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Regus Group Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · Regus Group Plc
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New world,  
new workspaces

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2018

2018 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Net growth capital investment (£m)

Strategic report

1
2
3
4
10
12
14
20
22
26
34
36
40

Introduction
Who we are
Investment case
A new way of working
Market review
Our business model
Strategic review
Our strategic objectives and KPIs
Finance review
Risk management and principal risks
Our people
Corporate and social responsibility
Directors’ statement

Financial statements

41
43
44

45

46
47
48
79
80
84
85

Auditor’s report
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of changes  
in equity
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Notes to the accounts
Parent company accounts
Segmental analysis
Glossary
Shareholder information

Turn to page 25 for details on how we calculate our 
post-tax cash return on net investment.

A glossary is included on page 84 which defines 
various alternative measures used to provide 
useful and relevant information.

Please visit our website regus.com

£331.3m

18

17

16

176.8

162.3

Net growth capital investment

Number of locations

3,275

18

17

16

331.3

3,275

3,094

2,926

Group revenue development (£m)

£2,517.6m

18

17

16

2,517.6

2,341.7

2,233.4

EBITDA development (£m)

£388.1m

18

17

16

388.1
388.6
382.1

2018 post-tax cash return on net  
investment by year of opening (%)

20.7%1 

(12.9)

(3.4)

18

17
1.0

16

15

14

13 and before

7.8

15.2

20.7

1.  In respect of locations opened on or before 31 December 2013

New world,  
new workspaces

The world of work is changing – fast and forever.  
And Regus is at the forefront of the flexible workspace 
revolution that’s making it possible for businesses and 
individuals everywhere to take a new approach to the 
traditional working day. Thanks to our brands, worldwide 
footprint and highly efficient operating platform, every 
day millions of people can work precisely where, when 
and how they choose, enabling them to have…  

…a great day at work.

1

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
WHO WE ARE

Leading  
worldwide  
network

We continue to lead the workspace revolution.  
We are helping more than 2.5 million people and 
their businesses work more productively,  
right across the world.

Our customers – freelancers, startups, SMEs and big enterprises – want a choice 
of workspaces and communities to match their wide range of different needs.

Regus provides that choice.

By offering a wide range of workspace options through our brands, we can  
cater for the different and varied requirements of all customers – whether that’s 
access to an individual co-working space, a business lounge or an entire office suite. 
And we can offer this across the world.

In doing so, we help businesses perform better. Be more flexible and agile.  
Better able to meet their growth and development ambitions. And staffed 
by more fulfilled, effective and loyal people.

Our brands

Work, meet and connect 
wherever your business 
takes you

Your key to the  
world’s ultimate 
business locations

Creative spaces  
with a unique  
entrepreneurial spirit

Where the real  
work gets done

The home for  
a rewarding business lifestyle

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INVESTMENT CASE

Investing in our strengths

Regus has been helping people work  
more productively for 30 years.

Network

3,275

locations in more than  
110 countries.

1,100

cities right across  
the globe.

10,000

employees supporting  
local and international 
businesses.

Investment in technology

Expanding networks

24/7

customer service and access to the  
Regus app enable customers to use  
our services easily and whenever  
it suits them.

⅓

of location growth 
delivered through 
partnerships in the year

We work with property owners and investors to 
help them tap into the increasing success of the 
flexible workspace industry.

Revenue growth

Operating profit

Revenue growth provides us  
with the strategic opportunity to  
invest in our business and deliver  
long-term, sustainable value for  
our shareholders.

£155.0m

Cost efficiencies

Global footprint

Enabling businesses everywhere  
to pay only for the space they need, 
scaling up or down at will and boosting 
productivity in their choice of stimulating 
work environment.

57m

sq. ft. co-working and meeting space.

3

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNEW WORLD, NEW WORKSPACES

Innovating  
workspaces for  
the world

Regus has more locations in more cities and  
countries worldwide than anyone else. More brands, 
more formats, more investment in technology and 
customer experience, more awareness, more 
customers and more potential for growth.

For more than a decade, annual growth in the global flexible workspace market 
has averaged 13%2. It’s even faster in cities like Amsterdam, San Francisco and 
Singapore. And the scope for growth is increasing too – the proportion of occupiers 
saying flexibility is key to meeting their real estate objectives has risen by 
14 percentage points3 in just 12 months.

2.  The Flexible Revolution, CBRE research, 2017
3.  CBRE EMEA Occupier Survey 2018

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Spaces – Hanoi, Vietnam

HQ – Paris, France

No 18 – Stockholm, Sweden

Regus – Haifa, Israel

5

NEW WORLD, NEW WORKSPACES

Changing  
how businesses 
work

Powerful economic, regulatory and technological forces 
have liberated organisations of all sizes to transform 
their approach to workspace. As a result, more and 
more are embracing the strategic, operational and 
financial benefits of the flexible workspace revolution.

It’s no surprise that the flexible workspace market has grown by more  
than 20% over the last seven years, or that 84%4 of corporates believe this 
flexibility is a permanent feature of the workspace landscape. In fact, recent  
estimates suggest that by 2030 around a third of all corporate  
workspace will be flexible.

The benefits are undeniable. Getting closer to customers, suppliers and  
talent pools. Reducing costs, and rapidly scaling up and down as required. 
Focusing on true business priorities, not real-estate issues.

Equally important is the ability to drive improved workforce productivity  
and employee engagement.

4.  The Flexible Revolution, CBRE research 2017
5.  Colliers, Flexible Workspace Report 2018, UK
6.  JLL 2018 Flexible Workspace Market Forecast

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Regus – Canberra, Australia

56%

of Asia’s top 200 occupiers are  
already using flexible workspace  
and 91% are considering it5

22%

the growth rate of flexible office 
space over seven years. 1%: the 
growth rate of traditional office 
space over the same period6

How we’re supporting businesses
At Regus, we’re doing more than anybody else to deliver 
these benefits. More centres, offices, co-working and drop-in 
workspaces across 3,275 locations in over 110 countries. More 
brands, ensuring we have the workspace solution for every 
business. More advanced technology and apps, minimising 
admin and streamlining processes. And more investment  
in our workspaces via our efficient platform and systems,  
making certain we deliver what our customers want.

“ As a start-up business you don’t have 
the capital to pay for a fixed lease. We were 
able to set up our business in a period of nine 
weeks from start to finish. Now we have the 
advantage by meeting our clients at a Regus 
or Spaces location most convenient to them. 
It truly is plug and play.”

Sabina Bovetti,  
Inizi Human Capital Consulting

7

NEW WORLD, NEW WORKSPACES

Changing  
how people 
connect

Increasingly, people are free to work in the way 
they choose, liberated by mobile technology and  
a changing culture to decide precisely where,  
how and when. This demand is transforming  
the provision and nature of workspace.

Flexibility is driving a new, location-agnostic blend of work and personal  
time that’s rapidly becoming the established norm. Already, less than 20%  
of adults want to work a traditional 9 to 5 day, and 60% see a convenient work 
location as a key component of a good job.

And the overall trend is set to accelerate as the forces of change become even 
more powerful; 80% of the world’s adult population will own a smartphone by 2020, 
a quarter of all mobile traffic will be on 5G networks by 20247.

7.  Ericsson Mobile Data Traffic Growth Outlook, November 2018
8.  MacDonald’s UK: Flexible Working Survey 2018
9.  PowWowNow, reported in Real Business, Demand for flexible working among UK employees is on the rise

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Spaces – Florida, USA

How we’re supporting professionals
Regus’ unbeatable range of brands ensures people across the 
world can always find what they need. Whether they’re working 
close to home, setting up somewhere new or hosting a meeting 
on the other side of the world, we can meet every demand – from 
a room for an hour to a building for a year.

“ Working with Regus has helped us to attract 
and retain talented individuals looking for a 
flexible working policy.”

Claire Cobbledick,  
Director of Gumtree, SA

69%

of employees who work  
flexibly say it encourages them  
to stay in a job for longer8

75%

of employees favour flexible 
working, up from 70% in 20179

53%

of all US workers value  
the flexibility to work in  
different locations9

9

MARKET REVIEW

Responding to a 
changing world

Key drivers

What this means and  
how we are responding

It is anticipated that 30% of the global corporate real estate 
market will be formed of flexible space by 203010. We will continue 
to take a prudent approach in meeting this global demand for 
flexible workspace through strategies like partnering and 
joint ventures.

Three key strengths will underpin Regus’ leadership position: our 
proven ability to keep pace with technological change, through 
world-class IT infrastructure and continuous service innovation; 
the constant listening to customers and insight that enable us 
to deliver against fast-changing expectations; and our success 
in creating added value services for customers, from startups 
to corporates.

People increasingly expect high-quality personalised service as 
the norm. Accessibility and flexibility are becoming core elements 
of workspace provision. Regus enables flexibility to flourish at 
the heart of what we do. We enable our customers to make 
rapid shifts in location, scale, strategy, technological resource, 
customer focus and product development. It brings them the 
flexibility they need to respond proactively to fast-changing 
markets, consumer habits and competitor activity.

In a fast-changing and unpredictable business environment, 
it’s hard for companies to identify the investments in technology 
they should be making. Merely keeping up with advancements is 
costly and the impact of digital interruption makes the need to 
maintain services mission critical. We are continuously investing to 
provide world-class, resilient IT infrastructure and connectivity at 
all our centres, spreading the benefit of continuous advancement 
across our client base. And, through understanding the needs 
and aspirations of many thousands of clients across the world, 
we have privileged insight into the direction businesses want 
technology to take.

Regus has many advantages over other players. Our reach is 
global, enabling us to ramp up and downsize in local markets 
as conditions change, and our operating platform is the most 
efficient in the industry. We have a multi-brand portfolio that 
enables broader customer reach and more precise segmentation 
which helps us to develop new margin-accretive ancillary and 
lifestyle services. Moving forward, we will seek to grow an 
increasing proportion of our business through partnering 
and more prudent use of our capital.

Changing global economy
Large companies across the world are responding to significant 
changes in the global economy by re-engineering their approach 
to office provision and real estate assets to ensure the balance 
sheet reflects their business priorities. In addition, a new 
accounting standard could make workspace contracts 
more attractive for some businesses. 

Growing customer demand
Customers have responded to the changing environment by 
demanding flexible working options in order to use their time 
more productively, in both working and personal lives.

Rapidly changing technology
Smart technology and ever-present connectivity continue 
to liberate people to choose where, how and when they work. 

Increasing competition
The growing market for flexible workspace has driven more 
competition as workspace providers offer increasingly 
differentiated offers and related services.

10.   CBRE EMEA Occupier survey 2017 

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Regus – Gatwick, England

Spaces – Glasgow, Scotland

1 1

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Creating value  
for the long term

Our vision is to lead the global workspace revolution and provide our customers with 
a great day at work. Our business model is delivered through an efficient platform 
creating value for shareholders and reinvestment for the benefit of our customers.

What we do

How we do it

We provide flexible workspace for over 2.5 million customers 
across the globe. We work with landlords and property owners 
in order to provide the largest network of workspace for 
businesses of all shapes and sizes.

We can provide local, national and international solutions and, 
through our different brands, can tailor workspaces according 
to the needs of our customers. That means we support our 
customers as they scale up or down, move location and 
reconfigure existing workspace. We can also provide 
the additional support services that are critical to some 
businesses such as workplace recovery, a virtual office 
or administrative support.

Our aim is to make sure we provide an ideal working 
environment so our customers can have a great day at 
work every day. 

Key inputs
Our people
Talented and experienced professionals who drive the  
success of our business

Our brands
Segmenting the market for maximised uptake and returns

Our networks
National and international, empowering businesses and 
individuals to work productively, anywhere in the world

Our formats
Versatile, inspiring and practical, driving productivity  
for every type of customer

Our platform
Connecting the property industry, by providing a  
world-class and easy-to-use infrastructure with simple 
points of access and a great user experience

Our strategic drivers

•  Delivering attractive, 
sustainable returns
•  Delivering profitable 

growth

•  Cash generation
•  Cost leadership
•  Developing multi-brand 

networks

See page 20 to read more about our strategy

Our competitive operating model

Operational efficiency
We focus on optimising the performance and operational 
effectiveness of each of our locations which, combined with 
a disciplined and focused approach across the business 
to overhead costs, enables us to continue delivering  
long-term value.

Regus’ operational efficiency is underpinned by its 
scaled platform and centralised support functions.

Scaled platform
Regus and its commercial brands operate from a single, 
scaled global platform that enables us to provide workplace 
solutions across the world efficiently according to a customer’s 
requirements. This centralised platform serves our different 
brands, allowing us to differentiate what we offer to our 
customers more efficiently.

1 2

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Value created

Investment in growth
The flexible workspace market is growing strongly 
as the advantages of flexible and remote working are 
increasingly recognised. We are investing in our formats and 
national networks to meet this demand. We are increasingly 
linking these networks to create a global infrastructure that 
enables our customers to operate on a truly global scale.

Working in partnership with landlords and franchisees is an 
increasingly important element of our strategy to deliver 
capital efficient growth.

All potential investment is rigorously evaluated against 
stringent financial hurdles. The agility of our business model 
allows our growth plans to be adjusted to reflect changing 
market conditions, which is an important aspect of our 
ability to manage risk through the economic cycle.

Strong governance and  
risk management system

Our operating model is underpinned by strong and robust 
governance and a rigorous risk management model that  
ensures the business is being managed prudently and risks 
appropriately assessed whilst ensuring that we still benefit 
from an entrepreneurial spirit and our  
ambitions for future growth.

Centralised support functions
Regus’ support functions are centralised to ensure resources and 
costs are controlled and utilised to maximise value for customers 
and shareholders. From procurement to marketing, the support 
functions benefit from economies of scale and global reach as 
well as providing the business with a consistency of support 
and service.

Multi-branded
We provide our customers with a choice of workspace solutions 
through our different brands. We recognise there is no ‘one-size 
fits all’ solution and therefore we offer different formats and 
workspaces to accommodate the varied needs of our customers.

1 3

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC REVIEW

2018: consistent sequential 
quarterly improvement

“We have done much to position our business to 
meet the growing needs of our customers in the 
rapidly developing market of co-working and flexible 
working, and to be well positioned to benefit from 
clear structural growth drivers.”

Mark Dixon

Investing in our global platform
To support the ongoing development of the business and 
strengthen our global operating platform we selectively invested 
in overheads, particularly in our partnering and enterprise account 
activities. This investment was made within the strong cost control 
framework maintained by the Group. Overall, overheads increased 
15% at constant currency from £217.4m to £244.0m. We continued 
to maintain our industry-leading overhead efficiency with overheads 
as a percentage of revenue marginally up to 9.7% (2017: 9.3%). After 
the investment in overheads, together with the start-up costs from 
new centres added during the year and the closure of 117 locations, 
operating profit declined to £155.0m (2017: £177.2m), an outcome 
in line with management’s expectations.

Our growth programme accelerated in 2018 with net growth capital 
expenditure of £331.3m. This investment reflects a record level of 
organic growth and a significant investment in locations due to open 
in 2019 resulting from a strong growth pipeline, especially in our 
Spaces format. In total, we added 298 locations, only nine of 
which were acquired, and 6.8m sq. ft. of space.

For Regus, 2018 was in many ways a year of significant change and 
consistent improvement. Responding to a tough start to the year, 
the actions we took during 2018 ensured our performance improved 
continuously as the months passed, enabling us to end the year with 
record sales and enhanced like-for-like results.

Attractive investment returns
The improvement in our performance throughout the year has 
helped to deliver a strong post-tax cash return on net investment 
that exceeds the Group’s cost of capital. The post-tax cash return 
on net growth investment from locations opened on or before 
31 December 2013 was 20.7% (2017: 20.2%). Moving the maturity 
profile of the estate forward one year to all those locations opened 
on or before 31 December 2014, the post-tax cash return was 
20.0% (2017: 19.2%). Our post-tax returns are calculated after 
deducting all net maintenance capital expenditure incurred in 
the year. During 2018, as expected, we invested more in net 
maintenance capital expenditure to take the opportunity to 
refresh some of our existing locations, particularly in the UK.

Sequentially improving financial performance
Group revenue increased 9.5% at constant currency to £2,517.6m. 
This performance has been achieved through a consistent 
improvement through the year. These Group numbers also 
include the impact from closures, which has been significant in 2018, 
with 117 closures, as we continued to actively manage our estate. 
Consequently, a better indication of the performance of the ongoing 
business is provided by the revenues generated by our open centres. 
On this basis, revenue increased 13.1%, at constant currency, to 
£2,465.3m (2017: £2,219.3m). Encouragingly, we witnessed the 
same trend of steadily rising growth through the year, with all 
regions contributing.

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Group income statement

£m
Revenue
Gross profit (centre contribution)
Overheads 
Operating profit(1)
Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit after tax 
EBITDA

1.  Including joint ventures

2018
2,517.6
400.4
(244.0)
155.0
150.4
(32.1)
118.3
388.1

2017
2,341.7
395.4
(217.4)
177.2
167.2
(35.6)
(131.6)
388.6

% Change 
(constant  
currency)
9.5%
2%
15%

% Change 
(actual  
currency)
7.5%
1%
12%

0%

0%

The Group generated a gross profit of £400.4m (2017: £395.4m), an increase of 2% at constant currency. This performance is after a 
significant investment in the new 2018 openings and the impact of closures. Excluding these factors, the gross profit on the pre-2018 
business increased by 16% from £388.8m to £450.8m.

Gross margin

2015 Aggregation
New 16
New 17
Pre-18
New 18(2)
Open centre revenue
Closures
Group 

Revenue £m

Gross margin %

 2018
2,107.7 
130.1 
162.1 
2,399.9 
65.4 
2,465.3
52.3
2,517.6 

 2017
2,072.2 
106.5 
40.6 
2,219.3 
– 
2,219.3
122.4
2,341.7 

% Change 
(constant 
currency) 
3.6%
24.0%
304.4%
10.1%
–
13.1%
(55.7)%
9.5%

 2018
21.4% 
5.4% 
(4.9)% 
18.8% 
(46.7)%
17.0%
(36.1)%
15.9% 

 2017
20.6% 
(12.1)% 
(61.1)% 
17.5% 
–
17.5%
5.7%
16.9%

2.  New 18 also includes any costs incurred in 2018 for centres which will open in 2019

We generated £444.8m of EBITDA from the pre-2018 estate, up 
14.4%. Group EBITDA was maintained at £388.1m (2017: £388.6m). 
These metrics are a good indication of the cash generation capability 
of our business model. With a positive working capital inflow of 
£54.8m, we generated cash of £456.2m (2017: £239.9m).

The market in 2018
Much of this success was due to the strengthened management 
team we built during the year, which played a vital role in helping us 
drive our improved performance. I would like to record my thanks 
to everybody involved for their invaluable contribution.

We generated cash flow of £162.1m (2017: £40.6m) after increased 
maintenance capital expenditure and taxation, but before investment 
in growth capital expenditure. After the significant investment in 
growth capital expenditure, Group net debt increased from an 
opening position of £296.6m to £464.8m at 31 December 2018. 
This represents a net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 1.2x, thereby 
continuing our prudent approach to the Group’s capital structure. 
At 31 December 2018, we had approximately £40.0m of freehold 
property on the balance sheet.

Overall, this was a year of responding positively to challenging 
conditions. I am particularly pleased with the way in which the 
business successfully addressed some powerful economic 
headwinds in many of the countries where Regus operates.

One of the most telling examples was that of Brazil, where 
recessionary forces continued to impact the country during the year. 
We completely restructured our business there, increasing its size 
significantly. Tangible improvements in performance were already 
visible by the end of 2018, and our Brazilian business appears set for 
a profitable 2019. We carried out similarly successful actions in other 
countries, continuously aiming to make decisions that improve our 
profitability across the Group as we move forward.

1 5

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC REVIEW CONTINUED

The forces accelerating our development
I am particularly struck that a number of forces that might normally 
be regarded as barriers to business success have counter-intuitively 
acted as growth accelerators for Regus, resulting in the addition of 
almost 300 locations to our network in 2018.

During 2018, we invested £331.3m of net growth capital expenditure. 
This investment included expenditure on locations opened before 
2018 and to be opened in 2019 of £91.6m, higher than previous years, 
primarily reflecting the strong pipeline with which we have entered 
2019, most notably in our Spaces brand.

We finished 2018 strongly, with 94 additions in the fourth quarter. 
This momentum has continued, and we have a good pipeline of new 
openings already for 2019. At the end of February 2019, we had 
visibility on 2019 net growth capital expenditure of approximately 
£200.0m, representing approximately 190 locations and 5.2m sq. ft. 
of additional space.

A continuing growth story
During 2018, we increased our emphasis on partnering. Being able to 
clearly demonstrate the benefits of customer loyalty has contributed 
to the number of parties signing up to partner with us, which increased 
significantly during 2018 to create a very strong forward pipeline.

Much of this success was also due to the efforts of our growing 
franchise team, which is set to accelerate our growth further during 
2019 as franchising becomes an increasingly important element of 
our growth strategy. In 2018, we signed agreements covering the 
development of 49 locations, taking the total for the Group as at 
31 December 2018 to 135 committed locations. We also saw a 
strong increase in the number of co-owned locations across 
the world as we received unprecedented levels of interest and 
commitment from property owners. During the year, some 33% 
of our growth was through partnering.

Our 2018 focus was not just about opening new centres. We also 
developed our multi-brand strategy which offers a portfolio of 
brands to suit every work style and price point. Our multi-brand 
portfolio provides unparalleled choice and delivers a global 
consistency to provide quality customer experience across 
all our brands.

To support our goal of providing our customers with a quality 
experience to ensure they have “a great day at work”, we have 
continued to innovate our platform. We strengthened our industry-
leading and highly scalable digital platform to give customers an even 
better experience and access to higher levels of service which they 
can self-serve. We launched an account help desk and provided 
more centralised call handling. We continued to train and develop 
our people, simultaneously providing our customer-facing employees 
with the 24/7 global support they need to drive customer retention 
by focusing exclusively on meeting customer needs.

First and foremost, our performance during 2018 demonstrates 
how the uncertainty brought about by economic challenges can be 
a positive force for the Group. It causes individuals and businesses 
alike to value even more highly the benefits of flexible workspace, 
allowing companies of all sizes to respond rapidly and decisively to 
fast-changing conditions.

In a similar vein, the new lease accounting standard, IFRS 16, which 
came into force on 1 January 2019, is already driving significant 
increases in demand for our services from enterprises. IFRS 16’s 
requirement for organisations to recognise assets and liabilities for 
all leases does not extend to those with a duration of 12 months or 
less. We believe that this will focus organisations’ attention on the 
commitment of material capital investment in long-term leases 
when property is not their core competence.

In addition, as global market leader, we are even finding that 
competitor activity is helping our business. In particular, we continue 
to benefit from the marketing and communications activities of 
our smaller rivals as they further raise awareness of the benefits 
of co-working and taking a flexible approach to corporate property. 
This helped interest in and demand for co-working rise during the 
year, and we received record levels of enquiries as a direct result.

This is far from the only benefit of a competitive market 
environment. Competition also forces us to continuously improve, 
constantly sharpening our performance across many aspects of 
what we have to offer. This is how we ensure our industry-leading 
position in areas such as app development, digital interaction with 
our customers, improving reporting and other tools for enterprise 
accounts, as we continue to deliver an ever more flexible and 
easier-to-use customer experience.

Developing the network
We reaccelerated the growth of our network and 2018 was a record 
year for organic growth. Increasing the depth and breadth of our 
geographic scope, and addressing different styles of working and price 
points, is a major differentiator for Regus by providing a competitive 
advantage as well as building further resilience into the business. 
We continued to maintain a sharp focus on our investment decision-
making process during 2018 and we are seeing the tangible benefit of 
this discipline in recent years in the development profile of our newer 
year-group cohorts.

We opened 298 new locations during 2018, 289 of which were organic 
openings. These locations added approximately 6.8m sq. ft., taking the 
Group’s total space globally to 57.3m sq. ft. as at 31 December 2018. 
Another important focus area was the roll-out of our Spaces format. 
During 2018 we accelerated our roll-out of the Spaces format with 
the addition of 103 locations, which represented approximately 56% 
of the space added. The investment in our Spaces format during 
2018 represented approximately two-thirds of the Group net 
growth capital expenditure.

