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RWS
Annual Report 2013

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FY2013 Annual Report · RWS
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A NNUA L REPORT

  2 0 1 3

R W S   H O L D I N G S   P L C         

UKUSAFRANCEGERMANYSWITZERLANDCHINAJAPANAUSTRALIA 
www.rws.com

 RWS GROUP

RWS Holdings plc

Contents

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56

Executive Chairman’s Statement   

Strategic Review  

Board of Directors 

Directors’ Report  

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Shareholders of RWS Holdings PLC 

Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Parent Company Financial Statements 

Shareholder Information  

RWS Holdings plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

It gives me great pleasure to be able to report 
another year of progress for RWS against a sluggish, 
slowly improving economic backdrop. For the 
tenth consecutive year as a public company we 
have delivered growth in sales, underlying profits 
and dividends, demonstrating the strength and 
resilience of the Group’s core, market leading patent 
translations business. RWS’ businesses in China and 
Germany grew significantly, as did our medical 
division, whilst PatBase remained the primary 
driver of growth within the Group’s information 
services business. inovia achieved an outstanding 
performance in the year prior to becoming a wholly-
owned subsidiary.

■ RESULTS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Group has achieved a further significant 
improvement in underlying operational performance, 
reflecting continued growth in the core patent 
translations business, together with excellent 
progress in China, Germany, and the medical 
division, and further growth in its database 
subscription service – PatBase.

Sales advanced by 12.5% to £77.4 million (2012: 
£68.8 million), an encouraging achievement given 
that market conditions have only improved gradually 
during the period. Adjusted operating profit before 
amortization of intangibles, share option costs 
and profit on sale of associate, was up 20% to 
£20.1 million (2012: £16.8 million). Adjusted profit 
before tax, intangibles amortization, share option 
costs and profit on sale of associate, rose by 22.1% 
to £21.0 million (2012: £17.2 million), giving rise to 
a 24.5% increase in adjusted earnings per share 
to 38.6p (2012: 31.0p). There was no change 
during 2013 in the number of shares in issue. 
Reported profit before tax was £20.5 million (2012: 
£16.6 million), a rise of 23.5%, and basic earnings 
per share 37.6p (2012: 29.9p), a rise of 25.7%. The 
effective tax rate was 22.4% (2012: 23.6%); the 
reduction was due to the fall in corporation tax rates 
and prior year over provisions.

At 30 September 2013, shareholders’ funds had 
reached £71.7 million (2012: £63.2 million), of 
which net cash represented £18.2 million (2012: 
£25.1 million). The movement in net cash reflects 
an underlying increase of £8.2 million before an 
outlay of £15.1 million in respect of acquisitions. The 
significant other cash outlays included corporation 

tax of £4.2 million, the final dividend for 2012 and 
the interim dividend for 2013, totalling £7.6 million.

RWS’ policy was to hedge its net trading exposure 
to the Euro at an average rate of 85p per Euro 
during 2012/13. Looking forward, RWS has hedged 
that exposure at 1 Euro = 87p until 30 September 
2014, and will seek further suitable hedges. As 
regards the US$ exposure, the Group intends to 
enter into rolling 12 month forward hedges in the 
near term.

Interest income on the Group’s substantial cash 
balances remained at comparably subdued levels 
with the Bank of England maintaining a base rate of 
0.5% throughout the financial year.

■ DIVIDEND

The Board recommend a final dividend of 15.75p 
per share. The interim dividend, paid in July, was 
4.50p per share, so that the total payout in respect 
of the year will amount to 20.25p per share, an 
increase of 15.7% over 2012, reflecting the growth 
in Group earnings during 2013 and the Board’s 
confidence in the continued progress of the Group.

The proposed total dividend per share is 1.86 
times covered by basic earnings per share. Subject 
to shareholder approval at the Annual General 
Meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 
21 February 2014 to all shareholders on the register 
at 24 January 2014.

■ OPERATING REVIEW

Translations
The Group’s core patent translations business, which 
accounts for approximately 69% of Group sales, 
grew its revenue by 10.5% to £53.5 million (2012: 
£48.4 million) despite the subdued economic 
conditions during the period. The Group has 
further consolidated its market leadership, with its 
European and International blue-chip client base 
representing many of the world’s most active patent 
filers; its clients include 12 of the top 20 applicants 
at the World Intellectual Property Office in 2012 
and 14 of the top 20 applicants at the European 
Patent Office in 2012. We are particularly pleased 
with our recent progress in strengthening our new 
business pipeline with wins including significant 

Executive Chairman’s StatementRWS Holdings plc3

household names in the USA, a prominent 
European pharmaceutical group and a new three 
year contract with a world leading agri-business. 
Importantly, the patent translations business also 
derived significant benefit from a full year’s transfer 
of work generated by the inovia international patent 
filing business, amounting to £4.2 million (2012: 
£1.4 million) in the UK alone

We provide a high quality and competitive 
“translate and file” service which began in Europe 
and has now been successfully extended on a 
global scale. US multinationals wishing to file via 
the national and PCT routes recognise the benefits 
of the Group’s WorldFile service and RWS is 
benefiting from its increased direct sales effort in the 
US, still the largest potential market for intellectual 
property protection services.

Work from US clients has driven the growth in 
the Group’s Beijing patent translation service. It 
has also increased its share of a contract with an 
international patent body through its ability to 
provide high quality work. These factors have led 
to a 62% increase in revenue. Given this demand, 
we have continued to invest in staff, training 
and systems to develop our services, which are 
primarily focused on European and North American 
corporates’ patent applications for filing in China 
and are typically sourced from our other offices. A 
new Chinese production and training centre has 
been established in the city of Rizhao. The site 
has also been designated a centre of excellence 
for translation technology, leveraging the latest 
developments in translation memory and machine 
translation to maximise productivity and profitability. 
A cooperation agreement has been signed with 
local universities in Qufu and Rizhao, with RWS 
offering translation training to students and 
providing investment in the university technology 
infrastructure, in return for which the students 
undertake translation and terminology work on 
behalf of the company.

Our commercial translations business, which 
accounts for approximately 22% of Group sales, 
delivered increased revenue of £17.4 million (2012: 
£15.5 million), within which we experienced 
considerable variability across regions and market 
segments. Our commercial translations business 
includes all non-patent translations and is typically 
more exposed to competition and the economic 
cycle than our patent translations business, though 

it remains differentiated by its ability to manage 
larger projects and deliver high quality client service, 
whilst its focus on technical, specialist niches 
enables it to achieve excellent margins. During 
the year we saw an encouraging performance in 
medical translations, enhanced by the PharmaQuest 
acquisition in May 2013, and large projects for 
existing clients at major EU institutions. We also 
experienced good growth in our German/Swiss 
business, influenced by a cyclical upturn in the work 
performed for one major international client.

Information
Our information business, which accounts for 7% of 
Group sales and a significantly higher proportion 
of operating profit, grew its revenue by 6% to £5.3 
million (2012: £5.0 million). This performance was 
primarily driven by the 11% growth in subscription 
revenue from PatBase, our subscription patent 
database service, offset by the continued low 
demand for our search services, which now 
represents less than 3% of Group revenue and has 
greater sensitivity to the economic environment. 
Our ongoing investment in improving PatBase’s 
searchability and coverage enabled us to secure a 
strong level of new subscriptions during the year as 
well as an increase in the number of users within 
existing client accounts. 

■ ACQUISITIONS

inovia
In line with the Board’s stated strategy, RWS 
announced on 17 September 2013 the completion 
of the acquisition of inovia Holdings Pty Limited 
(“inovia”), a leading provider of web-based 
international patent filing solutions. IFRS accounting 
required this transaction to be reflected as a 
disposal of the one third interest acquired in 
October 2011, and the acquisition of 100% of the 
issued share capital of inovia.

The total cash consideration for 100% of the 
issued share capital amounted to US$29.1 million 
before related costs, calculated by reference to an 
agreed earnout formula based upon the financial 
performance of inovia for its financial year ended 
30 June 2013.

For this reference year, inovia’s gross revenue 
increased by 37% to US$26.5 million compared to 
2012 and it achieved EBITDA of US$2.7 million. In 

RWS Holdings plcExecutive Chairman’s Statement (continued)

4

addition, as noted elsewhere, the inovia business 
generated sufficient patent translation revenue 
for it to be RWS’ largest customer prior to the full 
acquisition.

the new system. That being the case, we anticipate 
minimal loss of revenue in the first few years after 
the introduction of the Unitary Patent. 

■ SHARE OPTION PLAN

RWS announced on 3 April 2013 that the Board 
had approved a new share option plan for 
executive directors and senior managers, under 
which options would be granted over ordinary 
shares representing up to a maximum of 4% of 
the Group’s share capital. The plan is designed to 
further align the interests of senior employees and 
shareholders and to promote the retention of the 
Group’s senior executives.

Options have been issued to eleven participants, 
with a subscription price of 646p per share. The 
earliest vesting date is 3 April 2015 and the latest 
exercise date is 3 April 2021.

■ PEOPLE

RWS has always been dependent upon the quality 
and commitment of its entire staff to provide and 
maintain the high levels of service expected by the 
Group’s clients. We were pleased that we were able 
to avoid net staff reductions in the recent recession 
and headcount has now reached 591 full time 
equivalents (2012: 497), including the inovia staff, 
with productivity continuing to improve.

■ CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y

RWS seeks to be a socially responsible Group 
which has a positive impact on the communities it 
operates in. We look to employ a workforce which 
reflects the diversity of the Group’s communities. 
No discrimination is tolerated, and we endeavour 
to give all employees the opportunity to develop 
their capabilities. We provide an excellent working 
environment, the latest technology and appropriate 
training.

RWS’ staff contribute generously on a monthly basis 
to a wide selection of local and national charities 
and their contributions are matched by the Group.

PharmaQuest
Again in line with the Board’s strategy, RWS 
announced on 1 May 2013 the acquisition of the 
entire issued share capital of PharmaQuest Limited 
for an all cash consideration of £2.2 million. The 
company specialises in providing high quality 
translation and linguistic validation of patient 
reported outcome measures resulting from clinical 
trials conducted globally. In the year ended 
31 March 2013 PharmaQuest had revenue of 
£1.4 million and adjusted profit before tax of 
£0.6 million.

■ MARKET AND REGULATORY UPDATE

Patent Filing Statistics
In March, the World Intellectual Property Office 
(WIPO) published figures showing a 6.6% increase 
in the 2012 PCT filings to 194,400 (2011: 182,379). 
The European Patent Office (EPO) also published 
figures in January 2013 showing the total number 
of European patent filings increased by 5.2% to 
257,744 (2011: 244,934). Both the WIPO and EPO 
figures established new records for numbers of 
filings. Current expectations are that 2013 will see 
further record patent filings with growth of not less 
than 4%.

European Union Patent
We have in the past drawn the market’s attention to 
the proposed European Union Patent (“the Unitary 
Patent”) and its potential impact upon the Group’s 
sales and profits. Despite significant legal hurdles 
it now appears possible that the Unitary Patent 
will come into effect in late 2015, and that the first 
patents could be granted in early 2016. It should be 
noted that a number of member states of the current 
European Patent system are not EU members, and 
that Spain and Italy remain opposed to the Unitary 
Patent. Professional opinion remains highly sceptical 
both as regards jurisdiction and the fee structure.

Because the proposed Unitary Patent will run in 
parallel with the existing system and will have a new 
and untried litigation system, our research indicates 
that there is currently little interest amongst large 
corporates and their professional advisers in using 

RWS Holdings plc

■ CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK

We have made a solid start to the new financial 
year, in line with management’s expectations 
and comfortably ahead of the comparable 
period. Notwithstanding any changes to global 
macroeconomic conditions, we expect to continue 
to make good progress in the current year as we 
realise the full year benefit of 2013 client wins, 
the ongoing positive trends in worldwide patent 
applications, and the full benefit of the PharmaQuest 
and inovia acquisitions

The Board is confident that we will materially 
enhance the Group’s leading position in the 
intellectual property arena over the near to medium 
term.

