; Iceni Capital and 

AIM. He is Non Executive Chairman of Sabina Estates Limited.

Aurora Russia. He was also, for 5 years, the CEO and President of Henry 

He is a member of the Nominations Committee.

Glyn Hirsch (aged 58) 

Chief Executive Officer

Technologies, a global manufacturing and technology business. In 

addition, he was Chairman of OSG, Russia’s largest document storage 

business for 5 years prior to its successful sale.

He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the 

Glyn Hirsch qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Peat, Marwick 

Remuneration Committee.

Mitchell & Co in 1985. Until 1995, he worked in the corporate finance 

department of UBS (formerly Phillips & Drew) latterly as an Executive 

Director specialising in UK smaller companies. From 1995 until 2001, 

David Moore (aged 59) 

Non Executive Director

he was Chief Executive of CLS Holdings plc, the listed property 

David Moore is an advocate of the Royal Court of Guernsey and 

investment company, a former Director of Citadel Holdings plc, the 

is currently a consultant with Collas Crill. He is a former partner of 

specialist French property investor and former Chairman of Property 

Guernsey law firm Mourant Ozannes, where he had practised since 

Fund Management plc, the listed property fund management 

1993 and before that spent 10 years practising in the City of London, 

business. He is a Non Executive director of Sabina Estates Limited.

predominantly with Ashurst Morris Crisp. He specialises in corporate 

Mark Sinclair (aged 54) 

Chief Financial Officer

Mark Sinclair is a chartered accountant, and spent 18 years at BDO 

Stoy Hayward, a leading professional services firm in the UK. He was 

a partner in the London real estate group, responsible for a portfolio 

of large property companies, both listed and private. He joined Raven 

Mount in June 2006 as Finance Director of Raven Russia Property 

Management Ltd, the former Property Adviser to the Company and 

joined the Board of Raven in March 2009.

Colin Smith (aged 50) 

Chief Operating Officer

Colin Smith qualified as a Chartered Accountant with BDO Stoy 

Hayward. Prior to joining the Company, he was a Director in the audit 

and assurance division of the chartered accountant practice of BDO 

in Guernsey, having joined BDO in 1994. Colin has also been a Non 

Executive director of a number of investment funds and companies.

and financial matters and is a Non Executive Director of a number of 

investment, insurance and finance sector-related companies.

He is a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

46

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

Chairman’s introduction

Statement of Compliance with the Code

I am pleased to present our corporate governance report for this 

Responsibility for governance matters lies with the Board. It is 

year end. This is our first report under the new 2018 revision of the 

accountable to shareholders for the activities of the Group. The Board 

UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”). The Board and its 

consider that the Company complies fully with the principles of the 

Committees together with management have been working on 

Code, and all provisions save for 5, 10, 11, and 19. Each of these is 

implementing the principles and provisions of the Code over the 

discussed in more detail below setting out our reasons for divergence 

past 18 months. The Strategic and Governance sections of the Annual 

from the Code and why, in certain cases, we believe our approach 

Report set out how we have applied the principles and complied with 

upholds the spirit of the provisions within the Code.

the provisions of the Code. There are a number of areas of the Code 

provisions where we have not complied for various reasons which 

5 – Workforce engagement

are set out in this report. Some of these divergences from the Code 

Given the size of the Group and closeness of the Executive Directors 

may be temporary while we continue to embed the new Code in the 

to senior management and operational areas of the Group, we do 

operations of the Board, its Committee’s and wider Group. Others 

not consider that any one of the three methods of engagement with 

may not be in compliance as we believe that our approach, whilst 

the workforce proposed in the Code will generate a more effective 

not following the letter of the provisions as set out in the Code, still 

means to consider the workforce's views as stakeholders of the Group. 

adheres to the spirit in which the Board considers they are intended 

There is always a member of senior management in attendance at 

and are more appropriate for the Company and wider Group at the 

the formal Board meetings. The senior management team meet on a 

current time. Each of these is set out more fully below.

weekly basis with the executive Directors. Our operational committee 

As explained in our 2018 report, Stephen Coe retired at the 

conclusion of the 2019 AGM. Michael Hough, who joined the Board in 

October 2018 became Chair of the Audit Committee from this point. 

Christopher Sherwell will be retiring at the 2020 AGM. Christopher 

was appointed on 1 April 2008 and was the Senior Independent 

Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee since 2009. 

Michael will become our Senior Independent Director, Chair of 

the Remuneration Committee and will also join the Nominations 

Committee from the 2020 AGM. Christopher has been an invaluable 

member of the non executive team acting objectively, independently 

structure and the role of the board of our Cypriot subsidiary group 

means that employees from all facets of the Group have weekly 

meetings with at least one member of the Executive Directors or 

senior management. This, along with the team leadership structures 

in place across the Group, allows a conduit for engagement and 

multiple touch points for our workforce to engage with Executive 

Board members and senior management and provides an open and 

informal approach, which in our opinion, is more appropriate for the 

Group at the current time than one of the three methods set out in 

the Code.

and providing challenge to the executive team in pursuit of the 

10 – Director independence

Group’s strategy. I, along with the Board, wish Christopher all the best 

and thank him for his contribution.

Sir Richard Jewson

15 March 2020

Provision 10 sets out the Code requirements for Non Executive 

Directors to be considered independent from the Company. David 

Moore and Christopher Sherwell have each served as Non Executive 

Directors for more than nine years. The Board and the Nominations 

Committee have specifically considered their independence as in 

past years. The Board is still of the opinion that length of service 

is not necessarily a complete or accurate measure of a Director’s 

independence. In the Board’s opinion, David and Christopher 

continue to fulfil the requirements acting as independent directors 

and are part of the essential team with experience of the Group’s 

operations and history over their term which is fundamental in 

assisting the executives in delivering the Group’s strategy. As noted 

above, Christopher Sherwell will retire from the Board following this 

year’s AGM and the Nominations Committee continues to review the 

structure and constituents of the Board and its Committee’s. Further 

information on the Group’s succession planning is set out in the 

Nominations Committee report.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

47

11 – Non Executive Directors

During 2019, the Board consisted of four Executive Directors, three Non Executive Directors, following Stephen Coe’s retirement, and one 

Chairman. The requirements of the Code set out that at least half of the Board, excluding the Chair, should be made up of Non Executive 

Directors. This is a change from the prior iteration of the code that allowed for smaller companies, to be exempt from this provision. Whilst we 

understand the importance of Non Executive Directors’ skills, experience, knowledge, diversity and the challenge that they may bring to the 

Board, we believe that the current composition is appropriate for a business of our size. Your Board will continue to review this requirement.

19 – Tenure of the Chair 

As discussed in last year’s annual report and explained further below in the Nominations Committee report, the Board is undertaking a phased 

approach to succession planning to ensure that any new Non Executive Director can be properly integrated. The Nominations Committee is now 

focusing on the replacement for Christopher Sherwell and that will be followed by the continuation of the succession plan.

Board leadership and company purpose

The Board is responsible for achieving the Group’s strategic objectives and creating value for shareholders through sustainable and continued 

performance. The strategic goals of the Group are set out in more detail in the business model and strategic report which includes information on 

the Company’s purpose, values and culture. The Board had seven scheduled meetings throughout the year as well as conference calls for specific 

matters as required. A committee of the Board comprising any two or more Directors meet on an ad hoc basis to consider transactional and 

related matters concerning the Company’s business. During 2019, there were 17 such committee meetings. The Board’s scheduled meetings are 

generally held in Guernsey at the Group’s head office, however meetings may also be held in Russia or Cyprus to review the Group’s operations, 

culture and meet local management.

Matters reserved specifically for the Board’s consideration form the basis of the scheduled meeting agendas. The main elements of this policy 

include Group strategy, material transactions, financial reporting, capital structure and dividend policy, corporate governance and internal 

controls and risk management. The table below sets out the activities of the Board during the year.

Key activities of the Board during 2019

Activities specific for the year

Q1

•  Review of investment portfolio performance

•  Consideration of the internal audit program with the 

•  Review of medium term forecasts and strategy

Cypriot subsidiary board

•  Approval of 2018 annual report

•  Approval of distribution to shareholders

•  Approval of principal risks and risk appetite

Q2

•  Review of investment portfolio performance

•  Consideration of environmental impacts and strategies to 

•  Review of Q1 2019 reforecast 

reduce/mitigate carbon footprint 

•  Review of investor feedback from investor/broker 

•  Consideration of the share buy back program and exit of 

meetings following results

•  Review and consideration of strategy

•  Approval of notice of meeting for 2019’s AGM

cornerstone investor

Q3

•  Review of investment portfolio performance

•  Consideration of further share buy back

•  Review of medium term forecasts and strategy

•  Approval of 2019 interim results 

•  Approval of distribution to shareholders

•  Approval of principal risks

•  Review of Q2 2019 reforecast 

•  Review of corporate and regulatory changes and  

reporting requirements

•  Review of AGM results

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

48

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Key activities of the Board during 2019

Activities specific for the year

Q4

•  Review of investment portfolio performance

•  Consideration of potential new Non Executive 

•  Review of Q3 2019 reforecast 

•  Approval of 2020 Budget

•  Review of medium to longer term forecasts

•  Consideration of Board constitution, balance of skills  

and experience

•  Review of internal controls and risk environment

•  Review of investor feedback from investor/broker 

meetings following results

•  Review and consideration of strategy

appointment and Christopher Sherwell’s retirement

•  Consideration and approval of updated policies and terms 

of reference in regards to the Code

•  Consideration of the share buy back program and exit of 

cornerstone investor

The Chairman is responsible for the continued smooth operations of the Board and ensures appropriate discussion, challenge and robust 

practices are integral in the Board’s deliberations and activities. The Chief Executive is responsible for the implementation of the Group’s strategy 

as agreed by the Board. Terms of reference for the Chairman, Chief Executive and Senior Independent Director are set out in writing and reviewed 

as necessary. The Chief Executive, together with the Executive Directors, the Board of the Cypriot holding company and wider management team, 

is charged to deliver the strategic goals of the Group. The Non Executive Directors assist the executive team in developing this strategy whilst 

providing a sounding board, challenge and rigour to the decisions of the Board.

Board composition

The Board contains eight directors, four Executive, three Non Executive and the Chair, who was considered independent on appointment. 

Biographies for each of the Directors are included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

The Board and its Committees

The Board has established Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees and delegated certain activities through their terms of reference. 

Terms of reference for each committee can be found on the Company’s website (www.theravenpropertygroup.com). Together, the committees 

and the schedule of reserved matters assist the Board in discharging its duties effectively. The Board and its Committees have regular scheduled 

meetings. An overview of the activities of the Board and its Committees is contained within this report and that of the Audit and Remuneration 

Committees.

As well as the members of the Board and its Committees, other Board members, the Company’s advisors and operational directors are invited to 

attend where appropriate to present on a particular matter at hand. Material and briefing papers are supplied in advance of any meeting to all 

attendees along with regular management information which is circulated to the Board throughout the year. Minutes of all Board and committee 

meetings are circulated to the Board. Should, in the rare occasion, a director be unable to attend a scheduled meeting, they have the opportunity 

to discuss matters with the chairman of the Board/committee or the Chief Executive. There is an open dialogue between the Chairman, Non 

Executive Directors, Executive Directors and senior management with regular informal meetings held outside of the scheduled Board meetings 

to discuss business matters. All Directors also have access to the Group’s professional advisors should they be required.

Attendance at Board or Committee meetings during the year to 31 December 2019
(where ‘N/A' is shown, the Director listed is not a member of the committee)

R Jewson

A Bilton

G Hirsch

M Sinclair

C Smith

C Sherwell

S Coe*

M Hough**

D Moore

No. of meetings during the year

Board

Audit  
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

7

7

6

6

7

7

2

7

6

7

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

3

1

3

2

3

2

2

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

3

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

3

2

2

2

3

* Stephen Coe retired at the AGM held on 31 May 2019. There were 2 Board, 1 Audit and 2 Remuneration Committee meetings held prior to his retirement

** Michael Hough joined the Remuneration Committee 14 March 2019. There were 2 Remuneration Committee meetings held during 2019 since his appointment date

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

49

The structure of the Board, its Committees and group operational committees is set out below. 

Each operational committee includes a member of the Executive Board, Cypriot board and senior management. Weekly meetings are held by 

each committee which then reports into an operational oversight committee. Members of the oversight committee include Executive Board 

members, senior managers who sit on the operational committees and Cyprus holding company directors. 

The Board
•   Responsible to shareholders and wider stakeholders for the long term success of the Company
•   Develops the strategic direction of the Group
•   Responsible for determining significant risks and risk appetite
•   Responsible for leadership of the Group, Governance arrangements and culture

Chairman
•   Responsible for the efficient operations of  

Non Executive Directors
•   Independent judgement and challenge of  

the Board

the executive directors

•   Maintains culture of openness, debate and 

•   Broad range of experience to provide balance 

rigour to board decisions

to the skills and experience of the Board

Chief Executive and  
Executive Directors

•   Responsible for delivering the Company's 

strategy

Nominations Committee
•   Making recommendations for succession 

planning

•   Considers size, structure, skills, experience 

and composition of the Board and its 
committees

Audit Committee
•   Oversees the financial and narrative reporting
•   Reviews and monitors the integrity of 
the Group's internal controls and risk 
management processes

Remuneration Committee

•   Sets the remuneration policy for the 

executive directors and senior management
•   Development of long term incentive schemes 

aligned to strategic goals of the Group

•   Responsible for auditor engagement, 

nomination and retention

Risk Committee

•   Delegated responsibility from the Audit 
Committee for risk management and  
internal controls monitoring, processes  
and implementation

Chief Executive

Executive Team
Charged with delivering the Group's strategic objectives set by the Board

Raven Russia Holding Cyprus Limited - Board of Directors
Day to day operational control and risk management

Operational Oversight Committee
Executive Team and Cyprus holding company directors
Charged with the day to day running of the business to deliver the strategic objectives

Investment 
Committee

Financial 
Committee

Asset 
Management

Joint 
Ventures

Roslogistics

Information 
Technology

Raven Mount

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

50

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Nominations Committee 

The Committee comprises Anton Bilton, Christopher Sherwell and Richard Jewson, who is Chairman. Key tasks of the Committee include 
reviewing the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees to ensure appropriate skill, experience, diversity and 
independence, lead processes for new Board and senior management appointments, and finally to review the effectiveness of the Board and its 
committee structure in light of the requirements of the Group, Code and regulations.

As set out earlier in the corporate governance report, Stephen Coe retired following the 2019 AGM, he was replaced by Michael Hough as Chair 
of the Audit Committee at that point. Michael also joined the Remuneration Committee during the year. Christopher Sherwell will retire at the 
conclusion of the 2020 AGM and will be succeeded by Michael as the Company’s Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee. Christopher has been with the Board since 2008 and during his term, an invaluable member of the non executive team.

As explained in last year’s report, the Committee considered the changes to the provisions of the Code following its publication in 2018, and in 
particular the additional requirements being implemented that impact the work of the Committee and make up of the Board. The Board’s overriding 
aim is that its composition and that of its Committees are fit for purpose, with the appropriate constituents, balance of skills, knowledge, experience 
and diversity. The Committee is charged with ensuring this requirement is observed with and where necessary will recommend changes.

The introduction of new Code provisions around tenure of the Chair and balance of executive to non executive directors for all companies, not 
just limited to larger companies as it used to be under the previous iteration of the code, should be considered against the requirements of the 
Board, it’s Committees, the Company’s current position and wider Group needs. The Committee will continue to consider the requirements of the 
Code and where appropriate make recommendations to the Board about future appointments. 

Diversity

The Committee consider the experience, background, age and tenure of each individual to contribute to the diversity of the Board, its 
Committees and the wider Group. The Committee has intentionally not adopted a policy on recruitment which may impose certain restrictions 
when considering applicants for roles within the Group.

Information about the diversity of the Group’s workforce at 31 December 2019 is set out below.

Gender

68%

32%

30%

70%

100%

Employees

Tenure

42%

Senior Management

Female

Male

Board

46%

50%

40%

87.5%

12.5%

Employees

12%

Senior 
Management

10%

Board*

Up to 3 Years

3 to 6 Years

6+ Years

*Length of service for Board members is from date of appointment.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

51

Age profile

19%

2%

4%

75%

50%

50%

25%

75%

Employees

Senior Management

Board

Less than 24 Years

25 to 44 Years

45 to 60 Years

More than 60 Years

Board performance evaluation

The Board undertakes annual performance evaluations of its own and of its Committees’ activities. These are led by the Chairman and where 

dealing with his own performance, by the Senior Independent Director.

The performance evaluations for the year ended 2019 were undertaken internally, which included group discussions and individual reviews of 

performance throughout the year. It was concluded that the performance of the Board, its Committees and individual Directors was effective and 

that the Board has the necessary balance of skills, expertise, independence and knowledge required to direct the business.

The Board and Committee consider the composition of the Board and its Committees with reference to the Group’s needs and also the 

requirements of the Code and any regulations. In accordance with the Code, all Directors will be put forward for re-election at the AGM save for 

Christopher Sherwell who will be retiring this year as mentioned earlier. Having considered the balance of skills, expertise and performance of 

the Board, its committees and individual Directors, the Board recommends the reappointment of each Director standing for re-election at the 

forthcoming AGM.

Engagement with Shareholders

The Board considers regular contact with shareholders to be an important aspect of our corporate governance program. The Chief Executive, 

Executive Deputy Chairman and Chief Financial Officer perform regular road shows, investor and analysts briefings and shareholder meetings 

throughout the year. These generally occur after the annual and interim results are published but also when corporate actions, such as fund 

raisings, take place. 

The views of our major institutional shareholders are a key consideration in the development and support of the Group’s strategy. We regularly 

canvass this group of investors on matters such as distributions, fund raising and remuneration policy. Their views are always taken into 

consideration prior to the implementation of any such policies. 

In addition to face to face shareholder meetings the Group communicates with investors and wider stakeholders through its website. Results 

presentations, report and accounts, shareholder circulars as well as the Group’s governance material is all published on the site. The AGM of 

the Company provides shareholders with the opportunity to meet the Board and discuss any matters of interest or concern. We continue to 

encourage shareholders to engage with the Company directly where they have any concerns rather then relying on proxy voting agencies which, 

in our experience, do little to understand the intricacies of the Group’s operations and governance practices. The notice of the Company’s AGM is 

included separately along with a form of proxy to lodge your votes.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

52

CORPORATE 
RESPONSIBILITY

Social and Environmental Report

Corporate responsibility covers many different aspects of our business, from the activities undertaken within our head office in Guernsey to 

Siberia where our Novosibirsk warehouse is located, our focus is on the environmental impact of our activities and properties and the social 

impact in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. It is the responsibility of the Board to manage the environmental, economic and social 

impact of the Group’s activities.

The Board considers the social impact of its operations in each of its key jurisdictions, Russia, Guernsey and Cyprus. In Russia, this is particularly 

evident in the employment opportunities that are created in the communities where the Group’s properties are located. The Group’s employees 

are encouraged to participate in community and charitable activities and the Board has established a fund to support local causes or charities, 

which meet the corporate values of the Group. During 2019 the Group invested £67,662 in supporting various causes including national and local 

charities and local community sports groups. No political donations were made during the year. 

The Board recognises that the way its investment properties are designed, built, managed and occupied can significantly influence their impact 

on the environment and the community in which they are located and it seeks to manage these issues. The Company has been reporting its 

green house gases usage now since the introduction of the regulations in 2013. Over this time we have enhanced our reporting to include 

all scopes of energy usage including own offices occupied and flight information. The energy consumption of our portfolio has over this time 

increased due to the energy demands of our clients, particularly with regard to energy intensive activities such as temperature controlled space 

and manufacturing rather then dry warehouse space. 

Although tenants are the end users of the energy consumed, we consider this an important metric to measure. Energy efficiency makes our 

properties more attractive to tenants as well as being more environmentally responsible.

As our relations with key tenants become more established we are working with them to anticipate their requirements, with specifically designed 

buildings. In the case of energy intensive uses, such as cold storage, this allows a more efficient building to be constructed compared to the 

reconfiguration of a standard warehouse unit. We are reviewing the means of energy production across the portfolio and where possible moving 

towards less carbon intensive methods of production. At our Noginsk site we have recently switched supplier to provide energy derived from 

hydro generation, moving away from natural gas. We are undertaking a review across the portfolio to consider further changes to suppliers to 

lessen the environmental impact of energy production.

We have a rolling capital improvement program which includes implementation of more efficient low energy lighting and changes to insulation 

materials in our warehouses. New developments are being assessed by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment 

Methodology), the world’s longest established and most widely used method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings. 

Our aim is to reduce the environmental impact of our developments and use the results of BREEAM assessments to provide practical ideas for 

future and existing development projects.

During the year the Board agreed to adopt a carbon offsetting program for all business travel. We are working with a provider of carbon offsetting 

to agree a methodology and approach to follow during 2020. Other initiatives being considered include the introduction of a solar farm and bee 

hives to increase bio diversity at our project in Rostov-on-Don. Further information on our initiatives will be presented in our 2020 Annual Report.

Details of our energy consumption are set out below.

Greenhouse Gases 

We commissioned Trucost to assist in compiling our report to comply with the Mandatory Greenhouse Gases Reporting Regulations (GHG). 