1 6

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Solid operating platform
Critically, all our brands are based on the same solid and highly 
efficient operating platform across more than 110 countries, 
ensuring that our full range of services is available around the clock. 
Indeed, our highly trained and skilled people working in tandem with 
ever-improving digital capabilities are driving faster and more 
accurate responses to client needs.

This is the bedrock of our business and the primary focus for our 
strategy of continuous improvement across all our sites. It is also 
at the heart of our highly efficient operating model and tight focus 
on capital discipline, which enables us to centralise processes from 
across our network, drive new efficiencies from our scale and ensure 
that our future growth is increasingly profitable.

This is what is making our ambition to be the most efficient operator 
become a reality, enabling our customers to find with us the best 
possible quality at the best possible price.

Expanding service portfolio
Increasingly, our operating platform is also supporting the fast-
growing universe of ancillary services we offer alongside office 
space, which now represents approximately 29% of Group revenues. 
I believe that this proportion will continue to rise as we form 
increasingly close relationships with enterprise clients seeking 
a partner capable of delivering an ever-wider range of services.

One area of particular growth during 2018 was our industry-leading 
workplace-recovery service, available in more than 1,000 towns and 
cities worldwide, which grew by almost 50% during the year.

During 2019, we aim to continue introducing further new services to 
meet the needs of the 2.5m-plus users and members of our virtual 
and physical spaces and services across the world.

Improving performance at centre level
I am very confident that our centres will continue to perform well 
throughout 2019, as we continue to grow and improve. With more 
than three decades’ experience under our belt of running centres 
profitably, our focus will be on improving the performance of all those 
centres in our network, regardless of their age. Where necessary, we 
will continue to rationalise our network as a means of optimising 
its performance. In particular, we are focused on enhancing the 
profitability of our UK business through important investments 
in both talent and network performance.

One of the most powerful ways of achieving this is through 
investing in our people. As the world in which we operate becomes 
more competitive, they will be an increasingly important source 
of advantage by further engaging our clients. During 2018, we 
therefore made significant investments in training and reviewed 
compensation across the organisation. I am delighted by their 
performance during the year and believe there is even more to come 
in 2019 and beyond. I am also very proud of their great work to meet 
the needs of our clients and their commitment to supporting the 
communities where we operate.

Enterprise accounts
We grew our enterprise accounts team during the year, along with 
upgrading our national networks and product offering to meet the 
growing demand from enterprises. This is enabling us to build 
strategic relationships both nationally and globally.

The opportunity is huge. Our largest strategic corporate client 
uses 100 centres in 32 countries. Many others are using 10 or more 
centres, both nationally and in multiple countries. We believe there 
are many opportunities to develop other relationships of similar 
scale across the world.

Building our brands
Our brand strategy is an important element of our commitment to 
profitable growth. We recognise that not all our customers want 
exactly the same flexible workspace solutions. This is even true 
of different departments within the same organisation. Our 
multi-brand offer addresses this issue, and during the year we 
expanded brands, including No18 and HQ. We also saw strong 
growth in our Regus brand, with 174 new centres, and 103 new 
locations for our extremely popular Spaces co-working format.

1 7

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC REVIEW CONTINUED

Performance by region
Looking to our financial performance in more detail, mature revenue increased by 4.6% during the year at constant currency, with sequential 
improvements in each quarter through the year. This sustained improvement throughout the period was primarily driven by improvements in 
the Americas and EMEA, which had a particularly strong second half.

On a regional basis, mature(1) revenue and contribution can be analysed as follows:

£m
Americas
EMEA
Asia Pacific
UK
Other
Total

Revenue

Contribution

Mature gross margin (%)

2018
961.7
527.1
368.0
376.5
4.5
2,237.8 

2017
930.3
493.7
361.1
390.3
3.3
2,178.7 

% Change 
(constant 
currency)
6.6%
7.2%
4.5%
(3.5)%

4.6%

2018
207.6
128.0
76.2
49.3
(2.8)
458.3 

2017
162.3
105.9
71.4
75.2
(1.2)
413.6 

% Change 
(constant 
currency)
31%
21%
9%
(34)%

2018
21.6%
24.3%
20.7%
13.1%

2017
17.4%
21.5%
19.8%
19.3%

12%

20.5%

19.0%

1.  Centres open on or before 31 December 2016

Americas
Revenue from open centres increased 12.8% at constant currency 
to breach the billion-mark with £1,030.1m. Total revenue (including 
closed centres) in the Americas increased 9.8% at constant currency 
to £1,048.5m (up 6.5% at actual rates). Mature revenue in the region 
increased 6.6% at constant currency to £961.7m (up 3.4% at actual 
rates), with good sequential improvements during the year, resulting 
in a strong finish to the year.

Average mature occupancy for the region was 75.7% (2017: 74.3%) 
and there was a good recovery in the gross margin which increased 
significantly from 17.4% to 21.6%.

The US, our largest market, continued to build on the first half 
performance, with further sequential quarterly improvements to 
finish the year strongly with double-digit constant currency revenue 
growth to generate £883.7m of total revenue and a record level of 
profitability. This overall performance in the US was underpinned by 
an improving high single-digit mature revenue growth. Our Canadian 
business started the year where it finished 2017 with strong 
double-digit growth in its mature revenue, ending the year with 
approximately 17% year-on-year mature revenue growth in Q4. 
For the total business, growth exceeded 20% in Q4 and profitability 
more than doubled. Our business in Latin America continued to face 
challenges, particularly in the larger markets of Brazil and Mexico. 
In Brazil, our largest market, we restructured our business by 
repositioning our estate and re-energised our in-country colleagues. 
We are now starting to see early tangible signs of these actions in our 
Brazilian performance.

We added 59 new locations during the year, taking the total to 1,284 
at 31 December 2018. This includes 37 Spaces. Almost a quarter of 
these new locations were through partnering deals of various types. 
The focus of growth continued to be the US with the opening of 34 
new locations, which increased the total to 1,014.

EMEA
Our EMEA business has had a strong year overall. Revenue from 
all open centres increased 20.7% at constant currency to £617.9m. 
Total revenue increased 17.1% at constant currency to £630.8m 
(up 16.7% at actual rates). Mature revenue in the region increased 
7.2% at constant currency to £527.1m (up 6.8% at actual rates) 
for the year. These growth rates reflect a very strong second half 
performance with growth accelerating in Q4. With the improvement 
in revenue performance, the mature gross margin increased from 
21.5% to 24.3%. Mature occupancy increased from 76.8% to 77.0%.

Reflective of such a diverse region, individual country performances 
varied but, overall, the better performance was driven by continental 
Europe. France had a very strong second half as it benefited from, 
and grew into, the new inventory added in prior periods. Italy 
and Germany both had better second half performances, and 
Switzerland improved its performance as we moved through the 
year. Russia is now responding to the actions taken and this helped 
its second half performance. There were, however, some more 
challenging markets amongst some of the Nordic countries and 
in parts of the Middle East and Africa.

We added 148 new locations in EMEA, including 28 Spaces. A total of 
29% of these locations were achieved via various partnering deals. 
At 31 December 2018, we had 1,013 locations across EMEA.

Asia Pacific
Overall, our Asia Pacific region reported a solid performance. 
Revenue from all the open centres increased 13.3% at constant 
currency to £404.6m. Total revenue in the region increased 10.3% at 
constant currency to £412.2m (up 7.6% at actual rates) and revenue 
performance was stronger in the second half of the year. In the 
Mature business, revenue increased 4.5% at constant currency (up 
1.9% at actual rates), with a good Q4 performance to finish the year.

1 8

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

 
 
There were good performances from several of the larger countries 
across the region. Japan had a very strong year with double-digit 
growth across the year in mature revenues. Hong Kong came 
back strongly in 2018 and also delivered double-digit growth. The 
Philippines too reported good revenue growth, especially in the first 
half. China, after a better start, saw growth slow in the second half 
and the same occurred in Australia, while India and Singapore both 
remained challenged.

Mature occupancy increased from 71.3% to 72.8% and the gross 
margin improved from 19.8% to 20.7%.

We added 65 new centres into Asia Pacific, over 46% of these 
through partnering. There were 23 Spaces among the new locations, 
as we roll out this format globally. As at 31 December 2018, we had 
683 centres in the region.

UK
Our UK business has faced challenges which has affected its financial 
performance. We are focused on reversing this situation. We are 
taking actions to stimulate long-term profitable growth through a 
programme of significant repositioning and investment, both in 
terms of estate and personnel. We remain optimistic about the UK 
market, a view reinforced by the performance of the centres that 
we have added during 2017 and 2018. We are now seeing initial 
evidence that these actions are now manifesting themselves in 
improved performance.

Revenue from all the open centres increased 3.5% to £407.8m. 
Total revenue (including closed centres) was marginally lower at 
£421.2m (2017: £429.4m). Revenue from the Mature business in 
the UK declined 3.5% to £376.5m. This reflects an improvement 
in the second half.

In addition to adding new inventory into the UK market, refurbishing 
those where we want to retain a presence and selective closures 
in order to move back to the desired performance levels, we have 
taken the opportunity to invest in our people and their training. 
In the near term this investment has increased our cost base in the 
UK ahead of the initial revenue recovery. The resultant increased 
reduction in gross profit has reduced the mature margin from 19.3% 
to 13.1%. These were, however, the right actions to have taken. 
Mature occupancy reduced from 71.6% to 68.8%.

We added 26 new locations in the UK, including 15 new Spaces 
locations. Over 40% of the new locations were via partnering 
agreements. In addition to adding high quality new centres into our 
UK business, we have been actively repositioning the existing estate 
by increased selective investment and, where appropriate, closing 
locations. We had 295 locations in the UK at 31 December 2018.

“We delivered record organic growth in 2018 
and invested in the building blocks for 2019, 
and through our actions we continue to 
deliver an ever more streamlined and 
scalable business model.”

Outlook
We have done much to position our business to meet the 
growing needs of our customers in the rapidly developing market of 
co-working and flexible working, and to be well positioned to benefit 
from clear structural growth drivers. We delivered record organic 
growth in 2018 and invested in the building blocks for 2019, and 
through our actions we continue to deliver an ever more streamlined 
and scalable business model. We will continue to invest in our 
business model and, in a disciplined manner, further invest in our 
network scale and our multi-brand strategy in the years ahead. 
Our investment in developing our partnering capabilities will be a 
key enabler of the way that we want to deliver this growth. As well 
as having a strong pipeline of Regus-owned locations for 2019, 
we are seeing increasing momentum in our partnering approach 
with counterparties wanting to operate our brands across a wide 
geographic spectrum.

We remain focused on profitable growth, delivering attractive 
returns and monetising our leading global network. To achieve 
this, we will have a strong focus on margin improvement and a 
continuation of our drive for greater efficiency, from good cost 
discipline and the scale benefits deriving from our global platform.

With the continued investment in the building blocks of our business 
and with the momentum generated through the year, we have had 
a strong start to 2019. The positive trends in global sales activity 
have strengthened the order book. The new locations we added 
during 2017 and 2018, across our range of formats, are developing 
strongly. In markets where we have faced challenges, we have taken 
decisive action to bring our performance back on track with selective 
closures, refurbishing locations we wish to retain, adding exciting 
new locations to the network and investing in the customer service 
skills of our people. We are starting to see the benefits of these 
initiatives. There are, however, global macro-economic and 
geo-political uncertainties in various parts of the world, which makes 
it sensible to develop the business with some caution. We continue 
to invest in and develop our partnering activities which will allow us to 
deliver more growth with less capital intensity on our balance sheet.

We remain very confident in our industry, its structural growth 
drivers and the strength of our position in the industry with a 
growing, profitable and cash generative proven business model. 
The Board remains confident in our prospects for the year ahead 
and the trading outlook for 2019 remains in line with 
management’s expectations.

MARK DIXON

27 June 2019

1 9

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND KPIs

A strategy for  
sustainable growth

We aim to deliver strong and sustainable returns to our investors through providing 
customers of all types across the world with convenient, inspiring and innovative work 
environments that suit the full range of workspace and service needs.

Delivering attractive, sustainable returns

Long-term revenue growth 
achieved through the addition of 
new locations, the development 
of incremental income streams 
and the active management of the 
existing network to drive efficiency 
has once again driven strong 
returns on investment in 2018, well 
ahead of the Group’s cost of capital.

2018 post-tax cash return on net investment by year of opening (%)
Overall 2018 return on net growth investment made up to 31 December 2013 of 20.7%.

20.7%

(12.9)

(3.4)

18

17
1.0

16

15

14

13 and before

7.8

15.2

20.7

Future ambitions and risks
Delivering sustainable returns above the Group’s cost of capital is central to creating 
future shareholder value. We are committed to achieving this by optimising revenue 
development and controlling costs throughout our global network.

Delivering profitable growth

From our scale we derive many 
benefits that form the basis of our 
attractive business. It is therefore 
important that incremental 
expansion of our business 
generates profitable growth that 
can be reinvested into the business 
and provide attractive returns to 
shareholders. 

EBITDA development (£m)
Group EBITDA margin of 15.4% for year to 31 December 2018.

£388.1m

18

17

16

388.1
388.6
382.1

Future ambitions and risks
Maintaining our disciplined approach to capital investment and our strong focus on 
operational efficiency we believe provides a strong platform to deliver future 
profitable growth.

2 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Cash generation

The ability to convert profit into 
cash remains an attractive feature 
of our business model. These cash 
flows delivered by our operations 
support the investment in the 
ongoing development of our 
business and returns 
to shareholders.

Cash flow before net growth capital expenditure, dividends  
and share buybacks
During 2018, we generated £162.1m of cash before growth capital expenditure, dividends 
and share buybacks.

£162.1m

18

17

16

33.5

162.1

283.2

Future ambitions and risks
With our business generating revenue growth over the long term and our strong focus on 
operational efficiency, our business model is well positioned to continue to convert profit 
into cash.

Cost leadership

Cost leadership, through 
operational excellence and the 
significant economies of scale 
and operational leverage that 
our global operating platform 
delivers, provides a significant 
competitive advantage.

During 2018 we made additional 
overhead investment to build upon 
anticipated future growth of the 
business and the way it is to  
be delivered. 

Total overheads as percentage of revenue (%)
Overheads as a % of revenue well controlled.

9.7%

18

17

16

9.7

9.3

11.7

Future ambitions and risks
Further planned investment in overheads in 2019 is anticipated to be partly mitigated by 
improved efficiencies elsewhere in the business as we continue to benefit from our scale 
and well-invested operational platform.

Developing global & national multi-brand networks

We are continuing to grow our 
networks in those markets with 
the greatest growth potential 
and where demand is strongest. 
By expanding our network, 
investing in services and 
continuously improving the quality 
of our infrastructure and centres, 
we are able to expand our potential 
customer base whilst retaining 
more of our existing customers. 

Location growth
We continue to be mindful of growing only in locations where the potential investment 
opportunity meets our stringent returns criteria. 

Number of locations

3,275

18

17

16

3,275

3,094

2,926

Future ambitions and risks
We are also focused on capital efficient ways of expanding the network, including partnering 
with property owners and working with franchisees.

2 1

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCE REVIEW

Encouraging improvement 
in performance through  
the year

“A key characteristic of our business model is its cash generation  
capability through strong profit conversion. Cash generated before net 
investment in growth capital expenditure increased by £128.6m to £162.1m 
from £33.5m, up over 400%.”

Eric Hageman

Gross profit
Group gross profit was £400.4m (2017: £395.4m), up 2% at 
constant currency, reflecting a stronger second half performance. 
There were strong increases in the Americas and EMEA which more 
than compensated for the declines in the UK and Asia Pacific. This 
continuing improvement reflects an increase in the gross profit from 
the Mature business of £44.7m, a higher level of initial losses from the 
new centre additions of £14.4m and an adverse variance of £25.3m 
on closed locations. The 150bp improvement in the mature margin to 
20.5% reflects the encouraging development seen through 2018 and 
provides a good basis for 2019. At the Group level, the improvement 
in the mature margin has been negated by the dilutive impact from 
closures and new openings, with the associated investment in 
pre-recruiting and training additional centre team members. This 
has resulted in a reduction in the Group gross margin from 16.9% 
to 15.9%.

EBITDA
Group EBITDA decreased marginally from £388.6m to £388.1m. 
With the continued investment in the building blocks of our business, 
the increase in our depreciation and amortisation of £21.7m was 
consistent with the £22.2m reduction in operating profit before 
taking into account a debt movement in 2017. This higher level of 
depreciation reflects the significant investment made in recent years 
to grow the business globally. Consequently, a better indication of 
the performance of our business is provided by our pre-18 estate 
EBITDA. We generated £444.8m of EBITDA from our pre-18 estate, 
an increase of 14.1% on the £390.0m generated in 2017.

2018 can be characterised as a year of consistent improvement 
after a more difficult start to the year. This sequential improvement 
in our performance not only delivered the stronger second half result 
we had anticipated but provides a solid basis for 2019. This is an 
encouraging position to be in, with prevailing macro-economic 
and geo-political uncertainties in various parts of the world.

Revenue
Reported Group revenue increased 9.5% at constant currency 
to £2,517.6m (2017: £2,341.7m). Reflecting the uplift in sales 
activity experienced since October 2017, revenue growth improved 
consecutively in each quarter. All four regions contributed to this 
development. There were good double-digit improvements in 
EMEA and Asia Pacific, and near double-digit growth from the 
Americas. The UK, although marginally down year-on-year, 
moved into a positive position in the fourth quarter, a quarter 
which also witnessed stronger growth in the other three regions.

This performance trend was also reflected in open centre revenue 
growth which is not impacted by the effect of closures in the same 
way as Group revenue. For 2018, constant currency open centre 
revenue growth was 13.1% with all regions contributing positively. 
Again, the trend in growth improved throughout the year. Key drivers 
to this performance have been the conversion of the improved sales 
activity into better occupancy in the Mature business and strong 
development of the newer locations. The latter is a reflection of 
our capital discipline and strong investment processes.

The improved sales activity and the maturation of the 2016-year 
group additions delivered the anticipated improvement in mature 
revenue. Growth in mature revenues for the year, at constant 
currency, was 4.6%. This represents a significant improvement in 
the second half of 2018 and was delivered by improvements in all 
regions, most significantly from EMEA and the Americas. Mature 
occupancy moved up 50bp to 74.2% (2017: 73.7%), with the 
expected decline in occupancy in the UK more than offset by 
improvements in the other regions, most notably the Americas 
and EMEA.

2 2

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Financial performance
Group income statement

£m
Revenue
Gross profit (centre contribution)
Overheads 
Joint ventures
Operating profit
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxation
Effective tax rate
Profit after tax
Basic EPS (p)
Depreciation & amortisation
EBITDA

Gross margin

£m
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit (centre contribution)
Gross margin

£m
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit (centre contribution)
Gross margin

2018 
2,517.6
400.4
(244.0)
(1.4)
155.0
(4.6)
150.4
(32.1)
21.3%
118.3
3,943.3
233.1
388.1

2017
2,341.7
395.4
(217.4)
(0.8)
177.2
(10.0)
167.2
(35.6)
21.3%
131.6
27.7
211.4
388.6

% Change 
(constant currency) 
9.5%
2%
15%

% Change  
(actual currency)
7.5%
1%
12%

(15)%

(13)%

(10)%

(10)%

0%

0%

Mature centres
2,237.8
(1,779.5)
458.3
20.5%

Mature centres
2,178.7
(1,765.1)
413.6
19.0%

New centres
227.5
(267.1)
(39.6)
(17.4)%

Closed centres
52.3
(70.6)
(18.3)
(35.0)%

New centres
40.6
(65.8)
(25.2)
(62.1)%

Closed centres
122.4
(115.4)
7.0
5.7%

Total  
2018
2,517.6
(2,117.2)
400.4
15.9%

Total  
2017
2,341.7
(1,946.3)
395.4
16.9%

Overhead investment
Measured as a percentage of revenue, overheads increased to 9.7% 
in 2018. Further simplification and centralisation of more activities is 
expected to unlock scale benefits which should reflect positively on 
this ratio over the coming years.

Overheads increased 15% for the year, at constant currency, to 
£244.0m (2017: £217.4m). This investment is important to build a 
strong foundation for the anticipated future growth of the business 
and the way it will be delivered. Accordingly, additional headcount 
investment has gone into building our partnering and enterprise 
account teams, as well as investment into the various activities to 
support the network development, including incremental marketing.

Further planned investment in these areas in the current year is 
anticipated to be mitigated by improved efficiencies elsewhere in the 
business as we continue to benefit from our scale and well-invested 
operational platform.

Operating profit
Group operating profit decreased £22.2m to £155.0m from 
£177.2m. This reflects the combination of a lower gross profit 
margin and the absolute increase in overheads as noted above.

It was negatively impacted by closure related provisions of £16.0m, 
as we continued to actively manage our estate, as well as costs 
incurred as part of the interest expressed by several organisations 
in potential offers for the Group in 2018. This impact was offset by 
the release of inactive customer deposits of £17.6m identified as 
part of our ongoing active management of working capital.

On a regional basis, there were very strong operating profit 
improvements in both the Americas and EMEA. Conversely, 
both Asia Pacific and the UK reported reduced operating profits.

Net finance costs
The Group’s net finance costs decreased to £4.6m (2017: £10.0m).

Tax
The effective tax rate for 2018 of 21.3% remained consistent with 
the rate in 2017. Looking forward at the factors that can influence 
the effective tax rate would suggest a similar rate based on pre IFRS 
16 GAAP. However, under IFRS 16 the Group’s effective tax rate may 
potentially be higher as the profit before tax is reduced, reflecting 
the additional finance costs associated with the lease liability. The 
extent of this will depend on how local tax rules treat the IFRS 16 
deductions where implemented as well as the deferred tax impact 
in respect of countries not adopting the new standard.

2 3

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCE REVIEW CONTINUED

Earnings per share
Group earnings per share for 2018 were 3,943.3p (2017: 27.7p). This 
higher level of earnings per share primarily reflects the lower level of 
profitability offset by the reduction in the number of shares in issue.

The weighted average number of basic and dilutive shares for the 
year was 3,000,000 (2017: 474,525,592). As at 31 December 2018, 
the total number of shares in issue was 3,000,000.

Cash flow and funding
A key characteristic of our business model is its cash generation 
capability through strong profit conversion. Cash generated before 
net investment in growth capital expenditure increased by £128.6m 
to £162.1m from £33.5m. Cash flow per share increased to 5,400p 
from 7.1p. This increase arises from the positive impact from the 
strong working capital inflow and the reduction in the number of 
shares issued, which is partly offset by the anticipated increase in 
investment in maintenance capital expenditure and a higher cash 
outflow in respect of taxation. The strength of the Group’s EBITDA 
performance, particularly the pre-18 estate, in a year when operating 
profit declined, provides a good indication of the scale of cash 
generated in the year.

Capital investment
Whilst our strategic focus remains on continuing to target less 
capital-intensive growth, our net growth capital investment of 
£331.3m in 2018 is higher than our previous guidance on pipeline 
visibility of c.£230m and c.275 locations offering approximately 6.7m 
sq. ft. of flexible space. There are several contributing factors to this 
outcome. Firstly, we opened 298 locations, with a strong end to the 
year with 94 locations opened in the fourth quarter. This momentum 
at the year-end also resulted in a stronger pipeline of openings 
scheduled for 2019 on which a higher level of capital expenditure was 
incurred in 2018 than had been assumed in the pipeline guidance. As 
these locations were in development and not opened, there is also a 
timing difference in relation to the receipt of partner contributions.

As planned, with our refurbishment programme stepped up during 
2018, our investment in maintenance capital expenditure increased 
by £16.4m to £112.0m (2017: £95.6m). After partner contributions 
received in the year, net maintenance capital expenditure was 
£88.5m, a £15.0m increase on the net investment in 2017 of 
£73.5m. On a gross and a net basis, the investment in 2018 
represented 4.4% and 3.5% of Group revenues, which is in line 
with management’s expectations.