Andrew Brode 
Executive Chairman

6 December 2013

5

RWS Holdings plc

 
Strategic Review

6

■ THE BUSINESS

RWS is the world’s leading provider of patent 
translations and one of Europe’s leading players 
in the provision of intellectual property support 
services and high level technical, medical, legal 
and financial translation services. Its main business – 
patent translation – translates well over 65,000 
patents and intellectual property related documents 
each year. It has a blue chip multinational client 
base spanning Europe, North America and Asia, 
active in patent filing in the medical, pharmaceutical, 
chemical, aerospace, defence, automotive and 
telecoms industries, as well as patent agents 
representing such clients. The Group’s principal 
business activities include

■ Translations, which currently accounts for 
over 90% of sales and incorporates both patent 
translation and commercial translation services;

■ Information, which includes a comprehensive 
range of patent search, retrieval and monitoring 
services as well as PatBase, one of the world’s 
largest searchable commercial patent databases, 
access to which is sold exclusively as an annual 
subscription service; and:

■ Following the recent acquisition of inovia, RWS is 
now a provider of international web based patent 
filing solutions; an activity which is expected to 
continue to be a significant source of Group patent 
translation revenue.

RWS provides these services through offices in 
6 countries. The table below shows their location 
and the principal services they deliver for RWS.

Translation –  Translation – 
Commercial 

Patent 

Information 
Services 

inovia
web based
patent filing

Strategy and Business Model
RWS’ objective is to increase shareholder value 
by increasing the Group’s sales revenue and profit 
before tax.

Our strategy to achieve this is focused upon organic 
growth complemented by deploying the Group’s 
substantial cash holdings for selective acquisitions, 
providing these can be demonstrated to enhance 
shareholder value. Organic growth is driven by 
increases in the worldwide patent filing activities 
of existing and potential multinational clients, the 
growing demand for language services and the 
Group’s ability to increase its market share by 
winning new clients attracted by its leading position 
and reputation, in an otherwise fragmented sector. 
Our business model focuses on the retention of our 
client base, which includes the majority of the top 
20 patent filers in Europe and Globally, (many of 
which will use the Group for substantially all of their 
patent translation requirements), and the addition of 
several key new clients each year with whom activity 
levels build up over time. The global number of patent 
applications reached new record levels in both 2011 
and 2012 and RWS has successfully grown market 
share amongst its target blue-chip customers who 
have historically remained committed to protecting 
their intellectual property through the economic cycle.

In terms of acquisitive growth, having been 
pleased with the return on acquisitions made to 
date, we continue to search for suitable potential 
acquisitions in the high level commercial translation 
and intellectual property support services spaces. 
We seek niche businesses capable of delivering 
well above industry average levels of profitability 
or highly complementary businesses capable 
of reinforcing the Group’s dominant position in 
intellectual property support services.

Progress against our stated objectives is shown below.

x

Annual Revenue (£m)

x 

x
x 

x 
x

x

UK 
Germany 
Japan 
China 
Australia 
USA 

x
x

In addition to the above locations, services are also 
offered through sales liaison offices in France and 
Switzerland.

RWS Holdings plc

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0

.

3
7
2

3
0
0
2

.

0
1
3

4
0
0
2

.

9
5
3

5
0
0
2

8

.

0
4

6
0
0
2

2

.

6
4

7
0
0
2

.

1
4
5

8
0
0
2

7

.

5
5

9
0
0
2

.

6
0
6

0
1
0
2

.

4
5
6

1
1
0
2

8

.

8
6

2
1
0
2

.

4
7
7

3
1
0
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual PBT Adj (£m)

25

20

15

10

5

0

.
.

3
6
7
5
2

3
3
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

0
0
1
6
3

4
4
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

9
4
5
7
3

5
5
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

8
0
0
9
4

6
6
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

2
0
6
1
4
1

7
7
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

1
9
4
3
5
1

8
8
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

7
5
5
4
5
1

9
9
0
0
0
0
2
2

.
.

6
6
0
4
6
1

0
0
1
1
0
0
2
2

.
.

4
2
5
6
6
1

1
1
1
1
0
0
2
2

.
.

8
2
8
7
6
1

2
2
1
1
0
0
2
2

.
.

4
0
7
1
7
2

3
3
1
1
0
0
2
2

The remuneration of the Executive Directors and 
Senior Executives is largely dependent upon growth 
in sales and adjusted profit before tax.

■ PRINCIPAL RISKS

The Directors, having conducted a further annual 
review of the Group’s risk profile, are convinced 
that the principal risks to the business are errors in 
the provision of the Group’s services, in a mismatch 
between currencies (especially as between the 
Euro and Sterling), in regulatory changes to patent 
translation requirements in Europe and following the 
acquisition of inovia, the integration of that business 
into RWS. Additionally, as with any people business 
delivering high quality services, the Group depends 
upon its ability to attract and retain well trained staff.

These risks are mitigated as follows:

■ Failings in service provision are most likely to 
arise as a result of human error. RWS was one of 
the earliest adopters of ISO certification and invests 
in exhaustive and regularly updated procedures to 
minimise the risk of error. In addition, the Group 
carries substantial professional indemnity insurance.

■ Currency risk is normally addressed via hedging 
operations. Currently, Sterling/Euro net trading 
exposure is hedged to 30 September 2014 at 1 
Euro = 87p.

■ The London Agreement was implemented in 
May 2008 and the five financial years thereafter 
have borne the full effect, which was broadly in 
line with management expectations. RWS could 
also be impacted if a further initiative – the 
European Union Patent – were to become effective, 
and be adopted by its clients. Whilst the inovia 
acquisition would also be impacted by the proposed 
European Union Patent, its key business territories 
are outside of Europe. The Group sales strategy 

7

focuses on expanding its share in international 
non-European patent translations, especially of 
patents filed in BRIC countries, and with a strong 
focus on China. The thrust of the Board’s acquisition 
strategy since 2005 has been to target technical 
translation businesses which have zero exposure 
to any regulatory developments in the patent field. 
Management is currently of the opinion that the EU 
Patent will not be introduced before late 2015 / 
early 2016, and is highly unlikely to be adopted by 
RWS’ major clients for a number of years thereafter.

■ In October 2011 RWS acquired the first one third 
of the inovia business. From then through to the final 
acquisition in September 2013, RWS and inovia 
had the opportunity to work together to understand 
each others’ business model, culture and ethos. This 
enabled the preparation of a detailed integration 
plan which identified areas and a timetable for 
integration. In line with that plan, since acquisition, 
meetings and detailed discussions have taken place 
between both teams which have so far resulted in 
a smooth integration process and substantial cross 
selling opportunities. 

■ As a significant employer in the local area 
of South Buckinghamshire, we believe we offer 
stability of employment, competitive salaries and 
an excellent working environment. In the current 
economic climate we have been successful in 
recruiting high calibre staff as required, but 
competition for talented people to work on the 
periphery of the London conurbation is undoubtedly 
intensifying.

On behalf of the Board 

Richard Thompson 
6 December 2013

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors at 30 September 2013

8

Andrew S Brode (73)
Executive Chairman

Peter Mountford (56)
Non-Executive Director

Member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration 
Committee

Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of 
the Remuneration Committee

Appointed as a Director 11 April 2000

Appointed as a Director 11 April 2000

Founder of Bybrook and led the management buy in 
of the RWS Group. A substantial shareholder in the 
Company

Chairman of Mountford Capital Limited, Chairman 
of Heropreneurs, Deputy Chairman of Learning 
Technologies Group plc and a director of a number 
of other private companies 

Non-Executive Director of Vitesse Media plc, 
Non-Executive Chairman of Electric Word plc and 
Learning Technologies Group plc.

Director of other private equity financed media 
companies 

Reinhard Ottway (54)
Chief Executive Officer

Appointed as a Director 1 January 2012

Joined RWS Group in 1994 and was Business 
Development Director from 2001 

Richard Thompson (51)
Finance Director and Company Secretary

Appointed as a Director and Company Secretary 
28 November 2012

Elisabeth A Lucas (57)
Non-Executive Director 

Member of the Audit Committee and member of the 
Remuneration Committee

Joined RWS Group in 1977, Managing Director of 
Translations Division from 1992 and Chief Executive 
Officer from 1995 to 2011

Appointed as a Director on 11 November 2003 

Registered office
Europa House 
Chiltern Park 
Chiltern Hill 
Chalfont St Peter 
Buckinghamshire 
SL9 9FG 

Previously worked for Actix International Limited, 
a global supplier of software and services to the 
telecommunications market 

Company registration number
3002645

David E Shrimpton (70)
Senior independent Non-Executive Director

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and 
member of the Audit Committee

Appointed as a Director 1 January 2010

Non-Executive Director of a number of private 
companies

RWS Holdings plc

Directors’ Report 

The Directors present their annual report together 
with the audited financial statements for the year 
ended 30 September 2013.  

■ BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND RISKS

The review of the business, operations, principal 
risks and outlook are dealt with in the Strategic 
review on pages 6 and 7. The key performance 
indicators of the Group are revenue and pre-tax 
profit before amortization of customer relationships 
and trademarks, share option costs and any profits 
or losses on disposal of subsidiaries or associates. 

flow in 2013 of £16.1 million (2012: £13.2 million), 
results of operations and overall financial condition, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future. For this reason, 
the Directors continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements. 

9

■ FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Information about the use of financial instruments 
by the Group is given in note 18 to the financial 
statements. 

■ FINANCIAL RESULTS

■ EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

The financial statements set out the results of the 
Group for the year ended 30 September 2013 
which are shown on page 19.

No significant events have occurred between 
30 September 2013 and the date of authorisation of 
these financial statements. 

Group revenue advanced by 12.5% to £77.4 million 
(2012: £68.8 million) and pre-tax profit before 
amortization of intangibles, share option costs and 
profit on disposal of associate was £21.0 million 
(2012: £17.2 million), a rise of 22.1%. Profit before 
tax was £20.5 million (2012: £16.6 million). The 
current year total tax expense was £4.6 million 
(2012: £3.9 million) an effective tax rate of 22.4% 
(2012: 23.6%). Basic earnings per share was 
37.6 pence (2012: 29.9 pence). 

■ DIVIDENDS

The Directors recommend a final dividend of 
15.75 pence per Ordinary share to be paid on the 
21 February 2014 to shareholders on the register 
at 24 January 2014, which, together with the 
dividend of 4.50 pence paid in July 2013, makes a 
total dividend for the year of 20.25 pence (2012: 
17.50 pence). The final dividend will be reflected 
in the financial statements for the year ending 
30 September 2014. The proposed total dividend 
per share is 1.86 times covered by basic earnings 
per share. 

■ GOING CONCERN ACCOUNTING BASIS 

In view of the Group’s resources, cash at 
30 September 2013 of £18.2 million, free cash 

■ DIRECTORS

Details of members of the Board at 30 September 
2013 are set out on page 8. 

The interests of the Directors in shares during 
the year are set out on page 13 in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. 

Michael McCarthy retired as a Director on 
31 December 2012.

Peter Mountford retires by rotation at the Annual 
General Meeting and being eligible offers himself 
for reappointment. 

The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be 
held in London on 11 February 2014. 

■ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board 
The Board comprised three Executive and three 
Non-Executive Directors. The Board considers that 
all of the Non-Executive Directors are independent 
in character and judgement and that there are no 
relationships or circumstances which are likely to 
affect their independent judgement. 

RWS Holdings plc

10

Directors’ Report (continued)

The Executive Directors have direct responsibility 
for business operations whilst the Non-Executive 
Directors have a responsibility to bring independent, 
objective judgement to bear on Board decisions. 
The Board met seven times during the year to review 
financial performance and approve key business 
decisions, so that it retained control over strategic, 
budgetary, financial and organisational issues and 
monitored executive management. In addition to 
the Executive Directors, the members of the Senior 
Executive Team are: 

Charles Sitch, Managing Director UK Translations 
Division; Neil Simpkin, Deputy Managing Director 
UK Translations Division; Jo Hindley, Commercial 
Director UK Translations Division; Yvette Edwards, 
Managing Director Information Division and Roberto 
Aletto, IT Director.

They are invited to attend various board meetings 
and report on the areas of responsibility delegated 
to them.

Audit Committee 
The members of the Audit Committee are Peter 
Mountford (committee Chairman), David Shrimpton, 
Elisabeth Lucas and Andrew Brode. The members, 
with the exception of Andrew Brode, are Non-
Executive Directors and the Board is satisfied that 
they have recent and relevant financial experience. 
Andrew Brode is the Group’s Executive Chairman 
and a substantial shareholder in the Ordinary 
shares of the Company. The Finance Director and 
representatives from the external auditors attend 
meetings at the request of the Committee. During the 
year the Committee met twice. 

The Committee reviews and makes recommendations 
to the Board on: any change in accounting policies; 
decisions requiring a major element of judgement 
and risk; compliance with accounting standards and 
legal and regulatory requirements; disclosures in the 
interim and annual report and accounts; dividend 
policy and payment; any significant concerns of 
the external auditor about the conduct, results or 
overall outcome of the annual audit of the Group; 
and, any matters that may significantly affect the 
independence of the external auditor.