Energy consumption information was collated from all sixteen warehouses and three offices in the portfolio and our four offices in Moscow, 

St Petersburg, Cyprus and Guernsey. We also collected office car mileage and business travel for the Group’s employees to report on Scope 1, 

Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. The report encompasses the impact of the entire property portfolio and not just those elements over which 

we have direct control. In 2016 we started to report Scope 2 on a dual-reporting basis using location-based and market based approaches in 

accordance with the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance released in January 2015. Since market-based emission factors are not available for any of 

our locations, residual emission factors were adopted for offices in Guernsey and Cyprus. Location-based emission factors were used for Russia 

due to unavailability of residual emission factors.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

53

The table below sets out the emissions data collated and the intensity ratio agreed at tonnes per square metre of floor area for the last seven 

years. In absolute terms, energy consumption has increased over the reporting period which coincides with growth of the property portfolio 

through acquisitions and construction, however the intensity measures have remained consistent over time. 

Data 
Point

Scope 1

Units Quantity
2019

Quantity
2018

Quantity
2017

Quantity
2016**

Quantity
2015

Quantity
2014*

Quantity
2013

tonnes 
CO2e

36,226

30,976

22,569

19,948

19,289

20,778

18,138

GHG Emissions

SCOPE 2 
63.6%

SCOPE 3 
0.2%

SCOPE 1 
36.2%

Scope 2  
(location-
based)

tonnes 
CO2e

Scope 2  
(market-
based)

tonnes 
CO2e

Scope 
1 + 2 
Intensity 
(location 
based)

tonnes 
CO2e / 
floor 
space 
(sqm)

Scope 3

tonnes 
CO2e

63,643

62,605

56,420

54,008

56,914

53,664

44,589

63,642

62,604

56,423

54,347

56,919

53,666

n/a

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

200

231

194

184

219

342

n/a

*Quantity 2014 were restated in 2016 report given more accurate data available for the Guernsey office.
**Quantity 2016 were restated to include Konstanta.

Data collection and methodology protocol

The group used the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology for compiling its GHG data, and includes the following material GHG’s: CO2, N2O and 

CH4. The Group used the following emission conversion factor sources:

•  Direct energy: IPCC 2006 Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories

•  Natural gas: DEFRA 2019 conversion factor for cubic meters natural gas

•  Diesel: DEFRA 2019 conversion factor for litres diesel

•  LPG: DEFRA 2019 conversion factor for litres LPG

•  Purchased electricity: UK Defra 2019, Russia and Cyprus, IEA Fuel Combustion 2018 and Foreign Electricity Emission Factors

•  European market emission factors for electricity: AIB, European Residuals Mixes for 2018

•  Office car: DEFRA 2019 conversion factor for kilometers of unknown fuel (average car)

•  District heating: electricity factors were adjusted using same ratio as between UK electricity and district heating (from DEFRA 2019 conversion 

factors for UK electricity, and district heat and steam)

•  Business travel:

•  DEFRA 2019 GHG Conversion Factors for flights and rail travel

•  Sawdust emissions calculated by Trucost using FAO and IPCC

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

54

LETTER FROM THE 
REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholders,

On behalf of the Committee, I present our report on Directors’ 

remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Overview

The Company’s results for the year have seen a significant 

improvement on 2018 but upper levels of the performance targets 

proved stretching. The result is that 39.5% of the total award in this 

category was achieved.

Other Operating and Strategic Targets 

This will be my last letter as Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Measurement of these involves discretion from the Committee and, in 

as I will step down from my role as Non Executive Director at the 

particular, an assessment of the executive team’s ability to deal with 

upcoming AGM. It has been a challenging responsibility but I have 

unforeseen events as well as the execution of planned objectives.  

had the support of a strong non executive team during my period as 

The Committee aimed to focus mainly on balance sheet risk 

Chairman. Michael Hough will take over as a temporary Committee 

management, acquisition and joint venture strategies and long term 

Chairman while the Board finalise new non executive appointments.

tenant management.

As a reminder, the current remuneration scheme incorporates an 

In practice, the team’s priorities in 2019 were somewhat derailed 

Annual Performance Incentive scheme (“API”) for the years 2018 to 

by shareholder issues, firstly with the problems arising at WIM and 

2020 and a Five Year Performance Plan for the period to 31 March 2023. 

latterly at IAML. They successfully dealt with the potential overhang 

The API is measured against targets set at the beginning of each year 

with a maximum award of 50% of salary if the participant elects to 

take the award in cash and a maximum equivalent to 175% of salary  

if the award is taken in any of the Company’s listed securities.  

If securities are taken then a retention period of three years applies. 

of the WIM shareholding, negotiating the purchase by the Company 

of their entire ordinary shareholding at a significant discount to 

net asset value per share. Similarly, the Company has contracted 

to purchase IAML’s holdings of the company’s shares again at a 

significant discount to net asset value per share in relation to the 

ordinary shares. The team also secured the financing required to 

The Five Year Performance Plan (“FYPP”) allows executives to place 

complete the latter transaction which is now subject to various 

existing holdings of the Company’s securities into the Plan, and 

shareholder approvals.

requires a further five year retention period from the commencement 

of the plan. The Company agrees to match that holding up to 

a maximum of three times the value of shares held, where the 

calculation is based on compound Total Shareholder Returns of 

between 4% and 12% over the performance period. Any awards 

made under the Plan will be satisfied by the issue of ordinary shares. 

In the Committee’s view, this has been an involved and stressful 

exercise for the executive team. Importantly, it is net asset per share 

enhancing and deals with a significant overhang in the Company’s 

traded instruments and thus is of benefit to the Company and its 

various stakeholders.

Details of the executives’ contributions to the plan are given later in 

In addition, and in line with objectives established at the start of the 

this report.

Performance Outcomes

year, the team has overseen the successful transition out of US Dollar 

debt and continues to reduce the balance sheet foreign exchange 

risk on secured debt and is also altering its tenant concentration, with 

At the beginning of the year, the Committee agreed targets for the 

a greater spread of tenants and increasing exposure to e-commerce 

API, equally weighted between financial and other operating and 

tenants. The rolling capital expenditure programme and the initiation 

strategic measures.

Financial Targets 

These were set against the following measures:

•  Year end occupancy levels;

of other energy efficiency measures reflect our understanding of our 

impact on the environment and the sustainability of our business.

Given these strategic achievements the Committee determined that a 

full 50% be awarded in respect of the operating and strategic targets.

•  Average Rouble rents per square metre achieved;

Five Year Performance Plan

•  Underlying earnings; and

•  Completed asset specific refinancings.

These measures primarily support the Company’s ability to fund 

ongoing shareholder distributions. Each has a performance 

weighting applied and a floor below which no performance 

related award is available.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

As total shareholder returns were below the lower award level no 

accrual for awards is required for the plan.

LETTER FROM THE REMUNERATION COMMITEE

55

Remuneration Decisions

These decisions in sum mean that a total award of 89.5% will be made 

under of the Annual Performance Incentive for 2019. Each executive 

has elected to receive their award in ordinary shares.

Based on the current share price, the number of shares that would be 

awarded would be:

Anton Bilton 

Glyn Hirsch 

Mark Sinclair 

Colin Smith 

2,603,125

2,603,125

1,625,313

1,439,375

Awards vest on the issue of this Annual Report and the share price at 

that date will be used in calculating the award.

2020 Performance Criteria

The Committee do not intend changing the make up of the performance 

criteria for the API in 2020 and have again agreed targets weighted 

equally between financial and other operating and strategic measures.

The same KPIs and weightings will be used for the basis of the 

financial metrics, being:

•  Year end occupancy levels - 10% to 30%;

•  Average Rouble rents per square metre – 10% to 30%;

•  Underlying earnings – 10% to 20%; and

•  Asset specific refinancing – 20%.

The first three criteria have a spread of outcomes with the reward 

weighted on a sliding scale and a floor below which no credit is given. 

Asset specific refinancing is an absolute target with no contribution 

to the award if the target is not met. Larger percentages are weighted 

to the occupancy and average rental levels as they support the longer 

term returns of the business. The last two criteria support the ability 

to pay distributions in the coming year.

Other operating and strategic measures will again be discretionary 

and dependent on the implementation of the strategic objectives of 

the business and the development of the infrastructure to support 

those objectives. 

It is to be hoped that the business and economic environment will be 

less turbulent in 2020. Based on recent years’ experience, caution will 

be essential. In the meantime I wish the Raven team every success as 

they continue their journey. 

Christopher Sherwell

Chairman

Remuneration Committee

15 March 2020

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

56

DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION REPORT
(UNAUDITED)

Introduction 

Composition 

The Remuneration Committee comprises Michael Hough, Richard Jewson, David Moore and Christopher Sherwell, who is Chairman.

Policy 

Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) is unchanged from that approved by shareholders at the 2017 Annual General Meeting on  

12 July 2017. A summary of the key elements of executive remuneration for 2019, as set out under the Policy are as follows:

Fixed elements 

Basic salary

Benefits

Pension contributions

2016 Retention Scheme – final payment made on 31 March 2019

Variable elements 

Annual Performance Incentive

Five Year Performance Plan

Full details of the Policy were included in the 2017 Annual Report and can also be found on our website.

Summary of Remuneration for the Financial Year Ended 31 December 2019

In this section we summarise the remuneration packages for the Executive Directors. 

Year ended 31 December 2019

Salary
£’000

Benefits (1)
£’000

Pension (2)
£’000

Total cash remuneration
£’000

Annual performance incentive
No of Ordinary shares (3)

G Hirsch

A Bilton

M Sinclair

C Smith

595

595

372

329

42

47

21

24

59

59

37

33

696

701

430

386

2,603,125

2,603,125

1,625,313

1,439,375

Year ended 31 December 2018

Salary
£’000

Benefits (1)
£’000

Pension (2)
£’000

Total cash remuneration
£’000

Annual performance incentive
No of Ordinary shares (3)

G Hirsch

A Bilton

M Sinclair

C Smith

584

584

364

323

38

40

22

22

58

58

36

32

680

682

422

377

–

–

–

–

1.  Benefits include health cover and insurance, subscriptions and sports memberships. These are not performance related. They have been calculated based on premiums and subscriptions payable.

2.  Pensions are cash payments made to executive directors, either directly or to their pension scheme.

3.  Estimate based on closing ordinary share price on 13 March 2020. The annual performance incentive is payable on issue of the 2019 Annual Report and the number of ordinary shares will be 

recalculated based on the ordinary share price on that date.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

57

Five Year Performance Plan (“FYPP”)

The FYPP is a long term incentive scheme with 6 participants; the 4 executive directors and 2 senior managers. The scheme allows each 

participant to invest into the FYPP a number of listed securities in the Company that they hold. All securities invested in the FYPP must continue 

to be retained by the participant until 31 March 2023.

On 31 March 2023, based on annual compound total shareholder return (“TSR”) calculations, the participants will be entitled to receive up to 

three times the initial prescribed value of the securities in the FYPP. Vested entitlements will be settled in the Company’s ordinary shares, with a 

value based on the average price of the Company’s ordinary shares for March 2023.

The performance period for the FYPP runs from 31 March 2018 to 31 March 2023. Below an annual compound equivalent TSR of 4% the FYPP will 

lapse, at an annual compound TSR of 12% the Plan will vest in full and a sliding scale will apply for a TSR between 4% and 12%.

The table below sets out the directors’ interests in the FYPP.

Director

G Hirsch

A Bilton

M Sinclair

C Smith

Securities invested (1)

66,618 preference shares

1,639,404 convertible preference shares

66,618 preference shares

1,639,404 convertible preference shares

619,500 ordinary shares

556,907 preference shares

754,162 convertible preference shares

723,298 ordinary shares

503,719 preference shares

681,604 convertible preference shares

Initial prescribed value 
£'000

2,000

2,000

2,000

1,900

(1)  Includes ordinary, preference and convertible preference shares held by trusts or pensions schemes where the individual or close family members are beneficiaries. Ordinary shares invested 

are after participation in tender offer buy backs.

2016 Retention Scheme

The final payment was made on 31 March 2019 and the following shares transferred to the executive Directors:

Director

G Hirsch

A Bilton

M Sinclair

C Smith

Number of Convertible 
Preference Shares

767,412

767,412

479,419

424,334

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

58

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Interests of Executive and Non-Executive Directors in Ordinary Shares, Preference Shares, Convertible Preference Shares and Warrants 

The beneficial interests of the Directors in office at 31 December 2019 in the Ordinary Shares, Preference Shares and, Convertible Preference 

Shares of the Company, both at the beginning and the end of the year, are set out below. There have been no changes since 31 December 2019.

Director

R Jewson 

G Hirsch (1)

A Bilton (1)

M Sinclair (1)

C Smith (1)

C Sherwell 

D Moore 

M Hough 

Director

R Jewson 

G Hirsch (1)

A Bilton (1)

M Sinclair (1)

C Smith (1)

C Sherwell 

D Moore 

M Hough 

Number of Ordinary Shares
31/12/19

Number of Preference Shares
31/12/19

Number of Convertible 
Preference Shares
31/12/19

218,429

6,959,390

41,620,058

2,761,976

831,504

237,239

222,501

–

75,460

2,219,595

4,953,355

762,462

505,530

79,728

14,172

–

–

2,496,556

2,496,556

904,162

681,604

–

–

–

52,851,097

8,610,302

6,578,878

Number of Ordinary Shares
31/12/18

Number of Preference Shares
31/12/18

Number of Convertible 
Preference Shares
31/12/18

232,626

7,496,027

43,071,170

2,939,761

944,574

237,239

222,501

–

75,460

2,219,595

5,953,355

762,462

503,719

79,728

14,172

–

–

1,729,144

1,729,144

425,013

257,270

–

–

–

(1)  Includes ordinary, preference and convertible preference shares and warrants held by trusts or pensions schemes where the individual or close family members are beneficiaries.

55,143,898

9,608,491

4,140,571

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

59

Non Executive Directors

The fees for Non Executive Directors are determined by the executives. No Non Executive Director is entitled to any form of performance related 

remuneration, including share options. Fees paid in the year were as follows:

Director

R Jewson

C Sherwell

D Moore

M Hough

S Coe

Salaries and fees for 2020

The contractual arrangements for 2020 are: 

2019
£’000

113

50 

48 

49 

21

281

Salary or Fee 
£’000

Appointment  
date

Unexpired  
term

Notice  
periods

113

48

50

50

604

604

377

334

29.06.07

04.07.05

01.04.08

09.10.18

27.11.08

27.11.08

23.03.09

14.11.08

Rolling contract

3 months

Rolling contract

12 months

Director

R Jewson

D Moore

C Sherwell

M Hough

G Hirsch

A Bilton

M Sinclair

C Smith

Christopher Sherwell

Chairman

Remuneration Committee

15 March 2020

2018
£’000

113

50 

48 

11 

50 

272

Contractual  
termination  
payment

No provision 
for payment on 
termination

Payment of 12 
months salary 
and benefits on 
termination

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

60

AUDIT COMMITTEE 
REPORT

Audit Committee Chairman’s Introduction

Dear Shareholders,

This is the first Audit Committee Report under my tenure as Committee Chairman. 

I was fortunate enough to have a handover period with Stephen Coe during the 2018 financial statements process prior to his stepping down 

at last year’s AGM and sit with the executive team through the process. On taking over the role I met with the external audit partner and the 

client relationship partner to discuss the audit process and their thoughts on the working relationship with the management team and begin 

to familiarise myself with the dynamics of both teams. Since then I have visited the Company’s Moscow office, met with the Cyprus board and 

again met the external audit team with and without the management team present, for updates on the audit approach, audit independence and 

the impact of the changes the external audit environment is going through. These changes will no doubt lead to rising costs for audit clients as 

regulatory scrutiny increases. The management team and the auditors are working closely to identify efficiencies in the external audit process 

that can go some way to offsetting any potential increase in audit fees.

The Committee’s role continues to be the:

•  monitoring of the integrity of the Group’s financial statements;
•  review of significant areas of judgement included in the financial statements;
•  review of the role of the external auditors, including independence and remuneration; and
•  monitoring of the quality of the Group’s internal controls and risk management functions.

We have reported to the Board on whether the Committee believes that the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced 

and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy, 

including advising the Board on the viability and going concern statements including the potential impact of recent market events on both.

We met the Group’s independent valuers whilst visiting our Moscow office to discuss the market and the valuation process.

The operational boards and management teams in Cyprus and Russia have kept us updated on the framework of controls and procedures.  

That has included reports from the internal auditors from BDO on reviews of procurement, authorisation and anti money laundering and bribery 

procedures in the period, recommendations arising from those reports and the implementation plan for those recommendations. The Cypriot 

team also presented the proposed internal audit plan for the next 24 months at the audit committee meeting in November last year.

In all cases with the external professionals, we believe that the working relationship continues to be independent and management assumptions 

appropriately challenged.

Michael Hough

Chairman

Audit Committee

15 March 2020

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

61

The Audit Committee  

The Committee met with the key members of the audit team 

The Committee is responsible for ensuring that the financial 

throughout the year and EY has formally confirmed its continued 

performance of the Group is properly monitored and reported on.  

independence as part of the interim and final financial statements 

The Committee reviews the annual and interim financial statements, 

process. The Chairman of the Committee also met with the lead audit 

the accounting policies of the Group, key areas of accounting 

partner outside of the formal meetings to discuss any issues arising 

judgement, management information statements, financial 

in the course of the audit and to confirm no restrictions on scope 

announcements, internal control systems, risk management, the 

are placed on them by management. The Chairman also has regular 

continuing appointment of the Group auditor and the model 

meetings with the CFO and COO to discuss the audit approach, 

underpinning the viability statement. It also monitors the whistle 

relationship with auditors and fee structure.

blowing policy and procedures for fraud and bribery.

The external auditor prepares a detailed audit plan for the Committee 

The Committee comprises David Moore, Christopher Sherwell and 

which includes their assessment of the key risks impacting the 

Michael Hough (Chairman). Stephen Coe, the previous Chairman 

financial statements. The Committee actively monitors these risks 

of the Committee stood down as a Non Executive Director during 

and obtains updates from the external auditor on the status of their 

the year. Christopher Sherwell will step down as a Non Executive 

procedures covering these risks throughout the year.

Director at the upcoming AGM and the Board are in the process of 

making new Non Executive Director appointments. The Chairman is 

considered to have recent and relevant financial experience for the 

purposes of the Code. The Committee’s members have considerable 

commercial experience relevant to the property and financial 

services sector to properly discharge their duties. The Committee 

meets at least twice a year. There are a number of regular attendees 

at meetings of the Audit Committee, including other members of 

the Board, senior management and the Group’s external auditor. 

The Committee discussed the possibility of putting the audit out to 

tender in 2017, as required by the EU Audit Directive, even though, 

as a Guernsey registered Company, this is not a requirement. At that 

time, it was decided that, as a new audit partner had just taken over 

the engagement and there had also been changes in other senior 

roles within the audit team, the Committee was comfortable with EY’s 

on-going independence. The Committee has no reason to change 

that decision in the current year but monitors on an annual basis.

The Chairman of the Committee also meets with the external Group 

Local statutory audits of individual subsidiary companies are also 

auditor without management present.

The Committee met three times during 2019 and addressed:

•  The recommendation to the Board to approve the annual and 
interim financial statements following consideration of the key 

areas of judgement;

•  The appropriateness of the current forecast model as the basis for 

the viability statement;

•  The appointment, remuneration and continued independence of 

the external auditor;

•  The results and recommendations of the Group’s Cypriot Board 
and the internal auditor on reports issued during the year and 

agreement of the plan of work for 2019; and

•  The monitoring of the Group’s internal control and risk 

management procedures including a review of risk committee 

submissions.

required in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, being 

Guernsey, Cyprus, Russia and the UK. EY carry out these audits in 

Guernsey and Cyprus but the trading entities in Russia and the UK  

are audited locally by Baker Tilly and Crowe U.K. LLP respectively.  

The Committee believes that this gives additional balance to our 

overall audit provision and added assurance to the audit process.

Non Audit Services 

EY has also provided non-audit services to the Group where they 

are assessed to be best placed to provide the particular service. 

The Committee has policies in place for the provision of non audit 

services and the external auditor will not be permitted to carry out 

services such as property valuation or accounting services. The non-

audit services provided are typically assignments, such as the review 

of the interim financial statements or transaction advisory services. 

As shown in note 6(b) to the financial statements, total fees payable 

to EY in the year to 31 December 2019 amounted to £0.9 million, of 

Action taken on these areas is expanded on below where appropriate.

which £0.2 million was for non-audit services.

External Audit and Valuations 

External Audit 

The Committee is sensitive to the level of non audit fees and the 

Group has actively engaged other firms in due diligence, tax and 

During the year, the Committee has considered the appointment, 

other advisory projects, including PWC, KPMG, BDO Stoy Hayward 

compensation, performance and independence of the Group’s 

and local Russian tax counsel. Fees paid to these other firms totalled 

auditor, Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”).

£0.4 million in the year (2018: £0.5 million).

EY was appointed in 2008 following a tender process and this is their 

eleventh year of tenure as Group auditor. 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

62

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Committee Conclusions 

Valuers 

The Committee has recommended a resolution for the re-

As with the external audit process, the Committee monitors the 

appointment of EY to be proposed to shareholders at the Annual 

objectivity of the Group’s external valuers, Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”). 