Net debt
Consequently, net debt increased from £296.6m at 
31 December 2017 to £464.8m at 31 December 2018. Whilst 
our debt is higher, this still represents a Group net debt to EBITDA 
leverage ratio of 1.2 times. Although our approach to our borrowing 
continues to be prudent, we continue to recognise the long-term 
benefit of also operating with an efficient balance sheet. As at 
31 December 2018, we had approximately £40.0m of freehold 
property investment on the balance sheet.

Increased funding support
We continue to enjoy strong support from our banking partners and 
in January 2019 we further increased our Revolving Credit Facility 
from £750m to £950m. This facility provides adequate headroom 
to continue to execute our growth strategy. We simultaneously 
improved the debt maturity profile of this facility by extending it 
to 2024 (previously 2023). There are further options to extend 
until 2026. The financial covenants on the increased facility are 
unchanged and will not be affected by the implementation of IFRS 
16. The facility is still predominantly denominated in sterling but 
can be drawn in several major currencies.

Cash flow
The table below reflects the Group’s cash flow:

£m
Group EBITDA
Working capital 
Less: growth-related partner 
contributions
Maintenance capital expenditure
Taxation
Finance costs
Other items
Cash flow before growth capital 
expenditure, share repurchases and 
dividends

Gross growth capital expenditure
Less: growth-related partner 
contributions
Net growth capital expenditure(1)

Total net cash flow from operations
Corporate financing activities

Opening net debt
Exchange movement
Closing net debt

2018
388.1
54.8

(144.8)
(112.0)
(36.7)
(5.4)
18.1

2017
388.6
(152.3)

(80.6)
(95.6)
(22.4)
(8.1)
3.9

162.1

33.5

(476.1)

(257.4)

144.8
(331.3)

(169.2)
0.6

(296.6)
0.4
(464.8)

80.6
(176.8)

(143.3)
(9.3)

(151.3)
7.3
(296.6)

1.  Net growth capital expenditure of £331.3m relates to the cash outflow in 2018. 
Accordingly, it includes capital expenditure related to locations opened before 
2018 and to be opened in 2019 of £91.6m

Return on investment
Our strong focus on capital discipline is a fundamental part of our 
strategy, which is focused on generating attractive returns from 
our investments. For the 12 months ended 31 December 2018, 
the Group delivered a strong post-tax cash return on net growth 
investment of 20.7% in respect of locations opened on or before 
31 December 2013 (20.2% on the same estate for the 12 months 
ended 31 December 2017). This estate encompasses a broad range 
of centre vintages, including the very first centre opened 30 years 
ago, and some acquired locations going back even further, which 
are continuing to contribute strongly to this post-tax cash return. 
Moving the aggregated estate forward and incorporating the 
centres opened during 2014, the Group delivered a post-tax cash 
return on net growth investment of 20.0% (the equivalent return for 
the 12 months ended 31 December 2017 on the same estate was 
19.2%). These post-tax cash returns are calculated after deducting 
all the maintenance capital expenditure invested during 2018. This 
investment extends the cash returns we achieve on our centres, 
including the longer established ones.

2 4

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

The table below shows the status of our centre openings by year of 
opening as they continue to progress towards full maturity.

2018 Post-tax cash return on net investment 
by year group
12 months to 31 December 2018 (%)

“We continue to enjoy strong support from our 
banking partners and in January 2019 we further 
increased our Revolving Credit Facility from 
£750m to £950m.”

2
.
3
2

3
.
5
1

0
.
6
1

8
.
7
4 1
.
1
1

9
.
7
0 1
.
1
1

2
.
5
1

8
.
7

8
.
5 7
.
3

2
.
0

0
.
1

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘10
and
earlier

2018
2017 

‘17

)
4
.
3
(

)
0
.
6
1
(

)
0
.
8
1
(

‘18

)
9
.
2
1
(

Foreign exchange
The Group’s results are exposed to translation risk from the 
movement in currencies. During 2018, key individual currency 
exchange rates have moved, as shown in the table below. Overall, 
the impact of the movements in key exchange rates was mixed. 
Reported revenue and gross profit were lower by £45.9m and £3.2m 
respectively. Operating profit increased by £2.6m as the reported 
increase in overheads was lower in actual currency terms.

Foreign exchange rates

Per £ sterling
US dollar
Euro
Japanese yen

At 31 December

Annual average

2018
1.28
1.12
141

2017
1.35
1.13
152

%
(5)%
(1)%
(7)%

2018
1.33
1.13
147

2017
1.30
1.14
145

%
2%
(1)%
1%

Risk management
The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group remain 
broadly unchanged. A detailed assessment of the principal risks 
and uncertainties, and the risk management structure in place, can 
be found on pages 26 to 33.

Related parties
There have been no changes to the type of related party 
transactions entered by the Group that had a material effect on 
the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2018. 
Details of related party transactions that have taken place in 
the period can be found in note 29.

Dividends
There were no dividends paid during the year (2017: £nil). The directors 
do not propose to declare a final dividend (2017: £nil) for 2018.

IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 Leases replaces existing lease guidance, including IAS 17 
Leases, from 1 January 2019. It introduces a single, on-balance 
sheet lease accounting model for lessees while the lessor accounting 
remains similar to the current treatment. The Group has completed 
its initial assessment of the potential impact of IFRS 16 on its 
consolidated financial statements and expects to adopt a right-of-
use asset of approximately £5.6bn and a related lease liability of 
approximately £6.2bn as of 1 January 2019.

The recognition of these balances will not impact the overall cash 
flows of the Group or cash generation per share. The overall impact 
on the income statement of adopting IFRS 16 will be neutral over 
the life of a lease but will result in a higher charge in the earlier years 
following implementation and a lower charge in later years. IFRS 16 
will have no impact on the Group’s strategy, commercial lease 
negotiations, growth or banking arrangements.

Regus plans to manage the business and have internal and 
supplemental external reporting on the pre IFRS 16 basis.

The majority of Regus’ leases fall within the scope of IFRS 16; this 
does not impact the flexibility of our leases. A total of 97% of Regus’ 
leases remain ‘flexible’, meaning that they are either terminable at 
our option within six months and/or located in or assignable to 
a stand-alone legal entity, which is not fully cross-guaranteed.

ERIC HAGEMAN

27 June 2019

2 5

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISKS

Strong focus  
on risk management

Identification, mitigation and management of risks are central to our 
strategy, and our enterprise-wide risk management process allows 
us to understand the nature, scope and potential impact of our key 
business and strategic risks, so we are able to manage 
these effectively.

Regus’ business could be affected by various risks, leading to failure 
to achieve strategic targets for growth or loss of financial standing, 
cash flow, earnings, return on investment and reputation. Not all 
these risks are wholly within the Group’s control and it may be 
affected by risks which are not yet manifested or 
reasonably foreseeable.

Effective risk management is critical to achieving our strategic 
objectives and protecting our personnel, assets and our reputation. 
Regus therefore has a comprehensive approach to risk management, 
as set out in more detail in the Corporate and Social Responsibility 
section on pages 36 to 39.

A critical part of the risk management process is to assess the 
impact and likelihood of risks occurring so that appropriate 
mitigation plans can be developed and implemented.

For all known risks facing the business, Regus attempts to minimise 
the likelihood and mitigate the impact. According to the nature of the 
risk, Regus may elect to take or tolerate risk, treat risk with controls 
and mitigating actions, transfer risk to third parties, or terminate 
risk by ceasing particular activities or operations. Regus has zero 
tolerance of financial and ethics non-compliance and ensures that 
Health, Safety, Environmental & Security risks are managed to levels 
that are as low as reasonably practicable.

Whilst overall responsibility for the risk management process 
rests with the Board, it has delegated responsibility for assurance 
to the Audit Committee. Executive management is responsible for 
designing, implementing and maintaining the necessary systems of 
internal control.

A list of key risks is prepared and the Board collectively assesses the 
severity of each risk, the likelihood of it occurring and the strength of 
the controls in place. This approach allows the effect of any mitigating 
procedures to be reflected in the final assessment. It also recognises 
that risk cannot be totally eliminated at an acceptable cost and that 
there are some risks which, with its experience and after due 
consideration, the Board will choose to accept.

Effective risk management requires awareness and engagement at 
all levels of our organisation. It is for this reason that risk management 
is incorporated into the day-to-day management of our business, as 
well as being reflected in the Group’s core processes and controls. 
The Board oversees the risk management strategy and the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control framework. Risk 
management is at the heart of everything we do, particularly as 
we look to grow across multiple markets around the world. For this 
reason, we conduct risk assessments throughout the year as part 
of our business review process and all investment decisions.

2 6

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

These activities include:

•  monthly business reviews for all countries and Group functions;

• 

individual reviews of every new location investment and  
all acquisitions;

•  annual budgeting and planning process for all markets  

and Group functions;

•  review of the status of our principal risks at each  

Audit Committee meeting; and

•  annual review of all risks in our risk register.

Board
•  Defines Regus’ risk appetite and tolerance
•  Monitors risk identification and  

assessment processes

•  Assesses overall effectiveness  

of risk management

Audit Committee
•  Reviews effectiveness of internal controls
•  Monitors progress against internal and external 

audit recommendations

•  Approves the annual internal  

and external audit plans

Senior leadership team
•  Accountable for the design and implementation 
of risk management processes and controls

•  Accountable for the regular review  

and appraisal of key risks

•  Contributes to the identification  

and assessment of key risks

General management
•  Responsible for compliance and ensuring  

that staff are adequately trained

Business assurance function
•  Assists management and the  

Board in conducting risk studies
•  Advises and guides on policies  
and internal controls framework

•  Drives implementation of  

recommendations in the business

•  Tests compliance with internal controls

Principal risks
Risk
Strategic
Lease obligations
1 2 4

The single greatest financial risk 
to Regus is represented by the 
financial commitments deriving 
from the portfolio of leases held 
across the Group.
Whilst Regus has demonstrated 
consistently that it has a 
fundamentally profitable 
business model which works in all 
geographies, the profitability of 
centres is affected by movements 
in market rents, which, in turn, 
impact the price at which Regus 
can sell to its customers.
The fact that the outstanding 
lease terms with our landlords are, 
on average, significantly longer 
than the outstanding terms on 
our contracts with our customers 
creates a potential mismatch if 
rentals fall significantly, which can 
impact profitability and cash flows.

Economic downturn
1 4

An economic downturn could 
adversely affect the Group’s 
operating revenue, thereby 
reducing operating profit 
performance or, in an 
extreme scenario, resulting 
in operating losses.

Mitigation

Changes since 2017

This risk is mitigated in a number of ways:
1  97% of our leases are ‘flexible’, meaning that they 

are either terminable at our option within six months 
and/or located in or assignable to a standalone legal 
entity, which is not fully cross-guaranteed. In this 
way, individual centres are sustained by their own 
profitability and cash flow.

2  Approximately one quarter of all our leases are 

variable in nature, which means that payments to 
landlords vary with the performance of the relevant 
centre. In this way the ‘risk’ to profitability and cash 
flow of that centre from fluctuations in market 
rates is softened by the consequent adjustment 
to rental costs.

3  The sheer number of leases and geographic 

diversity of our business reduce the overall risk to 
our business as the phasing of the business cycle 
and the performance of the commercial property 
market often vary from country to country and 
region to region.

4  Each year a significant number of leases in our 

portfolio reach a natural break point.

The Group has taken a number of actions to mitigate 
this risk:
1  Approximately one quarter of all our leases are 

variable in nature and our rental payments, if any, 
vary with the performance of the centre.

2  Lease contracts include break clauses when leases 
can be terminated at our behest. The Group also 
looks to stagger leases in locations where we have 
multiple centres so that we can manage our overall 
inventory in those locations.

3  We review our customer base to assess exposure 

to a particular customer or industry group.

4  The increasing geographic spread of the Group’s 
network increases the depth and breadth of our 
business and provides better protection from an 
economic downturn in a single market or region.

During 2018, the number of ‘flexible’ leases 
as a percentage of the total increased to 
97% from 96% on an enlarged estate.
Approximately 33% of the leases we 
entered into during 2018 were variable 
in nature.
At the end of 2018, we were operating 3,275 
locations in approximately 1,100 towns and 
cities across over 110 countries.

During 2018, the number of ‘flexible’ leases 
as a percentage of the total increased to 97%.
We also increased the scale of our network 
by 6% and added 53 new towns and cities 
and two countries.
Our monthly business performance 
reviews provide early warning of any impact 
on our business performance and allow 
management to react with speed. More 
generally, investment in our management 
team has also led to improved, more 
responsive decision-making at a 
country and area level.

Link to strategy

Status

Likelihood

Impact

1

2

3

Delivering attractive, sustainable returns

Developing profitable growth

Cash generation

4

5

Cost leadership

Developing global & national 
multi-brand networks

Increased

Same

Decreased

High

Medium

Low

High

Medium

Low

2 7

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

Principal risks
Risk
Strategic
Emerging trends and disruptive technology
1

Mitigation

New formats and technological 
developments are driving demand 
for flexible working. Failure to 
recognise these could mean 
Regus’ product offering 
is sub-optimal.

Regus continually invests in innovation to develop new 
products and services to increase its competitive 
advantage, protect current revenue and unlock 
potential new sources of revenue.

Changes since 2017

In 2018, Regus continued to invest in 
research and development – both to 
unlock efficiencies and improve the 
overall proposition to customers.
In 2018, we launched customer apps for 
our HQ, BizDojo and No18 brands in addition 
to Regus and Spaces. We have added many 
usability and self-service features, including 
community and enhanced payment features. 
The user base has grown by 77% and we 
now service more than 700,000 customers 
on the platform.
We continue to adopt a “Digital Business 
Centre Strategy” across all stakeholders 
and are leveraging “Internet of Things” (IoT) 
technologies to provide our customers 
with more convenience, comfort and 
personalisation in addition to creating 
better visibility and control of our 
utilisation of inventory in operations.

Increased competition
1 5

Increased competition in the 
serviced office industry and an 
inability to maintain sustainable 
competitive advantage may 
result in loss of market share.

While physical barriers to entry into the flexible 
workspace market at a local level are low, the barriers 
to establishing a national or international network are 
much higher, making it difficult for any competitor to 
challenge our market position and commercial success.
Regus also offers a diverse product range under 
its different brands to cater to multiple customer 
segments which allows us to capture and maintain 
market share across the flexible workspace market.
We continuously review our portfolio to ensure that 
our product and services are aligned to customer 
expectations and requirements and there are currently 
active investment programmes being implemented 
across our estate.

We increased the scale of our network by 
6% and added 53 new towns and cities and 
two countries.
We accelerated the roll-out of our Spaces 
co-working format with the opening of 103 
new locations and the development of a 
strong pipeline for 2019.
We continued to expand our multi-brand 
offering during 2018 to cater to different 
customer segments with varied needs 
and price points.
We increased our investment in refurbishing 
existing network locations during 2018. 

Exposure to UK political developments
1 2 5

Exposure to UK political 
developments including Brexit.

The Group is continually monitoring political 
developments in the UK to identify and assess the 
medium to long-term implications of Brexit and 
the impact that it may have on our business.
Uncertainty over the UK’s eventual relationship with 
the EU creates a more uncertain outlook for the UK 
economy. Accordingly, the Group has had a prudent 
approach to growing its presence in the UK market. 

Dependency on the UK market has been 
reduced by growth being focused outside 
the UK. Only 9% of the new locations added 
during 2018 were in the UK.
During 2018, the opportunity was taken 
to consolidate some locations in the UK. In 
addition, several locations were refurbished, 
and 26 new locations added, more than half 
in our Spaces format. Overall, our network in 
the UK increased from 282 to 295 locations.
Based on the current position, over 34% 
of our leases with landlords in the UK are 
variable in nature.

2 8

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Principal risks
Risk
Strategic
Business planning and forecasting 
1 2 3 4

Mitigation

Changes since 2017

Regus maintains a three-year business plan which is 
updated and reviewed on an annual basis. We also use 
a 12-month rolling forecast which is reviewed every 
month based on actual performance. 

The forecasting process has been reviewed 
and tracking performance against specific 
budgets and targets in place was further 
enhanced.

The Group constantly monitors its cash flow and 
financial headroom development, and maintains a 
12-month rolling forecast and a three-year strategic 
outlook. The Group also monitors the relevant financial 
ratios against the covenants in its facilities to ensure 
the risk of breach is being managed. The measurement 
of these covenant ratios is unaffected by the 
forthcoming implementation of IFRS 16.
The Group also stress tests these forecasts with 
downside scenario planning to assess risk and 
determine potential action plans.
The Board intends to maintain a prudent approach 
to the Group’s capital structure.
Part of the annual planning process is a debt 
strategy and action plan to ensure that the Group 
will have sufficient funding in place to achieve its 
strategic objectives.
The Group also constantly reviews and manages 
the maturity profile of its external funding.

Given that transactions generally take place in the 
functional currency of Group companies, the Group’s 
exposure to transactional foreign exchange risk 
is limited.
Where possible, the Group attempts to create natural 
hedges against currency exposures through matching 
income and expenses, and assets and liabilities, in the 
same currency.
The Group, where deemed appropriate, uses 
currency swaps to maintain the currency profile 
of its external debt.

We increased our committed Revolving 
Credit Facility in January 2019 from £750m 
to £950m and improved the debt maturity 
profile by extending it to 2024 (previously 
2023). There is an option to extend by a 
further two years.
Regus had a net debt: EBITDA ratio 
at 31 December 2018 of 1.2 times.  
There is significant headroom on 
the covenant ratios.

Overall, in 2018 the movement in exchange 
rates reduced reported revenue and gross 
profit by £45.9m and £3.2m respectively. 
Operating profit increased by £2.6m.

Business plans, forecasts and 
review processes should provide 
timely and reliable information 
for short, mid and long-term 
opportunities and any risks to 
performance so that these can 
be addressed on a proactive basis.

Financial
Funding
1 3

The Group relies on external 
funding to support a net debt 
position of £464.8m at the end of 
2018. The loss of these facilities 
would cause a liquidity issue for 
the Group.

Exchange rates
1 4

The principal exposures of the 
Group are to the US dollar and 
the euro, with approximately 36% 
of the Group’s revenue being 
attributable to the US dollar 
and 16% to the euro.
Any depreciation or appreciation 
of sterling would have an adverse 
or beneficial impact on the 
Group’s reported financial 
performance and position 
respectively. The Group does not 
generally hedge the translation 
exchange risk of its business 
results. Rather, it assumes that 
shareholders will take whatever 
steps they deem necessary 
based on their varied appetites for 
exchange risk and differing base 
currency investment positions.

2 9

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

Principal risks
Risk
Financial
Interest rates
4

Mitigation

Changes since 2017

Operating in a net debt position, 
an increase in interest rates would  
increase finance costs.

The Group constantly monitors its interest rate 
exposure as part of its monthly treasury review.
As part of the Group’s balance sheet management it 
utilises interest rate swaps. 

At the end of 2018 the level of interest rate 
protection was 25% of the Group’s net debt 
being fixed for periods up to 2021. 

IFRS 16
1

Impact on internal financial 
performance review vs IFRS 16 
external compliance reporting.
Impact of IFRS 16 external 
compliance reporting on 
perception of Regus’ 
financial performance.

Operational
Cyber security 
41

The trend towards an integrated 
digital economy and use of 
external cloud services combined 
with the rise in malicious attacks 
and increasing consequential 
costs warrants particular 
attention to cyber security risks.

We will continue to provide IAS 17 (current reporting) as 
well as IFRS 16 reported numbers. A process has been 
established to allow for current internal reporting to 
continue unaffected by IFRS 16 external reporting 
requirements. Reconciliation between IFRS 16 reported 
numbers and internal reporting will be undertaken on a 
quarterly basis.
We will prepare quarterly reconciliation between 
IFRS 16 reported numbers and pre-IFRS 16 compliant 
reported numbers, reflecting no impact on cash flows.

The Group plans to supplement the 
requirement to report externally under IFRS 
16 from 1 January 2019 with pre-IFRS 16 
compliant numbers to provide a consistency 
of reporting for stakeholders. The Group 
intends to engage with stakeholders to 
explain the implication of IFRS 16.

This risk is mitigated as follows:
1  The Group maintains an active information security 
programme under the direction of the Group CIO 
with oversight by the Information Security 
Committee and the Board.

2  We continually monitor our security using internal 
resources and external specialists to identify 
any vulnerabilities.

3  The Group ensures compliance with all major 

legislation and directives.

4  The Group maintains a mandatory training 
programme to promote staff awareness of 
information security and compliance with 
best practice.

5  Data, systems and access permissions are strictly 

segregated to reduce exposure to risk.

6  The Corporate Communications team is constantly 
engaged to provide support for any internal and 
customer-facing incidents. 

The Group has implemented a number of 
steps such as Multi Factor Authentication 
and security awareness campaigns to 
ensure that the business is risk aware and 
our systems are adequately protected 
against any external attacks.
An ongoing penetration testing programme 
is in place, performed by external security 
specialists. This allows us to identify and fix 
any vulnerabilities to emerging cyber threats 
on a proactive basis.
Regus has cyber insurance policies in place 
which provide immediate response services 
in the event of a breach.
Information security gap assessment 
against ISO 27000 was conducted by an 
external party and a risk-based roadmap 
was created.

3 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Principal risks
Risk
Operational
Business continuity
1 2 4

The Group’s systems and 
applications are housed in data 
centres. Should the data centres 
or other key locations, such as our 
sales call centres, be impacted as 
a result of circumstances outside 
the Group’s control there could be 
an adverse impact on the Group’s 
operations and therefore its 
financial results.

Ethics and compliance
4

Ethical misconduct by our 
employees or non-compliance 
with regulation either 
inadvertently, knowingly or 
negligently could lead to financial 
loss/penalties, reputational 
damage, loss of business and 
impact on staff morale.

Data protection and privacy
1

Regus is required to comply 
with legislation in the jurisdictions 
in which it operates, including 
the new General Data Protection 
Regulation (GDPR) that came into 
force in May 2018 and is aimed at 
harmonising existing EU privacy 
laws. Non-compliance and breaches 
could result in significant financial 
penalties and reputational damage.

Mitigation

Changes since 2017

Regus manages this risk through:
1  Business continuity plans for our key systems 

and sites.

2  A detailed service agreement with our external data 
centre provider which incorporates appropriate 
back-up procedures and controls.

3  Ensuring appropriate business interruption 

insurance is in place.

4  Transitioning core infrastructure to cloud-based 

and SaaS services.

We undertake regular testing of business 
continuity procedures to ensure that they 
are adequate and appropriate.
We have introduced redundant connectivity 
of independently routed circuits for our 
three main sales call centres.
Currently implementing a cloud-based BCP 
solution for our key systems and applications.

Regus manages this risk through:
1  Visible ethical leadership.
2  A robust governance framework, including a 

detailed code of conduct plus policies on gifts 
and hospitality and bribery and corruption that 
are in place and rolled out to all employees as 
mandatory training.

3  Centralised procurement contracts with suppliers 

for key services and products.

4  Standardised processes to manage and monitor 

spend, including controls over supplier on-boarding 
and payments approval.

5  Regular reviews to monitor effectiveness 

6 

7 

of controls.
Independent and confidential ethics hotline available 
to employees, contractors and third parties.
Independent investigation of fraud incidents and 
allegations of misconduct with Board-level 
oversight.

Regus operates a detailed privacy policy that covers 
all aspects of data privacy, including and not limited to 
personal data, demographic information, financial data, 
cookies and other digital markers, marketing 
communication etc.

A robust supplier selection and evaluation 
process has been implemented with a view 
to enhance controls to address the risk 
of fraud.
We’ve also established a dedicated 
cost function to review spend across 
all categories and detect any anomalies  
or exceptions.

A detailed GDPR review has been performed 
to assess areas for improvement and any 
resultant actions have been implemented to 
ensure full compliance with the requirements 
of GDPR and e-Privacy regulations.
Mandatory data protection training rolled 
out to all employees to raise awareness. All 
suppliers that are in receipt of any data from 
Regus are asked to confirm compliance with 
data protection legislation. 

3 1

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRISK MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

Changes since 2017

On aggregate, our new centres continue 
to perform in line with management 
expectations and are delivering 
attractive returns. 

Principal risks
Risk
Growth
Ensuring demand is there to support our growth
21

Mitigation

Regus has undertaken significant 
growth to develop local and 
national networks. Adding 
capacity carries the risk of creating 
overcapacity. Failure to fill new 
centres would create a negative 
impact on the Group’s profitability 
and cash generation.