In addition the Committee has oversight of the 
external audit process and reviews its effectiveness 
and approves any non-audit services provided.

RWS Holdings plc

Remuneration Committee
Further information about the Committee and the 
Company’s remuneration policy is set out on page 
12 in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Internal controls and risk management
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal controls. The system is designed 
to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement or loss.

The Directors believe that the Group has internal 
control systems in place appropriate to the size 
and nature of the business. The key elements are: 
bimonthly Group board meetings with reports 
from and discussions with senior executives on 
performance and key risk areas in the business; 
monthly financial reporting, for the Group and for 
each subsidiary, of actual performance compared 
to budget and previous year; annual budget 
setting; and, a defined organisational structure with 
appropriate delegation of authority. The Board 
also receives a report from the external auditor on 
matters identified in the course of the statutory audit 
work. 

■ EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS

It is Company policy that people with disabilities 
should have the same consideration as others 
with respect to recruitment, retention and personal 
development. People with disabilities, depending 
on their skills and abilities, enjoy the same career 
prospects as other employees and the same scope 
for realising potential. 

■ EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT 

The Company’s policy is to consult and discuss with 
employees at staff meetings matters likely to affect 
employee interests. The Company is committed to 
a policy of recruitment and promotion on the basis 
of aptitude and ability irrespective of sex, race or 
religion. Group subsidiaries endeavour to provide 
equal opportunities in recruiting, training, promoting 
and developing the careers of all employees. 

■ SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

At 30 September 2013, excluding the Directors, the 
following were substantial shareholders:

Liontrust Asset Management 
Blackrock Investment Management 
Invesco Perpetual 
Investec Wealth 
Octopus Investments 

% holding
11.0
8.1
4.1
3.9
3.9

■ AUTHORIT Y TO ALLOT

Under section 549 Companies Act 2006, the 
Directors are prevented, subject to certain 
exceptions, from allotting shares in the Company or 
from granting rights to subscribe for or to convert 
any security into shares in the Company without the 
authority of the shareholders in General meeting. 
An ordinary resolution will be proposed at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting which renews, 
for the period ending on 10 May 2015, or if earlier 
the date of the 2015 Annual General Meeting, the 
authority previously granted to the Directors to 
allot shares, and to grant rights to subscribe for or 
convert any security into shares in the Company, 
up to an aggregate nominal value of £705,266, 
representing approximately one third of the share 
capital of the Company in issue at 6 December 
2013 (being the last practicable date prior to the 
publication of this Annual Report). This authority 
complies with guidelines issued by institutional 
investors.

The Directors have no immediate plans to make use 
of this authority, although the Company approved 
on 2 April a share option plan pursuant to which 
all available options were granted to employees on 
that date. As at the date of this report the Company 
does not hold any Ordinary shares in the capital of 
the Company in treasury. 

■ STATUTORY PRE-EMPTION RIGHTS

Under section 561 of the Companies Act 2006, 
when new shares are allotted, they must first be 
offered to existing shareholders pro rata to their 
holdings. A special resolution will be proposed at 
the forthcoming Annual General Meeting which 
renews, for the period ending on 10 May 2015 

or, if earlier, the date of the 2015 Annual General 
Meeting, the authorities previously granted to the 
Directors to: 

11

(a) allot shares of the Company in connection 
with a rights issue or other pre-emptive offer; and 
(b) otherwise allot shares of the Company, or sell 
treasury shares for cash, up to an aggregate 
nominal value of £211,579 representing in 
accordance with institutional investor guidelines, 
approximately 10% of the share capital in issue as 
at 6 December 2013 (being the last practicable 
date prior to the publication of this Annual Report) 
as if the pre-emption rights of section 561 did not 
apply. 

The Directors have no immediate plans to make use 
of these authorities. In addition, and in line with best 
practice, the Company has not issued more than 
7.5% of its issued share capital on a non-pro rata 
basis over the last three years. 

■ AUDITORS

All of the Directors have taken all the steps that they 
ought to have taken to make themselves aware of 
any information relevant to the audit and established 
that the auditors are aware of that information. As 
far as each of the Directors is aware, the auditors 
have been provided with all relevant information.

BDO LLP have expressed their willingness to 
continue in office and a resolution to reappoint them 
will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board 

Richard Thompson 
6 December 2013

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report

12

■ REMUNERATION COMMIT TEE

■ SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

On 2 April 2013 the Board approved a new share 
option scheme. The scheme was designed to 
incentivise Executive Directors and Senior Executives 
and further align the interests of senior employees 
and shareholders. The Committee has responsibility 
for supervising the scheme and the grant of options 
under its terms. 

■ SERVICE CONTRACTS 

The Non-Executive Directors do not have service 
contracts. Their appointments will continue unless 
and until terminated by either party giving not less 
than 30 days’ notice.

The service contracts of Executive Directors continue 
unless and until terminated by either party giving at 
least six months’ notice. 

The date of the Executive Chairman’s service 
contract is 30 October 2003 and the service 
contracts of Reinhard Ottway and Richard 
Thompson are dated 20 December 2011 and 
1 November 2012 respectively. In the event of early 
termination, the Executive Director’s service contract 
provides for compensation up to a maximum of the 
total benefits which he or she would have received 
during the notice period.

■  DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS   

AND PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS

The aggregate remuneration, excluding pension 
contributions, paid or accrued for the Directors of 
the Company for service in all capacities during the 
year ended 30 September 2013 was £965,000 
(2012: £925,000). The remuneration of individual 
directors and the pension contributions paid by the 
Group to their personal pension schemes during the 
year were as follows:

The members of the Remuneration Committee are 
David Shrimpton (committee Chairman), Peter 
Mountford, Elisabeth Lucas and Andrew Brode.

With the exception of Andrew Brode the members 
are Non-Executive Directors.

The remit of the Committee is primarily to determine 
and agree with the Board the framework or broad 
policy for the remuneration of the Company’s 
Executive Directors and, if required by the 
Board, the Senior Executives of the Group. The 
remuneration of Non-Executive Directors is a matter 
for the Board, excluding the Non-Executive Directors. 
No Director or Senior Executive is involved in 
any discussion or decision about his or her own 
remuneration.

The Remuneration committee met twice during the 
year.

The Board has confirmed that the Group’s overall 
remuneration policy is designed to attract and retain 
the right people and provide appropriate incentives 
to encourage enhanced performance so as to 
create growth in shareholder value. 

■ INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION

For Executive Directors and Senior Executives the 
components contained in their total remuneration 
package are: base salary, performance related 
annual bonus, share options and other customary 
benefits such as holidays and health benefits, 
sickness benefit and pension contributions.

Neither the performance related annual bonus nor 
the share options apply to the Executive Chairman.

Performance related bonuses are based on a 
combination of sales and/or adjusted profit before 
tax targets depending on an individual’s area of 
responsibility.

For Non-Executive Directors there is only one 
component, a base fee.

RWS Holdings plc

Salary or 
fees 

£’000 

Bonus 

£’000 

Taxable 
benefits 

£’000 

2013 

Total 

2013 

Pension 
contributions 

2012 

Total 

2012

Pension
contributions

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000

13

Andrew Brode 
Michael McCarthy (to 31 December 2012) 
Reinhard Ottway  
Richard Thompson (from 28 November 2012) 
Elisabeth Lucas 
Peter Mountford 
David Shrimpton 

236 
80 
275 
169 
45 
35 
35 
875 

 –  
3 
46 
37 
– 
– 
– 
86 

3 
– 
1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4 

239 
83 
322 
206 
45 
35 
35 
965 

26 
2 
8 
3 
– 
– 
– 
39 

239 
282 
223 
– 
111 
35 
35 
925 

26
8
6
–
2
–
–
42

■ DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES

The interests of the Directors as at 30 September 2013 (including the interests of their families and related 
trusts), all of which were beneficial, in the Ordinary shares were:

Andrew Brode 
Elisabeth Lucas  
Peter Mountford 
Richard Thompson 

Ordinary shares of 5 pence

18,034,812
10,000
13,755
1,380
18,059,947

The interests of Directors at the year end in options to subscribe for Ordinary shares of the Company, together 
with details of options granted during the year are included in the following table. All options were granted at 
market value at the date of grant.

Approved Share Option scheme 

 Number of shares under option 

At 1 
October  
2012 

Issued in 
the year 

Exercised in 
the year 

At 30
September 
2013 

Exercise price 
Pence 

First date 
exercisable 

Last date
exercisable

Reinhard Ottway 
Richard Thompson 

 –  
 –  

 4,643  
 4,643  

 –  
 –  

 4,643  
 4,643  

646.00 
646.00 

02 ⁄04⁄ 16 
02 ⁄04⁄ 16 

02 ⁄04⁄21
02 ⁄04⁄21

Unapproved Share Option scheme 

 Number of shares under option 

At 1 
October  
2012 

Issued in 
the year 

Exercised in 
the year 

At 30
September 
2013 

Exercise price 
Pence 

First date 
exercisable 

Last date
exercisable

Reinhard Ottway 
Richard Thompson 

 –  
 –  

 503,149  
 249,253  

 –  
 –  

 503,149  
 249,253  

646.00 
646.00 

02 ⁄04⁄ 15 
02 ⁄04⁄ 15 

02 ⁄04⁄21
02 ⁄04⁄21

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Report (continued)

14

The options granted under both schemes will be 
exercisable at the mid market price of 646p. 

The market price of the Company’s share as at 
30 September 2013 and the highest and lowest 
market prices during the year are as follows:

30 September 2013 
Highest Market Price 
Lowest Market Price 

765p 
800p 
530p 

All participants in the share option scheme have 
indemnified the Company against any tax liability 
arising from the exercising of any of the above 
options, including any employer’s national insurance 
contribution.

■ TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTORS

During the year there were no material transactions 
between the Company and the Directors, other than 
their emoluments.

On behalf of the Board 

Richard Thompson 
6 December 2013

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the 
annual report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. Under 
that law the Directors have elected to prepare 
the Group financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and the 
Company financial statements in accordance with 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
and applicable law). Under company law the 
Directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 
the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group 
for that period. The Directors are also required to 
prepare financial statements in accordance with the 
rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies 
trading securities on the Alternative Investment 
Market.

In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:

■ select suitable accounting policies and then 
apply them consistently;

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

■ state whether the Group financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union and the 
Company financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements;

■ prepare the financial statements on the going 
concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the Company and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other 
irregularities. 

15

■ WEBSITE PUBLICATION

The Directors are responsible for ensuring the 
annual report and the financial statements are 
made available on a website. Financial statements 
are published on the Company’s website in 
accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements, which may vary from 
legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance 
and integrity of the Company’s website is the 
responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ 
responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity 
of the financial statements contained therein.

RWS Holdings plc

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Shareholders of RWS Holdings plc

16

We have audited the financial statements of RWS 
Holdings plc for the year ended 30 September 
2013 which comprise the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
of financial position, the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity, the consolidated statement of 
cash flows, the Company balance sheet and the 
related notes. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in the preparation of the 
Group financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRSs)
as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in 
preparation of the parent company financial 
statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with chapter 3 
of part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state 
to the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the 
Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, 
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

■  RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES   
OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS

As explained more fully in the Statement of 
Directors’ Responsibilities, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and 
express an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Financial 
Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) Ethical Standards for 
Auditors. 

■  SCOPE OF THE AUDIT   

OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A description of the scope of an audit of financial 
statements is provided on the FRC’s website at  
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 

■ OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In our opinion:

■ the financial statements give a true and fair 
view of the state of the Group’s and the parent 
company’s affairs as at 30 September 2013 and of 
the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

■ the Group financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union;

■ the parent company’s financial statements have 
been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; 
and

■ the financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
■  OPINION ON OTHER MAT TERS PRESCRIBED   

BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic 
Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial 
year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

■  MAT TERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED   

TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

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

■ adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the parent company, or returns adequate for our 
audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

■ the parent company financial statements are 
not in agreement with the accounting records and 
returns; or

■ certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made; or

■ we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit. 

Julian Frost, senior statutory auditor 
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor 
London 
United Kingdom 
6 December 2013

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered 
in England and Wales (with registered number 
OC305127).

17

RWS Holdings plc

F IN A NCI A L  S TAT E MEN T S

  2 0 1 3

RWS Holdings plc

 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 September

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Administrative expenses 
Profit from operations   
Analysed as: 
Operating profit before charging: 
Amortization of customer relationships and trademarks 
Share based payment costs 
Profit from operations 
Finance income 
Finance expense 
Share in results of associate 
Gain on disposal of associate 
Profit before tax 
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive expense* 
Loss on retranslation of foreign operations  
Share in other comprehensive income of associate 
Total other comprehensive expense 
Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
Owners of the parent 

Basic earnings per Ordinary share (pence per share) 
Diluted earnings per Ordinary share (pence per share) 

19

Note 

3 

4 

11 
20 

6 
6 

13 

7 

9 
9 

2013 
£’000 

77,404 
(45,558) 
31,846 
(12,981) 
18,865 

20,060 
(727) 
(468) 
18,865 
456 
 –  
496 
693 
20,510 
(4,592) 
15,918 

(294) 
 –  
(294) 

15,624 

37.6 
37.6 

2012
£’000

68,825
(39,614)
29,211
(13,035)
16,176

16,773
(597)
 – 
16,176
405
(1)
 18 
 – 
16,598
(3,925)
12,673

(694)
(135)
(829)

11,844

29.9
29.9

*Other Comprehensive expense includes only items that will be subsequently reclassified to Profit before tax when specific  conditions are met. 

The notes on pages 23 to 48 form part of these financial statements.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at 30 September

20

Registered Company 3002645 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associate 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Foreign exchange derivatives 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Income tax payable 
Put and call option liability 
Provisions 

Non-current liabilities 
Other creditors 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Total net assets 
Equity 
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium  
Share based payment reserve 
Reverse acquisition reserve 
Foreign currency reserve 
Retained earnings 
Total equity 

The notes on pages 23 to 48 form part of these financial statements. 

Note  

10 
11 
12 
13 
14 

15 
18 
21 

16 

18 
17 

16 
17 
14 

19 

2013 
£’000 

30,325 
9,896 
13,002 
 –  
270 
53,493 

16,670 
566 
18,211 
35,447 
88,940 

11,463 
2,555 
 –  
336 
14,354 

 –  
530 
2,343 
2,873 
17,227 
71,713 

2,116 
3,583 
468 
(8,483) 
1,187 
72,842 
71,713 

2012
£’000

14,053
4,274
13,285
4,345
228
36,185

14,612
260
25,096
39,968
76,153

8,015
2,007
769
336
11,127

100
530
1,167
1,797
12,924
63,229

2,116
3,583
 – 
(8,483)
1,481
64,532
63,229

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on  6 December 2013 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Andrew Brode
Director

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 September

Share 
capital 

£’000 

2,116 

 –  
 –  

 –  

 –  
 2,116  

 –  
 –  

 –  

 –  

–  

Share 
premium 
account 

£’000 

Other 
reserves 
(see below) 

£’000 

Retained 
earnings 

£’000 

3,583  

 (6,173) 

 58,532  

 –  
 –  

 –  

 –  
 3,583  

 –  
 –  

 –  

 –  

 –  

Share 
based payment 
reserve 

£’000 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
468 
468 

 –  
 (829) 

(829) 

 –  
 (7,002) 

 –  
 (294) 

 (294) 

 –  

 468  

 (6,828) 

Reverse 
acquisition 
reserve 

£’000 

(8,483) 
 –  
 –  
 (8,483) 
 –  
 –  
 –  
(8,483) 

12,673  
 –  

12,673  

 (6,673) 
 64,532  

 15,918  
 –  

 15,918  

(7,608) 

 –  

72,842  

Foreign 
currency 
reserve 

£’000 

2,310 
(829) 
(829) 
1,481 
(294) 
 (294) 
 –  
1,187 

 2,116  

 3,583  

21

Total equity
attributable to
owners of the
parent

£’000

58,058

12,673
(829)

11,844

 (6,673)
63,229

15,918
(294)

15,624

(7,608)

468

71,713

Total
other
reserves

£’000

(6,173)
(829)
(829)
(7,002)
(294)
 (294)
468
(6,828)

At 1 October 2011 

Profit for the year 
Currency translation differences 

Other Comprehensive income  
for the year 30 September 2012 

Dividends 
At 30 September 2012 

Profit for the year 
Currency translation differences 

Other Comprehensive income  
for the year 30 September 2013 

Dividends 

Credit arising on share based 
payment charges 

At 30 September 2013 

Other reserves 

At 1 October 2011 
Currency translation differences 
Other Comprehensive income for the year 30 September 2012 
At 30 September 2012 
Currency translation differences 
Other Comprehensive income for the year 30 September 2013 
Credit arising on share based payment charges 
At 30 September 2013 

The nature and purpose of each reserve within equity is as follows:
– Share capital is nominal value of the shares issued.
– Share premium is the amount received for shares issued in excess of their nominal value. 
– Share based payment reserve is the credit arising on the share based payment charges in relation to the Company’s share option schemes. 
 – Foreign currency reserve is the cumulative gain or loss arising on retranslating the net assets of overseas operations into sterling. 
–  Reverse acquisition reserve was created when RWS Holdings plc became the legal parent of Bybrook Limited. The  substance of this combination was that Bybrook 

Limited acquired RWS Holdings plc. 

– Retained earnings are the cumulative net gains and losses, including the capital reserve from the company balance sheet. 

The notes on pages 23 to 48 form part of these financial statements.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 September

22

Note  

22 
13 
12 
11 

8 

21 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Share based payment costs 
Finance income 
Finance expense 
Share in results of associate 
Gain on disposal of associate 
Operating cash flow before movements in working capital and provisions 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 
Cash generated from operations 
Income tax paid 
Net cash inflow from operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Interest received 
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 
Acquisition of share in associate 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of intangibles (computer software) 
Net cash outflow from investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Dividends paid  
Net cash outflow from financing activities 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 

Free cash flow 
Analysis of free cash flow 
Net cash generated from operations 
Net interest received 
Income tax paid 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of intangibles (computer software) 
Free cash flow 

2013 
£’000 

 20,510 

666 
799 
468 
(456) 
 –  
(496) 
(693) 
20,798 
(318) 
119 
20,599 
(4,249) 
16,350 

151 
(15,132) 
 –  
(376) 
(34) 
(15,391) 

(7,608) 
(7,608) 
(6,649) 
25,096 
(236) 
18,211 

20,599 
151 
(4,249) 
(376) 
(34) 
16,091 

2012
£’000

 16,598

593
656
 – 
(405)
1
 – 
 – 
17,443
63
391
17,897
(4,297)
13,600

98
(2,480)
(3,693)
(363)
(92)
(6,530)

(6,673)
(6,673)
397
24,845
(146)
25,096

17,897
98
(4,297)
(363)
(92)
13,243

The Directors consider that the free cash flow analysis above indicates the cash generated from normal  activities excluding acquisitions and dividends paid. 

The notes on pages 23 to 48 form part of these financial statements. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting and preparation  
of financial statements
RWS Holdings plc is a company incorporated  
in the UK.

The Group financial statements consolidate those of 
the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. The Parent 
Company financial statements present information 
about the Company as a separate entity and not 
about its Group.

The preparation of the financial statements in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting 
principles requires management to make estimates 
and judgements that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenue 
and expenses during the reported period. Actual 
results could differ from these estimates. Judgements 
include classification of transactions between the 
income statement and the balance sheet, whilst 
estimations focus on areas such as carrying values 
and estimated lives.

The consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU.

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

Consolidation
A subsidiary is an entity controlled, directly or 
indirectly. Control is regarded as the power to 
govern the financial and operating policies of the 
entity so as to benefit from its activities. The financial 
results of subsidiaries are consolidated from the date 
control is obtained until the date that control ceases. 
All intra-group transactions are eliminated as part of 
the consolidation process. 

The Company has elected to prepare the Company 
financial statements in accordance with UK 
Accounting Standards. These are presented on 
pages 50 to 55 and the accounting policies in 
respect of Company information are set out on 
page 51. 

Changes in accounting policies
There were no new standards, interpretations 
and amendments, applied for the first time from 
1 October 2012, that have had a material effect 
on the financial statements apart from IAS1, 
‘Financial statement presentation’ regarding other 
comprehensive income. The main change resulting 
from this amendment is a requirement for entities 
to group items presented in ‘other comprehensive 
income’ on the basis of whether they are potentially 
reclassifiable to profit or loss in future accounting 
periods.

Certain new standards, amendments and 
interpretations to existing standards have been 
published that are mandatory for later accounting 
periods and which have not been adopted early. 
There were no new standards, amendments or 
interpretations that are expected to have a material 
impact on the Group. 

On 11 November 2003, RWS Holdings plc became 
the legal parent company of Bybrook Limited and 
its subsidiary undertakings. The substance of the 
combination was that Bybrook Limited acquired 
RWS Holdings plc in a reverse acquisition. Goodwill 
arose on the difference between the fair value of 
the legal parent’s share capital and the fair value 
of its net liabilities at the reverse acquisition date. 
This goodwill was written-off in the year ended 
30 September 2004, because the goodwill had no 
intrinsic value. 

Business combinations
Under the requirements of IFRS 3 (revised), all 
business combinations are accounted for using the 
acquisition method (‘acquisition accounting’). The 
cost of a business acquisition is the aggregate 
of fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets 
given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity 
instruments issued by the acquirer. Following 
IFRS 3 (revised) becoming effective, costs directly 
attributable to business combinations are expensed 
as part of the cost of the acquisition. The cost of a 
business combination is allocated at the acquisition 
date by recognising the acquiree’s identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that satisfy 
the recognition criteria, at their fair values at that 
date. The acquisition date is the date on which the 
acquirer effectively obtains control of the acquiree. 
An intangible asset, such as customer relationships 

RWS Holdings plc

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

24

or trademarks, is recognised if it meets the definition 
of an intangible asset under IAS 38 ‘Intangible 
assets’. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over 
the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets 
acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Intangible assets
(i) Goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised 
and subject to an impairment review, both annually 
and when there is an indication that the carrying 
value may not be recoverable. 

(ii) Intangible assets separately identified from 
goodwill acquired as part of a business combination 
are initially stated at fair value. The fair value 
attributable is determined by discounting the 
expected future cash flows to be generated from 
that asset at the risk adjusted weighted average cost 
of capital appropriate to that intangible asset. The 
assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives 
which range from five to ten years.

(iii) Acquired computer software licences are 
capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to 
acquire and bring to use the specific software. 
These assets are amortized using the straight 
line method over their estimated useful lives (not 
exceeding three years).

Revenue recognition
Group revenue represents the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable for the 
rendering of services, net of value added tax 
and other similar sales based taxes, rebates and 
discounts and after eliminating inter-company sales. 
Revenue, other than subscription and commission 
income, is recognised as a translation, filing or 
search is fulfilled in accordance with agreed client 
instructions and includes, where contracts are 
partially completed, the revenue on the element of 
the work performed to date.

Subscription revenue is recognised on a straight 
line basis over the term during which the service is 
provided. Commission income is credited to revenue 
upon securing the related sale.

Accrued income represents the full receivable value 
of work performed to date. 

RWS Holdings plc

Foreign currencies 
The individual financial statements of each Group 
company are presented in the currency of the 
primary economic environment in which it operates 
(its functional currency). For the purpose of the 
consolidated financial statements, the results and 
financial position of each Group company are 
expressed in pounds sterling, which is the functional 
currency of the Company, and the presentation 
currency for the consolidated financial statements. 

In preparing the individual financial statements of 
the individual companies, transactions in currencies 
other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign 
currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange 
prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each 
reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities 
that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting 
date. Non-monetary items that are measured in 
terms of historical cost in foreign currency are not 
retranslated.

Exchange differences on all transactions are taken 
to operating profit. 

In the consolidated financial statements, the assets 
and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations 
are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the 
reporting date. Income and expense items are 
translated at the average exchange rates, which 
approximate to actual rates, for the relevant 
accounting period. Exchange differences arising, if 
any, are classified as other comprehensive income 
and recognised in the Group’s foreign currency 
reserve. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the 
acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets 
and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated 
at the closing rate. The Group has elected to treat 
goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on 
acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRSs as 
sterling-denominated assets and liabilities.

Segment information 
Segment information reflects how management 
controls the business. This is primarily by the type 
of service supplied and then by the geographic 
location of the business units delivering those 
services. The assets and liabilities of the segments 
reflect the assets and liabilities of the underlying 
companies involved.

Property, plant and equipment 
The Group’s policy is to write off the difference 
between the cost of each item of property, plant 
and equipment and its estimated residual value 
systematically over its estimated useful life using the 
straight-line method on the following bases: 

Freehold Land – Nil 
Freehold buildings – 2% 
Long leasehold and leasehold improvements –  
the length of the lease 
Furniture and equipment – 10% to 33% 
Motor vehicles – Over six years

All items of property, plant and equipment are 
tested for impairment when there are indications 
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Any 
impairment losses are recognised immediately in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income.

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

Associates 
Where the Group has the power to participate in 
(but not control) the financial and operating policy 
decisions of another entity, it is classified as an 
associate. Associates are initially recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at cost. 
The Group’s share of post-acquisition profits and 
losses is recognised in the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income, except that losses in 
excess of the Group’s investment in the associate are 
not recognised unless there is an obligation to make 
good those losses. 

impaired the carrying amount of the investment is 
tested for impairment in the same way as other non-
financial assets. 

25

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to 
manage its exposure to foreign exchange arising 
from operational activities.

Derivative financial instruments are initially 
measured at fair value (with direct transaction costs 
being included in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income as an expense) and are subsequently 
remeasured to fair value at each reporting date.
Changes in carrying value are recognised in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other receivables represent amounts due 
from customers in the normal course of business. All 
amounts are initially stated at fair value and carried 
at amortized cost where there is objective evidence 
of any impairment. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, 
deposits held at call with banks and highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months 
or less and are subject to an insignificant risk of 
changes in value. 

Taxation 
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax 
currently payable and deferred tax. Tax is 
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income except to the extent that it relates to items 
recognised directly in equity, in which case it is 
recognised in equity. 

Profits and losses arising on transactions between 
the Group and its associates are recognised only 
to the extent of unrelated investors’ interests in the 
associate. The investors’ share in the associate’s 
profits and losses resulting from these transactions 
is eliminated against the carrying value of the 
associate.

Any premium paid for an associate above the 
fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired 
is capitalised and included in the carrying amount 
of the associate. Where there is objective evidence 
that the investment in an associate has been 

The current tax payable is based on taxable profit 
for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as 
reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 
because it excludes items that are not taxable or 
deductible. The Group’s current tax assets and 
liabilities are calculated using tax rates that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
reporting date. 

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or 
recoverable on differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in 
the computation of taxable profit, and is 

RWS Holdings plc

estimates, if any, is recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income such that the 
cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate with 
a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves. 

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are initially measured 
at fair value, and are subsequently measured at 
amortized cost, using the effective interest rate 
method. 

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a 
present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of a past event from which it is probable that it will 
result in an outflow of economic benefits that can 
reasonably be estimated. 

Leases 
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the 
risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are 
classified as operating leases. Operating lease 
rental payments are recognised as an expense 
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income on a 
straight-line basis over the lease term. The benefit of 
lease incentives is spread over the term of the lease. 

Capital 
The Group considers its capital to comprise its 
ordinary share capital, share premium, other 
reserves and accumulated retained earnings. In 
managing its capital, the Group’s primary objective 
is to ensure its continued ability to provide a 
consistent return for its equity shareholders through 
a combination of capital growth and distributions. 
The Group has historically considered equity funding 
as the most appropriate form of capital for the 
Group but keeps this under review bearing in mind 
the risks, costs and benefits to equity shareholders of 
introducing debt finance. 

Equity issued by the Company is recorded as the 
proceeds received net of direct issue costs.

26

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

accounted for using the balance sheet liability 
method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 
recognised for all taxable temporary differences 
and deferred tax assets are recognised to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profits will 
be available against which deductible temporary 
differences can be utilised. Deferred tax is 
calculated using tax rates that are expected to apply 
in the period when the liability is settled or the asset 
realised based on tax rates that have been enacted 
or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when 
there is a legally enforceable right to offset current 
tax assets and 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. 

Employee benefits 
The Group operates a defined contribution pension 
plan and has no further obligations once the 
contributions have been paid. Payments to the plan 
are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income as they fall due. 

Paid holidays are regarded as an employee benefit 
and as such are charged to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income as the benefits are earned. An 
accrual is made at the balance sheet date to reflect 
the fair value of holidays earned but not yet taken.

Share based payments 
The Group and Company provide benefits to certain 
employees (including certain Executive Directors), 
in the form of share based payment transactions 
whereby employees render services in exchange 
for rights over shares in the form of share options.
These equity settled share based transactions are 
measured as the fair value of the share option at the 
grant date. The fair value excludes the effect of non 
market based vesting conditions. Details regarding 
the determination of the fair value of these options 
can be seen in note 20.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the 
share options is expensed on a straight line basis 
over the vesting period, based on the Group’s 
estimate of share options that will vest. At each 
balance sheet date the Group revises its estimate 
of the number of options expected to vest as a 
result of the effect on non market based vesting 
conditions. The impact of the revision of the original 

RWS Holdings plc

2  CRITICAL JUDGEMENTS   

AND ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES IN APPLYING   
THE GROUP’S ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Group makes certain estimates and assumptions 
regarding the future. Estimates and judgements 
are evaluated based on historical experience 
and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances. The estimates and assumptions are 
reviewed on an ongoing basis. In the future, actual 
experience may vary materially from management 
expectation.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The following estimates and assumptions are 
considered to have a risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities in the financial statements.

Impairment of goodwill
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires 
an estimation of the value in use of the cash-
generating units to which goodwill has been 
allocated. The value in use calculation requires the 
Group to estimate the future cash flows expected 
to arise from the cash-generating units and then 
discount these cashflows to their present value using 
a pre-tax discount rate that reflects both current 
market assessments of the time value of money and 
the risks specific to the cash-generating unit. More 
details on the carrying value of goodwill is included 
in note 10.

Fair value of identifiable  
net assets acquired
Upon acquisition of a business the fair value of 
identifiable assets and liabilities are calculated. 
These values are either based on reports obtained 
from independent 3rd party professional valuation 
experts or internally generated discounted cash flow 
forecasts.

Share based payments
The Group operates a share option scheme. The 
charge for share based payments is based on the 
fair value of awards at the date of grant which 
is partly calculated by use of the Black-Scholes 
pricing model which requires judgement to be made 
regarding volatility, dividend yield risk free rates of 
return and expected option lives. The inputs used in 
these pricing models to calculate the fair values are 
set out in note 20.

27

An element of the share based profit charge 
also relies on certain assumptions over the future 
performance of the share price which may not be 
met or may be exceeded by the time the relevant 
awards vest.

Useful economic lives of intangible  
and tangible assets
The useful economic lives and residual values 
of assets have been established using historic 
experience and an assessment of the nature of the 
assets involved.

Fair value of associate on disposal
The fair value of associate on disposal is based on 
future cashflows of the business discounted at an 
appropriate rate to reflect both the time value of 
money and the deemed risk specific to the associate.

Fair value of put and call option
The fair value of the put and call option is valued 
based upon reports obtained from independent 
3rd party valuation experts.

RWS Holdings plc

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

28

3 SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Group comprises two principal divisions, the Translations division (for management reporting analysed 
between UK and Overseas operations) providing patent and technical document translation, filing and 
localisation services in the UK, USA, Europe, Japan and China, and the Information division, which offers a 
full range of patent search, retrieval and monitoring services as well as an extremely comprehensive patent 
database service accessible by subscribers, known as PatBase.

Following the acquisition of inovia Holdings pty Limited on 17 September 2013 (see note 22) the Group has 
treated their results as a separate segment and has shown them separately. inovia is a leading provider of 
web based international filing solutions.

The unallocated segment relates to corporate overheads, assets and liabilities.

The segment results for the year ended 30 September 2013 are as follows:

Revenue 
Patent translation 
Commercial translation 
inovia 
Information 
Total Revenue 
Operating profit/(loss) before charging:  
Amortization of customer relationships and trademarks 
Share based payment costs 
Profit/(loss) from operations 
Finance income  
Share in results of associate 
Gain on disposal of associate 
Profit before taxation 
Taxation  
Profit for the year 

Translations 
UK 

Translations 
Overseas 

inovia 

Information 

Unallocated 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

49,035 
11,010 
 –  
 –  
60,045 
15,973 
(584) 
(160) 
15,229 

4,505 
6,366 
 –  
 –  
10,871 
2,322 
 –  
(59) 
2,263 

– 
 –  
 1,186  
 –  
1,186 
 129  
 –  
 –  
129 

–  
 –  
 –  
5,302 
5,302 
2,390 
(143) 
(19) 
2,228 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
(754) 
 –  
(230) 
(984) 

Group

£’000

53,540
17,376
1,186
5,302
77,404
20,060
(727)
(468)
18,865
456
496
693
20,510
(4,592)
15,918

Overseas intercompany revenue to the UK amounting to £4.2 million has been eliminated on consolidation.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The segment results for the year ended 30 September 2012 are as follows:

29

Revenue
Patent translation 
Commercial translation 
inovia 
Information 
Total Revenue 
Operating profit/(loss) before charging: 
Amortization of customer relationships and trademarks 
Profit/(loss) from operations 
Finance income 
Finance expense 
Share in results of associate 
Profit before taxation 
Taxation  
Profit for the year 

Translations 
UK 

Translations 
Overseas 

inovia 

Information 

Unallocated 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

43,593 
9,657 
 –  
 –  
53,250 
13,322 
(549) 
12,773 

4,761 
5,835 
 –  
 –  
10,596 
1,974 
 –  
1,974 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

 –  
 –  
 –  
4,979 
4,979 
2,135 
(48) 
2,087 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
(658) 
 –  
(658) 

Group

£’000

48,354
15,492
 – 
4,979
68,825
16,773
(597)
16,176
405
(1)
18
16,598
(3,925)
12,673

Overseas intercompany revenue to the UK amounting to £3.6 million has been eliminated on consolidation. 

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 September 2013 are as follows:

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Capital expenditure 
Depreciation  
Amortization 

Translations 
UK 

Translations 
Overseas 

inovia 

Information 

Unallocated 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

62,289 
6,451 
6,416 
367 
583 

5,250 
1,849 
159 
98 
65 

4,510 
3,628 
8 
 –  
 –  

5,286 
1,950 
88 
142 
143 

11,605 
3,349 
126 
59 
8 

Group

£’000

88,940
17,227
6,797
666
799

Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including 
additions from acquisitions through business combinations.

The segment assets and liabilities at 30 September 2012 are as follows:

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Capital expenditure 
Depreciation  
Amortization 

Translations 
UK 

Translations 
Overseas 

inovia 

Information 

Unallocated 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

49,081 
7,237 
108 
366 
549 

9,655 
1,728 
176 
77 
50 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

4,527 
1,970 
1,580 
100 
 48  

12,890 
1,989 
23 
50 
9 

Group

£’000

76,153
12,924
1,887
593
656

Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including 
additions from acquisitions through business combinations.

The majority of unallocated assets relates to cash held by the Parent Company.

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

30

3 SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED) 

Segment assets and liabilities are reconciled to the Group’s assets and liabilities as follows:

Segment assets and liabilities 
Unallocated:
Deferred tax 
Property, plant and equipment 
Non-financial assets 
Other financial assets and liabilities 
Total unallocated 

Assets 
2013 
£’000 

Liabilities 
2013 
£’000 

Assets 
2012 
£’000 

Liabilities
2012
£’000

 77,335  

 13,878  

 63,263  

 10,935 

189 
130 
271 
11,015 
11,605 
88,940 

2,048 
 –  
771 
530 
3,349 
17,227 

201 
62 
244 
12,383 
12,890 
76,153 

955
 – 
504
530
1,989
12,924

Assets allocated to a segment consist primarily of operating assets such as property, plant and equipment, 
intangible assets, goodwill, receivables and cash.

Liabilities allocated to a segment comprise primarily trade payables and other operating liabilities.

The Group’s operations are based in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia, United States of America and 
Australia. The table below shows turnover by the geographic market in which customers are located.  

UK 
Continental Europe 
Asia, United States of America and Australia 

2013 
£’000 

11,401 
43,522 
22,481 
77,404 

2012
£’000

8,584
43,461
16,780
68,825

No customer accounted for more than 6% of Group turnover in either the current or prior year.

The following is an analysis of revenue, carrying amount of assets, and additions to property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets, analysed by the geographical area in which the Group’s undertakings are 
located.  

Revenue 

Segment assets 

2013 
£’000 

65,347 
6,335 
5,722 
77,404 

2012 
£’000 

58,229 
5,779 
4,817 
68,825 

2013 
£’000 

79,181 
2,440 
7,319 
88,940 

2012 
£’000 

66,498 
2,530 
7,125 
76,153 

Capital expenditure
2013 
2012
£’000 
£’000

6,664 
43 
90 
6,797 

1,711
142
34
1,887

UK  
Continental Europe 
Asia, United States of America and Australia 

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS

31

This has been arrived at after charging/(crediting): 
Staff costs (note 5) 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and motor vehicles (note 12) 
Amortization of intangible assets (note 11) 
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses 
Operating lease rentals: 
– Property 
– Plant and equipment 
Auditors’ remuneration 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Group’s annual accounts 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:
– the audit of the subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 
– taxation 
– all other services  
Total fees 

5 STAFF COSTS  

Staff costs (including directors) comprise: 
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 
Share based payment costs (note 20) 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

22,091 
666 
799 
(316) 

20,804
593
656
147

621 
175 

53 

87 
58 
18 
216 

601
181

49

82
57
8
196

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

18,910 
2,345 
368 
468 
22,091 

18,197
2,255
352
 –
20,804

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme making payments on behalf of employees to their 
personal pension plans. Payments of £368,000 (2012: £352,000) were made in the year and charged to 
the income statement in the period they fell due. At the year end there were unpaid amounts included within 
Other Creditors totalling £44,000 (2012: £42,000).

Details of directors’ remuneration and pension contributions are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 12 to 14.

Key management compensation 

Salaries, bonuses, short-term employee benefits 
Share based payment costs 

2013 
£’000 

2,434 
468 
2,902 

2012
£’000

2,243
 – 
2,243

The key management compensation includes the seven (2012: six) directors of RWS Holdings plc, the five 
(2012: five) members of the Senior Executive Team who are not directors of RWS Holdings plc and the three 
(2012: three) managing directors of the operating subsidiary undertakings based overseas. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

32

5 STAFF COSTS (CONTINUED)

The average number of people employed by the Group, including directors and part-time employees, during 
the year was:

Production staff 
Administrative staff 

6 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE 

Finance income
– Returns on short-term deposits  
– Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts outstanding at the year end 
Finance expense 
– Interest on deferred consideration relating to an acquisition 
Net finance income 

7 TAXATION 

Taxation recognised in the income statement is as follows: 
Current tax expense
Tax on profit for the current year 
– UK 
– Overseas 
Adjustment to prior years 

Deferred tax
Current year movement 
Prior year movement 
Total tax expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income 

The table below reconciles the UK statutory tax charge to the Group’s total tax charge.  

Profit before taxation 
Notional tax charge at UK corporation tax rate of 23.5% (2012: 25%) 
Effects of: 
Items not deductible or not chargeable for tax purposes 
Gain on disposal of associate not chargeable for tax 
Differences in overseas tax rates 
UK tax rate change 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods 
Total tax expense for the year 

RWS Holdings plc

2013 
Number 

2012
Number

434 
98 
532 

394
94
488

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

149 
307 

–  
456 

152
253

(1)
404

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

4,097 
861 
(180) 
4,778 

(196) 
10 
4,592 

2013 
£’000 

20,510 
4,820 

(160) 
(163) 
275 
 –  
(180) 
4,592 

3,714
644
(250)
4,108

(238)
55
3,925

2012
£’000

16,598
4,150

(67)
 – 
163 
(71)
(250)
3,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8 DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS

33

Final, paid 22 February 2013 (2012: paid 17 February 2012) 
Interim, paid 19 July 2013 (2012: paid 20 July 2012) 

2013 

2013 

pence 
per share 

13.48 
4.50 
17.98 

£’000 

5,704 
1,904 
7,608 

2012 
pence  
per share 

11.75 
4.02 
15.77 

2012

£’000

4,972
1,701
6,673

The Directors recommend a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 30 September 2013 of 
15.75 pence per Ordinary share to be paid on 21 February 2014 to shareholders who are on the register 
at 24 January 2014. This dividend is not reflected in these financial statements as it does not represent a 
liability at 30 September 2013. The final proposed dividend will reduce shareholders’ funds by an estimated 
£6.7 million. 

9 EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

Basic earnings per share are based on the post-tax group profit for the year and a weighted average number 
of Ordinary shares in issue during the year calculated as follows:  

Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue for basic earnings 
Dilutive impact of share options  
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares for diluted earnings 

2013 

2012

42,315,968  42,315,968
 – 
42,339,158  42,315,968

23,190 

Adjusted earnings per Ordinary share is also presented to eliminate the effects of amortization of customer 
relationships and trademarks, and gain on sale of associate and charges for share based payments. This 
presentation shows the trend in earnings per Ordinary share that is attributable to the underlying trading 
activities. The reconciliation between the basic and adjusted figures is as follows:  

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Basic 
earnings 
per share 

Basic 
earnings 
per share 

Diluted 
earnings 
per share 

Diluted
earnings
per share

pence 

pence 

pence 

pence

2013 

£’000 

2012 

£’000 

15,918 

12,673 

37.6 

574 
(547) 
370 
16,315 

460 
 –  
 –  
13,133 

1.4 
(1.3) 
0.9 
38.6 

29.9 

1.1 
– 
– 
31.0 

37.6 

1.4 
(1.3) 
0.9 
38.6 

29.9

1.1
–
–
31.0

Profit for the year 
Post tax adjustments
Amortization of customer relationships and trademarks  
Gain on sale of Associate 
Charges for share based payments 
Adjusted earnings 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

34

10 GOODWILL 

Cost and net book value
At 1 October 
Additions  
Exchange adjustments 
At 30 September 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

14,053 
16,345 
(73) 
30,325 

13,057
1,347
 (351)
14,053

During the year, goodwill was tested for impairment. The recoverable amount for each cash-generating 
unit (“CGU”) has been determined from value in use calculations. The key assumptions for the value in use 
calculations are those regarding discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and 
direct costs during the period. All of these assumptions have been reviewed during the year. Management 
estimates discount rates using pre tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money 
and the risk specific to each CGU. This has resulted in a range of discount rates 12% – 19% (FY 2012: 15%) 
being used within the calculations. The FY 2013 acquisitions of PharmaQuest Limited (see note 22) and inovia 
Holdings Pty Limited being at the high end of the range. The growth rates used in the calculations are based 
on a review of both recently achieved growth rates and a prudent estimate of likely future growth rates for 
each specific market sector.

As part of the value in use calculation management prepare cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent 
financial budgets, approved by the Board of Directors for the next 12 months, and extrapolate the cash flows 
for the following 5 years based on an estimated growth rate. This rate does not exceed the expected growth 
rate for the relevant markets of each CGU.

The allocation of goodwill to cash generating units is as follows:  

Translations 
UK  
Continental Europe 

inovia 
Information 
At 30 September  

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

17,501 
4,411 
21,912 
6,632 
1,781 
30,325 

8,065
4,207
12,272
 – 
1,781
14,053

Subsidiaries 
A list of the subsidiaries whose results or financial position principally affect the figures shown in the Group 
financial statements is shown in note 4 to the Company’s separate financial statements. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

35

Cost
At 1 October 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
Currency translation 
At 30 September 2012 
Additions 
Disposals 
Currency translation 
At 30 September 2013 
Amortization and impairment 
At 1 October 2011 
Amortization charge 
Disposals 
Currency translation 
At 30 September 2012 
Amortization charge 
Disposals 
Currency translation 
At 30th September 2013 
Net book value
At 1 October 2011 
At 30 September 2012 
At 30 September 2013 

Technology 

Trademarks 

Customer
relationships 

Software 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 2,011  
 –  
 (37) 
 1,974  

 –  
 –  
–  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
–  
 –  

 –  
 –  
 1,974  

 256  
 –  
 –  
 (20) 
 236  
 –  
 –  
 12  
 248  

 187  
 48  
 –  
 (15) 
 220  
 17  
 –  
11  
 248  

 69  
 16  
 –  

 5,173  
 1,432  
 –  
 (281) 
 6,324  
 4,368  
 –  
 109  
 10,801  

 1,748  
 549  
 –  
 (110) 
 2,187  
 710  
 –  
 70  
 2,967  

 3,425  
 4,137  
 7,834  

 291  
 92  
 (23) 
 (21) 
 339  
 34  
 (61) 
 13  
 325  

 196  
 59  
 (23) 
 (14) 
 218  
 72  
 (61) 
 8  
 237  

 95  
 121  
 88  

Total

£’000

 5,720 
 1,524 
 (23)
 (322)
 6,899 
 6,413 
 (61)
 97 
 13,348 

 2,131 
 656 
 (23)
 (139)
 2,625 
 799 
 (61)
 89 
 3,452 

 3,589 
 4,274 
 9,896 

Trademarks, Technology and Customer Relationships are amortized over 5 to 10 years and Software over 
3 years on a straight line basis.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freehold 
land 
and 
buildings 
£’000 

Leasehold 
 land, 
buildings and 
improvements 
£’000 

Furniture  
and 
equipment 
£’000 

Motor  
vehicles 
£’000 

 12,350  
 –  
 25  
 –  
 –  
 12,375  
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
12,375 

 133  
 –  
 –  
 178  
 –  
 311  
 –  
 –  
 178  
 –  
 489  

12,217 
12,064 
11,886 

519 
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
519 
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
519 

234 
 –  
 –  
28 
 –  
262 
 –  
 –  
64 
 –  
326 

285 
257 
193 

1,922 
(35) 
274 
12 
 (151) 
2,022 
9 
376 
13 
(78) 
2,342 

901 
(20) 
11 
368 
 (151) 
1,109 
6 
4 
420 
(73) 
1,466 

1,021 
913 
876 

26 
 (2) 
 64  
 –  
 (9) 
79 
 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  
79 

19 
 (1) 
 –  
19 
 (9) 
28 
 –  
 –  
4 
 –  
32 

7 
51 
47 

Total
£’000

14,817
(37)
363
12
(160)
14,995
9
376
13
(78)
15,315

1,287
(21)
11
593
(160)
1,710
6
4
666
(73)
2,313

13,530
13,285
13,002

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

36

12 PROPERT Y, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost 
At 1 October 2011 
Currency translation 
Additions 
Acquisitions 
Disposals 
At 30 September 2012 
Currency translation 
Additions 
Acquisitions 
Disposals 
At 30 September 2013 
Depreciation 
At 1 October 2011 
Currency translation 
Acquisitions 
Depreciation charge 
Disposals 
At 30 September 2012 
Currency translation 
Acquisitions 
Depreciation charge 
Disposals 
At 30 September 2013 
Net book value 
At 1 October 2011 
At 30 September 2012 
At 30 September 2013 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 INVESTMENT IN ASSOCIATE 

37

Following the exercise of the Group’s put and call option on 17 September the Group completed the 
acquisition of inovia by acquiring the remaining 66% (see note 22) for a cash consideration of $23,349,828. 
Under IFRS 3 this transaction is accounted for as a sale of an associate and the purchase of a subsidiary. The 
gain on sale of associate is calculated by comparing the fair value of the associate with its carrying value.

The fair value of the put and call option at the date it was exercised was deemed negligible and the change 
in fair value of this financial derivative of £769,000 has also been shown as a gain in the sale.

Aggregated amounts relating to inovia are as follows: 

Cost and net book value at beginning of year 
Cash cost of investment acquired during the year 
Change in fair value of put and call option (financial derivative) 
Share in results of associate 
Share in other comprehensive income of associate 
Disposal of Associate 
Cost and net book value at the end of year 

Gain on disposal of Associate
Fair Value of Associate 
Book Value of Associate 
Loss on remeasurement of Associate to fair value 
Change in fair value of put and call option  
Gain on Disposal of Associate 

Aggregated amounts relating to the full results of the associate are as follows:  

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Revenue 
Net profit (after amortization of intangibles) 

2013 
£’000 

4,345 
 –  
 –  
496 
 –  
(4,841) 
 –  

4,765 
(4,841) 
(76) 
769 
693  

2013 
£’000 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

2012
£’000

 – 
3,693
769
18
(135)
 – 
4,345

2012
£’000

3,387
2,467
12,218
165

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

38

14 DEFERRED TAX

The deferred tax assets and liabilities and the movements during the year, before offset of balances within the 
same tax jurisdiction, are as follows: 

Accelerated 
tax 

Other  
temporary  
depreciation  differences 
£’000 

£’000 

65 
2 
67 
(5) 
62 

181 
(20) 
161 
(11) 
150 

Accelerated  
tax  
depreciation 
£’000 

Intangibles 
£’000 

 187  
 –  
 24  
 –  
 211  
 –  
 83  
 –  
294 

906 
329 
(225) 
(54) 
956 
1,340 
(227) 
(20) 
2,049 

2013 
£’000 
270 
(2,343) 
(2,073) 

Total
£’000

246
(18)
228
42
270

Total
£’000

1,093
329
 (201)
 (54)
1,167
1,340
 (144)
 (20)
2,343

2012
£’000
228
(1,167)
(939)

Share 
Options 
£’000 

 –  
 –  
 –  
58 
58 

Deferred tax assets 

At 1 October 2011 
Credited/(charged) to income 
At 30 September 2012 
Credited/(charged) to income 
At 30 September 2013 

Deferred tax liabilities 

At 1 October 2011 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
Charged/(credited) to income 
Credited to equity 
At 30 September 2012 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
Charged/(credited) to income 
Credited to equity 
At 30 September 2013 

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax balance at 30 September  

The deferred tax rate is lower than that applied in the prior year.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

39

Trade receivables 
Less: allowance for doubtful debts 

Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2013 
£’000 

13,523 
(69) 
13,454 
231 
2,985 
16,670 

2012
£’000

11,772
(74)
11,698
174
2,740
14,612

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and generally have a 30 day term. Due to their short maturities, 
the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximate to their fair value.

Trade receivables net of allowances are held in the following currencies:

Sterling 
Euros 
Japanese Yen 
US Dollars 
Swiss Francs 
Other 

The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Not past due 
Past due 1-30 days 
Past due 31-60 days 
Past due 61-90 days 
Past due > 90 days 

Movement in allowance for doubtful debts: 

At 1 October 
Utilised 
Charged 
At 30 September  

2013 
£’000 

2,423 
5,994 
562 
4,110 
351 
14 
13,454 

2013 
£’000 

8,477 
3,657 
935 
311 
74 
13,454 

2012
£’000

2,123
6,094
660
2,224
527
70
11,698

2012
£’000

7,670
2,698
895
341
94
11,698

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

74 
(14) 
9 
69 

60
 – 
14
74

Given the profile of the Group’s customers no further credit risk has been identified with trade receivables 
other than those balances for which an allowance has been made.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

40

16 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Due in less than one year
Trade payables 
Other tax and social security payable 
Other creditors 
Accruals and deferred income 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

4,944 
969 
1,007 
4,543 
11,463 

2,588
921
1,711
2,795
8,015

The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value. Trade payables normally 
fall due within 30 to 60 days.

Due in more than one year
Other creditors – contingent consideration: re Davda & Associates Limited  

17 PROVISIONS

Due in less than one year
At 1 October 
Utilised 
At 30 September 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

 –  

 100 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

336 
 –  
336 

486
(150)
336

The provisions relate to the cost of dilapidations arising on the move to the new Group Head Office at 
Chiltern Park.

Due in more than one year
At 1 October 
Paid in year 
Unwinding of discount rate 
At 30 September 

This long term provision relates to monthly ongoing future pension payments to a third party.

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

530 
(75) 
75 
530 

547
(72)
55
530

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

41

Categories of financial instruments 
All financial assets other than derivative assets are classified as loans and receivables, and all financial 
liabilities are held at amortized cost, apart from the put and call option shown in 2012, which is treated as 
being at fair value through the income statement.

The principal financial assets and liabilities on which financial risks arise are as follows:  

Financial assets
Trade and other receivables – current 
Foreign exchange derivatives 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables – current 
Put and call option liability – inovia Holdings Pty Limited (see note 13) 

  Carrying value  Carrying value
2012
£’000

2013 
£’000 

15,390 
566 
18,211 
34,167 

7,655 
 –  
7,655 

13,546
260
25,096
38,902

5,357
769
6,126

Trade and other receivables – current includes accrued revenue of £1,936,000 (30 September 2012: 
£1,848,000). Trade and other payables – current includes Trade payables, Other tax and social security 
balances plus certain other selected accruals.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly 
affecting the Group’s competitiveness and flexibility.

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and 
policies and, whilst retaining ultimate responsibility for them, it has delegated the authority for designing and 
operating processes that ensure the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the Group’s 
Finance Director.

The principal financial risks to which the Group is exposed are those of liquidity, interest rate, credit, foreign 
currency and capital. Each of these is managed as set out below.

Liquidity risk
In addition to its cash balances the Group has an overdraft facility of £1.5 million which was undrawn as at 
the year end. Most available funds, after meeting working capital requirements, are invested in sterling, euro 
and US dollar deposits with maturities not exceeding three months. Accordingly, liquidity risk is considered to 
be low.

Interest rate risk
The majority of the Group’s cash balances are held with its principal bankers earning interest at variable rates 
of interest. The target yield on deposits is UK base rate plus a margin. To the extent the sterling overdraft is 
utilised it attracts a rate of base plus 2%.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

42

18 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The currency profiles of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2013 are set out below. 

Assets – Cash and cash equivalents
Sterling 
US Dollar 
Euros 
Yen 
Swiss Francs/Australian Dollar 

  Floating rate   Floating rate 
2012
£’000

2013 
£’000 

11,645 
3,223 
2,144 
597 
602 
18,211 

13,428
7,602
2,313
1,133
620
25,096

If interest rates changed by 1%, the profit and loss impact would not be material to the Group’s results in 
either the current or prior year.

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents, derivative instruments and trade and other 
receivables.

Cash balances, predominantly held in the UK, are placed with the Group’s principal bankers who are rated A 
by Standard & Poor’s. During the year funds have been mainly spread between three institutions.

Trade receivable exposures are managed locally in the operating units where they arise. The client base tends 
to be major blue chip organisations or self regulated bodies such as patent agents and legal firms. As a result 
the Group rarely considers a credit check is appropriate but, and where management have doubt, they will 
use their judgement and may impose a credit limit or require payment in advance. No client accounts for 
more than 6% (2012 – 5%) of group revenue and there were no significant concentrations of credit risk at the 
balance sheet date.

Provisions for doubtful debts are established in respect of specific trade and other receivables where it is 
deemed they may be irrecoverable.

Foreign currency risk
Approximately 50% (2012 – 54%) of Group external sales in the reporting period were denominated in Euros 
while the cost base of the Group is predominantly denominated in sterling.

The Group has established spot and forward foreign exchange facilities with its principal bankers and other 
financial institutions that enables it to manage most of its currency exposures on expected future sales over the 
next twelve months.

The Group’s policy is, where possible, to allow Group entities to settle liabilities denominated in the functional 
currency with cash generated in that currency from their own operations. Transaction exposures arise from 
non-local currency sales and purchases by subsidiaries with gains and losses on transactions arising from 
fluctuations in exchange rates being recognised in the income statement. In entities which have a material 
exposure the policy is to seek to manage the risk using forward foreign exchange contracts.

Assets and liabilities of Group entities located in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Japan, China and 
Australia are principally denominated in their respective currencies and are therefore not materially exposed 
to currency risk. On translation to sterling gains or losses arising are recognised directly in equity.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s material foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities at 
the reporting date are as follows: 

43

Euros 
US Dollars 
Swiss Francs 
Yen 
Other 

Liabilities 
2013 
£’000 

Liabilities 
2012 
£’000 

942 
186 
 –  
 –  
59 
1,187 

1,028 
71 
2 
17 
98 
1,216 

Assets 
2013 
£’000 

6,516 
2,997 
577 
457 
121 
10,668 

Assets
2012
£’000

6,668
9,394
770
380
90
17,302

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in sterling against the 
major currencies listed in the table above. The sensitivity analysis includes only the outstanding denominated 
monetary items and adjusts their translation at the end of the period for a 10% change in the sterling 
exchange rate. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where sterling 
weakens against the relevant currency. For a 10% strengthening of sterling against the relevant currency, there 
would be an equal and opposite impact on profit and other equity, and the balances would be negative. 
The sensitivities below are based on the exchange rates at the reporting date used to convert the assets or 
liabilities to sterling.

Euros 
US Dollars 
Swiss Francs 
Yen 

Profit and loss impact
2012
£’000

2013 
£’000 

507 
256 
52 
42 
857 

513
848
70
33
1464

If the exchange rate on uncovered exposures were to move significantly between the year end and date of 
payment or receipt there could be an impact on the Group’s profit. As all financial assets and liabilities are 
short-term in nature this risk is not considered to be material.

Whilst the table above indicates the Group’s gross exposure, in practice this would be reduced as a result of 
the forward foreign currency contracts in place. The fair value of the forward foreign currency contracts at 
30 September 2013 was £566,000 which was confirmed to valuations provided by Barclays Bank plc and 
other financial institutions.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

44

18 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The Group’s derivative financial instruments in place at the year end are as follows:

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts 

An analysis of the group’s forward contracts’ maturity is as follows:

Up to 3 months 
3 to 6 months 
6 to 12 months 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

566 

260

2013 
£’000 

2012
£000

139 
137 
290 
566 

216
44
 – 
260

Capital risk
The Group considers its capital to comprise its ordinary share capital, share premium, other reserves and 
accumulated retained earnings. In managing its capital, the Group’s primary objective is to ensure its 
continued ability to provide a consistent return for its equity shareholders through a combination of capital 
growth and distributions. The Group has historically considered equity funding as the most appropriate form 
of capital for the Group but keeps this under review bearing in mind the risks, costs and benefits to equity 
shareholders of introducing debt finance.

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

2013 
Number 

2013 
£’000 

2012 
Number 

2012
£’000

100,000,000 

5,000 

100,000,000 

5,000

42,315,968 

2,116 

42,315,968 

2,116

19 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each 
Allotted, called up and fully paid
At beginning and end of year 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 SHARE BASED PAYMENT

45

On 2 April 2013 the Company adopted a new share option scheme for employees. Under the scheme, 
options to purchase ordinary shares are granted by the Board of Directors, subject to the exercise price of the 
option being not less than the market value at the grant date. The options typically vest after a period of 2 
years and the vesting schedule is subject to predetermined overall company selection criteria. In the event that 
the option holder’s employment is terminated, the option may not be exercised unless the Board of Directors 
so permits. The options expire 8 years from the date of grant.

Number of 
approved  
 options 

Number of 
unapproved 
 options 

Vesting date  

Exercise 
Price 

Grant 
Date 

 approved  
 options 

unapproved 
 options 

Lapse
Date

32,501 

1,660,141 

6.46 

2 April 2013  2 April 2016  2 April 2015  2 April 2021

A charge of £468,000 (2012: nil) has been made in the accounts relating to share options all of which 
related to equity settled share based payment transactions.

No options were exercised during the year.

The fair values of the share option is estimated as at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing 
model. The following table lists the range of assumptions applied to the options granted in the respective 
period shown.

Weighted average share price at grant 
Weighted average exercise price 
Expected life of option (years) 
Volatility (%) 
Dividend yield (%) 
Risk free interest rate (%) 

Approved 
Option Scheme 

Unnapproved
Option Scheme

6.46 
6.46 
3 
33.5 
2.69 
2 

6.46
6.46
2
33.5
2.69
2

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the 
previous 3 years.

21 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term deposits 

2013 
£’000 

14,161 
4,050 
18,211 

2012
£’000

14,241
10,855
25,096

Short-term deposits have original maturity of three months or less. The fair value of these assets supports their 
carrying value.

There are no restrictions regarding the utilisation of the Group’s cash resources. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

46

22 ACQUISITIONS

Acquisitions during the period

PharmaQuest Limited
On 30 April 2013 the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of PharmaQuest Limited, whose 
principal activity is the provision of technical translations for the medical and pharmaceutical industries, for a 
cash consideration of £2,853,000.

The fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as 
follows:

Net assets acquired:
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible asset – customer relationships 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Goodwill 
Total consideration 
Satisfied by:
Cash 
Cash flow:
Total consideration 
Cash included in undertaking acquired 
Net cash consideration  

Book value 

Fair value 
adjustments 

Fair value

£’000 

£’000 

£’000

1 
 –  
89 
621 
(196) 
– 
515 

 –  
1,391 
 –  
 –  
 –  
(292) 
1,099 

1
1,391
89
621
(196)
(292)
 1,614
 1,239
 2,853

 2,853

 2,853
(621)
 2,232

The intangible assets acquired are to be amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years.

The main factors leading to a recognition of goodwill on the acquisition of PharmaQuest Limited are, the 
presence of certain intangible assets in the acquired entity which do not qualify for separate recognition such 
as the assembled workforce and cost synergies within the Group’s operations in the United Kingdom, and, an 
unidentified proportion representing the balance contributing to profit generation.

PharmaQuest Limited contributed £0.4 million revenue and £0.1 million to the Group’s profit after tax for the 
year between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date. If the acquisition had been completed on 
the first day of the financial year, group revenue for the year would have been £78.2 million and group profit 
£16.1 million.

Acquisition costs of £41,000 have been charged through the Comprehensive Income Statement.

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
inovia Holdings Pty Limited
On 17 September 2013 the Group acquired the remaining two thirds share of inovia for a cash consideration 
of £14,871,000 ($23,350,000).

47

The fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, purchase consideration and goodwill are as 
follows:

Net assets acquired:
Property, plant and equipment 
Intellectual property 
Intangible asset – customer relationships 
Intangible asset – technology based 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Goodwill on acquisition  
Total consideration 
Satisfied by:
Cash 
Deferred consideration 
Fair value of 33% associate 

Cash flow:
Cash consideration 
Cash included in undertaking acquired 
Net cash consideration  

Book value 

Fair value  
adjustments 

Fair value

£’000 

£’000 

£’000

7 
1,025 
 –  
 –  
1,594 
1,971 
(2,849) 
 –  
1,748 

 –  
(1,025) 
2,975 
2,011 
49 
 –  
 –  
(1,047) 
2,963 

7
–- 
2,975
2,011
1,643
1,971
(2,849)
(1,047)
 4,711
 15,106
 19,817

 14,871
 180
 4,766
 19,817

14,871
(1,971)
 12,900

The fair value of the put and call option was deemed negligible at the transaction date.

The intangible assets acquired are to be amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years.

The main factors leading to a recognition of goodwill on the acquisition of inovia Holdings Pty Limited are, the 
presence of certain intangible assets in the acquired entity which do not qualify for separate recognition such 
as the assembled workforce and cost synergies within the Group’s operations in the United Kingdom, and, an 
unidentified proportion representing the balance contributing to profit generation.

inovia Holdings Pty Limited contributed £1.2 million revenue and £0.1 million to the Group’s profit after tax for 
the year between the date of acquisition and the balance sheet date. If the acquisition had been completed 
on the first day of the financial year, group revenue for the year would have been £90.5 million and group 
profit £17.2 million.

Acquisition costs of £133,000 have been charged through the Comprehensive Income Statement.

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

48

23 RELATED PART Y TRANSACTIONS

Prior to the completion of the full acquisition of inovia, sales for the period up to 17 September 2013 (the date 
of acquisition of the remaining two thirds of the business) made by RWS Group to inovia were £4.2 million 
(2012: £1.4 million) and £1,000,000 was owing to RWS at 30 September 2013 (2012: £513,000). This was 
fully discharged in November 2013.

Purchases from inovia over the same period amounted to £235,000 (2012: £10,000) of which £109,000 was 
outstanding at 30 September 2013 (2012: £10,000). Terms of trade are 30 days following invoice date for 
both sales and purchases.

During the year in the normal course of business, RWS provided translation services worth £81,000 
(2012: £75,000) to Learning Technologies Group plc (“LTG”) and Andrew Brode and Peter Mountford have 
an interest in this Company. An amount of £9,000 due from LTG at 30 September 2013 was discharged in 
October 2013 (2012: £55,000).

24 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Group had no material capital commitments contracted for but not provided for in the financial 
statements. (2012: £nil)

25 LEASES

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for its office properties and certain 
equipment. Property leases have various terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights.

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

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

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

806 
1,117 
29 
1,952 

683
647
222
1,552

26 EVENTS SINCE THE REPORTING DATE

No significant events have occurred since 30 September 2013 at the date of authorisation of these financial 
statements. 

RWS Holdings plc

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RWS Holdings plc

Parent Company Financial Statements

50

The following parent entity financial statements are prepared under UK GAAP and relate to the Company and 
not to the Group. The statement of accounting policies which have been applied to these accounts can be 
found on page 51.

Company Balance Sheet
at 30 September

Registered Company 3002645 

Fixed assets 
Investments 

Current assets 
Debtors 
Cash at bank 

Creditors: amounts due within one year 
Net current assets 
Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Share based payment reserve 
Capital reserve 
Retained earnings 
Shareholders’ funds  

2013 
£’000 

13,993 
13,993 

4,013 
10,040 
14,053 
246 
13,807 
27,800 

2,116 
3,583 
468 
2,030 
19,603 
27,800 

Note 

4 

5 

6 

7 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 

2012
£’000

13,525
13,525

3,624
11,017
14,641
290
14,351
27,876

2,116
3,583
–
2,030
20,147
27,876

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue  
on 6 December 2013 and were signed on its behalf by:

Andrew Brode 
Director

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

51

Basis of preparation
These financial statements present financial information for RWS Holdings plc as a separate entity, and 
have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, the Companies Act 2006 and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The Company’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by the European Union, are separately presented. The principal accounting policies adopted in these 
company financial statements are set out below and, unless otherwise indicated, have been consistently 
applied for all periods presented.

In accordance with FRS 18, Accounting policies, the Directors have reviewed the accounting policies of the 
Company as set out below and consider them to be appropriate.

Related party transactions
The Company is exempt under the terms of FRS 8, Related party disclosures, from disclosing related party 
transactions with entities that are part of the Group.

The principal accounting policies are:

Investments
Investments are stated at cost less provision for impairment.

Pensions
Contributions to personal pension plans are charged to the profit and loss account in the period in which 
they fall due.

Dividend distribution
Interim dividends are recorded when they are paid and the final dividends are recorded when they become 
legally payable.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using 
the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Share based payments
The Group and Company provide benefits to certain employees (including certain Executive Directors), in the 
form of share based payment transactions whereby employees render services in exchange for rights over 
shares in the form of share options. These equity settled share based transactions are measured as the fair 
value of the share option at the grant date. The fair value excludes the effect of non market based vesting 
conditions. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of these options can be seen in note 20 of 
the consolidated financial statements.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the share options is expensed on a straight line basis over 
the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of share options that will vest. At each balance sheet 
date the Group revises its estimate of the number of options expected to vest as a result of the effect on non 
market based vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised 
estimate with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.

RWS Holdings plc

Parent Company Financial Statements (continued)

52

2 PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

The Company has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its 
own Profit and Loss Account in these financial statements. The Company profit after tax for the year ended 
30 September 2013 under UK GAAP was £7,064,000 (2012: £6,677,000).

Fees paid to BDO LLP and its associates for non-audit services to the Company itself are not disclosed in 
the individual accounts of RWS Holdings plc because the Company’s consolidated accounts are required to 
disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.

3 DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

There were no employees (2012: nil) of the Company other than the Directors.

The remuneration of the Directors of RWS Holdings plc for services in all capacities is set out below:

Directors’ emoluments 
Pension costs – paid to the Director’s personal pension scheme 

2013 
£’000 

965 
39 
1,004 

2012
£’000

925
42
967

During the year the Company had 7 (2012: 6) directors, including three Non-Executive Directors, providing 
services to the Group.

During the year 4 directors (2012: 4) received contributions to their personal pension schemes.

Emoluments of the highest paid director:
Emoluments 
Pension costs – paid to the Director’s personal pension scheme 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

322 
8 
330 

282
8
290

Details of directors’ remuneration and pension contributions are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 12 to 14.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 INVESTMENTS

53

Cost and net book value at beginning of year 
Additions 
Cost and net book value at beginning and end of year 

2013 
£’000 

13,525 
468 
13,993 

2012
£’000

13,525
–
13,525

The following were the principal wholly owned subsidiary undertakings and have been consolidated in the 
financial statements:

Country of incorporation 

Nature of business 

Beijing RWS Science & Technology Information  
Consultancy Co. Limited 

RWS Group Deutschland GmbH 
(formerly Document Service Center GmbH) 

Eclipse Translations Limited 
RWS Group Schweiz GmbH (formerly Ifama GmbH) 
KK RWS Group  
Lawyers’ and Merchants’ Translation Bureau Inc 
RWS Group GmbH 
RWS Group Limited 
RWS Information Limited 
RWS (Overseas) Limited 
RWS Translations Limited 
PharmaQuest Limited 
inovia Pty Holdings Limited 

China 

Germany 

England 
Switzerland 
Japan 
USA 
Germany 
England 
England 
England 
England 
England 
Australia 

Patent, technical and legal translations 

Technical and legal translations 
Technical and legal translations 
Technical and legal translations 
Patent, technical and legal translations 
Technical and legal translations 
Technical and legal translations 
Holding company 
Patent and technical information searches 
Holding company 
Patent, technical and legal translations 
Technical and medical translations 
Patent filing

All principal subsidiary undertakings, except RWS Group Limited, are held indirectly.

5 DEBTORS

Amounts owed by Group undertakings 
Deferred tax 
Other debtors 
Prepayments 
Amounts due within one year 

2013 
£’000 

3,542 
396 
18 
57 
4,013 

2012
£’000

3,542
–
–
82
3,624

The amounts owed by Group undertakings are repayable on demand and classified as due within one year.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent Company Financial Statements (continued)

54

6 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade Creditors 
Amounts owed to group undertakings 
Accruals 

7 SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each 

Allotted, called up and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 5 pence each
At beginning and end of the year 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

9 
75 
162 
246 

–
124
166
290

2013 
Number 

2013 
£’000 

2012 
Number 

2012
£’000

100,000,000 

5,000 

100,000,000 

5,000

42,315,968 

2,116 

42,315,968 

2,116

8 SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS AND MOVEMENTS ON RESERVES

Share 
premium 
account 

£’000 

3,583  
–  
–  
–  
3,583  

Share 
capital 

£’000 

2,116 
–  
–  
–  
2,116  

Share
based
payment 
reserve 

£’000 

Capital 
reserve 

£’000 

Retained  Shareholders’
funds
earnings 

£’000 

£’000

– 
468  
–  
–  
468  

2,030 
 –  
– 
–  
2,030  

20,147  
–  
(7,608)  
7,064  
19,603  

27,876
468
(7,608)
7,064
27,800

At beginning of year 
Credit arising on share based payment charges  
Dividends  
Profit for the year  
At end of year 

The balance on the capital reserve is an amount not distributable to shareholders and not transferred to the 
profit and loss account.

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

55

Profit for the year 
Credit arising on share based payment charges 
Dividends paid  
Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders’ funds 

Opening shareholders’ funds  
Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders’ funds 
Shareholders’ funds at end of year 

2013 
£’000 

7,064 
468 
(7,608) 
(76) 

27,876 
(76) 
27,800 

2012
£’000

6,677
–
(6,673)
4

27,872
4
27,876

10 GUARANTEES AND OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

In respect of overdraft facilities, the Company, together with certain subsidiary undertakings, has given to 
the Group’s principal bankers cross-guarantees secured by fixed and floating charges over the assets of the 
Group. At the end of the year liabilities covered by these guarantees totalled £nil (2012: £nil).

11 RELATED PART Y TRANSACTIONS

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under Financial Reporting Standard No 8 
“Related Party Transactions” not to disclose any transactions or balances with entities which are part of the 
Group as consolidated financial statements of the ultimate parent company are available from Companies 
House.

12 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no events since 30 September 2013 that require disclosure. 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

Shareholder information

Corporate headquarters  
and Registered office 
No. 3002645 
Europa House  
Chiltern Park 
Chiltern Hill 
Chalfont St Peter 
Buckinghamshire 
SL9 9FG 
United Kingdom 
Tel:  +44 (0)1753 480200 
Fax: +44 (0)1753 480280 

Public relations advisers 
MHP Communications 
60 Great Portland Street 
London W1W 7RT 
Tel:  +44 (0)20 3128 8100 

Nominated adviser and broker 
Numis Securities Limited 
London Stock Exchange Building 
10 Paternoster Square 
London EC4M 7LT 
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7260 1000 

Registrars  
Capita Asset Services 
The Registry 
34 Beckenham Road 
Beckenham 
Kent BR3 4TU 
Tel:  087 1664 0300 
(calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras,  
lines are open 8.30 am – 5.30pm Mon – Fri) 
from outside the UK: +44 (0)20 8639 3399 
Email: ssd@capita.co.uk 

Auditors 
BDO LLP 
55 Baker Street  
London W1U 7EU 

Solicitors 
Olswang 
90 High Holborn 
London WC1V 6XX 

Principal bankers 
Barclays Bank plc 
Level 28 
1 Churchill Place 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 5HP 

RWS Holdings plc

 
 
 
 
 
 
57

RWS Holdings plc

2013 Annual Report RWS Holdings plc