General Meeting. Proposed EU legislation on audit appointments 

The external auditor has direct access to JLL as part of the audit 

including the approach to non-audit services has been considered 

process and has met with them independently of management. We 

and relationships with other suppliers of non audit services have 

also have the opportunity to see comparable valuations of part of 

been established.

the portfolio each year, where independent valuations are required 

for banking purposes and these are undertaken by other external 

independent valuers.

Significant Issues Considered by the Audit Committee 

In recommending the approval of the 2019 financial statements, the Committee considered the following:

Matter Arising

Property Valuations

Action

Valuations of investment property and investment property under 

The Committee discussed the valuation approach with management, 

construction are undertaken by external valuers. The land bank is 

the external valuers and the external auditors.

carried at directors’ valuation.

The auditor’s valuation specialist met with the independent valuer 

The external valuers continue to use a discounted cash flow 

separately and various calls and meetings between the valuer, 

methodology for the valuations.

external audit team and management have been held during the 

Valuation movements can have a significant impact on the Group’s 

year.

net asset value. 

The Committee is satisfied that the valuation process and conclusions 

drawn are appropriate.

Foreign Exchange

The Group’s exchange rate risk profile has continued to diminish 

The Group’s sensitivity to changing foreign exchange rates has 

as foreign currency denominated liabilities reduce. All US Dollar 

reduced in the year and the impact is covered in the viability 

liabilities have been extinguished in the year and the primary risk now 

statement. The Committee is satisfied that the impact of the risk is 

relates to Euro debt and the servicing of Sterling preference shares 

adequately addressed in the Group’s forecasting procedures.

from a predominately Rouble income base.

Taxation

There were no significant changes to the Russian tax regime in the 

The Group’s business continues to focus on commercial requirements 

year and the Committee met with the management teams in each 

rather than tax benefits. The Committee discussed the position with 

of the jurisdictions to discuss their approach to management and 

management in each jurisdiction and the auditors. It is satisfied that 

control.

The Committee considered the adequacy of the level of uncertain tax 

the Group conducts its operations appropriately for the transactions it 

undertakes and tax provisioning is sufficient. 

provisions made by the Group. 

Viability Statement

The viability statement stress tests the Group’s business model and 

The Committee discussed the sensitivities applied to the Group’s 

we have reviewed this in the context of the potential buy back of 

forecasts for the three year period. It was agreed that the current 

shares by the Company, the impact of the Coronavirus and the impact 

global situation could very well present the Group with a severe but 

of oil price volatility and the uncertainty that is causing.

credible scenario. After discussion with management we are satisfied 

that sensitivities applied to the business model adequately test the 

Group’s resilience to a situation such as this.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

63

Internal Control and Risk Management  

The Risk Committee reports regularly to the Audit Committee on 

The Board has overall responsibility for the systems of internal 

its deliberations and findings. The risks and uncertainties to which 

control and for reviewing their effectiveness throughout the Group. 

the Group is subject are reviewed and considered by the Audit 

In accordance with the guidance of the Turnbull Committee on 

Committee and the Board at regular intervals, particularly with 

internal controls, this is a continual process which identifies, evaluates 

reference to the strategic objectives of the business. The principal 

and manages the principal risks and uncertainties that may affect 

risks and uncertainties facing the Group are included elsewhere in the 

the achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives. This system 

Annual Report.

is designed to manage or reduce the effects of the possible risks 

to which the Group’s activities are subject, rather than providing 

absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The Audit Committee has reviewed the effectiveness of these 

systems of internal control and has reported its findings to the Board 

throughout the year and up to the date of the Annual Report and 

Consideration of risks and risk management form an integral part of 

financial statements.

the Board’s deliberations and are key to its decision making processes. 

There are risks which the Board has no control over. These are mainly 

overriding external risks such as the wider economic environment, 

sanctions and the current Coronavirus situation. However, the impact 

of such risks and effect that they have on the Group are considered 

and mitigated to the extent possible. The strategic decisions of the 

Group are adjusted to address these issues ensuring that threats are 

reduced and opportunities are exploited. 

Key features of the risk management process in place during the year 

and up to the date of the annual report and financial statements 

include:

•  A comprehensive system of reporting and business planning;
•  A defined schedule of matters reserved for the Board;
•  An organisational structure chart with clearly defined levels of 

authority and division of responsibilities;

•  Formal documented policies and procedures throughout the 

Group;

•  An internal audit function with an approved annual programme;
•  The close involvement of the Executive Directors, the Cypriot 

holding company board and senior management in all aspects of 

the day-to-day operations, including regular meetings to review all 

operational aspects of the business and risk management systems;

•  The role of the board of the Group’s Cypriot holding company in 

exerting proper management and control over the Group’s Russian 

trading subsidiaries;

•  The Board’s review of Group strategy and progress against 

objectives throughout the year;
•  A formal whistle blowing policy;
•  A comprehensive and robust system of financial reporting which 
includes regular management information, such as budgets, re-

forecasts, cash flows, treasury reporting and management accounts 

with a review of financial KPIs; and

•  A regular assessment of risks within the business at all operational 

levels.

The Audit Committee has established a Risk Committee to carry out 

the review and assessment of risks associated with the business.  

This Committee comprises Executive Directors, Cypriot holding 

company directors and senior management involved in each 

operating jurisdiction and department of the Group. This engenders 

a culture of risk assessment within the Group and reinforces the 

strategic objectives communicated by the Board. During the year 

ended 31 December 2019, the Risk Committee met four times.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

64

DIRECTORS’  
REPORT

The Directors present their report and the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Principal activity

The Company is a Guernsey registered company with registration number 43371 and during the year carried on business as a property 

investment company.

Business review

A review of the development of the Group’s business during the year, the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and its future 

prospects are included in the Chairman’s Message and the Strategic Report which should be read in conjunction with this report.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out in the attached financial statements.

In October 2019, the Company undertook a tender offer as an interim distribution for 1 in every 44 shares at 55p, equivalent to a dividend of 

1.25p per share (2018: Distribution of 1.25p by way tender offer 1 share in every 44 at 52p). The Directors are intending to recommend a final 

distribution of 2.25p by way of a tender offer. However the timing and structure of this distribution will be determined at a later date (2018: 

distribution of 1.75p by way of tender offer of 2 shares in every 51 at 45p).

Directors

The Directors, who served throughout the year, were as follows:

Sir Richard Jewson (Non Executive Chairman)

Anton Bilton (Executive Deputy Chairman) 

Glyn Hirsch (Chief Executive Officer) 

Mark Sinclair (Chief Financial Officer) 

Colin Smith (Chief Operating Officer) 

Christopher Sherwell (Senior Independent Non Executive Director) 

Stephen Coe (Independent Non Executive Director) – resigned at the 2019 Annual General Meeting held on 31 May 2019

David Moore (Independent Non Executive Director)

Michael Hough (Independent Non Executive Director)

Following the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, all the Directors shall be subject to annual re-appointment by shareholders at 

the Annual General Meeting of the Company.

Details of the Directors’ remuneration and shareholdings are included within the Remuneration Report.

Substantial shareholdings

The Company has been notified of shareholders, other than Directors, holding 3% or more of the ordinary shares as follows:

Ordinary Shares of £0.01 

Name of holder

Invesco Perpetual

Schroder Investment Management

JO Hambro Capital Management

Quilter Investors

Progressive Capital Partners

Number held  
31 December 2019

% of share  
capital

Number held  
28 February 2020

% of share  
capital

139,678,106

57,234,141

55,372,153

40,404,752

15,716,846

28.52

11.69

11.31

8.25

3.21

139,678,106

57,467,122

54,722,153

40,404,752

15,716,846

28.52

11.73

11.17

8.25

3.21

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

65

Relationship Agreement

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.4 (14), the Company can confirm that on 20 November 2015, it entered into a relationship agreement with its 

principal shareholder, Invesco Asset Management Limited (“Invesco”).

The purpose of this agreement was to ensure that the Company is capable at all times of carrying on its business independently of Invesco.  

If the holding of Invesco (together with its associates and/or those it acts in concert with) falls below 30% of the voting rights over the Company’s 

ordinary shares, the relationship agreement shall terminate.

The Company has and, in so far as it is aware, Invesco and its associates have, complied with the independence provisions set out in the 

relationship agreement during the period. The ordinary shares controlled by Invesco rank pari passu with the other ordinary shares in all respects. 

Following the share buy backs that occurred during 2019, Invesco’s holding in the Company dropped below 30% and the agreement has 

terminated.

Purchase of own shares

The Company was granted authority at the 2019 AGM to make market purchases of its own ordinary and preference shares. This authority will 

expire on 31 August 2020. A resolution will be proposed at the 2020 AGM to renew this authority. 

Auditor

Ernst & Young LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office and a resolution to re-appoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming 

Annual General Meeting.

Going Concern

The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowings are described in the Financial Review and the notes to the 

accompanying financial statements. In addition, in note 34 to the financial statements there is a description of the Group’s objectives and policies 

for managing its capital, financial instruments and hedging activities and its exposure to credit and liquidity risk.

The Board receives monthly updates on future cash flow projections and has regular working capital reports presented, in particular as part 

of the half and full year reporting process and for any fund raising and acquisition activity. After making appropriate enquiries and examining 

sensitivities that could give rise to financial exposure the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 

resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparation of 

these financial statements.

Directors’ responsibilities 

Guernsey company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state 

of affairs of the Group at the end of the year and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the 

Directors are required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial 

statements; and

•  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Group will continue in business.

The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 

the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and IFRS as adopted by 

the EU. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection 

of fraud and other irregularities.

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

appropriate steps expected of a Director to ensure that this is the case.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

66

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

The Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities below has been prepared in connection with the Company’s full Annual Report and Accounts for the 

year ended 31 December 2019. 

The Board confirms to the best of its knowledge:

The financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair 

view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a 

whole; 

The strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the 

undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; 

and

The Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders 

to assess the Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 15 March 2020 and is signed on its behalf by:

Mark Sinclair 

Chief Financial Officer 

Colin Smith

Chief Operating Officer

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

67

INDEPENDENT 
AUDITOR’S REPORT

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Raven Property Group Limited

Opinion

In our opinion:

•  Raven Property Group Limited’s Group financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s 

affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 

European Union; and

•  the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.

We have audited the financial statements of Raven Property Group Limited which comprise:

•  The Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2019;
•  The Group Income Statement for the year then ended;
•  The Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;
•  The Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; 
•  The Group Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended; and 
•  Related notes 1 to 38 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 

as adopted by the European Union.

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 below.  

We are independent of the group and parent 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 principal risks, going concern and viability statement

We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs(UK) require us to report to 

you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:

•  the disclosures in the annual report set out on pages 40 to 43 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being managed or 

mitigated;

•  the directors’ confirmation set out on page 40 in the annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing 

the entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

•  the directors’ statement set out on page 65 in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going 

concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so 

over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

•  whether the directors’ statement in relation to going concern required under the Listing Rules is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 

obtained in the audit; or 

•  the directors’ explanation set out on page 44 in the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the entity, over what period 

they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation 

that the entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any 

related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

68

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Overview of our audit approach

Key audit matters

•  Economic and financial uncertainties in Russia and their impact. 
•  Misstatement of the fair value of investment properties and investment properties under construction.
•  Revenue recognition with respect to rental revenue, service charge income and logistics income.

Audit scope

•  We performed an audit of the complete financial information of the Russian and Guernsey components and audit 

procedures on specific balances for the Cyprus and United Kingdom components.

•  The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 100% of Revenue and 100% 

of Total assets.

Materiality

•  We set overall materiality of £15.2m based on 1% of total assets and specific materiality of £4.8m based on 5% of 

underlying operating profit.

Key audit matters 

•  Undertaking press searches in Russia and the UK and reviewing 

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) that we identified. These matters included those which had 

the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of 

resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement 

team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 

financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we 

do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Economic and financial uncertainties in Russia and their impact 

(as described in the Strategic Report)

The current geopolitical situation remains an important area of focus 

for the Group and our audit. Continuing political and economic 

tension between the US, EU and Russia, together with movements in 

the oil price and foreign exchange rate, have resulted in continuing 

economic uncertainty.

Business practice in Russia may differ from business practices in more 

developed economies. There is a risk that inappropriate inducements 

may be sought by third parties which may be undetected by the 

board and management. Areas where inappropriate payments may 

be made include: payments to secure favourable development land; 

payments for planning permits; construction payments; payments 

to resolve ongoing litigations; or payments in connection with the 

acquisition or disposal of assets.

Overall this risk level is consistent with the prior year in terms of the 

impact on the Group’s financial statements. 

Given the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of the 

coronavirus and the subsequent oil price collapse we have also 

economic forecasts.

We evaluated whether the assumptions underpinning the Group’s 
property valuations (separately addressed below) and going concern 
assessment are consistent with our above understanding. For going 
concern, this included validating key assumptions such as rental rates 
and interest rates to publicly available information. We evaluated the 
impact that the coronavirus could potentially have on the company 
by considering going concern assumptions and sensitivities and 
related disclosures.

We performed the following audit procedures around the potential 
risk of inducement payments to third parties:

•  We held fraud discussions with Raven staff of various levels and 

also with the audit committee, throughout the audit. We enquired 
with management as to whether they were aware of any evidence 
of fraud, or were aware of any whistle blowing or instances of any 
non-compliance with laws and regulations;

•  We confirmed our understanding of the controls in place to 

• 

prevent and detect transactions involving inducements payments 
by performing walkthroughs;
In order to address the remaining risk over inappropriate 
payments, we tested on a sample basis (based on material items 
and a random sample):
•  payments made in respect of capital expenditure; and
•  that journal transactions have a valid business purpose and are 

on an arm’s length basis.

We performed procedures to assess the Group’s compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations: 

•  We performed a search for sanctions and assessed whether they 

impacted the Group, management or counterparties of the Group 
including banks or customers; 

considered the impact of coronavirus on the company in regards to 

•  We obtained and read correspondence with regulatory bodies and 

going concern position. We have seen a fall in oil prices precipitating 

the Group during the year. 

a weakening of the Rouble. In a worst case scenario, this could lead 

to a suspension of investment decisions by company’s tenants, 

a disruption in supply chains impacting on the demand for new 

warehouse space and potential defaults by existing tenants whose 

businesses are affected most. 

Our response to the risk:

We performed the following audit procedures around the impact of 

We performed the following audit procedures around the uncertain 
tax positions arising from the tax laws in Russia: 

•  We obtained and read correspondence with the tax authorities 

regarding recent inspections in Russia;

•  Considered the results from recent tax inspections;
•  Enquired with management about their response to the tax 
authorities and their assessment of the potential exposure;

uncertainties over the current economic environment in Russia:

•  Obtained management’s calculation of the provision for uncertain 

We updated our understanding of the current economic environment 

in Russia through:

•  Discussions with management, EY real estate valuation specialists 

and EY tax specialists in Russia and the UK;

tax positions; 

•  Using our tax specialists in Russia and the UK, we discussed and 
challenged management’s provision. We inspected recent court 
cases and challenges by the tax authority to determine if the risk 
assessment made by management is appropriate.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

69

•  We have reviewed the disclosures made in notes 2, 3 and 8 

•  We assessed the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the 

regarding the uncertain tax provision. 

We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk area in the 

one location, Russia, affected by this risk, which covered 100% of the 

risk amount.

external valuer. This included having meetings with JLL, with 

management absent, and understanding the internal control 

quality procedures under taken by JLL to ensure quality and 

independence in their reporting to management.

•  For a sample of the Group’s investment property and investment 

Key observations communicated to the Audit Committee

property under construction, we performed detailed testing on 

We have completed the additional procedures we designed in order 

to respond to the heightened political and economic uncertainty in 

Russia.

We have no significant findings to report from the completion of 

these procedures. We conclude that the balances and disclosures in 

the financial statements and notes thereto, appropriately reflect the 

risk factors identified.

As a result of the procedures performed in relation to the provision 

for uncertain tax positions we concluded that the uncertain 

tax provisions and related disclosures have been appropriately 

recognised in accordance to the Group’s accounting policy and IFRS.

Misstatement of the fair value of investment properties and 

investment properties under construction (as described in the 

Audit Committee Report and notes 2, 3, 11, 12 and 13 of the 

financial statements)

Material misstatements that could occur in relation to this risk would 

primarily affect the investment property and investment property 

under construction balance at year end. 

This account has a £1,372m balance in the 2019 annual report (2018: 

£1,206m).

the valuations performed by the external valuer. This sample 

represented 74% of the total value of investment property and 

investment property under construction. 

•  With the support of EY’s real estate valuation experts in Russia and 

the UK, we assessed the valuation approach and the assumptions 

made by the external valuer and the directors in performing their 

valuation of each property against industry benchmarks. The key 

assumptions include estimated rental values, discount rates, yields, 

indexations, vacancy/void periods and other assumptions that 

impact the fair value;

•  For the remaining properties comprising 26% of the valuation, 

we conducted analytical procedures on the movement in the 

valuation of each property compared to the prior year by reference 

to external market data to evaluate the appropriateness of the 

valuations adopted by the Group.

•  The audit team, performed site visits of certain assets in the Group’s 

portfolio inspecting their condition and level tenancy. 

•  We assessed the adequacy of the disclosures of estimates in 

note 2 and valuation assumptions in note 13 that were made in 

accordance with IFRS 13 – Fair Value Measurement.

•  We performed full scope audit procedures over this risk area in the 

one location affected by this risk, which covered 100% of the risk 

amount.

The valuation of investment property and investment property 

under construction requires significant judgements and estimates by 

management and the external valuer (Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)).  

There is a risk that management may manipulate the property 

valuations by exerting influence over the valuers in order to meet 

Key observations communicated to the Audit Committee

We have completed our planned audit procedures over the valuation 

of investment property and investment property under construction.

We have no significant findings to report from the completion of 

shareholder expectations.

these procedures.

This estimate is impacted by the uncertainties over the current 

economic environment in Russia, as described above.

We conclude that the balances and disclosures in the financial 

statements and notes appropriately reflect the risk factors identified.

The current real estate market in Russia is characterised by limited 

capital transactions, and the valuation of investment properties 

remains an area of significant estimation. 

Our response to the risk:

We performed the following audit procedures around the valuation of 

investment properties and investment properties under construction:

We have concluded that the assessment of fair values performed by 

JLL and the directors are within an acceptable range and the carrying 

values of investment property and investment property under 

construction are fairly stated at 31 December 2019.

Revenue recognition (as described in note 2 and 5 of the financial 

statements)

•  We documented and assessed the adequacy of the Group’s 

Total revenue was £175.3m in the 2019 annual report (2018: 162.6m).

valuation process and controls over data used in the valuation of its 

We have identified the following risks related to the recognition of 

property portfolio.

revenue: 

•  We performed testing over source documentation provided by the 

Group to the external valuer. On a sample basis, we inspected lease 

agreements and agreed the key terms to the tenancy schedule 

provided to the valuer;

•  For a sample of properties we performed site visits to see if the 

Rental revenue & service charge income from the investment 

property portfolio: risk that the revenue is not recorded correctly, 

including the effect of tenant incentives and contracted rent uplift 

balances. 

occupancy matches that presented in the tenancy schedule.  

Roslogistics: risk that the logistics revenue is not recorded in the 

We also inspected the asset to determine if the overall condition of 

correct period.

the asset aligns to that stated in the external valuer’s report.

The risk is unchanged from the prior year.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

70

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Our response to the risk:

We performed the following audit procedures around revenue 

recognition:

In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit we 

determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each 

of the components by us, as the Group engagement team, or by 

component auditors from another EY global network firm operating 

•  We documented the Group’s revenue recognition process and 

under our instructions. Audits of the Russia, United Kingdom and 

assessed the adequacy of the controls in place to prevent and 

Guernsey components, which address all of the material risks 

detect fraud and errors in revenue recognition. 

of misstatement noted above, were performed by the Group 

•  We performed analytical procedures over rental, service charge and 

engagement team. The Group audit partner is based in the UK but, 

logistics income to identify significant fluctuations and trends.  

since the Group has operations in Russia and Guernsey, the Group 

We corroborated any significant fluctuations to the terms within 

audit team includes members from the UK, Guernsey and Russia. 

lease agreements or to invoices.

Members of the Group team in these jurisdictions work together as 

•  On a sample basis, we recomputed the revenue recognised in the 

an integrated team throughout the audit process. The Group audit 

year, based on the contractual lease terms, including the treatment 

procedures relating to the valuation of investment property and 

of rent incentives.

income taxes were also supported by EY Russia experts. 

•  We obtained and examined the trade receivables ageing.  

We assessed the recoverability of material debts past due by 

testing subsequent cash receipts and verifying if there were tenant 

deposits in place.

•  We agreed the calculation of the IFRS rent straight-lining 

For the Group entities incorporated in the United Kingdom, including 

the investment in the equity accounted joint venture, specific scope 

procedures on revenue, cash and goodwill were performed by the 

Group team. 

adjustment to underlying lease and tenancy data and tested the 

For the Group entities incorporated in Cyprus, specific scope 

arithmetical accuracy of the calculation.

procedures on cash, intercompany, debt, derivatives and tax balances 

•  We performed cut-off procedures on all revenue streams to confirm 

were performed by EY Cyprus. We determined the appropriate level of 

they had been recorded in the correct period. 

involvement to enable us to determine that sufficient audit evidence 

•  Lease and service charge income from investment properties in 

had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group as a whole.