Regus mitigates this risk as follows:
1  Each investment or acquisition proposal is reviewed 

and approved by the Investment Committee.

2  A robust business planning and forecasting process 
is in place to provide timely and reliable information 
to address short and mid-term opportunities and 
risks to performance.

3  A quarterly review process is in place to monitor 
new centre performance against the investment 
case to ensure that the anticipated returns are 
being generated.

4  As part of the annual planning process, a growth 
plan is agreed for each country which clearly sets 
out the annual growth objectives.

Human resources
Ability to recruit at the right level
1 5

Our ability to increase our 
management capacity and 
capabilities through the hiring 
of experienced professionals 
not only supports our ability to 
execute our growth strategy, 
but also enables us to improve 
succession planning throughout 
the Group.

Mitigating actions include:
1  Succession planning discussions are an integral part 

of our business planning and review process.
2  Part of the annual planning process is the Human 

Resources Plan, and performance against this Plan 
is reviewed through the year.

3  Our global performance management system 
that allows us to keep close to our employees 
and maintain a two-way dialogue throughout 
the year using a monthly feedback process.
4  Regular external and internal evaluation of 

the performance of the Board.

Our capability to hire the best talent 
continued to increase in 2018. A full talent 
plan is in place with key hires planned to 
provide complete succession planning 
and top talent bandwidth.
We recruit our team with diverse 
backgrounds in mind, and the Regus 
employee base is over 65% female. Our top 
leadership team is split 36% female and 64% 
male, placing us at number 66 in relation to 
diversity in Hampton Alexander’s annual 
review of the UK FTSE 250’s best companies 
to work for. In addition, 28% of our main 
Board is female, which is above target for 
UK listed companies. 

3 2

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

Principal risks
Risk
Human resources
Training and employee engagement
1 5

Mitigation

As a service-based business 
the strength and capabilities of 
our increasingly geographically 
diverse team are critical to 
achieving our strategic objectives.

One of the key items in the Human Resources Plan is 
the Global Induction & Training Plan, which sets out the 
key objectives for the forthcoming year. Performance 
against these objectives is reviewed through the year.
All new employees are surveyed in the first three 
months to ensure they have been trained and are 
receiving effective support.

Changes since 2017

Our investment in our new learning 
platform has allowed our employees to learn 
through e-learning, videos, case studies and 
coaching on the ground rather than by using 
prescriptive and traditional training channels.
Since January 2018, over 6,000 videos, 
articles, best practice Q&A, white papers 
and e-learning interactions have been 
completed, with an average of 968 team 
members using the learning platform 
every day.
Our top 320 executives attended our global 
leadership conference in January 2019, 
where we launched our new Leadership 
Development Programme. We have 
partnered with a global leadership specialist 
to develop our existing talent and leaders 
of the future.
We also launched our Sales & Customer 
Service Training Academy in September 
2018. This suite of training is pivotal to 
ensuring that our team remains focused 
on our existing and new customers alike.

Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, and considering the Group’s current position and 
prospects as outlined in the Strategic Report and its principal risks for a period longer than 12 months as required by the going 
concern statement, the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due, for the next three years.

The Board’s consideration of the long-term viability of the Group is an extension of our business planning process which includes 
financial forecasting, a robust enterprise-wide risk management programme, regular business performance reviews and 
scenario planning.

For the purposes of assessing the Group’s viability, the Board identified that, of the principal risks detailed on pages 26 to 33, 
the following are the most important to the assessment of the viability of the Group:

• 
Impact of an economic downturn or geo-political events in our major markets
•  A significant business event leading to serious reputational and brand damage
•  Growing competition
•  Access to funding arrangements

The potential impact of each scenario was modelled on the Group’s EBITDA, profit after tax, net debt and debt covenants over the 
three-year forecast period. The Board subsequently considered the viability of the Group both in the context of the individual risks 
listed above and a combination of two or more risks. The stress testing showed that the Group would be able to withstand any of 
the severe but plausible scenarios by taking management action in the normal course of business. 

3 3

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOUR PEOPLE

Redefining 
our talent

Our talent strategy for 2018 was to ensure we have great people everywhere 
helping customers be successful in our growing network of global workspaces. 
This approach continues to be pivotal to Regus’ profitable growth and continued 
success, placing key factors like recruitment, talent, diversity, retention and 
succession planning at the heart of our long-term plans.

We strive to have the most passionate and committed people 
in place at every level of the organisation, to deliver the flexibility, 
service and support our customers need. That is why we focus 
so heavily on ensuring that everybody in our operations across 
the world can have a great day at work and an exciting career.

In 2018, we have continued to strengthen our leadership team 
around the world, particularly in the areas of network development, 
sales and customer service.

The role of the Network Development Director is to expand the 
network with a breadth and variety of workspaces in every city 
with great property investment partners. In particular, we have 
strengthened our Franchise team in key locations around the world.

We recruit talent externally when required, using our internal 
Executive Recruitment Team, which handles the majority of 
our senior talent needs across the world.

We also invested in a new state-of-the-art recruitment technology 
system in 2018. This allows many more people to apply to Regus 
quickly and easily around the world, using video technology alongside 
more traditional recruitment methods.

Diversity of talent
Future developments in the business, with multiple brands, 
technology and supplier partnerships, will drive the need for our 
leaders to have a growing breadth and range of skills, experience and 
market knowledge. We recruit our team with diverse backgrounds 
in mind, and the Regus employee base is over 65% female. Our top 
leadership team is split 36% female and 64% male, placing us at 
number 66 in relation to diversity in Hampton Alexander’s annual 
review of the UK FTSE 250’s best companies to work for. In addition, 
28% of our main Board is female. 

“I joined Regus as their strategic vision  
and ambition to accelerate their growth  
are incredibly exciting. I look forward to  
being part of the team that cements  
Regus’ position as the world’s number  
one provider of flexible workspace.” 

“Flexible workspace represents an immense 
market growth opportunity and one that Regus, 
as global leader, is by far the best-placed player to 
exploit. The business culture is entrepreneurial 
and that manifests itself in a fast-moving, 
ambitious and exciting place to work.” 

MATT KENLEY
FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

PETER MOGG
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 

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We launched our Sales & Customer Service Training Academy in 
September 2018. This suite of training, along with additional sales 
training at the global conference, will be pivotal to ensuring that our 
team remains focused on our existing and new customers alike.

Reward
Reward is another key focus area in our efforts to retain the best 
talent. The competition for talent is unrelenting in our markets, so 
we work hard to ensure that our overall compensation structure is 
highly competitive. We also ensure that high-potential people, at 
every level from graduate recruit to the Executive Committee, 
are encouraged to stay with us via attractive short and long-
term incentives.

Altogether, the Group’s investments in its people, and their burning 
desire to excel on all fronts, have resulted in countless thousands 
of ‘great days at work’ throughout 2018. As Mark Dixon has said:

“Our role is all about making a positive difference to those around us, 
be that our customers, the businesses they run or the communities 
in which we serve. We should never underestimate the importance 
of the role we each play, day-to-day in our centres.”

And it’s by selecting and retaining the right people, helping them 
become as good as they can be and rewarding them fairly, that 
Regus ensures the millions of members and users who spent 
time at our centres in 2018 each experienced a great day at work.

Succession and international opportunities
Providing international opportunities for team members  
helps us to create a dynamic workforce. This year, experienced 
employees travelled to locations including New Zealand and China to 
work on important projects such as integrating new acquisitions and 
coaching new team members in high-growth markets.

This secondment activity also helps us get to know our talent better, 
underpinning succession planning across the business. Where 
possible, we promote from within and celebrate important moves 
throughout the business.

Training and development
Our investment during 2017 in our new learning platform is now 
allowing employees to learn through e-learning, videos, case studies 
and coaching on the ground rather than by using prescriptive and 
traditional training channels. Since January 2018, over 6,000 videos, 
best practice questions and answers, articles, white papers and 
e-learning interactions have been read and completed, with an 
average of 968 team members using the learning platform every 
day. This is part of our learning strategy to use multiple training and 
development channels for a geographically dispersed workforce.

All new team members have a new-starter training programme 
specific to their local market, supported by a peer level coach. 
Following this, team members are accredited by their line manager 
and coach to start their career with Regus after taking an online 
exam. This way we can ensure that the best people are looking 
after our customers.

Our top 320 executives attended our global leadership conference in 
January 2019 where we launched our new Leadership Development 
Programme. We have partnered with an external global leadership 
specialist, to work with us globally on developing our existing talent 
and leaders of the future. This is a significant investment, but having 
a globally aligned, world-class leadership team is fundamental to 
our success.

“I had the privilege of being chosen to  
assist with the training and integration  
of a strategic acquisition in New Zealand.  
It was an amazing professional and personal 
experience that can only come from  
working for a global company.” 

“ I have been at Regus for 14 years in various roles 
and multiple markets. Hard work, dedication 
and a competitive spirit are valued at Regus. 
My recent promotion to a Regional Sales Vice 
President is confirmation that these qualities 
open up exciting career opportunities.” 

KRISTEN BUDA
USA TO NEW ZEALAND

ALISA KAPIC
RECENTLY PROMOTED TO VP, SALES FOR  
NORTHERN EUROPE

3 5

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Strengthening 
our communities

At Regus we are committed to promoting environmental sustainability and investing in 
the communities where we live and work. As our network continues to expand, we provide 
positive change to each location through our greener operations, inherently sustainable 
products and community involvement. We aim to help improve the communities in  
our areas, ensuring that they grow in parallel with our own growth.

Regus global utility cost per workstation 
yearly change (£)

18

17

16

75.26

93.79

100.35

Regus global utility cost per workstation yearly 
change breakdown (£)

54.72

67.31

71.28

18

17

16

17.44

3.10

22.71

24.84

3.77

4.23

Electricity per workstation
Gas per workstation
Water per workstation

CRC UK carbon emission yearly reduction (tonnes)

18

17

16

34,938

37,192

39,830

Community development
As a company, we strive to expand our network into new markets, 
growing in locations where there is demand for what we provide. 
We invest in each community by providing local employment 
opportunities and attracting talent to the area.

Wherever we can, we draw on local supply chain networks, building 
relationships with local businesses and connecting them with our 
clients. This generates wealth by helping to improve and grow local 
economies through attracting new people and organisations.

Our products also attract new businesses as their inherently 
sustainable nature enables our clients to minimise their carbon 
emissions, waste and energy usage. These organisations in turn 
bring further local opportunities to the area.

Environmental impact
Regus continues to show year-on-year improvement in reducing 
our global carbon footprint and related costs per centre. An analysis 
of the global costs of gas and electricity per workstation showed a 
6.3% reduction in 2017, with a further 19.8% reduction in 2018, 
resulting in an overall reduction of 24.9% across the two years.

These global figures reflect the continuing improvements we are 
making in reducing energy consumption across our global estate 
and engaging our clients in our Greener Working Strategy. A similar 
analysis of the usage of water per workstation indicates a 26.8% 
reduction in costs over the same two years.

We have systematically been implementing some of the 
recommendations identified by our lead assessors, PASCHALi, 
from the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) audit carried 
out in Phase 1 (December 2015). This approach has supported the 
positive reduction in energy consumption and improvements in 
maintenance achieved across our UK estate. The result of this work 
is demonstrated by the purchase of fewer CRC equivalent carbon 
allowances this year than in previous years. This equates to a CRC 
cost reduction per centre of some 16.1% when comparing 
2015/16 with 2017/18 figures.

In line with our transparent and open policies, Regus once again 
participated in the Global CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure 
Project) and has consistently held its very good rating of B. This 
is higher than the sector average of B-, demonstrating that we 
have a good knowledge of climate change issues and are taking 
coordinated management action to reduce any negative climate 
change impacts.

3 6

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Generating value from waste

Our centres in Peru encouraged colleagues and clients to collect 
their plastic caps and donate them to the Ayudanos a Ayudar 
(“Help us to help”) charity.

The organisation then recycles these plastic caps, using the 
proceeds to purchase wheelchairs for disabled children who 
would not otherwise be able to afford them.

“ Thank you for letting us be part of this initiative, which 
combines recycling and charities. Keep on encouraging 
causes like this.”

  Stephanie Cirilo, CPIM

Peru

Responsible recycling

Together with their customers, our team in Russia has been 
sorting waste into plastic, paper and organic products to ensure 
that it is properly recycled. Their key aim is to reduce the use of 
plastic, as it is poorly processed.

To support them in this task, their clients are actively participating 
in a campaign in which they receive all the food they buy in the 
cafeteria in paper boxes or ceramic dishes.

Charitable investment
Along with clients, suppliers and other stakeholders, Regus 
colleagues around the world used their time, talents and skills 
throughout 2018 to support those most in need within their 
local communities.

Their charitable initiatives included wide-ranging fundraising 
campaigns, such as:

•  raffles, networking events and fun, in-centre activities;
•  collecting gifts in-kind to support local causes and 

humanitarian appeals;

•  participation in challenging sporting events to raise  

public awareness for a particular cause; and

•  donating their skills and time to organisations in need.

As a company, we proudly promoted our colleagues’ initiatives, 
encouraging them to use our facilities for their charitable activities. 
We also provided further direct donations and concessions on 
working space to many organisations.

With the enthusiasm and support of our colleagues, clients, suppliers 
and wider stakeholders, we collectively made a significant positive 
contribution to causes within our local communities, supporting 
274 charities through 335 projects in 47 countries to raise a total 
of £317,891. Please find further information on our year-on-year 
progress in the table below:

Countries with community engagement activity
Projects
Charities supported
Donations made

2013
20
54
78
£80,500

2014
38
132
100
£155,329

2015
43
219
195
£209,905

2016
44
244
239
£237,479

2017
46
260
252
£302,066

2018
47
335
274
£317,891

3 7

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Canada

The transformative power of space

Since 2015, Regus has partnered with Up With Women, helping 
the charity achieve its mission of enabling recently homeless and 
at-risk women to exit poverty and achieve financial self-reliance 
through coaching and support.

As part of the partnership, Regus provides the space required 
to run programme sessions. We have supported 350 recently 
homeless and at-risk women across Canada, providing meeting 
rooms at no charge for group learning and support sessions, and 
access to day offices for private sessions between coaches 
and clients.

Due to housing affordability issues in major cities, many Up 
With Women clients often spend several hours a day in transit, 
managing jobs, job searches or child care. With Regus’ large 
network of centres, the organisation’s clients can meet with 
their coaches in private spaces near their own neighbourhoods. 
This frees up additional travel time so that they can focus more 
time on rebuilding their careers and lives.

Each Up With Women client receives a year of free one-on-one 
coaching with a certified professional coach, access to 
personality and emotional intelligence assessment tools, 
and subject matter expertise for developing career and 
entrepreneurship skills. At open market rates, these free 
services would be collectively worth $15,000.

As a result of the partnership with Regus, $1.5 million in services 
was delivered to Up With Women clients during 2018 alone. More 
than $5 million in services has been invested in the community 
since the start of the partnership.

Regus is committed to enabling Up With Women to meet its 
goals and grow its support into new locations. One of the biggest 
challenges for organisations when scaling up is in achieving 
consistency of service. However, through the partnership with 
Regus, Up With Women can grow quickly and confidently by 
utilising established Regus locations.

“ From the day we first approached Regus to explore the 
possibility of a community partnership, we have been 
thrilled with the accessibility, enthusiasm, depth of 
commitment and creativity of the team.

The importance of a great workspace is so easily 
overlooked, but it is palpable to us. Our clients enter a Regus 
space, and the transformation begins to unfold immediately. 
From the attentiveness and warmth of the community 
managers who greet and support them to the functionality 
and aesthetics of great office design, our clients feel 
welcome and can get right to work. Regus facilitates 
productivity, and productivity is the first step to self-belief. 
There truly is a transformative power of place. We are so 
grateful that Regus helps ignite that transformation for our 
clients and this organisation.”

Lia Grimanis, CEO, Up With Women

3 8

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Running for change 

For the fifth year running, our team in India, 
their clients and family members enthusiastically 
supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation India 
by taking part in the Mumbai Marathon. This is 
amongst the top 10 marathons in the world, and 
is the single largest philanthropic sporting event 
in India.

Through the team’s five-year participation, over 
£15,000 has been provided, granting the wishes 
of more than 250 children.

“ Our long association with the Make-A-Wish 
Foundation gives the team and me the 
knowledge that our efforts are going 
towards helping terminally ill children fulfil 
their wishes. In a small way, our contribution 
is bringing joy into the lives of these little 
ones. It’s what keeps us going each year, 
and we are really proud of this effort and 
association.”

  Harsh Lambah, Country Manager, India

Mumbai Marathon, India

Raising funds for good causes 

Charity raffle, UK

Our colleagues in the United Kingdom held 
a charity raffle in aid of the DM Thomas 
Foundation for Young People. This raised 
£7,364 to help the charity’s work in 
transforming the lives of young people. 
An impressive 840 tickets were sold by 
one person alone.

Regus centres have partnered with the 
Foundation in a national raffle since 2009. 
Since then, more than £92,000 has been 
raised for the Foundation and nominated 
charity project partners including DEBRA (the 
“charity for people whose skin doesn’t work”), 
the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and 
Evelina Children’s Hospital.

Our colleagues in the UK also participated 
throughout the year in many other charitable 
initiatives alongside their clients, from hosting 
coffee mornings to raise funds for the 
Macmillan Cancer Foundation to holding 
Hula Hoop competitions in aid of Sport Relief. 

3 9

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDIRECTORS’ STATEMENT

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the annual report and 
financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare the Group financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law, they are required 
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted 
by the EU and applicable law.

Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and its profit or loss for 
the period. In preparing each of the Group 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;
•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and
•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
parent company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 
transactions and which disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the Group and to enable them to 
ensure that its financial statements comply with the Luxembourg 
laws and regulations. They have general responsibility for taking 
such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets 
of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are responsible 
for preparing a Strategic Review and Finance Review that comply 
with the applicable law and those regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s websites.

Legislation in Luxembourg governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation 
in other jurisdictions.

Statutory statement as to  
disclosure to auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of these 
Directors’ statements confirm that:

•  so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and

•  each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken 
as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is aware of 
that information.

These financial statements have been approved by the Directors of 
the Company. The Directors confirm that the financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Statement of responsibility
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements prepared in accordance with the applicable 
set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group;

•  the Directors’ Report, including content contained by reference, 
includes a fair review of the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Group taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they 
face; and

•  the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, is 
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

By order of the Board

TIM REGAN
DIRECTOR

27 June 2019

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R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

AUDITOR’S REPORT

REPORT OF THE REVISEUR 
D’ENTREPRISES AGRÉÉ
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements 
of Regus plc S.A. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”), which 
comprise the consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 31 December 2018, and the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes 
in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year 
then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies. 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements, as set out on pages 43 to 77, give a true and 
fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 
31 December 2018, and of its consolidated financial performance 
and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with the Law of 23 July 2016 
on the audit profession (“Law of 23 July 2016”) and with International 
Standards on Auditing (“ISAs”) as adopted for Luxembourg by the 
“Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier” (“CSSF”). Our 
responsibilities under the Law of 23 July 2016 and ISAs are further 
described in the « Responsibilities of “Réviseur d’Entreprises agréé” 
for the audit of the consolidated financial statements » section of 
our report. We are also independent of the Group in accordance with 
the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of 
Ethics for Professional Accountants (“IESBA Code”) as adopted for 
Luxembourg by the CSSF together with the ethical requirements 
that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements, and have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities under 
those ethical requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Other information
The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The 
other information comprises the information stated in the 
consolidated management report but does not include the 
consolidated financial statements and our report of “Réviseur 
d’Entreprises agréé” thereon.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover 
the other information and we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

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

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors for the 
consolidated financial statements 
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, and for such internal 
control as the Board of Directors determines is necessary to enable 
the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of 
Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Responsibilities of the Réviseur d’Entreprises agréé 
for the audit of the consolidated financial statements
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to 
issue a report of “Réviseur d’Entreprises agréé” that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not 
a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Law of 
23 July 2016 and with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF 
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 consolidated financial statements.

4 1

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

As part of an audit in accordance with the Law of 23 July 2016 and 
with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF, we exercise 
professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism 
throughout the audit. We also:

conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the 
date of our report of “Réviseur d’Entreprises agréé”. However, 
future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to 
continue as a going concern.

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, 
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 
and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in 

order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures 
made by the Board of Directors.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of 
the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related 
to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that 
a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our report of “Réviseur d’Entreprises agréé” to the related 
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such 
disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our 

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the 
consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, 
and whether the consolidated financial statements represent 
the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves 
fair presentation.

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the 

financial information of the entities and business activities within 
the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and 
performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for 
our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, 
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in 
internal control that we identify during our audit.

KPMG LUXEMBOURG
SOCIÉTÉ COOPÉRATIVE 
CABINET DE RÉVISION AGRÉÉ

STEPHAN LEGO-DEIBER
LUXEMBOURG, 27 JUNE 2019

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CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

Continuing operations 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit (centre contribution) 
Selling, general and administration expenses  

Share of loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax 

Operating profit 
Finance expense 

Finance income 

Net finance expense 

Profit before tax for the year 
Income tax expense  

Profit after tax for the year 

Earnings per ordinary share (EPS): 
Basic (p) 

Diluted (p) 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018 
£m

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
£m

2,517.6

(2,117.2)

400.4

(244.0)

(1.4)

155.0

(16.0)

11.4

(4.6)

150.4

(32.1)

118.3

2,341.7

(1,946.3)

395.4

(217.4)

(0.8)

177.2

(14.1)

4.1

(10.0)

167.2

(35.6)

131.6

3,943.3

3,943.3

27.7

27.7

Notes 

4 

20 

7 

7 

8 

9 

9 

4 3
4 3  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income that is or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: 

Cash flow hedges – effective portion of changes in fair value 

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations 

Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 

Other comprehensive income that will never be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: 

Re-measurement of defined benefit liability, net of income tax 

Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 

24 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period, net of income tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Notes 

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018  
£m 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017 
£m

118.3 

131.6

0.1 

9.2 

9.3 

– 

–  

0.5

(34.4)

(33.9)

(0.7)

(0.7)

9.3 

(34.6)

127.6 

97.0

4 4

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

4 4  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

Balance at 1 January 2017 

Total comprehensive income for the year: 
Profit for the year  

Other comprehensive income: 
Re-measurement of the defined benefit liability, net  
of tax (note 24) 

Cash flow hedges – effective portion of changes in fair value 

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign 
operations 

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year 
Reduction of share capital (note 21) 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Total comprehensive income for the year: 
Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 
Cash flow hedges – effective portion of changes in  
fair value 

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign 
operations 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

1.  The Company has share capital of £30,000  

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve 
£m

Issued share 
capital (1) 
£m

Hedging 
reserve
£m

Other 
reserves  
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m

9.2

97.6

(0.3) 

25.8 

606.8

Total 
equity 
£m

739.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

(9.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(34.4)

(34.4)

(34.4)

–

63.2

–

–

9.2

9.2

9.2

72.4

–

–

0.5

–

0.5

0.5

–

0.2

–

0.1

–

0.1

0.1

0.3

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

131.6

131.6

(0.7)

–

–

(0.7)

130.9

–

(0.7)

0.5

(34.4)

(34.6)

97.0

(9.2)

25.8 

737.7

826.9

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

25.8 

118.3

118.3

–

–

–

118.3

856.0

0.1

9.2

9.3

127.6

954.5

Other reserves include £10.5m for the restatement of the assets and liabilities of the UK associate from historic to fair value at the time of the 
acquisition of the outstanding 58% interest on 19 April 2006, £37.9m arising from the Scheme of Arrangement undertaken on 14 October 2008, 
£6.5m relating to merger reserves and £0.1m relating to the redemption of preference shares partly offset by £29.2m arising from the Scheme of 
Arrangement undertaken in 2003. 