Russia, and the Roslogistics business were full scope locations and 

contributed 100% of the Group’s revenue. 

The reporting components where we performed audit procedures 

accounted for 100% of the Group’s Profit before tax, Revenue and 

Key observations communicated to the Audit Committee

Total assets for both the current and prior years. For the current 

As a result of the procedures performed we concluded that revenue 

has been appropriately recognised in accordance to the Group’s 

accounting policy and IFRS.

An overview of the scope of our audit  

Tailoring the scope 

Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our 

allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope 

for each entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us 

to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We 

take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the group 

and effectiveness of group-wide controls, changes in the business 

environment and other relevant factors when assessing the level of 

work to be performed at each entity.

year, the full scope components contributed 88% (2018: 94%) of the 

Group’s Profit before tax, 90% (2018: 90%) of the Group’s Revenue and 

87% (2018: 96%) of the Group’s Total assets, with the remainder being 

addressed by specific scope procedures.

Involvement with component teams  

During the current year’s audit cycle a visit was undertaken by the 

Group team, including the Group audit partner, to the component 

team in Cyprus. This visit involved discussing the audit approach with 

the component team and local management and any issues arising 

from the work. The Group audit team interacted regularly with the 

component team during various stages of the audit, reviewed key 

working papers and was responsible for the scope and direction 

of the audit process. This, together with the additional procedures 

performed at Group level, gave us appropriate audit evidence for our 

The Group has operations in Russia, Cyprus, the United Kingdom 

opinion on the Group financial statements.

and Guernsey. Our testing is performed on a consolidated basis 

using thresholds which are determined with reference to the Group 

performance materiality and the risks of material misstatement 

identified. 

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial 

statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative coverage 

of significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 4 reporting 

components of the Group, we performed an audit of the complete 

financial information of 2 components (“full scope components”) 

which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. 

Our application of materiality  

We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the 

audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit 

and in forming our audit opinion.

Materiality 

The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in 

the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 

decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a 

basis for determining the nature and extent of our audit procedures.

For the remaining 2 components (“specific scope components”), 

We determined materiality for the Group to be £15.2 million (2018: 

we performed audit procedures on specific accounts within that 

£7.0 million), which is 1% (2018: 0.5%) of total assets. We believe that 

component that we considered had the potential for the greatest 

the basis of materiality that is the primary measure of performance for 

impact on the significant accounts in the financial statements either 

shareholders is a capital measure total assets. For underlying earnings 

because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile. 

related accounts (revenue, cost of sales, administrative expenses, and 

related working capital balance sheet accounts), for which we deem 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

71

smaller misstatements could influence decisions of the users of the 

material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we 

financial statements, we determined materiality to be £4.8m (5% of 

are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement 

underlying operating profit).

Performance materiality 

The application of materiality at the individual account or balance 

level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level 

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 the other information, we are 

required to report that fact.

the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

misstatements exceeds materiality.

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our 

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment 

responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other 

of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was 

information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of 

that performance materiality was 75% (2018: 75%) of our planning 

the other information where we conclude that those items meet the 

materiality, namely £11.4 million (2018: £5.3 million) for balance 

following conditions:

sheet accounts. For accounts impacting underlying operating profit 

(revenue, cost of sales, admin expenses, and related working capital 

balance sheet accounts), we used £3.6 million.

•  Fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 66 – the 

statement given by the directors that they consider the annual 

report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced 

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining 

and understandable and provides the information necessary for 

audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is 

shareholders to assess the group’s performance, business model 

undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. 

and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 

The performance materiality set for each component is based on the 

obtained in the audit; or 

relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole and 

•  Audit committee reporting set out on pages 60 to 63 – the 

our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the 

section describing the work of the audit committee does not 

current year, the range of performance materiality allocated to EY 

appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit 

Cyprus is £5.7 million (2018: £2.6 million) for Balance Sheet accounts 

committee; or

and £1.8m for accounts impacting underlying operating profit 

•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate 

(revenue, cost of sales, admin expenses, and related working capital 

Governance Code set out on page 46 – the parts of the 

balance sheet accounts).

Reporting threshold 

An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as 

being clearly trivial.

directors’ statement required under the Listing Rules relating to 

the company’s compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 

Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor in 

accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose 

a departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 

Governance Code.

them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of £0.76 million 

(2018: £0.35 million) for balance sheet accounts and £0.24 million 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

for accounts impacting underlying operating profit (revenue, cost 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in 

of sales, admin expenses, and related working capital balance 

relation to which the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 requires us to 

sheet accounts); which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well 

report to you if, in our opinion:

as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted 

reporting on qualitative grounds. We evaluate any uncorrected 

misstatements against both the quantitative measures of 

materiality discussed above and in light of other relevant qualitative 

considerations in forming our opinion.

•  proper accounting records have not been kept by the company, or 

proper 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 company’s 

accounting records and returns; or

Other information 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

The other information comprises the information included in the 

require for our audit.

annual report including Results highlights, the Chairman’s message, 

Responsibilities of directors

the Portfolio review, the Strategic Report and the Governance Report 

set out on pages 4 through 66, other than the financial statements 

and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the 

other information.

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set 

out on page 66, 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 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 

is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are 

information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this 

free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 

for assessing the group and parent company’s ability to continue as 

responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 

a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 

consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 

concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 

with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit 

directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company 

or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such 

or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

72

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, 

in accordance with Article 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 

2008. 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.

Peter McIver

for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP

London

15 March 2020

Notes:

1.  The maintenance and integrity of the Raven Property Group Limited web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these 

matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the web site.

2.  Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow

73

74

GROUP INCOME 
STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2019

  Underlying 
earnings 
£’000 

Notes 

4 / 5 

175,373 

(48,869) 

126,504 

2019 
Capital 
and other 
£’000 

– 

– 

– 

  Underlying 
earnings 
£’000 

Total 
£’000 

175,373 

162,639 

(48,869) 

(44,354) 

126,504 

118,285 

2018 
Capital 
and other 
£’000 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
£’000

162,639

(44,354)

118,285

Gross revenue 

Property operating expenditure  
and cost of sales 

Net rental and related income 

Administrative expenses 

4 / 6 

(23,130) 

(2,303) 

(25,433) 

(22,714) 

(2,436) 

(25,150)

Share-based payments and  
other long term incentives 

31 

(4,927) 

(541) 

(5,468) 

– 

(2,853) 

Foreign currency profits / (losses) 

27,462 

– 

27,462 

(2,480) 

– 

(2,853)

(2,480)

Operating expenditure 

(595) 

(2,844) 

(3,439) 

(25,194) 

(5,289) 

(30,483)

Share of profits of joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of joint ventures 

Operating profit / (loss) before profits 
and losses on investment property 

Unrealised profit / (loss) on revaluation  
of investment property 

Unrealised profit on revaluation  
of investment property under construction 

Operating profit / (loss) 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Profit / (loss) before tax 

Tax 

Profit / (loss) for the year 

Earnings per share: 
Basic (pence) 
Diluted (pence) 

Underlying earnings per share: 
Basic (pence) 
Diluted (pence) 

15 

15 

11 

12 

4 

7 

7 

8 

9

9

792 

– 

– 

490 

792 

490 

1,630 

– 

– 

– 

1,630

–

126,701 

(2,354) 

124,347 

94,721 

(5,289) 

89,432

– 

– 

47,820 

47,820 

451 

451 

– 

– 

(121,764) 

(121,764)

755 

755

126,701 

45,917 

172,618 

94,721 

(126,298) 

(31,577)

2,011 

– 

2,011 

3,286 

1,583 

4,869

(74,977) 

(34,593) 

(109,570) 

(71,796) 

(16,384) 

(88,180)

53,735 

11,324 

65,059 

26,211 

(141,099) 

(114,888)

(10,510) 

(8,531) 

(19,041) 

(6,197) 

404 

(5,793)

43,225 

2,793 

46,018 

20,014 

(140,695) 

(120,681)

8.16 
7.50 

(18.81)
(18.81)

7.67 
6.35 

3.12
3.08

The total column of this statement represents the Group's Income Statement, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.  

The "underlying earnings" and "capital and other" columns are both supplied as supplementary information. Further details of the allocation of 

items between the supplementary columns are given in note 9.

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

All income is attributable to the equity holders of the parent company. There are no non-controlling interests.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75

GROUP STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Profit / (loss) for the year 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
Items to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:  
Foreign currency translation on consolidation 

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 

All income is attributable to the equity holders of the parent company. There are no non-controlling interests.

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

46,018 

(120,681)

77,018 

49,854

123,036 

(70,827)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
76

GROUP BALANCE  
SHEET

As at 31 December 2019

Non-current assets

Investment property 

Investment property under construction 

Plant and equipment 

Investment in joint ventures 

Other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets

Inventory 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and short term deposits 

Total assets 

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

Other payables 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

11 

12 

15 

16 

18 

25 

17 

18 

19 

20 

18 

21 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

1,337,682 

1,175,440

33,846 

30,548

6,150 

189 

3,414 

2,621 

24,290 

3,574

6,566

15,535

21,953

24,405

1,408,192 

1,278,021

358 

356

41,595 

43,658

– 

349

68,138 

73,450

110,091 

117,813

1,518,283 

1,395,834

51,691 

66,192

– 

1

60,173 

75,565

111,864 

141,758

623,168 

567,865

110,324 

109,271

217,482 

206,116

18,623 

71,024 

17,797

57,400

1,040,621 

958,449

1,152,485 

1,100,207

365,798 

295,627

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GROUP BALANCE SHEET

77

Notes 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

26 

27 

28 

23 

4,898 

6,233

51,463 

103,144

– 

98

(4,582) 

(5,965)

11,212 

11,212

(234,519) 

(281,001)

28,188 

(48,887)

509,138 

510,793

29 / 30 

365,798 

295,627

Equity

Share capital 

Share premium 

Warrants 

Own shares held 

Convertible preference shares 

Capital reserve 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Net asset value per share (pence): 

30

Basic 

Diluted 

76 

75 

48

48

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15 March 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Mark Sinclair 

Chief Financial Officer 

Colin Smith

Chief Operating Officer

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

79

Total 
£’000

GROUP STATEMENT OF 
CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Share 

Share 

  Capital  Premium  Warrants 
£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

Notes 

Own  Convertible 

Shares 
Held 
£’000 

Preference  Capital  Translation  Retained 
Reserve  Earnings 
£’000 

Shares  Reserve 
£’000 
£’000 

£’000 

6,606 

124,568 

438 

(3,652) 

11,212  (166,494) 

(98,741)  517,901  391,838

For the year ended 
31 December 2018 

At 1 January 2018 

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Warrants exercised 

26 / 27 

85 

2,380 

(340) 

Own shares acquired 

Own shares allocated 

28 

28 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Ordinary shares cancelled 

26 / 28 

(458) 

(23,804) 

Transfer in respect of capital losses 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4,235) 

1,886 

36 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  (114,507) 

– 

(120,681)  (120,681)

49,854 

– 

49,854

49,854 

(120,681) 

(70,827)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,125

(4,235)

(934) 

952

– 

(24,226)

114,507 

–

At 31 December 2018 

6,233 

103,144 

98 

(5,965) 

11,212  (281,001) 

(48,887)  510,793  295,627

For the year ended  
31 December 2019

At 1 January 2019 

6,233 

103,144 

98 

(5,965) 

11,212  (281,001) 

(48,887)  510,793  295,627

On adoption of IFRS 16 Leases 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

57 

(390) 

(333)

Restated as at 1 January 2019 

6,233 

103,144 

98 

(5,965) 

11,212  (281,001) 

(48,830)  510,403  295,294

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive  
income for the year 

– 

– 

– 

Warrants exercised 

26 / 27 

17 

Warrants lapsed 

27 

Conversion of convertible  
preference shares 

Own shares acquired 

Own shares allocated 

23 / 26 

28 

28 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

486 

– 

12 

– 

– 

Ordinary shares cancelled 

26 / 28 

(1,352) 

(52,179) 

Transfer in respect of capital profits 

– 

– 

At 31 December 2019 

4,898 

51,463 

– 

– 

– 

(69) 

(29) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(106) 

1,338 

151 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

46,482 

– 

46,018 

46,018

77,018 

– 

77,018

77,018 

46,018 

123,036

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

29 

– 

– 

434

–

12

(106)

(830) 

508

– 

(53,380)

(46,482) 

–

(4,582) 

11,212  (234,519) 

28,188 

509,138  365,798

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

GROUP CASH FLOW 
STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit / (loss) before tax 

Adjustments for:

Depreciation  

Provision for bad debts 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

Share of profits of joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of joint ventures 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

(Profit) / loss on revaluation of investment property 

Profit on revaluation of investment property under construction 

Foreign exchange (profits) / losses 

Non-cash element of share-based payments and other long term incentives 

Changes in operating working capital

Decrease in operating receivables 

Increase in other operating current assets 

Decrease in operating payables 

Receipts from joint ventures 

Tax paid 

Net cash generated from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for property improvements 

Refunds of VAT on acquisition of investment property 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Cash acquired with subsidiaries 

Acquisition of investment property / payment of deferred  
consideration on acquisition of investment property 

Loans granted 

Loans repaid 

Purchase of plant and equipment 

Proceeds on disposal of plant and equipment 

Investment in joint ventures 

Proceeds on disposal of joint ventures 

Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

6 

6 

15 

15 

7 

7 

11 

12 

31 

15 

38 

38 

11 

15 

15 

65,059 

(114,888)

1,782 

(2) 

19 

(792) 

(490) 

(2,011) 

109,570 

811

(58)

–

(1,630)

–

(4,869)

88,180

(47,820) 

121,764

(451) 

(27,462) 

5,468 

(755)

2,480

2,853

102,870 

93,888

4,491 

(2) 

(6,152) 

8,212

(43)

(1,627)

101,207 

100,430

1,043 

(9,150) 

3,000

(7,344)

93,100 

96,086

(11,939) 

3,920 

(8,611)

12,754

(169) 

(33,826)

– 

1,235

(11,924) 

(44,054)

(101) 

447 

(194)

34

(2,140) 

(2,262)

113 

(13) 

3,650 

1,960 

–

(533)

–

3,254

(16,196) 

(72,203)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT

81

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from long term borrowings 

Repayment of long term borrowings 

Loan amortisation 

Bank borrowing costs paid 

Exercise of warrants 

Ordinary shares purchased 

Dividends paid on preference shares 

Dividends paid on convertible preference shares 

Proceeds from disposal of derivative financial instruments 

Premium paid for derivative financial instruments 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Opening cash and cash equivalents 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Closing cash and cash equivalents 

Notes 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

26 / 27 

26 / 28 

357,966 

155,628

(284,431) 

(153,152)

(22,652) 

(23,279)

(54,689) 

(50,000)

434 

2,125

(53,310) 

(28,258)

(11,285) 

(11,327)

(12,486) 

(12,716)

3,259 

–

(2,868) 

(18,848)

(80,062) 

(139,827)

(3,158) 

(115,944)

73,450 

197,137

(2,154) 

(7,743)

19 

68,138 

73,450

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

NOTES TO THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General information

Changes in accounting policies

Raven Property Group Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries 

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the 

(together the "Group") is a property investment group specialising in 

previous financial year except for new standards adopted. The Group 

commercial real estate in Russia.

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Guernsey under the 

provisions of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The Company's 

registered office is at La Vieille Cour, La Plaiderie, St Peter Port, 

Guernsey GY1 6EH.

The audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended  

31 December 2019 were authorised by the Board for issue on  

15 March 2020.

2. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by 

the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, section 244, not to prepare 

company financial statements as group financial statements have 

been prepared for both current and prior periods. The Group financial 

statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the 

nearest thousand pounds (£'000) except where otherwise indicated.

has adopted new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as of  

1 January 2019. The Group applies for the first time, IFRS 16 Leases 

and IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments.

IFRS 16 has been adopted using the modified retrospective method 

for the Group's office leases and elected to use the recognition 

exemptions for lease contracts that have a lease term of 12 months or 

less and lease contracts for which the underlying asset is of low value. 

The "right of use assets" are included within plant and equipment and 

the "lease liabilities" in other payables. The Group has assessed the 

impact of IFRS 16 and concluded it does not have a material impact 

as it only affects the leases for the Group's three administrative offices 

and lessor accounting has not materially changed. 

IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

addresses the accounting for income taxes when treatments involve 

uncertainty that affects the application of IAS 12. As set out in note 3, 

the Group applies significant judgement in identifying uncertainties 

over income tax treatments. As the Group operates in a number of 

jurisdictions it has assessed each individually. Whilst the methodology 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 

used for assessing the provision has changed, it has not had a 

the group financial statements are set out below. The policies have 

material impact on the financial statements. 

been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise 

indicated.

The Group has assessed the impact of IFRS 16 and IFRIC 23 and 

concluded that they do not have a material impact on the financial 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS 

performance or financial position of the Group or the disclosures 

requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 

made in its financial statements.

requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of 

applying the accounting policies. The areas involving a high degree of 

judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 

are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

Going concern

Certain new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing 

standards have been published that are mandatory for later 

accounting periods and which have not been adopted early. Of these 

the two thought to have a possible impact on the Group are:

Definition of Material - Amendments to IAS1 and IAS 8 (effective  

The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position 

1 January 2020) 

and borrowings are described in the Financial Review and the notes 

The Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (effective  

to these financial statements. After making appropriate enquiries 

1 January 2020)

The Group has assessed the impact of these changes and does 

not expect them to significantly impact on the financial position 

or performance of the Group. There may, however, be changes to 

disclosures within the financial statements.

The standards, amendments or revisions are effective for annual 

periods beginning on or after the dates noted above.

and examining sensitivities that could give rise to financial exposure, 

the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 

resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. 

Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in 

the preparation of these financial statements.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements of the Group have been prepared in 

accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted 

for use in the European Union ("IFRS") and the Companies (Guernsey) 

Law, 2008.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

83

Basis of consolidation

Revenue recognition

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial 

(a) Property investment 

statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and the special 

Rental income from operating leases is recognised in income on a 

purpose vehicles ("SPVs") controlled by the Company, made up to 

straight-line basis over the lease term. Rental increases calculated 

31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company is 

with reference to an underlying index and the resulting rental income 

exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with 

("contingent rents") are recognised in income as they are earned.

or ownership of the investee entity and has the ability to affect those 

returns through its power over the investee. 

Incentives for lessees to enter into lease agreements are spread 

evenly over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on 

The Group has acquired investment properties through the purchase 

such a basis. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease, 

of SPVs. In the opinion of the Directors, these transactions did not 

together with any further term for which the tenant has the option to 

meet the definition of a business combination as set out in IFRS 3 

continue the lease, where, at the inception of the lease, the directors 

"Business Combinations". Accordingly the transactions have not 

are reasonably certain that the tenant will exercise that option.

been accounted for as an acquisition of a business and instead 

the financial statements reflect the substance of the transactions, 

which is considered to be the purchase of investment property and 

investment property under construction.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year 

are included in the Income Statement from the effective date of 

Premiums received to terminate leases are recognised in the Income 

Statement as they arise.

(b) Roslogistics  

Logistics revenue, excluding value added tax, is recognised as services 

are provided.

acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. 

(c) Raven Mount 

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of 

entities acquired to bring the accounting policies into line with those 

used by the Group. 

The sale of completed property and land is recognised on legal 

completion.

Taxation

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenditure are 

The Company is a limited company registered in Guernsey, Channel 

eliminated on consolidation.

Joint ventures

A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby the parties that 

have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of 

the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of 

Islands, and is exempt from taxation. The Group is liable to Russian, 

Cypriot and UK tax arising on the results of its Russian, Cypriot and UK 

operations.

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

deferred tax.

control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about 

(a) Current tax 

the activities require unanimous consent of the contracting parties for 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. 

strategic financial and operating decisions.

The Group's investments in joint ventures are accounted for using 

the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in a 

joint venture is initially recognised at cost. The carrying value of the 

investment is adjusted to recognise changes in the Group's share 

of net assets of the joint venture since the acquisition date. Any 

Taxable profit differs from net profit (or loss) as reported in the 

Income Statement because it excludes items of income and 

expenditure 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.

premium paid for an interest in a joint venture above the fair value 

(b) Tax provisions 

of the Group's share of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 

Management periodically evaluate positions taken in the Group's tax 

liabilities is determined as goodwill. Goodwill relating to a joint 

returns with respect to situations where the applicable tax regulations 

venture is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is 

are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where 

neither amortised nor individually tested for impairment.

appropriate. The resulting provision for uncertain tax positions is 

The aggregate of the Group's share of profit or loss of joint ventures 

is shown on the face of the Income Statement within Operating Profit 

and represents the profit or loss after tax.

recorded within current tax payable (see note 20).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

84

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(c) Deferred tax 

Investment property is measured initially at its cost, including related 

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on 

transaction costs. After initial recognition, investment property is 

differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in 

carried at fair value. The Directors assess the fair value of investment 

the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the 

property based on independent valuations carried out by their 

computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance 

appointed property valuers or on independent valuations prepared 

sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised 

for banking purposes. The Group has appointed Jones Lang LaSalle 

for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 

as property valuers to prepare valuations on a semi-annual basis. 

recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will 

Valuations are undertaken in accordance with appropriate sections 

be available against which deductible temporary differences can be 

of the current Practice Statements contained in the Royal Institution 

utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary 

of Chartered Surveyors Valuation - Global Standards, 2017 (the "Red 

difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other 

Book"). These are internationally accepted standards of valuation. 

than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment 

transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting 

property are included in the Income Statement in the period in which 

profit.