4 5
4 5  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

Non-current assets 
Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred tax assets 

Non-current derivative financial assets 

Other long-term receivables 

Investments in joint ventures  

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 

Corporation tax receivable 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables (incl. customer deposits) 

Deferred income 

Corporation tax payable 

Bank and other loans 

Provisions  

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Other long-term payables 

Bank and other loans 

Deferred tax liability 

Provisions  

Provision for deficit in joint ventures 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities  

Total equity 
Issued share capital 

Foreign currency translation reserve 

Hedging reserve 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Total equity and liabilities 

Approved by the Directors on 27 June 2019 

TIM REGAN 
DIRECTOR 

As at  
31 Dec 2018  
£m 

As at 
31 Dec 2017 
£m

Notes 

11 

12 

13 

8 

23 

14 

20 

15 

8 

22 

16 

8 

18 

19 

17 

18 

8 

19 

20 

24 

21 

679.2 

42.3 

664.4

44.5

1,647.6 

1,270.9

30.6 

0.3 

394.7 

12.2 

22.8

0.2

287.9

12.4

2,806.9  

2,303.1

722.8 

32.7 

69.0 

824.5 

3,631.4 

1,063.7 

318.6 

30.5 

9.9 

9.7 

572.8

27.6

54.8

655.2

2,958.3

903.9

285.3

21.6

8.5

4.5

1,432.4 

1,223.8

704.2 

523.9 

– 

9.4 

5.5 

1.5 

553.2 

342.9

1.3

4.9

3.8

1.5

1,244.5 

2,676.9 

907.6

2,131.4

– 

72.4 

0.3 

25.8 

856.0 

954.5 

–

63.2

0.2

25.8

737.7

826.9

3,631.4 

2,958.3 

4 6

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

4 6  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

Operating activities 

Profit before tax for the year 
Adjustments for: 

Net finance expense 

Share of loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax 

Depreciation charge 

Loss on impairment of goodwill 

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Loss on disposal of intangible assets 

(Reversal of impairment)/impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Gain on disposal of other investments 

Amortisation of acquired lease fair value adjustments 

Increase in provisions 

Other non-cash movements 

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Tax paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash acquired) 

Disposal of other investments 

Purchase of intangible assets 

Purchase of joint ventures 

Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Interest received 

Net cash outflow from investing activities 

Financing activities 
Net proceeds from issue of loans 

Repayment of loans 

Reduction of share capital 

Ordinary dividend received 

Net cash inflow from financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018 
£m

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017 
£m

Notes 

150.4

167.2

7 

20 

5, 13 

11 

5 

5 

5, 13 

5, 12 

5 

19 

13 

25 

12 

20 

7 

21 

22 

4.6

1.4

223.5

1.0

13.6

0.1

(0.1)

9.6

(4.3)

(2.0)

9.7

(6.1)

401.4

(234.7)

289.5

456.2

(16.2)

(36.7)

403.3

10.0

0.8

200.8

–

4.3

1.6

0.1

10.6

–

(3.6)

–

0.4

392.2

(285.3)

133.0

239.9

(12.2)

(22.4)

205.3

(578.9)

(344.9)

(2.3)

4.4

(6.9)

– 

0.4

10.8

(4.5)

–

(3.6)

(0.3)

0.5

4.1

(572.5)

(348.7)

648.3

(467.4)

–

0.6

181.5

12.3

54.8

1.9

69.0

651.6

(498.7)

(9.2)

–

143.7

0.3

50.1

4.4

54.8

4 7
4 7  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 

1. Authorisation of financial statements 
The Group and Company financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 were authorised for issue by the Directors on 24 June 2018 
and the balance sheets were signed on the Directors’ behalf by Tim Regan. Regus plc is a company incorporated in Jersey and registered and 
domiciled in Luxembourg. The ultimate parent company of the Group is IWG plc, a company incorporated in Jersey and registered and domiciled 
in Switzerland. 

Regus plc owns a network of business centres which are utilised by a variety of business customers. Information on the Group’s structure is provided 
in note 30, and information on other related party relationships of the Group is provided in note 29. 

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘Adopted IFRSs’). The Company prepares its parent company 
annual accounts in accordance with Luxembourg GAAP; extracts from these are presented on page 79. 

2. Accounting policies 
Basis of preparation 
The Group financial statements consolidate those of the parent company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and equity account 
the Group’s interest in joint ventures. The extract from the parent company annual accounts presents information about the Company as a separate 
entity and not about its Group. 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group financial statements. Amendments to 
adopted IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) with an effective date from 1 January 2018 did not have a material effect on the Group financial statements, unless otherwise indicated. 

The following standards, interpretations and amendments to standards were adopted by the Group for periods commencing on or after  
1 January 2018: 

IFRS 9 

IFRS 15 

Financial Instruments 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the consolidated financial 
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed in note 31. 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, with the exception of certain financial assets and liabilities that are 
measured at fair value as described in note 23. 

The Directors, having made appropriate enquiries, have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 43 to 77. 

In adopting the going concern basis for preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Directors have considered the further information 
included in the business activities commentary as set out on pages 14 to 19 as well as the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties as set out on 
pages 26 to 33. 

Further details on the going concern basis of preparation can be found in note 23 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

These Group consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling (£), which is Regus plc’s functional currency, and all values are in 
million pounds, rounded to one decimal place, except where indicated otherwise. 

The attributable results of those companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included for the periods of ownership. 

Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the 
arrangement, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its liabilities. The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the 
total recognised gains and losses of joint ventures on an equity accounted basis, from the date that joint control commences until the date that joint 
control ceases or the joint venture qualifies as a disposal group, at which point the investment is carried at the lower of fair value less costs to sell and 
carrying value. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in a joint venture, the Group’s carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition 
of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of a 
joint venture. 

4 8

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4 8  

 
Impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 
The Group adopted IFRS 9 Financial Instruments from 1 January 2018. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments sets out requirements for recognising and 
measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy and sell non-financial items. This standard replaced IAS 39 Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. 

Classification – financial assets 
IFRS 9 contains a new classification and measurement approach for financial assets that reflects the business model in which assets are managed 
and their cash flow characteristics. It contains three principal classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortised cost, fair value 
through other comprehensive income (OCI) and fair value through the profit or loss. The standard eliminates the existing IAS 39 categories of held 
to maturity, loans and receivables and available for sale. 

Under IFRS 9, derivatives embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of the standard are never bifurcated. Instead, the 
hybrid financial instrument as a whole is assessed for classification. 

The new classification requirements didn’t have a material impact on any of its accounting balances. Furthermore, at 31 December 2018, the Group 
did not have any balances classified as available-for-sale. Consequently, there are no adjustments to be recognised in either the income statement or 
other comprehensive income. 

Classification – financial liabilities 
IFRS 9 largely retains the existing requirements in IAS 39 for the classification of financial liabilities. However, under IAS 39 all fair value changes of 
liabilities designated as at fair value through the profit or loss are recognised in profit or loss, whereas under IFRS 9 these fair value changes are 
generally presented as follows: 

•  The amount of change in fair value that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of the liability is presented in other comprehensive income; and 

•  The remaining amount of change in the fair value is presented in profit or loss. 

The Group has not designated any financial liabilities at fair value through the profit or loss and it has no current intention to do so. The Group’s 
adoption of IFRS 9 did not result in any change in the classification of financial liabilities at 1 January 2018. Consequently, there were no adjustments 
to be recognised in either the income statement or other comprehensive income. 

Impairment – financial assets 
IFRS 9 requires the Group to record expected credit losses on all of its financial instruments, either on a 12-month or lifetime basis. The Group 
applied the simplified approach to trade receivables and recorded the lifetime expected losses. The Group determined that due to the nature of its 
receivables, taking into account the customer deposits obtained, the impact of applying IFRS 9 did not significantly impact the provision for bad debts. 

Hedge accounting 
IFRS 9 requires the Group to ensure that hedge accounting relationships are aligned with the Group’s risk management objectives and strategy and 
to apply a more qualitative and forward-looking approach to assessing hedge effectiveness. IFRS 9 also introduces new requirements on rebalancing 
hedge relationships and prohibiting voluntary discontinuation of hedge accounting. Under the new model, it is possible that more risk management 
strategies, particularly those involving hedging a risk component (other than foreign currency risk) of non-financial items, will be likely to qualify for 
hedge accounting. 

The Group is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate movements. The majority of day-to-day transactions of overseas subsidiaries are carried 
out in local currency and the underlying foreign exchange exposure is small. Transactional exposures do arise in some countries where it is local 
market practice for a proportion of the payables or receivables to be in other than the functional currency of the affiliate. Intercompany charging, 
funding and cash management activity may also lead to foreign exchange exposures. It is the policy of the Group to seek to minimise such 
transactional exposures through careful management of non-local currency assets and liabilities, thereby minimising the potential volatility in the 
income statement. Net investments in Regus affiliates with a functional currency other than sterling are of a long-term nature and the Group does 
not normally hedge such foreign currency translation exposures. 

From time to time the Group uses short-term derivative financial instruments to manage its transactional foreign exchange exposures where these 
exposures cannot be eliminated through balancing the underlying risks. The Group designates these derivatives as fair value hedges.  

The Group determined that all existing hedge relationships that are currently designated in effective hedging relationships will continue to qualify 
for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. As IFRS 9 does not change the general principles of how an entity accounts for effective hedges, applying the 
hedging requirements of IFRS 9 does not impact the Group’s financial statements. 

4 9
4 9  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

2. Accounting policies (continued) 
Impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 
IFRS 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. It replaced existing revenue 
recognition guidance, including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes. 

The Group is involved in the provision of flexible workspace, as well as performing related services. Revenue from the provision of these services 
to customers is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable (excluding sales taxes). Where rent-free periods are granted to 
customers, rental income is spread on a straight-line basis over the length of the customer contract. The services performed are based on the list 
price at which the Group provides the contracted services. 

Based on the Group’s assessment, the fair value of the service performed under IAS 18 and the timing of revenue recognised are consistent with 
IFRS 15. Therefore, the application of IFRS 15 did not result in any differences in the timing of the performance and the recognition of the revenue 
for these services. 

IFRSs not yet effective 
The following new or amended standards and interpretations that are mandatory for 2019 annual periods (and future years) are not expected to have 
a material impact on the Group financial statements, unless otherwise stated. 

IFRS 16 

Leases 

IFRIC 23 

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (Amendments to IAS 28) 

Plan Amendments, Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19) 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015 – 2017 Cycle 

Prepayment features with Negative Compensation (Amendments to IFRS 9) 

Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2019 

1 January 2020 

1 January 2021 

There are no other IFRS standards or interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group. 

The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective. 

The impact of these new or amended standards and interpretations has been considered as follows: 

IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 16 replaces existing leases guidance, including IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease, SIC-15 
Operating Leases – Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. 

The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Early adoption is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 at or 
before the date of initial application of IFRS 16. 

IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet lease accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognises a right-of-use asset representing its right 
to use the underlying asset and lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are recognition exemptions for short-term 
leases and leases of low-value items. Lessor accounting remains similar to the current standard (i.e. lessors continue to classify leases as finance or 
operating leases). 

The Group has completed its initial assessment of the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements. The actual impact of applying IFRS 
16 on the financial statements in the period of initial application depends on future economic conditions, including the Group’s borrowing rate and 
credit rating, external interest rates, country risk factors, the composition of the Group’s lease portfolio, the Group’s assessment of whether it will 
exercise any lease renewal options and the extent to which the Group chooses to use practical expedients and recognition exemptions. Taking these 
considerations into account, on transition: 

•  The Group will adopt the modified approach, choosing to measure the right-of-use asset at the retrospective amount as if IFRS 16 had been 
applied from lease commencement date. The difference between the right-of use asset and the related lease liability is recognised directly in 
retained earnings.  

•  In determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability to be recognised, the Group will adopt an incremental borrowing rate for each lease. This 
rate has been determined by taking currency specific interest rates based on 10-year external market rates (where available, which reflect the 
average centre lease duration) and then considering adjustments to reflect subsidiary/country specific credit ratings and adjustments to reflect 
the level of collateral. This incremental borrowing rate will be updated annually and applied to leases completed in the subsequent year. 

•  The right-of-use asset recognised will be depreciated over the life of the lease, adjusted for any period between the lease commencement date 
and the date the related centre opens, reflecting the lease related costs directly incurred in preparing the business centre for trading. The life of 
the lease reflects the contracted lease term and any renewal periods that are at Regus’ option to extend. 

The most significant impact identified is the right-of-use asset and related lease liability the Group recognises for its leases in respect of its global 
network, which will be recognised based on the modified retrospective approach. Based on the lease portfolio at 31 December 2018, the Group 
expects to report a right-of-use asset of approximately £4,417m to £4,882m and a related lease liability of approximately £5,075m to £5,609m at 
31 December 2019. These balances exclude the impact of any lease terminations, lease renewals and expected growth in the lease portfolio in 2019. 
The recognition of these balances will not impact the overall cash flows of the Group or cash generation per share.  

5 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

5 0  

In addition, the nature of expenses related to leases will change as IFRS 16 replaces the straight-line operating lease expense with a depreciation 
charge for right-of-use assets and an interest expense on the lease liabilities. 

The Group has also considered the impact of lessor accounting, which is not considered to be material. 

The Group will adopt the exemptions permitted in respect of short-term and low value leases, which are not material due to the relatively low number 
of these leases. 

The Group does not expect the adoption of IFRS 16 to impact its ability to comply with the covenant requirements on its revolving credit facility 
described in note 23. 

Basis of consolidation 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of 
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences. The results are consolidated until the date 
control ceases or the subsidiary qualifies as a disposal group, at which point the assets and liabilities are carried at the lower of fair value less costs to 
sell and carrying value. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 
For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount was estimated 
at 30 September 2018. At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amount of these assets to determine whether there is an indicator of 
impairment. If any indicator is identified, then the assets’ recoverable amount is re-evaluated. 

The carrying amount of the Group’s other non-financial assets (other than deferred tax assets) are reviewed at the reporting date to determine 
whether there is an indicator of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit (CGU) exceeds its recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. 

A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or 
groups of assets. The Group has identified individual business centres as the CGU. 

We evaluate the potential impairment of property, plant and equipment at the centre (CGU) level where there are indicators of impairment. 

Centres (CGUs) are grouped by country of operation for the purposes of carrying out impairment reviews of goodwill as this is the lowest level at 
which it can be assessed. 

Individual fittings and equipment in our centres or elsewhere in the business that become obsolete or are damaged are assessed and impaired 
where appropriate. 

Calculation of recoverable amount 
The recoverable amount of relevant assets is the greater of their fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated 
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is 
determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. 

Goodwill 
All business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method. Goodwill is initially measured at fair value, being the excess of the aggregate 
of the fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests, and any previous interest held, over the net 
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, 
the Group re-assesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used 
to measure the amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the re-assessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired 
over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognised in profit or loss.  

Positive goodwill is stated at cost less any provision for impairment in value. An impairment test is carried out annually and, in addition, whenever 
indicators exist that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Negative goodwill is recognised directly in profit or loss. 

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets acquired separately from the business are capitalised at cost. Intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition of a business are 
capitalised separately from goodwill if their fair value can be identified and measured reliably on initial recognition. 

Intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows: 

Brand – Regus brand 

Brand – Other acquired brands 

Computer software 

Customer lists 

Management agreements 

Amortisation of intangible assets is expensed through administration expenses in the income statement. 

Indefinite life

20 years

Up to 5 years

2 years

Minimum duration of the contract

5 1
5 1  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

2. Accounting policies (continued) 
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests 
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is 
recognised as a result. Adjustments to non-controlling interests arising from transactions that do not involve the loss of control are based on a 
proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. 

Assets held for sale 
Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying value of the identified asset and its fair value less cost to sell. 

Leases 
Plant and equipment leases for which the Group assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. 
All other leases, including all of the Group’s property leases, are categorised as operating leases. 

Operating leases 
Minimum lease payments under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease 
incentives, including partner contributions and rent-free periods, are included in the calculation of minimum lease payments. The commencement 
of the lease term is the date from which the Group is entitled to use the leased asset. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease, 
together with any further periods for which the Group has the option to continue to lease the asset and when at the inception of the lease it is 
reasonably certain that the Group will exercise that option. 

Contingent rentals include rent increases based on future inflation indices or non-guaranteed rental payments based on centre turnover or 
profitability and are excluded from the calculation of minimum lease payments. Contingent rentals are recognised in the income statement as they 
are incurred. 

Onerous lease provisions are an estimate of the net amounts payable under the terms of the lease to the first break point, at the Group’s option, 
discounted at an appropriate pre-tax rate that reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. 

Partner contributions 
Partner contributions are contributions from our business partners (property owners and landlords) towards the initial costs of opening a business 
centre, including the fit-out of the property and the losses that we incur early in the centre life. The partner contribution is treated as a lease incentive 
and is amortised over the period of the lease. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-
line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets as follows:  

Buildings 

Leasehold improvements 

Furniture 

Office equipment and telephones 

Computer hardware 

50 years

10 years

10 years

5 years

3 – 5 years

Revenue 
The Group’s primary activity and only business segment is the provision of global workplace solutions. 

Revenue from the provision of services to customers is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable (excluding sales taxes). 
Where rent-free periods are granted to customers, rental income is spread on a straight-line basis over the length of the customer contract. 

•  Workstations 

Workstation revenue is recognised when the provision of the service is rendered. Amounts invoiced in advance are accounted for as deferred 
income (contract liability) and recognised as revenue upon provision of the service. 

•  Customer service income 

Service income (including the rental of meeting rooms) is recognised as services are rendered. In circumstances where Regus acts as an agent for 
the sale and purchase of goods to customers, only the commission fee earned is recognised as revenue. 

•  Management and franchise fees 

Fees received for the provision of initial and subsequent services are recognised as revenue as the services are rendered. Fees charged for the use 
of continuing rights granted by the agreement, or for other services provided during the period of the agreement, are recognised as revenue as the 
services are provided or the rights used. 

•  Membership card income 

Revenue from the sale of membership cards is deferred and recognised over the period that the benefits of the membership card are expected to 
be provided. 

The Group has generally concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangement, except where noted above. 

5 2

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5 2  

 
 
Employee benefits 
The majority of the Group’s pension plans are of the defined contribution type. For these plans, the Group’s contribution and other paid and unpaid 
benefits earned by the employees are charged to the income statement as incurred. 

The cost of providing benefits under the defined benefit plan is determined using the projected unit credit method. 

Re-measurements, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling, excluding net interest and the return on plan assets, 
excluding net interest, are recognised immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other 
comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Re-measurements are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. 

Service costs are recognised in profit or loss, and include current and past service costs as well as gains and losses on curtailments. 

Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset. The Group recognises the following changes in the 
net defined benefit obligation under ‘cost of sales’ and ‘selling, general and administration expenses’ in the consolidated income statement: service 
costs comprising current service costs; past service costs; and gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements. 

Settlements of defined benefit schemes are recognised in the period in which the settlement occurs. 

Taxation 
Tax on the profit for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to 
items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the 
amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition 
of assets and liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination; and differences relating to investments 
in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the 
expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
at the reporting date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised for all unused tax losses only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the asset can be utilised. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when 
they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event that can be 
estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. 

Restructuring provisions are made for direct expenditures of a business reorganisation where the plans are sufficiently detailed and well advanced, 
and where the appropriate communication to those affected has been undertaken at the reporting date. 

Provision is made for onerous contracts and closure costs to the extent that the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under a contract 
exceed the economic benefits expected to be delivered, discounted using an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. 

5 3
5 3  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

2. Accounting policies (continued) 
Equity 
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the value of proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. 

When shares recognised as equity are repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, net of any tax 
effects, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented in the treasury share 
reserve. When treasury shares are sold or re-issued subsequently, the amount received is recognised as an increase in equity and the resulting 
surplus or deficit on the transaction is presented within retained earnings. 

Net finance expenses 
Interest charges and income are accounted for in the income statement on an accruals basis. Financing transaction costs that relate to financial 
liabilities are charged to interest expense using the effective interest rate method and are recognised within the carrying value of the related financial 
liability on the balance sheet. Fees paid for the arrangement of credit facilities are recognised as a prepayment and recognised through the finance 
expense over the term of the facility.  

Where assets or liabilities on the Group balance sheet are carried at net present value, the increase in the amount due to unwinding the discount is 
recognised as a finance expense or finance income as appropriate. 

Costs arising on bank guarantees and letters of credit and foreign exchange gains or losses are included in other finance costs (note 7). 

Interest bearing borrowings and other financial liabilities 
Financial liabilities, including interest bearing borrowings, are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, financial liabilities are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the income 
statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest rate method. 

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired. 

Financial liabilities are classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss where the liability is either held for trading or is designated as held 
at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value with any resultant 
gain or loss recognised in the income statement. 

Financial assets 
Financial assets are classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost, fair value through the profit or loss or fair value through other 
comprehensive income (OCI). The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined on initial recognition. 

Financial assets (including trade and other receivables) are measured at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met: 

•  The financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and 

•  Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 

amount outstanding. 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value and changes therein, including any interest or dividend income, are 
recognised in profit or loss. 

Financial assets (including trade and other receivables) are measured at fair value through OCI if both of the following conditions are met: 

•  The financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting cash flows and selling financial assets; and 

•  Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal 

amount outstanding. 

Customer deposits 
Deposits received from customers against non-performance of the contract are held on the balance sheet as a current liability until they are returned 
to the customer at the end of their relationship with the Group. 

Foreign currency transactions and foreign operations 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the closing rate of exchange at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation 
are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are 
translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. The results and cash flows of foreign operations are translated using the average 
rate for the period. Assets and liabilities, including goodwill and fair value adjustments, of foreign operations are translated using the closing rate, 
with all exchange differences arising on consolidation being recognised in other comprehensive income, and presented in the foreign currency 
translation reserve in equity. Exchange differences are released to the income statement on disposal. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. 

5 4

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5 4  

 
 
Derivative financial instruments 
The Group’s policy on the use of derivative financial instruments can be found in note 23. Derivative financial instruments are measured initially at fair 
value and changes in the fair value are recognised through profit or loss unless the derivative financial instrument has been designated as a cash flow 
hedge whereby the effective portion of changes in the fair value are deferred in equity. 

Foreign currency translation rates 

US dollar 

Euro 

Japanese yen 

At 31 December 

Annual average 

2018

1.28

1.12

141

2017 

1.35 

1.13  

152 

2018

1.33

1.13

147

2017

1.30

1.14

145

3. Segmental analysis – statutory basis 
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses. 
An operating segment’s results are reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker (the Board of Directors of the Group) to make 
decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. 

The business is run on a worldwide basis but managed through four principal geographical segments (the Group’s operating segments): the 
Americas; EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa); Asia Pacific; and the United Kingdom. These geographical segments exclude the Group’s non-
trading, holding and corporate management companies. The results of business centres in each of these regions form the basis for reporting 
geographical results to the chief operating decision maker. All reportable segments are involved in the provision of global workplace solutions. 

The Group’s reportable segments operate in different markets and are managed separately because of the different economic characteristics 
that exist in each of those markets. Each reportable segment has its own discrete senior management team responsible for the performance of 
the segment. 

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the Annual Report and Accounts for the Group for the year 
ended 31 December 2018.  