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. Unrecognised deferred tax assets 

are reassessed at each balance sheet date and are recognised to the 

they arise. For the purposes of these financial statements, in order 

to avoid double counting, the assessed fair value is reduced by the 

present value of any tenant incentives and contracted rent uplifts that 

are spread over the lease term and increased by the carrying amount 

of any liability under a head lease that has been recognised in the 

Balance Sheet.

extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will 

Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the construction of 

allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

investment property are included in the cost of the property from 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply 

in the period when the liability is settled or the asset realised, based 

the date of commencement of construction until construction is 

completed.

on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the 

Leasing (as lessors)

reporting date. 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.

Leases where the Group does not transfer substantially all the risks 

and benefits incidental to ownership of the asset are classified as 

operating leases. All of the Group's properties are leased under 

operating leases and are included in investment property in the 

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if a legally 

Balance Sheet.

enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax 

liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable 

Financial assets

entity and the same taxation authority.

(d) Value added tax 

Revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities are recognised net of the 

amount of value added tax except:

•  Where the value added tax incurred on a purchase of assets or 

services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which 

case the value added tax is recognised as part of the cost of 

acquisition of the asset or as part of the expenditure item as 

applicable; and 

•  Receivables and payables that are stated with the amount of value 

added tax included.

The net amount of value added tax recoverable from, or payable to, 

the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables,  

as appropriate, in the Balance Sheet.

Investment property and investment property under 

construction

Investment property comprises completed property and property 

under construction held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or 

both. Investment property comprises both freehold and leasehold 

land and buildings.

The Group classifies its financial assets into one of the categories 

discussed below, depending upon the purpose for which the asset 

was acquired.

(a) Fair value through profit or loss 

This category comprises only in-the-money derivatives (see financial 

liabilities policy for out-of-the-money derivatives), which are carried 

at fair value with changes in the fair value recognised in the Income 

Statement in finance income or finance expense.

(b) Loans and receivables 

These are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable 

payments that are not quoted in an active market. In the case of the 

Group, loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables, 

loans, security deposits, restricted cash and cash and short term 

deposits.

Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value, plus 

transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition 

or issue, and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the 

effective interest rate method, less provision for Expected Credit Loss 

("ECL"). The Group assesses on a forward looking basis the ECL for its 

financial assets measured at amortised cost. The Group measures the 

ECL and recognises a credit loss allowance at each reporting date.

Cash and short term deposits include cash in hand, deposits held at 

call with banks and other short term highly liquid investments with 

original maturities of three months or less.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

85

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Awards not linked to or settled by ordinary shares 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to 

the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.

These awards are accounted for in accordance with IAS 19 Employee 

Benefits whereby the Group estimates the cost of awards using the 

projected unit credit method, which involves estimating the future 

The Group classifies its financial liabilities into one of the categories 

value of the preference shares or convertible preference shares, as 

listed below.

(a) Fair value through profit or loss 

This category comprises only out-of-the-money derivatives, which are 

carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recognised in the 

appropriate, at the vesting date and the probability of the awards 

vesting. The resulting expense is charged to the Income Statement 

over the performance period and the liability is remeasured at each 

Balance Sheet date.

Income Statement in finance income or finance expense.

The cash component of the 2016 Retention Scheme has been 

(b) Other financial liabilities 

accounted for in this way.

Other financial liabilities include interest bearing loans, trade payables 

Foreign currency translation

(including rent deposits and retentions under construction contracts), 

preference shares, convertible preference shares and other short-term 

monetary liabilities. Trade payables and other short-term monetary 

liabilities are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently carried 

at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

(a) Functional and presentation currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each Group entity are 

measured in the currency of the primary economic environment 

in which the entity operates (the "functional currency"). For the 

Company the directors consider this to be Sterling. The group 

Interest bearing loans, convertible preference shares and preference 

financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are 

shares are initially recorded at fair value net of direct issue costs and 

rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£'000) except where 

subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest 

otherwise indicated.

rate method. Finance charges, including premiums payable on 

settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are charged to the 

Income Statement using the effective interest rate method.

(b) Transactions and balances 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 

currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual 

transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 

interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. 

settlement of such transactions and from the translation at the year-

The Group considers the convertible preference shares to be a 

end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated 

compound financial instrument, that is they have a liability and equity 

in foreign currencies are recognised in the Income Statement. 

component. On the issue of convertible preference shares the fair 

Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using exchange 

value of the liability component is determined and the balance of the 

rates at the date of the initial transaction or when their fair values are 

proceeds of issue is deemed to be equity. The Group's other equity 

reassessed.

instruments are its ordinary shares and warrants.

Own shares held

Own equity instruments which are acquired are recognised at cost 

and deducted from equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the Income 

(c) On consolidation 

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have 

a functional currency different from the presentation currency are 

translated into the presentation currency as follows:

Statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group's 

(i)  assets and liabilities for each Balance Sheet are translated at the 

own equity instruments. Any difference between the carrying amount 

closing rate at the date of the Balance Sheet;

and the consideration is recognised in retained earnings.

(ii) 

income and expenditure for each Income Statement are 

Share-based payments and other long term incentives

The Group rewards its key management and other senior employees 

by a variety of means many of which are settled by ordinary, 

preference shares or convertible preference shares of the Company.

Awards linked to or that may be settled by ordinary shares 

The share component of the 2016 Retention Scheme may be settled 

in any of the Company's listed securities, including ordinary shares, 

and as a consequence falls within the scope of IFRS 2 Share-based 

payments. The instalments have been settled by preference shares 

and convertible preference shares and therefore are cash-settled 

transactions. The cost of cash-settled transactions is recognised as 

an expense over the vesting period, measured by reference to the 

fair value of the corresponding liability, which is recognised on the 

Balance Sheet. The liability is remeasured at fair value at each balance 

sheet date until settlement, with changes in the fair value recognised 

in the Income Statement. Also, to the extent the Five Year Performance 

Plan vests in March 2023, the resulting entitlements will be settled in 

ordinary shares and thus will fall within the scope of IFRS 2. 

translated at the average exchange rate prevailing in the period 

unless this does not approximate to the rates ruling at the dates 

of the transactions in which case they are translated at the 

transaction date rates; and

(iii)  all resulting exchange differences are recognised in Other 

Comprehensive Income.

The exchange differences arising from the translation of the net 

investment in foreign entities are recognised in Other Comprehensive 

Income. When a foreign entity is sold, such exchange differences are 

recognised in the Income Statement as part of the gain or loss on sale. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 

foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity 

and translated at the closing rate.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

86

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a 

(b) Recognition of deferred tax assets 

functional currency different from the Group's presentation currency 

The recognition of deferred tax assets is based upon whether it is 

(Sterling) are translated into the presentation currency using the 

probable that sufficient and suitable taxable profits will be available 

following rates:

Balance Sheet

– Roubles 

– United States Dollar 

– Euro 

Income Statement*

– Roubles 

– United States Dollar 

– Euro 

2019 

2018

81.1460 

88.3524

1.3108 

1.1703 

1.2736

1.1142

2019 

2018

in the future, against which the reversal of temporary differences can 

be deducted. Recognition, therefore, involves judgement regarding 

the future financial performance of the particular legal entity or tax 

group in which the deferred tax asset has been recognised.

Estimates

(a) Valuation of investment property and investment property under 

construction 

The best evidence of fair value are current prices in an active market 

for similar properties. In the absence of such information, the Group 

82.6282 

83.6890

determines the amount within a range of reasonable, fair value 

1.2765 

1.1398 

1.3350

1.1304

estimates. In making its estimation the Group considers information 

from a variety of sources and engages external, professional advisers 

* These are the average rates for the twelve months ended 31 December 2018 
and 2019, which are used unless this does not approximate the rates ruling 
at the dates of the relevant transactions in which case the item of income or 
expenditure is translated at the transaction date rate.

Dividends

Dividends to the Company's ordinary shareholders are recognised 

when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends, 

this is when declared by the directors. In the case of final dividends, 

this is when they are approved by the shareholders at an AGM.

3. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Group makes certain estimates and judgements regarding the 

future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and 

are based on historical experience as adjusted for current market 

conditions and other factors. The resulting accounting estimates will, 

by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates 

and judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material 

adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the 

next financial year are outlined below.

Judgements other than estimates

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies the 

following are considered to have the most significant effect on the 

amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

(a) Acquisitions 
Properties can be acquired through the corporate acquisition of a 

subsidiary company. At the time of acquisition, the Group considers 

whether the acquisition represents the acquisition of a business.  

The Group accounts for the acquisition as a business combination 

where an integrated set of activities is acquired in addition to the 

property. More specifically, consideration is made of the extent to 

which significant processes are acquired and the extent of ancillary 

services provided by the subsidiary.

to carry out third party valuations of its properties. The external 

valuations are completed in accordance with appropriate sections 

of the current Practice Statements contained in the Royal Institution 

of Chartered Surveyors Valuation - Global Standards, 2017 (the "Red 

Book"). These are internationally accepted standards of valuation and 

are consistent with the requirements of IFRS 13. In our market, where 

transactional activity is minimal, the valuers are required to use a 

greater degree of estimation or judgement than in a market where 

comparable transactions are more readily available.

The significant methods and assumptions used in estimating 

the fair value of investment property and investment property 

under construction are set out in note 13, along with detail of the 

sensitivities of the valuations to changes in the key inputs.

(b) Income tax 

As part of the process of preparing its financial statements, the Group 

is required to estimate the provision for income tax in each of the 

jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves an estimation 

of the actual current tax exposure, together with assessing temporary 

differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and 

accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets 

and liabilities, which are included in the Balance Sheet.

Russian tax legislation is subject to varying interpretations 

and changes, which may occur frequently. New legislation and 

clarifications have been introduced over recent years, but it remains 

unclear as to how these will be applied in practice. The interpretation 

of the legislation that the Group adopts for its transactions and 

activities may be challenged by the relevant regional and federal 

authorities from time to time. Additionally, there may be inconsistent 

interpretation of tax regulations by each local authority, creating 

uncertainties in the correct application of the taxation regulations 

in Russia. Fiscal periods remain open to review by the authorities 

for the three calendar years preceding the years of review and 

in some circumstances may cover a longer period. Additionally, 

When the acquisition of a subsidiary does not represent a business,  

there have been instances where new tax regulations have been 

it is accounted for as an acquisition of a group of assets and liabilities. 

applied retrospectively. The level of tax reviews and court activity is 

The cost of the acquisition is allocated to the assets and liabilities 

increasing. The Group is, and has been, subject to tax reviews which 

acquired based on their relative fair values, and no goodwill or 

are worked through with the relevant authorities to resolve.

deferred tax liabilities are recognised.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

87

The Group, in making its tax provision judgements, is confident 

that an appropriate level of management and control is exerted in 

each of the jurisdictions in which it operates, all companies are tax 

resident in their relevant jurisdictions and are the beneficial owners 

of any income they receive. Local management use their in house 

tax knowledge and previous experience as well as independent 

professional experts when assessing tax risks and the resultant 

provisions required. For the current year, the Group has specifically 

reviewed the potential impact that new regulations may have on its 

financing arrangements and the provision reflects the expected value 

method of calculation. It is reasonably possible that outcomes within 

the next financial year are different from the assumptions made and 

could require an adjustment to the carrying amount of the provision.

4. Segmental information

The Group has three reportable segments, which are managed and 

report independently to the Board. These comprise:

Property Investment - acquire or develop and lease commercial 

property in Russia

Roslogistics - provision of warehousing, transport, customs brokerage 

and related services in Russia - IFRS 15 revenue - services are provided 

to customers over time and invoiced at appropriate intervals in 

accordance with the relevant contract terms, with payment typically 

due within 10 to 45 days of invoicing; and 

Raven Mount - sale of residential property in the UK - IFRS 15 revenue 

- the transfer of land or property to the purchaser occurs on legal 

completion of the sale contract, with payment typically due upon 

completion, though in some cases a deferral may be agreed.

Financial information relating to Property Investment is provided to 

the Board on a property by property basis. The information provided 

comprises gross rentals, operating costs, net operating income, 

revaluation gains and losses and where relevant the profit or loss on 

disposal of an investment property. The individual properties have 

similar economic characteristics and are considered to be a single 

reporting segment.

Information about Raven Mount provided to the Board comprises the 

gross sale proceeds, inventory cost of sales and gross profit, including 

the share of profits or losses of its joint venture.

Roslogistics is an independently managed business and the Board is 

presented with turnover, cost of sales and operating profits or losses 

after deduction of administrative expenses.

Administrative expenses and foreign currency gains or losses are 

reported to the Board by segment. Finance income and finance 

expense are not reported to the Board on a segment basis. Sales 

between segments are eliminated prior to the provision of financial 

information to the Board.

For the Balance Sheet, segmental information is provided in relation 

to investment property, inventory, cash balances and borrowings. 

Whilst segment liabilities include loans and borrowings, segment 

profit does not include the related finance costs. If such finance costs 

were included in segment profit or loss, the profit from Property 

Investment would have decreased by £56.0 million (2018: £51.1 

million).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

88

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(a) Segmental information for the year ended and as at 31 December 2019

Year ended 31 December 2019 

Gross revenue 

Operating costs / cost of sales 

Net rental and related income 

Administrative expenses

Property 

Investment  Roslogistics 
£’000 

£’000 

Raven 
Mount 
£’000 

Segment 
Total 
£’000 

Central 
Overhead 
£’000 

158,547 

16,663 

(40,664) 

117,883 

(8,285) 

8,378 

163 

80 

243 

175,373 

(48,869) 

126,504 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
£’000

175,373

(48,869)

126,504

Running general and administration expenses 

(15,584) 

(1,997) 

(406) 

(17,987) 

(5,143) 

(23,130)

Abortive project costs 

Depreciation 

Share-based payments and  
other long term incentives 

Foreign currency profits / (losses) 

Unrealised profit on revaluation of  
investment property 

Unrealised profit on revaluation of  
investment property under construction 

Share of profits of joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of joint ventures 

(521) 

(1,417) 

(815) 

27,460 

– 

(364) 

– 

5 

– 

(1) 

– 

(3) 

(521) 

(1,782) 

– 

– 

(815) 

(4,653) 

27,462 

– 

(521)

(1,782)

(5,468)

27,462

127,006 

6,022 

(167) 

132,861 

(9,796) 

123,065

47,820 

451 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(213) 

– 

– 

– 

1,005 

490 

47,820 

451 

792 

490 

– 

– 

– 

– 

47,820

451

792

490

Segment profit / (loss) 

175,277 

5,809 

1,328 

182,414 

(9,796) 

172,618

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Profit before tax 

As at 31 December 2019 

Assets

Investment property 

Investment property under construction 

Investment in joint ventures 

Inventory 

Cash and short term deposits 

Segment assets 

Other non-current assets 

Other current assets 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Capital expenditure

Corporate acquisitions 

Other acquisition 

Property improvements 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

2,011

(109,570)

65,059

Property 

Investment  Roslogistics 
£’000 

£’000 

Raven 
Mount 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

1,337,682 

33,846 

– 

– 

62,449 

1,433,977 

– 

– 

189 

– 

1,069 

1,258 

– 

– 

– 

358 

4,620 

1,337,682

33,846

189

358

68,138

4,978 

1,440,213

36,475

41,595

1,518,283

683,341

169

11,924

11,939

24,032

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

683,341 

169 

11,924 

11,939 

24,032 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89

(a) Segmental information for the year ended and as at 31 December 2018

Year ended 31 December 2018 

Gross revenue 

Operating costs / cost of sales 

Net rental and related income 

Administrative expenses

Property 

Investment  Roslogistics 
£’000 

£’000 

Raven 
Mount 
£’000 

Segment 
Total 
£’000 

Central 
Overhead 
£’000 

146,106 

16,402 

(36,322) 

109,784 

(8,278) 

8,124 

131 

246 

377 

162,639 

(44,354) 

118,285 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
£’000

162,639

(44,354)

118,285

Running general and administration expenses 

(14,535) 

(1,989) 

(419) 

(16,943) 

(5,771) 

(22,714)

Abortive project costs 

Depreciation 

Share-based payments and  
other long term incentives 

Foreign currency (losses) / profits 

(1,625) 

(491) 

(350) 

(2,483) 

– 

(318) 

– 

3 

- 

(2) 

– 

– 

(1,625) 

(811) 

– 

– 

(350) 

(2,503) 

(2,480) 

– 

(1,625)

(811)

(2,853)

(2,480)

90,300 

5,820 

(44) 

96,076 

(8,274) 

87,802

Unrealised loss on revaluation of  
investment property 

Unrealised profit on revaluation of  
investment property under construction 

Share of profits of joint ventures 

(121,764) 

755 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Segment (loss) / profit 

(30,709) 

5,820 

– 

– 

1,630 

1,586 

(121,764) 

755 

1,630 

– 

– 

– 

(121,764)

755

1,630

(23,303) 

(8,274) 

(31,577)

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Loss before tax 

As at 31 December 2018 

Assets

Investment property 

Investment property under construction 

Investment in joint ventures 

Inventory 

Cash and short term deposits 

Segment assets 

Other non-current assets 

Other current assets 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Capital expenditure

Corporate acquisitions 

Other acquisition 

Property improvements 

4,869

(88,180)

(114,888)

Property 

Investment  Roslogistics 
£’000 

£’000 

Raven 
Mount 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

1,175,440 

30,548 

– 

– 

69,605 

1,275,593 

– 

– 

369 

– 

1,358 

1,727 

– 

– 

6,197 

356 

2,487 

1,175,440

30,548

6,566

356

73,450

9,040 

1,286,360

65,467

44,007

1,395,834

643,430

33,249

27,239

2,741

63,229

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

643,430 

33,249 

27,239 

2,741 

63,229 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Gross revenue

Rental and related income 

Proceeds from the sale of inventory property 

Logistics 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

158,547 

146,106

163 

131

16,663 

16,402

175,373 

162,639

The Group's leases typically include annual rental increases ("contingent rents") based on a consumer price index in Russia, Europe or the USA, 

which are recognised in income as they arise. Contingent rents, being amounts recorded in excess of minimum contracted increases, are included 

in rental income for the year amounted £139k (2018: £12k).

Details of the Group's contracted future minimum lease receivables are detailed in note 36.

In 2019 there were no single customers accounting for more than 10% of Group revenues. In 2018 the Group recognised revenue of £19 million 

from a single tenant of the property investment segment that amounted to more than 10% of Group revenue.

6. Administrative expenses 

(a) Total administrative expenses 

Employment costs 

Directors’ remuneration 

Bad debts 

Office running costs and insurance 

Travel costs 

Auditors’ remuneration 

Legal and professional 

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment 

Abortive project costs 

Depreciation 

Registrar costs and other administrative expenses 

(b) Fees for audit and other services provided by the Group’s auditor 

Audit services 

Audit related assurance services 

Other fees:

Taxation services 

Other services 

Total fees 

2019 
£’000 

13,615 

2,523 

2018 
£’000

12,079

2,900

(2) 

(58)

2,480 

1,164 

671 

2,416 

19 

521 

1,782 

244 

3,261

1,321

596

2,070

–

1,625

811

545

25,433 

25,150

2019 
£’000 

532 

50 

582 

89 

– 

89 

2018 
£’000

461

50

511

47

38

85

671 

596

In 2018 the Group engaged Ernst & Young LLP to undertake due diligence in respect of the investment property acquisitions in the year, incurring 

£103k of fees, which were included in the cost of the relevant investment property and a further £537k incurred in respect of aborted projects. 

There were no equivalent fees for 2019.