Revenue from external 
customers 

Mature(1) 

2017 Expansions(1) 

2018 Expansions(1) 

Closures(1) 

Gross profit/(loss)  
(centre contribution) 

Share of loss of equity-
accounted investees 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Finance expense 

Finance income 

Profit before tax for the year 

Americas 

EMEA 

Asia Pacific 

United Kingdom 

Other 

Total 

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

2018
£m

2017
£m

2018
£m

2017
£m

2018
£m

2017
£m

2018 
£m 

2017 
£m 

2018
£m

2017
£m

1,048.5  

984.8  

630.8 

540.5 

961.7 

930.3 

527.1

493.7

48.6 

19.8 

18.4 

10.9 

– 

43.6 

70.0

20.8

12.9

20.2

–

26.6

412.2 

368.0

25.1

11.5

7.6

383.2 

361.1

5.2

–

16.9

421.2 

376.5

18.0

13.3

13.4

429.4 

390.3

3.8

–

35.3

4.9  

4.5 

0.4 

– 

– 

3.8   2,517.6 

2,341.7 

3.3  2,237.8
0.5 

162.1

– 

– 

65.4

52.3

2,178.7

40.6

–

122.4 

173.8 

153.2  

119.0

97.1 

60.8

65.9 

49.1

77.4 

(2.3) 

1.8  

400.4

395.4 

–  

–  

122.6 

96.5 

(1.3) 

57.2

(0.8)

47.7

(0.1) 

26.9

– 

34.6

– 

– 

–  

–  

(1.4) 

30.2

55.7

(81.9) 

(57.3) 

155.0

(16.0)

11.4

150.4

(0.8)

177.2

(14.1)

4.1 

167.2

Depreciation and amortisation 

118.3 

112.2  

40.2

32.8 

32.3

29.4 

33.2

28.7 

9.1 

8.3  

233.1

211.4 

Assets 

Liabilities 

1,417.4  1,213.2  
(861.5) 

(1,042.5) 

751.7

573.5 

472.5

378.1 

668.5

520.2 

321.3 

(502.9)

(386.0)

(316.4)

(244.1)

(350.8)

(256.3)

(464.3) 

273.3   3,631.4
(383.5)  (2,676.9)

2,958.3 

(2,131.4)

Net assets/(liabilities) 

374.9 

351.7  

248.8

187.5 

156.1

134.0 

317.7

263.9 

(143.0) 

(110.2) 

954.5

826.9 

Non-current asset additions(2) 

228.7 

148.6  

141.5

83.4 

84.1

36.3 

112.8

64.6 

18.7 

15.6 

585.8

348.5 

1.  Revenue has been disaggregated to reflect the basis on which it is reported to the chief operating decision maker. Further information can be found in the unaudited “Segmental 

analysis – Management basis” on pages 80 and 81 

2.  Excluding deferred taxation 

Operating profit in the “Other” category is generated from services related to the provision of workspace solutions, including fees from franchise 
agreements, offset by corporate overheads. 

5 5
5 5  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

4. Segmental analysis – entity-wide disclosures 
The Group’s primary activity and only business segment is the provision of global workplace solutions, therefore all revenue is attributed to a single 
group of similar products and services. It is not meaningful to separate this group into further categories of products. Revenue is recognised where 
the service is provided. 

The Group has a diversified customer base and no single customer contributes a material percentage of the Group’s revenue. 

The Group’s revenue from external customers and non-current assets analysed by foreign country is as follows: 

£m 

Country of tax domicile – Luxembourg  

United States of America 

United Kingdom 

All other countries 

1.  Excluding deferred tax assets 

5. Operating profit 
Operating profit has been arrived at after charging/(crediting): 

Revenue 

Depreciation on property, plant and equipment  

Amortisation of intangibles  

Amortisation of partner contributions 

Property rents payable in respect of operating leases: 

 Property 

 Contingent rents paid 

Equipment rents payable in respect of operating leases 

Staff costs 

Facility and other property costs 

Expected credit losses of trade receivables 

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment  

Impairment of goodwill 

Loss on disposal of intangible assets 

(Reversal of impairment)/Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of acquired lease fair value adjustments 

Other costs 

Share of loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax 

Operating profit 

Fees payable to the Group’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Group accounts 

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

The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Other services pursuant to legislation: 

Tax services 

Other services 

2018 

2017 

External 
revenue

Non-current  
assets(1) 

External  
revenue 

Non-current
assets(1)

8.0

883.7

421.2

1,204.7

2,517.6

4.0 

1,022.1 

513.1 

1,237.1 

2,776.3 

7.4 

819.6 

429.4 

1,085.3 

2,341.7 

2.7

878.5

384.5

1,014.6

2,280.3

Notes 

2018  
£m 

2017 
£m

2,517.6 

2,341.7

13 

12 

6 

23 

11 

12 

13 

223.5 

9.6 

(67.5) 

1,071.4 

1,034.7  

200.8

10.6

(60.6)

1,002.7

966.3

36.7 

2.3 

377.6 

380.9 

17.6 

13.6 

1.0 

0.1 

(0.1) 

(2.0) 

333.2 

156.4 

(1.4) 

155.0 

2018  
£m 

1.0 

2.2 

– 

– 

36.4

3.0

327.6

347.5

16.2

4.3

–

1.6

0.1

(3.6)

313.5

178.0

(0.8)

177.2

2017 
£m

0.9

1.7

–

0.1

Change in estimate 
During 2018, the Group conducted a review of its customer deposits for inactive customer accounts. Based on this review, the Group has released 
£17.6m of such deposits in 2018. This has resulted in an increase in both revenue and operating profit. 

5 6

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

5 6  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. Staff costs  

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: 
Wages and salaries 

Social security 

Pension costs 

The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Executive Directors), analysed by category and 
geography, was as follows: 
Centre staff 

Sales and marketing staff 

Finance staff 

Other staff 

Americas 

EMEA 

Asia Pacific 

United Kingdom 

Corporate functions 

2018 
£m

322.2

50.1

5.3

377.6

2017 
£m

276.7

45.7

5.2

327.6

2018 
Average 
full time 
equivalents

2017 
Average 
full time 
equivalents

7,358

493

791

905

9,547

3,001

2,425

1,670

858

1,593

9,547

6,746

497

739

762

8,744

2,860

2,161

1,641

804

1,278

8,744

5 7
5 7  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

7. Net finance expense 

Interest payable and similar charges on bank loans and corporate borrowings 

Total interest expense 
Other finance costs (including foreign exchange) 

Unwinding of discount rates 

Total finance expense 

Total interest income 

Other finance income 

Total finance income 

Net finance expense 

8. Taxation 
(a) Analysis of charge in the year 

Current taxation 
Corporate income tax 

Previously unrecognised tax losses and other differences 

Under provision in respect of prior years 

Total current taxation 

Deferred taxation 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Previously unrecognised tax losses and other differences 

Under provision in respect of prior years 

Total deferred taxation 

Tax charge on profit 

(b) Reconciliation of taxation charge 

Profit before tax 

Tax on profit at 26.0% (2017: 27.1%) 
Tax effects of: 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Items not chargeable for tax purposes 

Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets  

Movements in temporary differences in the year not recognised in deferred tax 

Adjustment to tax charge in respect of previous years 

Differences in tax rates on overseas earnings 

2018 

£m

150.4

(39.1)

(28.4)

44.4

13.7 

(102.1)

(5.3)

84.7

(32.1)

% 

(26.0) 

(18.9) 

29.5 

9.1 

(67.9) 

(3.5) 

56.3 

(21.4) 

2018  
£m 

(12.5) 

(12.5) 

(3.3) 

(0.2) 

(16.0) 

10.8 

0.6 

11.4 

2017 
£m

(7.5)

(7.5)

(5.7)

(0.9)

(14.1)

4.1

–

4.1

(4.6) 

(10.0)

2018  
£m 

(40.0) 

4.0 

(4.9) 

(40.9) 

(0.5) 

9.7 

(0.4) 

8.8 

2017 
£m

(26.8)

1.3

(5.2)

(30.7)

(5.4)

1.0

(0.5)

(4.9)

(32.1) 

(35.6)

2017 

£m 

167.2 

(45.3) 

13.3 

7.7 

2.3 

(87.9) 

(5.7) 

80.0 

(35.6) 

%

(27.1)

8.0

4.6

1.4

(52.5)

(3.4)

47.8

(21.2)

The applicable tax rate is determined based on the tax rate in Luxembourg, which was the statutory tax rate applicable in the country of domicile of 
the parent company of the Group at the end of the financial year. 

5 8

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

5 8  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Factors that may affect the future tax charge 
Unrecognised tax losses to carry forward against certain future overseas corporation tax liabilities have the following expiration dates: 

2018 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025  

2026 and later 

Available indefinitely 

Tax losses available to carry forward 

Amount of tax losses recognised in deferred tax assets 

Total tax losses available to carry forward 

The following deferred tax assets have not been recognised due to uncertainties over recoverability. 

Intangibles 

Accelerated capital allowances 

Tax losses 

Rent 

Short-term temporary differences 

2018 
£m

–

5.6

20.5

31.7

40.5

51.4

21.2

21.9

432.0

624.8

675.4

1,300.2

207.9

1,508.1

2018 
£m

17.0

39.3

333.1

7.9

9.8

407.1

Estimates relating to deferred tax assets, including assumptions about future profitability, are re-evaluated at the end of each reporting period. 

(d) Corporation tax 

Corporation tax payable 

Corporation tax receivable 

2018 
£m

(30.5)

32.7

2017 
£m

4.9

8.1

54.7

37.4

43.4

20.1

21.1

13.5

213.9

417.1

642.4

1,059.5

116.0

1,175.5

2017 
£m

16.9

32.1

267.7

8.7

5.5

330.9

2017 
£m

(21.6)

27.6

5 9
5 9  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

8. Taxation (continued) 
(e) Deferred taxation 
The movement in deferred tax is analysed below: 

Deferred tax asset 
At 1 January 2017 

Current year movement 

Prior year movement 

Transfers 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Current year movement 

Prior year movement 

Transfers 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Deferred tax liability 
At 1 January 2017 

Current year movement 

Prior year movement 

Transfers 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Current year movement 

Prior year movement 

Transfers 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
£m

Intangibles 
£m

Tax losses 
£m

(54.8)

19.9

–

–

5.5

(29.4)

(1.6)

0.1

(0.1)

(2.5)

(33.5)

(0.4)

(0.1)

–

–

–

(0.5)

(0.1)

0.3

0.1

–

(0.2)

(20.5)

1.3

(1.6)

2.2

1.1

(17.5)

(6.2)

– 

–

(1.1)

(24.8)

(3.2)

0.3

–

(2.2)

–

(5.1)

0.4

–

–

(0.1)

(4.8)

34.3

(5.7)

0.3

(1.3)

(0.9)

26.7

19.2

(0.3)

–

–

45.6

2.4

(0.2)

(0.3)

1.3

–

3.2

1.8

(0.4)

–

0.1

4.7

Short-term 
temporary 
differences  
£m 

0.5 

(3.1) 

– 

(0.6) 

(0.9) 

(4.1) 

(6.3) 

(0.2) 

0.1 

1.4 

(9.1) 

(1.0) 

(0.2) 

0.7 

0.6 

0.1 

0.2 

(0.3) 

– 

(0.1) 

– 

(0.2) 

Rent  
£m 

69.8 

(17.2) 

0.4 

(0.5) 

(5.4) 

47.1 

2.7 

– 

0.1 

2.5 

52.4 

(0.2) 

0.6 

– 

0.5 

– 

0.9 

(0.4) 

0.1 

(0.1) 

– 

0.5 

Total 
£m

29.3

(4.8)

(0.9)

(0.2)

(0.6)

22.8

7.8

(0.4)

0.1

0.3

30.6

(2.4)

0.4

0.4

0.2

0.1

(1.3)

1.4

–

(0.1)

–

–

The movements in deferred taxes included above are after the offset of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities where there is a legally 
enforceable right to set off and they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority. 

At the balance sheet date, the temporary difference arising from unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries was £23.2m (2017: £19.8m). The only 
tax that would arise on these reserves if they were remitted would be noncreditable withholding tax. 

6 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

6 0  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Earnings per ordinary share (basic and diluted) 

Basic and diluted profit for the year attributable to shareholders (£m) 

Basic earnings per share (p) 

Diluted earnings per share (p) 

Weighted average number of shares for basic and diluted EPS 

2018 

118.3

3,943.3

3,943.3

2017

131.6

27.7

27.7

3,000,000

474,525,592

Options are considered dilutive when they would result in the issue of ordinary shares for less than the market price of ordinary shares in the period. 
The amount of the dilution is taken to be the average market price of shares during the period minus the exercise price. There were no material 
awards considered anti-dilutive at the reporting date. 

Following the Scheme of Arrangement undertaken on 19 December 2016 all options held in the Company were transferred out of the Company. As a 
result there were no outstanding share options held at 31 December 2017 and at 31 December 2018. 

10. Dividends 

There were no dividends declared or paid during the year (2017: £nil). The Directors do not propose to declare a dividend for 2018 (2017: £nil). 

11. Goodwill 

Cost 
At 1 January 2017 

Recognised on acquisition of subsidiaries 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Recognised on acquisition of subsidiaries  

Goodwill impairment 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Net book value 
At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2018 

£m

685.3

1.0

(21.9)

664.4

1.0

(1.0)

14.8

679.2

664.4

679.2

Cash-generating units (CGUs), defined as individual business centres, are grouped by country of operation for the purposes of carrying out 
impairment reviews of goodwill as this is the lowest level at which it can be assessed. Goodwill acquired through business combinations is held at 
a country level and is subject to impairment reviews based on the cash flows of the CGUs within that country. 

6 1
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STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

11. Goodwill (continued) 
The goodwill attributable to the reportable business segments is as follows: 

Carrying amount of goodwill included within: 

Americas 

EMEA 

Asia 

United Kingdom 

2018  
£m 

299.8 

125.4 

35.2 

218.8 

679.2  

2017 
£m

285.8

125.1

34.7

218.8

664.4

The carrying value of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles allocated to two countries, the USA and the UK, is material relative to the total carrying 
value, comprising 73% of the total. The remaining 27% of the carrying value is allocated to a further 43 countries. The goodwill and indefinite life 
intangibles allocated to the USA and the UK are set out below: 

USA 

United Kingdom 

Other countries 

Goodwill 
£m

277.2

218.8

183.2

679.2 

Intangible  
assets  
£m 

– 

11.2 

– 

11.2 

2018  
£m 

277.2 

230.0 

183.2 

690.4  

2017 
£m

262.4

230.0

183.2

675.6 

The indefinite life intangible asset relates to the brand value arising from the acquisition of the remaining 58% of the UK business in the year ended 
31 December 2006 (see note 12). 

The value in use for each country has been determined using a model which derives the individual value in use for each country from the value in 
use of the Group as a whole. Although the model includes budgets and forecasts prepared by management, it also reflects external factors, such as 
capital market risk pricing as reflected in the market capitalisation of the Group and prevailing tax rates, which have been used to determine the risk 
adjusted discount rate for the Group. Management believes that the projected cash flows are a reasonable reflection of the likely outcomes over the 
medium to long term. In the event that trading conditions deteriorate beyond the assumptions used in the projected cash flows, it is also possible that 
impairment charges could arise in future periods. 

The following key assumptions have been used in calculating the value in use for each country: 

•  Future cash flows are based on forecasts prepared by management. The model excludes cost savings and restructurings that are anticipated but 
had not been committed to at the date of the determination of the value in use. Thereafter, forecasts have been prepared by management for 
a further four years from 2019 that reflect an average annual growth rate of the three-year average inflation rate of the country (2017: 3%); 

•  These forecasts exclude the impact of acquisitive growth expected to take place in future periods; 

•  Management considers these projections to be a reasonable projection of margins expected at the mid-cycle position. Cash flows beyond 2022 
have been extrapolated using the same three-year average inflation growth rate which management believes is a reasonable long-term growth 
rate for any of the markets in which the relevant countries operate. A terminal value is included in the assessment, reflecting the Group’s 
expectation that it will continue to operate in these markets and the long-term nature of the businesses; and 

•  The Group applies a country specific pre-tax discount rate to the pre-tax cash flows for each country. The country specific discount rate is based 
on the underlying weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for the Group. The Group WACC is then adjusted for each country to reflect the 
assessed market risk specific to that country. The Group pre-tax WACC increased from 9.9% in 2017 to 10.4% in 2018 (post-tax WACC: 8.3%). 
The country specific pre-tax WACC reflecting the respective market risk adjustment has been set between 9.7% and 14.1% (2017: 9.3% 
to 12.8%). 

The amounts by which the values in use exceed the carrying amounts of goodwill are sufficiently large to enable the Directors to conclude that a 
reasonably possible change in the key assumptions would not result in an impairment charge in any of the countries. Foreseeable events are unlikely 
to result in a change in the projections of such a significant nature as to result in the goodwill carrying amount exceeding their recoverable amount. 
The forecast models used in assessing the impairment of goodwill are based on the related business centre structure at the end of the year. 

The US model assumes an average centre contribution of 17% over the next five years. Revenue and costs grow at 1.2% per annum from 2019. 
A terminal value centre gross margin of 17% is adopted from 2023, with a 1.2% long-term growth rate assumed on revenue and costs into 
perpetuity. The cash flows have been discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 14% (2017: 10%). 

The UK model assumes an average centre contribution of 11% over the next five years. Revenue and costs grow at 2.4% per annum from 2019. 
A terminal value centre gross margin of 13% is adopted from 2023, with a 2.4% long-term growth rate assumed on revenue and costs into 
perpetuity. The cash flows have been discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 10% (2017: 10%). 

6 2

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Management has considered the following sensitivities: 

Market growth and WIPOW – Management has considered the impact of a variance in market growth and WIPOW. The value in use calculation shows 
that if the long-term growth rate was reduced to nil, the recoverable amount of the US and UK would still be greater than their carrying value. 

Discount rate – Management has considered the impact of an increase in the discount rate applied to the calculation. The value in use calculation 
shows that for the recoverable amount to be less than its carrying value, the pre-tax discount rate would have to be increased to 20% (2017: 12%) for 
the US and 12% (2017: 15%) for the UK. 

Occupancy – Management has considered the impact of a variance in occupancy. The value in use calculation shows that for the recoverable amount 
to be less than its carrying value, occupancy would have to decrease by 4% (2017: 6%) for the US and 2% (2017: 6%) for the UK. 

12. Other intangible assets 

Cost 
At 1 January 2017 

Additions at cost 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Additions at cost 

Acquisition of subsidiaries (1) 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Amortisation 
At 1 January 2017 

Charge for year 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Charge for year 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2018 

Brand 
£m

65.3

–

–

–

(4.4)

60.9

–

–

–

2.7 

63.6

33.3

2.6

–

(2.9)

33.0

2.4

–

2.0

37.4

32.0

27.9

26.2

Customer  
lists  
£m 

Software 
£m

32.6 

– 

0.3 

– 

(1.9) 

31.0 

– 

0.1 

–  

0.2  

31.3 

31.4 

1.1 

– 

(1.9) 

30.6 

0.1 

– 

0.6 

31.3 

1.2 

0.4 

– 

66.6

3.6

–

(6.6)

(3.1) 

60.5

6.9

–

(1.8)

0.5 

66.1

47.0

6.9

(5.0)

(4.6)

44.3

7.1

(1.7)

0.3

50.0

19.6

16.2

16.1

Total 
£m

164.5

3.6

0.3

(6.6)

(9.4)

152.4

6.9

0.1

(1.8)

3.4 

161.0

111.7

10.6

(5.0)

(9.4)

107.9

9.6

(1.7)

2.9

118.7

52.8

44.5

42.3

1.  Includes £0.1m on the finalisation of the accounting for prior year acquisitions previously reported on a provisional basis 

Included within the brand value is £11.2m relating to the acquisition of the remaining 58% of the UK business in the year ended 31 December 2006. 
The Regus brand acquired in this transaction is assumed to have an indefinite useful life due to the fact that the value of the brand is intrinsically linked 
to the continuing operation of the Group. 

As a result of the Regus brand acquired with the UK business having an indefinite useful life, no amortisation is charged but the carrying value is 
assessed for impairment on an annual basis. The brand was tested at the balance sheet date against the recoverable amount of the UK business 
segment at the same time as the goodwill arising on the acquisition of the UK business (see note 11). 

The remaining amortisation life for definite life brands is six years. 

6 3
6 3  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

13. Property, plant and equipment  

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements
£m

Furniture and 
equipment  
£m 

Computer 
hardware  
£m 

Total 
£m

Cost 
At 1 January 2017 

Additions 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Additions 

Acquisition of subsidiaries 

Disposals 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 January 2017 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

Impairment 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

Reversal of impairment 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Net book value 
At 1 January 2017 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2018 

26.3

1,533.2

9.5

0.1

–

0.1

36.0

5.7

–

–

(0.1)

41.6

0.4

0.8

–

–

–

1.2

0.9

–

–

0.1

2.2

253.0

1.3

(16.5)

(82.9)

1,688.1

474.1

0.3

(125.8)

49.0 

2,085.7

652.4

132.6

(12.8)

0.1

(32.7)

739.6

155.6

(114.4)

(0.1)

22.2

802.9

25.9

34.8

39.4

880.8

948.5

1,282.8

628.2 

71.2 

– 

(8.5) 

(32.4) 

658.5 

84.6 

0.3 

(56.2) 

19.9 

707.1 

378.9 

51.0 

(7.5) 

– 

(19.8) 

402.6 

52.3 

(53.6) 

– 

11.8  

413.1 

249.3 

255.9 

294.0 

Additions include £nil in respect of assets acquired under finance leases (2017: £nil). 

14. Other long-term receivables 

Deposits held by landlords against rent obligations 

Acquired lease fair value asset 

Balances due from affiliated entities 

122.7  

2,310.4

11.2 

0.2 

(1.4) 

(4.7) 

128.0 

14.5 

– 

(7.0) 

1.4 

344.9

1.6

(26.4)

(119.9)

2,510.6

578.9

0.6

(189.0)

70.2

136.9 

2,971.3

84.3 

16.4 

(1.3) 

– 

(3.1) 

96.3 

14.7 

(7.0) 

– 

1.5 

1,116.0

200.8

(21.6)

0.1

(55.6)

1,239.7

223.5

(175.0)

(0.1)

35.6

105.5 

1,323.7

38.4 

31.7 

31.4 

1,194.4

1,270.9

1,647.6

2018  
£m 

82.4 

3.6 

308.7 

394.7 

2017 
£m

76.3

4.4

207.2

287.9

6 4

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6 4  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables, net 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Other receivables 

VAT recoverable 

Deposits held by landlords against rent obligations 

Acquired lease fair value asset 

16. Trade and other payables (including customer deposits) 

Customer deposits 

Deferred rents 

Other accruals 

Trade payables 

VAT payable 

Deferred partner contributions 

Other payables 

Other tax and social security 

Acquired lease fair value liability 

Total current 

17. Other long-term payables 

Deferred partner contributions 

Deferred rents 

Acquired lease fair value liability 

Other payables 

Total non-current 

18. Borrowings 
The Group’s total loan and borrowing position at 31 December 2018 and at 31 December 2017 had the following maturity profiles: 

Bank and other loans 

Repayments falling due as follows: 

In more than one year but not more than two years 

In more than two years but not more than five years 

In more than five years  

Total non-current 

Total current 

Total bank and other loans 

2018 
£m

8.7

510.3

4.9

523.9

9.9

533.8

2018 
£m

227.9

212.2

172.6

103.1

6.0

1.0

722.8

2018 
£m

483.2

147.6

125.9

109.8

79.2

78.7

32.8

4.8

1.7

2017 
£m

197.9

165.3

103.1

98.1

7.2

1.2

572.8

2017 
£m

429.8

121.3

103.0

74.4

90.2

59.2

17.9

5.1

3.0

1,063.7

903.9

2018 
£m

389.6

305.9

2.3

6.4

704.2

2017 
£m

293.8

244.6

3.7

11.1

553.2

2017 
£m

8.9

329.2

4.8

342.9

8.5

351.4

6 5
6 5  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

19. Provisions 

At 1 January 

Provided in the period 

Utilised in the period 

Provisions released 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 

Analysed between: 

Current 

Non-current 

At 31 December 

2018 

2017 

Onerous
 leases and 
closures 
£m

3.6

16.0

(1.6)

(1.9)

–

16.1

8.3

7.8

16.1

Other 
£m

5.8

1.3

(3.8)

(0.3)

 –

3.0

1.4

1.6

3.0

Onerous  
leases and 
closures  
£m 

Other  
£m 

Total 
£m

3.5 

3.2 

(0.3) 

(2.8) 

– 

3.6 

0.4 

3.2 

3.6 

5.9  

2.1 

(1.0) 

(1.2) 

 – 

5.8 

4.1 

1.7 

5.8 

9.4

5.3

(1.3)

(4.0)

–

9.4

4.5

4.9

9.4

Total 
£m

9.4

17.3

(5.4)

(2.2)

–

19.1

9.7

9.4

19.1

Onerous leases and closures 
Provisions for onerous leases and closure costs relate to the estimated future costs of centre closures and onerous property leases. The maximum 
period over which the provisions are expected to be utilised expires by 31 December 2026. 

Other  
Other provisions include the estimated costs of claims against the Group outstanding at the year end, of which, due to their nature, the maximum 
period over which they are expected to be utilised is uncertain. 

20. Investments in joint ventures  

At 1 January 2017 

Additions 

Share of loss 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2017 

Share of profit/(loss) 

Exchange rate movements 

At 31 December 2018 

Investments in 
joint ventures  
£m 

Provision for 
deficit in  
joint ventures  
£m 

13.6 

0.3 

(0.4) 

(1.1) 

12.4 

0.3 

(0.5) 

12.2  

(3.4) 

– 

(0.4) 

– 

(3.8) 

(1.7) 

– 

(5.5) 

Total 
£m

10.2

0.3

(0.8)

(1.1)

8.6

(1.4)

(0.5)

6.7

6 6

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6 6  

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Group has 52 joint ventures (2017: 49) at the reporting date, all of which are individually immaterial. The Group has a legal obligation in respect of 
its share of any deficits recognised by these operations. 

The results of the joint ventures below are the full results of the joint ventures and do not represent the effective share: 

Income statement 
Revenue 

Expenses 

Loss before tax for the year 
Tax charge 

Loss after tax for the year 

Balance sheet 
Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Net (liabilities)/assets 

21. Share capital 
Ordinary equity share capital 

2018 
£m

27.6

(31.1)

(3.5)

(0.3)

(3.8)

15.7

43.5

(57.0)

(2.7)

(0.5)

2017 
£m

29.9

(31.5)

 (1.6)

(0.3)

(1.9)

15.0

35.7

(46.6)

(1.5)

2.6

Authorised 
Ordinary 1p shares in Regus plc at 1 January and 31 December 

Issued and fully paid up 
Ordinary 1p shares in Regus plc at 1 January  

Reduction of share capital 

Ordinary 1p shares in Regus plc at 31 December 

2018 

2017 

Number

Nominal value  
£m 

Number 

Nominal value 
£m

8,000,000,000

80.0 

8,000,000,000 

3,000,000

–

3,000,000

– 

– 

– 

923,357,438 

(920,357,438)

3,000,000 

80.0

9.2

(9.2)

–

On 19 December 2016 under a Scheme of Arrangement between Regus plc, and its shareholders, under Article 125 of the Companies (Jersey)  
Law 1991, and as sanctioned by The Royal Court of Jersey, all the issued shares in Regus plc were cancelled and an equivalent number of new shares 
in Regus plc were issued to IWG plc in consideration for the allotment to shareholders of one ordinary share in IWG plc for each ordinary share in 
Regus plc that they held on the record date, 18 December 2016. As a result, the shareholders of Regus plc became the shareholders of IWG plc, with 
IWG plc becoming the ultimate parent company of Regus plc. 

22. Analysis of financial assets/(liabilities) 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Gross cash 

Debt due within one year 

Debt due after one year 

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 

At 
1 Jan 2018 
£m

Cash flow  
£m 

Exchange rate 
movements 
£m

At 
31 Dec 2018 
£m

54.8 

54.8

(8.5)

(342.9)

(351.4)

(296.6)

12.3 

12.3 

(1.4) 

(179.5) 

(180.9) 

(168.6) 

1.9

1.9

–

(1.5)

(1.5)

0.4

69.0

69.0

(9.9)

(523.9)

(533.8)

(464.8)

Cash and cash equivalent balances held by the Group that are not available for use amounted to £4.2m at 31 December 2018 (2017: £9.3m). Of this 
balance, £1.9m (2017: £7.1m) is pledged as security against outstanding bank guarantees and a further £2.3m (2017: £2.2m) is pledged against 
various other commitments of the Group.  

23. Financial instruments and financial risk management 
The objectives, policies and strategies applied by the Group with respect to financial instruments and the management of capital are determined 
at the ultimate Regus plc Group level. The ultimate Regus plc Group’s Board maintains responsibility for the risk management strategy of the Group 
and the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for policy on a day-to-day basis. The Chief Financial Officer and Group Treasurer review the Group’s risk 
management strategy and policies on an ongoing basis. The Board has delegated to the Group Audit Committee the responsibility for applying an 
effective system of internal control and compliance with the Group’s risk management policies.  

Exposure to credit, interest rate and currency risks arise in the normal course of business. 

6 7
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STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

23. Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 
Going concern 
The Strategic Review on pages 14 to 19 of the Annual Report and Accounts sets out the Group’s strategy and the factors that are likely to affect the 
future performance and position of the business. The finance review on pages 22 to 25 within the Strategic Review analyses the trading performance, 
financial position and cash flows of the Group. During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group made a significant investment in growth and the 
Group’s net debt position increased by £168.2m to a net debt position of £464.8m as at 31 December 2018. The investment in growth is funded by a 
combination of cash flow generated from the Group’s mature business centres and debt. The Group had a £750.0m revolving credit facility provided 
by a group of relationship banks with a final maturity in 2023. As at 31 December 2018, £125.4m was available and undrawn. The revolving credit 
facility was increased from £750.0m to £950.0m in January 2019 and the final maturity extended to 2024 with an option to extend until 2026. 

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for 
the foreseeable future and, accordingly, continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk could occur where a customer or counterparty defaults under the contractual terms of a financial instrument and arises principally in 
relation to customer contracts and the Group’s cash deposits. 

A diversified customer base, requirement for customer deposits, and payments in advance on workstation contracts minimise the Group’s exposure 
to customer credit risk. No single customer contributes a material percentage of the Group’s revenue. The Group’s policy is to provide against trade 
receivables when specific debts are judged to be irrecoverable or where formal recovery procedures have commenced. A provision taking into 
account the customer deposit held is created where debts are more than three months overdue, which reflects the Group’s experience of the 
likelihood of recoverability of these trade receivables based on both historical and forward-looking information. These provisions are reviewed 
on an ongoing basis to assess changes in the likelihood of recoverability. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date, not taking into account customer deposits held, analysed by 
geographic region, is summarised below. 

Americas 

EMEA 

Asia Pacific 

United Kingdom 

2018  
£m 

33.3 

94.8 

50.0 

49.8 

2017 
£m

27.8

75.0

41.6

53.5

227.9 

197.9

All of the Group’s trade receivables relate to customers purchasing workplace solutions and associated services and no individual customer has a 
material balance owing as a trade receivable.  

The ageing of trade receivables at 31 December was: 

Not overdue 

Past due 0 – 30 days 

Past due 31 – 60 days 

More than 60 days 

Gross 
2018 
£m

173.6

38.2

11.6

26.6

250.0

Provision  
2018  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

(22.1) 

(22.1) 

Gross  
2017  
£m 

131.1 

43.2 

13.8 

31.6 

219.7 

Provision 
2017 
£m

–

–

–

(21.8)

(21.8)

At 31 December 2018, the Group maintained a provision of £22.1m for expected credit losses (2017: £21.8m) arising from trade receivables. The 
Group had provided £17.6m (2017: £16.2m) in the year and utilised £17.3m (2017: £13.5m). Customer deposits of £483.2m (2017: £429.8m) are held 
by the Group, mitigating the risk of default. 

IFRS 9 requires the Group to record expected credit losses on all of its receivables, either on a 12-month or lifetime basis. The Group has applied 
the simplified approach to all trade receivables, which requires the recognition of the expected credit loss based on the lifetime expected losses. 
The expected credit loss is mitigated through the invoicing of contracted services in advance and customer deposits of £483.2m (2017: £429.8m) 
held at the end of the year. The Group believes no provision is generally required for trade receivables that are not overdue as they are not considered 
credit impaired.  

Cash investments and derivative financial instruments are only transacted with counterparties of sound credit ratings, and management does not 
expect any of these counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.  

Liquidity risk 
The Group manages liquidity risk by closely monitoring the global cash position, the available and undrawn credit facilities, and forecast capital 
expenditure and expects to have sufficient liquidity to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group has free cash and liquid investments 
(excluding blocked cash) of £64.7m (2017: £45.5m). In addition to cash and liquid investments, the Group had £125.4m available and undrawn under 
its committed borrowings. The Directors consider the Group has adequate liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements. 

6 8

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6 8  

 
 
 
The Group maintains a revolving credit facility provided by a group of international banks. In May, the amount of the facility was increased from 
£550.0m to £750.0m with the final maturity extended to May 2023. As at 31 December, £125.4m was available and undrawn under this facility. 
The revolving credit facility was increased from £750.0m to £950.0m in January 2019 and the final maturity extended to 2024 with an option to 
extend until 2026. 

The debt provided under the credit facility is floating rate, however, as part of the Group’s balance sheet management and to protect against a future 
increase in interest rates, £70.0m and $30.0m were swapped into a fixed rate liability for a three-year period, maturing in 2019 with an average fixed 
rate of respectively 0.7% and 1.8% (excluding funding margin). A further £30.0m maturing in 2021 was added in 2018 with a fixed rate of 1.2%. 

Although the Group has net current liabilities of £607.9m (2017: £568.6m), the Group does not consider that this gives rise to a liquidity risk. A large 
proportion of the net current liabilities comprise non-cash liabilities such as deferred income which will be recognised in future periods through the 
income statement. The Group holds customer deposits of £483.2m (2017: £429.8m) which are spread across a large number of customers and 
no deposit held for an individual customer is material. Therefore, the Group does not believe the balance represents a liquidity risk. The net current 
liabilities, excluding deferred income, were £289.3m at 31 December 2018 (2017: £283.3m).  

Market risk 
The Group is exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the market value of our investments in 
financial assets. These exposures are actively managed by the Group treasury department in accordance with a written policy approved by the Board 
of Directors. The Group does not use financial derivatives for trading or speculative reasons. 

Interest rate risk 
The Group manages its exposure to interest rate risk through the relative proportions of fixed rate debt and floating rate debt. Any surplus cash 
balances are invested short-term, and at the end of 2018 no cash was invested for a period exceeding three months.  

Foreign currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate movements. The majority of day-to-day transactions of overseas subsidiaries are carried 
out in local currency and the underlying foreign exchange exposure is small. Transactional exposures do arise in some countries where it is local 
market practice for a proportion of the payables or receivables to be in other than the functional currency of the affiliate. Intercompany charging, 
funding and cash management activity may also lead to foreign exchange exposures. It is the policy of the Group to seek to minimise such 
transactional exposures through careful management of non-local currency assets and liabilities, thereby minimising the potential volatility in the 
income statement. Net investments in Regus affiliates with a functional currency other than sterling are of a long-term nature and the Group does 
not normally hedge such foreign currency translation exposures. 

From time to time the Group uses short-term derivative financial instruments to manage its transactional foreign exchange exposures where these 
exposures cannot be eliminated through balancing the underlying risks. No transactions of a speculative nature are undertaken. 

The foreign currency exposure arising from open third-party transactions held in a currency other than the functional currency of the related entity is 
summarised as follows: 

£m 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Net statement of financial position exposure 

£m 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other payables 

Net statement of financial position exposure 

2018 

2017 

EUR

20.8

(4.0)

16.8

EUR

0.6

(8.7)

(8.1)

GBP 

1.1 

(0.6) 

0.5 

GBP 

0.1 

(6.7) 

(6.6) 

USD

2.3

(8.1)

(5.8)

USD

16.7

(10.4)

6.3

Other market risks 
The Group does not hold any available-for-sale equity securities and is therefore not subject to risks of changes in equity prices in the income 
statement. 

Sensitivity analysis 
For the year ended 31 December 2018, it is estimated that a general increase of one percentage point in interest rates would have decreased the 
Group’s profit before tax by approximately £3.5m (2017: decrease of £2.5m) with a corresponding decrease in total equity. 

It is estimated that a five-percentage point weakening in the value of the US dollar against sterling would have decreased the Group’s profit before tax 
by approximately £13.4m for the year ended 31 December 2018 (2017: decrease of £8.6m). It is estimated that a five-percentage point weakening in 
the value of the euro against sterling would have decreased the Group’s profit before tax by approximately £0.8m for the year ended 31 December 
2018 (2017: decrease of £1.7m). 

It is estimated that a five-percentage point weakening in the value of the US dollar against sterling would have decreased the Group’s total equity by 
approximately £11.6m for the year ended 31 December 2018 (2017: £11.1m). It is estimated that a five-percentage point weakening in the value 
of the euro against sterling would have decreased the Group’s total equity by approximately £3.0m for the year ended 31 December 2018 
(2017: decrease of £1.1m). 

6 9
6 9  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

23. Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 
The Directors do not propose to declare a dividend for 2018 (2017:£nil). 

The Group’s objective when managing capital (equity and borrowings) is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to 
maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group has a net debt position of £464.8m at the end of 2018 (2017: £296.6m) 
and £125.4m (2017: £131.8m) of committed undrawn borrowings on the £750.0m revolving credit facility as at the end of the year.  

Effective interest rates  
In respect of financial assets and financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest rates at the balance sheet date and the periods 
in which they mature. Interest payments are excluded from the table. 

The undiscounted cash flow and fair values of these instruments is not materially different from the carrying value. 

As at 31 December 2018 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables(1) 

Other long-term receivables(2) 

Derivative financial assets: 

Interest rate swaps 
•  Outflow 
•  Inflow 
Financial assets(3) 

Non-derivative financial liabilities(4): 

Bank loans and corporate borrowings 

Other loans  

Trade and other payables(5) 

Other long-term payables(5) 

Financial liabilities 

As at 31 December 2017 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables(1) 

Other long-term receivables(2) 

Derivative financial assets: 

Interest rate swaps 
•  Outflow 
•  Inflow 
Financial assets(3) 

Non-derivative financial liabilities(4): 

Bank loans and corporate borrowings 

Other loans  

Trade and other payables(5) 

Other long-term payables(5) 

Financial liabilities 

Effective  
interest rate  
% 

Carrying 
value 
£m

Contractual 
cash flow 
£m

Less than 
1 year 
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2.9% 

1.2% 

– 

– 

Effective  
interest rate  
% 

0.1% 

– 

– 

 – 

– 

2.5% 

1.9% 

– 

– 

69.0

509.6

391.1

–

0.3

970.0

(505.4)

(28.4)

(835.7)

(6.4)

69.0

531.7

391.1

–

0.3

992.1

(505.4)

(28.4)

(835.7)

(6.4)

69.0

531.7

–

–

0.3

601.0

(0.1)

(9.8)

(835.7)

–

(1,375.9)

(1,375.9)

(845.6)

Carrying 
value 
£m

Contractual 
cash flow 
£m

Less than 
1 year 
£m

54.8

406.3

283.5

–

0.2

744.8

(330.5)

(20.9)

(720.4)

(11.1)

54.8

428.1

283.5

–

0.2

766.6

(330.5)

(20.9)

(711.4)

(11.1)

54.8

428.1

–

–

0.2

483.1

–

(8.5)

(720.4)

–

(1,082.9)

(1,073.9)

(728.9)

1.  Excluding prepayments and accrued income and acquired lease fair value asset 
2.  Excluding acquired lease fair value asset 
3.  Financial assets are all held at amortised cost 
4.  All financial instruments are classified as variable rate instruments 
5.  Excluding deferred rents, deferred partner contributions and acquired lease fair value liability 

1-2 years  
£m 

2-5 years  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

195.5 

195.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

195.5 

195.6 

More than 
5 years 
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4.9)

–

–

(2.0) 

(6.7) 

– 

(6.4) 

(15.1) 

(503.3) 

(7.0) 

– 

– 

(510.3) 

(4.9)

1-2 years  
£m 

2-5 years  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

141.6 

141.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

141.6 

141.6 

(6.2) 

(2.7) 

– 

(11.1) 

(20.0) 

(324.3) 

(4.9) 

– 

– 

(329.2) 

More than 
5 years 
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4.8)

–

–

(4.8)

7 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

7 0  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value disclosures 
The fair values, together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet, are as follows: 

31 December 2018 

Carrying amount 

Fair value  

£m 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Other long-term receivables 

Derivative financial asset 

Bank loans and corporate borrowings 

Other loans  

Trade and other payables 

Other long-term payables 

Unrecognised gain 

31 December 2017 

£m 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Other long-term receivables 

Derivative financial asset 

Bank loans and corporate borrowings 

Other loans  

Trade and other payables 

Other long-term payables 

Unrecognised gain 

Cash, loans 
and 
receivables 

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Cash flow –
hedging 
instruments

69.0 

509.6 

391.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

(505.4)

(28.4)

(835.7)

(6.4)

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

969.7  

(1,375.9)

0.3

Cash, loans and 
receivables 

Carrying amount 

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Cash flow – 
hedging 
instruments

54.8 

406.3 

283.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

(330.5)

(20.9)

(720.4)

(11.1)

744.6 

(1,082.9)

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

0.2

Total

69.0

509.6

391.1

0.3

(505.4)

(28.4)

(835.7)

(6.4)

(405.9)

Total

54.8

406.3

283.5

0.2

(330.5)

(20.9)

(720.4)

(11.1)

(338.1)

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3

Total

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.3 

Fair value 

–

–

–

0.3

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3

–

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3

Total

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.2 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
0.2   
– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2 

–

During the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018, there were no transfers between levels for fair value measured instruments, and 
no financial instruments requiring level 3 fair value measurements were held. 

7 1
7 1  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

23. Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

Valuation techniques 
When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are categorised into 
different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows: 

•  Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

•  Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and 

•  Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. 

The following tables show the valuation techniques used in measuring level 2 fair values and methods used for financial assets and liabilities not 
measured at fair value: 

Type 

Valuation technique 

Cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables/payables 
and customer deposits 

Loans and overdrafts 

Foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps 

For cash and cash equivalents, receivables/payables with a remaining life of less than one 
year and customer deposits, the book value approximates the fair value because of their 
short-term nature. 

The fair value of bank loans, overdrafts and other loans approximates the carrying value 
because interest rates are at floating rates where payments are reset to market rates at 
intervals of less than one year. 

The fair values are based on a combination of broker quotes, forward pricing and 
swap models. 

There was no significant unobservable input used in our valuation techniques. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The following table summarises the notional amount of the open contracts as at the reporting date: 

Derivatives used for cash flow hedging 

Derivatives used for cash flow hedging 

Committed borrowings 

Revolving credit facility 

2018  
GBP m 

100.0 

2018  
USD m 

30.0  

2017 
Facility  
£m 

550.0 

2017 
GBP m

70.0

2017 
USD m

30.0

2017
Available 
£m

131.8

2018
Facility 
£m 

750.0

2018 
Available  
£m 

125.4 

The Group maintains a revolving credit facility provided by a group of international banks. During the year, the amount of the facility was increased 
from £550.0m to £750.0m with the final maturity extended to May 2023. As at 31 December, £125.4m was available and undrawn under this facility. 
The revolving credit facility was increased from £750.0m to £950.0m in January 2019 and the final maturity extended to 2024 with an option to 
extend until 2026. 

The debt provided under the credit facility is floating rate, however, as part of the Group’s balance sheet management and to protect against a future 
increase in interest rates, £70.0m and $30.0m were swapped into a fixed rate liability for a three-year period, maturing in 2019 with an average fixed 
rate of respectively 0.7% and 1.8% (excluding funding margin). A further £30.0m maturing in 2021 was added in 2018 with a fixed rate of 1.2%. 

The £750.0m revolving credit facility is subject to financial covenants relating to net debt to EBITDA, and EBITDA plus rent to interest plus rent. 
The Group is in compliance with all covenant requirements. 

7 2

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

7 2  

 
 
 
 
 
24. Retirement benefit obligations 
The Group accounts for the Swiss and Philippines pension plans as defined benefit plans under IAS 19 – Employee Benefits.  

The reconciliation of the net defined benefit liability and its components are as follows: 

Fair value of plan assets 

Present value of obligations 

Net funded obligations 

2018 
£m

9.9

(11.4)

(1.5)

2017 
£m

8.5

(10.0)

(1.5)

25. Acquisitions 
Current period acquisitions 
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group made various individually immaterial acquisitions for a total consideration of £1.5m. 

£m 

Net assets acquired 
Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Cash 

Other current and non-current assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Goodwill arising on acquisition 

Total consideration 
Less: Contingent consideration 

Cash flow on acquisition 
Cash paid 

Net cash outflow 

Provisional 
fair value 
adjustments

Provisional 
fair value

Book value 

– 

0.6 

0.7 

1.0 

(1.7) 

(0.1) 

0.5 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

0.7

1.0

(1.7)

(0.1)

0.5

1.0

1.5

0.3

1.2

1.2

1.2

The goodwill arising on the above acquisitions reflects the anticipated future benefits the Group can obtain from operating the businesses more 
efficiently, primarily through increasing occupancy and the addition of value-adding products and services. £0.3m of the above goodwill is expected to 
be deductible for tax purposes. 

If the above acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2018, the revenue and net retained profit arising from these acquisitions would have been £4.6m 
and £0.1m respectively. In the year, the equity acquisitions contributed revenue of £1.7m and net retained profit of £0.6m. 

There was £0.3m contingent consideration arising on the 2018 acquisitions. Contingent consideration of £1.8m (2017: £2.1m) was also paid during 
the current year with respect to milestones achieved on prior year acquisitions. 

The acquisition costs associated with these transactions were £0.2m, recorded within administration expenses within the consolidated 
income statement. 

For a number of the acquisitions in 2018, the fair value of assets acquired has only been provisionally assessed, pending completion of a fair value 
assessment which has not yet been completed due to the limited time available between the date of acquisitions and the year-end date. The main 
changes in the provisional fair values expected are for the fair value of the leases (asset or liability), customer relationships and property, plant and 
equipment. The final assessment of the fair value of these assets will be made within 12 months of the acquisition date and any adjustments 
reported in future reports. 

7 3
7 3  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

25. Acquisitions (continued) 
Prior period acquisitions 
During the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group made various individually immaterial acquisitions for a total consideration of £2.8m. 

£m 

Net assets acquired 
Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Cash 

Other current and non-current assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Goodwill arising on acquisition 

Total consideration 

Cash flow on acquisition 
Cash paid 

Net cash outflow 

Provisional 
fair value 
adjustments

Provisional  
fair value 

Final  
fair value 
adjustments 

Final 
fair value

Book value

–

0.8

0.4

–

(0.6)

(0.2)

0.4

0.2

0.6

–

0.4

–

–

1.2

0.2 

1.4 

0.4 

0.4 

(0.6) 

(0.2) 

1.6 

1.2 

2.8 

2.8 

2.8 

2.8 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3

1.4

0.4

0.4

(0.7)

(0.2)

1.6

1.2

2.8

2.8

2.8

2.8

If the above acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2017, the revenue and net retained profit arising from these acquisitions would have been £1.3m 
and £0.1m respectively. In the year, the equity acquisitions contributed revenue of £1.1m and net retained loss of £0.1m. 

There was £nil contingent consideration arising on the above acquisitions. Contingent consideration of £2.1m was also paid during the prior year with 
respect to milestones achieved on previous acquisitions. 

The acquisition costs associated with these transactions were £0.3m, recorded within administration expenses within the consolidated 
income statement. 

The prior year comparative information has not been restated due to the immaterial nature of the final fair value adjustments recognised in 2018. 

26. Capital commitments 

Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not provided for in the financial statements 

2018  
£m 

79.9 

2017 
£m

60.9

These commitments are principally in respect of fit-out obligations on new centres opening in 2019. There are no capital commitments in respect of 
joint ventures at 31 December 2018 (2017: nil). 

7 4

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

7 4  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27. Non-cancellable operating lease commitments 
As at the reporting date, the Group was committed to making the following payments in respect of operating leases: 

Lease obligations falling due: 
Within one year 

Between one and five years 

After five years 

2018 

2017 

Property 
£m

Other 
£m

Total 
£m

Property  
£m 

Other 
£m

Total 
£m

1,045.0

3,107.7

2,448.1

6,600.8

0.1

–

–

0.1

1,045.1

3,107.7

2,448.1

6,600.9

914.3 

2,628.7 

1,494.5 

5,037.5 

0.5

0.4

–

0.9

914.8

2,629.1

1,494.5

5,038.4

Non-cancellable operating lease commitments exclude future contingent rental amounts such as the variable amounts payable under performance-
based leases, where the rents vary in line with a centre’s performance.  

The Group’s non-cancellable operating lease commitments do not generally include purchase options, nor do they impose restrictions on the Group 
regarding dividends, debt or further leasing. 