Ernst & Young LLP also provide audit and taxation services for various SPVs that form part of the property operating costs. Charges for the audit 

of SPVs in the year amounted to £132k (2018: £265k) and the fees for taxation services were £93k (2018: £147k).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

91

7. Finance income and expense

Finance income

Total interest income on financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss

Income from cash and short term deposits 

Interest receivable from joint ventures 

Other finance income

Change in fair value of open interest rate derivative financial instruments 

Finance income 

Finance expense

Interest expense on loans and borrowings measured at amortised cost 

Interest expense on preference shares 

Interest expense on convertible preference shares 

Other interest expense 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

1,960 

51 

– 

2,011 

55,956 

12,338 

19,731 

1,153 

3,254

32

1,583

4,869

51,092

12,335

19,963

–

Total interest expense on financial liabilities not at fair value through profit or loss 

89,178 

83,390

Change in fair value of open forward currency derivative financial instruments 

Change in fair value of open interest rate derivative financial instruments 

Change in fair value of foreign currency embedded derivatives 

Finance expense 

20 

20,372 

– 

83

4,566

141

109,570 

88,180

Included in the interest expense on loans and borrowings is £6.59 million (2018: £3.93 million) relating to amortisation of costs incurred in 

originating the loans. Included in the interest expense on preference shares is £0.36 million (2018: £0.42 million) relating to the accretion of 

premiums payable on redemption of preference shares and amortisation of costs incurred in issuing preference shares. Included in the interest 

expense on convertible preference shares is £6.95 million (2018: £6.95 million) relating to the accretion of premiums payable on redemption and 

amortisation of costs incurred in issuing the convertible preference shares of £0.30 million (2018: £0.30 million).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

92

8. Tax

The tax expense for the year comprises:

Current taxation 

Deferred taxation (note 25)

On the origination and reversal of temporary differences 

On unrealised foreign exchange movements in loans 

Tax charge 

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the loss per the Income Statement as follows:

Profit / (loss) before tax 

Tax at the Russian corporate tax rate of 20% 

Tax effect of financing arrangements 

Tax effect of fair value movement on open interest rate derivative financial instruments 

Tax effect of non deductible preference share coupon 

Tax effect of foreign exchange movements 

Movement in provision for uncertain tax positions 

Tax effect of other income not subject to tax and non-deductible expenses 

Tax effect of property depreciation on revaluations 

Tax on dividends and other inter company gains 

Movement on previously unprovided deferred tax assets 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

8,210 

5,731

10,766 

65 

72

(10)

19,041 

5,793

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

65,059 

(114,888)

13,012 

(22,978)

1,326 

3,743 

6,414 

(4,480) 

(543) 

4,625 

(1,964)

327

6,460

(2,186)

(1,924)

4,983

(7,422) 

17,179

2,423 

(57) 

19,041 

2,571

3,325

5,793

The tax effect of financing arrangements reflects the impact of intra group funding in each jurisdiction. Foreign exchange movements on 

intra group financing are taxable or tax deductible in Russia but not in other jurisdictions. In accordance with its accounting policy, the Group 

is required to estimate its provision for uncertain tax positions and the movement in the provision is reflected above. Other income and 

expenditure not subject to tax arises in Guernsey.

9. Earnings measures

In addition to reporting IFRS earnings the Group also reports its own underlying earnings measure. The Directors consider underlying earnings 

to be a key performance measure, as this is the measure used by Management to assess the return on holding investment assets for the long 

term and the Group's ability to declare covered distributions. As a consequence the underlying earnings measure excludes investment property 

revaluations, gains or losses on the disposal of investment property, intangible asset movements; gains and losses on derivative financial 

instruments, share-based payments and other long term incentives (to the extent not settled in cash), the accretion of premiums payable on 

redemption of preference shares and convertible preference shares, depreciation and amortisation of loan origination costs (as these represent 

non-cash expenses that do not affect the ability to declare covered distributions); and material non-recurring items, together with any related tax.

The Group is also required to report Headline earnings per share as required by the listing requirements of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

93

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Earnings

Net profit / (loss) for the year prepared under IFRS 

Adjustments to arrive at underlying earnings:

Administrative expenses

Depreciation (note 6a) 

Aborted project costs (note 6a) 

Share-based payments and other long term incentives (note 31b) 

Profit on disposal of joint ventures 

Unrealised (profit) / loss on revaluation of investment property 

Unrealised profit on revaluation of investment property under construction 

Finance income

2019 

2018

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000

46,018 

  (120,681)

1,782 

521 

811

1,625

2,303 

541 

(490) 

(47,820) 

(451) 

2,436

2,853

–

  121,764

(755)

Change in fair value of open interest rate derivative financial instruments (note 7) 

– 

(1,583)

Finance expense

Change in fair value of open forward currency derivative financial instruments (note 7) 

Change in fair value of open interest rate derivative financial instruments (note 7) 

Change in fair value of foreign currency embedded derivatives (note 7) 

Premium on redemption of preference shares and amortisation of issue costs (note 22) 

Premium on redemption of convertible preference shares and amortisation of issue costs (note 23) 

Amortisation of loan origination costs (note 7) 

Tax

Movement on deferred tax arising on depreciation and revaluation of investment property 

Tax on unrealised foreign exchange movements in loans 

Underlying earnings 

Calculation of Headline earnings

Net profit / (loss) for the year prepared under IFRS 

Adjustments to arrive at Headline earnings:

Unrealised (profit) / loss on revaluation of investment property 

Unrealised profit on revaluation of investment property under construction 

Movement on deferred tax arising on revaluation of investment property 

Headline earnings 

20 

20,372 

– 

362 

7,245 

6,594 

8,547 

(16) 

83

4,566

141

417

7,246

3,931

34,593 

16,384

(619)

215

8,531 

43,225 

(404)

20,014

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

46,018 

(120,681)

(47,820) 

121,764

(451) 

2,280 

27 

(755)

(6,502)

(6,174)

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IFRS 

Basic 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Warrants (note 27) 

LTIP (note 31) 

2016 Retention scheme (note 31) 

Five Year Performance Plan (note 31) 

Convertible preference shares (note 23) 

Diluted 

Underlying earnings 

Basic 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Warrants (note 27) 

LTIP (note 31) 

2016 Retention scheme (note 31) 

Five Year Performance Plan (note 31) 

Convertible preference shares (note 23) 

Diluted 

Headline earnings 

Basic 

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Warrants (note 27) 

LTIP (note 31) 

2016 Retention scheme (note 31) 

Five Year Performance Plan (note 31) 

Convertible preference shares (note 23) 

2019 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

Earnings 
£’000 

EPS 
Pence 

Earnings 
£’000 

2018 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

EPS 
Pence

46,018 

563,890 

8.16 

(120,681) 

641,588 

(18.81)

– 

– 

– 

– 

236 

103 

2,349 

– 

19,731 

65,749 

310,090 

876,668 

2019 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

Earnings 
£’000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

7.50 

(120,681) 

641,588 

(18.81)

EPS 
Pence 

Earnings 
£’000 

2018 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

EPS 
Pence

3.12

43,225 

563,890 

7.67 

20,014 

641,588 

– 

– 

– 

– 

236 

103 

2,349 

– 

12,486 

55,711 

310,090 

876,668 

2019 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

Earnings 
£’000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,641

612

4,535

–

–

6.35 

20,014 

649,376 

3.08

EPS 
Pence 

Earnings 
£’000 

2018 
Weighted 
average 
shares 
No. ‘000 

EPS 
Pence

27 

563,890 

0.00 

(6,174) 

641,588 

(0.96)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

236 

103 

2,349 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

Diluted 

27 

566,578 

0.00 

(6,174) 

641,588 

(0.96)

In 2018, the finance expense relating to the convertible preference shares was greater than IFRS, underlying and headline basic earnings per 

share and thus the convertible preference shares were not dilutive. This was not the case in the current year and thus the convertible preference 

shares are dilutive for IFRS and underlying earnings per share.

10. Ordinary dividends

In the place of a final dividend for 2018 the Company implemented a tender offer buy back of ordinary shares on the basis of 2 in every 51 shares 

held at a tender price of 45 pence per share, the equivalent of a final dividend of 1.75 pence per share. Instead of an interim dividend for 2019 the 

Company implemented a tender offer buy back of ordinary shares on the basis of 1 in every 44 shares at a tender price of 55 pence per share, the 

equivalent of a dividend of 1.25 pence per share.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

95

11. Investment property

Asset class 
Location 
Fair value hierarchy* 

Market value at 1 January 2019 

Property improvements 

Unrealised profit / (loss) on revaluation 

On translation to presentation currency 

Logistics 
Moscow 
Level 3 
£’000 

Logistics 
St Petersburg 
Level 3 
£’000 

Logistics 
Regions 
Level 3 
£’000 

Office 
St Petersburg 
Level 3 
£’000 

2019 
Total 
£’000

840,613 

147,978 

144,843 

60,402 

1,193,836

4,214 

25,771 

74,728 

751 

10,104 

13,157 

3,115 

10,532 

12,870 

274 

8,354

(304) 

46,103

5,414 

106,169

Market value at 31 December 2019 

945,326 

171,990 

171,360 

65,786 

1,354,462

Tenant incentives and contracted rent uplift balances 

(12,031) 

(3,792) 

(1,167) 

(1,011) 

(18,001)

Head lease obligations (note 24) 

1,221 

– 

– 

– 

1,221

Carrying value at 31 December 2019 

934,516 

168,198 

170,193 

64,775 

1,337,682

Revaluation movement in the year ended 31 December 2019

Gross revaluation 

Movement of tenant incentives and contracted rent uplift balances 

Less impact of translation to presentation currency 

25,771 

1,643 

179 

10,104 

10,532 

254 

(44) 

89 

97 

(304) 

(535) 

34 

46,103

1,451

266

Revaluation reported in the Income Statement 

27,593 

10,314 

10,718 

(805) 

47,820

Asset class 
Location 
Fair value hierarchy* 

Market value at 1 January 2018 

Corporate acquisitions (note 38) 

Other acquisition 

Property improvements 

Unrealised loss on revaluation 

On translation to presentation currency 

Logistics 
Moscow 
Level 3 
£’000 

Logistics 
St Petersburg 
Level 3 
£’000 

Logistics 
Regions 
Level 3 
£’000 

Office 
St Petersburg 
Level 3 
£’000 

2018 
Total 
£’000

854,288 

144,910 

117,871 

60,682 

1,177,751

– 

27,239 

1,430 

(97,641) 

55,297 

– 

– 

293 

30,805 

– 

504 

– 

– 

514 

30,805

27,239

2,741

(6,468) 

(10,795) 

(4,686) 

(119,590)

9,243 

6,458 

3,892 

74,890

Market value at 31 December 2018 

840,613 

147,978 

144,843 

60,402 

1,193,836

Tenant incentives and contracted rent uplift balances 

(13,674) 

(4,046) 

(1,256) 

(476) 

(19,452)

Head lease obligations (note 24) 

1,056 

– 

– 

– 

1,056

Carrying value at 31 December 2018 

827,995 

143,932 

143,587 

59,926 

1,175,440

Revaluation movement in the year ended 31 December 2018

Gross revaluation 

(97,641) 

(6,468) 

(10,795) 

(4,686) 

(119,590)

Movement of tenant incentives and contracted rent uplift balances 

41 

Less impact of translation to presentation currency 

Revaluation reported in the Income Statement 

(1,626) 

(99,226) 

203 

(532) 

8 

(150) 

(70) 

(48) 

182

(2,356)

(6,797) 

(10,937) 

(4,804) 

(121,764)

*Classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy, see note 35. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy in 2018 or 2019.

During 2018 the Group acquired two new investment properties. As a corporate acquisition it acquired Volga Logistics Park (see note 38) and, as a 
direct purchase of real estate, it acquired a further phase of Logopark Sever.

At 31 December 2019 the Group has pledged investment property with a value of £1,345 million (2018: £1,153 million) to secure banking 
facilities granted to the Group (see note 21).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
96

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Investment property under construction

Asset class 
Location 
Fair value hierarchy* 

Market value at 1 January 2019 

Costs incurred 

On translation to presentation currency 

Unrealised profit on revaluation 

Market value at 31 December 2019 

Head lease obligations (note 24) 

Carrying value at 31 December 2019 

Asset class 
Location 
Fair value hierarchy* 

Market value at 1 January 2018 

Costs incurred 

Corporate acquisition (note 38) 

On translation to presentation currency 

Unrealised (loss) / profit on revaluation 

Market value at 31 December 2018 

Head lease obligations (note 24) 

Carrying value at 31 December 2018 

Assets under construction 

Moscow 
Level 3 
£’000 

Regions 
Level 3  Sub–total 
£’000 

£’000 

Land Bank
Regions 
Level 3 
£’000 

2019 
Total 
£’000

19,342 

8,335 

27,677 

2,537 

30,214

138 

1,721 

424 

44 

740 

27 

182 

2,461 

451 

– 

182

177 

2,638

– 

451

21,625 

9,146 

30,771 

2,714 

33,485

361 

– 

361 

– 

361

21,986 

9,146 

31,132 

2,714 

33,846

Assets under construction 

Moscow 
Level 3 
£’000 

Regions 
Level 3  Sub–total 
£’000 

£’000 

Land Bank
Regions 
Level 3 
£’000 

2018 
Total 
£’000

19,736 

5,618 

25,354 

2,873 

28,227

18 

– 

(268) 

(144) 

10 

28 

2,444 

2,444 

– 

– 

28

2,444

(636) 

(904) 

(336) 

(1,240)

899 

755 

– 

755

19,342 

8,335 

27,677 

2,537 

30,214

334 

– 

334 

– 

334

19,676 

8,335 

28,011 

2,537 

30,548

*Classified in accordance with the fair value hierarchy, see note 35. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy in 2018 or 2019.

No borrowing costs were capitalised in the year (2018: £nil).

At 31 December 2019 the Group has pledged investment property under construction with a value of £30.8 million (2018: £25.3 million) to secure 

banking facilities granted to the Group (see note 21).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

97

13. Investment property and investment property under construction - Valuation 

It is the Group's policy to carry investment property and investment property under construction at fair value in accordance with IFRS 13 "Fair 

Value Measurement" and IAS 40 "Investment Property":

• 
• 

investment property consists of the completed, income producing, portfolio; and

investment property under construction consists of potential development projects and land bank.

The latter is sub-categorised as:

•  assets under construction - current development projects and the value of land on additional phases of existing investment property; and
• 

land bank - land held for potential development.

For the purposes of IFRS 13 disclosure, we have analysed these categories by the geographical market they are located in being Moscow,  

St Petersburg and the Regions (the other Russian regional cities). These form distinct markets for valuation purposes as the fundamentals  

differ in each.

The fair value of the Group's investment property and assets under construction at 31 December 2019 has been arrived at on the basis of market 

valuations carried out by Jones Lang Lasalle ("JLL"), external valuers to the Group. JLL have consented to the use of their name in these financial 

statements.

The Group's land bank in the Regions is valued by the Directors.

Valuation process

The Group has four qualified RICS members on the management team, one of whom was a former Chairman of RICS in Russia and the CIS.  

Three have relevant valuation and market experience and are actively involved in the valuation process. They also regularly meet with agents and 

consultants to obtain additional market information.

The effectiveness and independence of the external valuers is reviewed each year. The criteria considered include market knowledge, reputation, 

independence and professional standards. The Audit Committee also meets the external valuers at least once a year. The Group's management 

team have determined that the external valuers are experienced in the Russian market and acts as an "External Valuer" as defined in the RICS 

Valuation - Global Standards, 2017.

The Group has continued to use the income capitalisation approach in assessing its opinion of value based on a discounted cash flow 

methodology in line with in market practice internationally and in Russia, and is accepted practice under RICS Valuation - Global Standards, 2017. 

The RICS Valuation - Global Standards, 2017 are internationally accepted standards of valuation and are consistent with the principles of IFRS 13.

For investment properties and assets under construction, the executive team members consult with the external valuers and the valuers then 

determine:

•  whether a property's fair value can be reliably determined;
•  which valuation method should be applied for each asset; and
•  the assumptions made for unobservable inputs that are used in valuation methods.

The land bank is valued by the Directors. The process followed includes site inspections, meetings with local real estate experts, comparison to 

any local land sale information and comparison to transactions in other regional cities including those where the Group has income producing 

assets. Updated acquisition appraisals and any indication of value for alternative use are also considered.

Valuations are prepared on a biannual basis. At each valuation date the executive team members review the information prepared by the 

property department for valuation purposes being submitted to the external valuers. Each property valuation is then reviewed and discussed 

with the external valuers in detail and adjustments made as necessary.

The executive management also present the valuation results to the Audit Committee and hold discussions with the Group's auditors. Both the 

Audit Committee and the auditors also have discussions with the external valuers.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

98

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Valuation assumptions and key inputs

Class of property 

Carrying amount 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

Valuation 
technique

Input 

Range

2019 

2018 

Completed  
investment  
property
Moscow -  
Logistics 

934,516 

827,995 

Discounted 
cash flow 

St Petersburg -  
Logistics 

168,198 

143,932 

Discounted 
cash flow 

Regional -  
Logistics 

170,193 

143,587 

Discounted 
cash flow 

St Petersburg -  
Office 

64,775 

59,926 

Discounted 
cash flow 

ERV per sqm 
ERV growth 
Discount rate 
Exit cap rate 
Vacancy rate 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 

ERV per sqm 
ERV growth 
Discount rate 
Exit cap rate 
Vacancy rate 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 

Rub 3,700 to Rub 4,500 
5.00% to 7.00% 
10.80% to 12.10% 
10.25% to 11.25% 
1% to 59% 
$100 to $174 
Rub 3,150 to Rub 8,999 
$122 

Rub 3,900 to Rub 4,150 
5.00% to 7.00% 
12.10% to 12.30% 
11.50% 
1% to 15% 
$111 to $137 
Rub 3,276 to Rub 5,628 

ERV per sqm 
ERV growth 
Discount rate 
Exit cap rate 
Vacancy rate 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 

Rub 3,800 to Rub 4,200 
5.00% to 7.00% 
11.80% to 12.30% 
11.50% 
0% to 10% 
$143 
Rub 3,850 to Rub 21,153 
– 

Rub 3,500 to Rub 3,800 
4.00% to 7.00%
10.75% to 12.60%
10.50% to 11.50%
1% to 50%
$113 to $170
Rub 3,000 to Rub 12,315
$118

Rub 3,800 
6.00%
12.30% to 12.50%
11.75%
0% to 29%
$109 to $133
Rub 2,456 to Rub 5,260

Rub 3,800 
6.00%
12.25% to 12.50%
11.75%
0% to 9%
$107 to $138
Rub 3,750 to Rub 7,300
£88

ERV per sqm 
ERV growth 
Discount rate 
Exit cap rate 
Vacancy rate 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 
Passing rent per sqm 

Rub 11,789 to Rub 12,491 
2.00% to 4.00% 
11.75% to 12.00% 
11.00% to 12.00% 
0% to 13% 
– 
– 
Rub 7,596 to Rub 18,319 

Rub 10,976 to Rub 12,366
2.00% to 4.00%
12.00% to 12.25%
11.25% to 12.25%
1% to 8%
£408
£410 to £413
Rub 4,384 to Rub 17,570

Other key information

Moscow - Logistics 

St Petersburg - Logistics 

Regional - Logistics 

St Petersburg - Office 

Description 

Land plot ratio 
Age of building 
Outstanding costs (£’000) 

Land plot ratio 
Age of building 
Outstanding costs (£’000) 

Land plot ratio 
Age of building 
Outstanding costs (£’000) 

Land plot ratio 
Age of building 
Outstanding costs (£’000) 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Range

2019 

2018

34% - 65% 
2 to 15 years 
1,262 

48% - 57% 
5 to 11 years 
97 

48% - 61% 
10 years 
663 

148% to 496% 
11 to 13 years 
57 

34% - 65%
1 to 14 years
2,290

48% - 57%
4 to 10 years
282

48% - 61%
9 years
363

148% to 496%
10 to 12 years
23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

99

Carrying amount 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

Valuation 
technique

Input 

Range

2019 

2018 

Investment property  
under construction

Moscow - Logistics 

21,986 

19,676 

Comparable  Value per ha 

Regional - Logistics 

9,146 

8,335 

Comparable  Value per ha 

Rub 19.5m - 
Rub 33.8m 

Rub 17.9m -
Rub 33.6m

Rub 9.5m - 
Rub 20.6m 

Rub 9.7m -
Rub 20.6m

The fair value of investment property is determined using the income capitalisation method where a property's fair value is estimated based on 

the present value of net cash flows generated from each property, plus the reversionary value based on the final year's income capitalised using 

an all-risks exit yield. Allowance is made for a potential letting void and an assessment is made of the estimated rental value on re-letting (ERV). 

These elements are determined based on current market conditions and values.

Assets under construction (development projects) are valued on a residual value basis using the future anticipated costs to complete 

construction, a provision for letting costs, a letting void period and an assessment of ERV, which is capitalised at the prevailing market yield. 

Depending on the status of the development, and how much of development process has been completed an allowance will also be made for 

developer's profit. There were no active development projects at 31 December 2019 or 2018.

Assets under construction (additional phases of existing sites) are valued on a comparable basis. The value of the land plots (as shown above) is 

estimated based on comparable transactions in the same market. This approach is based on the principle that a buyer will not pay more for an 

asset than it will cost to buy a comparable substitute property. The unit of comparison applied is the price per square metre.

All of the above valuations are completed by JLL.

The land bank is valued by the Directors using the comparable basis.

Sensitivity analysis of significant changes in unobservable inputs within Level 3 of the hierarchy

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy of the entity's 

portfolio of investment property are:

•  ERV;
•  ERV growth;
•  Void period on re-letting;
•  Discount rate;
•  Exit capitalisation yield; and
•  Specific to property under development: construction costs, letting void, construction period and development profit.

Further significant increases (or decreases) in any of the main inputs to the valuation, being discount rate, exit capitalisation yield, ERV (per sqm 

p.a.), ERV growth and letting void, would result in a significantly lower (or higher) fair value measurement.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. Investment in subsidiary undertakings

The principal subsidiary undertakings of Raven Property Group Limited, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial 

statements, are as follows:

Name 

Raven Russia Holdings Cyprus Limited 

Dorfin Limited 

Roslogistics Holdings (Russia) Limited 

Raven Mount Group Limited 

Raven Russia Property Advisors Limited 

Raven Russia (Service Company) Limited 

Avalon Logistics Company LLC 

Delta LLC 

EG Logistics LLC 

Fenix LLC 

Gorigo LLC 

Kstovo Industrial Park 1 LLC 

CJSC Kulon Development 

CJSC Kulon Istra 

Kulon Spb LLC 

League LLC 

Logopark Don LLC 

Logopark Ob LLC 

CJSC Noginsk Vostok 

Pervomayskay Zarya LLC 

Petroestate LLC 

Primium LLC 

Resource Economia LLC 

Sever Estate LLC 

Soyuz-Invest LLC 

CJSC Toros 

Country of 
Incorporation

Cyprus 

Cyprus 

Cyprus 

England 

England 

Guernsey 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Russia 

Proportion of ownership interest

2019 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

2018

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

The Group's investment property and investment property under construction are held by its subsidiary undertakings. 

15. Investment in joint ventures

The principal joint ventures of the Group are as follows:

Name 

Coln Park LLP 

Coln Park Construction LLP 

Ruconnect Holding Cyprus Limited 

Country of 
Incorporation

England 

England 

Cyprus 

Proportion of ownership interest

2019 

– 

– 

40% 

2018

50%

50%

40%

Coln Park LLP and Coln Park Construction LLP were the entities through which the Group undertook its second home development activity in 

the UK. In addition, the Group had a number of other small joint ventures primarily associated with the second home development activity. 

The Group's interest in each joint venture has been accounted for using the equity method. None of the Group's joint ventures are individually 

material. In December 2019 the Group sold its interest in the Coln Park LLP and Coln Park Construction LLP to its joint venture partner for £6.65 

million, giving rise to a profit on disposal of £0.49 million.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

101

Summarised aggregated financial information of the joint ventures, prepared under IFRS, and a reconciliation with the carrying amount of the 

investments in the consolidated financial statements are set out below:

Summarised Balance Sheet 

Non-current assets 

Inventory 

Cash and short term deposits 

Other current assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Investment in joint ventures

Goodwill on acquisition 

Share of net (liabilities) / assets 

Carrying value 

Carrying value at 1 January 

Investment in the year 

Share of total comprehensive income for the year 

Share of distributions paid 

Disposals 

On translation to presentation currency 

Carrying value at 31 December 

Summarised Statement of comprehensive income 

Gross revenue 

Cost of sales 

Administrative expenses 

Finance expense 

Profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year 

2019 
£’000 

432 

– 

159 

348 

(595) 

(486) 

(142) 

246 

(57) 

189 

6,566 

13 

792 

(1,043) 

(6,160) 

21 

189 

2018 
£’000

3,634

3,425

3,597

1,874

(3,659)

(3,051)

5,820

3,694

2,872

6,566

7,380

533

1,630

(3,000)

–

23

6,566

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

19,158 

27,708

(15,326) 

(22,329)

(1,983) 

(2,017)

(258) 

1,591 

(25) 

1,566 

(88) 

1,478 

792 

(216)

3,146

20

3,166

53

3,219

1,630

The joint ventures had no contingent liabilities or capital commitments as at 31 December 2019 and 2018. The joint ventures cannot distribute 

their profits until they obtain the consent from the joint venture partners.

The Group charged its joint ventures £167k (2018: £244k) for services rendered to them during the year, of which £67k (2018: £81k) was included 

in receivables at the balance sheet date. The joint ventures recharged certain costs back to Group that for the year amounted to £29k (2018: £51k) 

of which £4k (2018: £7k) was included in payables at the balance date. The Group has advanced loans to its joint ventures of £306k (2018: £491k) 

generating interest income of £52k (2018: £32k).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
102

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. Other receivables

Loans receivable 

Restricted cash 

VAT recoverable 

Prepayments and other receivables 

2019 
£’000 

67 

– 

3,059 

288 

3,414 

2018 
£’000

676

12,249

2,538

72

15,535

VAT recoverable arises from the payment of value added tax on construction or purchase of investment property, which will be recovered 

through the offset of VAT paid on future revenue receipts or repayment direct from the taxation authority. VAT recoverable has been split 

between current and non-current assets based on the Group's assessment of when recovery will occur.

17. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 

Prepayments 

Restricted cash 

VAT recoverable 

Loans receivable 

Other receivables 

Tax recoverable 

18. Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate derivative financial instruments

Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Forward currency derivative financial instruments

Current assets 

Foreign currency embedded derivatives

Current liabilities 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

26,475 

27,803

3,608 

3,026 

2,651 

345 

3,158 

2,332 

3,524

1,792

7,084

–

317

3,138

41,595 

43,658

2019 
£’000 

2,621 

– 

– 

– 

2018 
£’000

21,953

329

20

(1)

The Group has entered into a series of interest rate derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate and resulting cash flow exposure 

from the Group's banking facilities. At 31 December 2019 the instruments have a notional value of £545 million (2018: £543 million) and a 

weighted average capped rate of 5.36% (2018: 3.90%).

At 31 December 2019 the Group did not hold any forward currency derivative financial instruments nor any embedded derivatives incorporated 

into leases.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

103

19. Cash and short term deposits

Cash at bank and on call 

Short term deposits 

2019 
£’000 

46,008 

22,130 

2018 
£’000

45,153

28,297

68,138 

73,450

Cash at bank and on call attracts variable interest rates, whilst short term deposits attract fixed rates but mature and re-price over a short period 

of time. The weighted average interest rate at the balance sheet date is 4.65% (2018: 5.50%).

20. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables 

Construction payables 

Advanced rentals and rent deposits 

Deferred consideration on property acquisitions 

Other payables 

Current tax payable 

Other tax payable 

Head leases (note 24) 

Other lease liabilities (note 24) 

21. Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Bank loans

Loans due for settlement within 12 months 

Loans due for settlement after 12 months 

The Group’s borrowings have the following maturity profile:

On demand or within one year 

In the second year 

In the third to fifth years 

After five years 

2019 
£’000 

6,847 

2,232 

15,343 

– 

5,162 

7,418 

2018 
£’000

4,900

2,958

20,840

12,197

4,392

8,081

14,131 

12,806

21 

537 

18

–

51,691 

66,192

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

60,173 

75,565

623,168 

567,865

683,341 

643,430

60,173 

28,656 

75,565

20,730

497,578 

333,862

96,934 

213,273

683,341 

643,430

The amounts above include unamortised loan origination costs of £6.8 million (2018: £7.1 million) and interest accruals of £0.9 million (2018: £1.3 
million).

The Group's interest bearing loans and borrowings have a weighted average interest rate of 6.52% (2018: 7.69%) and a weighted average term to 
maturity of 4.7 years (2018: 4.0 years).

The interest rates shown above are the weighted average cost, including the relevant benchmark rate, as at the Balance Sheet dates.

There have been a number of changes to the Group's financing arrangements in the year. The Group drew down €129.1 million and Rub 19.9 
billion on new and existing debt facilities, repaying $100.8 million, €184.5 million and Rub 4.8 billion of existing debt. In addition existing facilities 
of $185.3 million, €26.6 million and Rub 6.0 billion were extended and / or converted to facilities of €191.6 million and Rub 6.0 billion.

As at 31 December 2019 the Group had interest rate hedges for £545 million of borrowings (2018: £543 million) capped at a weighted average rate 
of 5.36% (2018: 3.90%) for a weighted average of 4.4 years (2018: 4.0 years). None of the Group's borrowings have fixed interest rates (2018: £nil).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22. Preference shares

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Premium on redemption of preference shares and amortisation of issue costs 

Scrip dividends 

At 31 December 

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Scrip dividends 

At 31 December 

Shares in issue 

Held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trusts 

At 31 December 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

109,271 

108,263

362 

691 

417

591

110,324 

109,271

2019 
Number 

2018 
Number

99,556,534 

99,143,192

511,684 

413,342

100,068,218 

99,556,534

100,125,086 

99,613,402

(56,868) 

(56,868)

100,068,218 

99,556,534

The preference shares entitle the holders to a cumulative annual dividend of 12 pence per share.

The Company has entered into a conditional contract to purchase 38,936,295 preference shares for 115p per share from Invesco Asset 

Management Limited (acting as agent for its underlying funds). The purchase is conditional on shareholder approval and the completion of the 

Company's purchase of ordinary shares from the same investors (see note 26). The contract has a long stop date to complete of 31 July 2020.

23. Convertible preference shares

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Reissued in the year 

Converted to ordinary shares (note 26) 

Premium on redemption of preference shares and amortisation of issue costs 

At 31 December 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

206,116 

198,870

4,132 

(11) 

7,245 

–

–

7,246

217,482 

206,116

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

105

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Reissued in the year 

Converted to ordinary shares (note 26) 

At 31 December 

Shares in issue 

Held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trusts 

At 31 December 

2019 
Number 

2018 
Number

192,388,886 

192,388,886

3,552,907 

(12,146) 

–

–

195,929,647  192,388,886

198,176,868 

198,189,014

(2,247,221) 

(5,800,128)

195,929,647  192,388,886

The convertible preference shares entitle the holders to a cumulative annual dividend of 6.5 pence per share and are redeemable by the 

Company on 6 July 2026 at £1.35 per share. The convertible preference shares are convertible to ordinary shares at the holder's request at any 

time prior to redemption at a rate that is currently 1.517 ordinary shares for each convertible preference share.

The Company has entered into a conditional contract to purchase 42,118,860 convertible shares for 92.5p per share from Invesco Asset 

Management Limited (acting as agent for its underlying funds). The purchase is conditional on shareholder approval and the completion of the 

Company's purchase of ordinary shares from the same investors (see note 26). The contract has a long stop date to complete of 31 July 2020.

In applying its accounting policies the Group has determined that the convertible preference shares are a compound financial instrument in that 

it has a liability component and an equity component. The Group has determined the fair value of the liability component, which is reflected 

above, and the residual amount of the fair value of the consideration received on issue is equity. The fair value of the liability component has 

been calculated using a discounted cash flow model.

24. Other payables

Rent deposits 

Head leases 

Other lease liabilities 

2019 
£’000 

15,779 

1,561 

1,283 

2018 
£’000

16,425

1,372

–

18,623 

17,797

The Group has leasehold properties that it classifies as investment property and investment property under construction. Minimum lease 

payments due over the remaining term of the leases totalled £4.4 million (2018: £3.9 million). The carrying value of the liability is shown above 

and in note 20 as head leases and totalled £1.6 million (2018: £1.4 million).

The Group leases its administrative offices and has minimum lease payments due over the remaining term of the leases totalling £2.3 million. 

The carrying value of the liability is shown above and in note 20 as other lease liabilities and totalled £1.5 million.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
106

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. Deferred tax

(a) Deferred tax assets 

Balance at 1 January 2018 

On translation to presentation currency 

Credit / (charge) for the year 

On acquisition (note 38) 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

On translation to presentation currency 

(Charge) / credit for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2019 

Tax losses 
£’000 

Other 
£’000 

24,751 

(2,852) 

237 

1,490 

23,626 

1,968 

(2,511) 

860 

(40) 

(41) 

- 

779 

69 

359 

Total 
£’000

25,611

(2,892)

196

1,490

24,405

2,037

(2,152)

23,083 

1,207 

24,290

The Group has tax losses in Russia of £268 million (2018: £265 million) and tax losses in the UK of £49 million (2018: £53 million) for which 

deferred tax assets have not been recognised. The losses in the UK do not have an expiry date. The losses in Russia can also be carried forward 

indefinitely, however there is a restriction on the use of losses in that taxable profits cannot be reduced by more than 50% in any one year.

(b) Deferred tax liabilities 

Balance at 1 January 2018 

On translation to presentation currency 

Charge / (credit) for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

On translation to presentation currency 

Charge for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2019 

26. Share capital

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Issued in the year for cash on warrant exercises (note 27) 

On conversion of convertible preference shares (note 23) 

Repurchased and cancelled in the year by tender offer 

Repurchased and cancelled in the year on purchase from WIM / IAM (note 33) 

At 31 December 

Issued share capital:

At 1 January 

Issued in the year for cash on warrant exercises (note 27) 

On conversion of convertible preference shares (note 23) 

Repurchased and cancelled in the year by tender offer 

Repurchased and cancelled in the year on purchase from WIM / IAM (note 33) 

At 31 December 

Details of own shares held are given in note 28.

Accelerated 

Revaluation 
tax  of investment 
property 
£’000 

allowances 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

59,845

(2,703)

258

23,448 

1,458 

(6,502) 

18,404 

57,400

1,659 

2,280 

4,945

8,679

36,397 

(4,161) 

6,760 

38,996 

3,286 

6,399 

48,681 

22,343 

71,024

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

6,233 

6,606

17 

– 

(361) 

(991) 

85

–

(458)

–

4,898 

6,233

2019 
Number 

2018 
Number

623,269,434 

660,571,843

1,734,577 

8,500,126

18,425 

–

(36,131,442) 

(45,802,535)

(99,144,978) 

–

489,746,016  623,269,434

The Company has entered into a conditional contract to purchase 139,678,106 ordinary shares for 36p per share from Invesco Asset Management 
Limited (acting as agent for its underlying funds). The purchase is conditional on shareholder approval and the contract has a long stop date to 
complete of 31 July 2020.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27. Warrants

At 1 January 

Exercised in the year (note 26) 

Lapsed in the year 

At 31 December 

At 1 January 

Exercised in the year (note 26) 

Lapsed in the year 

At 31 December 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

107

2019 
£’000 

98 

(69) 

(29) 

– 

2018 
£’000

438

(340)

–

98

2019 
Number 

2018 
Number

2,448,226 

10,948,352

(1,734,577) 

(8,500,126)

(713,649) 

–

– 

2,448,226

The Company had issued warrants, which entitled each holder to subscribe for ordinary shares in the Company at an exercise price of 25 pence 

per share. The warrants expired on 25 March 2019.

28. Own shares held

At 1 January 

Acquired under a tender offer 

Other acquisitions 

Allocation to satisfy Annual Performance Incentives / other staff bonuses (note 31) 

Cancelled 

Allocation to satisfy LTIP options exercised (note 31a) 

At 31 December 

At 1 January 

Acquired under a tender offer 

Other acquisitions 

Allocation to satisfy Annual Performance Incentives / other staff bonuses (note 31) 

Cancelled 

Allocation to satisfy LTIP options exercised (note 31a) 

At 31 December 

2019 
£’000 

(5,965) 

– 

(106) 

647 

151 

691 

2018 
£’000

(3,652)

(4,160)

(75)

1,278

36

608

(4,582) 

(5,965)

2019 
Number 

2018 
Number

10,760,656 

5,150,122

– 

8,000,000

253,679 

173,958

(876,000) 

(1,704,000)

(298,039) 

(48,613)

(922,110) 

(810,811)

8,918,186 

10,760,656

Allocations to satisfy LTIP options exercised are transfers by the Company's Employee Benefit Trusts upon the exercise of fully vested options. 

The amounts shown for share movements are net of the Trustees' participation in tender offers during the period from grant to exercise.  

Details of outstanding LTIP options, which are vested but unexercised, are given in note 31a.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
108

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

29. Equity

The following describes the nature and purpose of each component within equity: 

Component 

Share capital 

Share premium 

Warrants 

Description and purpose

The amount subscribed for ordinary share capital at nominal value.

The amount subscribed for ordinary share capital in excess of the nominal value.

The consideration attributed to the subscription of warrants less associated costs of issuance.

Own shares held 

The cost to the Company of acquiring the own shares held by the Company and its subsidiary undertakings or 

Employee Benefit Trusts.

Convertible preference shares  The amount subscribed for convertible preference shares which the Directors consider to be Equity. 

Capital reserve 

The amount of any capital profits and losses, including gains and losses on the disposal of investment properties 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

(after taxation), increases and decreases in the fair value of investment properties held at each period end, 

foreign exchange profits and losses on capital items, profits and losses on forward currency financial instruments 

relating to capital items and deferred taxation on the increase in fair value of investment properties.

The amount of any gains or losses arising on the retranslation of net assets of overseas operations.

The amount of any profit or loss for the year after payment of dividend, together with the amount of any equity-

settled share-based payments, and the transfer of capital items described above. Retained earnings also includes 

distributable reserves created when in 2005 and 2006 the Company applied to the Royal Court of Guernsey to 

cancel its share premium at that time and create a reserve which is distributable.

30. Net asset value per share

Number of ordinary shares (note 26)  

Less own shares held (note 28)  

2019 
Number 

489,746,016 

(8,918,186) 

480,827,830 

2019 

Ordinary 
shares 
No. ‘000 

Net asset 
value 
£’000 

2018 
Number

623,269,434

(10,760,656)

612,508,778

Net asset 
value per 
share 
Pence 

Net asset 
value 
£’000 

2018 

Ordinary 
shares 
No. ‘000 

Net asset 
value per 
share 
Pence

Net asset value per share 

365,798 

480,828 

76 

295,627 

612,509 

48

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:

Convertible preference shares (note 23) 

217,482 

297,225 

Warrants (note 27) 

LTIP (Note 31) 

2016 Retention Scheme (note 31) 

Five Year Performance Plan (note 31) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

612 

266 

2,095 

– 

–

2,448

1,062

4,998

–

Fully diluted net asset value per share 

583,280 

778,053 

75 

298,600 

621,017 

48

At 31 December 2018, the balance sheet carrying value of the liability portion of the convertible preference shares divided by the number of 

ordinary shares that would be issued on their conversion was greater than the NAV per share and thus the convertible preference shares were  

not dilutive.

The number of potential ordinary shares is the total number of ordinary shares assuming the exercise of all potential ordinary shares less those 

not expected to vest.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

109

31. Share-based payments and other long term incentives

The Group has utilised a number of different share schemes to reward and incentivise the Group's executives and senior staff. The two active 

schemes are the Annual Performance Incentive and the Five Year Performance Plan. All other schemes have now ended and the final amounts 

vested. Details of these are provided below to the extent there was a vesting or exercise of rights in 2018 or 2019.

Annual Performance Incentive ("API") 

The API is an annual bonus payable in cash or listed securities of the Company, based on performance targets set annually. The maximum 

amount payable to an individual is capped at 50% of basic salary if paid in cash or 175% of basic salary if paid in the Company's listed securities, 

which are required to be held for three years. As a condition of the scheme there was no API payable for 2018. An accrual has been made for the 

2019 API and it assumes that it will be settled in ordinary shares of the Company.

Five Year Performance Plan ("FYPP") 

The FYPP is a long term incentive scheme which is open to the executive directors and other senior managers. The scheme allows each 

participant to invest into the FYPP a number of list securities in the Company that they hold. All securities invested in the FYPP must continue to 

be retained by the participant until 31 March 2023. On 31 March 2023, based on annual compound total shareholder return ("TSR") calculations, 

the participants will be entitled to receive up to three times the initial prescribed value of the securities in the FYPP. Vested entitlements will be 

settled in the Company's ordinary shares, with a value based on the average price of the Company's ordinary shares for March 2023.

The performance period for the FYPP runs from 31 March 2018 to 31 March 2023. Below an annual compound equivalent TSR of 4% the FYPP will 

lapse, at an annual compound TSR of 12% the FYPP will vest in full and a sliding scale will apply for a TSR between 4% and 12%. 

Investments with an initial prescribed value totalling £11.9 million have been made into the FYPP out of a maximum of £12 million. The 

Company's TSR for the performance period to date is less than the minimum threshold for vesting and thus no provision has been made for 

ordinary shares that may ultimately vest in March 2023.

Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") 

The LTIP options related to performance criteria for the period 24 March 2009 to 24 March 2014. The options had an exercise price of 25p per 

option and vested in full. The last remaining options were exercised in the year.

2016 Retention Scheme 

During 2016 the Group terminated an incentive scheme, the Combined Bonus and Long Term Incentive Scheme 2015, and the Company's 

shareholders approved the introduction of the 2016 Retention Scheme. Awards under the 2016 Retention Scheme were made to the executive 

directors of the Company and two senior managers of the Group. The awards entitled the participants to three equal payments each equivalent 

to150% of their basic salary. The final instalment was paid on 31 March 2019. The sole condition for each instalment was the continuing 

employment of the individual at the relevant payment date. In respect of the final instalment, and as a condition to be eligible to participate in 

the FYPP, payment was made entirely in the Company's convertible preference shares, based on the average price prior to 31 March 2019. As a 

consequence the Company's EBT transferred 3,552,907 convertible preference shares in respect of the third and final instalment. 

(a) Movements in LTIP options

2019 
No. of 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 

2018 
No. of 
options 

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

1,062,162 

25p 

1,872,973 

Exercised during the year

– LTIP 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

(1,062,162) 

– 

25p 

– p 

(810,811) 

1,062,162 

25p

25p

25p

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
110

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(b) Income Statement charge for the year 

2016 Retention scheme 

Other staff bonuses 

Annual Performance Incentive 2019 

Annual Performance Incentive 2018 

Annual Performance Incentive 2017 

Five Year Performance Plan 

To be satisfied by allocation of:

Ordinary shares (IFRS 2 expense) 

Convertible preference shares / preference shares (IFRS 2 expense) 

Cash 

2019 
£’000 

541 

664 

4,263 

– 

– 

– 

2018 
£’000

2,103

–

–

–

750

–

5,468 

2,853

4,927 

541 

– 

5,468 

750

2,103

–

2,853

Of the IFRS 2 expense for the year £4.6 million (2018: £2.1 million) is included in current liabilities.

Certain bonuses awarded to employees below executive level for performance in 2018 were settled in ordinary shares of the Company.

32. Capital commitments

The Group had no significant capital commitments at 31 December 2018 and 2019.

33. 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. Further disclosures concerning transactions with the Company's directors are made in the Remuneration Report and note 6.  
There are no loan balances with directors.

Remuneration of Directors and other key management personnel 

Short term employee benefits 

Post employment benefits 

Share-based payments and other long term incentives 

2019 
£’000 

3,579 

229 

4,805 

8,613 

2018 
£’000

4,247

224

2,853

7,324

On 20 August 2019 the Company acquired 72,144,978 ordinary shares from Woodford Investment Management Limited and 17,000,000 ordinary 

shares from Invesco Asset Management Limited, in each case acting on behalf of certain underlying funds, at a price of 36 pence per share in 

cash. These are related party transactions, as defined by the UKLA's Listing Rules and were approved by the Company's ordinary shareholders at 

a general meeting. On 25 October 2019 the Company acquired a further 10,000,000 ordinary shares from Invesco Asset Management Limited 

at a price of 40 pence per share in cash. This second acquisition from Invesco Asset Management Limited constitutes a smaller related party 

transaction under the UKLA’s Listing Rules.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

111

34. Financial instruments – risk management

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks in relation to the financial instruments it uses: market risk (including currency 
risk, price risk and cash flow interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group has the following financial instruments on its balance 
sheet: loans receivable, restricted cash, trade receivables, cash and short term deposits, trade and other payables, interest bearing loans and 
borrowings, preference shares, convertible preference shares and derivative financial instruments.

Risk management parameters are established by the Board and overseen by management in conjunction with professional advisers. Reports are 
provided to the Board weekly basis and also when changes in risk parameters are required.

(a) Market risk

Currency risk 
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from a variety of currency exposures, primarily with respect to 
Euro, Sterling and US Dollar against the predominate functional currency of its subsidiaries of Roubles. Foreign exchange risk arises from future 
commercial transactions (including lease receivables), recognised monetary assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign entities.

The majority of the Group's transactions are denominated in Roubles. The functional currency of the Company is Sterling, which is also the 
presentation currency of the Group. The analysis that follows considers the impact of these currencies on the Group.

Rouble 
The majority of the Group's transactions in Russia are undertaken in Roubles. The Group's debt profile however is a mix of currencies and a 
weakening in the Rouble exchange rate can put pressure on the Group's ability to service foreign currency debt facilities. This risk has reduced over 
the last year as the Group moves to a greater proportion of Rouble denominated debt.

A weak Rouble also has an impact on reported earnings per share and net asset value per share when translated to the Group's presentation 
currency of Sterling.

Sterling 
The Group's exposure to Sterling relates to the Company's preference shares, convertible preference shares and ordinary shares, together with 
head office administrative expenses. As the presentation currency of the Group, there will also be foreign currency movements through the 
Group's translation reserve when retranslating opening balances on consolidation.

Euro 
The Group has exposure to Euro debt facilities and a small number of Euro pegged leases. As noted above, a weak Rouble may reduce the 
Group's ability to service that debt. A weak Rouble will however increase Rouble income on Euro pegged leases.

US Dollar 
Currency risk to US Dollars is now significantly reduced as the Group moves away from US Dollar debt facilities. There are no US Dollar facilities  
as at 31 December 2019. The Group still has a proportion of its leases pegged to the US Dollar and these will mature over the next two years.  
A weakening Rouble relative to the US Dollar will generate increased Rouble income on US Dollar pegged leases.

Accounting standards require disclosure of monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies different from the functional 
currency of the specific subsidiary or entity in the Group. These are set out in the tables below.

As at 31 December 2019 

Non-current assets
Restricted cash 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets
Rent receivable 
Restricted cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Other current receivables 
Cash and short term deposits 

Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Rent deposits 

Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Rent deposits 
Other payables 

Rouble 
£’000 

Euro 
£’000 

US Dollar 
£’000 

Sterling 
£’000 

ZAR 
£’000

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
261 

261 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
60 

60 

– 
274 

274 

– 
701 
– 
564 
5,121 

6,386 

163,003 
– 

163,003 

38,612 
64 
721 

39,397 

– 
41 

41 

1,673 
– 
– 
1 
445 

2,119 

– 
6,171 

6,171 

– 
4,984 
– 

4,984 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
26 
252 

278 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
105 

105 

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
75

75

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
112

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at 31 December 2018 

Non-current assets
Restricted cash 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets
Rent receivable 
Restricted cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Other current receivables 
Cash and short term deposits 

Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Rent deposits 

Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Rent deposits 
Other payables 

Rouble 
£’000 

Euro 
£’000 

US Dollar 
£’000 

Sterling 
£’000 

ZAR 
£’000

– 
7,236 

7,236 

– 
– 
– 
15 
8,835 

8,850 

122,717 
– 

122,717 

27,250 
– 
68 

27,318 

– 
4,782 

4,782 

1 
– 
– 
971 
3,236 

4,208 

95,821 
– 

95,821 

27,122 
88 
436 

27,646 

630 
– 

630 

2,476 
1,006 
20 
84 
984 

4,570 

– 
9,935 

9,935 

– 
5,799 
40 

5,839 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
37 
26 

63 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
349 

349 

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
100

100

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

The sensitivity analyses below are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice this is unlikely 

to occur and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated, for example a change in interest rate and a change in foreign currency 

exchange rates. The Group principally manages foreign currency risk on a project by project basis.

The table below shows the impact on profits if US Dollar, Euro, Rouble or Sterling weakened or strengthened by 10% against the functional 

currency of the specific subsidiary or entity in the Group, with all other variables in each case remaining constant, then:

Post tax profit or loss would change by: 

US Dollar 

Russian Rouble 

Sterling 

Euro 

ZAR 

2019 
£’000 

899 

20 

17 

2018 
£’000

1,104

13,395

28

19,574 

11,699

8 

–

The Group's interest rate risk arises from its long-term borrowings (note 21), preference shares (note 22) and convertible preference shares (note 

23). Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk, whilst borrowings issued at a fixed rate expose the Group 

to fair value risk. The Group's cash flow and fair value risk is reviewed monthly by the Board. The cash flow and fair value risk is approved monthly 

by the Board.

The Group analyses its interest rate exposure on a dynamic basis. It takes on exposure to the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing levels 

of market interest rates on its financial position and cash flows. Interest costs may increase as a result of such changes. They may reduce or 

create losses in the event that unexpected movements arise. Various scenarios are simulated taking into consideration refinancing, renewal of 

existing positions, alternative financing and hedging. Based on these scenarios the Group calculates the impact on profit and loss of a defined 

interest rate shift. The simulation is run on an on-going basis to verify that the maximum potential impact is within the parameters expected by 

management. Formal reporting to the Board on cash flows is made on a monthly basis.

To date the Group has sought to fix its exposure to interest rate risk on borrowings through fixed rate debt facilities, the use of a variety of interest 

rate derivatives and the issue of preference shares and convertible preference shares at a fixed coupon. This gives certainty over future cash flow 

but exposure to fair value movements, which amounted to an accumulated unrealised loss of £20.0 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: loss of 

£5.1 million).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

113

We have diversified our debt exposure and, hence, interest rate exposure. The Group is no longer exposed to US LIBOR and instead is sensitive to 

EURIBOR and Central Bank of Russia Key rate movements. Sensitivity to all benchmark rates is presented in the table below. 

US LIBOR 

EURIBOR 

Central Bank of Russia Key rate 

(b) Credit risk 

2019 

Increase 
100 bps 
£’000 

Decrease 
100 bps 
£’000 

2018

Increase 
100 bps 
£’000 

Decrease
100 bps
£’000

– 

(1,774) 

(3,496) 

– 

399 

3,673 

(81) 

(1,499) 

(704) 

344

–

1,680

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on their contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group's 

principal financial assets are cash and short term deposits and trade receivables.

Cash and short term deposits are placed with a variety of financial institutions in order to spread the counterparty risk and in accordance with 

limits approved by the Board. The Group considers the credit rating of its counterparties when assessing whether a particular financial institution is 

suitable. Deposits and liquidity requirements are considered by management weekly.

The Group reviews the creditworthiness of potential tenants prior to entering into a lease. Based on this assessment the Group will require a cash 

deposit or guarantee as collateral for the tenant's obligations under the lease. The collateral typically represents three months rent but may be 

shorter or longer as required. The Group has a relatively large number of different tenants and as disclosed in note 5 there is only a single tenant 

that accounts for in excess of 10% of Group revenue.

Taking these factors into account and having examined the Group's historical credit loss ratio, the risk to the Group of individual tenant default 

is considered low. An allowance for impairment of trade receivables is made with reference to the Group's assessment of expected credit loss or 

where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. Details of the movements in provision for impairment 

of trade receivables is provided in the table below.

At 1 January 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Charge for the year 

Utilised in the year 

Unused amounts reversed 

At 31 December 

2019 
£’000 

2,880 

191 

(2) 

(41) 

– 

2018 
£’000

3,416

(240)

–

(238)

(58)

3,028 

2,880

At 31 December 2019 there were no significant amounts of unimpaired trade receivables that were past due for collection (2018: £ nil).

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
114

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed 

credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. The Board and its advisers seek to have appropriate credit facilities in place on a 

project by project basis, either from available cash resources or from bank facilities.

Management monitor the Group's liquidity position on a daily basis and formal liquidity reports are issued from all jurisdictions on a weekly basis 

and are reviewed monthly by the Board, along with cash flow forecasts. A summary table with maturity of financial liabilities is presented below.

All amounts shown are gross undiscounted cash flows.

Financial liabilities

As at 31 December 2019 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

Head leases 

Other lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

As at 31 December 2018 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

Derivative financial instruments 

Head leases 

Trade and other payables 

Total 
£’000 

888,461 

120,082 

347,284 

1,253 

2,000 

24,941 

Current 
£’000 

103,473 

12,008 

12,735 

132 

659 

9,162 

Year 2 
£’000 

69,390 

12,008 

12,735 

132 

227 

2,606 

Years 3 to 5 
£’000 

Years 6 to 10 
£’000

608,344 

107,254

36,025 

38,206 

328 

577 

9,346 

60,041

283,608

661

537

3,827

1,384,021 

138,169 

97,098 

692,826 

455,928

Total 
£’000 

814,184 

119,537 

353,514 

1 

1,150 

28,927 

Current 
£’000 

124,230 

11,954 

12,505 

1 

115 

12,503 

Year 2 
£’000 

64,568 

11,954 

12,505 

– 

115 

5,396 

Years 3 to 5 
£’000 

Years 6 to 10 
£’000

401,318 

224,068

35,861 

37,516 

– 

345 

8,147 

59,768

290,988

–

575

2,881

1,317,313 

161,308 

94,538 

483,187 

578,280

Details of the interest rates applicable to the Group's long term borrowings and preference shares are given in notes 21 and 22. The Group is 

subject to interest costs in perpetuity in respect of preference shares, which have no contractual maturity date. The table above does not show 

cash flows beyond 10 years.

The Group monitors its risk to a shortage of funds by forecasting cash flow requirements for future years. The Group's objective is to maintain a 

balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of short term borrowing facilities, bank loans and equity fund raisings.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

115

Fair values

Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts and fair value of the Group's financial instruments in the financial statements.

Non-current assets

Loans receivable 

Restricted cash 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets

Trade receivables 

Restricted cash 

Other current receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and short term deposits 

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

Derivative financial instruments 

Rent deposits 

Deferred consideration 

Other payables 

Current liabilities

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments 

Rent deposits 

Deferred consideration 

Other payables 

2019 

2018

Carrying 
Value 
£’000 

Fair 
Value 
£’000 

Carrying 
Value 
£’000 

67 

– 

63 

– 

2,621 

2,621 

26,475 

26,475 

3,026 

3,653 

– 

3,026 

3,653 

– 

676 

12,249 

21,953 

27,803 

1,792 

907 

349 

Fair 
Value 
£’000

627

12,249

21,953

27,803

1,792

907

349

68,138 

68,138 

73,450 

73,450

623,168 

110,324 

217,482 

– 

15,779 

– 

2,844 

632,014 

131,590 

202,787 

– 

12,403 

– 

2,844 

567,865 

109,271 

206,116 

– 

16,425 

– 

1,372 

561,076

130,494

226,057

–

13,130

–

1,372

60,173 

60,173 

75,565 

75,565

– 

6,364 

– 

3,356 

– 

6,364 

– 

3,356 

1 

7,242 

12,197 

5,262 

1

7,242

12,197

5,262

The fair values of loans receivable and borrowings have been calculated based on a discounted cash flow model using a discount rate based on 

the Group's weighted average cost of capital. The valuation technique falls within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see note 35 for definition). 

The fair value of short term deposits, other assets, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables is assumed to approximate to their book 

values. The fair value of preference shares and convertible preference shares are assumed to be their last quoted price on 31 December 2019, 

which is considered to be level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of derivatives is determined by a model with market based inputs.

(d) Capital risk management 

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern to provide returns to 

shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

For capital risk management, the Directors consider both the ordinary and preference shares to be permanent capital of the Company, with 

similar rights as to cancellation.

To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, under take tender offers, return 

capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. Consistent with others in its industry, the Group monitors capital on 

the basis of its gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total liabilities but excluding 

provisions, head lease obligations and preference shares, which for capital risk management is considered to be capital rather than debt, less 

cash and short term deposits. Total capital is calculated as equity, as shown in the balance sheet, plus preference shares and net debt. Where the 

Group has a net cash position, the gearing ratio will be zero.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
116

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Total borrowings 

Less: cash and short term deposits 

Less: restricted cash 

Net debt 

Equity 

Preference shares 

Total capital 

Gearing ratio 

35. Fair value measurement

The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy* of the Group's assets and liabilities.

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

928,736 

847,806

111,843 

141,740

1,040,579 

989,546

68,138 

3,026 

73,450

14,041

969,415 

902,055

365,798 

295,627

110,324 

109,271

1,445,537 

1,306,953

67.06% 

69.02%

As at 31 December 2019 

Assets measured at fair value

Investment property 

Investment property under construction 

Derivative financial instruments 

Liabilities measured at fair value

Derivative financial instruments 

As at 31 December 2018 

Assets measured at fair value

Investment property 

Investment property under construction 

Derivative financial instruments 

Liabilities measured at fair value

Derivative financial instruments 

* Explanation of the fair value hierarchy: 

Level 1 
£’000 

Level 2 
£’000 

Level 3 
£’000 

Total Fair 
Value 
£’000

1,337,682 

1,337,682

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2,621 

– 

33,846 

– 

– 

33,846

2,621

–

Total Fair 
Value 
£’000

Level 1 
£’000 

Level 2 
£’000 

Level 3 
£’000 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

22,302 

1 

1,175,440 

1,175,440

30,548 

– 

– 

30,548

22,302

1

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the balance sheet date.

Level 2 - Use of a model with inputs that are directly or indirectly observable market data.

Level 3 - Use of a model with inputs that are not based on observable market data.

The Group's foreign currency derivative financial instruments are call options and are measured based on spot exchange rates, the yield curves 

of the respective currencies as well as the currency basis spreads between the respective currencies. The Group's interest rate derivative financial 

instruments comprise swap contracts and interest rate caps. These contracts are valued using a discounted cash flow model and where not cash 

collateralised consideration is given to the Group's own credit risk.

There have been no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the year or the prior year.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

109,769 

124,107

80,037 

92,553

117,758 

133,265

65,218 

66,757

372,782 

416,682

Other 
£’000 

7,630 

1,053 

11,366 

2019 
£’000

683,373

110,324

217,482

– 

(2,621)

20,049 

1,008,558

Other 
£’000 

3,494 

1,008 

7,246 

2018 
£’000

643,430

109,271

206,116

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

117

36. Operating lease arrangements

The Group earns rental income by leasing its investment properties to tenants under non-cancellable operating leases, which are discussed in 

detail in the Strategic Report and note 13. At the Balance Sheet date the Group had contracted with tenants for the following future minimum 

lease payments:-

Within one year 

In the second year 

In the third to fifth year (inclusive) 

After five years 

37. Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

Year ended 31 December 2019 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

Derivative financial instruments 

2018 
£’000 

643,430 

109,271 

206,116 

(22,302) 

936,515 

34,334 

Year ended 31 December 2018 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Preference shares 

Convertible preference shares 

2017 
£’000 

626,242 

108,263 

198,870 

(10,588) 

– 

– 

                     Non-cash changes 
Fair  
value 
£’000 

Foreign 
exchange 
£’000 

Cash 
flows 
£’000 

33,943 

– 

– 

391 

– 

– 

– 

20,392 

20,392 

(1,630) 

– 

– 

(1,102) 

(2,732) 

                     Non-cash changes 
Fair  
value 
£’000 

Foreign 
exchange 
£’000 

Cash 
flows 
£’000 

24,282 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3,066 

3,066 

Derivative financial instruments 

(6,040) 

(18,848) 

927,335 

(29,436) 

(480) 

– 

(22,302)

23,802 

11,748 

936,515

Cash flows relating to interest bearing loans and borrowings comprise:

Proceeds from long term borrowings 

Repayment of long term borrowings 

Movements in restricted cash 

Loan amortisation 

Bank borrowing costs paid 

Add: Interest paid 

Loan origination costs incurred 

2019 
£’000 

2018 
£’000

(284,431) 

(11,173) 

(54,689) 

48,922 

357,966 

155,628

(153,152)

13,056

(50,000)

47,159

(140,096)

(23,279)

(2,841)

(10,588)

(295,604) 

(22,652) 

(5,767) 

33,943 

Other non-cash changes include amortisation of origination costs, movements in interest accruals, accretion of premiums payable on 

redemption of preference and convertible preference shares, scrip dividends and the reissue of convertible preference shares in the year to settle 

share-based payments.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
118

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

38. Acquisitions

Acquisitions in the year 

There were no acquisitions in the year.

Acquisitions in prior year 

The Group made one corporate acquisition in the prior year, the purchase of Volga Logistics Park. The Group purchased the property by acquiring 

all of the issued share capital of the corporate vehicles that owned the property. In accordance with its accounting policy, the Group considered 

the acquisition assessing whether an integrated set of activities had been acquired in addition to the property. It was concluded a business had 

not been purchased but rather the acquisition of a group of assets and related liabilities.

Analyses of the consideration payable for the properties and the incidental assets and liabilities are provided below:

2018 
£’000

30,805

2,444

1,490

642

1,235

(2,621)

33,995

32,958

868

169

33,995

Non-current assets

Investment property (note 11) 

Investment property under construction (note 12) 

Deferred tax assets (note 25a) 

Current assets

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and short term deposits 

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Discharged by:

Cash consideration paid 

Acquisition costs 

Payable 

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
119

ADVISERS

Registered Office:

UK Solicitors:

Registrars:

P.O. Box 522

Second Floor

La Vieille Cour 

La Plaiderie

St. Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 6EH

Company Secretary:

Benn Garnham

Joint Broker & Financial Adviser:

Nplus1 Singer Advisory LLP

One Hanover Street

London

W1S 1AX

Joint Broker:

Numis Securities Limited

10 Paternoster Square

London

EC4M 7LT

Primary and Secondary listings:

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner 

Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited 

Adelaide House

London Bridge

London

EC4R 9HA

Guernsey Advocates:

Carey Olsen

Carey House

Les Banques

St. Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 4BZ

Valuer:

Jones Lang LaSalle  

2 Letnikovskaya St. 

Bldg. 1 

Business centre Vivaldi Plaza 

Moscow

Mont Crevelt House 

Bulwer Avenue 

St. Sampson 

Guernsey 

GY2 4LH

UK Transfer Agent:

Link Market Services Limited 

The Registry 

34 Beckenham Road 

Beckenham 

Kent

BR3 4TU

Independent Auditors:

Ernst & Young LLP 

1 More London Place 

London 

SE1 2AF

The Company’s ordinary shares and preference shares are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and admitted to the Official 

List of the UK Listing Authority and the Official List of The International Stock Exchange (“TISE”). Its ordinary shares also have a secondary listing 

on the main board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Moscow Stock Exchange. Its convertible preference shares are admitted to the 

Official List of TISE and to trading on the SETSqx market of the London Stock Exchange.

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

120

ENQUIRIES

Raven Property Group Limited 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1481 712955

Anton Bilton 

Glyn Hirsch

Novella Communications 

Tel: +44 (0) 203 151 7008

Tim Robertson

Fergus Young

N+1 Singer 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7496 3000

Corporate Finance - James Maxwell / James Moat

Sales - Alan Geeves / James Waterlow

Numis Securities Limited 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7260 1000

Alex Ham / Jamie Loughborough / Alasdair Abram

Renaissance Capital (South Africa)  Tel: +27 (11) 750 1448

Yvette Labuschagne

Renaissance Capital (Moscow) 

Tel: +7 495 258 7770

David Pipia

Ravenscroft 

Emma Ozanne

Tel: +44 (0) 1481 729100

RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
RAVEN PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED

www.theravenpropertygroup.com

Registered Office
P.O. Box 522, Second Floor, La Vieille Cour, La Plaiderie, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 6EH