28. Contingent assets and liabilities 
The Group has bank guarantees and letters of credit held with certain banks, substantially in support of leasehold contracts with a variety of landlords, 
amounting to £152.7m (2017: £142.7m). There are no material lawsuits pending against the Group. 

29. Related parties 
Parent and subsidiary entities 
The consolidated financial statements include the results of the Group and its subsidiaries listed in note 30. 

Joint ventures 
The following table provides the total amount of transactions that have been entered into with related parties for the relevant financial year. 

£m 

2018 

Joint ventures 

2017 

Joint ventures 

Management 
fees received 
from related 
parties 

Amounts 
owed by 
related party

Amounts 
owed to 
related party

2.8 

3.0 

12.8

9.0

3.4

2.2

As at 31 December 2018, none of the amounts due to the Group have been provided for as the expected credit losses arising on the balances are 
considered immaterial (2017: £nil). All outstanding balances with these related parties are priced on an arm’s length basis. None of the balances 
are secured. 

Key management personnel 
No loans or credit transactions were outstanding with Directors or officers of the Company at the end of the year or arose during the year that are 
required to be disclosed.  

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors)  
Key management personnel include those personnel (including Directors) that have responsibility and authority for planning, directing and controlling 
the activities of the Group: 

Short-term employee benefits 

Retirement benefit obligations 

2018 
£m

7.3

0.4

7.7

2017 
£m

7.2

0.5

7.7

Transactions with related parties 
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group acquired goods and services from a company indirectly controlled by a Director of IWG plc, 
the ultimate parent company of Regus plc, amounting to £43,288 (2017: £91,120). There was a £53,630 balance outstanding at the year-end 
(2017: £9,506).  

All transactions with these related parties are priced on an arm’s length basis and are to be settled in cash. None of the balances are secured. 

7 5
7 5  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED 

30. Principal Group companies 
The Group’s principal subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2018, their principal activities and countries of incorporation are set out below: 

Name of undertaking 

Trading companies 

Regus Australia Management Pty Ltd 

Regus Belgium SA 

Regus do Brasil Ltda 

Regus Business Service (Shenzen) Ltd 
Regus Management ApS 
Regus Management (Finland) Oy 
Regus HK Management Ltd 
Regus CME Ireland Limited 

Regus Business Centres Limited 

Regus Business Centres Italia Srl 

Regus Japan K.K. 

Regus Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd 

Regus Management de Mexico, SA de CV 

Country of 
incorporation 

Australia 

Belgium 

Brazil 

China 
Denmark 
Finland 
Hong Kong 
Ireland 

Israel 

Italy 

Japan 

Malaysia 

Mexico 

Regus New Zealand Management Ltd 

New Zealand 

Regus Business Centre Norge AS 

IWG Management Sp. z o.o. 

Regus Management Singapore Pte Ltd 

Regus Management (Sweden) AB 

Avanta Managed Offices Ltd 

HQ Global Workplaces LLC 

RGN-BSuites Holdings, LLC 

RGN National Business Centre LLC 

Office Suites Plus Properties LLC 

Regus Business Centres LLC 

Norway 

Poland 

Singapore 

Sweden 

United Kingdom 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

United States 

% of 
ordinary 
shares 
and votes 
held 

Name of undertaking 

  Management companies 

% of 
ordinary 
shares 
and votes 
held 

Country of 
incorporation 

  RGN Management Limited Partnership  

Canada 

  Pathway IP Sarl 

  Franchise International Sarl 

  RBW Global Sarl 

  Regus Service Centre Philippines B.V. 

  Regus Global Management Centre SA 

  Regus Group Services Ltd 

IW Group Services (UK) Ltd 

  Regus Management Group LLC 

  Holding and finance companies 

  Umbrella Group Sarl 

IWG Global Investments Sarl 

IWG Group Holdings Sarl 

  Pathway Finance Sarl 

  Pathway Finance EUR 2 Sarl 

  Pathway Finance USD 2 Sarl 

  Regus Group Limited 

  Regus Corporation LLC 

Luxembourg 

Luxembourg 

Luxembourg 

Philippines 

Switzerland 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

United States 

Luxembourg 

Luxembourg 

Luxembourg 

Switzerland 

Switzerland 

Switzerland 

United Kingdom 

United States 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

7 6

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

7 6  

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31. Key judgemental areas and estimates adopted in preparing these accounts 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make certain judgements and assumptions 
that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. 

Fair value accounting for business combinations 
For each business combination, we assess the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired. Where there is not an active market in the category of the 
non-current assets typically acquired with a business centre or where the books and records of the acquired company do not provide sufficient 
information to derive an accurate valuation, management calculates an estimated fair value based on available information and experience.  

The main categories of acquired non-current assets where management’s judgement has an impact on the amounts recorded include tangible fixed 
assets, customer list intangibles and the fair market value of leasehold assets and liabilities. For significant business combinations, management also 
obtains third-party valuations to provide additional guidance as to the appropriate valuation to be included in the financial statements.  

Valuation of intangibles and goodwill 
We evaluate the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets to assess potential impairments on an annual basis, or during the year 
if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the asset. We evaluate the carrying value of 
goodwill based on our CGUs aggregated at a country level and make that determination based upon future cash flow projections which assume 
certain growth projections which may or may not occur. We record an impairment loss for goodwill when the carrying value of the asset is less 
than its estimated recoverable amount. Further details of the methodology and assumptions applied to the impairment review in the year ended 
31 December 2018, including the sensitivity to changes in those assumptions, can be found in note 12. 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
We evaluate the potential impairment of property, plant and equipment at a centre (CGU) level, where there are indicators of impairment at the 
balance sheet date. In the assessment of value-in-use, key judgemental areas in determining future cash flow projections include: an assessment of 
the location of the centre; the local economic situation; competition; local environmental factors; the management of the centre; and future changes 
in occupancy, revenue and costs of the centre. 

Tax assets and liabilities 
We base our estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates and, in certain cases, business plans and other expectations 
about future outcomes. Changes in existing laws and rates, and their related interpretations, and future business results may affect the amount of 
deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets over time. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents management’s 
best estimate of future events that can be appropriately reflected in the accounting estimates. It is current Group policy to recognise a deferred tax 
asset when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the assets can be used. The Group considers it probable if the entity 
has made a taxable profit in the previous year, current year and is forecast to continue to make a profit in the foreseeable future. Where appropriate, 
the Group assesses the potential risk of future tax liabilities arising from the operation of its business in multiple tax jurisdictions and includes 
provisions within tax liabilities for those risks that can be estimated reliably. Changes in existing tax laws can affect large international groups 
such as Regus and could result in significant additional tax liabilities over and above those already provided for. 

Onerous lease provisions 
We evaluate the performance of centres to determine whether any leases are considered onerous, i.e. the Group does not expect to recover the 
unavoidable lease costs up to the first break point at the Group’s option. A provision for our estimate of the net amounts payable under the terms 
of the lease to the first break point, discounted at an appropriate discount rate, is recognised where appropriate. 

Dilapidations 
Certain of our leases with landlords include a clause obliging the Group to hand the property back in the condition as at the date of signing the lease. 
The costs to bring the property back to that condition are not known until the Group exits the property so the Group estimates the costs at each 
balance sheet date. However, given that landlords often regard the nature of changes made to properties as improvements, the Group estimates 
that it is unlikely that any material dilapidation payments will be necessary. A provision is recognised for those potential dilapidation payments when 
it is probable that an outflow will occur and can be reliably estimated. 

32. Subsequent events 
On 15 April 2019 the Group announced the divestiture of its Japanese operations, to TKP Corporation, as part of a strategic partnership. 
This agreement is based on the definitive sale of 100% of the shares held in the Japanese operations for a gross consideration of £320.0m, payable in 
cash. The transaction is expected to complete during May 2019. 

On 30 January 2019, the investment into IWG Global Investments S.à r.l. held by Regus Plc was sold to IWG Plc, a fellow subsidiary of the Group, 
for the amount of £644,564,774.  

In May 2019, the Company successfully concluded an investigation with a local tax authority. As such, a taxation provision of £6.0m previously 
recognised will be released during 2019. 

On 7 January 2019, the Company completed the purchase of the property known as plots 4400 and 4500, The Solent Business Park, Fareham, 
Hampshire, UK for £7.2m. 

7 7
7 7  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Page left intentionally blank 

7 8

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

7 8  

 
 
 
 
 
PARENT COMPANY ACCOUNTS 

Summarised extract of Company balance sheet  
(Prepared under Luxembourg GAAP)  

Assets 

C. Fixed assets 

III. Financial assets 
1. Shares in affiliated undertakings 

D. Current assets 

II. Debtors 
2. Amount owed by affiliated undertakings 

a) becoming due and payable within one year 

3. Amounts owed by undertakings with which the undertaking is linked by virtue of participating interests 

a) becoming due and payable within one year 

3. Other debtors 

b) becoming due and payable within one year 

E. Prepayments 

Total assets 

Capital, reserves and liabilities 

A. Capital and reserves 

I. Subscribed capital 
II. Share premium and similar premiums  
IV. Reserves  
1. Legal reserve 

4. Other reserves 

V. Results brought forward 

VI. Results for the financial year 

VII. Interim dividends 

Capital and reserves 

D. Creditors  
6. Trade creditors 

7. Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings  

a) becoming due and payable within one year 

b) becoming due and payable after more than one year 

Liabilities 

Total capital, reserves and liabilities 

Approved by the Board on 27 June 2019 

TIM REGAN 
DIRECTOR 

As at 
31 Dec 2018 
£m

As at 
31 Dec 2017 
£m

644.6

644.6

0.1

0.1

0.1

–

0.3

–

–

–

644.9

644.9

–

–

–

574.6

57.7

3.1

–

635.4

0.1

9.3

0.1

9.5

644.9

–

–

–

574.6

(103.8)

161.6

–

632.4

0.2

9.2

3.1

12.5

644.9

Accounting policies 
Basis of preparation 
The annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements under the historical cost convention 
which differs in material respects from IFRS in both measurement and presentation of certain transactions. 

The Company is included in the consolidated financial statements of Regus plc. 

The balance sheet has been extracted from the statutory accounts of Regus plc for the year ended 31 December 2018, which are available from the 
Company’s registered office, 26 Boulevard Royal, Luxembourg, and which will be filed with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and the Jersey 
Register of Companies. 

Financial assets 
Shares in affiliated undertakings are valued at purchase price including acquisition costs. Where any durable diminution in value is identified, value 
adjustments are recorded in the profit and loss account. These value adjustments are not continued if the reasons which cause their initial recording 
cease to apply.

7 9
7 9  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 

Segmental analysis – management basis (unaudited) 

Americas 
2018

EMEA 
2018

Asia Pacific
2018

United  
Kingdom 
2018 

Other 
2018 

Total
2018

  Mature(1) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  REVPOW (£) 

  2017 Expansions(2) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  2018 Expansions(2) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m)(5) 

  Closures(6) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  Total 
  Workstations(4) 
  Occupancy (%) 
  Revenue (£m) 
  Contribution (£m) 
  REVPAW (£) 

  Period end workstations(7) 
  Mature 
  2017 Expansions 
  2018 Expansions 
  Total 

174,629

75.7%

961.7 

 207.6 

 7,278 

15,703 

55.1%

48.6 

(13.0)

9,421 

37.4%

19.8 

(12.3)

3,625 

60.5%

18.4 

(8.5)

203,378 

72.0%

1,048.5 

173.8 

5,155

175,582

14,626

19,015

96,850 

77.0%

527.1 

 128.0 

 7,072 

20,211 

62.4%

70.0 

3.1 

15,264 

31.9%

20.8 

(8.1)

2,828 

61.2%

12.9 

(4.0)

92,879 

72.8%

368.0 

 76.2 

 5,440 

9,467 

52.0%

25.1 

(3.9)

7,989 

29.4%

11.5 

(7.2)

2,269 

54.0%

7.6 

(4.3)

135,153 

69.4%

630.8 

119.0 

4,667

112,604 

67.6%

412.2 

60.8 

3,661

99,795

19,963

35,424

93,805

9,694

17,565

209,223

155,182

121,064

74,106  

68.8% 

376.5  

49.3  

 7,387  

5,930  

61.2% 

18.0  

6.2  

6,036  

30.0% 

13.3  

(4.9) 

2,346  

63.4% 

13.4  

(1.5) 

88,418  

65.5% 

421.2  

49.1  

4,563 

76,371 

7,445 

13,383 

97,199 

– 

– 

4.5  

(2.8) 

– 

– 

– 

0.4  

0.5  

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

4.9  

(2.3) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 438,464 

74.2%

2,237.8 

 458.3 

 6,880 

51,311 

58.1%

162.1 

(7.1)

38,710 

32.4%

65.4 

(32.5)

11,068 

60.0%

52.3 

(18.3)

539,553 

69.4%

2,517.6 

400.4 

4,632

445,553

51,728

85,387

582,668

8 0

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

8 0  

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Mature(1) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  REVPOW (£) 

  2017 Expansions(2) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  Closures(3) 
  Workstations(4) 

  Occupancy (%) 

  Revenue (£m) 

  Contribution (£m) 

  Total 
  Workstations(4) 
  Occupancy (%) 
  Revenue (£m) 
  Contribution (£m) 
  REVPAW (£) 

Americas 
2017

EMEA 
2017

Asia Pacific
2017

174,309

 74.3%

930.3

162.3

7,183

7,309

 27.0%

10.9

(14.1)

7,060

 70.6%

43.6

5.0

92,301

 76.6%

493.7

105.9

6,983

7,626

 38.4%

20.2

(5.5)

5,977

 60.3%

26.6

(3.3)

92,587

 71.3%

361.1

71.4

5,470

3,694

25.2%

5.2

(5.0)

4,709

 67.1%

16.9

(0.5)

188,678

72.3%

984.8

153.2

5,219

105,904

100,990

73.1%

540.5

97.1

5,104

69.4%

383.2

65.9

3,794

United  
Kingdom 
2017 

69,713 

71.6% 

390.3 

75.2 

7,819 

2,141 

32.0% 

3.8 

(3.6) 

5,164 

 68.7% 

35.3 

5.8 

77,018 

70.3% 

429.4 

77.4 

5,575 

Other
2017

Total
2017

–

–

3.3

(1.2)

–

–

–

0.5

3.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.8

1.8

–

428,910

73.7%

2,178.7

413.6

6,892

20,770

31.4%

40.6

(25.2)

22,910

 66.8%

122.4

7.0

472,590

71.5%

2,341.7

395.4

4,955

1.  The mature business comprises centres not opened in the current or previous financial year 
2.  Expansions include new centres opened and acquired businesses 
3.  A closure for the 2017 comparative data is defined as a centre closed during the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 
4.  Workstation numbers are calculated as the weighted average for the year 
5.  2018 expansions includes any costs incurred in 2018 for centres which will open in 2019 
6.  A closure for the 2018 date is defined as a centre closed during the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 
7.  Workstations available at period end 

8 1
8 1  

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

Segmental analysis – management basis (unaudited) (continued) 
The purpose of this unaudited page is to reconcile some of the key numbers used in the returns calculation back to the Group’s audited statutory 
accounts, and thereby give the reader greater insight into the returns calculation drivers. The methodology and rationale for the calculation are 
discussed in the finance review on page 22 of this Annual Report. 

Description 

Post-tax cash return on net investment 
(Unaudited) 

Revenue 

Centre contribution 

Loss on disposal of assets 

Underlying centre contribution 

Selling, general and administration 
expenses(1) 

EBIT 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Amortisation of partner contributions 

Amortisation of acquired lease fair value 
adjustments 

Non-cash items 
Taxation(2) 

Adjusted net cash profit 

Maintenance capital expenditure 

Partner contributions 

Net maintenance capital expenditure 

Post-tax cash return 

Reference 

2015 
Aggregation

2016 
Expansions

2017 
Expansions

2018 
Expansions

2019 

Expansions  Closures

Total

Income statement, p43 

Income statement, p43 

EBIT reconciliation 
(analysed below) 

Income statement, p43 

EBIT reconciliation 
(analysed below) 

Note 5, p56 

Note 5, p56 

Note 5, p56 

Capital expenditure 
(analysed below) 

Partner contributions 
(analysed below) 

17.8%

1.0%

–

–

– 

–

10.2%

2,107.7

451.5

0.4

451.9

130.1

6.8

–

6.8

162.1

(7.1)

–

(7.1)

65.3

(31.5)

–

(31.5)

0.1 

(1.0) 

– 

(1.0) 

52.3

(18.3)

13.2

(5.1)

2,517.6

400.4

13.6

414.0

(172.2)

(19.4)

(27.4)

(20.2)

(0.8) 

(4.0)

(244.0)

279.7

166.0

(48.3)

(2.2)

115.5

(56.0)

339.2

109.3

(22.8)

86.5

252.7

(12.6)

19.6

(6.2)

0.1

13.5

2.5

3.4

2.7

(0.7)

2.0

1.4

(34.5)

28.4

(7.9)

0.1

20.6

6.9

(7.0)

–

–

–

(51.7)

13.6

(4.7)

0.1

9.0

10.3

(32.4)

–

–

–

(1.8) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.4 

(1.4) 

– 

– 

– 

(9.1)

5.5

(0.4)

(0.1)

5.0

1.8

(2.3)

–

–

–

170.0

233.1

(67.5)

(2.0)

163.6

(34.1)

299.5

112.0

(23.5)

88.5

(7.0)

(32.4)

(1.4) 

(2.3)

211.0

Growth capital expenditure 

Partner contributions 

Net investment (Unaudited) 

Capital expenditure 
(analysed below) 

Partner contributions 
(analysed below) 

1.  Including research and development expenses 
2.  Based on EBIT at the Group’s long-term effective tax rate of 20% 

1,695.8

200.3

288.7

380.3

57.8 

(278.6)

1,417.2

(58.0)

142.3

(84.8)

203.9

(128.2)

252.1

(4.5) 

53.3 

–

–

–

2,622.9

(554.1)

2,068.8

8 2

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

8 2  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018 

Movement in capital expenditure (Unaudited) 

December 2017 

2018 Capital expenditure(3) 

Properties acquired 

Centre closures(4) 

December 2018 

2015 
Aggregation

2016 
Expansions

2017 
Expansions

2018 
Expansions 

2019 
Expansions 

Closures

Total

1,754.5

197.9

8.0

–

(66.7)

3.2

–

(0.8)

248.0

40.5

–

0.2

14.0 

361.0 

5.6 

(0.3) 

1,695.8

200.3

288.7

380.3 

– 

57.1 

0.7 

– 

57.8 

–

–

–

–

–

2,214.4

469.8

6.3

(67.6)

2,622.9

3.  2019 expansions relate to costs and investments incurred in 2018 for centres which will open in 2019 
4.  The growth capital expenditure for an estate is reduced by the investment in centres closed during the year, but only where that investment has been fully recovered 

2018 

Movement in partner contributions (Unaudited) 

December 2017 

2018 Partner contributions 

Centre closures(5) 

December 2018 

2015 
Aggregation

2016 
Expansions

2017 
Expansions

2018 
Expansions 

2019 
Expansions 

Closures

285.8

2.8

(10.0)

278.6

58.2

–

(0.2)

58.0

74.9

9.9

–

84.8

0.6 

127.6 

– 

128.2 

– 

4.5 

– 

4.5 

–

–

–

–

5.  The partner contributions for an estate are reduced by the partner contributions for centres closed during the year 

2018 
EBIT reconciliation (Unaudited) 

EBIT  

Loss on disposal of assets 

Share of profit in joint ventures 

Operating profit 

2018 
Partner contributions (Unaudited) 

Opening partner contributions 
•  Current 
•  Non-current 
Acquired in the period 

Received in the period 
•  Maintenance partner contributions 
•  Growth partner contributions 
Utilised in the period 

Exchange differences 

Closing partner contributions 
•  Current 
•  Non-current 

2018 
Capital expenditure (Unaudited) 

Maintenance capital expenditure 

Growth capital expenditure 
•  2018 Capital expenditure 
•  Properties acquired 
Total capital expenditure 
Analysed as 
•  Purchase of subsidiary undertakings 
•  Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

•  Purchase of intangible assets 

8 3  

Reference 

Note 5, p56 

Income statement, p43 

Income statement, p43 

Reference 

Note 16, p65 

Note 17, p65 

Note 5, p56 

Note 16, p65 

Note 17, p65 

Reference 

Finance review, p24 

Finance review, p24 

Cash flow, p47 

Cash flow, p47  
Note 13, p64 

Cash flow, p47  
Note 12, p63 

Total

419.5

144.8

(10.2)

554.1

£m

170.0

(13.6)

(1.4)

155.0

£m

353.0

59.2

293.8

–

168.3

23.5

144.8

(67.5)

14.5

468.3

78.7

389.6

£m

112.0

476.1

469.8

6.3

588.1

2.3

578.9

6.9

8 3

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GLOSSARY 

The Group reports certain alternative performance measures (‘APMs’) 
that are not required under International Financial Reporting Standards 
(‘IFRS’) which represent the generally accepted accounting principles 
(‘GAAP’) under which the Group reports. The Group believes that the 
presentation of these APMs provides useful supplemental information 
which, when viewed in conjunction with our IFRS financial information, 
provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of the 
underlying financial and operating performance of the Group and 
its divisions. 

These APMs are primarily used for the following purposes: 

•  to evaluate the historical and planned underlying results of our 

operations; 

•  to set director and management remuneration; and 

•  to discuss and explain the Group’s performance with the investment 

analyst community. 

None of the APMs should be considered as an alternative to financial 
measures derived in accordance with GAAP. The APMs can have 
limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation 
or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. 
These performance measures may not be calculated uniformly by all 
companies and therefore may not be directly comparable with similarly 
titled measures and disclosures of other companies. 

EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation 

EPS 
Earnings per share  

Expansions 
A general term which includes new business centres established  
by Regus and acquired centres in the year 

Like-for-like 
The financial performance from centres owned and operated for  
a full 12-month period prior to the start of the financial year, which 
therefore have a full-year comparative 

Mature business 
Operations owned for a full 12-month period prior to the start of  
the financial year and operated throughout the current financial year, 
which therefore have a full-year comparative 

Occupancy 
Occupied workstations divided by available workstations expressed 
as a percentage 

Occupied workstations 
Workstations which are in use by clients. This is expressed as a weighted 
average for the year  

Available workstations 
The total number of workstations in the Group (also termed Inventory). 
During the year, this is expressed as a weighted average. At period ends, 
the absolute number is used  

Operating profit before growth 
Reported operating profit adjusted for the gross profit impact arising 
from centres opening in the current year and centres to be opened in 
the subsequent year 

Centre contribution 
Gross profit comprising centre revenue less direct operating expenses 
but before administrative expenses 

Closures 
A closure for the current year is defined as a centre closed during the 
period from 1 January to December of the current year 

A closure for the prior year comparative is defined as a centre closed 
from 1 January of the prior year to December of the current year 

EBIT 
Earnings before interest and tax 

Post-tax cash return 
EBITDA achieved, less the amortisation of any partner capital 
contribution, less tax based on the EBIT and after deducting 
maintenance capital expenditure over growth capital expenditure 
less partner contributions 

REVPAW 
Total revenue per available workstation (revenue/available workstations)

REVPOW 
Total revenue per occupied workstation 

ROI 
Return on investment 

TSR 
Total shareholder return 

WIPOW 
Workstation income per occupied workstation 

8 4

R e g u s   p l c   A n n u a l   R e p o r t   a n d   A c c o u n t s   2 0 1 8

8 4  

 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 

Directors
The Directors shown below held office during the whole period from 
1 January 2018 to 24 June 2019: 

Tim Regan 

Christoffel Mul 

Ian Hallett 

Corporate directory 

Registered Office 
Regus plc 
Registered Office:  
22 Grenville Street 
St Helier   
Jersey JE4 8PX 

Registered Head Office: 
26 Boulevard Royal 
L-2449 Luxembourg 

Registered Number 
Jersey 
101523   

Luxembourg 
R.C.S B 141 159 

Auditor 
KPMG Luxembourg Société cooperative 
39, Avenue John F. Kennedy 
L-1855 Luxembourg 

8 5  

8 5

STRATEGIC REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS