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San Leon Energy

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FY2019 Annual Report · San Leon Energy
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San Leon Energy plc 

Head Office  
3300 Lake Drive  
Citywest Business Campus  
Dublin 24 
Ireland 

Registered address  
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 
Ireland 

sanleonenergy.com

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An independent 
oil and gas company 

Annual Report 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate statement

San Leon Energy plc (“San Leon” or the “Company”) is a 
publicly listed energy company focused on Nigeria. The 
Company currently holds a 10.58% indirect economic 
interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 (“OML 18”), a producing 
asset located onshore Nigeria. 

The Company is aiming to use OML 18 as a platform to become a leading 
independent production and exploration company focused on Nigeria 
and West Africa – by securing and developing further high potential 
asset opportunities that yield value to our shareholders. 

01 Highlights 

02

San Leon at a glance  

04 Our strategy  

44

45

46

Statement of Director’s responsibilities 

Financial statements  

Independent Auditor’s report 

05 Overview / Corporate structure  

52 Consolidated income statement  

06 Chairman’s statement  

53 Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 

08

Four expected cash flow sources 

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

10 Chief Executive’s statement 

56 Company statement of changes in equity  

13 Corporate governance  

14 Board of Directors 

58 Consolidated statement of financial position 

59 Company statement of financial position 

16 Corporate governance statement 

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows  

24

27

Audit Committee report  

61 Company statement of cash flows 

Remuneration Committee report  

62 Notes to the financial statements 

30 Nomination  Committee report  

121 Alternative performance measures 

31

Risk and Safety Committee report  

122 Corporate information 

32 Directors’ report  

39 Corporate Social Responsibility 

42 Country and industry overview 

123 Glossary 

124 Conversion  

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Highlights

Corporate 

• Returned approximately US$66.0 million to shareholders during the year and post year

end delivering on the company’s commitment to shareholder returns:

– Tender offer completed in early 2019, repurchasing US$30.5 million of Company shares

– A share repurchase of US$2.0 million of Company shares was also completed

between October 2019 and January 2020

– A special dividend of US$33.0 million was declared in May 2020.

• Appointed Lisa Mitchell as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director.
• Completed the sale of interests in four Polish concessions to Horizon Petroleum Ltd

as part of the Company’s strategy to dispose of non-core assets.

OML 18 Operational 

• Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (“Eroton”) (the operator of OML 18) received

a 20-year lease renewal for OML 18. The lease will now expire in 2039.

• Gross oil production before allocated losses was around 39,000 bopd. Removing the
effect of field downtime, gross production during uptime was approximately 50,000
bopd (2018: 45,000 bopd).

• Two new wells drilled and completed with the third started (completed in April 2020).

14 workovers were performed during the year (cement packer reservoir zone changes,
gas lift installations and retrofits, perforations and hot oil treatments).

• Oil sales averaged approximately 29,500 bopd (2018: 30,000 bopd) after overall

downtime of 24% (largely associated with NCTL export pipeline downtime) and pipeline
losses of 22% (2018: 12% downtime, 26% pipeline losses).

• Significant progress on planning new oil export pipeline and offshore storage facility,
targeting reduced export downtime and losses – on track to be completed in the
coming quarters.

Financial 

• US$43.2 million received in cash from loan notes mechanism in OML 18 in 2019, further
strengthening San Leon’s financial position and outlook, also enabling the Company
to start to deliver its shareholder return commitment.

•

In January 2019, the Company reported the restructuring of the Reserves Based Lending
(“RBL”) facility held by Eroton which frees up near-term cash resources for operations.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019       1

 
 
 
 
San Leon at a glance

Considerable exploration potential exists across OML 18, 
an asset which is larger than Bahrain

Material reserves 
in Nigeria 

The 2016 Competent Person 
Report (“CPR”) by Petrovision 
Energy Services (“Petrovision”) 
illustrated the scale of the 
reserves applicable to OML 18 
partners. A summary is 
provided in the table below. 

Contingent resources and 
considerable exploration 
potential also exist across an 
asset which is larger than 
Bahrain. Further details 
regarding San Leon’s 
investment in OML 18 can be 
found in Notes 13 and 17 of the 
Financial Statements and in the 
2016 AIM admission document 
in the investors section of the 
Company’s website.  

BURKINA
FASO

BENIN

N I G E R I A

TOGO

Abuja

CHAD

Lagos

G U L

F

O F

G U I N E A

Port 
Harcourt

CAMEROON

N

I

G

E

R   D E L T A

Bonny
Terminal

200km

OML 18

N

0

OML 18 

Oil + Condensate (mmstb^) 

Gas (bscf*) 

Gross technical reserves before economic cut-off 

1P 

389 

3119 

2P 

576 

3213 

3P 

777 

5080 

^ million stock tank barrels of oil.  * billion standard cubic feet of gas.

Other assets 
Nigeria is San Leon’s core area. With the 
exception of the Barryroe Net Profit 
Interest (“NPI”), the Company is seeking 
to monetise or exit all other assets. 

Ireland (Offshore) – Barryroe 
San Leon holds a 4.5% NPI on the 
Barryroe oil field which is located in 
Standard Exploration Licence 1 / 11 in 
the North Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland. 
The field has had six hydrocarbon 
bearing wells successfully drilled on the 
structure. Providence Resources plc 
(the operator of Barryroe) continues to 
market the asset to gain a farm-in 
partner in order to progress to appraisal 
and development. The Directors note the 
delays to the planned work programme 
in 2019 and funding uncertainty created 
by a planned farm-in not completing. 
However, with the recent successful raise 
of additional working capital, change in 
directorship and reduction of corporate 
overheads the Directors believe that 
further progress will be made. 

Despite this, the Directors have reviewed 
information regarding timing, oil price, 
costs and risk, and consider it prudent to 
impair the carrying value of the Barryroe 
4.5% NPI down to US$2.8 million, until 
the Directors are confident that 
necessary funding and a development 
plan is in place. 

Albania 
San Leon holds a 100% participating 
interest in the Durresi Block, offshore 
Albania. The licence area contains the 
A4-1X gas / condensate / light oil discovery, 
along trend from several existing 
analogous discoveries / developments in 
Italian waters, as well as several undrilled 
oil and gas prospects. The Company 
continues to negotiate to enter the 
appraisal stage, with a view to farming  
out the asset. In the previous year the 
Company impaired the asset to nil value 
to reflect the time that farm out is taking. 

Poland 
In August 2019, the Company completed 
the sale of interests in four Polish 

concessions to Horizon Petroleum Ltd 
as part of the Company’s strategy to 
monetise non-core assets. 

NovaSeis 
The assets of NovaSeis are planned to 
be sold as part of the Company’s exit 
from Poland. 

Ardilaun 
As part of the consideration for the sale 
of Island Oil & Gas Limited to Ardilaun 
Energy Limited (“Ardilaun”) in 2014, 
Ardilaun agreed to issue shares 
equivalent to 15% of the issued share 
capital of Ardilaun to San Leon Energy 
plc. The Directors consider it appropriate 
to impair the asset to nil value to reflect 
the uncertainty in timing for the assets 
within Island Oil & Gas Limited to receive 
approval by the Irish authorities. 

2         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

OML 23

DEGEMA

BUGUMA

Port 
Harcourt

Apara

GTS 4GTS 4
GTS 4
Gas Line
Gas Line
Gas Line

OML 2006
OML 2006
OML 2006

Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt
Oil Refinery
Oil Refinery
Oil Refinery

Ajokpori

Ebubu

05

Greater Port
Harcourt Swamp
Line (GPHSL)

Buguma
Creek

Asaritoru

Orubiri

Idama

OML 55

Jokka

OML18

Alakiri

Bille

Eastern Gas
Gathering
System
(EGGS-1)

Krakama
East

OGONI

Notore
N’tore
Notore
Chemicals
Chemicals
Chemicals

Onne

Dawes
Dawes
Dawes
Island
Island
Island

OML 11

Alakiri
East

Awoba

Krakama

OML 24

Nembe
Nembe
Nembe
Creek
Creek
Creek
Trunk Line
Trunk Line
Trunk Line
(NCTL)
(NCTL)
(NCTL)

OML 25

OPL 278

Ke

Cawthorne
Channel

Hughes
Channel

OML 55
OML 55
OML 55

Akaso

YELLOW
ISLAND

GTS 4
Gas Line

Nembe 
Creek
Trunk Line
(NCTL)

Asaramatoru

Bonny
Island

1

2

3

1. Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)
1.1. Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)
Bonny Oil Terminal (Shell)

2. NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal
2.2. NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal
NLNG Bonny LNG Terminal

3. MPN Bonny 
River Terminal 
(Exxon Mobil) 

OML 52

Bonny
Terminal

OML 141

OML 55

OML 74

OML 467

OML 72

Proposed
FSO location

OML 151

OPL 2012

OPL 126

OPL 119

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019       3

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Our strategy

The Company’s strategy is to become a leading independent 
production and exploration company focused on West Africa

We are seeking to achieve this by using  
our technical and operational expertise  
in securing production and near-term 
operating cash flow which will yield value  
to our shareholders whilst continuing to forge 
close links with governments, partners and 
the local communities that we operate in.  
We are targeting further dividend 
distributions to shareholders from our 
expected future cash flow. 

4         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Overview

San Leon holds an initial indirect 10.58% economic 
interest in OML 18

NNPC

55%

Bilton

1.8%

2%

Bilton

Governed by JOA

Sahara

16.2%

Eroton

27%

98%

Martwestern

100%

MLPL

40%

60%

Midwestern

55%

2.34%

10.58%*

15.88%

16.2%

Direct interest in OML 18

Initial economic interest in OML 18

The parties in the OML 18 
shareholding structure are 
described below. 

NNPC: Nigerian National Petroleum 
Corporation is the state oil corporation  
of Nigeria.  

Eroton: Eroton Exploration and 
Production Company Limited is the 
current operator that completed  
the purchase of 45% of OML 18 for 
US$1.1 billion from Shell, Total and ENI 
in March 2015. Following a farm out to 
Sahara and Bilton (see below), Eroton 
now holds a 27% interest in the licence. 

Sahara: Sahara Field Production Limited 
is a Nigerian privately-owned integrated 
oil and gas company – part of a power 
and energy conglomerate established in 
1996. Effective 16.2% stake was part of 
Eroton’s original 45% purchase. 

MLPL: Midwestern Leon Petroleum 
Limited, a Mauritian incorporated 
special purpose vehicle, holding the 
combined OML 18 interest of both  
San Leon and Midwestern Oil & Gas 
Company Limited, through Martwestern. 

Bilton: Bilton Energy Limited is an 
indigenous company whose entry costs 
into OML 18 were carried by certain 
partners. Bilton has a 1.8% direct  
interest in OML 18 and also owns 
50% of Eroton. 

Midwestern: Midwestern Oil and Gas 
Company Limited is a Nigerian company 
awarded operatorship of Umusadege 
Marginal Field located in OML 56, Nigeria, 
in 2003, increasing production from 
3,000 to ~20,000 bopd. 

Martwestern: Martwestern Energy 
Limited is a Nigerian company 100%- 
owned by Midwestern Leon Petroleum 
Limited (“MLPL”). Martwestern owns 
50% of Eroton (Bilton owns the 
remaining 50%).

 * After various financial and production hurdles 
are met, San Leon’s indirect economic interest 
in OML 18 reduces to 5.4%.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019       5

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Chairman’s statement

San Leon has continued to make significant progress 
in the last year. The Company’s financial position and 
outlook has been further strengthened in 2019 through 
the receipt of US$43.2 million in cash from the loan 
notes mechanism in its OML 18 investment, enabling 
us to carry out the inaugural distribution of returns 
to our shareholders through share repurchases. 
A further US$41.5 million in cash was received in 
2020 after the reporting period. 

Last year I reported the significant 
progress which was being made to 
address the operational and financial 
challenges with the Company’s 
involvement in OML 18, onshore Nigeria. 
This year has seen further progress in 
this regard. Eroton has continued to drill 
new wells throughout 2019 as well as 
ensuring that the new oil export system 
would become operational during 2020 – 
this remains on track to be delivered in 
Q4 2020. Eroton has also succeeded in 
restructuring the RBL (“Reserve Based 
Lending”) facility which frees up 
near-term cash resources for operations, 
which is again very welcome. The future 
tenure of the OML 18 block was also 
secured in 2019 by Eroton with the 
award of a 20-year licence extension. 

West Africa, focusing on Nigeria, is where 
San Leon’s activities and resources will 
continue to be concentrated, and we 
expect this focus to continue to deliver 
value for shareholders. 

The Company still retains two 
non-Nigerian, non-core assets. These 
are the Durresi block offshore Albania, 
for which a farm out is being sought, 
and the Company’s Net Profit Interest 
(“NPI”) in the Barryroe field, offshore 
Ireland, where the operator, Providence 
Resources plc, is currently seeking  
a partner to fund appraisal and 
development drilling. 

During the year, the Company fulfilled 
its pledge of returning value to 
shareholders and has now returned 
approximately US$66.0 million to 
shareholders since the start of 2019. 
This was delivered by repurchasing 
US$30.5 million of its own shares 
through a tender offer in March 2019, 

and the repurchase of a further US$2.0 
million of Company shares was completed 
between October 2019 and January 2020. 
The Company also declared a special 
dividend of US$33.0 million after the 
reporting period in May 2020. 

In June 2019 we welcomed Lisa Mitchell 
as Chief Financial Officer and Executive 
Director. Lisa has extensive and varied 
financial expertise as well as local 
Nigerian experience. Lisa worked 
previously as Chief Financial Officer at 
Lekoil Limited and Ophir Energy plc, 
having also held senior financial and 
Company Secretary positions with 
various other companies both in natural 
resources and other industries. Post 
year end, the Company appointed 
Adekolapo Ademola as a Non-Executive 
Director. Adekolapo brings a wealth of 
experience across a variety of disciplines 
with a strong focus on Nigeria. The 
Company would also like to thank the 
previous Finance Director, Ewen 
Ainsworth and Non-Executive Director, 
Bill Higgs for their service and wish 
them both well for the future. 

Environment, Social and Governance 
(“ESG”) is an area of increasing 
importance for businesses and 
shareholders. This is an area to which 
San Leon continues to be committed 
and is in the process of developing  
its own ESG strategy, which the 
Company anticipates will meet all  
the expectations of good international 
industry practice. As part of this we  
will continue ongoing engagement with 
all stakeholders and governments to 
ensure that we operate our business  
in a way that is sustainable and 
benefits the local communities in 

“ The Company’s financial 
position has gone from 
strength to strength since 
this time last year.” 

  Mutiu Sunmonu 
  Chairman 

6         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

US$43.2 m 

Receipt of US$43.2 million in cash 
from OML 18 investment

20-year

The future tenure of the OML 18 
block was also secured in 2019 by 
Eroton with the award of a 20-year 
licence extension

“This year has seen further 
progress, Eroton continued to drill 
new wells throughout 2019.” 

which we have a presence. The 
Company implemented several initiatives 
during the course of 2019 in Nigeria 
including the provision of educational 
support for disadvantaged children, the 
building of a new medical centre, and 
construction of a new classroom block  
at a school in Benue State has begun. 
This is in addition to our ongoing 
support of small women-led enterprises 
in Nassarawa and Benue States and the 
installation of motorised water boreholes. 

Subsequent to year end, there has been 
significant turmoil in the financial 
markets due to the impact of the 
Covid-19 pandemic. This, along with 
certain geopolitical issues, has also led to 
a sharp fall and continued volatility in the 
oil price. Although this sharp decline is 
concerning, we do not expect significant 
long term impacts to our indirect 
interest in OML 18 or upon the Loan 

Notes, due to Eroton taking necessary 
steps to defer some operational and 
capital expenditure, observing work from 
home where possible for office 
employees, adjusting field location 
rotations and managing working capital. 
In addition to this, San Leon is in a 
strong financial position with cash on 
hand at 19 June 2020 of US$36.5 million. 
This allows the Company not only to 
survive the on-going market turmoil, but 
to take advantage of potential 
value-adding opportunities. The 
Company continues to monitor the 
situation and managing its financial 
position accordingly. 

On receipt of US$40.0 million in Loan 
Note repayments in May 2020, the 
company amended the terms of the 
Loan Notes, extending the term out to 
December 2021. The Company 
anticipates a further cash receipt of 

US$10.0 million in October 2020, with 
the remaining outstanding balance, 
including interest, being repaid in H2 
2021. With its increasing technical 
involvement in OML 18, relationships 
in-country, and strong balance sheet, 
San Leon is well-positioned to continue 
to realise value for shareholders from 
Nigeria. I look forward with confidence 
to updating shareholders on the 
achievement of these aims. 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Chairman 

24 June 2020

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019       7

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Four expected cash flow sources

Strong cash flow enabled  
the Company to complete  
a US$30.5 million share 
repurchase programme in 
March 2019, a further US$2.0 
million between October  
2019 to January 2020 and 
declared a US$33.0 million 
special dividend in May 2020. 

US$43.2 million received in 
Loan Note payments in 2019, 
and a further US$41.5 million 
to date in 2020.

1

Loan notes repayment 
and interest

The Company entered into a Loan Notes 
agreement in September 2016 with 
MLPL, whereby, once certain conditions 
have been met and using an agreed 
distribution mechanism, San Leon would 
be repaid the par value of US$174.5 
million* plus an annual coupon of 17% 
(accounted for as US$152.0 million at an 
annual 25% coupon under IFRS) through 
to 2020. In April 2020, it was agreed that 
the loan term would be extended 
through to 2021. The coupon would 
continue to accrue on the outstanding 
balance. By 31 December 2019, San 
Leon had received total cash inflows of 
US$149.1 million (interest and principal) 
due under the terms of the Loan Note. 
During H1 2020, a further payment of 
US$41.5 million was received, bringing 
total cash receipts to date to US$190.6 
million, leaving US$82.1 million* at par 
value (before interest) (accounted for as 
US$79.5 million under IFRS) outstanding 
as of 6 April 2020. 

Such receipts to date have largely been 
paid on behalf of MLPL due to the 
existence of guarantees to the Company 
under the Loan Notes instruments. 
The Company expects to receive a 
further US$10.0 million in 2020 with the 
remaining outstanding balance in 2021, 
and the Board, having assessed the risk 
of non-payment, anticipates that MLPL 
will continue to make Loan Notes 

repayments, noting that San Leon has 
various guarantees and a share pledge 
in place which provide some security for 
payments due to the Company under 
the Loan Notes. 

2

Services 
revenue

San Leon provides certain technical 
services in relation to subsurface work on 
OML 18. The Company also has a Master 
Services Agreement to provide certain 
rig-related services to Eroton. 

The Directors believe there will be a 
drilling hiatus on OML 18 due to the 
current oil price environment, and drilling 
may recommence during Q3 2021. 
Current expectation of services income is 
a continuation of the contract for its 
subsurface technical input and leadership. 

No income has yet been recognised for 
technical services or under the Master 
Services Agreement. 

Indirect
equity interest

3

Eroton is the Operator of OML 18 while 
San Leon has a defined partner role 
through its shareholding in MLPL. San 
Leon provides technical support to Eroton. 

No dividend has been paid by MLPL in 
2019 because OML 18 cash flow has not 
been as hoped due to the operational 
issues summarised below. 

Firstly, the majority of the 24% production 
downtime in 2019 was caused by 
problems in the third-party terminal and 
gathering system. Underlying production 
(production at the wellhead before 
pipeline losses) from the assets was 
approximately 50,000 bopd during 2019 
before that downtime. This issue is being 
addressed by the planned implementation 
of the new export pipeline and Floating 
Storage and Offloading (“FSO”) project, 
which has secured all necessary 
permissions and much of the equipment 
for which is now in country. Reducing 
field downtime is also expected to 
improve overall well performance. This is 
due to decreasing the time taken to bring 

all wells back to normal production rates 
again once the field is back operating. 

Secondly, pipeline losses have been 
allocated to all operators by the Bonny 
Terminal operator. The 22% pipeline 
losses (reducing 2019 field oil sales 
further to approximately 29,500 bopd) 
have been a significant burden on net oil 
sales, albeit a lower level of pipeline 
losses than in 2018. The reason for the 
reduced pipeline losses is partially due 
to the installation of Lease Automatic 
Custody Transfer (“LACT”) units in late 
2018 to make sure that the OML 18 
partners have fiscal metering of the oil 
prior to export into the gathering system. 
In the longer term, the export pipeline 
and FSO system mentioned above will 
provide additional control. 

Removing the above challenges will 
enable greater capital allocation to 
production growth and support future 
dividends from Eroton to the Company 
via its initial indirect 10.58% economic 
interest in OML 18. 

As announced in January 2019, Eroton 
successfully refinanced the RBL facility 
with the effect of significantly reducing 
near-term RBL repayments, as well as 
reducing the Debt Service Reserve 
Account (“DSRA”) requirement to 
approximately US$50.0 million. 

The future ability of MLPL to pay 
dividends to its shareholders (including 
to San Leon) will require future 
payments of dividends by Eroton to 
Martwestern and from Martwestern 
to MLPL, and the settlement of MLPL’s 
Loan Notes obligations. 

The Directors have assessed the 
carrying value of the equity interest in 
MLPL, considering the above issues 
(Note 13), and have determined that  
it is not impaired. 

Barryroe net  
profit interest

4

The Company’s 4.5% Net Profit Interest in 
Barryroe oil field, offshore Ireland, provides 
a zero cost potential future cash stream. 

At year end, the Company has impaired 
the Net Profit Interest down to  
US$2.8 million.

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

8         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
US$30.5 million 

Share repurchase programme  
in March 2019

US$33.0 million 

Special dividend in May 2020

Cash generation, our current portfolio of potential 
sources for cash flow is:

NEAR TERM 

MEDIUM TERM

LONG TERM 

1 

Loan 
Notes

Payment 
under the 
Loan Notes.

2 

Services

Income from the provision of rig-based drilling and workover 
(and associated) services, and production services, under a Master 
Services Agreement (“MSA”) with Eroton, the operator of OML 18, 
and/or provision of subsurface technical services to Eroton.

3 

Dividend

Dividend payments as a consequence of holding an initial 
indirect 10.58% economic interest in OML 18.

4 

Net Profit 
Interest

4.5% Barryroe  
Net Profit 
Interest (through 
potential income 
or a potential 
sale).

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019       9

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Chief Executive’s statement

OML 18 is positioned for its next stage in development

2019 saw significant progress being made at OML 18 
as the partners looked to advance the asset to its  
next phase of development.

Eroton continued drilling three new  
wells as well as ensuring considerable 
progress on the new oil export system 
(Alternative Crude Oil Evacuation and 
Storage system, or “ACOES”). Together, 
these activities are expected to enable 
Eroton to reap rewards for the partners 
and shareholders, including San Leon, as 
historic operational hurdles are overcome.  

Downtime and allocated pipeline losses 
associated with the use of the Nembe 
Creek Trunk Line (“NCTL”) have meant 
that both gross production at the 
wellhead and sales oil volumes were 
lower than expected. Gross oil 
production, taking out the effect of 
NCTL downtime, was around 50,000 
bopd. Sales oil, including the effects of 
downtime and allocated losses, was 
around 29,500 bopd. It is notable that 
the pipeline losses attributable to OML 
18 in 2019 were lower than 2018 (22%  
in 2019 versus 26% in 2018). This was 
largely due to the installation of  
LACT units on most of its production.  
The higher downtime in 2019 (24% 
compared with 12% in 2018) reflects  
a particularly challenging performance 
from NCTL, highlighting the need for  
an alternative. 

The most positive impact on OML 18  
oil sales is expected to be Eroton’s 
agreement with Energy Link 
Infrastructure (Malta) Limited (“ELI”).  
ELI will finance and construct the ACOES 
and once commissioned, this system  
is expected, by Eroton, to significantly 
reduce the downtime and allocated 
pipeline losses currently associated with 
the NCTL. The NCTL was responsible  
for the majority of the approximately 
20,000 bopd difference between gross 
production, when the pipeline is running, 
and average sales oil. In addition, it is 
anticipated that the FSO project will 
greatly improve overall well uptime. 

In January 2019, San Leon also 
announced that Eroton had successfully 
restructured its RBL facility, providing  
a material boost to cash availability for 

operations, and reducing the burden 
of cash required in the DSRA. 

San Leon is becoming increasingly 
involved with the subsurface technical 
input into OML 18 and has a contract 
to provide such services on OML 18, 
providing geoscience and engineering 
resource into well and reservoir 
planning. We believe that OML 18 is 
a world class asset and one that  
we look forward to developing further 
with our partners.  

Other assets 
San Leon holds a 4.5% NPI over the 
whole of the Barryroe oil and gas 
discovery, offshore Ireland. An NPI 
structure means that San Leon has  
no costs whatsoever with regard to 
Barryroe but has a right to a share of 
profits from the asset once Barryroe 
equity holders’ costs have been 
recovered. Providence Resources plc 
(the operator of Barryroe) continues  
to seek a farm-in partner to progress 
appraisal and potential development. 

The Company continues to discuss with 
the Albanian authorities the next phase 
of exploration on the offshore Durresi 
licence. The main target of interest on 
the block has an offset discovery (well 
A4-1X), and the recent installation by 
third parties of major gas pipeline 
infrastructure in the area provides 
additional options for asset 
monetisation. A farm-in partner is 
currently being sought for this block. 

Cash flow 
The Company has four anticipated 
sources of cash flow. As of 31 December 
2019, cash receipts totalling US$149.1 
million have come from the repayment 
of Loan Notes, including interest. The 
outstanding balance payable as of 
6 April 2020 is US$82.1 million* at par 
value (US$79.5 million under IFRS), 
which continues to accrue interest. 
Final payment of the Loan Notes is 
anticipated in late 2021. 

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and 

Alternative Performance Measures.

“The Company is in a very 
strong situation armed 
with such significant 
cash, and together  
with its professional 
relationships and  
people, believes it is 
well-positioned to grow 
and add further value  
to shareholders.”

  Oisín Fanning 
  CEO

10       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

“San Leon is committed to meeting high 
standards of ESG practices across all 
aspects of the business.” 

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                                                                         SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019     11

 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement continued

The Company’s balance sheet is robust with cash on 
hand as at 19 June 2020 of US$36.5 million

increasing importance. This is an area in 
which San Leon is committed to meeting 
high standards of ESG practices across 
all aspects of the business. The 
Company is committed to the countries 
in which it operates and is dedicated 
to promoting sustainable growth as  
well as providing support to local 
communities in Nigeria. The Company 
firmly believes that by providing the 
younger generation with the valuable 
skills and education needed to succeed, 
the whole country will benefit from 
growth and prosperity. 

Outlook 
Oil price has been significantly affected 
since the beginning of Q1 2020, due  
to the combined effects of Covid-19 
affecting demand, and quota 
disagreements within OPEC regarding 
how to deal with that reduction in 
demand. This uncertainty presents the 
Company with both risks and 
opportunities. The company’s Statement 
of Financial Position is robust with cash 
in hand as at 19 June 2020 of US$36.5 
million, which we believe puts us in a 
strong position to continue moving 
forward with our strategy and capitalise 
on current market turmoil with accretive 
opportunities. The Company is 
monitoring events closely, maintaining 
its financial strength whilst being ready 
to pursue any appropriate opportunities 
that may arise. 

I look forward to updating shareholders 
with news of the planned continued 
operational activity on OML 18, its  
effect on net production, and how our 
various expected cash flow streams are 
performing. The Company is in a very 
strong situation armed with such 
significant cash, and together with its 
professional relationships and people, 
believes it is well-positioned to grow and 
add further value to shareholders. 

Company announced that a number of 
parties, including San Leon and SunTrust 
had signed binding agreements which 
terminated all litigation against San Leon, 
and preclude any future such litigation. 
No consideration was paid by either 
party to the other.  

Also, in June 2019, Midwestern Oil & Gas 
Limited, the Company’s partner in MLPL, 
increased their shareholding in San Leon. 

The appointment of Lisa Mitchell as Chief 
Financial Officer and Executive Director 
in 2019 has provided the Company with 
considerable financial as well as local 
Nigerian expertise. In April 2020, the 
Company added further strength to  
the Board with the appointment of 
Adekolapo Ademola as a Non-Executive 
Director, who brings with him extensive 
corporate Nigerian experience. 

ESG 
As discussed in the Chairman’s 
statement ESG is becoming an area of 

Oisín Fanning 
CEO 

24 June 2020

The Company will also generate income 
from the provision of subsurface 
technical services to Eroton. In addition, 
future OML 18 rig activity is an 
opportunity for the Company to 
generate income from the provision  
of services under its Master Service 
Agreement with Eroton. 

Cash flow from the Company’s indirect 
shareholding in Eroton is anticipated 
once OML 18 is generating sufficient  
free cash flow. 

Corporate 
The first shareholder returns were 
provided in 2019 via share buybacks, in 
line with the Company’s announced policy. 

During May 2018 the first of several 
allegations by SunTrust Oil (“SunTrust”) 
were made in the Nigerian press, against 
San Leon and other entities. The 
Company made it clear that all such 
allegations were spurious and would be 
vigorously defended. In June 2019 the 

12       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Corporate governance

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc are committed  
to maintaining high standards of corporate governance 
to ensure the Company is run effectively. We aim to 
conduct our business in an open, honest and ethical 
manner. The Board is accountable to shareholders for 
good corporate governance and has adopted the 
procedures set out below in this regard.

14 Board of Directors  

16 Corporate governance statement 

24 Audit Committee report  

27 Remuneration Committee report  

30 Nomination Committee report  

31 Risk and Safety Committee report  

32 Directors’ report 

39 Corporate Social Responsibility 

42 Country and industry overview 

44

Statement of Director’s responsibilities 

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019     13

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Board of Directors

San Leon Energy is led by a team of 
specialist industry professionals

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Non-Executive Chairman

Oisín Fanning 
Chief Executive Officer

Joel Price 
Chief Operating Officer

Lisa Mitchell 
Chief Financial Officer

Background and experience: Mr Sunmonu has led the Company as Non-Executive Chairman since 
the purchase of our indirect economic interest in OML 18 in September 2016. Mr Sunmonu is a 
former managing director of Shell Petroleum Development Company and was country chairman of 
Shell companies in Nigeria from 2008 to February 2015. He led Shell’s multi-billion dollar operations  
in Nigeria employing over 4000 direct staff with revenue contribution to the Nigerian Government of 
~$70 billion dollars during 2009 – 2013. He has worked in the industry for over 36 years in Nigeria,  
the UK and the Netherlands. His strategic vision, proven track record and deep knowledge of Nigeria, 
brings valuable Nigerian operating experience and relationships to San Leon Energy plc.  
Committee memberships: Chair of Risk and Safety Committee, Member of Audit, 
Remuneration and Nomination Committees.  

(Appointed 21 September 2016) 

Background and experience: Mr Fanning has almost 30 years’ experience in structured finance, 
stockbroking and corporate finance, with 22 years specialising in the oil and gas industry. Formerly  
CEO of Astley & Pearce Ltd., MMI Stockbrokers, and Smart Telecom plc, Oisín was closely involved with 
the restructuring of Dana Petroleum plc in the early 1990s, and was heavily involved with broking of 
Tullow Oil plc shares early in its growth phase. Oisín is both visionary and deeply practical in pursuing 
business goals on behalf of stakeholders. He recognises the importance of finding and developing 
talented people and building relationships with local governments, partners and communities. 
Committee memberships: Member of Nomination Committee. 

(Appointed 16 September 1995) 

Background and experience: Mr Price is a petroleum engineer with 25 years’ experience, having 
worked across well operations, reservoir engineering, production optimisation, asset management  
and business development. He was instrumental in the drilling and hydraulic fracturing of the first 
multi-fracked horizontal wells in Poland. Joel was previously in various technical roles with Hess in  
the UK and Algeria, including extensive well workover and field rehabilitation, followed by three years  
as Business Development Manager at Delta Hydrocarbons BV in The Netherlands (evaluating 
opportunities worldwide). He holds a BA Hons. in Natural Sciences (Geology) from Cambridge 
University, an MEng in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, and an MBA with  
distinction from Durham University. 
Committee memberships: Member of Risk and Safety Committee. 

(Appointed 21 September 2016)

Background and experience: Ms Mitchell is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with over 25 years’ 
international experience, across the oil and gas, mining and the pharmaceutical industries. She was most 
recently CFO and Executive Director of Lekoil Limited (AIM: LEK), the African focused oil and gas 
exploration and production company with interests in Nigeria. Previously, Lisa was CFO and Executive 
Director at Ophir Energy plc, formerly a FTSE 250 company (LSE:OPHR) where she was responsible for 
contributing to the overall business strategy of Ophir; leading the finance function including all financial, 
taxation, treasury and funding requirements and investor relations. Lisa’s previous roles include CSL 
Limited, (ASX top 50) and Mobil Oil Australia. Lisa is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia) and 
holds a Bachelor of Economics (major in Accounting) from La Trobe University, Melbourne and a 
Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia.  

(Appointed 30 June 2019)  

Background and experience: Mr Campbell has 17 years’ experience in international business, banking 
and the oil & gas industry. He has project managed international merger, acquisition and divestment 
transactions valued at over US$350 million – including origination, negotiation, due diligence, deal 
structuring, closing, post deal integration and management. Mr Campbell holds a Master’s Degree in 
Project Finance & Venture Management (First Class Honours). He has extensive commercial, evaluation, 
and strategic expertise, and ability to project manage and deliver objectives in often complex 
multi-faceted transactions. 

Alan Campbell: Director  
of Commercial & Business 
Development and  
Company Secretary

(Appointed 21 September 2016)

14       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Background and experience: Ms Beal has over 30 years’ experience with PwC including as a partner  
for 16 years specialising in the natural resources sector. She was also a partner for two years and 
became global leader for energy and natural resources at Grant Thornton. She has extensive experience 
of advising groups with African assets. Ms Beal is a chartered accountant and holds a degree in 
Mathematics from Nottingham University. Ms Beal is currently Non-Executive Director at Kropz plc, 
Aminex plc, Orca Exploration Group Inc and i3 Energy plc. 
Committee memberships: Chair of Audit Committee and Member of Remuneration Committee. 

Linda Beal: Independent 
Non-Executive Director

(Appointed 16 January 2018) 

Background and experience: Mr Phillips was a founding partner of private equity firm Penta Capital 
LLP and had previously been a senior investment executive with the private equity team at Royal Bank  
of Scotland plc. He holds an honours degree in Economics and Law from the University of Strathclyde  
as well as an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. He is a member of The Merchant Company of 
Edinburgh and brings a wealth of economic, financial investment and strategic advice to the Board. 
Committee memberships: Chair of Nomination and Remuneration Committees and  
Member of Audit Committee. 

Mark Phillips: Independent 
Non-Executive Director

(Appointed 21 September 2016) 

Background and experience: Mr Ademola is a marketing and business strategy specialist with over  
30 years’ experience. A Business Management graduate from the University of Jos, Nigeria with further 
training in the USA and UK. With extensive consulting experience across multiple industry sectors added 
to his 17+ years of involvement in the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector; Mr Ademola brings valuable regional 
knowledge, expertise and relationships to San Leon Energy plc. 

(Appointed 7 April 2020)

Adekolapo Ademola: 
Non-Executive Director 

Previous Directors

Bill Higgs: Independent Non-Executive Director  

(Appointed 22 May 2018, Resigned 18 May 2020) 

Ewen Ainsworth: Finance Director  

(Appointed 21 September 2016, Resigned 30 June 2019)

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019     15

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc are committed to 
maintaining high standards of corporate governance

Corporate Governance 

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc 
are committed to maintaining high 
standards of corporate governance to 
ensure the Company is run effectively. 
We aim to conduct our business in an 
open, honest and ethical manner. The 
Board is accountable to shareholders 
for good corporate governance and 
has adopted the procedures set out 
below in this regard. 

The Board adopted the principles of the 
Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 
Governance Code (“QCA Code”). The 
QCA Code is based on ten principles that 
focus on the pursuit of medium to long 
term value for shareholders. The QCA 
has stated what it considers to be 
appropriate arrangements for growing 
companies and asks companies to 
provide an explanation about how they 
are meeting the principles through the 
prescribed disclosures. We have 
considered how we apply each principle 
to the extent that the Board judges 
these to be appropriate in view of the 
Company’s size, strategy, resources and 
stage of development, and below we 
provide an explanation of the approach 
taken in relation to each. 

This report explains in broad terms 
how the Company applies the main 
principles of the QCA Code. We have 
identified one area where we are not in 
full compliance with the guidelines of 
the QCA Code detailed on page 20. 
This deviation is to Principle 5 – 
Maintain the Board as a well- 
functioning, balanced team led by the 
Chair and relates to the participation 
of Non-Executive Directors in the 
Company’s share option scheme and 
the impact on their independence.  

performance through timely and 
relevant reporting procedures. 

The Board plays a central role in 
developing and maintaining the 
Company’s culture and values by setting 
the ‘tone from the top’, defining the 
behaviours expected by the Board and 
ensuring that ethical standards are 
upheld. Thus, the Board aims for the 
right balance between entrepreneurial 
leadership and prudent and effective 
risk management, which are vital to 
maintaining a sustainable business and 
creating value for shareholders. 

The QCA Code requires that the boards 
of AIM companies have an appropriate 
balance between Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and should 
have at least two Independent 
Non-Executive Directors – a requirement 
which has been satisfied. 

On 17 January 2019 the Board appointed 
Alan Campbell, Director of Commercial & 
Business Development, as Company 
Secretary with immediate effect. 

At the date this Annual Report is 
published, the Board comprises the 
Chairman, four Executive Directors and 
three Non-Executive Directors. The 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
are Mutiu Sunmonu (appointed 
21 September 2016), Linda Beal 
(appointed 16 January 2018) and Mark 
Phillips (appointed 21 September 2016). 
On 7 April 2020 Mr Adekolapo Ademola 
was appointed to the Board as a 
Non-Independent Non-Executive 
Director on behalf of Midwestern Oil 
and Gas Company Limited. The following 
paragraphs set out the Company’s 
compliance with the ten principles of 
the QCA Code. 

The Board 

The Board is responsible for setting the 
overall strategy of the business, 
reviewing management performance 
and ensuring the Group has sufficient 
financial and human resources to meet 
its objectives. It directs the Group’s 
activities in an effective manner through 
Board meetings and monitors 

Establish a strategy and 
business model which 
promote long-term value 
for shareholders 

The Board establishes the Company’s 
strategy which is reviewed at regular 
strategy meetings. The Executive 
Directors led by the Chief Executive 

Officer are responsible for executing 
the strategy once agreed by the Board. 
All developments in the Company’s 
business are communicated to the 
shareholders via Regulatory News 
Service (“RNS”) announcements, Annual 
Report and Accounts, half yearly 
announcements and in investor 
presentations at the Company’s 
Annual General Meetings. 

The Company’s overall strategic objective 
is to secure and develop high-potential 
asset opportunities in West Africa and 
produce a near-term operating cash 
flow, yielding value to shareholders. 
We plan to grow the Company by 
carefully selecting new opportunities, 
particularly in Nigeria where we can 
achieve this through our technical 
expertise, operational capabilities and 
industry contacts, secured by the close 
links we forge with governments and the 
local communities. We have built our 
industry reputation as a capable 
operator in various European and 
African countries and our key asset is 
now the indirect economic interest in 
OML 18 – a world class asset onshore 
Nigeria. The Company continues to seek 
to monetise or otherwise dispose of its 
non-core assets and in keeping with 
that strategy allowed the Tarfaya Basin, 
Zag Basin and Tarfaya Oil Shale licences 
in Morocco to lapse in 2019. 

Key challenges and risks around meeting 
this strategy and mitigants are detailed 
in the Directors’ report on page 32. 
These are namely: 

•

continued financial strength through
MLPL Loan Note repayments; and

•

partnership risk.

Risk assessment and evaluation is an 
essential part of the Company’s planning 
and an important aspect of the 
Company’s internal control system. 
The Company strives to develop strong 
working relationships with its partners 
and suppliers in its various operating 
locations to manage and mitigate the 
operational risks. 

We are committed to operating a 
sustainable business and plan to 
incorporate Environmental, Social 
and Governance aspects to all future 
opportunities reviewed. 

16       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Capital distribution policy 
As part of the Company’s strategy to 
generate value for shareholders, within 
the Admission Document published in 
September 2016, the Company set out 
a shareholder distribution policy. The 
ability for the Company to make such 
distributions is dependent both upon 
the availability of cash to distribute, as 
well as having completed a required 
capital reorganisation in the Irish Courts. 
The capital reorganisation was 
completed in Q1 2019. As the first step 
in capital distribution, in March 2019 the 
Company announced and completed a 
tender to repurchase 50,475,000 shares, 
at a price of 46 pence per share (which 
was approximately 50% above the 
closing price before the tender 
announcement) with a value of US$30.5 
million (£23.2 million). In October 2019, 
the Company announced a second 
share buyback programme up to a total 
of US$2.0 million. In January 2020 it was 
announced that the buyback 
programme had completed with the 
repurchase of 5,709,101 shares at an 
average price of 27.5 pence per share, 
with a value of US$2.0 million (£1.6 
million). On 27 April 2020 the Company 
announced a special dividend of £27.0 
million (US$33.0 million), or 6 pence 
per ordinary share, with an expected 
payment date of 29 May 2020. 

Seek to understand and 
meet shareholder needs 
and expectations 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer 
and other Executive Directors are 
responsible for shareholder liaison. 
They hold regular meetings with major 
shareholders and analysts to discuss the 
Company’s strategy and performance 
and maintain a dialogue between the 
Company and its investors. Private 
investor events and investor roadshows 
are organised by the Company’s 
brokers and public relations consultants, 
where the Chief Executive Officer and 
other Executive Directors meet with 
current (and potential future) 
institutional and retail shareholders 
and brokers to update them on the 
Company’s progress. 

The entire Board receives feedback 
following these meetings and any issues 
raised are discussed. Any significant 
reports from analysts are also circulated 
to the Board. By keeping open and 
transparent dialogue we can consider 
matters and discuss with shareholders 
in a positive and constructive way. 

The Non-Executive Chairman and 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
are available to meet with shareholders 
if required. 

The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) is 
the main forum for dialogue between 
the Board and the shareholders. All 
Directors aim to attend the AGM. The 
Non-Executive Chairman, Mutiu 
Sunmonu, leads the AGM and takes 
questions from the floor. The Chairs of 
the Audit, Remuneration, Nomination 
and Risk and Safety Committees are 
on-hand to answer questions that may 
arise at the meeting. The full Board was 
present at the AGM on 27 September 
2019 with the Committee Chair 
available to answer any questions 
regarding the activities of each of the 
Board Committees. At the AGM, all 
resolutions were passed. 

All Directors receive regular industry and 
peer updates, to enable them to keep 
current on issues relevant to the 
Company and its shareholders. 

Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and 
their implications for 
long-term success 

The Company’s ability to achieve its 
long-term success is dependent on 
good relations across a wide range of 
stakeholders both internally (employees) 
and externally (partners, suppliers, 
regulatory authorities, local governments 
and communities in which we operate). 

Our employees are one of the most 
important stakeholder groups and the 
Board recognises the need for two-way 
communication with the workforce. The 
small size of the Company means that 

the Directors and senior managers are 
relatively accessible to all employees to 
provide and receive feedback. Staff 
attend committee meetings as required 
enabling two-way communication. 
The Executive Directors hold regular 
executive team meetings of which key 
messages are then relayed to their 
respective teams. To retain our highly 
skilled workforce and keep their 
satisfaction high, the Company offers 
competitive remuneration, employee 
share option awards and health and 
critical illness cover. We seek to ensure 
that all employees are treated fairly and 
with dignity. The Company has a zero 
tolerance policy towards any form of 
discrimination or harassment. 

We recognise our responsibilities to 
the environment and community in 
the areas in which we operate. The 
Company places a high priority on 
operating to high standards of integrity 
and ethics. We recognise that our 
activities may have impact on the 
environment and therefore aim to 
minimise that impact by operating in a 
socially responsible manner, engaging 
with local, regional and national 
stakeholders where we are operator. 
Since the Company is not the operator 
of OML 18, it does not control these 
matters on OML 18. 

The Company seeks to behave as a 
responsible employer and make positive 
contributions to the local economies in 
which we have an interest. Engagement 
with local communities in which we 
operate and conducting social work has 
helped them understand what we are 
doing. Please refer to the CSR report on 
page 39 for details on the initiatives and 
local community engagement made by 
the Company directly. 

The Board is aware of its duty to act 
in good faith in the interests of the 
Company and complies with the 
obligations under section 228 of the 
Companies Act 2014. All the Company’s 
stakeholders have access to contact 
information for communication with the 
Company. Any feedback will be 
respectfully acknowledged by the 
Company and appropriately dealt with. 

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      17

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

The Board believes that its investment in 
the wider stakeholder network will assist 
the Company’s management in achieving 
its long-term goals by creating an 
environment of trust and communication 
which will have positive implications for 
the long-term success of the Company. 

The Board believes holding the 
Company’s responsibilities in high regard 
to be a requirement for building its 
business and being considered an 
operator or partner of choice. 

Embed effective risk 
management, considering 
both opportunities and 
threats, throughout the 
organisation 

The Board acknowledges its overall 
responsibility for ensuring that the 
Company has a robust framework of risk 
management and an appropriate system 
of internal control. However, any system 
can only provide reasonable, not 
absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss and is designed to 
manage (but cannot eliminate) the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives. 

An updated risk management policy and 
procedure has recently been adopted 
which provides a procedure for the 
management of the Company’s risk. As 
part of the risk management procedure, 
the Company has further developed its 
detailed risk register which identifies 
business continuity risks, corporate 
governance risks, security risks, financial 
risks, reputational risks and health, 
safety and environment protection risks. 
Reporting is required from each 
Executive Director and consists of 
quarterly reports assessing material 
changes within the risk profiles. 

The Chief Financial Officer is in charge of 
collating the risk reports and presenting 
them to the Audit Committee quarterly. 
The Audit Committee reports on its 
activities and make recommendations 
to the Board as appropriate. 

The Audit Committee also instigated 
two internal audit reviews, conducted 

by BDO, reporting directly to the 
Committee, of the following during 2019: 

•

information technology audit; and

•

expenditure controls review.

The key risk management procedures 
include: 

•

•

•

•

•

preparation and review of budgets and
cash flow projections for approval and
expenditure monitoring;

establishment of appropriate policies
for the management of financial,
industry and country-specific risk;

regular management meetings to
review operating and financial activities,
and statutory staff requirements and
committee meetings;

consideration of industry and
country-specific risks as part of the
Company’s review of strategy;

recruitment of appropriately qualified
and experienced staff to key financial
and management positions; and

•

preparation of financial statements.

Maintain the Board as a 
well-functioning, balanced 
team led by the Chair 

The Board is responsible for setting the 
overall strategy of the business, 
reviewing management performance 
and ensuring the Company has sufficient 
financial and human resources to meet 
its objectives. It directs the Company’s 
activities in an effective manner through 
regular Board meetings and monitors 
performance through timely and 
relevant reporting procedures. 

The Board is specifically responsible for: 

•

•

•

approval of budgetary and business
plans;

approval of significant investments and
capital expenditure;

approval of annual and half-year
results and interim management
statements, accounting policies and
the appointment and remuneration of
the external auditors;

•

•

•

•

•

approval of interim, and
recommendation of final, dividends
and buybacks;

changes to the Group’s capital
structure and the issue of any
securities;

agreeing the Group’s risk appetite,
establishing and maintaining a system
of internal control, governance and
approval authorities;

executive performance and
succession planning;

determining standards of ethics and
policy in relation to health, safety,
environment, social and community
responsibilities; and

•

disclosure to the market and
shareholders.

The Board comprises the Non-Executive 
Chairman, four Executive Directors and 
three Non-Executive Directors. The 
Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu, is 
responsible for the leadership of the 
Board, ensuring its effectiveness and 
setting its agenda. He is not involved in 
the day-to-day operation of the 
Company. The Chairman is responsible 
for the Company’s approach to 
corporate governance and the 
application of the principles of the QCA 
Code. The Company’s Independent 
Directors, Mutiu Sunmonu, Mark Phillips 
and Linda Beal are independent of 
management and any business or 
other relationships which would 
interfere with the exercise of their 
independent judgement. 

The Chairman considers that the 
Company has a balanced and diverse 
Board with the requisite skills to build 
a successful, sustainable Nigerian- 
focussed oil and gas business. 

To ensure that the Directors can 
properly carry out their roles, they are 
provided with relevant information and 
financial details prior to all Board 
meetings. All Directors have access to 
the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary; whose duty is to ensure that 
the Board complies with applicable 
rules and procedures. 

18       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The Board meets at least six times a 
year to discuss and decide the 
Company’s business and strategic 
decisions and additional Board calls are 
held as required. In addition, there is a 
high degree of contact between the 
Directors outside of Board meetings to 
ensure all Directors are aware of the 
Company’s business. If necessary, the 
Non-Executive Directors may take 
independent advice at the expense 
of the Company. 

Each Board member commits sufficient 
time to fulfil their duties and obligations 
to the Board and the Company. They 
attend Board meetings and join ad hoc 
Board calls and offer availability for 
consultation when needed. The 
contractual arrangements between the 
Directors and the Company specify the 
minimum time commitments which are 
considered sufficient for the proper 
discharge of their duties. Each 
Non-Executive Director is expected to 
attend not less than six board meetings 
in each calendar year as well as the 
Annual General Meeting and any 
Extraordinary General Meetings of the 
Company. However, in exceptional 
circumstances all Board members 
understand the need to commit 
additional time. The Executive Director 
roles are all full-time roles. 

The Board Committees 

The Board has established four 
separate committees: Remuneration 
Committee, Audit Committee, 
Nomination Committee, and Risk 
and Safety Committee. 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee consists 
of the Chairman, and two Independent 
Non-Executive Directors and is chaired 
by Mark Phillips. The Remuneration 
Committee monitors the performance of 
the Company’s Executive Directors and 
makes recommendations to the Board 
on the remuneration packages for the 
executives. The remuneration and terms 
and conditions of appointment of the 
Non-Executive Directors are set by the 
Board as a whole. 

Remuneration Committee meetings 
and attendance in 2019 

Audit Committee considered the need 
for internal audit and decided to appoint 
an external firm to conduct two internal 
audit reviews. The firm worked with the 
CFO on two workstreams during the 
year and reported directly into the Audit 
Committee with their final reviews and 
recommendations. For more details on 
the reviews please refer to the Audit 
Committee report on page 24. 

The Audit Committee also considers how 
to maintain an appropriate relationship 
with the Company’s auditors. The Audit 
Committee approves any fees in respect 
of non-audit services provided by external 
auditors to safeguard the external 
auditor’s independence and objectivity. 

Audit Committee meetings and 
attendance in 2019 

                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu                      7                 6 

                                                                    Number of  
                                             Number of       meetings 
                                                meetings        attended 

Mark Phillips                            7                 7 

Linda Beal (Chair)                    7                 7 

Mutiu Sunmonu                      3                 3 

Mark Phillips (Chair)                3                 3 

Linda Beal                                3                 3 

Board meetings attendance in 2019 

                                              Maximum 
                                                 possible       Meetings  
                                            attendance        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu                    11                 9 

Oisín Fanning                         11               11 

Joel Price                                11               11 

Ewen Ainsworth *                   7                 7 

Lisa Mitchell ^                          4                 4 

Alan Campbell                       11               11 

Linda Beal                              11               10 

Mark Phillips                          11               11 

Bill Higgs <                             11                 9 

*   Resigned 30 June 2019. 
^   Appointed 30 June 2019. 
<   Resigned 18 May 2020.

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee consists of the 
Chairman and two Independent 
Non-Executive Directors and is chaired 
by Linda Beal who has recent and 
relevant financial experience. The duties 
of the Audit Committee include the 
review of the accounting principles, 
policies and practices adopted in 
preparing the financial statements, 
internal control and risk management 
processes and the review of the 
Company’s financial results. The Audit 
Committee considers the need for an 
internal audit function, reviews the risk 
management policies and procedures 
and is responsible for ensuring that 
adequate insurance cover is in place for 
identifiable risks. During the year the 

Nomination Committee 

The Nomination Committee consists 
of the Chairman, the Chief Executive 
Officer and an Independent 
Non-Executive Director (Mark Phillips) 
who chairs the Nomination Committee. 
The Nomination Committee is 
responsible for reviewing the structure, 
size and composition of the Board and 
making recommendations to the Board 
regarding any changes required. 

It is responsible for locating appropriate 
senior candidates and conducting 
initial interviews and submitting 
recommendations on any appointment 
to the Board. There were two meetings 
held during the year whereby the 
Committee led the process for a new 
Board appointment and making 
recommendations to the Board.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      19

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

Nomination Committee meetings 
and attendance in 2019 

Number of  
Number of       meetings 
meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu

Mark Phillips (Chair)

Oisín Fanning

2

2

2

2 

2 

2 

Risk and Safety Committee 

The Risk and Safety Committee consists 
of the Chairman, the Chief Operating 
Officer and an Independent 
Non-Executive Director (Bill Higgs<) who 
chairs the Risk and Safety Committee. 
The Risk and Safety Committee is 
responsible for evaluating risks in 
Company operations including property, 
personnel, security and environmental 
risks and ensuring that appropriate 
procedures are in place for mitigating 
risk. The Risk and Safety Committee is 
also responsible for ethics and 
corporate social responsibility. 

Risk and Safety Committee meetings 
and attendance in 2019 

Number of  
Number of       meetings 
meetings        attended 

Mutiu Sunmonu

Joel Price

Bill Higgs (Chair) <

1

1

1

1 

1 

1 

<   Resigned 18 May 2020. The current Chair of the 
Risk and Safety Committee is Mutiu Sunmonu. 

Mutiu Sunmonu, Mark Phillips and 
Linda Beal are independent of 
management. The Board considers 
their ability to act independently to be 
unaffected by participation in the 
Company’s option scheme. 

Nomination Committee 
Oisín Fanning (Chief Executive Officer) 
sits on the Nomination Committee along 
with Mutiu Sunmonu (Non-Executive 
Chairman) and Mark Phillips 
(Non-Executive Director and Chair of the 
Nomination Committee). The Nomination 
Committee is responsible for reviewing 
the structure, size and composition of 
the Board and making recommendations 
to the Board with regard to any changes 
required. It is responsible for locating 
appropriate senior candidates and 
conducting initial interviews and 
submitting recommendations on any 
appointment to the Board. 

The Board accepts that it is unusual for 
the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to 
be part of this Committee. However, Mr 
Fanning has almost 30 years’ experience 
in structured finance, stockbroking and 
corporate finance, with 12 years 
specialising in the oil and gas industry 
and as such has many useful and 
relevant contacts. He recognises the 
importance of finding and developing 
talented people to help the Company 
achieve its objectives and without his 
direct input, the Committee would be 
denied his relevant opinion on suitable 
candidates to join the Board. 

Departures from the Code 

Non-Executive Directors’ 
participation in Option Schemes 
The Company encourages Non-Executive 
Directors to participate in the Company’s 
option schemes, and believes such 
participation enhances alignment 
between the Non-Executive Directors 
and shareholders. The Company does 
not currently comply with the QCA Code 
in this respect. 

Ensure that between them the 
Directors have the necessary 
up-to-date experience, skills 
and capabilities 

The Board members bring extensive 
and diverse experience encompassing 
operational, financial, African, European, 
AIM and regulatory, commercial 
expertise and large and developing 
Company experience. 

The Board believes that independence 
is a matter of independence of mind, 
judgement and integrity and that 

The Chairman believes that the Board 
should always have a suitable mix of 
skills and competencies covering all 

essential disciplines bringing a balanced 
and diverse perspective that is beneficial 
both operationally and strategically. 

The Executive Directors bring 
significant listed company, oil and gas 
operations and financial, commercial 
and transactions experience. The 
Non-Executive Directors bring significant 
African oil and gas, investor, AIM and 
main board and financial expertise 
to the Board. 

The nature of the Company’s business 
requires the Directors to keep their 
skillset up to date. The Directors are 
kept informed on relevant regulatory 
compliance and statutory matters 
through briefings by external advisers 
and all Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors have access to the Company’s 
external advisers. 

During the year the Audit Committee 
engaged BDO to perform two internal 
audit reviews. The Audit Committee 
has secured external advice on tax and 
legal matters as required. 

In addition to this, Gallaghers Insurance 
was used to perform a full insurance 
review across the business to ensure 
appropriate levels of cover. 

The Board is supported by a Company 
Secretary who acts as a trusted advisor 
to the Chair and the Board. The 
Company Secretary plays a vital role in 
relations to both regulatory and legal 
compliance. As part of this role the 
Company Secretary assists the Chair in 
preparing for board meetings including 
dissemination of appropriate 
information. 

The Directors receive regular briefing 
papers on the operational and financial 
performance of the Company from the 
executive and senior management. 

All Company Non-Executive Directors 
also hold Director (Non-Executive or 
Executive) roles in other companies, 
helping to ensure broad and current 
experience. Further training is available 
at the Company’s expense.

20       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Summary background and diversity of the Board 

Directors

Mutiu Sunmonu

Oisín Fanning

Joel Price

Ewen Ainsworth *

Lisa Mitchell ^

Alan Campbell

Linda Beal

Mark Phillips

Bill Higgs <

Adekolapo Ademola #

Background

Diversity 

Oil & gas/        Finance/

Non-UK/ 
energy  commercial         Investor          Female                Irish 

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

–

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

–

3

3

–

–

3

–

3

–

–

–

–

3

–

3

–

–

–

3

– 

– 

– 

3

– 

– 

– 

– 

3

* Resigned 30 June 2019.
^   Appointed 30 June 2019.

#  Appointed 7 April 2020. 
<   Resigned 18 May 2020.

Evaluate Board performance 
based on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking continuous 
improvement 

The Board considers that the combination 
of Non-Executive and Executive Directors 
is of sufficient competence and 
experience to support the strategy and 
development of the Company. 

The Chairman and Nomination 
Committee will continue to review and 
monitor the strength and objectivity of 
the Board and seek improvement. 

Succession planning 

Succession planning is currently 
undertaken on an informal basis by the 
Chief Executive Officer in consultation 
with the Board. The Board is satisfied 
that this is appropriate for this stage 
in the Company’s development. 
Succession planning will continue to 
be reviewed for 2020. 

Formal evaluation of 
Board and Directors 

The Chairman and Company Secretary, 
engaged the services of an independent 
consultant to conduct a Board evaluation 

in the latter half of 2018. As part of the 
engagement the independent consultant 
undertook the following: 

•

•

•

•

prepared a Board evaluation
questionnaire which was issued to
each of the Directors for completion
on an anonymous basis;

collated anonymised questionnaire
responses and undertook an analysis
of these responses;

compared the responses received
against best practices; and

created a Board evaluation report to
include findings and recommendations
for review by the Chairman and
Company Secretary, which was in turn
presented by the Chairman to the
Board which engendered a collective
discussion by the Board on suggested
performance enhancements.

The Board evaluation was finalised in 
January 2019 and the findings and 
recommendations were presented to 
the Board by the Chairman. The Board 
has actively implemented the key 
recommendations of the independent 
evaluation. 

In summary the evaluation highlighted 
that the Board has a strong mix of 
experienced Executives and 
Non-Executive Directors led by an 

experienced Board Chair that is 
well respected by the Board. The Board 
has a genuine commitment and has 
made progress on embracing corporate 
governance best practices, attaining 
compliance with the QCA code and 
improving the Board team’s effectiveness 
and performance. The Board has 
improved focus on strategic imperatives 
including the fostering of best practice 
in all areas of governance and 
ensuring that the Executive team and 
Non-Executive Directors closely 
collaborate on the development of 
strategy and ensuring its execution. 

In line with the recommendations of 
the evaluation the Board has a clear set 
of formal KPI’s, the quality of Board 
reporting has improved and a 
consistent approach across all 
sub-committees in terms of annual 
meeting schedules and frequency of 
meetings has been implemented. 

Promote a corporate culture 
that is based on ethical values 
and behaviours 

Our ethics 
The Company is committed to upholding 
high ethical standards and principles, 
both in letter and in spirit, throughout all 
of our operations. The Company aspires 
to, and encourages its staff to, operate in 
a socially responsible manner, acting 
professionally at all times. 

The Company is committed to a strong 
ethical and values-driven culture 
encompassing high standards of quality, 
honesty, openness and accountability, 
and understands that any issues 
counter to this culture could have an 
extremely negative impact on the 
business. The Company, its 
management, employees, contractors 
and partners have the responsibility 
of applying the highest standard of 
ethical business practices in all their 
relationships with shareholders, 
suppliers, and the general public.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      21

 
 
 
 
Corporate governance statement 
Continued

Creating a fair and inclusive culture 
The Company promotes an inclusive, 
transparent and respectful culture. Our 
people are our greatest asset. Led by 
the values of responsibility, excellence 
and continuous improvement, integrity 
and trustworthiness, cooperation and 
engagement, empathy and fairness they 
apply their skills and expertise every day 
to ensure we operate both responsibly 
and successfully. A culture based upon 
sound ethical values and behaviours is 
an asset and source of competitive 
advantage. Key to this is recruiting and 
retaining key senior personnel. 

The Company is an equal opportunity 
employer and seeks to hire, endorse and 
retain highly skilled people based on 
merit, competence, performance, and 
business needs. The Company is 
committed to employment policies 
which follow best practice, based on 
equal opportunities for all employees, 
irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, 
political opinion, gender, marital status, 
disability, age or sexual orientation. 

The Company communicates its 
corporate culture through staff 
presentations and inductions. To 
embody and promote sound ethical 
principles, the Board has endorsed 
the following key policies: 

•

HR handbook (UK and Ireland);

•

Share-dealing Code;

•

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy;

•

Whistle Blowing Policy; and

•

Health and Safety and Environmental
Protection Policies.

reasonable steps to ensure compliance 
with the share-dealing code by the 
Directors and applicable employees with 
the terms of the share-dealing code and 
the relevant provisions of the AIM Rules 
(including Rule 21). 

Health and Safety and 
Environmental Policy 
The Company’s objectives include 
observing the highest level of health and 
safety standards, developing our staff to 
their highest potential and being a good 
corporate citizen in our chosen 
countries of operations. 

The Company is committed to providing 
a safe working environment for its 
employees and anyone doing work on 
the Company’s behalf. The Risk and 
Safety Committee reviews and makes 
recommendations concerning risk, 
health and safety issues. The HS&E 
performance indicators and the safety 
of our employees are principal elements 
of our business and are fundamental 
to our culture and engagement with 
our stakeholders. HS&E is covered at 
Board meetings during discussion 
on operations. 

Whistleblowing Policy 
The Company has a Whistleblowing 
Policy in place to assist employees, 
suppliers, contractors and others with 
the reporting of any malpractice or 
illegal act or omission by others. The 
policy is reviewed at least every two 
years or more often if necessary and 
is communicated to all employees. 
It was last reviewed in December 2019 
as part of the Audit Committee 
responsibilities. 

Share-dealing Code 
The Company has adopted a 
share-dealing code for Directors and 
applicable employees of the Company to 
ensure compliance with the provisions of 
the AIM Rules (including relating to the 
restrictions on dealings during closed 
periods in accordance with MAR and with 
Rule 21 of the AIM Rules for Companies). 
The Directors consider that this share 
dealing code is appropriate for a 
company whose shares are admitted to 
trading on AIM. The Company takes all 

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 
The Company’s Anti-Bribery and 
Corruption Policy formalises the 
Company’s zero-tolerance approach to 
bribery and corruption. The Company 
expects all employees, suppliers, 
contractors and consultants to conduct 
their day-to-day business activities in a 
fair, honest and ethical manner, and to be 
aware of and refer to the Anti-Bribery and 
Corruption Policy in all of their business 
activities worldwide and to conduct all 
business in compliance with it. The 

Company seeks to enforce effective 
systems to counter bribery, such as 
secondary authorisations for payments. 

The Policy was last reviewed in 
December 2019 as part of the Audit 
Committee responsibilities. 

Maintain governance 
structures and processes 
that are fit for purpose and 
support good decision- 
making by the Board 

The Board of Directors recognises the 
importance of applying the highest 
standards of corporate governance to 
enable effective and efficient decision 
making, and to give a structural aid for 
Directors to discharge their duty to 
promote the success of the Company 
for the benefit of its shareholders. 

The Board reserves for itself a range of 
key decisions to ensure that it retains 
proper direction and control of the 
Company whilst delegating authority to 
individual Directors who are responsible 
for the day to day management of 
the business. 

The following matters are reserved for 
the Board: 

•

all matters which exceed the authority
delegated to the Group executives;

•

mergers and acquisitions transactions;

•

strategy, budgets and business plans;

•

audit, financial and other reporting;

•

changes in the capital structure of the
Company and the issue of shares or
other securities by the Company;

•

policies and guidelines;

•

internal controls and governance;

•

•

•

appointment or removal of Directors
and the Company Secretary;

establishment of sub-boards and
committees;

appointment, re-appointment or
removal of the auditors and any other
corporate advisers;

22       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

makes full use of its investor website to 
provide information to shareholders and 
other interested parties. 

The Chief Executive Officer and other 
Executive Directors are responsible for 
communicating with major shareholders 
and other shareholders who wish to be 
part of a dialogue. The Board is briefed 
by the Chief Executive Officer regarding 
these discussions at each board 
meeting as required. Feedback by way 
of market updates, brokerage and 
communication reports, analyst and 
proxy agents is presented on an 
ad hoc basis as received. 

The Chairs of the Audit, Remuneration, 
Nomination and Risk and Safety 
Committees are also available to answer 
questions at the AGM. 

The Board discloses the result of general 
meetings by way of announcement and 
discloses the proxy voting numbers to 
those attending the meetings. In order 
to improve transparency, the Board has 
committed to announcing proxy voting 
results in future and disclosing them on 
the Company’s website. In the event that 
a significant portion of voters have voted 
against a resolution, an explanation of 
what actions it intends to take to 
understand the reasons behind the 
vote will be included. 

Signed on behalf of the Board by: 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Non-Executive Chairman 

24 June 2020

•

management development,
remuneration and employee
benefits; and

•

returns to shareholders.

The Company conducts a review of the 
Company’s governance framework each 
year and takes into account audit 
recommendations. The appropriateness 
of the Company’s governance structures 
will continue to be reviewed in light of 
further developments of accepted best 
practice and the development of the 
Company. (Refer to the Audit Committee 
report for a description of the committee 
and the 2019 reviews on page 24.) 

Communicate how the 
Company is governed and is 
performing by maintaining a 
dialogue with shareholders and 
other relevant stakeholders 

San Leon Energy is committed to open 
communication with all its stakeholders. 
The Company believes it is important to 
explain business development and 
financial results to its stakeholders and 
to ensure that suitable arrangements 
are in place so that the issues and 
concerns of major stakeholders are 
heard and understood. 

The Board has been supported by an 
Audit Committee, Remuneration 
Committee, Nomination Committee 
and Risk and Safety Committee; details 
of their activities during 2019 can be 
found in each of their reports on 
pages 24 to 31. 

The Company communicates with all 
stakeholders through its website, 
Regulatory News Service (“RNS”) 
announcements, Annual Report and 
Accounts, half-yearly announcements, 
AGMs and private meetings. 

Copies of the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements are issued to all shareholders 
who have requested them and copies are 
available on the Group’s investor website 
www.sanleonenergy.com. The Group’s 
interim results are also made available on 
the Company’s website. The Group 

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      23

 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness and implementation 
of the risk management and internal control systems

The Audit Committee comprises three 
members, all of whom are Independent 
Non-Executive Directors including the 
Chair, Linda Beal, who is considered by 
the Board to have recent and relevant 
financial experience. The Audit 
Committee meets formally at least four 
times a year and otherwise as required 
and also meets with the Company’s 
external auditors at least twice a year. 

Roles and responsibilities 

The main roles and responsibilities of 
the Audit Committee are to: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

monitor the integrity of the financial
statements, including review of the
accounting policies, key judgements
and estimates adopted in preparing
the financial statements, and any
formal announcements relating to
financial performance;

review and monitor the Company’s
financial reporting, internal control and
risk management systems to ensure
that effective risk management and
financial control frameworks have been
implemented;

make recommendations to the Board
in relation to the appointment,
reappointment or removal of the
external auditor and approve
engagement terms and fees of the
auditor;

review and monitor the scope of the
annual external audit;

review and monitor the independence
of the external auditor; and

consider the need for an internal
auditor.

Internal control and 
risk management 

responsibility to its executives and senior 
managers. The objectives of this risk 
management policy are to: 

•

•

•

provide a structured risk management
framework that will provide senior
management and the Board with
comfort that the risks confronting the
organisation are identified and
managed effectively;

create an integrated risk management
process owned and managed by the
Group’s personnel that is both
continuous and effective;

ensure that the management of risk is
integrated into the development of
strategic and business plans, and the
achievement of the Group’s vision and
values; and

•

ensure that the Board is regularly 
updated with reports by the Committee. 

The Board also acknowledges its overall 
responsibility for ensuring that the 
Company has a system of internal 
control in place that is appropriate. This 
includes ensuring the implementation of 
policies and procedures that address 
risk identification and control, training 
and reporting. 

Management is responsible for efficient 
and effective risk management across 
the activities of the Group. 

The Audit Committee reviews the 
effectiveness of the implementation of 
the risk management system and 
internal control system annually. When 
reviewing risk management policies and 
the internal control system the Board 
takes into account the Company’s legal 
obligations and also considers the 
reasonable expectations of the 
Company’s stakeholders. 

The key policies and procedures are: 

San Leon has established terms of 
reference for the Audit Committee. This 
includes overview of the identification, 
categorisation and prioritisation of critical 
risks within the business and allocation of 

•

•

preparation of annual budgets for
approval by the Board;

ongoing review of expenditure and
cash flow versus approved budget;

•

•

•

•

•

establishment of appropriate cash flow
management and treasury policies for
the management of liquidity, currency
and credit risk on financial assets and
liabilities, along with delegations of
authority and bank mandates;

regular management, committee, and
Board meetings, to review operating
and financial activities;

provide input in the recruitment of
appropriately qualified and
experienced staff to key financial and
management positions;

preparation of the annual report,
related financial statements and
annual audit thereof; and

a risk management policy and
procedure which incorporates a risk
register to assist with the identification
and management of risk.

The principal areas of risk for the 
Company are set out in the Directors’ 
report on page 32. 

The Audit Committee also ensures that 
appropriate procedures, resources and 
controls are in place to comply with the 
AIM rules and monitors compliance 
thereof. The Company has adopted a 
model code for Directors’ share dealings 
which is appropriate for an AIM listed 
company. The Directors comply with 
Rule 21 of the AIM Rules relating to 
Directors’ dealings and take all 
reasonable steps to ensure compliance 
by the Company’s applicable employees. 
There are also Anti-Bribery and 
Corruption, Whistleblowing, and 
Environmental Policies, as well as an 
annual review of compliance with the 
Irish Companies Act 2014. 

In order to ensure the independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor, 
the Audit Committee reviews the 
provision of non-audit services by its 
external auditor to ensure that such 
services do not impair the independence 
or objectivity of the external auditor.

24       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Activities of the 
Audit Committee 

During 2019 the Audit Committee 
implemented various policies and 
procedures that were identified in the 
prior year review of controls and 
procedures. The following were 
implemented in the first half of 2019: 

•

•

•

•

•

adoption of an upgraded accounting 
system and improvements in resilience 
of the IT system; 

implementation of a central filing system 
for all major contracts and documents; 

improved annual report and accounts 
process; 

implementation of the Board 
performance review findings; and 

commissioned an independent review 
of insurance cover. 

In addition, the Audit Committee 
considered the need for internal audit 
and decided to appoint an external 
firm to conduct two internal audit 
reviews in 2019. The internal auditor 
reported into the Audit Committee 
and the main processes of control 
reviewed are detailed below: 

•

Information technology (IT) audit 

– IT entry level controls 

– Cyber Security and Information 

security management 

– Data security, backup and recovery 

– Change management 

– IT third party management 

procedures 

•

Expenditure controls review 

– Procure to pay process 

– Segregation of duties and 

delegations 

– Expenditure governance and 

reporting 

– Budgeting and forecasting 

– Monthly reconciliation process

The IT audit report was considered by 
the Committee on 26 September 2019 
and recommendations were discussed 
with management and an action plan 
timetable was agreed in Q4. 

The Expenditure controls review report 
was considered by the Committee on 2 
December 2019 with recommendations 
discussed with management and a 
timetable for implementation agreed to. 

Management have also developed a Risk 
Management Policy and Procedure which 
was reviewed by the Audit Committee in 
February 2020. Part of this policy detailed 
the process by which risk is managed 
plus a procedure of review and reporting. 
A formal Corporate Risk Register has 
been developed in 2019 and as part of 
this process management reviews the key 
risks and mitigating factors quarterly. 

The Audit Committee reviewed the 
Corporate Risk Register at its meeting 
on 8 June 2020 and will formally review 
it quarterly. 

Other policies and procedures reviewed 
and implemented were: 

•

treasury policy; and 

•

banking delegations and signatories. 

2019 financial statements 

The Audit Committee reviewed the 
interim financial statements. 

The Audit Committee reviewed the 
planning of the 2019 audit and annual 
report. With regard to the Group’s 
financial statements, the Audit 
Committee considered: 

•

•

•

the appropriateness of the Group’s 
key accounting policies; 

the clarity and acceptability of 
accounting policies and practices; 

the clarity of the disclosures and 
compliance with financial reporting 
standards and relevant financial and 
governance reporting requirements;

•

•

material areas in which significant 
judgements have been applied or 
there has been discussion with the 
external auditor; and 

whether the Annual Report and financial 
statements taken as a whole present a 
fair, balanced and understandable body 
of information that provides the data 
necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s performance, business 
model and strategy. 

The Audit Committee received and 
considered memoranda from 
management regarding these matters 
and discussed these with the 
external auditor. 

The Audit Committee determined that 
the key risks of misstatement of the 
Group’s financial statements related to 
the carrying value of the MLPL Loan 
Notes and equity interest and the Net 
Profit Interest (NPI) on the Barryroe oil 
field, IFRS 16 leases, Revenue 
recognition, change in presentational 
and functional currency and going 
concern. These matters were discussed 
with management during the year when 
the Committee considered the interim 
financial statements and in 2020 when 
the Committee reviewed the 2019 
Annual report and financial statements. 

Valuation of MLPL Loan Notes 
and equity interest 

At 31 December 2019 there was 
US$108.4 million* at par value (US$114.3 
million under IFRS) outstanding (before 
interest) on the MLPL Loan Notes. The 
value of the equity interest in MLPL at 
31 December 2019 was US$51.9 million. 
The Audit Committee considered the 
ability of the underlying parties and 
assets to meet the obligation to the 
Company and the value of the equity 
interest both in the light of the 
performance to date and expected 
future performance. This is explained 
in detail in Note 17 of the financial 
statements.

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* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and 

Alternative Performance Measures.

                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      25

 
 
 
 
Audit Committee report 
Continued

Valuation of 4.5% NPI on the 
Barryroe oil field 

The carrying value of the 4.5% NPI on 
the Barryroe oil field at 31 December 
2019 was impaired down to US$2.8 
million. The Audit Committee considered 
the market-based valuation approach 
and assumptions included timing, oil 
price, costs and risk, and considered it 
reasonable and appropriate. 

expected income from the provision of 
subsurface technical and management 
services in order for the Group to 
continue as a going concern. Therefore, 
the Audit Committee concluded that it 
was appropriate to recommend adoption 
of going concern as the basis of 
preparation of the financial statements. 

Signed on behalf of the Audit 
Committee by: 

Going concern 

The Audit Committee reviewed the 
detailed cash flow forecast for the Group 
and the Company for the period from 
1 June 2020 to 31 December 2021, the 
principal assumptions underlying the 
cash flow forecast and the availability of 
finance to the Group. The Audit 
Committee considered that whilst any 
future Loan Notes payment, if delayed or 
not received, represents an uncertainty, 
the receipt of further Loan Notes 
payments is not required given the cash 
flow forecast assumptions including 

Linda Beal 
Audit Committee Chair 

24 June 2020

26       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Remuneration Committee report

The Group’s policy on senior executive remuneration is designed 
to attract and retain individuals of the highest calibre

The Group’s policy on senior executive 
remuneration is designed to attract and 
retain individuals of the highest calibre 
who bring relevant experience and 
independent views to the development 
of policy, strategic decisions and 
governance of the Group. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

•

Determine and agree with the Board the 
policy for the remuneration of the 
Chairman, the Executive Directors, the 

Company Secretary and such other 
members of the executive management 
as it is required by the Board to consider; 

•

review and approve long and short-term 
incentive plans and payments including 
but not limited to share incentive plans, 
option plans, performance targets, 
bonuses, goals and remuneration 
package recommendations from the 
Chief Executive Officer in respect of 
Executive Directors; 

•

review and approve long and short-term 
incentive plans for the Company; and

•

consider any matters as may be
requested by the Board.

In determining remuneration levels, the 
Remuneration Committee takes into 
consideration the practices of other 
companies of similar scope and size. 
A key philosophy is that staff should be 
properly rewarded and motivated to 
perform in the best interests of the 
shareholders.

Director emoluments and pension contributions, excluding share option arrangements, during the year ended 
31 December 2019 were as follows: 

Salary &
emoluments

Shares to 
Fees & 
Bonus                Pension                services               Benefits             be issued
US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000

Mutiu Sunmonu #

Oisín Fanning

Joel Price

Lisa Mitchell ^

Alan Campbell

Ewen Ainsworth *~>

Mark Phillips

Linda Beal

–

1,280

455

196

455

321

–

–

Bill Higgs <                                                             –

–

305

115

102

115

–

–

–

–

–

–

36

16

36

14

–

–

–

153

63

63

31

63

31

63

63

63

–

29

2

–

2

–

–

–

–

2,707

637

102

593

33

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019 
Total 
US$’000 

153 

1,677

671

345 

671

366 

63 

63 

63 

4,072

* Resigned 30 June 2019. 
^ Appointed 30 June 2019. 
# The Group has a consultancy agreement with Mutiu Sunmonu and Greenbay Energy Resources Limited and Mutiu Sunmonu and Caledonian Properties Nigeria 

Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 

~ The Group had a consultancy agreement with Ewen Ainsworth and Discovery Energy Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 
> Termination payment of US$127,836 is included within Salary & Emoluments. 
< Resigned 18 May 2020.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      27

 
 
 
 
Remuneration Committee report 
Continued

Director emoluments and pension contributions, excluding share option arrangements, during the year ended 
31 December 2018 were as follows: 

Salary &
emoluments

Shares to 
Fees & 
=Bonus                Pension                services               Benefits             be issued
US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000               US$’000

2018 
Total 
US$’000 

Mutiu Sunmonu >

Oisín Fanning #

Raymond King +^§

Joel Price

Alan Campbell

Ewen Ainsworth º†

Mark Phillips

Linda Beal ~*

–

486

–

453

453

388

–

–

Bill Higgs <                                                             –

–

504

–

179

179

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

34

34

28

–

–

–

157

57

418

61

61

61

66

101

34

–

33

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

157 

756               1,836 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

418 

727 

727 

477 

66 

101 

34 

1,780

862

96               1,016

33

756               4,543 

# Oisín Fanning was due 5,590,270 ordinary shares in lieu of 80% of his salary for the period of January 2016 through to 30 September 2018 inclusive. 

These shares were issued in February 2019. 

+ Resigned 28 September 2018. 
~ Appointed 16 January 2018. 
< Appointed 22 May 2018. 
> The Group has a consultancy agreement with Mutiu Sunmonu and Greenbay Energy Resources Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 
^ The Group has a consultancy agreement with Raymond King and Surplan Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 
º The Group had a consultancy agreement with Ewen Ainsworth and Discovery Energy Limited. Please see Note 31 for further details. 
* Linda Beal Consultancy LLP provided consultancy services to the Group. Please see Note 31 for further details. 
† See Note 31. 
§ Raymond King was paid a termination payment of US$212,970 which is included in fees and services. 
= Bonuses not paid to Directors at 31 December 2018. 50% of amounts due to Joel Price and Alan Campbell were paid in March 2019 and the remaining 50% 

was due to be paid by 30 June 2019. 50% of amounts due to Oisín Fanning were paid in March 2019 and the remaining 50% was offset against the Director’s loan. 
Please see Note 31 for further details. 

In addition to the emoluments above, in accordance with IFRS 2 share based payments, a cost of US$491,635 (2018: US$200,015) 
has been recognised in respect of share options granted to Directors. Lisa Mitchell was granted 1,000,000 share options to the 
value of US$270,617 and Bill Higgs was granted 1,000,000 share options to the value of US$221,018. A total of US$115,712 
(2018: US$Nil) was recognised in respect of Directors options modified in the year. See Note 27 for further details of share options. 

Directors’ interests 

The Directors and Company Secretary who held office at 31 December 2019, except where indicated, had no interests other than 
those shown below in the Ordinary Shares of the Company. All interests are beneficially held by the Directors. 

Director

Oisín Fanning ^

Ewen Ainsworth *

Number of Ordinary Shares 

19/06/20

31/12/19

01/01/19 

107,495,864            9,495,864            3,635,594 

66,666

66,666

66,666 

^ Oisín Fanning is now considered a significant shareholder, holding of 23.89% of issued share capital of the Company. 
* Resigned 30 June 2019.

28       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Share options 

Details of share options granted to the Directors are as follows: 

                                                                             Options at                                                                                           Options at  
                                                                               01/01/19         Granted in year           Lapsed in year                    31/12/19            Exercise price                 Expiry date 

Mutiu Sunmonu                                 1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Oisín Fanning #                                       35,000                            –                  35,000                            –                  £13.00              20/03/19 

                                                                  55,000                            –                  55,000                            –                    €5.00              06/07/19 

                                                             1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Joel Price #                                          2,000,000                            –                            –            2,000,000                    £0.45              30/09/22 

                                                             1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Alan Campbell #                                2,000,000                            –                            –            2,000,000                    £0.45              30/09/22 

                                                             1,500,000                            –                            –            1,500,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Ewen Ainsworth *                              1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Mark Phillips                                       1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              20/09/23 

Linda Beal                                           1,000,000                            –                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              08/07/25 

Bill Higgs ^<                                                        –            1,000,000                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45              19/02/26 

Lisa Mitchell ~                                                    –            1,000,000                            –            1,000,000                    £0.45                            – 

* Resigned 30 June 2019. 
^ On his appointment on 22 May 2018, the Board approved the grant of 1,000,000 of share options at a strike price £0.45, however as the Company was in a 

closed period at the date of award these options were not formally awarded until February 2019. 

# All existing Company share options which had an exercise price above 45 pence per ordinary share, were repriced with an exercise price of 45 pence on 

20 February 2019. All other terms remain unchanged. The repricing resulted in an increase in the fair value of the options, expiring on 30 September 2022, 
of US$115,712. 

~ On her appointment on 30 June 2019, the Board approved the grant of 1,000,000 of share options at a strike price of £0.45, however as the Company was 

in a closed period at the date of award these options have not yet been formally awarded. The fair value of these options has been calculated at US$270,617. 

< Resigned 18 May 2020. 

Transactions involving Directors 

Contracts and arrangements of significance during the year in which Directors of the Company were interested are disclosed 
in Note 31 to the financial statements. 

Signed on behalf of the Remuneration Committee by: 

Mark Phillips 
Remuneration Committee Chair 

24 June 2020

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      29

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nomination Committee report

The Committee continues to regularly review structure, 
size and composition required of the Board

The Committee conducted its business 
through two meetings held in 2019. 
Membership during the year comprised 
of the Chairman Mutiu Sunmonu, the 
Chief Executive Officer Oisín Fanning 
and myself Mark Phillips as Independent 
Non-Executive Director and Chair of 
the Committee. 

The Committee also will review the 
Directors’ existing conflicts of interests 
every six months, or more frequently 
as required. 

Board succession planning is ongoing 
and we continue to focus on planning 
for the Executives’ roles during 2020. 

After a detailed process, the Board was 
delighted to report that Lisa Mitchell 
was joining the Company and Board as 
Chief Financial Officer on 30 June 2019. 
Lisa has extensive operational and 
transactional experience across the 
oil and gas sector, and has worked 
in several different geographies 
including Nigeria. 

Previous Finance Director Ewen 
Ainsworth resigned as at the same 
date with the Board’s best wishes. 

The Committee is of the view that the 
Board including the current senior team 
is fit for purpose, with the requisite skills 
and experience to support the business. 

There are no changes to Board 
committees to report, this will be 
reviewed during 2020 in the normal way. 

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, myself (Mark Phillips), Oisín 
Fanning and Mutiu Sunmonu retire from 
the Board by rotation and, being eligible, 
offer themselves for re-election. 

Mark Phillips 
Nomination Committee Chair 

24 June 2020 

Role and Responsibilities 

•

•

•

Review the structure, size and
composition of the Board and
recommend any changes to the Board;

carry out succession planning for the
Board and other senior executives;

be responsible for filling board
vacancies when they arise and, before
any appointment is made, evaluating
the balance of skills, knowledge, and
experience on the Board; and

•

make recommendations to the Board
on all new appointments to the Board.

The Committee continues regularly to 
review structure, size and composition 
(including the skills, knowledge and 
experience) required of the Board 
compared to its current position and will 
make recommendations as required to 
the Board on the Board’s composition 
and balance. 

Before any appointment is made by the 
Board, the Committee will evaluate the 
balance of the skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board, and in light of 
this evaluation prepare a description of 
the role and capabilities required for a 
particular appointment. In identifying 
suitable candidates, the Committee 
shall consider using services of external 
advisors to facilitate the search for 
candidates from a wide range of 
backgrounds; and on merit and against 
objective criteria, take care that 
appointees have enough time available 
to devote to the position. 

30       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Risk and Safety Committee report

The management of business and operational risk 
is a key success factor for the Company

During 2019 the Risk and Safety 
Committee reviewed the terms of 
reference, a copy of which is available 
on the Company’s website. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The management of business and 
operational risk is a key success factor 
for the Company, as such the 
Committee will: 

Ethics and Corporate Social 
Responsibility 

The Company will conduct business with 
the highest ethical values and will be 
socially responsible in the communities 
in which we work. 

The Committee will govern the 
Company’s ethics policy and code  
of ethics to ensure ethical 
business practice. 

report significant changes to the risk
profile of the business as necessary;

Security 

•

•

•

monitor the Company’s risk
assessment procedure and action
plans for all operational risks; and

ensure that the controls to prevent
and mitigate the most significant
risks for the business are in place
and functioning.

The security of our people and our 
assets is of paramount importance to the 
Company, as such the Committee will: 

•

•

ensure appropriate security
controls and systems are in place
and operational; and

ensure that the Company’s journey
management procedure is adequate
and functioning.

An updated health, safety, environment 
and quality management system was 
noted as being required for office based 
activity, inclusive of a journey 
management policy. In the interim, 
standard journey management protocols 
are being followed for travel to Nigeria. 

Anti-Bribery and Corruption, and 
Whistleblowing policies, have been 
circulated to all employee and 
acknowledged. The Ethics and 
Corporate Social Responsibility policies 
are to be reviewed. 

Mutiu Sunmonu 
Risk and Safety Committee Chair 

24 June 2020

Health, Safety and 
Environment 

The protection of people, the 
environment and our assets are central to 
San Leon Energy’s values and principles 
and as such the Committee will: 

•

•

ensure health and safety audits of each
operation and country office are
carried out at such times that the
Committee deems appropriate
considering the scale and nature of
the operations; and

ensure the Company’s Health, Safety
and Environmental Policy (“HSE Policy”)
meets or exceeds international oil
and gas practice appropriate to the
Company’s operations and meets
the required legal and regulatory
standards for the jurisdictions in
which we work.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      31

 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Since the end of the financial period payments totalling US$41.5 million 
have been made on behalf of MLPL and received by the Company

The Directors present their annual 
report together with the audited 
financial statements of San Leon Energy 
plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively “the Group”) for the year 
ended 31 December 2019. 

Principal activity and 
future developments 

The principal activities of the Company 
are the holding of an initial indirect 
10.58% economic interest in OML 18 
Nigeria, through its investment in MLPL, 
and the exploration and production of 
oil and gas. 

A detailed review of activities for the year 
and future prospects of the Group is 
contained in the Chairman’s Statement 
and Chief Executive Officer’s Statement. 

Results and dividends 

The Group loss for the year after 
providing for depreciation and taxation 
amounted to a loss of US$38.6 million 
(2018 Restated: loss of US$5.8 million). 
Net assets of the Group at 31 December 
2019 amounted to US$202.9 million 
(2018 Restated: US$261.2 million). 
Exploration & evaluation impairments / 
write off totalled US$1.4 million in 2019 
(2018 Restated: US$3.1 million). The 
Barryroe 4.5% Net Profit Interest was 
impaired down to a carrying value of 
US$2.8 million (2018 Restated: US$51.1 
million). A special dividend was paid in 
May 2020 of US$33.0 million (2018 
Restated: US$Nil). 

Principal risks and 
uncertainties 

There are a number of potential risks 
and uncertainties that could have a 
material impact on the Group’s 
long-term performance. The Board has 
overall responsibility for managing risk. 

The Group’s principal areas of oil and gas 
exploration and production activity are in 

Nigeria and a Net Profit Interest on the 
Barryroe oil field (offshore Ireland). 
The Group has a management structure 
and system of internal controls in place 
designed to identify, evaluate, manage 
and mitigate business risk, including HSE 
risks. Risks are formally identified and 
recorded in a risk register which is 
reviewed by the Board and appropriate 
processes are in place to implement and 
monitor mitigating controls. 

The Executive Directors are closely 
involved in the day to day management 
of the business and have oversight of all 
the controls the business has in place, 
including financial, operational (including 
HSE) and compliance controls, as well as 
overseeing risk management. Each 
Board member commits sufficient time 
to fulfil their duties and obligations to 
the Board and the Company. 

The Audit Committee, which is 
comprised of certain Independent 
Non-Executive Directors, monitors and 
promotes high standards of integrity, 
financial reporting, risk management 
and internal control. For details of the 
Audit Committee’s performance refer to 
the Audit Committee Report on page 24. 
Risks and uncertainties, which are not 
exhaustive, which are particularly 
relevant to the Company and the 
Group’s business activities are 
considered to be the following: 

Going concern and 
Loan Notes repayment 
The Directors have reviewed budgets, 
projected cash flows and other relevant 
information, and on the basis of this 
review, concluded that the Group and 
the Company will have adequate financial 
resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future 
which covers a period of at least twelve 
months from the date of approval of 
these financial statements. 

As set out in Note 1 to the financial 
statements, there are a number of 
assumptions underlying the Group’s 
cash flow projections. The principal cash 

flows expected by the Group are interest 
and capital repayments on the MLPL 
Loan Notes. 

Since the end of the financial period cash 
payments totalling US$41.5 million have 
been made on behalf of MLPL and 
received by the Company. On 6 April 
2020, the Company entered into an 
Agreement with MLPL, amending the 
existing Loan Notes Instrument. Under 
the Amendment, the remaining 
outstanding balance is US$82.1 million* 
at par value (US$79.5 million under IFRS). 
Of this, US$10.0 million (which includes 
interest), will be repaid on or before 6 
October 2020, with the balance of the 
Loan Notes receivable payable in three 
quarterly instalments, commencing in 
July 2021 and completing by December 
2021. The outstanding par value will 
continue to accrue interest until repaid. 
All other material terms of the Loan 
Notes Instrument remain unchanged. 

The Directors have considered the 
impact of Covid-19 upon the Company’s 
indirect interest in OML 18, and upon 
the Loan Notes. The impact of the 
current low oil price will likely result in 
the deferral of some operational and 
capital expenditure, as is prudent to 
preserve working capital by Eroton. That 
is expected to delay some production 
increases from drilling. Eroton’s income 
will also be affected by the lower oil price 
itself, although that is buffered to some 
extent by the deferral of costs and 
hedging currently in place. The overall 
effect is likely to be some modest delay 
in receiving distributions from Eroton via 
MLPL. Eroton has taken customary steps 
in its corporate offices to reduce 
people’s presence as far as possible 
while maintaining functional 
administration with people working 
from home. 

The Directors have discussed the 
assumptions and basis of preparation of 
the projections and, having considered 
the financial resources available, believe 
that it is appropriate to prepare the 
financial statements on the going 
concern basis.

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121  for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and 

Alternative Performance Measures.

32       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Risk management 
Managing risks in an international oil and 
gas company is essential to stability and 
long-term sustainability. The Company’s 
Board has overall responsibility for risk 
identification and control and has 
developed a risk management structure 
to identify risks, evaluate the impact of 
certain risks, assess the likelihood of 
risks occurring and implementing risk 
mitigation measures where possible 
to reduce each risk to an acceptable 
level in accordance with the Group’s 
appetite for risk. 

Risks are formally identified and 
recorded in a risk register which is 
reviewed twice a year by the Board and 

on a quarterly basis by the Audit 
Committee. The Executive Directors 
are closely involved in the day to day 
management of the business and have 
oversight of all the controls the business 
has in place, including financial, 
operational (including HSE) and 
compliance controls, as well as 
overseeing risk management. 

As part of our overall goal to reduce 
risk across the organisation, a Risk 
Management Policy and Procedure was 
developed and presented to the Audit 
Committee in February 2020. This 
provides a procedure for the 
management of the Company’s risk. 
As part of the risk management 

procedure, the Company has developed 
a detailed risk register which identifies 
business continuity risks, corporate 
governance risks, security risks, financial 
risks and health, safety and environment 
protection risks. 

The Board recognises that risk cannot 
be fully eliminated but it is their 
responsibility to ensure that risk 
assessment and mitigation is as 
thorough and vigorous as possible. 
The following principal risks and 
uncertainties, which are not exhaustive, 
with their mitigation actions are 
particularly relevant to the Company. 

Risk

Detail

Mitigation

Year on year 
change

STRATEGIC RISK

Lack of MLPL Loan 
Notes repayments

•

The Company will not be able to
fund current operations or invest
for future expansion.

Partnership risk

•

Risk of relationship with partners
deteriorating or partner having
insufficient financial or technical
resources.

•

Strong financial discipline.

No change

•

•

•

•

Maintain sufficient working capital for 12
months look ahead.

Monitor the situation and maintain dialogue
and good relations with OML 18 partners and
investors, relevant Nigerian national and
regional authorities.

Partners in joint ventures are reputable with
significant experience and financial resources.
Continuous dialogue maintained with partners.

No change 

The Company has Board representation
throughout the ownership structure allowing
a transparent working relationship.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      33

 
 
 
 
Directors’ report 
Continued

Risk

Detail

Mitigation

OPERATIONAL RISK

Political instability 
/ OML 18 
operational 
disruption

Geological and 
development risk

Health, Safety & 
Environmental risk

•

•

•

•

•

OML 18 operations are exposed to
the risk of delays and interruptions
to production due to various
causes including political instability,
sabotage, pipeline losses,
operational downtime, slow
progress caused by unexpected
downhole challenges, operational
funding, and procedural delays
with JV partners and authorities.

Severe operational delays or
disruption could lead to an inability
to produce oil and repay the
Eroton RBL debt facility, which
could lead to the loss of OML 18,
or an inability to pay dividends.

The Company depends on
maintaining successful
development projects to achieve
revenue and success. However, the
level of production and cash flow
from OML 18 is an estimated value
and may not materialise as
originally expected. This risk is
specific to the geological and
engineering factors involved in
estimation and projection of the
expected capacity of new or
existing projects.

The industry faces high risk
operating conditions and HSE risks,
posing the threat of industrial
accidents; natural disasters.

Impact from a pandemic or
epidemic affects the ability of the
Company or the JVs from being
able to successfully operate
the assets (such as Covid-19 virus).

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Year on year 
change

No change

Eroton is a local experienced operator
completely focused on OML 18 regulatory
requirements and maintaining dialogue with
local communities.

San Leon Energy has appointed a senior
operations manager with downhole operational
experience to work with the Eroton team.

No change

The Group utilises its experience, external
contractors and that of its partners, in particular
Eroton, to determine the resource and
development assumptions to ensure the Board
maintains a realistic view of resources and
development expectations.

Periodic review of reserves by an independent
consultant.

Ensure industry best practice regarding
technical estimates and judgements.

The Company has a Risk & Safety Committee to
ensure risks are managed appropriately in
accordance with international best practice and
legislation.

No change

Promote and facilitate best practice
international standards.

Embedding a strong HSE culture, with support
at a high level in the Company.

Adequate insurances to be in place at the
operational level.

The Company is dependent on its operating
partners to impose and maintain required
standards to operations.

•

Early adoption of guidance based on World
Health Organisation (“WHO”) guidance.

34       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Risk

Detail

Mitigation

OPERATIONAL RISK CONTINUED

Year on year 
change

Cyber risk

•

Major cyber breach may result in
loss of confidential data and
business disruption.

•

•

Prevention software in place and regularly
monitored.

No change

Back-up system and business recovery plan
in place.

Human 
resource risk

•

Failure to recruit and retain key
senior personnel in key senior
management positions is essential
to ensure success.

FINANCIAL RISK

Commodity 
price risk

Financial & 
currency risk

•

Volatility and decreases in oil or
natural gas prices can lead to
insufficient funds to finance growth
plans. This may lead to the inability
to repay RBL facility debt, or
inability to pay dividends. The field
could become uneconomic and
there would be an inability to fund
capital development.

•

Risks associated with exchange
rate fluctuations include Economic
Risk, Translation Risk and
Transaction Risk. The result is that
the Company loses out in cash
terms and / or Income Statement
impact.

•

Internal audit reviewed during 2019.

•

Compensation packages are approved by the
full Board, with remuneration for key executives
being highly competitive.

No change

•

Staff packages are validated for
competitiveness.

•

Flexible working arrangements allowed.

•

Creation of a long-term incentive scheme to
increase incentive opportunity.

Increased

Decreased

•

•

•

The demand for, and price of oil and gas is
dependent on supply and demand, actions of
governments and general global economic and
political developments. Eroton, as operator of
OML 18, has in place a put option at US$50 per
barrel for a portion of its production. In effect
this provides a price floor for that portion of
production, while providing access to price
upside. It is designed to protect the ability of
Eroton to service RBL debt facility repayments
at Eroton level.

The Group’s multinational operations expose it
to different financial risks that include foreign
exchange risk, fiscal and tax risk, credit risk,
liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and equity price
risk. Details of the principal financial risks are set
out in Note 32.

The Group changed its presentational currency
and the Company changed its functional
currency to USD in accordance with IAS 21
which will avoid currency exchange rate losses /
gains which could result in large tax liabilities
and manages its exposure by matching receipts
and payments in the same currency and
monitoring the residual net cash position and
future income profile.

•

The Group has a risk management programme
in place which seeks to limit the impact of these
risks on the performance of the Group and it
is the policy to manage these risks in a
non-speculative manner.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      35

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Directors’ report 
Continued

Risk

Detail

FINANCIAL RISK CONTINUED

Mitigation

Availability of 
capital / 
insufficient 
funds

•

The oil and gas industry is capital
intensive with significant amounts
of capital required for development
of assets. The Group’s business
partners may require significant
capital expenditure and the future
expansion and development of its
business could require future debt
and equity financing. The future
availability of such funding may not
always be certain, which may lead
to funding shortages.

•

•

Active dialogue maintained with financial
institutions and investors.

There is a significant population of investors
who are willing to invest in companies like
San Leon.

•

Management have a strong track record of
successful fundraisings.

•

Discretionary spend actively managed.

•

Continued engagement with partners and
lenders.

Year on year 
change

Decreased 

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

Bribery & 
Corruption

•

Reputational damage and
exposure to possible criminal
charges.

No change 

•

The area in which the Company holds its
material asset scores high relatively to many
countries with regard to bribery and corruption
issues. The Company has a zero tolerance policy
on such matters. The Company has an
Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy in place that is
monitored and updated in accordance with
UK standards. The Company also has a
Whistleblowing Policy in place to encourage
confidential reporting of any issues that may
be illegal or suspicious.

Directors 

The Directors of San Leon Energy plc, all 
of whom served for the full year, except 
where indicated, are as follows: 

•

Mutiu Sunmonu, Non-Executive
Chairman

•

Oisín Fanning, Chief Executive Officer

•

Joel Price, Chief Operating Officer

•

Alan Campbell, Commercial and
Business Development Director
(appointed Company Secretary
17 January 2019)

•

•

Lisa Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer
(appointed 30 June 2019)

Ewen Ainsworth, Finance Director
(resigned 30 June 2019)

•

Mark Phillips, Non-Executive Director

•

Linda Beal, Non-Executive Director

•

•

Bill Higgs, Non-Executive Director
(resigned 18 May 2020)

Adekolapo Ademola, Non-Executive
Director (appointed 7 April 2020)

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, Mark Phillips, Oisín Fanning 
and Mutiu Sunmonu retire from the 
Board by rotation and, being eligible, 
offer themselves for re-election.

36       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Significant shareholders 

The Company has been informed that, in addition to the interests of the Directors at 31 December 2019 (see Remuneration 
Report), the following shareholders owned 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Percentage of issued share capital 

                                                                                                                                                                                            19/06/20                    31/12/19                    31/12/18 

Funds managed by Toscafund Asset Management LLP                                                            50.85%                 72.41%                 62.33% 

Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited                                                                                     13.18%                 13.14%                   9.44% 

The Capital Group Companies Inc.                                                                                                           –                            –                   6.47% 

Total Investment Solutions SA                                                                                                                  –                            –                   7.94% 

Amara Equity Invest SA                                                                                                                              –                            –                   6.35% 

OWG PLC                                                                                                                                                      –                            –                   3.91% 

The Directors are not aware of any other holding of 3% or more of the share capital of the Company.

Acquisition of own shares 

In 2019 the Company repurchased 
US$30.5 million of its own shares. An 
additional US$2.0 million of its own 
shares were purchased between 
October 2019 and January 2020. 

Accounting records 

The Directors are responsible for 
ensuring adequate accounting records, 
as outlined in Section 281 to 285 of the 
Companies Act 2014, are kept by the 
Company. The Directors, through the 
use of appropriate procedures and 
systems and the employment of 
competent persons, have ensured that 
measures are in place to secure 
compliance with these requirements. 
The books and accounting records are 
maintained at 3300 Lake Drive, Citywest 
Business Campus, Dublin 24. 

Group transparency 
Part 26 of the Companies (Accounting) 
Act 2014 came into force on 1 January 
2017. This required companies 
operating in the extractive sector to 
publicly disclose payments made to 
National Governments. The Act 
implements Chapter 10 of EU 
Accounting Directive (2013/34/EU).

The payments disclosed are based on 
where the obligation arose which in our 
case is Ireland and Poland. Payments are 
disclosed by licence where the aggregate 
of the payment in the year exceeds 
US$100,000 otherwise, they are 
combined into a corporate level 
payment which consolidated all the 
smaller payments. 

All of the payments disclosed in 
accordance with the law have been 
made to National Governments, covering 
both direct and indirect payments. 

The payments type covered by this 
disclosure are: 

•

Licence fees: Licence fees cover the 
costs associated with holding each of 
our licences. 

                                                              Licence fees 
Licence                                                        US$’000 

2019 

Relevant audit information 
The Directors believe that they have 
taken all necessary steps to make 
themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and have established that 
the Company’s statutory auditors are 
aware of this information. In so far as 
they are aware there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s 
statutory auditors are unaware. 

Events since the year end 

Details of significant events since the 
year end are included in Note 33 to the 
financial statements. 

Group undertakings 

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries 
are set out in Note 16 to the financial 
statements. 

Corporate#                                            40 

Total Poland                                           40 

Political donations 

2018 

Corporate#                                            41 

Total Poland                                           41 

# Corporate is the consolidated total of all our 
Polish licences where the total of each licence 
payment in the year is less than US$100,000.

There were no political donations made 
during the current or prior year.

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Directors’ report 
Continued

Compliance policy statement 
of San Leon Energy plc 

The Directors, in accordance with 
Section 225(2) of the Companies Act 
2014, acknowledge that they are 
responsible for securing the Company’s 
compliance with certain obligations 
specified in that section (‘relevant 
obligations’). The Directors confirm that: 

•

•

a compliance policy statement has
been drawn up setting out the
Company’s policies that in their
opinion are appropriate with regard
to such compliance;

appropriate arrangements and
structures have been put in place that,
in their opinion, are designed to
provide reasonable assurance of
compliance in all material respects
with those relevant obligations; and

•

a review has been conducted,
during the financial year, of those
arrangements and structures.

Auditor 

The Auditor, KPMG, Chartered 
Accountants, were first appointed 
statutory auditor on 9 September 2010 
and have been re-appointed annually 
since that date and pursuant to Section 
282(2) of Companies Act 2014 will 
continue in office. 

Oisín Fanning 
Chief Executive 

Lisa Mitchell 
Chief Financial Officer 

24 June 2020

38       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Corporate Social Responsibility

Supporting Health, Education and Communities: Results from 
our Corporate Social Responsibility policy in action are being seen

Throughout 2019, the Company also 
continued its programme to support 
small women-led enterprises. Most 
recently, sixteen women from Nassarawa 
and Benue States were trained in 
tailoring and were donated sewing 
machines, as making traditional African 
clothing is a sustainable business locally. 

Following the successful completion of 
providing motorised water boreholes for 
a number of communities in Nigeria, we 
continue to see if we can assist other 
communities in a similar way.

Building on our previous efforts, San 
Leon has continued to contribute food, 
clothing and educational support to 
many people while also focusing on 
infrastructural projects that we hope will 
leave a lasting impact on communities. 

One such project, that we have recently 
undertaken, is the building of a new 
medical centre in Kanshio village in a 
suburb of Makurdi in Benue State. 
Families here, including many vulnerable 
women and children, often suffer 
without local medical support and San 
Leon is trying to assist this community. 
A building that was falling into ruin is 
being reconstructed and modernised, 
secure perimeter fencing is being 
installed and a laboratory to test for 
common diseases and infections such 
as malaria and typhoid is planned. 

The building is also being equipped with 
six beds and medical equipment and 
supplies to serve the health needs of 
the Kanshio community and other 
neighbouring villages for a period and 
it is expected to be run by the 
community thereafter.

“San Leon Energy continues to 
be committed to and takes its 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
in countries in which we have 
an interest very seriously.  

 The Company contributes 
directly to projects in Nigeria 
when possible and where we  
trust our contributions can 
have a direct impact on the 
environment and communities 
we seek to assist.”

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Top right: Reconstruction of a medical 
centre and laboratory in Kanisho Village.

Above: Support for women-led enterprise 
providing tailoring tuition and donating 
sewing machines.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      39

 
 
 
 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
Continued

Finally, we were due to begin the 
construction of a new classroom block at 
a school in Achusa, Benue State in 2019. 
However, due to the road leading to the 
village being damaged by a flood it was 
not possible to transport building 
materials to the village. This project has 
been delayed but we do hope to see it 
completed in 2020. 

San Leon is honoured and committed to 
help where it can. Results from our 
Corporate Social Responsibility policy in 
action are being seen. The true credit, 
we believe, should lie with the leaders in 
these communities who are trying to 
improve living standards and future 
prospects for the whole of society. It is 
leadership that we endeavour to 
support as much as possible.

While the above projects bring relief 
and assistance in the present, we firmly 
believe in the right of access to, and the 
importance of, supporting education as 
a way to underpin hope and change in 
the future. 

In 2019, we provided books and 
uniforms to students in Benue State, 
where students often work as house 
helps in the morning and attend schools 
from 1 pm to 6 pm in the heat of the 
day. We also covered fees, books, school 
uniforms and clothing for some orphans 
and vulnerable children who were 
enrolled in St. Patrick Nursery/Primary 
School, Kojoli, Adamawa State. 

We are told that many of these children 
would not be gaining an education if we 
had not helped. We have also paid school 
fees, provided books and uniforms for 
boys and girls from deeply disadvantaged 
homes in Makurdi and Idah areas who 
began secondary schools in September 
this year. We have also supported third 
level students, some orphaned, to attend 
different colleges and universities.

Above and opposite: Providing books and 
uniforms to students in Benue State.

40       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Women-led enterprise 

Continued support for women-led enterprises. 
16 women from Nassarawa and Benue States  
were trained in tailoring using donated sewing  
machines, making traditional African clothing  
is a sustainable business locally.

Education 

In 2019, we provided books and uniforms  
to students in Benue State; where students 
attend schools in the afternoon between  
1pm to 6pm in the heat of the day.

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“Building on our previous efforts, 
San Leon has continued to contribute 
food, clothing and educational support  
to many people that we hope will leave 
a lasting impact on communities.” 

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      41

 
 
 
 
Country and industry overview

Nigeria is West Africa’s biggest producer of petroleum, with its 
oil producing region seeing over 2 million barrels a day extracted

Nigeria – Oil and Gas 
Industry Overview 

Nigeria is West Africa’s biggest producer 
of petroleum, with its oil producing 
region, the Niger Delta, seeing over  
two million barrels a day extracted from 
both on-shore and deep water facilities. 
Covering an area of approximately 
75,000 km2 and with up to 10 km 
sedimentary thickness, this impressive 
petroleum system contains total proved 
reserves of over 37 bn barrels of oil and 
189 tcf of gas, ranking Nigeria 11th in the 
world closely behind the US with 39 bn 
barrels of proven oil reserves. 

In the last half of 2019, the Minister  
of State for Petroleum, Timpre Sylva, 
iterated the Nigerian government’s 
resolve to reduce the government’s 
stake in joint venture oil business (to 
40% from 55-60%) in order to spur 
more foreign investment. This would 
also benefit the government by lowering 
its share of the cash cost in upstream 
operations. Nearly 60% of total crude  
oil and gas sales revenue in 2018 for  
the Nigerian Government was directed 
toward Joint Venture (“JV”) cash calls  
and the government is in arrears on 
some payments (African Chamber 
Outlook, 2020). 

Historically, major international oil 
companies (“IOCs”) have dominated the 
development of Nigeria’s oil and gas 
sector. To address this bias, the last 
decade has seen the Nigerian Federal 
Government and relevant departments 
introduce a number of initiatives and 
structural changes to help facilitate the 
increased participation of indigenous 
companies in the sector. The Nigerian Oil 
and Gas Industry Content Development 
(“NOGICD”) Act, which came into effect  
in April 2010, created an overarching 
framework for a combination of 
restrictive policies and incentives to drive 
more indigenous participation across 
human capital, material resources  
and technical services in the industry.  
In reality, these initiatives have had a 
measurable amount of success. 
Compared with a decade ago, when 
indigenous operators contributed 
approximately 6% to the nation’s daily 
production, indigenous operator activity 
has now doubled and accounts for 
around 12% of Nigeria’s oil production. 

There is still room for partnerships from 
international investors, as many of these 
smaller companies will have significant 
financing needs to move projects 
forward. Recognising this, the Nigerian 
government has taken steps to 
encourage foreign investment in the 
sector, within the provisions set by the 
NOGICD Act. 

The NNPC is also considering a new 
Incorporated Joint Venture (“IJV)” model 
in 2020, which could further encourage 
greater participation from IOCs. The IJV 
model would involve the creation of  
a new company through which the 
venture will be operated. In this regard, 
the parties involved in the Joint Venture 
will be shareholders of the company, 
through which capital can be raised 
through debt or equity, with dividends 
paid to shareholders. In theory, the  
IJV removes the need for cash call and 
annual funding strategy which will  
create transparency across all JV 
partners, while reducing the level of 
government bureaucracy. 

More recently, Minister Timpre Sylva has 
also disclosed that a new Petroleum 
Industry Bill (“PIB”) would be sent to the 
National Assembly by March 2020 in 
order to have it passed into law by 
mid-2020. Following the February 
election, President Buhari’s allies have 
assumed leadership of both the Senate 
and House of Representatives, and this 
political alignment may help facilitate 
passing of the PIB. For a piece of 
legislation that has been on the table 
since 2008, this would be a welcome 
development to both existing and 
prospective investors in the Nigerian 
oil and gas space.

Covering an area of 
approximately 75,000 km2 
and with up to 10 km 
sedimentary thickness, this 
impressive petroleum system 
contains total proved reserves 
of over 37 bn barrels of oil 
and 189 tcf of gas, ranking 
Nigeria 11th in the world.

42       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

75,000 km2 

Niger Delta covers an area of 
approximately 75,000 km2 and with  
up to 10 km sedimentary thickness

>37 bn

Total proved reserves of over 37 bn 
barrels of oil and 189 tcf of gas, 
ranking Nigeria 11th in the world 
closely behind the US

2,000,000+ 

Over 2 million barrels a day  
extracted from both on-shore  
and deep water facilities

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“The Nigerian government has 
taken steps to encourage foreign 
investment in the sector, within the 
provisions set by the NOGICD Act.”

Bonny Terminal, Niger Delta

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      43

 
 
 
 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the annual report and the financial statements 

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information 
included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the Republic of Ireland 
governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. 

On behalf of the Board: 

Oisín Fanning 
Director 

Lisa Mitchell 
Director 

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

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and Company financial 
statements for each financial year. As 
required by the AIM / ESM Rules, they 
are required to prepare the Group 
financial statements in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the EU. The Directors 
have elected to prepare the Company 
financial statements in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the EU and as 
applied in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2014. 

Under company law, the Directors must 
not approve the Group and Company 
financial statements unless they are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the Group and Company and 
of the Group’s and Company’s profit or 
loss for that year. 

In preparing each of the Group and 
Company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to: 

•

•

•

select suitable accounting policies and
then apply them consistently;

make judgements and estimates that
are reasonable and prudent;

state whether they have been
prepared in accordance with IFRS as
adopted by the EU and as regards the
Company, as applied in accordance
with the Companies Act 2014;

•

•

assess the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing,
as applicable, matters related to going
concern; and

use the going concern basis of
accounting unless they either intend to
liquidate the Company or cease
operations or have no realistic
alternative but to do so.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records, which 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit or loss of the 
Company and which enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements of 
the Company comply with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2014. The 
Directors are also responsible for taking 
all reasonable steps to ensure such 
records are kept by its subsidiaries which 
enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements of the Group comply with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2014. 
They are responsible for such internal 
controls as they determine are necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error, and have a general responsibility 
for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and the Group, and hence 
for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities. The Directors are 
also responsible for preparing a 
Directors’ report that complies with 
the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2014.

44       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Financial statements

Financial statements 

46

Independent Auditor’s report 

52 Consolidated income statement 

53 Consolidated statement of other 

comprehensive income 

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

56 Company statement of changes in equity 

58 Consolidated statement of financial position 

59 Company statement of financial position 

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows 

61 Company statement of cash flows 

62 Notes to the financial statements 

Other information 

121 Alternative performance measures 

122 Corporate information 

123 Glossary 

124 Conversion

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      45

 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report 
to the members of San Leon Energy plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements 

Opinion 
We have audited the Group and Company financial statements of San Leon Energy plc (the “Company”) for the year ended 
31 December 2019, which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive 
Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial 
Position, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows and related notes, including the summary of significant 
accounting policies set out in Note 1. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish Law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Company financial statements, as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014. 

In our opinion: 

•

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group and Company as at
31 December 2019 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

•

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

•

•

the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union,
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014; and

the Group and Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2014.

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (“ISAs” (Ireland)) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remained independent of the Group 
in accordance with ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in Ireland, including the Ethical 
Standard issued by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (“IAASA”), as applied to listed entities. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Emphasis of matter – uncertainty relating to valuation of investment in Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”) 
We draw attention to Notes 13 and 17 (i) to the financial statements concerning the uncertainty associated with the assessment of 
the Group’s investment in and related Loan Notes due from MLPL. The Group’s investment in and related Loan Notes due from 
MLPL are underpinned by the OML 18 oil field in Nigeria. Notwithstanding the cash flows received to date, and the revised 
payment schedule, there remains significant uncertainty in relation to the quantum and timing of future cash flows, and this 
uncertainty in turn impacts the value of the Group’s investment in MLPL and the recoverability of the Group and Company’s loans 
due from MLPL. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

46       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

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

In arriving at our audit opinion above, the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit significance, were as follows:

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Valuation of Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”) Loan Notes and equity interest 
(refer to pages 69 to 74 (accounting policy) and pages 82 to 83 and 88 to 91 (financial disclosures))

The OML 18 transaction (the MLPL Loan 
Notes and equity interest) accounts for 
San Leon’s most significant asset. 

In line with the relevant accounting standards, 
management have ascertained fair values for 
the Loan Notes $112.3 million (2018: $128.7 
million) and the equity interest $51.9 million 
(2018: $55.1 million) at 31 December 2019. 

There are significant estimates and 
judgments involved in determining the fair 
value of both the Loan Notes and equity 
interest in MLPL. 

This is both a Group and Company 
audit matter.

Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Inspection of management’s fair value assessment models and accounting 
papers highlighting the key assumptions (forecast cash flows and discount 
rate) supporting the carrying amount of the equity interest and Loan 
Notes investment in MLPL; 

Inspection of the historical accuracy of the Group’s cash flow forecast by 
comparing the prior period forecasted cash receipts from the MLPL 
Loan Note to actual receipts in 2019 and to the date of signing the 
financial statements; 

Inspection of documentation supporting the amounts received and due 
from MLPL under the loan; 

Comparison of the Group’s forecasted income from the MLPL Loan Note to 
MLPL’s own cash flow forecasts to ensure they were consistent; 

Assessment of the arithmetic accuracy of the calculations underpinning the 
valuation and accounting for the Loan Notes and equity accounted interests; 

Recalculation of the fair value of the loan based on management’s 
assumptions; 

Inspection of correspondence with the Group’s legal advisers which 
considers the manner and classification of Loan Notes payments and 
whether there was a breach of the instrument’s terms; 

Inspection of reporting and opinion of MLPL issued to us and discussions 
with the MLPL component auditor on the MLPL audited consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019; and 

Assessment of the required accounting disclosures of the Loan Notes and 
related subsequent events in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. 

We found no material misstatements arising from our procedures, however 
based on evidence obtained, we note that the recoverability of the Group’s 
investment (Loan Notes and equity investment) in MLPL is dependent on the 
ability of the OML 18 operator, Eroton, to make distributions which remains 
subject to a number of restrictions. 

This is outside the control of San Leon Energy plc and reflects a significant 
uncertainty for the Group and Company. Therefore, we have included an 
emphasis of matter in relation to the carrying value of the Group’s investment 
in MLPL in our audit opinion.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      47

 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report 
Continued

Key audit matter

How the matter was addressed in our audit

Valuation of 4.5% Net Profit Interest (“NPI”) on the Barryroe oil field  
(refer to pages 69 to 74 (accounting policy) and pages 88 to 92 (financial disclosures))

The risk relates to the assessment of the 
carrying value of the Barryroe NPI financial 
asset of $2.8 million (2018: $51.1 million) 
at 31 December 2019. 

Assessing the fair value of the Group’s 
NPI in Barryroe continues to be subject to 
complexity and significant judgment. 

This is both a Group and Company 
audit matter.

Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to: 

•

•

Inspection of management and the Board’s accounting papers setting out
their assessment of the carrying value of the financial asset;

Inspection of the most recent available third party and independent
information available to management, including developments in relation
to the farm out of the Barryroe field;

•

Recalculation of management’s estimate of the fair value of the asset;

•

•

Assessment of the key management assumptions and inputs which
underpin their valuation model; and

Assessment of the required accounting disclosures are in accordance with
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

In determining the appropriate valuation technique to be used for the 
Barryroe NPI, we challenged management in respect of the use of some 
unobservable inputs against a technique which maximises the use of 
observable inputs, using existing market data. Management considered this 
alternative approach and reflected our challenge in their estimate. 

The fair value of the Barryroe NPI asset is estimated by management to be 
$2.8 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: $51.1 million) based on a fair 
value model produced by management. This resulted in an impairment of 
$48.4 million recognised in the statement of profit and loss for the period 
ending 31 December 2019. 

We consider the valuation technique and key assumptions in management’s 
model to be supportive of the valuation. All assumptions are appropriately 
disclosed. 

48       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit 
Materiality for the Group and Company financial statements as a whole was set at $1,200,000 (2018: $1,450,000). This has been 
calculated using a benchmark of Group and Company total assets (of which it represents 0.6% (2018: 0.5%)), which we have 
determined, in our professional judgement, to be one of the principal benchmarks within the financial statements relevant to the 
members of the Company in assessing financial performance. 

We report to the Audit Committee all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through our audit in excess of 
$60,000 (2018: $70,000), in addition to other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed 
above and in light of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion. 

The accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries are maintained in Ireland. The accounting records of the equity 
accounted investment in MLPL are maintained in Nigeria. 100% of total group revenue, 100% of the group’s loss before taxation 
and 100% of group total assets were subject to audit for group reporting purposes. 

For the two significant components in the scope of our audit, the parent Company San Leon Energy plc (audited by the Group 
team) and the equity accounted investment MLPL (audited by the component auditor), the Group audit team considered 
aggregation risk in setting component materiality having regard to the size and risk profile of the components across the Group. 
The Group audit team instructed the component auditor as to the significant areas to be covered including the relevant risks 
detailed above and the information to be reported back. 

The Group audit team held a number of video and telephone conference calls with the component auditors of the MLPL 
component to assess the audit risk and strategy and work undertaken. We reviewed the component auditor’s procedures and 
conclusions over the significant risks identified by us. In our discussions, the matters subject to audit and the findings reported to 
the Group audit team were discussed in more detail and any further work required by the Group audit team was then performed 
by the component auditors. 

We have nothing to report on going concern 
We are required to report to you if we have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting is inappropriate or 
there is an undisclosed material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt over the use of that basis for a period of at least 12 
months from the date of approval of the financial statements. We have nothing to report in these respects. 

Other information 
The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. 
The other information comprises the information included in the Directors report, Highlights, San Leon at a glance, Director’s 
strategy, Overview / Corporate structure, Chairman’s statement, Four expected cash flow sources, Chief Executive’s statement, 
Corporate governance, Board of Directors, Corporate governance statement, Audit Committee report, Remuneration Committee 
report, Nomination Committee report, Risk and Safety Committee report, Corporate Social Responsibility, Country and industry 
overview and Statement of Director’s responsibilities. The financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon do not comprise 
part of the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, 
we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      49

 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report 
Continued

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. 
Based solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information. 

Based solely on our work on the other information, we report that: 

•

we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ report;

•

in our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements; and

•

in our opinion, the Directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2014.

Our opinions on other matters prescribed the Companies Act 2014 are unmodified 
We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purpose of our audit. 

In our opinion, the accounting records of the Company were sufficient to permit the financial statements to be readily and 
properly audited and the Company’s financial statements are in agreement with the accounting records. 

We have nothing to report on other matters on which we are required to report by exception 
The Companies Act 2014 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of Directors’ remuneration and 
transactions required by Sections 305 to 312 of the Act are not made. 

Respective responsibilities and restrictions on use 
Directors’ responsibilities 
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 44, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing 
the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; 
and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is 
a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or 
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
financial statements. 

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on IAASA’s website at 
https://www.iaasa.ie/getmedia/b2389013-1cf6-458b-9b8f-a98202dc9c3a/Description_of_auditors_responsiblities_for_audit.pdf.

50       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities 
Our report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. 
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. 

Niall Savage 
for and on behalf of 

KPMG 
Chartered Accountants, Statutory Audit Firm 
1 Stokes Place 
St. Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2 

24 June 2020

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 

Continuing operations 

Revenue from contracts with customers

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Share of loss of equity accounted investments

Administrative expenses

(Loss) / profit on disposal of subsidiaries

Impairment / write off of exploration and evaluation assets

Decommissioning of wells

Other income

Expected credit losses

Loss from operating activities

Finance expense

Finance income

Expected credit losses

Fair value movements in financial assets

Loss before income tax

Income tax

Loss for the financial year

Loss per share (cent) – total 

Basic loss per share

Diluted loss per share

Notes

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

2

13

4

12

24

3

8

          6

            7

8

17

10

266

(148)

118

198 

(95)

103 

(3,204)                (14,693) 

(14,899)                (16,349) 

(13,770)                (13,133) 

(1,407)

(3,074) 

–

1,400

–

485

– 

(3,532)

   (31,762)                (50,193) 

(144)

24,123

3,465

(48,373)

(52,691)

(2,417)

44,082 

4,212 

2,281 

(2,035) 

14,079

(3,777) 

          (38,612)

(5,812) 

   11

11

(8.28)

(8.28)

(1.15) 

(1.15) 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

52       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 

Loss for the year

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

Currency translation differences – subsidiaries

Recycling of currency translation reserve on disposal of subsidiaries

Fair value movements in financial assets

Deferred tax on fair value movements in financial assets

Total other comprehensive income

Notes

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(38,612)

(5,812) 

26

26

17

29

(26)

13,870

(2,625)

40

11,259

46

13,567 

119 

(39) 

13,693 

Total comprehensive (loss) / profit for the year

(27,353)

7,881 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      53

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

2018

Attributable 
Other
Share            Share   undenom- 
to equity 
capital     premium           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained         holders 
reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings      in Group 
US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 
(Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated) 

          Share 
Currency           based     Shares to

Balance as at 1 January 2018 
(Restated)1

150,600   478,666

Total comprehensive income for year 

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Recycling of currency translation 
reserve on disposal of subsidiaries

Foreign currency translation 
differences – subsidiaries

Foreign currency translation 
differences – joint venture

Fair value movements in financial assets

Deferred tax on fair value 
movements in financial assets

Total comprehensive income for year

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Share-based payment

Effect of share options cancelled

Total transactions with owners

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2018

150,600   478,666

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–       (2,836)     19,778        1,343

– (395,557)  251,994 

–

–

–      13,567

–             46

–

–

–

–

–

–

–      13,613

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–       (5,812)      (5,812) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–           119

–      13,567 

–             46 

–

–

– 

119 

–            (39)

–            (39) 

–             80       (5,812)       7,881 

–

–

–

–

–

–

519           756

–

–        1,275 

(5,320)

–

–        5,320

– 

(4,801)          756

–

5,320        1,275 

–      10,777      14,977        2,099             80  (396,049)  261,150 

1 As described in Note 1, the presentation currency for the Group has been changed to USD from 1 January 2019, with retrospective effect on comparative figures. 

Equity items at 1 January 2018 have been translated to USD using the USD / EUR rate applicable at the transaction date.  

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

54       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

2019

Attributable 
Other
Share            Share   undenom- 
to equity 
capital     premium           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained         holders 
reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings      in Group 
US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

          Share 
Currency           based     Shares to

–      10,777      14,977        2,099             80  (396,049)  261,150 

Balance as at  1 January 20191

150,600   478,666

Total comprehensive income for year 

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Foreign currency translation 
differences – subsidiaries

Recycling of currency translation 
reserve on disposal of subsidiaries

Fair value movements in financial assets

Deferred tax on fair value movements 
in financial assets

Total comprehensive income for year

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Tender offer (Note 25)

(144,871)  (459,721)               –

5,024

Reduction of capital (Note 25)

Share buybacks (Note 25)

Share-based payment

Issue of shares in lieu of salary

Effect of share options exercised

Effect of repricing of share options

Effect of options expired

(576)

(47)

–

–           576

–             47

–

63        2,036

3             96

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

848

–

–

–

–     (38,612)    (38,612) 

–

–

–            (26) 

–      13,870 

–       (2,625)               –

(2,625) 

–             40

–

40 

–       (2,585)    (38,612)    (27,353) 

–

–

–

–

–   599,568

– 

–

–

–

(30,512)    (30,512) 

(1,535)      (1,535) 

–           848 

–       (2,099)               –

–

– 

–            (72)

219

(1,680)

–

–

–

–             72             99 

–

–           219 

–        1,680

– 

–

–

–            (26)

–      13,870

–

–

–

–

–      13,844

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total transactions with owners

(145,428) (457,589)          623        5,024

(685)      (2,099)

– 569,273     (30,881) 

Balance at  31 December 2019

5,172      21,077           623        5,024      24,621      14,292

–

(2,505)  134,612   202,916 

1 As described in Note 1, the presentation currency for the Group has been changed to USD from 1 January 2019, with retrospective effect on comparative figures. 

All comparatives, including equity, have been translated using the rate applicable on the date of the change being 1 January 2019.  

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      55

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Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Other
                                                                                                                                          undenom- 

         Share-                                                                                          

Currency           based     Shares to

Share            Share           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained             Total 
capital     premium         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings           equity 
US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 
(Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated) 

2018

Balance as at 1 January 2018 
(restated)1

Total comprehensive income 

Profit for the year

Fair value movements  
in financial assets

Deferred tax on fair value movements 
in financial assets

Total comprehensive income  
for the year

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

share-based payment

Effect of share options cancelled

Total transactions with owners

150,600   478,666

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 31 December 2018

150,600   478,666

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–      19,778        1,343

– (445,540)  204,847 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–      24,098      24,098 

–           119

–

119 

–            (39)

–            (39) 

–             80      24,098      24,178 

519           756

–

–        1,275 

(5,320)

–

–        5,320

– 

(4,801)          756

–

5,320        1,275 

–      14,977        2,099             80  (416,122)  230,300 

1 As described in Note 1, the presentation currency for the Company has been changed to USD from 1 January 2019, with retrospective effect on comparative figures. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

56       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

Other
                                                                                                                                          undenom- 

         Share-                                                                                          

Currency           based     Shares to

2019

Share            Share           inated          Special   translation      payment     be issued     Fair value      Retained             Total 
capital     premium         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve         reserve       earnings           equity 
US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000       US$’000 

Balance as at 1 January 20191

150,600   478,666

Total comprehensive income 

Loss for the year

Fair value movements in financial assets

Deferred tax on fair value movements 
in financial assets

–

–

–

Total comprehensive income for the year                –

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Transactions with owners recognised 
directly in equity 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 

Tender offer and reduction of 
capital (Note 25)

Reduction of capital (Note 25)

Share buybacks (Note 25)

Share-based payment

Issue of shares in lieu of salary

Effect of share options exercised

Effect of repricing of share options

Effect of options expired

(144,871) (459,721)               –

5,024

(576)

(47)

–

–           576

–             47

–

63        2,036

3             96

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–      14,977        2,099             80  (416,122)  230,300 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

848

–

–     (12,284)    (12,284) 

–       (2,625)               –

(2,625) 

–             40

–

40 

–       (2,585)    (12,284)    (14,869) 

–

–

–

–

–   599,568

– 

–

–

–

(30,512)    (30,512) 

(1,535)      (1,535) 

–           848 

–       (2,099)               –

–

– 

–

–

–

–             72             99 

–

–           219 

–        1,680

– 

–            (72)

219

(1,680)

–

–

–

–

Total transactions with owners

(145,428) (457,589)          623        5,024

Balance at 31 December 2019

5,172      21,077           623        5,024

(685)      (2,099)

– 569,273     (30,881) 

14,292

–

(2,505)  140,867   184,550 

1 As described in Note 1, the presentation currency for the Company has been changed to USD from 1 January 2019, with retrospective effect on comparative figures. 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      57

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Consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 31 December 2019

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets

Equity accounted investments

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Deferred tax asset

Other non-current assets

Current assets 

Inventory

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Other undenominated reserve

Special reserve

Share-based payments reserve

Shares to be issued reserve

Currency translation reserve

Fair value reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity attributable to equity shareholders

Non-current liabilities 

Lease liability

Derivative

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Provisions

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2017 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

12

13

14

17

29

15

18

19

17

20

25

25

26

26 / 27

26

30

22

29

21

23

24

–

51,866

4,344

–

55,070

1,964

2,864 

69,763 

2,745 

2,963                124,876                134,998 

1,718

–

–

206

– 

206 

60,891                182,116                210,576 

180

987

112,252

36,697

272

2,440

57,611

40,762

150,116                101,085

323 

4,976 

70,743 

9,311 

85,353 

     211,007                283,201                295,929 

5,172                150,600                150,600 

21,077                478,666                478,666 

623

5,024

14,292

–

24,621

(2,505)

–

–

14,977

2,099

10,777

80

– 

– 

18,496 

2,382 

(2,836) 

(363) 

134,612               (396,049)             (385,710) 

202,916                261,150                261,235 

2,501

128

–

2,629

5,406

–

56

–

5,462

     8,091

–

659

12,404

13,063

8,228

–

760

–

8,988

22,051

– 

488 

8,630 

9,118 

17,895 

4,747 

1,789 

1,145 

25,576 

34,694 

211,007                283,201                295,929 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Oisín Fanning, Director

Lisa Mitchell, Director 

24 June 2020 

58       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Company statement of financial position 
as at 31 December 2019 

Assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Financial assets – investment in subsidiaries

Deferred tax asset

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Other undenominated reserve

Special reserve

Share-based payments reserve

Shares to be issued reserve

Fair value reserve

Retained earnings

Attributable to equity shareholders

Non-current liabilities 

Derivative

Lease liability

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2017 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

14

17

16

29

19

17

20

25

25

26

26 / 27

22

30

29

21

23

3,066

46

– 

2,769                124,876                134,998 

31,539

1,691

31,539

–

34,608 

– 

39,065                156,461                169,606 

4,068

112,252

36,388

4,911

57,611

40,180

152,708                102,702

3,426 

70,743 

8,950 

83,119 

     191,773                259,163                252,725 

5,172                150,600                150,600 

21,077                478,666                478,666 

623

5,024

14,292

–

(2,505)

–

–

14,977

2,099

80

– 

– 

18,496 

2,382 

1,408 

140,867               (416,122)             (437,464) 

184,550                230,300                214,088 

128

2,501

–

2,629

4,594

–

4,594

     7,223

659

–

12,436

13,095

15,768

–

15,768

28,863

488 

– 

8,670 

9,158 

24,732 

4,747 

29,479 

38,637 

191,773                259,163                252,725 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements. 

Oisín Fanning, Director

Lisa Mitchell, Director 

24 June 2020 

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      59

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Consolidated statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities 
Loss for the year – continuing operations
Adjustments for: 
Depletion and depreciation
Finance expense
Finance income
Share-based payments charge
Foreign exchange
Income tax
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets – continuing operations
Expected credit losses
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Decommissioning costs
Decommissioning payments
Fair value movements in financial assets
Decrease / (increase) in inventory
Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables
Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables
Share of loss of equity-accounted investments
Tax paid
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities 
Expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Lease – prepaid rental
Loans advanced
Loans repaid by Directors
Loans issued to Directors
Interest on Director’s loan
Interest and investment income received
OML 18 Loan Notes principal payments received
OML 18 Loan Notes interest payments received
Net cash inflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities 
Share buybacks
Proceeds from issue of shares
Repayment of lease liability – principal
Repayment of other loans
Dissenting shareholder payment
Loans repaid to Directors
Interest and arrangement fees paid
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(38,612)

(5,812) 

14
          6
            7

10

12

8

4

24

24

17

13

12

14

30
         23

31

7

7

17

17

23

24

20

20

960
144

850 
2,417 
(24,123)                (44,082) 
1,275 
(552)
3,777 
3,074 
(680) 
13,133 
(485)
(496)
(2,281) 
50 
(132) 
(8,737) 
14,693 
(54)
(15,727)                (24,042) 

       1,069
(403)
(14,079)
1,407
(3,465)
13,770
–
(702)
48,373
        92
532
(3,876)
3,204
(18)

(466)
(82)
(231)
–
727
–
1
278
23,361
19,885
43,473

(32,048)
             99
(192)
–
–
–
(144)
(32,285)
(4,539)
474
40,762
36,697

(210)
(75)
–
458
– 
(724)
2 
101 
31,572 
33,032 
64,156 

– 
– 
–
(5,227)
(48)
(1,911)
(2,248)
(9,434) 
30,680 
771 
9,311 
40,762 

The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

60       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Company statement of cash flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities 

Loss for the year

Adjustments for: 

Depletion and depreciation

Finance income

Finance expense

Share-based payments charge

(Reversal of impairment) / impairment of investment in subsidiaries 
and amounts due from Group undertakings

Fair value movements in financial assets

Expected credit losses

Foreign exchange

Income tax

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

Tax paid

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 

Advances to subsidiary companies

OML 18 Loan Notes principal payments received

OML 18 Loan Notes interest payments received

Loans advanced

Loans issued to Directors

Loans repaid by Directors

Interest on Director’s loan

Interest and investment income received

Lease – prepaid rental

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net cash inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Share buybacks

Proceeds of issue of shares

Repayment on lease obligations

Repayment of other loans

Loans repaid to Directors

Interest and arrangement fees paid

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(12,284)

24,098 

14

            7

343

1 

(24,123)                (44,082) 

144

       1,069

(6,943)

48,373

(3,465)

(678)

(14,084)

130

(2,403)

(18)

2,413 

520 

6,183 

(2,281) 

(4,212) 

(724)

3,702 

(123) 

(4,446) 

(41)

(13,939)                (18,992) 

(2,160)

23,361

19,885

–

–

727

1

278

(231)

(82)

(5,537) 

31,572 

33,032 

458

(724)

– 

2 

101 

–

(47)

41,779

58,857 

(32,048)

99

(192)

–

–

(144)

(32,285)

(4,445)

653

40,180

36,388

– 

– 

–

(5,227)

(1,911)

(2,243)

(9,381) 

30,484 

746 

8,950 

40,180 

17

8

17

17

         23

31

7

7

30

14

23

20

20

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The accompanying notes on pages 62 to 120 form an integral part of these financial statements.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      61

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 

1. Accounting policies

San Leon Energy plc (“the Company”) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland. The Company is listed on 
the Alternative Investments Market (“AIM”) of the London Stock Exchange. The Group financial statements consolidate those of the 
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”). The registered office address is 2 Shelbourne Buildings, 
Crampton Avenue, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial 
statements, with the exception of some comparative information. This is due to the adoption of the accounting policy regarding a 
change in presentation currency, the details of which are explained further below and the adoption of IFRS 16 in the current period 
using the modified retrospective approach in which comparative amounts were not restated.  

Statement of compliance 
As required by AIM and ESM rules and permitted by Company Law, the Group financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the EU. The individual financial statements of 
the Company (Company financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and as applied in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2014 which permits a Company that publishes its Company and Group financial statements 
together, to take advantage of the exemption in Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, from presenting to its members its 
Company statement of comprehensive income and related notes that form part of the approved Company financial statements. 
The IFRS adopted by the EU as applied by the Company and the Group in the preparation of these financial statements are those 
that were effective for accounting periods commencing on or before 1 January 2019 or were early adopted as indicated below.  

New standards required by EU companies for the year ended 31 December 2019 
The following new standards and amendments were adopted by the Group and the Company for the first time in the current 
financial reporting period.  

New standards and interpretations effective that were adopted 

Standard

IFRS 16: Leases (13 January 2016)

IASB effective date            EU effective date 

1 January 2019          1 January 2019  

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (issued on 7 June 2017)

1 January 2019          1 January 2019 

Amendments to IFRS 9 Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

1 January 2019          1 January 2019 

Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term interests in Associates and Joint Ventures

1 January 2019          1 January 2019 

Amendments to IAS 19: Plan amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (8 February 2018)             1 January 2019          1 January 2019 

Annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle (issued on 12 December 2017)        1 January 2019          1 January 2019 

The Group has initially applied IFRS 16 (see below) from 1 January 2019. The other standards listed above, are also effective from 
1 January 2019 but they do not have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements. 

Due to the transition method chosen by the Group in applying IFRS 16, the Group has opted for the modified retrospective 
approach where comparative information throughout these financial statements has not been restated to reflect the 
requirements of the new standard. 

IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 16 is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and the Group adopted IFRS 16 with effect from 
1 January 2019. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both the 
lessee and the lessor. For lessees, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and 
introduces a single lessee accounting model whereby all leases are accounted for in the Statement of Financial Position, with some 
exemptions for short-term and low-value leases. It also includes an election which permits a lessee not to separate non-lease 
components (e.g. maintenance) from lease components and instead capitalise both the lease cost and associated non-lease cost.  

The standard primarily affects the accounting for the Group’s operating leases. The application of IFRS 16 results in the recognition 
of additional assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and in the Consolidated Income Statement. 
It replaces the straight-line operating lease expense with a depreciation charge for the right-of-use asset and an interest expense 
on the lease liabilities.

62       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued 

The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the lessee would expect to incur on funds borrowed over a similar term 
and security to obtain a comparable value to the right-of-use asset in the relevant economic environment. The Group’s weighted 
average incremental borrowing rate pertaining to these leases is 5%. 

i. Definition of a lease 
Previously, the Group determined at contract inception whether an arrangement was or contained a lease under IAS 17 Leases 
and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease. The Group now assesses whether a contract is or contains a 
lease based on the new definition of a lease. Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains a lease if the contract conveys a right to 
control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. 

On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which transactions 
are leases. It applied IFRS 16 only to contracts that were previously identified as leases. Contracts that were not identified as leases 
under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were not reassessed.  

ii. Transition 
The Group adopted the new standard by applying the modified retrospective approach. 

At transition, for leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the 
remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate as at 1 January 2019. All right-of-use assets were 
measured at the amount of the lease liability on adoption, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued interest payments. 

Previously under IAS 17 operating lease rentals were charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the lease. 

The Group applied the recognition exemption for short-term and low-value leases and used hindsight when determining the lease 
term and if the contract contained options to extend or terminate the lease. The Group also elected not to separate non-lease 
components from lease components and instead capitalise both the lease cost and associated non-lease cost. 

The Group has also elected to use the practical expedient which allows for a single discount rate to be applied to a portfolio of 
leases with reasonably similar characteristics. 

The impact on the financial statements on transition to IFRS 16 is outlined below: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2019 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Opening lease commitments at 31 December 2018 as disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report                                                          4,045 

Impact of discounting                                                                                                                                                                                       (957) 

Recognition exemptions for short term and low value assets                                                                                                                     (38) 

Lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                         3,050 

Statement of Financial Position: 
The impact of the transition has resulted in higher property, plant and equipment and current and non-current lease liabilities. 
For short-term leases (lease term less than 12 months) and leases of low-value assets the Group has opted to recognise a lease 
expense on a straight-line basis as permitted by IFRS 16. Depending on the nature of the lease, this is either recognised as additions 
to property, plant and equipment as a right-of-use asset or administrative costs as a short-term/low-value lease rental expense. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           1 January 2019  
Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                                                                                                 US$’000 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                                                     3,050 

Total IFRS 16 transition                                                                                                                                                                                3,050

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      63

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           1 January 2019 
Lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             US$’000 

Current                                                                                                                                                                                                                333 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                                                     2,717 

Total IFRS 16 transition                                                                                                                                                                                      3,050 

Income Statement: 
During 2019 depreciation on the right of use assets was US$329,000, associated lease rental charge decreased by US$336,000 
and a foreign exchange gain of US$24,000 led to an increase in operating profit of US$31,000. The interest charge on the 
associated leases was US$144,000 and the aggregate impact of IFRS 16 on profit before tax was a decrease of US$113,000. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Lease expense                                                                                                                                                                           –                       336 

Interest on lease liabilities                                                                                                                                                   144                            – 

Depreciation on right-of-use assets                                                                                                                                  329                            – 

Foreign exchange gain                                                                                                                                                         (24)                           – 

Loss                                                                                                                                                                                        449                       336 

Cash Flow Statement: 
Lease payments are currently included in financing cash flows in the cash flow statement. Financing cash flows represent both 
repayment of principal and interest. In prior periods, operating lease payments were all presented as operating cash flows under 
IAS 17. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Lease expense                                                                                                                                                                                  –                        336 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Payment of lease liability – principal                                                                                                                                         144                             – 

Payment of lease liability – interest                                                                                                                                           192                             – 

Total cash outflow for leases                                                                                                                                                 336                        336 

iii. Measurement 
The Group recognises right-of-use assets representing its right to use the underlying assets and lease liabilities representing its 
obligation to make lease payments at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which 
comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, 
plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the 
underlying asset or to restore the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the 
lease term, unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of the 
right-of-use asset reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated over 
the useful life of the underlying asset, which is determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the 
right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. 

The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and 
makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased. 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: 

•

fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;

64       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued

•

•

•

variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date;

amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and

the exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional 
renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease
unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in the 
Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, if the Group changes its assessment of 
whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option or if there is a revised in-substance fixed lease payment. 

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use 
asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. 

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘property, plant and equipment’ 
and lease liabilities in ‘loans and borrowings’ in the Statement of Financial Position. 

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets 
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases, 
including IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. 

IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over income tax treatment 
IFRIC 23 is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and the Group adopted IFRIC 23 with effect from 
1 January 2019. IFRIC 23 sets out how to determine taxable profits and losses, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and 
tax rates when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments under IAS 12 – Income Taxes. Where the Group considers it is 
probable that an uncertain tax treatment will not be accepted by a tax authority the tax risk is measured using either the most 
likely amount method or the expected value method, as appropriate. The adoption and application of IFRIC 23 did not have a 
material impact on the Group. 

New standards and amendments issued by the IASB but not yet effective 
There are a number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that are not yet effective and have not been 
applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. These new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations 
are either not expected to have a material impact on the Group and the Company’s financial statements or are still under 
assessment by the Group and the Company. 

The principal new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are as follows: 

Standard

IASB effective date         EU effective date 

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of material

1 January 2020        1 January 2020 

Amendments to references to the Conceptual Framework in 
IFRS Standards (29 March 2018)

1 January 2020        1 January 2020 

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform              1 January 2020        1 January 2020 

Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a Business

IFRS 17: Insurance Contracts

1 January 2020        Not endorsed but on track 

1 January 2020        Not endorsed but on track 

Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of liabilities as current or non-current

1 January 2020        Not endorsed but on track 

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or Contribution of Assets between              1 January 2020        Not endorsed. No indicative  
endorsement date provided 
an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

IFRS 14: Regulatory Deferral Accounts

1 January 2020        Not endorsed. No indicative  
endorsement date provided 

New standards that came into effect on 1 January 2020 will be applied in the year ending 31 December 2020, first reporting to 
include these will be for the period ending 30 June 2020. The Directors do not believe that any of these standards will have a 
significant impact on Group and Company reporting.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      65

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Basis of preparation 
The Group and Company financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis, except for financial assets (net profit 
interests, quoted shares and unquoted shares), which are carried at fair value, and equity settled share option awards and 
warrants which are measured at grant date fair value. 

Going concern 
The Directors have prepared a detailed cash flow forecast for the Group and Company for the period from 1 June 2020 to 
31 December 2021. 

The principal assumptions underlying the cash flow forecast and the availability of finance to the Group are as follows: 

•

Following completion of a transaction in 2016, the Company paid US$174.5 million to acquire Loan Notes in Midwestern Leon 
Petroleum Limited (“MLPL”), which are repayable by MLPL to San Leon and a 40% shareholding in MLPL. The economic effect of 
this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584% in OML 18. Shareholders will note this is 
0.864% higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition in 2016. There have been no 
further purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation of the 
various parties’ interests in OML 18 which has resulted in Martwestern Energy Limited’s (“Martwestern”) economic interest in 
Eroton now standing at 98%. The Group will receive cash flows from the Loan Notes in the form of interest and capital 
repayments. This continued to be the case during 2019 and the basis of the forecast for 2020 and 2021. On 6 April 2020, the 
Company entered into an agreement amending the Loan Notes Instrument. The Amendment extends the term of the Loan 
Notes to December 2021 and changes the expected Loan Note repayment schedule. Up to 31 December 2019, Loan Note 
payments totalling US$149.1 million of both principal and interest have been made on behalf of MLPL. Since reporting date, a 
further US$41.5 million has been received. US$10.0 million will be due on 6 October 2020, with quarterly repayments starting 
from July 2021. The Group has assumed that it will receive the respective forecast cash flows during 2020 and 2021 from the 
Loan Notes and for the purposes of managing the loan, cash flows are allocated to interest and then capital repayments in 
accordance with the terms of the Loan Notes.  

•

Income from the provision of subsurface technical and management services of US$3.0 million per year in 2020 and 2021. 

•

•

Ongoing exploration and administrative expenditure from the Group’s existing activities are in line with current expectations 
and commitments. 

The cash flow forecast reflects the on-going activity across the Group’s exploration asset portfolio which is now substantially 
reduced but does take into account licence commitments and technical team costs where relevant, administrative overhead, 
other financial commitments and its available financial resources from existing cash balances.  

•

Payment of a special dividend of approximately US$33.0 million in May 2020 (Note 33). 

Given the Group’s well understood cost base, the principal uncertainties relate to the quantum and timing of receipt of interest 
and capital repayments on the Loan Notes with MLPL. It was originally envisaged that the Loan Note payments due to the Group 
would be sourced by MLPL from the receipt of dividends through its indirect interest in Eroton via Martwestern. These dividends 
have not been received and consequently MLPL has entered into loan arrangements in order to be able to make Loan Note 
payments to the Company. In the absence of the dividend payments, MLPL will be reliant on further advances under the loan 
arrangement and in turn being able to make Loan Note payments to the Company. The Company has no obligation arising from 
the loan arrangements entered into by MLPL.  

The Directors have concluded, that whilst any Loan Note payment, if delayed or not received, represents an uncertainty, the receipt 
of any further Loan Note payment(s) is not required given a cash and cash equivalents balance at 31 December 2019 of US$36.7 
million and the other cash flow forecast assumptions to continue for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of 
the financial statements. 

The Directors have considered the impact of Covid-19 upon the Company’s indirect interest in OML 18, and upon the Loan Notes. 
The field operations of OML 18 will necessarily be slowed by the taking of customary health precautions, but as with most oil operations 
around the world, the Company are advised by Eroton that operations are continuing on a reasonable basis. The impact of the current 
low oil price will likely result in the deferral of some operational and capital expenditure, as is prudent to preserve working capital by 
Eroton. That is expected to delay some production increases from drilling. Eroton’s income will also be affected by the lower oil price 
itself, although that is buffered to some extent by the deferral of costs mentioned and a number of put options in place. The overall 
effect is likely to be some modest delay in receiving distributions from Eroton via MLPL. The Directors do not expect a material effect 
on the risk profile of the Loan Notes.

66       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued 

Based on its consideration of Group cash flow projections and underlying assumptions outlined above, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group and Company will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence and to 
discharge its debts as they fall due for the foreseeable future and for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of 
the financial statements. 

Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2019. 

Functional and presentation currency 
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). These consolidated financial statements are 
presented in US Dollars (US$), which is the Company’s functional currency and the Group’s presentational currency, rounded to 
the nearest thousand. 

On 1 January 2019 the Company’s presentation and functional currency changed from Euro to US$, given that a significant 
majority of Group earnings are now denominated in US$. On 1 January 2019 the Group also changed its presentation currency 
from Euro to US$. The Group believes that the presentation currency change will give investors and other stakeholders a clearer 
understanding of the Group’s performance over time. It was determined appropriate to change from this date, as the Group is 
now in the process of exiting the majority of its European operations, and focussing on Western Africa.  

Following this change in accounting policy, the comparatives in the consolidated financial statements are represented in US$ using 
the procedures outlined below:  

•

Assets and liabilities of operations with functional currencies other than US$ (including the Company for periods prior to 
1 January 2019) are translated into US$ at closing rates of exchange. Trading results of such operations are translated into US$ 
at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of transaction or average rates where these are a suitable proxy. Differences 
resulting from the retranslation on the opening net assets and the results for the period have been presented in the currency 
translation reserve, a component within shareholders’ equity.  

•

Share capital, share premium and other reserves are translated at the rate applicable on the date of the change being 1 January 2019.  

•

Cumulative currency translation adjustments are presented as if the Group had always used US$ as the presentation currency 
of its consolidated financial statements. 

Use of estimates and judgements  
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with EU IFRS, requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results 
may differ from these estimates. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other 
factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements 
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Estimates and underlying assumptions 
are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised 
and in any future periods affected. In particular, significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements used in applying 
accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements include: 

Judgements 
•
•
•
•
•

Going concern (Note 1) 
Classification of finance income (Note 7) 
Impairment of investment in subsidiary (Note 16) 
Recoverability of equity accounted investments (Note 13) 
Recoverability of financial assets (Note 17) 

Estimates 
•
•
•
•
•

Measurement of equity accounted investments (Note 13) 
Measurement of financial assets (Note 17) 
Recognition and measurement of derivatives (Note 22) 
Measurement of share-based payments (Note 27) 
Recognition of deferred tax asset for tax losses (Note 29)

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      67

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Basis of consolidation 
The financial information incorporates the financial information of the Company and entities controlled by the Group (its 
subsidiaries). Control is defined as when the Group is exposed to or has the rights to variable returns from its investment with the 
entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are 
included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control commences until the date that control ceases. Where 
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial information of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those 
used by other members of the Group. Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income or expenses arising 
from intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the Group financial statements. 

Business combinations and goodwill 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which 
control is transferred to the Group. Control is defined as when the Group and Company have the rights to variable returns from its 
investment with the entity and have the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control, the 
Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are substantive. 

Acquisitions 
The Group and Company measures goodwill at the acquisition date as: 

•

the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 

•

the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus, if the business combination is achieved in stages, 
the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less 

•

the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in 
connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. 

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified 
as equity, it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of 
the contingent consideration are recognised in profit or loss. 

Intangible assets – exploration and evaluation assets 
Expenditure incurred prior to obtaining the legal rights to explore an area is recognised in profit or loss as incurred. All other 
expenditure relating to licence acquisition, exploration, evaluation and appraisal of oil and gas interests, including an appropriate 
share of directly attributable overheads, is capitalised on a licence by licence basis. 

Exploration and evaluation assets are carried at cost until the exploration phase is complete or commercial reserves have been 
discovered. The Group and Company regularly review the carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets for indicators of 
impairment and capitalised costs are written off where the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Where commercial 
reserves have been established and development is approved by the Board, the relevant expenditure is transferred to oil and gas 
properties following assessment of impairment. 

Impairment of non-financial assets 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets are reviewed at each reporting date and, if there is any indication that an asset may 
be impaired, its recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its 
value in use. 

Estimates of impairment are limited to an assessment by the Directors of any events or changes in circumstance that would 
indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. 

Any impairment loss arising from the review is recognised in profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its 
recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the 
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

68       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to 
write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. The residual value is the estimated amount that 
would currently be obtained from disposal of the asset if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the 
end of its useful life. The annual rate of depreciation for each class of depreciable asset is: 

Office equipment                                     25%                                  Straight line  

Motor vehicles                                          20%                                  Reducing balance  

Plant and equipment                              20% – 33%                      Straight line 

Joint operations 
The Group has entered into a number of joint arrangements on production and exploration assets that result in joint operations. 
The Group accounts for only its share of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure in relation to these joint operations. 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

Joint arrangements 
The Group has also entered into a joint venture arrangement which is operated through a joint venture. The Group accounts for 
its interest in this entity on an equity basis, with Group share of profit or loss after tax recognised in the Income Statement and its 
share of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) of the joint venture recognised in OCI. 

Financial fixed assets – investment in subsidiaries 
Financial fixed assets in the Company Statement of Financial Position consist of investments in subsidiary undertakings and are 
stated at cost less provision for impairment where applicable. 

Financial assets and financial liabilities 
i. Recognition and initial measurement 
Financial assets are classified at initial recognition and subsequently measured at amortised cost, Fair Value through Other 
Comprehensive Income (“FVOCI”) or Fair Value Through Profit or Loss (“FVTPL”). The classification of financial assets is determined 
by the contractual cash flows and where applicable the business model for managing the financial assets.  

A financial asset or financial liability is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to its acquisition or issue.  

ii. Classification and subsequent measurement 
Financial assets  
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at: amortised cost; FVOCI – debt investment; FVOCI – equity 
investment; or FVTPL. Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Group changes its 
business model for managing financial assets. 

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if the objective of the business model is to hold the financial asset in order to 
collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. 
Subsequently the financial asset is measured using the effective interest method less any impairment. The amortised cost is 
reduced by impairment losses in accordance with Group policy set out below. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses 
and impairment are recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognised in profit or loss.  

The business model in which a financial asset is held is assessed at an individual asset level for assets that are individually material, 
and otherwise at a portfolio level. Financial assets that are held as part of a long-term strategic investment are considered within a 
business model to collect contractual cash flows. 

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      69

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued

In assessing whether the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest, the Group considers the contractual 
terms of the instrument. This includes assessing whether the financial asset contains a contractual term that could change the 
timing or amount of contractual cash flows such that it would not meet this condition. 

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent 
changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI (FVOCI – equity investment). This election is made on an investment-by-investment 
basis. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognised as income in profit or loss unless the 
dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognised in OCI and 
are never reclassified to profit or loss. 

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. This includes 
all derivative financial assets. These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or 
dividend income, are recognised in profit or loss. 

On initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be 
measured at amortised cost or at FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that 
would otherwise arise. 

Financial liabilities  
Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified 
as held-for-trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at 
fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognised in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and 
losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognised in profit or loss. 

iii. Impairment
The Group recognises loss allowances for Expected Credit Losses (“ECLs”) on financial assets measured at amortised cost.

A provision for 12-month ECL is recognised in respect of low risk assets. A provision for the lifetime ECL is recognised in respect of higher 
risk assets that are not credit impaired. If an asset is credit impaired, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced by its lifetime ECL. 

The 12-month ECL represents the weighted average of credit losses that result from default events on a financial instrument that 
are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date. This requires a number of outcomes to be considered, a probability 
assigned to each, and a resulting credit loss applied to each. ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. 

12-month ECL is determined using market data to benchmark expected credit losses of assets held by the Group against default 
rates for borrowers with similar attributes. The Group also considers financial forecasts and other forward-looking information of 
borrowers where this is available. Lifetime ECL is extrapolated from the 12-month ECL methodology, assuming that the periodic 
risk remains constant over the remaining lifetime unless there is objective evidence otherwise. 

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets carried at amortised cost are credit-impaired. A financial asset 
is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset have occurred. The Group considers a financial asset to be in default and presumed credit impaired when contractual 
payments are outstanding 90 days after their due date, unless there is reasonable information that amounts will be recovered; or 
when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Group in full, without recourse by the Group to actions such as 
realising security including guarantees (if any is held). 

The Company has determined that MLPL is likely to meet its credit obligations as evidenced by the preparation of a Competent 
Persons Report in relation to San Leon’s interest in OML 18. 

Write-off 
The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is written off when the Group has no reasonable expectations of recovering a 
financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof. The Group expects no significant recovery from the amount written off. However, 
financial assets that are written off could still be subject to enforcement activities in order to comply with the Group’s procedures 
for recovery of amounts due.

70       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued 

iv. Derecognition 
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire. 

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.  

On derecognition of a financial asset or financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount removed or extinguished and 
the consideration received or paid is recognised in profit or loss. 

Decommissioning provision 
A provision is made for decommissioning of oil and gas wells. The cost of decommissioning is determined through discounting the 
amounts expected to be payable to their present value at the date the provision is recognised and reassessed at each reporting 
date. This amount is regarded as part of the total investment to gain access to economic benefits and consequently capitalised as 
part of the cost of the asset and the liability is recognised in provisions. Such cost is depleted over the life of the asset on the basis 
of proven and probable reserves and charged to the Income Statement. The unwinding of the discount is reflected as a finance 
cost in the Income Statement over the life of the field or well. 

Taxation 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in Other Comprehensive Income or equity, in which case it is 
recognised in Other Comprehensive Income or equity. 

Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the 
tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable or receivable is the best estimate of the 
tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty relates to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates 
enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current tax also includes any tax arising from dividends.  

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met. 

Deferred tax is recognised using the liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the 
following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that 
is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in 
subsidiaries to the extent that they are controlled and probably will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured 
at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that 
it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. 

Foreign currencies 
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at the exchange 
rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the 
functional currency at the exchange rates ruling at the reporting date with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss. 
Non-monetary items are translated using the exchange rates ruling as at the date of the initial transaction. 

Foreign currency differences are generally recognised in profit or loss and presented within finance costs. However, foreign 
currency differences arising from the translation of the following items are recognised in OCI: 

•

an investment in equity securities designated as at FVOCI (except on impairment, in which case foreign currency differences that 
have been recognised in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss); 

•

a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation to the extent that the hedge is effective; and 

•

qualifying cash flow hedges to the extent that the hedges are effective.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      71

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Foreign operations 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into US Dollars at the exchange rate at the reporting date and the 
income and expenses of foreign operations are translated at the actual exchange rates at the date of the transaction or at average 
exchange rates for the year where this approximates to the actual rate. Exchange differences arising on translation are recognised 
in Other Comprehensive Income and presented in the foreign currency translation reserve in equity. Details of exchange rates 
used are set out in Note 32. 

Revenue recognition  
For the year ended 31 December 2019 the Group used the five-step model as prescribed under IFRS 15 on the Group’s revenue 
transactions. This included the identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations under same, 
determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations and recognition of revenue. 
The point of recognition arises when the Group satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a promised seismic 
processing service to the customer, which could occur over time.  

Finance income and expenses 
Interest income is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal on deposit and the effective interest rate applicable. 

The ‘effective interest rate’ is the rate that at initial recognition exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts 
through the expected life of the financial instrument to: 

•

the gross carrying amount of the financial asset; or 

•

the amortised cost of the financial liability. 

In calculating interest income and expense, the effective interest rate is applied to the gross carrying amount of the asset (when 
the asset is not credit-impaired) or to the amortised cost of the liability. However, for financial assets that have become 
credit-impaired subsequent to initial recognition, interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the 
amortised cost of the financial asset net of impairment provision. If the asset is no longer credit-impaired, then the calculation 
of interest income reverts to the gross basis. 

Finance expenses comprise interest or finance costs on borrowings and unwinding of any discount on provisions using the 
effective interest rate. 

Share capital 
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity. 

Share-based payments 
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 ‘share-based payments’. The Group issues share options as an incentive to 
certain key management and staff (including Directors), which are classified as equity settled share-based payment awards. 
The grant date fair value of share options granted to Directors and employees under the Company’s share option scheme is 
recognised as an expense over the vesting period with a corresponding credit to the share-based payments reserve. The fair 
value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the awards vest. 

The options issued by the Group are subject to both market-based and non-market based vesting conditions. Market conditions 
are included in the calculation of fair value at the date of the grant. Non-market vesting conditions are not taken into account when 
estimating the fair value of awards as at grant date; such conditions are taken into account through adjusting the number of the 
equity instruments that are expected to vest. 

The proceeds received will be credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when options are converted into 
ordinary shares. 

Where the terms of an equity-settled transaction are modified, an additional expense is recognised for any modification that 
increases the total fair value of the share-based payment transaction, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at 
the date of modification. 

72       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

1. Accounting policies continued 

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet 
recognised for the award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, and 
designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new awards are treated as if they were a 
modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph. 

Earnings per share 
The Group and the Company present basic and diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is 
calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary 
shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary 
shares, which comprise convertible notes, share options granted to employees and warrants. 

Cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand on demand. 

Segmental reporting 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in business activities from which it may earn revenues and 
incur expenses which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments and for which discrete 
financial information is available. 

All operating segments and results are regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors to make decisions about resources to be 
allocated to each segment and to assess its performance. 

Full details of the Group’s operating segments all of which are involved in oil and gas exploration and production are set out in 
Note 2 to the financial statements. 

Defined contribution pension scheme 
The Group operates a defined contribution scheme. All contributions made are recognised in the Income Statement in the period 
in which they fall due. 

Fair value movement 
The Group has an established process with respect to the measurement of fair values. The finance team regularly reviews 
significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. If third party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, is 
used to measure fair values, then the valuation team assesses the evidence obtained from the third parties to support the 
conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of IFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which such 
valuations should be classified. 

Significant valuation issues are reported to the Board. 

Level 1:

quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2:

inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as 
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). 

Level 3:

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

For further detail on assumptions made in measuring Level 3 fair values see the following notes: 

•

Note 17 Financial Assets 

•

Note 22 Derivative

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      73

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

1. Accounting policies continued 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value 
In accordance with IFRS 13, the Group discloses its assets and liabilities held at fair value after initial recognition in the following 
categories: FVOCI – equity instrument and FVTPL. 

With the exception of shares held in quoted entities, which are classified as Level 1 items under the fair value hierarchy, all assets 
and liabilities held at fair value are measured on the basis of inputs classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy on the basis 
that the inputs underpinning the valuations are not based on observable market data as defined in IFRS 13. 

Where derivatives are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets, the Group uses the closing price at the 
reporting date. Normally, the derivatives entered into by the Group are not traded in active markets. The fair values of these 
contracts are estimated using a valuation technique that maximises the use of observable market inputs, e.g. market exchange 
and interest rates. All derivatives entered into by the Group are included in Level 3 and consist of share warrants issued. 

2. Revenue and segmental information 

Operating segment information is presented on the basis of the geographical areas as detailed below, which represent the 
financial basis by which the Group manages its operations. The Board of Directors, which has been recognised as the Chief 
Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), regularly receive verbal or written reports at board meetings for each of the segments based 
on the below criteria which management consider to be appropriate in evaluating segment performance relative to other entities 
that operate in the industry.  

Revenue and Segmental Information 

                                                                                Poland           Morocco             Albania              Nigeria              Ireland                 Spain     Unallocated#                Total  
2019                                                                   US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000            US$’000 

Total revenue                                             266                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –               266 

Impairment of exploration 
and evaluation assets                              (126)             (150)             (190)                   –                    –              (941)                   –           (1,407) 

Segment profit / (loss) before 
income tax                                            (15,074)           1,134              (190)         23,575         (48,373)          (1,014)        (12,749)        (52,691) 

Property, plant and equipment                 32                    –                    –            1,476            2,836                    –                    –            4,344 

Equity accounted investments                     –                    –                    –          51,866                    –                    –                    –          51,866 

Segment non-current assets                     32                    –                    –          53,111            7,554                    –               194          60,891 

Capital expenditure                                        –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    –                    – 

Segment liabilities                                     (194)             (268)             (804)                   –           (2,835)             (739)          (3,251)          (8,091) 

# Unallocated expenditure and liabilities include amounts of a corporate nature and not specifically attributable to a reportable segment. 

Revenue relates to the provision of seismic acquisition services in Poland.

74       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2. Revenue and segmental information continued

2018

Total revenue

Impairment of exploration and 
evaluation assets

Segment (loss) / profit 
before income tax

Property, plant and equipment

Equity accounted investments

Segment non-current assets

Capital expenditure ^

Segment liabilities

Poland         Morocco            Albania            Nigeria            Ireland               Spain    Unallocated#               Total  
US$’000          US$’000          US$’000          US$’000          US$’000          US$’000          US$’000          US$’000 
(Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated)       (Restated) 

198

–

(14,075)

50

–

49

–

–

–

–          (3,074)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,111)       33,346           2,315

–           1,867                47

–        55,070

–

–      128,048        53,767

–              211

(911)

(661)

(816)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–              198 

–          (3,074) 

(20,510)        (2,035) 

–           1,964

–        55,070 

252      182,116

–              211 

(19,663)      (22,051)

^ This is the net expenditure incurred by the Group excluding amounts incurred by partners on shared exploration interests. It includes assets acquired through 

business combinations and equity accounted investments. 

# Unallocated expenditure and liabilities include amounts of a corporate nature and not specifically attributable to a reportable segment. 

Revenue relates to the provision of seismic acquisition services in Poland. 

3. Other income

Group

Zag Licence – Bank Guarantee

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

        1,400

– 

Zag Licence – Bank Guarantee 
In September 2019, Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (“ONHYM”) returned the Zag Licence bank guarantee of US$1.4 
million to the Company. This bank guarantee had been previously fully provided for in the 2017 and 2018 financial statements. 

ONHYM have also withdrawn their request for a penalty regarding the non-performance of the Zag Licence work programme of 
US$1.4 million. This penalty was not previously recognised in the accounts as the Directors believed it was unlikely to succeed in 
any arbitration case.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      75

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

4. Profit or loss on disposal of subsidiaries 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Gora Energy Sp. z o.o. & Liesa Energy Sp. z o.o. to Gemini Resources Limited (i)                                                          –                    1,184 

Island Oil & Gas Limited to Ardilaun Energy Limited (ii)                                                                                                      –                      (750) 

Other, recycling from equity to Income Statement (iii)                                                                                             (13,870)                (13,567) 

Horizon Petroleum Ltd (iv)                                                                                                                                                  100                            – 

                                                                                                                                                                                         (13,770)                (13,133) 

(i) Gora Energy Sp. z o.o. & Liesa Energy Sp. z o.o. to Gemini Resources Limited  
In 2018, the Group recognised a profit on disposal of US$1.2 million in relation to the sale of two wholly owned subsidiaries, 
Gora Energy Sp. z o.o. (“Gora”) and Liesa Energy Sp. z o.o. (“Liesa”), to Gemini Resources Limited (“Gemini”).  

The profit related to the Group’s derecognition of decommissioning liabilities associated with Gora and Liesa, which had previously 
been fully provided for. This resulted in a US$1.2 million gain in the Income Statement as at 31 December 2018.  

The sale to Gemini has also resulted in the realisation of the cumulative foreign currency losses of US$8.6 million. 

(ii) Island Oil & Gas Limited to Ardilaun Energy Limited  
In 2018, the Group recognised a further loss on disposal of US$0.8 million in relation to the sale of Island Oil & Gas Limited to 
Ardilaun Energy Limited in 2014. The loss primarily related to the Group’s contribution to the licence fees liability commitment 
associated with the exploration and evaluation assets disposed of in 2014. 

(iii) Other 
In 2019 the Company liquidated certain foreign operations that held non-core assets. The Group’s investment in the assets held by 
the subsidiaries has been fully impaired in prior periods. The liquidation or disposal of the foreign operations has resulted in the 
realisation of cumulative foreign currency losses of US$13.9 million (2018: US$13.6 million), that had previously been recognised in 
equity. The realisation of the cumulative foreign currency losses does not impact the consolidated assets or liabilities. 

(iv) Horizon Petroleum Ltd. 
In August 2019, sale and purchase agreements were completed for the sale of a 100% interest in two oil and gas concessions in 
Poland, known as Bielsko-Biala and Cieszyn (together the “Primary Concessions”), and a 100% interest in two additional oil and gas 
concessions in Poland, known as Prusice and Kotlarka, (together the “Secondary Concessions”) with Horizon Petroleum Ltd. 
(“Horizon”) (TSXV: HPL). 

San Leon will receive a 6% net profit interest on the Primary and Secondary Concessions when the concessions are transformed 
and granted to Horizon. Under revised completion terms, a cash payment of US$1,080,000 is also due to be paid to San Leon if 
the Bielsko-Biala concession is transformed and granted to Horizon. At the same time, San Leon is also to receive US$769,558 
(CAD$1.0 million) in shares of Horizon. A cash payment of approximately US$75,000 is due to be paid to San Leon for each of the 
Secondary Concessions if granted to Horizon. 

The aggregate consideration of US$2.0 million has been noted in Commitments and Contingencies (Note 28). 

On completion of the sale, a US$100,000 advance received by the Company in 2017 as part of the Memorandum of 
Understanding became non-refundable. 

76       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

5. Statutory information 

(a) Group 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

The loss for the financial year is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant, machinery and equipment                                                                                         960                       850 

Gain on foreign currencies                                                                                                                                                 403                       552 

Operating lease rentals 

– Premises                                                                                                                                                                                  –                       381 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                       1,407                    3,074 

Director’s shares to be issued *                                                                                                                                              –                       756 

Share-based payment charge                                                                                                                                         1,068                       520 

* Oisín Fanning was due 2,537,328 ordinary shares in lieu of 80% of his salary for the period 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018 and this was charged in 2018. 

These shares were issued on 25 February 2019. 

During the year, the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from KPMG, the Group Auditor: 

Auditor’s remuneration 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Fees paid to lead audit firm: 

Audit of the Group financial statements                                                                                                                           191                       195 

Audit of the subsidiary financial statements                                                                                                                      62                         63 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                       253                       258 

During the year, the Group (including its equity accounted investment) obtained the following audit services, excluding the 
Group Auditor, KPMG:  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Fees paid to other firms: 

Audit of equity accounted investment                                                                                                                                48                       182 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                         48                       182 

(b) Company 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

The loss / profit for the financial year is stated after charging: 

Depreciation of property, plant, machinery and equipment                                                                                         343                            1 

Gain on foreign currencies                                                                                                                                                 678                       724 

Operating lease rentals – premises                                                                                                                                       –                       344 

Auditor’s remuneration – audit services                                                                                                                           191                       195 

As permitted by Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, the Company Statement of Comprehensive Income has not been 
separately disclosed in these financial statements. A loss of US$12.3 million (2018: a profit of US$24.1 million) has been recorded 
in the Parent Company.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      77

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

6. Finance expense 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

On loans and overdraft                                                                                                                                                            –                       143 

Finance arrangement expenses                                                                                                                                             –                    2,105 

Interest on obligations for leases                                                                                                                                       144                            – 

Fair value charge on issue of options and warrants (Note 22)                                                                                           –                       169 

                                                                                                                                                                                                144                    2,417 

7. Finance income 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Total finance income on Loan Notes (Note 17)                                                                                                          23,313                  37,613 

Foreign exchange gain on Loan Notes, Valuation (Note 17)                                                                                              –                    6,804 

Foreign exchange loss on Loan Notes, ECL (Note 17)                                                                                                         –                      (438) 

Movement in fair value of derivatives (Note 22)                                                                                                              531                            – 

Deposit interest received                                                                                                                                                    278                       101 

Interest on Director’s loan (Note 31)                                                                                                                                      1                            2 

                                                                                                                                                                                          24,123                  44,082 

All interest income is in respect of assets measured at amortised cost. 

8. Expected credit losses 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Loan Notes gain (Note 17)                                                                                                                                               3,465                    4,212 

Other debtors provision (Note 19)                                                                                                                                         –                   (3,532) 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,465                       680

78       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

9. Personnel expenses 

Number of employees 
The average monthly number of employees (including the Directors) during the year was: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Number                      Number 

Directors                                                                                                                                                                                    8                            9 

Administration                                                                                                                                                                        11                         11 

Technical                                                                                                                                                                                    1                            5 

Seismic crew                                                                                                                                                                              4                            6 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  24                         31 

Employment costs (including Directors) 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Wages and salaries (excluding Directors)                                                                                                                      1,625                    2,088 

Directors’ salaries                                                                                                                                                              2,579                    1,780 

Director bonuses                                                                                                                                                                  637                       862 

Social welfare costs                                                                                                                                                              494                       472 

Directors’ fees and consultancy costs                                                                                                                               593                       803 

Termination payments                                                                                                                                                        128                       213 

Shares to be issued in lieu of Director’s salary #                                                                                                                  –                       756 

Share-based payment charge for options issued to Directors                                                                                     492                       194 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to Directors                                                                116                            – 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to employees                                                             104                            – 

Employees’ pension                                                                                                                                                               35                         53 

Benefits (including Directors)                                                                                                                                             101                         58 

Directors’ pension                                                                                                                                                                102                         96 

                                                                                                                                                                                            7,006                    7,375 

# Oisín Fanning was due 2,537,328 ordinary shares in lieu of 80% of his salary for the period from 1 January 2018 to 30 September 2018 and US$756,000 has been 

recognised in share-based payments in respect of this. These shares were issued on 25 February 2019. 

Details of the Directors’ remuneration are set out in the Directors’ Report.  

Details of consultancy arrangements with Directors are set out in Note 31. 

The Group contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme for certain Executive Directors and employees. The scheme is 
administered by trustees and is independent of the Group finances. Total contributions by the Group to the pension scheme, 
including contributions for Directors amounted to US$0.1 million (2018: US$0.1 million).

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      79

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

10. Income tax

Current tax 

Current year income tax

Deferred tax 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences (Note 29)

Deferred tax movement in Barryroe NPI (Note 29)

Deferred tax movement on fair value of other financial assets, Quoted shares

Total income tax (credit) / charge

Deferred tax relating to items charged / credited to equity

Deferred tax movement on fair value of other financial assets, Unquoted shares

Total income tax (credit) / charge

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

3

3 

2,006

(16,064)

(24)

(14,079)

(40)

(40)

3,121 

764 

(111)

3,777 

39

39

The difference between the total tax shown above and the amount calculated by applying the applicable standard rate of Irish 
corporation tax to the loss before tax is as follows: 

Loss before income tax

Tax on loss at applicable Irish corporation tax rate of 25% (2018: 25%)

Effects of: 

Deferred tax on fair value movement in financial assets

Prior year adjustment

Losses utilised in year

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Income tax withheld

Excess losses carried forward

Tax (credit) / charge for the year

2019
US$’000

(52,691)

(13,173)

(3,870)

(24)

(2,006)

3,269

3

         1,722

  (14,079)

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(2,035) 

(509) 

185 

(111)

(3,121) 

5,924 

3 

1,406 

3,777 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at 
the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Liabilities for uncertain tax treatments are 
recognised in accordance with IFRIC 23 and are measured using either the most likely amount method or the expected value 
method – whichever better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty.

80       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

11. Loss per share

Basic loss per share 
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year as follows: 

Loss for the year

The weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated as follows: 

In issue at start of year (Note 25)

Shares to be issued at start of year

Effect of tender offer and buybacks in the year

Effect of shares issued and shares to be issued in the year

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (basic)

Basic loss per ordinary share (cent)

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(38,612)

(5,812) 

2019
Number 
of shares

2018 
Number  
of shares 

500,256,857        500,256,857 

5,590,270            3,052,942 

(39,697,582)

– 

195,890            1,451,304 

466,345,435        504,761,103 

 (8.28)

(1.15) 

Diluted loss per share 
Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares as follows: 

Loss for the year

The diluted weighted average number of shares in issue is calculated as follows: 

Basic weighted average number of shares in issue during the year

Effect of share options and warrants in issue

Diluted loss per ordinary share (cent)

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

(38,612)

(5,812) 

2019
Number 
of shares

2018 
Number 
of shares 

466,345,435        504,761,103 

–

– 

466,345,435        504,761,103 

(8.28)

(1.15) 

The number of options which are anti-dilutive and have therefore not been included in the above calculations is 39,559,074 
(2018: 39,304,060).

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      81

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

12. Intangible assets 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Exploration  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           and evaluation 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          assets 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        US$’000 

Cost and net book value 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                                                                                                                         2,864 

Additions (ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                         210 

Write off / impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                                  (3,074) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                                                                                                                         – 

Additions (ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                     1,201 

Transfer from other non-current assets (Note 15)                                                                                                                                       206 

Write off / impairment of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                                  (1,407) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                 – 

(i) The following geographical exploration areas in the Group were impaired / written off during the year: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Spain                                                                                                                                                                                      941                            – 

Albania                                                                                                                                                                                   190                    3,074 

Morocco                                                                                                                                                                                 150                            – 

Poland                                                                                                                                                                                    126                            – 

                                                                                                                                                                                             1,407                    3,074 

(ii) This is the net amount incurred by San Leon Energy and excludes amounts attributable to joint operating partners of US$Nil 
in 2019 (2018: US$Nil). 

The Directors have considered the carrying value at 31 December 2019 of capitalised costs in respect of its exploration and 
evaluation assets. These assets have been assessed for impairment indicators and in particular with regard to remaining licence 
terms, likelihood of licence renewal, likelihood of further expenditures and on-going appraisals for each area. Based on internal 
assessments from the latest information available, the Directors fully impaired the exploration and evaluation assets in 2019. 

13. Equity accounted investments 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                    (Restated) 

Cost and net book value 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                    55,070                  69,763 

Share of loss of equity accounted investment                                                                                                            (3,204)                (14,693) 

At 31 December                                                                                                                                                             51,866                  55,070

82       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

13. Equity accounted investments continued 

The Group’s only joint venture entity at 31 December 2019 is as follows: 

Name                                                                                                         Registered office                                                                                                                         % held 

Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited                              5th Floor Barkly Wharf, Le Caudan Waterfront,  
                                                                                               Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius                                                                     40% 

A summary of the financial information of the equity investment is detailed below. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Equity Interest 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         40%                             40% 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Loss from continuing operations                                                                                                                                  (8,011)                (32,402) 

Total comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                             (8,011)                (36,734) 

Non-current assets                                                                                                                                                       204,312                203,793 

Current assets (excluding cash)                                                                                                                                  262,444                242,749 

Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                                               –                 (48,259) 

Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                          (337,091)             (260,608) 

Net assets                                                                                                                                                                     129,665                137,675 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 1 January                                                                                         55,070                  69,763 

Share of loss                                                                                                                                                                     (3,204)                (14,693) 

Group’s interest in net assets of investee at 31 December                                                                                 51,866                  55,070 

During 2016 the Company acquired a 40% non-controlling interest in MLPL as part of the OML 18 transaction. Full details of the 
OML 18 transaction are set out in Note 17(i). The movement during 2019 reflects a share of the loss of MLPL being administrative 
costs of US$2.1 million (2018: US$1.9 million), other income of US$7.2 million (2018: US$0.1 million), net finance costs of US$5.5 
million (2018: US$23.8 million), profit on investment of US$0.5 million (2018: US$0.5 million) and a tax charge of US$8.0 million 
(2018: US$6.9 million). 

The above interest is accounted for as an equity accounted investment as San Leon does not have control over the entity, which is 
governed under a Joint Venture Agreement requiring the approval of both parties to the Joint Venture Agreement in respect of all 
operating decisions. 

The Group identified potential impairment indicators, being that MLPL is yet to receive a dividend from Eroton, the equity interest 
is currently loss making, and MLPL has entered into a loan to be able to make Loan Note repayments to the Group. To test for a 
potential impairment the carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL was compared against the fair value less cost of sale. This 
was estimated using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows from MLPL’s share of the underlying OML 18 
asset. Future cash flows of OML 18 were estimated using the following price assumptions of US$65/bbl in 2020, US$68/bbl in 
2021, US$70/bbl in 2022 and a subsequent long term price US$72/bbl escalated at 2% annually, with the cash flows discounted 
using a post-tax discount rate of 10%. Assumptions involved in the impairment assessment include estimates of commercial 
reserves, production rates, future oil prices, discount rates and operating and capital expenditure profiles, all of which are 
inherently uncertain. This analysis identified that the carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL is not impaired. 

If the recoverable amount was estimated taking into account a reduction in the oil price to US$35/bbl in 2020, US$45/bbl in 2021 and a 
long term price of US$60/bbl escalated at 2% annually, then the carrying value of the equity interest in MLPL would still not be impaired. 

The Directors recognise that the future realisation of the equity accounted investment is dependent on future successful 
exploration and appraisal activities and subsequent production of oil and gas reserves.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      83

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

14. Property, plant and equipment 

                                                                                                                       Leased                        Plant &                          Office                         Motor  
                                                                                                                         assets                 equipment                 equipment                      vehicles                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cost 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                         –                    9,256                    1,197                       438                  10,891 

Additions                                                                                          –                            –                         75                            –                         75 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                      (176)                       (14)                          (9)                     (199) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                 –                    9,080                    1,258                       429                  10,767 

Adoption of IFRS 16 leases                                                    3,050                            –                            –                            –                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                     231                            –                            –                         82                       313 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                        (30)                       (55)                       (16)                     (101) 

At 31 December 2019                                                              3,281                     9,050                     1,203                        495                   14,029 

Depreciation 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                         –                    6,543                    1,174                       429                    8,146 

Charge for the year                                                                         –                       837                            6                            7                       850 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                      (173)                       (11)                          (9)                     (193) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                 –                    7,207                    1,169                       427                    8,803 

Charge for the year                                                                    329                       626                            –                            5                       960 

Currency translation adjustment                                                  –                        (30)                       (31)                       (17)                       (78) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                 329                     7,803                     1,138                        415                     9,685 

Net book values 

At 31 December 2019                                                              2,952                     1,247                          65                          80                     4,344 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                 –                    1,873                         89                            2                    1,964

84       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

14. Property, plant and equipment continued 

                                                                                                                                                           Leased                          Office                         Motor  
                                                                                                                                                             assets                 equipment                      vehicles                            Total 
Company                                                                                                                                   US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Cost 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                                       –                       501                            –                       501 

Additions                                                                                                                        –                         47                            –                         47 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                               –                       548                            –                       548 

Adoption of IFRS 16 leases                                                                                  3,050                            –                            –                    3,050 

Additions                                                                                                                   231                            –                         82                       313 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                            3,281                        548                          82                     3,911 

Depreciation 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                                       –                       501                            –                       501 

Charge for the year                                                                                                       –                            1                            –                            1 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                               –                       502                            –                       502 

Charge for the year                                                                                                  329                         12                            2                       343 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                329                        514                             2                        845 

Net book values 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                            2,952                          34                          80                     3,066 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                               –                         46                            –                         46

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      85

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

15. Other non-current assets

Deposits on Spanish oil and gas concession applications (i)

Deposits on Spanish oil and gas concessions (i)

At 1 January

Deposits retained by Ministry (i)

Transfer to intangible assets (i) (Note 12)

At 31 December

Group

Company 

2019
US$’000

–

–

–

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

105

101

206

2019
US$’000

–

–

–

2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

– 

– 

– 

Group

Company 

2019
US$’000

206

–

(206)

–

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2019
US$’000

2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

206

–

–

206

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

(i) The deposits paid were recoverable on completion of work programmes attached to each of the concessions. During 2019 the Ministry signalled its intention to retain 
US$0.2 million in relation to oil and gas concession applications that were withdrawn by the Company. 

The deposits were transferred to intangible assets and then fully impaired by the Company. 

16. Financial assets – Company

Investment in subsidiary undertakings at cost: 

Balance at beginning of year

Impairment during the year (i)

Balance at end of year

2019
US$’000

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

         31,539

–

31,539

34,608 

(3,069)

31,539 

(i) The impairments to the Company’s investment in subsidiary undertakings recorded in 2018 reflects the write down in the carrying value of the Group’s exploration 
and evaluation assets in the year.

86       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

16. Financial assets – Company continued 

At 31 December 2019, the Company had the following principal subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned through holding all of 
the issued ordinary shares of the entities:  

Name                                                                                                  Registered Office 

Directly held: 

San Leon Energy B.V.                                                    de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

San Leon (USA) Limited                                                2 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue, Shelbourne Road, 
                                                                                         Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 

San Leon (Morocco) Limited                                        PO Box 146, Trident Chambers, Tortola, BVI 

San Leon (Netherlands) Limited                                  PO Box 146, Trident Chambers, Tortola, BVI 

San Leon Energy Srl                                                      Piazza Vescovio, 700199 Rome, Italy 

San Leon Services Limited                                            12 Castle Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 3RT 

Aurelian Oil & Gas Limited                                           36 The Crescent, Bricket Wood, St Albans, AL2 3NF, United Kingdom 

San Leon Energy Nigeria B.V.                                       de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

San Leon Energy (Iraq) Limited                                    2 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue, Shelbourne Road, 
                                                                                         Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 

Indirectly held: 

Baltic Oil and Gas Sp. z o.o.                                          ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

Braniewo Energy Sp. z o.o.                                           ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

Novaseis Sp. z o.o.                                                         ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

San Leon Services Sp. z o.o.                                         ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

Aurelian Oil and Gas Poland Sp. z o.o.                       ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

Energia Torzym Sp. z o.o.                                             ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

T.K. Exploration Sp. z o.o.                                             ul. Zelazna 59, 00-848, Warsaw, Poland 

San Leon Durresi B.V.                                                   de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

San Leon Morocco B.V.                                                 de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

San Leon Tarfaya Shale B.V.                                         de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

Seisquest B.V.                                                                 de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

Braniewo B.V.                                                                 de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands. 

Realm Energy International Coopteratief U.A.           de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

Realm Energy International Holding B.V.                   de Ronge 16, 1852 XB Heiloo, The Netherlands 

Frontera Energy Corporation S.L.                                Paseo Maria Agustin, 4-6, Esc 3. Piso 4, Zaragoza, 5004, Spain 

San Leon Energy (UK) Limited                                      36 The Crescent, Bricket Wood, St Albans, AL2 3NF, United Kingdom 

AOG Finance Limited                                                    36 The Crescent, Bricket Wood, St Albans, AL2 3NF, United Kingdom 

Balkan Explorers (Bulgaria) Limited                            36 The Crescent, Bricket Wood, St Albans, AL2 3NF, United Kingdom 

The Company is continuing the process of liquidating and or selling some of the above companies in line with its strategy to 
relinquish non-core interests.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      87

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

17. Financial assets 

                                                                                                                                                         Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                  net profit                    Quoted               Unquoted  
                                                                                                                                OML 18 (i)               interest (ii)                shares (iii)               shares (iv)                                 
                                                                                                                                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                                  

                                                                                                                               Amortised                                         FVOCI – equity       FVOCI – equity                        Total 
Group                                                                                                                           cost                      FVTPL              instrument             instrument                  US$’000 

Cost / Valuation 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                       154,374               48,827                       34                 2,506             205,741 

Finance income                                                                                37,613                         –                         –                         –               37,613 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (31,572)                        –                         –                         –              (31,572) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (33,032)                        –                         –                         –              (33,032) 

Exchange rate adjustment, Income Statement                             6,804                         –                         –                         –                 6,804 

Fair value movement, Income Statement                                              –                 2,315                      (34)                        –                 2,281 

Fair value movement, Other comprehensive income                          –                         –                         –                    119                    119 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                134,187               51,142                         –                 2,625             187,954 

Finance income                                                                                23,313                         –                         –                         –               23,313 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (23,361)                        –                         –                         –              (23,361) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (19,885)                        –                         –                         –              (19,885) 

Impairment of unquoted shares, 
Other comprehensive income                                                                 –                         –                         –                (2,625)               (2,625) 

Additions (viii)                                                                                              –                         –                         –                    194                    194 

Fair value movement, Income Statement                                              –              (48,373)                        –                         –              (48,373) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                    114,254                  2,769                          –                     194             117,217 

Expected Credit Loss Provision 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                    –                         –                         –                         –                         – 

Recognised on transition to IFRS 9                                                 (9,241)                        –                         –                         –                (9,241) 

Released in the year                                                                          4,212                         –                         –                         –                 4,212 

Exchange rate adjustment, Income Statement                               (438)                        –                         –                         –                   (438) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                   (5,467)                        –                         –                         –                (5,467) 

Released in the year                                                                          3,465                         –                         –                         –                 3,465 

At 31 December 2019                                                                        (2,002)                         –                          –                          –                 (2,002) 

Book value at 31 December 2019                                              112,252                  2,769                          –                     194             115,215 

Current                                                                                              112,252                          –                          –                          –             112,252 

Non-current                                                                                                  –                  2,769                          –                     194                  2,963 

Book value at 31 December 2018 (Restated)                            128,720               51,142                         –                 2,625             182,487 

Current                                                                                              57,611                         –                         –                         –               57,611 

Non-current                                                                                      71,109               51,142                         –                 2,625             124,876 

Net Profit Interests (v) (vi) (vii): These NPIs have a nil value from acquisition.

88       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

17. Financial assets continued 

                                                                                                                                                         Barryroe 4.5%  
                                                                                                                                                                  net profit                    Quoted               Unquoted  
                                                                                                                                OML 18 (i)               interest (ii)                shares (iii)               shares (iv)                                 
                                                                                                                                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                  US$’000                                  

                                                                                                                               Amortised                                         FVOCI – equity       FVOCI – equity                        Total 
Company                                                                                                                   cost                      FVTPL              instrument             instrument                  US$’000 

Cost / Valuation 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                       154,374               48,827                       34                 2,506             205,741 

Finance income                                                                                37,613                         –                         –                         –               37,613 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (31,572)                        –                         –                         –              (31,572) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (33,032)                        –                         –                         –              (33,032) 

Exchange rate adjustment, Income Statement                             6,804                         –                         –                         –                 6,804 

Fair value movement, Income Statement                                              –                 2,315                      (34)                        –                 2,281 

Fair value movement, Other comprehensive income                          –                         –                         –                    119                    119 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                134,187               51,142                         –                 2,625             187,954 

Finance income                                                                                23,313                         –                         –                         –               23,313 

Loan Notes receipts – principal                                                    (23,361)                        –                         –                         –              (23,361) 

Loan Notes receipts – interest                                                      (19,885)                        –                         –                         –              (19,885) 

Impairment of unquoted shares                                                             –                         –                         –                (2,625)               (2,625) 

Fair value movement, Income Statement                                              –              (48,373)                        –                         –              (48,373) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                  114,254                 2,769                         –                         –             117,023 

Expected Credit Loss Provision 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                    –                         –                         –                         –                         – 

Recognised on transition to IFRS 9                                                 (9,241)                        –                         –                         –                (9,241) 

Released in the year                                                                          4,212                         –                         –                         –                 4,212 

Exchange rate adjustment, Income Statement                               (438)                        –                         –                         –                   (438) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                   (5,467)                        –                         –                         –                (5,467) 

Released in the year                                                                          3,465                         –                         –                         –                 3,465 

At 31 December 2019                                                                        (2,002)                         –                          –                          –                 (2,002) 

Book value at 31 December 2019                                              112,252                  2,769                          –                          –             115,021 

Current                                                                                              112,252                          –                          –                          –             112,252 

Non-current                                                                                                  –                  2,769                          –                          –                  2,769 

Book value at 31 December 2018 (Restated)                            128,720               51,142                         –                 2,625             182,487 

Current                                                                                              57,611                         –                         –                         –               57,611 

Non-current                                                                                      71,109               51,142                         –                 2,625             124,876 

(i) OML 18 
In September 2016, the Company secured an indirect economic interest in OML 18, onshore Nigeria. 

The Company undertook a number of steps to effect this purchase. MLPL, a company incorporated in Mauritius of which San Leon 
Nigeria B.V. has a 40% shareholding, was established as a special purpose vehicle to complete the transaction by purchasing all of 
the shares in Martwestern, a company incorporated in Nigeria. Martwestern holds a 50% shareholding in Eroton, a company 
incorporated in Nigeria and the operator of OML 18, and Martwestern also holds an initial 98% economic interest in Eroton. 
The economic effect of this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584% in OML 18. Shareholders 
will note that this is higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition in 2016. There have 
been no further purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation 
of the various parties’ interests in OML 18. 

                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      89

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

17. Financial assets continued 

To partly fund the purchase of 100% of the shares of Martwestern, MLPL borrowed US$174.5 million in incremental amounts by 
issuing Loan Notes with an annual coupon of 17% (“Loan Notes”) and effective interest rate of 25%, as noted below. Midwestern Oil 
and Gas Company Limited (“Midwestern”) is the 60% shareholder of MLPL and transferred its shares in Martwestern to MLPL as part 
of the full transaction. Following its placing in September 2016, San Leon became beneficiary and holder of all Loan Notes issued by 
MLPL and the holder of an indirect economic interest in OML 18. San Leon is due to be repaid the full amount of the US$174.5 million 
plus the 17% coupon once certain conditions have been met and using an agreed distribution mechanism. Through its wholly owned 
subsidiary, San Leon Nigeria B.V., the Company is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in 
MLPL but the Loan Notes repayments must take priority over any dividend payments made to the MLPL shareholders. 

The fair value assessment of the Loan Notes on acquisition was calculated as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Total consideration                                                                                                                                                                                    188,419 

Fair value of Loan Notes attributable to equity investment #                                                                                                              (30,889) 

Net fair value of Loan Notes                                                                                                                                                                     157,530 

Arrangement fees                                                                                                                                                                                          (5,500) 

Additions to Financial Assets in 2016 including accrued interest at date of acquisition                                                                 152,030 

# The fair value of Loan Notes attributable to the equity investment is calculated using a discount factor of management’s estimate of a market rate of interest of 8% 

above the coupon rate of 17% over the term of the Loan Notes, giving an effective interest rate of 25%. 

The key information relevant to the fair value of the Loan Notes on the date they were initially recognised is as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs*                                          inputs and fair value measurements 

Discounted cash flows                             • Discount rate 25% based on a market            The estimated value would increase /  
                                                                      rate of interest of 8% above the                       (decrease) if: US Dollar exchange rate  
                                                                      coupon rate of 17%                                            increased / (decreased) 

                                                                    • MLPL ability to generate cash flows 
                                                                      for timely repayment 

                                                                    • Loan Notes are repayable in full  
                                                                      by 30 September 2020.                                      

* Day 1 and considered appropriate at 31 December 2019. 

The business model for the MLPL loan is to hold to collect. In 2018 management chose to take the opportunity of the adoption of 
IFRS 9 to build a new financial model to improve estimation of amounts in respect of the MLPL loan on an IFRS 9 basis. Although 
the basis of accounting under IFRS 9 should be consistent with IAS 39, the revised calculation provides a better estimate of the 
effect of small timing differences on the amounts contractually recoverable under the loan agreement, and the amortisation of 
the discount to the par value initially recognised. 

The credit risk is managed via various undertakings, guarantees, a pledge over shares and the mechanism whereby MLPL 
prioritises payment of sums due under the Loan Notes. These are described further in Note 31. Given the size and quality of the 
OML 18 oil and gas asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments by MLPL which is dependent on dividend 
distributions by Eroton rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under the Loan Notes. To date Eroton have been 
unable to make a dividend distribution. Consequently, MLPL had to enter into a loan in 2017 and subsequently, in order to be 
able to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon.  

During 2019 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes of US$43.2 million (2018: US$64.6 million). The payments 
received during 2019 represent principal of US$23.3 million (2018: US$31.6 million) and interest of US$19.9 million (2018: US$33.0 
million)) on the Loan Notes repaid. As at 31 December 2019 there was US$114.3 million in principal and interest (2018: US$134.2 
million), due under the Loan Notes.

90       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

17. Financial assets continued

In 2020 the Company has received total payments under the Loan Notes of US$41.5 million. On 6 April 2020, the Company 
entered into an Agreement with MLPL, amending the timing of the remaining payment of the Loan Notes Instrument. At the date 
of the Agreement, the remaining outstanding balance on the par value was US$82.1 million* (accounted for as US$79.5 million 
under IFRS). Of this, US$10.0 million will be repaid on or before 6 October 2020, with the balance of the Loan Notes receivable 
payable in three quarterly instalments, commencing in July 2020 and completing by December 2021. The outstanding loan will 
continue to have an annual coupon rate of 17% and an effective interest rate of 25% per annum until repaid. All other material 
terms of the Loan Notes Instrument remain unchanged. 

The Directors of San Leon have considered the credit risk of the Loan Notes at 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019. 
Due to the inability of MLPL to make dividend distributions, the Directors continue to consider that the credit risk has significantly 
increased since initial recognition, and a provision for the lifetime expected credit loss of the Loan Notes has been recognised. 
As at 31 December 2019 the Directors were not in discussion with MLPL regarding any amendment to the terms of the Loan 
Notes nor were there any events at this time that warranted an amendment to the terms of the Loan Notes, and so the 
Agreement entered into on 6 April 2020 was not taken into account at year end. However, under the terms of the Agreement 
the full principal is to be repaid and interest continues to accrue at the original contractual rate. 

The Loan Notes are not considered credit impaired on the basis of operational reports and forward-looking management 
information of OML 18 which are consistent with successful exploitation of the field over its life, and the funding facilities expected 
to be available to MLPL over the short to medium term.  

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the expected credit loss and, 
although this has been assessed as having increased significantly since initial recognition, it is not considered to have increased 
during the year ended 31 December 2019. Factors that have been considered to reduce overall credit risk include an ongoing 
guarantee from Midwestern, which guarantees all indebtness and associated obligations of MLPL, with the Loan Notes being the 
most senior debt within the company and a number of oil price put options in place at the Eroton level, which partially mitigates 
downside risk to the cash flows of OML 18 arising from a reduction in oil prices. 

The Loan Notes are unique assets for which there is no directly comparable market data. Repayments of the Loan Notes are 
expected to be made from the underlying cash flows that support MLPL. Accordingly, the lifetime expected credit loss of the Loan 
Notes has been determined based on publicly available macroeconomic data of 12-month default rates by geography, industry 
and rating, and considering forward-looking information with regard to oil prices and operational and financial reports of the 
borrower to determine whether any adjustment to the historical trends is appropriate at 1 January 2019 or 31 December 2019. 
The Directors have considered the credit risk of MLPL, and determined that, although the credit risk has increased since initial 
recognition, it remains unchanged from the prior year. An annual expected credit loss of 3.11% was considered to be an 
appropriate rate from which to extrapolate a lifetime expected credit loss as at 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. In 
management’s view the outlook for the OML 18 oil reserves is broadly stable over the term of the loan and does not provide 
evidence of a change in future risk from the historical trend. 

The loss on default has been assumed to be 100% due to the holding and financial structure of the underlying asset which 
supports the Loan Notes. Default events are those which will give rise to an economic loss for the Company, rather than just a 
timing issue of when cash is received, At that point the underlying asset would need to have been substantially underperforming 
and it is likely that this would precipitate a restructuring between the parties that would be time-consuming, incur additional cost, 
and from which any ultimate recovery by the Company cannot be reliably assessed.  

The Company determined that the expected credit loss provision of US$5.5 million, being 4.0% of the balance at 1 January 2019 
was appropriate. This declined to US$2.0 million at year end due to the contractual lifetime of the Loan Notes reducing by 12 
months, thereby reducing the expected probability of default over the remaining loan term to 1.8%. The repayments made in 2019 
reduced the balance at that date, resulting in a gain of US$3.5 million to the Income Statement for 2019. 

(ii) Barryroe – 4.5% Net Profit Interest
SLE holds a 4.5% Net Profit Interest in the Barryroe oil field at fair value through profit and loss under IFRS 9. In 2018 the valuation
approach was based on assumptions, public information and modelling contained within a broker report (dated 12 December
2018). For the year ended 31 December 2019 the Board has considered this approach, but believe many of the previous 
assumptions are now out-of-date, and have therefore adopted a market-based valuation approach using the price of the publicly 
listed shares of Providence Resources plc (“Providence”) (operator and holder of an owner of 80% interest in the Barryroe oil field)
as its basis. The Directors believe the markets assessment of the current risks and uncertainties of the project have been reflected
within the share price of Providence at year end, and it is therefore appropriate to use this to update their valuation.

The 2019 announcements by Providence in relation to Standard Exploration Licence 1/11 which contains the Barryroe oil accumulation 
indicate an increased project risk given the uncertainty regarding project funding and therefore timing around the development of the 
asset. While the site survey on the project was achieved, these delays will impact the timing of future cash flows and valuation for San Leon.  

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      91

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

17. Financial assets continued

Given the latest announcements and incorporating uncertainty regarding project timing and funding, the Directors have reviewed 
the modelling assumptions regarding timing, oil price, costs and risk, and consider it reasonable and appropriate to impair the 
Barryroe carrying value by US$48.4 million (Year end 2019: US$30.5 million, 2019 Half year: US$17.9 million) to US$2.8 million to 
reflect their estimate of the impact of these risks to the future cash flows on the value of the asset.  

The key information relevant to the fair value of the Barryroe 4.5% net profit interest is as follows: 

Valuation technique

Significant unobservable inputs*

Market based approach using                
share price of Operator  
(Providence) (2018: Internal  
management model) 

Estimated value of NPI as percentage  
of total field NPV 9.5% (2018: 9.5%) 

2018: First oil 2024 

Oil price over the period is to be 
US$60/BBL 

Risking applied is 64% 

Discount rate 10% 

Capex and opex based upon current 
and expected market rates  

Life of field expected to be 17 years  

Oil production of 311MM BBL over  
the life of the field on a successful 
development of the 2C contingent 
resources case

Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
inputs and fair value measurements 

The estimated fair value would increase / 
(decrease) if: 

The oil price per barrel increased / 
(decreased) 

The resource estimates increased / 
(decreased) or the life of the field 
increased / (decreased) 

US Dollar exchange rate increased / 
(decreased)

(iii) Amedeo Resources plc
At 31 December 2019, the Company holds 213,512 ordinary shares at a market value of US$Nil (2018: US$Nil). The value of the 
investment was written down to nil in 2018 due to the shares of Amedeo Resources plc being de-listed.

(iv) Ardilaun Energy Limited
As part of the consideration for the sale of Island Oil & Gas Limited to Ardilaun Energy Limited (“Ardilaun”) in 2014 Ardilaun agreed
to issue shares equivalent to 15% of the issued share capital of Ardilaun to San Leon. The original fair value of the 15% interest in
Ardilaun was based on a market transaction in Ardilaun shares. 

The Directors have considered the carrying value of this interest at 31 December 2019 and given the length of time to obtain Irish 
government approval for the transaction, the Directors feel it is prudent to carry the 15% of Ardilaun shares still to be issued to San 
Leon at a value of US$Nil (2018: US$2.6 million). Consequently, US$2.6 million has been charged to Other comprehensive income. 

(v) Poznan 10% Net Profit Interest
In 2016, San Leon sold its 35% interest in the Poznan assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 10% NPI. Until active development
commences a nil value has been placed on the NPI. There has been no change in 2019.

(vi) Gora 5% Net Profit Interest
In 2018, San Leon sold its interest in the Gora assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 5% NPI. Until active development commences
a nil value has been placed on the NPI. (Notes 4(i)). There has been no change in 2019.

(vii) Liesa 5% Net Profit Interest
In 2018, San Leon sold its interest in the Liesa assets for a consideration of €1 plus a 5% Net Profit Interest (“NPI”). Until active
development commences a nil value has been placed on the NPI. (Notes 4(i)). There has been no change in 2019.

(viii) Gemini Resources Limited
In 2019, San Leon converted a debtor of US$192,607 due from Gemini Resources Limited (“Gemini”) into 54,818 fully paid ordinary 
shares in Gemini.

92       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

18. Inventory

Spare parts and consumables

Group

Company 

2019
US$’000

180

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

272

2019
US$’000

–

2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

– 

Spare parts include drilling equipment and consumables utilised by the Group’s seismic services company. 

19. Trade and other receivables

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings (i)

Expected credit loss on amounts owed by Group undertakings (i)

Net amounts owed by Group undertakings

Trade receivables from joint operating partners

Corporation tax refundable

VAT and other taxes refundable

Other debtors (ii)

Expected credit loss on other debtors (ii)

Prepayments

Director’s loan (Note 31)

Group

Company 

2019
US$’000

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2019
US$’000

2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

–

–

–

2

52

134

4,242

(3,532)

89

–

     987

–

103,236                152,611 

–               (100,059)             (149,434) 

–

38

38

474

4,629

(3,532)

66

727

2,440

3,177

3,177 

–

52

63

696

–

80

–

4,068

16

38 

71 

860 

– 

22 

727

4,911 

(i) Amounts owed by Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand with the exception of amounts due from
the Polish subsidiaries of US$6.2 million (2018: US$7.7 million) which are repayable on demand and subject to a market rate of 
interest from the date the loan was advanced (Note 31).

At 31 December 2019, the Company is owed US$103.2 million (2018: US$152.6 million) by its subsidiaries in respect of funds 
advanced to them and expenses discharged by the Company on their behalf. An impairment provision of US$100.1 million 
(2018: US$149.4 million) against these debts has been provided as at the year end. The credit-impaired balances relate to the 
funding of historical investments in subsidiaries to hold assets and businesses which have been abandoned or discontinued in 
prior periods and from which no economic value is expected. The expected credit loss on remaining loans to subsidiaries is 
not considered material. 

(ii) In 2017, other debtors included US$3.6 million due from NSP Investments Holdings Ltd for the disposal of equity accounted
investments. During 2018, the Directors fully provided for the amount. There has been no change in 2019. 

The remaining other debtors consists of rent deposits and similar receivables.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      93

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

20. Cash and cash equivalents 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                                                                                               2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                36,197                  40,762                  35,888                  40,180 

Solicitor client account (i)                                                                                         500                            –                       500                            – 

                                                                                                                              36,697                  40,762                  36,388                  40,180 

(i) Solicitor client account at 31 December 2019 represents monies held on behalf of the Company by David M. Turner & Company Solicitors. 

21. Trade and other payables 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                                                                                               2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Current 

Trade payables                                                                                                      1,608                    4,555                       329                    1,365 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings (i)                                                                 –                            –                    2,401                  11,506 

PAYE / PRSI                                                                                                                215                       228                       116                       125 

Other creditors                                                                                                         158                       970                          71                       962 

Accruals                                                                                                                  3,092                    2,475                    1,344                    1,810 

Current portion of lease                                                                                          333                            –                       333                            – 

                                                                                                                                 5,406                    8,228                    4,594                  15,768 

(i) Amounts owed to Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand (Note 31). 

22. Derivative 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                                                                                               2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Non-current 

Derivative                                                                                                                   128                       659                       128                       659 

                                                                                                                                    128                       659                       128                       659 

During 2018, San Leon issued 2,222,222 options to LPL Finance Limited with an exercise price of £0.45 for a period of four years. 
The fair value of the warrants issued of US$171,000 (€149,000) has been calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The warrants 
were issued in connection with financing provided to the Company. 

94       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

22. Derivative continued 

The key inputs into the valuation model are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Inter-relationships between the unobservable  
Valuation technique                                               Significant unobservable inputs                                            inputs and fair value measurement 

Black-Scholes model                                Option strike price of £0.30 to £0.60                  The estimated fair value would  
                                                                    (2018: £0.30 to £0.60)                                           increase / (decrease) if: 

                                                                    Average maturity of one to two years                 The share price increased /  
                                                                    (2018: two to three years)                                    (decreased) 

                                                                    Risk-free interest rate of 0.055%                         Sterling exchange rate increased /  
                                                                    (2018: 0.1%)                                                            (decreased) 

                                                                    Share price volatility of 62%                                 The risk free interest rate increased /  
                                                                    (2018: 70%)                                                             (decreased) 

23. Loans and borrowings 

                                                                                                                                                               Cash                            Cash 
                                                                                                                     Opening                        inflows                     outflows                   Non-cash                        Closing 
Group and Company 2019                                                        US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Changes in financing 

Borrowings – Current                                                                     –                            –                            –                            –                            – 

                                                                                                                                                               Cash                            Cash 
                                                                                                                     Opening                        inflows                     outflows                   Non-cash                        Closing 
Group and Company 2018                                                        US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Changes in financing 

Borrowings – Current (Restated)                                          4,747                       458                   (5,227)                       (22)                           – 

During 2018 the movement with regard to loans and borrowings is detailed below. 

YA Global Masters SPV Limited 
As at the end of 2017 San Leon owed YA Global Masters SPV Limited US$3.2 million in principal, interest, and fees. 

Interest charged in 2018 was US$145,398. 

In July 2018 the loan was repaid in full. 

Ken Fetherston 
In late 2017 the Company received a loan of US$1.2 million (€1.0 million) from Ken Fetherston with interest and a fee of 
US$295,053 (€261,178). This loan was fully repaid in January 2018.  

Brandon Hill Capital Limited 
In 2017, the Company received a number of loans from Brandon Hill Capital Limited totalling US$1.5 million (£1.1 million) inclusive 
of interest and foreign exchange movement. At 31 December 2017 the amount outstanding to Brandon Hill Capital Limited was 
US$212,732 (£153,177). This was repaid in January 2018. 

In 2018, the Company advanced a short-term loan interest free to Brandon Hill Capital Limited of US$0.5 million (£0.4 million). 
This loan was offset against the loan arrangement fees below. 

In 2018 the Company was notified of loan arrangement fees totalling US$1.4 million (£1.1 million) relating to finance received in 2016 
and 2017 via one of Brandon Hill’s clients, LPL Finance Limited. These amounts are included in Trade payables and were paid in 2019.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      95

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

24. Provisions for liabilities 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dissenting 
                                                                                                                                                                             Decommissioning             Shareholders                            Total 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

At 1 January 2018 (Restated)                                                                                                             1,741                         48                    1,789 

Decrease in provision during the year                                                                                               (485)                           –                      (485) 

Paid during the year                                                                                                                             (496)                       (48)                     (544) 

At 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                                                        760                            –                       760 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                            (2)                           –                           (2) 

Paid during the year                                                                                                                             (702)                           –                      (702) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                 56                             –                          56 

Current                                                                                                                                                           56                             –                          56 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                    –                             –                             – 

Decommissioning 
The provision for decommissioning costs is recorded at the value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the 
Group’s future obligations on decommissioning of previously drilled wells. 

Dissenting shareholders 
In 2018 the amount provided was fully paid in cash to the shareholders. 

25. Share capital – Group and Company 

Rights and obligations attaching to the Ordinary Shares  
The Company has no securities in issue conferring special rights with regards control of the Company. All Ordinary Shares rank 
pari passu, and the rights attaching to the Ordinary Shares (including as to voting and transfer) are as set out in the Company’s 
Articles of Association (“Articles”). 

                                                                                                                                                                    Number of                              Number of  
                                                                                                                                                               New Ordinary                                  Deferred                         Authorised  
                                                                                                                                                                           shares                     Ordinary shares                                  Equity 
                                                                                                                                                                    €0.01 each                          €0.0001 each                              US$’000 

Authorised Equity 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                               2,847,406,025        1,265,259,397,525                      177,475 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                         2,847,406,025                                        –                       177,475

96       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

25. Share capital – Group and Company continued 

Issued, called up and fully paid: 
                                                                                                                                    Number of                                  Number of  
                                                                                                                               New Ordinary                                     Deferred                          Share                          Share  
                                                                                                                                            shares                         Ordinary shares                         capital                    premium 
                                                                                                                                    €0.01 each                             €0.0001 each                      US$’000                      US$’000 

At 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2019 (Restated)                  500,256,857           1,265,259,397,525                150,600                478,666 

Issue of shares in lieu of salary (i)                                                  5,590,270                                          –                         63                    2,036 

Exercise of share options (ii)                                                              250,000                                          –                            3                         96 

Reduction of capital                                                                                        –          (1,265,259,397,525)             (144,871)             (459,721) 

Tender offer                                                                                  (50,475,000)                                         –                      (576)                           – 

Share buybacks                                                                               (4,319,113)                                         –                        (47)                           – 

At 31 December 2019                                                                  451,303,014                                           –                     5,172                   21,077 

* See Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity on pages 54 to 57. 

(i) On 25 February 2019, 5,590,270 ordinary shares were issued to Oisín Fanning in lieu of 80% of his salary due to him for the 
period 1 September 2016 to 30 September 2018. 

(ii) On 20 March 2019, the Company issued and allotted 250,000 New Ordinary Shares of €0.01 each in respect of options 
exercised. The options were exercised at a price of £0.30 (US$0.39) per share. 

Reduction of capital 
On 8 February 2019, the Company obtained local statutory approval to cancel all the Deferred Shares of €0.0001 each, this resulted 
in the release of Share Capital of US$144.9 million, Share Premium of US$459.7 million, a required Special Reserve of US$5.0 million 
and an increase in retained earnings of US$599.0 million. 

Tender offer 
On 22 March 2019 the Company announced the result of the Tender Offer, being an offer by the Company to purchase shares from 
shareholders at 46p per share set out in the shareholder circular published by the Company on 20 February 2019 (the “Circular”). 

The maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised by shareholders under the Tender Offer, being 50,475,000 Ordinary Shares, 
was acquired for a total cost of US$30.5 million. This represented approximately 9.97% of the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company, at the date of the announcement. 

The Tender Offer was oversubscribed, with a total of 81,177,508 Ordinary Shares validly tendered by Qualifying Shareholders. 
Qualifying Shareholders who tendered Ordinary Shares equal to or less than their Individual Basic Entitlement had their tender 
accepted in full. Qualifying Shareholders who validly tendered in excess of their Individual Basic Entitlement had their tender 
accepted in respect of their Individual Basic Entitlement (being approximately 9.97% of their shareholding) plus approximately 
50.23% of the number of Ordinary Shares in excess of their Individual Basic Entitlement that they validly tendered. 

All proceeds payable under the Tender Offer to the Company’s shareholders were transferred to Computershare on 23 March 
2019 for distribution to the shareholders. 

As set out in the Circular, the Ordinary Shares were purchased by Cantor Fitzgerald Europe pursuant to the Tender Offer and the 
Company purchased such Ordinary Shares from Cantor Fitzgerald Europe under the terms of the Repurchase Agreement 
described in the Circular. 

The Company cancelled the Ordinary Shares purchased by it under the Repurchase Agreement, reducing the number of Ordinary 
Shares in issue from 506,097,127 Ordinary Shares to 455,622,127 Ordinary Shares (the “Cancellation”).

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      97

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

25. Share capital – Group and Company continued

Share Buyback Programme 
On 18 October 2019 the Company announced that, pursuant to the shareholder resolutions passed on 27 September 2019 at the 
Annual General Meeting, it planned to acquire ordinary shares of EUR 0.01 nominal value each (“Ordinary Shares”), up to a total value of 
US$ 2.0 million (the “Buyback Programme”). In accordance with the shareholder resolutions, the Company is proposed to acquire the 
Ordinary Shares at a maximum price of the greater of (i) 105% of the average market price of such shares for the previous five days and 
(ii) the higher of the price quoted for the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid or offer for such shares. 

Ordinary Shares acquired as a result of the Buyback Programme were cancelled. The Buyback Programme was funded from the 
Company’s cash balances. 

At 31 December 2019 Company had repurchased 4,319,113 Ordinary Shares at an aggregate value of US$1.5 million. Following 
cancellation of the shares repurchased to 31 December 2019, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue with voting rights 
was 451,303,014. 

On 22 January the Company announced that it had completed the Buyback Programme. Under the Buyback Programme, the 
Company repurchased 5,709,101 Ordinary Shares at an aggregate value of £1,570,085.49. Following cancellation of the final 
shares repurchased, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue with voting rights was 449,913,026. 

26. Reserves

The Statement of Changes in Equity outlines the movement in reserves during the year. Further details of these reserves are set 
out below: 

Currency translation reserve 
The currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of foreign operations. 

The recycling of the currency translation reserve of US$13.9 million (2018: US$13.6 million) relates to the realisation of the 
cumulative foreign currency losses on the disposal or liquidation of non-core assets. 

Share-based payments reserve 
The share-based payments reserve comprises the fair value of all share options which have been charged over the vesting period, 
net of the amount relating to share options which have expired, been cancelled and have vested. 

Fair value reserve 
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of financial assets measured at Fair Value through 
Other Comprehensive Income until the assets are derecognised. 

Special reserve 
Pursuant to the capital reduction, in Note 25, the Company undertook to credit US$5,024,260 to a special reserve. This special 
reserve is not a distributable reserve and must remain in place until such time as obligations in respect of certain guarantees 
given by the Company have lapsed or become unenforceable. 

27. Share-based payments

Prior to 31 December 2012, the Group had one share-based payment scheme for executives and senior employees of the Group. 
In accordance with the provisions of the plan, as approved by shareholders at a previous general meeting, executives and senior 
employees may be granted options to purchase ordinary shares. 

Each share option converts into one ordinary share of San Leon Energy plc on exercise and options do not carry rights to 
dividends nor voting rights. Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the date of their expiry. The options 
vest in tranches subject to the achievement of certain service and non-market performance conditions. Market conditions in 
relation to the achievement of share price trading levels also apply in the case of certain options granted to the Directors, further 
details of which are set out in the Directors’ Report.

98       SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

27. Share-based payments continued

During the first quarter of 2013, this scheme was replaced by a more formal Share Option Plan, which governs all future awards of 
share options made by San Leon. All employees, and certain Directors and consultants, may from time to time be eligible to receive 
a discretionary bonus to be awarded in the form of options over San Leon Ordinary shares. Historic options in respect of San Leon 
shares will continue to be governed by the terms and conditions set out in the historic share-based payments scheme. 

The Group’s equity share options are equity settled share-based payments as defined in IFRS 2: Share-Based Payments. The total 
share-based payment charge for the year has been calculated based on grant date fair value obtained using an option pricing 
model with a discount for market conditions applied based on a Monte Carlo simulator analysis where appropriate. The charge 
for the year is US$1,068,601 (2018: US$1,275,177) includes the charge for options issued to the Directors of US$607,635 
(2018: US$193,918) and shares to be issued to Directors of US$Nil (2018: US$755,700). 

The movement on outstanding share options and warrants during the year was as follows: 

Balance at beginning of the financial year

Granted during the financial year

Modified during the financial year

Expired or cancelled during the financial year

Exercised during the financial year

Balance at end of the financial year

Exercisable at end of the financial year

2019

2018 

Number
of options / 
warrants

39,035,025

2,000,000

Weighted
average
exercise
price

Number
of options / 
warrants

£0.620          36,415,933

£0.450            5,222,222

–

£0.450

–

Weighted  
average 
exercise  
price 

£0.767 

£0.450 

– 

(225,950)

(250,000)

40,559,075

40,559,075

£9.337           (2,603,130)

£3.730 

£0.300

–

£0.400          39,035,025

£0.400          39,035,025

– 

£0.620 

£0.620 

The range of exercise prices of outstanding options/warrants at year end is £0.25 to £0.60 (2018: £0.25 to £25.00).  

In March 2019 the Company repriced all outstanding options with an exercise price above £0.45 to £0.45. 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for options / warrants outstanding at 31 December 2019 is 3.53 years (2018: 3.41 years). 

During the current year 250,000 options at £0.25 were exercised (2018: Nil).  

The following table illustrates the number, exercise price and expiry date of share options and warrants remaining at year end. 

Type

Options

Warrants

Options

Warrants

Warrants

Options

Options

Warrants

Warrants

Options

Options

Options

Total

Number            Exercise price     Year of expiration 

       10,240,372

           319,298

               10,000

           300,000

           750,000

             250,000

       10,625,000

     10,000,000

        4,939,405

             125,000

          1,000,000

          2,000,000

40,559,075

£0.45

£0.60

£0.45

£0.30

£0.45

£0.45

£0.45

£0.25

£0.45

£0.45

£0.45

£0.45

2020 

2020 

2021 

2021 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2023 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019      99

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

27. Share-based payments continued 

The following table lists the fair value of options granted and the inputs to the models used to calculate the grant date fair values 
of awards granted in 2019 and 2018 and the repricing of the options in 2019: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                           2018 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during year                                                                                     £0.20                    £0.45 

Weighted average share price of options at date of grant                                                                                         £0.28                    £0.35 

Dividend yield                                                                                                                                                                         0%                        0% 

Exercise price                                                                                                                                                                     £0.45                    £0.45 

Expected volatility                                                                                                                                                    48% – 90%                      70% 

Risk-free interest rate                                                                                                                                         0.55% – 1.7%         1.0% – 1.7% 

Expected option life                                                                                                                                                       7 years                 7 years 

Expected early exercise %                                                                                                                                                    0%                        0% 

Model used                                                                                                                                                         Black-Scholes      Black-Scholes 
                                                                                                                                                                                           model                   model 

The expected life used in the model is based on the expectation of management attaching to the option and behavioural 
considerations and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. Expected volatility is based on an analysis of 
the historical volatility of San Leon Energy plc shares and comparable listed entities. The fair value is measured at the date of grant. 
There are no conditions attached to the options. 

Option repricing 
In March 2019 the Company repriced all outstanding options with an exercise price above £0.45 to £0.45. 

28. Commitments and contingencies 

(a) Operating leases 
Cash commitments under operating leases (Note 30) are as follows: 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Total                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                    (Restated) 

Payable: 

Within one year                                                                                                                                                                    340                       381 

Between one and five years                                                                                                                                            1,348                    1,374 

Over five years                                                                                                                                                                   1,910                    2,290 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,598                    4,045 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Total                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
Company                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000                    (Restated) 

Payable: 

Within one year                                                                                                                                                                    337                       344 

Between one and five years                                                                                                                                            1,348                    1,374 

Over five years                                                                                                                                                                   1,910                    2,290 

                                                                                                                                                                                             3,595                    4,008

100     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

28. Commitments and contingencies continued 

(b) Exploration, evaluation and development activities 
The Group has commitments of US$Nil (2018: US$Nil) in the year ended 31 December 2019 to contribute to its share of 
exploration and evaluation expenditure in respect of exploration licences and concessions held. 

(c) Horizon Petroleum Ltd. 
The Group has contingent consideration in aggregate of US$2.0 million in relation to the sale completed in August 2019 to 
Horizon Petroleum Ltd. outlined in Note 4. 

29. Deferred tax 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

                                                                                               Assets                                                           Liabilities                                                              Net 

                                                                                                                           2018                                                                2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                       2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
Group                                                                      US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Financial assets – IFRS 9                                   –                            –                        (73)                (16,137)                       (73)                (16,137) 

Financial assets – other                               175                       111                            –                            –                       175                       111 

Tax losses recognised                               1,616                    3,622                            –                            –                    1,616                    3,622 

                                                                     1,791                    3,733                        (73)                (16,137)                   1,718                 (12,404) 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                     (12,404)                  (8,630) 

Expense for the year recognised in the Income Statement (Note 10)                                                                     (2,006)                  (3,121) 

Deferred tax on fair value movements in financial assets IFRS 9, Barryroe NPI (Note 10)                                  16,064                      (764) 

Deferred tax on fair value of other financial assets, Quoted shares                                                                              64                       111 

At 31 December                                                                                                                                                               1,718                 (12,404) 

                                                                                               Assets                                                           Liabilities                                                              Net 

                                                                                                                           2018                                                                2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                       2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
Company                                                           US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Financial assets – 
net profit Interest                                              –                            –                        (73)                (16,137)                       (73)                (16,137) 

Financial assets – other                               175                       111                            –                            –                       175                       111 

Tax losses recognised                               1,589                    3,590                            –                            –                    1,589                    3,590 

                                                                     1,764                    3,701                        (73)                (16,137)                   1,691                 (12,436)

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    101

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

29. Deferred tax continued 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
Group                                                                                                                                                                                                                    US$’000                    (Restated) 

Tax losses                                                                                                                                                                         15,031                  14,754 

Capitalised expenditure                                                                                                                                                 32,764                  32,764 

                                                                                                                                                                                          47,795                  47,518 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the above items because it is not probable that future taxable profits 
will be available against which the Group can utilise these losses. 

30. Leases 

A new accounting standard, IFRS 16 leases, was adopted with effect from 1 January 2019. The standard requires leases which were 
previously treated as operating leases to be recognised as a lease liability with the associated asset capitalised and treated as a 
right of use asset. On 1 January 2019 US$3.1 million of leases were recognised as liabilities on adoption of the standard and 
US$3.1 million capitalised as right of use assets. In 2019 depreciation on the right of use assets was US$0.3 million, operating lease 
rentals decreased by US$0.3 million and a currency translation adjustment decreased by US$0.02 million leading to an increase in 
operating profit of US$0.03 million. The interest charge on the associated leases was US$0.1 million and the aggregate impact of 
IFRS 16 on profit before tax was a decrease of US$0.1 million. Lease payments in the year of US$0.3 million comprised principal of 
US$0.2 million and interest of US$0.1 million. 

Amounts recognised in the Statement of Financial Position 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2019 
Group & Company                                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000 

Right of use asset (included within Property, plant and equipment) 

Property leases 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                                                                            3,050 

Additions                                                                                                                                                                                                              231 

Depreciation charge for the period                                                                                                                                                                (329) 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                                                            2,952 

Lease liability 

Property leases 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                                                                            3,050 

Payments – principal                                                                                                                                                                                        (192) 

Payments – interest                                                                                                                                                                                          (144) 

Currency translation adjustment                                                                                                                                                                      (24) 

Interest                                                                                                                                                                                                                 144 

Closing net carrying amount                                                                                                                                                                            2,834 

Current                                                                                                                                                                                                                      333 

Non-current                                                                                                                                                                                                          2,501

102     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

30. Leases continued 

Amounts recognised in the Income Statement 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2019 
Group & Company                                                                                                                                                                                                                            US$’000 

Right of use asset (Property leases included within Property, plant and equipment)                                                                             

Property leases                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Depreciation charge                                                                                                                                                                                          329 

Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                                                 144 

Expenses relating to low-value leases                                                                                                                                                               60 

Total                                                                                                                                                                                                                      533 

31. Related party transactions  

The Company and Group has related party transactions with (i) Directors (ii) shareholders (iii) subsidiaries and (iv) other entities 
with which it has entered into business arrangements. Due to the influence or material interest that these parties have in 
transactions with the Company or Group they are required to be disclosed and are detailed below.  

Property 
The Company holds an option to acquire a property at market value from Mr. Fanning. The option has a remaining life of seven 
years and the option fee of US$381,000 is included in other receivables (Note 19) and is refundable when the Company either 
exercises or terminates the option. Mr. Fanning was paid US$221,195 (2018: US$198,000) rent for the use of this property by the 
Company. The property is being provided at a competitive rate and it is an arm’s length transaction. 

The property is available for use by all staff and consultants requiring overnight accommodation while conducting business on 
behalf of the Company. 

Loan 
A summary of the movement in the loan with Mr. Fanning is set out below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

At 1 January 2019                                                                                                                                                                                               727 

Repayments by the Director during the year                                                                                                                                               (727) 

Interest on loan                                                                                                                                                                                                       1 

Exchange rate adjustment                                                                                                                                                                                   (1) 

At 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                 – 

At 31 December 2019 the loan was fully repaid to the Company. 

In 2018, Oisín Fanning was paid US$1,987,000 in respect of personal loan guarantees provided by him in 2017, on behalf of 
the Company. 

On 25 February 2019, Oisín Fanning was issued 5,590,270 ordinary shares in lieu of 80% of his salary for the period 1 September 
2016 to 30 September 2018.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    103

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

31. Related party transactions continued

Director change in Shareholding 
On 11 May 2020 the Company was notified that Oisín Fanning, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, acquired 98,000,000 
ordinary shares in the Company. Following the purchase, Oisín Fanning has an interest of 107,495,864 ordinary shares, 
representing 23.89% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

Discovery Energy Limited 
The Company and Discovery Energy Limited had a common Director, Ewen Ainsworth. Discovery Energy Limited was paid 
US$20,000 for amounts due for 2019 (2018: US$28,000) and disclosed as a pension payment. Ewen Ainsworth is the sole 
Director and shareholder of Discovery Energy Limited. This company is no longer being used. 

Greenbay Energy Resources Limited 
San Leon Energy plc and Greenbay Energy Limited have a common Director, Mutiu Sunmonu. San Leon has a consultancy 
agreement with Greenbay Energy Limited which was paid US$90,098 for amounts due for 2019 (2018: US$93,000). Please see 
the Director’s emolument table on page 27 which includes the amount paid to Greenbay Energy Limited. 

In June 2019, San Leon Energy plc entered into an agreement with Caledonian Properties Nigeria Limited (“Caledonian”), 
a company owned by Mutiu Sunmonu, for the use of two properties in Lagos, Nigeria, in their entirety for two years from 
1 July 2019. Caledonian was paid US$220,000 for the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021 and is included in prepayments 
(Note 19). It is common practice to pay such sums up-front in Nigeria.  

The properties are being provided at a competitive rate and it is an arm’s length transaction. 

One of the properties is used as an office and the other property is available for use by all staff and consultants requiring 
accommodation while conducting business on behalf of the Company. 

Linda Beal Consulting LLP 
In 2018 Linda Beal Consulting LLP provided consultancy services to San Leon Energy plc. and was paid US$47,000 for these 
services. There were no services provided in 2019. 

Brandon Hill Capital Limited 
Brandon Hill Capital Limited is a shareholder in the Company.  

At 31 December 2017 there was a loan amount outstanding to Brandon Hill Capital Limited of US$213,000. This was repaid in 
January 2018. 

In 2018, the Company advanced a short-term loan to Brandon Hill Capital Limited of US$472,000. This loan was offset against the 
loan arrangement fees below.  

In 2018 the Company was notified of loan arrangement fees totalling US$1,386,000 relating to finance received in 2016 and 2017 
via one of Brandon Hill’s clients, LPL Finance Limited. These amounts are included in Trade payables at 31 December 2018 and 
were paid in 2019.  

In 2019, Brandon Hill Capital Limited is no longer considered to be a related party as they are no longer a significant shareholder. 

Palomar Natural Resources (Netherlands) B.V. / NSP Investments Holdings Ltd 
On 18 November 2016, the Company announced the sale of its (i) 35% interest in TSH Energy Joint Venture B.V. (“TSH”) and (ii) 35% 
interest in Poznan Energy B.V. (“Poznan”) to Palomar Natural Resources (“Palomar”). This divested the Company’s interest in the 
Rawicz and Siekierki fields respectively. A 10% net profit interest was retained in the Poznan assets. Palomar is regarded as a 
related party as it already held the remaining interest in both TSH and Poznan.

104     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

31. Related party transactions continued 

The total cash consideration due to the Company for the sale of its 35% interest in TSH was US$9.0 million, of which US$4.5 million 
was received in November 2016. The balance of US$4.5 million plus accrued interest (the “Amount Due”) was due to paid to San 
Leon on or before 1 October 2017. As announced on 2 January 2018 under a novation agreement and extension agreement 
dated 22 December 2017, the Amount Due is now the full responsibility of NSP Investments Holdings Ltd, a BVI registered 
company that holds a 35% interest in TSH. San Leon also announced that it had received a further US$1.5 million payment of the 
Amount Due. The Company was due to receive a further US$3.6 million, including an extension fee plus any further accrued 
interest on or before 1 September 2018. The Company had not received the US$3.6 million by 31 December 2018 and, provided 
for expected credit losses of US$3.4 million and reversed accrued interest receivable in 2018 of US$0.2 million. As at 31 December 
2019 this position has not changed. 

Toscafund Asset Management LLP 
Toscafund Asset Management LLP (“Toscafund”) is a related party on the basis that funds managed by Toscafund hold a 
substantial shareholding in San Leon Energy plc and the substantive transactions which the parties entered into during 2016 and 
as more fully described below detailing the purchase of the indirect interest in OML 18.  

On 11 May 2020 the Company was informed that funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP had sold 98,000,000 ordinary 
shares in the Company on 7 May 2020. On completion of the sale funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP held 
228,771,927 ordinary shares, representing 50.85% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

OML 18 
In September 2016, the Company secured an indirect economic interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 (“OML 18”), onshore Nigeria. 

The Company undertook a number of steps to effect this purchase. MLPL, a company incorporated in Mauritius of which San Leon 
Nigeria B.V. has a 40% shareholding, was established as a special purpose vehicle to complete the transaction by purchasing all of 
the shares in Martwestern, a company incorporated in Nigeria. 

Martwestern holds a 50% shareholding in Eroton, a company incorporated in Nigeria and the operator of OML 18, and it also 
holds an initial 98% economic interest in Eroton. To partly fund the purchase of 100% of the shares of Martwestern, MLPL 
borrowed US$174.5 million in incremental amounts by issuing Loan Notes with a coupon of 17% (“Loan Notes”). Midwestern is the 
60% shareholder of MLPL and transferred its shares in Martwestern to MLPL as part of the full transaction. Following its placing in 
September 2016, San Leon became beneficiary and holder of all Loan Notes issued by MLPL and the holder of an indirect 
economic interest in OML 18. San Leon is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in 
MLPL but the Loan Notes repayments take priority over any dividend payments made to the MLPL shareholders. The economic 
effect of this structure is that San Leon has an initial indirect economic interest of 10.584% in OML 18. Shareholders will note this 
is higher than the percentage interest anticipated by San Leon at the time of the acquisition. There have been no further 
purchases or payments by San Leon but this revised percentage is based on a reassessment and recalculation of the various 
parties’ interests in OML 18 which has resulted in Martwestern’s economic interest in Eroton now standing at 98%. 

To date, San Leon has received aggregate payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$190.6 million. An expected credit loss of 
US$9.7 million was recognised on 1 January 2018 on adoption of IFRS9, and reduced to US$5.5 million at 31 December 2018. 
The expected credit loss was further reduced to US$2.0 million at 31 December 2019. 

To make payment of principal and interest due under the Loan Notes, MLPL is dependent on Eroton making dividend payments 
to Martwestern which in turn makes dividend payments to MLPL. MLPL will use the receipt of dividends to make Loan Notes 
payments to San Leon. There are various undertakings, guarantees and security in place with Eroton, Martwestern and Midwestern 
with regard to the Loan Notes, as more fully described below, in the event that MLPL is not in a position to pay the Loan Notes 
from dividends received.  

The Loan Notes have been secured with undertakings by both Eroton and Martwestern, including not to take any action within 
their control which would result in default by MLPL, and to act honestly and in good faith. In addition, to the extent practicable and 
subject to law, use commercially reasonable efforts to declare dividends in order that MLPL can satisfy its obligations under the 
Loan Notes instrument. 

The shares held by MLPL in Martwestern have also been pledged as security to the obligations under the Loan Notes.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    105

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

31. Related party transactions continued 

Midwestern and Mart Resources Limited jointly and severally guaranteed the payment of the Loan Notes following a default and to 
make immediate payment and performance of all obligations to holders of the Loan Notes. 

While San Leon is also a beneficiary of any dividends that will be paid by MLPL as a 40% shareholder in MLPL, the Loan Notes 
repayments must take priority over dividend payments made by MLPL to shareholders with a minimum 65% cash sweep of 
available funds for a period of four years in order to redeem the Loan Notes. 

There are shareholders agreements which govern the relationship between Midwestern and San Leon, and Bilton and 
Martwestern regulating the rights and obligations with respect to MLPL, Martwestern and Eroton. These agreements cover the 
appointment of Directors and unanimous approval for major decisions. 

A Master Services Agreement exists which entitles San Leon Energy Nigeria BV to provide specific services to Eroton and 
Midwestern for their activities. 

During 2018 San Leon entered into an agreement with Eroton for the provision of subsurface technical and management services 
with estimated consideration for the services of US$6.0 million until the end of 2021. 

Further extensive details can be found on the Company’s website which contains a copy of the Admission Document at: 
http://www.sanleonenergy.com/media/2491705/admission_document_2016.pdf 

2017 
As a consequence of MLPL not being in receipt of dividends in 2017, MLPL had to enter into a loan during 2017 and subsequently 
in order to be able to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon. During 2017 San Leon received 
total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$39.6 million. All payments during 2017 were received by the due date and in 
accordance with the terms of the Loan Notes.  

2018 
During 2018 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$66.2 million. MLPL also entered into loan 
agreements with third parties to enable it to make the repayments during 2018. 

2019 
During 2019 San Leon received total payments under the Loan Notes totalling US$43.2 million. MLPL used the loan agreements 
entered into in 2018 to continue to make the repayments during 2019. 

Key management 
Key management is deemed to comprise the Board of Directors. The total remuneration paid to key management was as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   US$’000                    (Restated) 

Salary and emoluments                                                                                                                                                   2,579                    1,780 

Bonuses                                                                                                                                                                                 637                       862 

Social welfare costs                                                                                                                                                              289                       242 

Shares to be issued in lieu of salary                                                                                                                                       –                       756 

Fees and consulting services                                                                                                                                              593                       803 

Termination payments                                                                                                                                                        128                       213 

Pension                                                                                                                                                                                  102                         96 

Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                    33                         33 

Share-based payment charge on repricing of options issued to Directors                                                                116                            – 

Share-based payment expense                                                                                                                                         492                       194 

                                                                                                                                                                                             4,969                    4,979

106     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

31. Related party transactions continued 

Company 
Transactions with subsidiaries 
The Company has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries and associates. The Company and its subsidiaries and 
associates, in the ordinary course of business, enter into various sales, purchase and service transactions with joint operations in 
which the Group has a material interest. These transactions are under terms that are no less favourable to the Group than those 
arranged with third parties. 

At 31 December 2019, the Company is owed US$103.2 million (2018: US$152.6 million) by its subsidiaries in respect of funds 
advanced to them and expenses discharged by the Company on their behalf. An impairment provision of US$100.1 million (2018: 
US$149.4 million) against these debts has been provided as at the year end. The credit-impaired balances relate to the funding of 
historical investments in subsidiaries to hold assets and businesses which have been abandoned or discontinued in prior periods 
and from which no economic value is expected. The expected credit loss on remaining loans to subsidiaries is not considered 
material. The Company owes US$2.4 million (2018: US$11.5 million) to subsidiaries in respect of funds received by and services 
provided to the Company. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       US$’000 

Loss allowance at 31 December 2018 (Restated)                                                                                                                                 149,434 

Expected credit losses released                                                                                                                                                                (49,132) 

Loss allowance at 31 December 2019                                                                                                                                                       100,302 

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management 

The Group and Company’s principal financial instruments comprise trade receivables, other financial assets, trade payables and 
cash and cash equivalents. 

The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group and Company’s operations.  

The Group and Company’s financial assets and liabilities are classified as: 

•

Financial liabilities: Amortised costs – trade and other payables and loans as described in Note 21; 

•

Financial assets: Amortised cost – OML 18 as described in Note 17 and Trade and other receivables as described in Note 19; 

•

Financial assets: FVTPL – net profit interest as described in Note 17; 

•

Financial assets: FVOCI – equity instrument – unquoted investments and quoted investments as described in Note 17. 

The main risks arising from the Group and Company’s financial instruments are foreign currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, 
interest rate risk and capital management. Management reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks in a 
non-speculative manner which are summarised below. 

(a) Currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on transactions denominated in a currency other than the relevant functional 
currency of the entities of the Group which consist of US Dollars, Euro, Sterling, Polish Zloty, Moroccan Dirhams and Canadian 
Dollars. The US Dollar is the presentation currency for financial reporting and budgeting. The Group manages its exposure by 
matching receipts and payments in the same currency and monitoring the residual net cash position. During the years ended 
31 December 2019 and 2018, the Group did not utilise either forward currency contracts or other derivatives to manage 
foreign currency risk.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    107

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued

At 31 December 2019, the Group’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
in MAD 
US$’000 

in PLN
US$’000

in EUR€
US$’000

in CAD
US$’000

in GBP£
US$’000

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Cash and cash equivalents

Total 2019

585

(553)

–

481

513

350

(2,666)

(56)

95

(2,277)

52

(33)

–

264

283

–

(6)

–

–

(6)

– 

(250) 

– 

1

(249)

At 31 December 2018, the Group’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
in MAD 
US$’000 

in PLN
US$’000

in GBP£
US$’000

in CAD
US$’000

in US$
US$’000

Financial assets – OML 18

Financial assets – Barryroe 4.5% net profit interest

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Cash and cash equivalents

Total 2018 (Restated)

–

–

1,456

(1,309)

–

1,911

128,720

51,142

–

(1,239)

–

38,050

2,058                216,673

–

–

483

(565)

(702)

379

(405)

–

–

–

(21)

–

–

(21)

– 

– 

– 

(362) 

– 

1

(361) 

At 31 December 2019, the Company’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
in MAD 
US$’000 

in GBP£
US$’000

in CAD
US$’000

in EUR€
US$’000

in PLN
US$’000

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total 2019

695

(369)

471

797

3,373

(3,125)

86

334

–

–

–

–

–

(6)

–

(6)

– 

– 

1 

1 

At 31 December 2018, the Company’s principal exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows: 

Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated            Denominated  
in MAD 
US$’000 

in CAD
US$’000

in GBP£
US$’000

in US$
US$’000

in PLN
US$’000

Financial assets – OML 18

Financial assets – Barryroe 4.5% net profit interest

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total 2018 (Restated)

–

–

1,451

(1,196)

1,793

128,720

51,142

–

(95)

38,028

2,048                217,795

–

–

–

–

161

161

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

1

1

108     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

The euro exchange rates used in the preparation of the financial statements were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                         2019                                                                2018 

                                                                                                                                                 Average rate               Closing rate              Average rate                Closing rate 

Sterling                                                                                                             0.784092              0.757344             0.749145             0.781249 

Euro                                                                                                                  0.893276              0.890155             0.846773             0.873362 

Polish Zloty                                                                                                      3.838961              3.789211             3.642308             3.756681 

Canadian Dollars                                                                                            1.326942              1.299448             1.295024             1.362882 

Moroccan Dirhams                                                                                         9.564350              9.534350             9.542323             9.542323 

Sensitivity analysis 
If the US Dollar increased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Group’s loss for the year would decrease and equity at 
year end would increase by US$23,734. If the US Dollar decreased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Group’s loss for 
the year would increase and equity at year end would decrease by US$23,971. 

If the US Dollar increased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the Company’s profit for the year would decrease and 
equity at year end would decrease by US$1,859. If the US Dollar decreased by 1% in value against the above currencies, the 
Company’s profit for the year would increase and equity at year end would increase by US$1,877. 

(b) Credit risk 
Credit risk refers to the risk that any counter-party will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. 

The Group and Company’s financial assets excluding ‘Financial assets – Net Profit Interest’, see (f) ‘Fair values’ comprise trade and 
other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and OML 18. 

The maximum financial exposure due to credit risk on the Group’s financial assets not subject to impairment of IFRS 9, representing 
the sum of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and other current assets, as at 31 December 2019 was US$40.9 
million (2018: US$43.4 million). 

Trade and other receivables  
Within trade and other receivables there is no significant exposure to credit risk. The credit risk on amounts receivable from joint 
operating partners is managed by agreeing budgets in advance with partners and where appropriate collecting any material share 
of exploration costs from partners in advance of completing the exploration work programme. Amounts in trade and other 
receivables impaired during 2019 are explained in Note 19 and management believes that the existing sums are still collectable. 

OML 18 
The OML 18 transaction comprised the US$174.5 million Loan Notes as detailed in Note 17. The credit risk is managed via various 
undertakings, guarantees, a pledge over shares and the mechanism whereby MLPL prioritises payment of sums due under the 
Loan Notes. Given the size and quality of the OML 18 oil and gas asset the main credit risk is regarded as the timing of payments 
by MLPL which is dependent on dividend distributions by Eroton rather than being unable to pay the total quantum due under 
the Loan Notes. To date Eroton have been unable to make a dividend distribution. Consequently, MLPL had to enter into a loan in 
2017 and subsequently, in order to be able to meet its obligations under the Loan Notes and make payments to San Leon.  

The credit risk associated with the MLPL Loan Notes is not regarded as low and despite quarterly payments being largely received 
to date, however not always on time, and given other considerations, this has led the Company to determine that providing for 
a loss over the lifetime of the loan is appropriate. Establishing an expected credit loss over the lifetime of the loan for a single 
receivable requires significant judgement, as there is limited relevant historical data in the Company, and no obvious reliable 
market data to benchmark. The factors that were considered in coming to the conclusion of a lifetime expected credit loss 
provision are explained as follows.  

The credit risk of the instrument needs to be evaluated without consideration of collateral. Financial instruments are not 
considered to have low credit risk because that risk is mitigated by collateral.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    109

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

MLPL is not considered to be in financial difficulty and is expected to repay all interest and principal due under the loan 
agreement. The increase in credit risk identified does not change the prevailing expectation that the loan will be recovered in full. 

In addition, the Directors have reviewed the counterparty credit risk associated with measurement of the expected credit loss and, 
although this has been assessed as having increased significantly since initial recognition, it is not considered to have increased 
during the year ended 31 December 2019.  

As the asset is not credit-impaired, the lifetime expected credit loss is recorded as a separate provision on the Statement of 
Financial Position and remeasured at each reporting date. The MLPL loan asset will continue to be held using the effective interest 
rate method. 

The consideration of expected credit losses for this asset is set out in Note 17. 

The Directors have considered the impact of Covid-19 on the Loan Notes and associated credit risk, which is tied to the 
performance of the OML 18 asset. The field operations of OML 18 will necessarily be slowed by the taking of customary health 
precautions, but as with most oil operations around the world, the Company are advised by Eroton that operations are continuing 
on a reasonable basis. The impact of the current low oil price will likely result in the deferral of some operational and capital 
expenditure, as is prudent to preserve working capital by Eroton. That is expected to delay some production increases from 
drilling. Eroton’s income will also be affected by the lower oil price itself, although that is buffered to some extent by the deferral of 
costs mentioned. The overall effect is likely to be some modest delay in receiving distributions from Eroton via MLPL. The Directors 
do not expect a material effect on the risk profile of the Loan Notes. 

In the opinion of the Directors there is no difference between the carrying amount of the MLPL loan and its fair value. 

Cash and cash equivalents  
The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is considered limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings 
assigned by international credit rating agencies. The Group also holds limited funds for day to day operational purposes with Irish 
banking institutions which are subject to guarantee by the Irish government. The Group and Company’s maximum exposure to 
credit risk is equal to the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents in its consolidated and Company statement of financial 
position. The Group does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. 

Details of cash deposits, which are all for terms of one month or less are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                       Group                                                           Company 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    2018                                                                2018 
                                                                                                                                                               2019                      US$’000                            2019                      US$’000 
                                                                                                                                                          US$’000                    (Restated)                     US$’000                    (Restated) 

Euro                                                                                                                              95                       421                          86                       198 

Sterling                                                                                                                       481                    1,911                       471                    1,793 

US Dollar                                                                                                              35,856                  38,050                  35,830                  38,027 

Polish Zloty                                                                                                                264                       379                            –                       161 

Moroccan Dirhams                                                                                                       1                            1                            1                            1 

                                                                                                                              36,697                  40,762                  36,388                  40,180 

(c) Liquidity risk management 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not have sufficient funds to meet liabilities as they fall due. The Group manages liquidity 
risk by maintaining adequate cash reserves and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the 
maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Cash forecasts are produced to identify the liquidity requirements of the Group. 
Surplus cash is placed on deposit in accordance with limits and counterparties agreed by the Board, with the objective to maximise 
return on funds whilst ensuring that the short-term cash requirements of the Group are maintained. 

All cash and cash equivalents are due on demand. All trade and other receivables and trade and other payables are due within 
one month.

110     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued 

The financial liabilities at 31 December 2019 are as follows: 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding leases (Note 21)        5,073                            –                            –                            –                    5,073 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       340                       337                    1,011                    1,910                    3,598 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                      57                         71                            –                            –                       128 

                                                                                                      5,470                        408                     1,011                     1,910                     8,799 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables, excluding lease (Note 21)         4,261                            –                            –                            –                    4,261 

Operating leases (Note 28)                                                       337                       337                    1,011                    1,910                    3,595 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                      57                         71                            –                            –                       128 

                                                                                                      4,655                        408                     1,011                     1,910                     7,984 

The financial liabilities at 31 December 2018 (Restated) are as follows: 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Group                                                                                                       US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables (Note 21)                                    8,228                            –                            –                            –                    8,228 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                        –                       102                       557                            –                       659 

                                                                                                   8,228                       102                       557                            –                    8,887 

                                                                                                                   Less than                        One to                        Two to              Greater than 
                                                                                                                    one year                   two years                    five years                    five years                            Total 
Company                                                                                               US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000                      US$’000 

Trade and other payables (Note 21)                                  15,768                            –                            –                            –                  15,768 

Derivative (Note 22)                                                                        –                       102                       557                            –                       659 

                                                                                                15,768                       102                       557                            –                  16,427 

The contractual cash flows are equal to the carrying value for trade and other payables. Contractual cash flows from operating 
leases once discounted at the incremental borrowing rate (Note 30) will then equate the carrying value. 

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and certain geopolitical issues, have led to a sharp fall and continued volatility in the oil price. 
This is not expected to have a significant impact on liquidity risk as San Leon is in a strong financial position with cash on hand, 
after the payment of the special dividend in May 2020, of US$33.0 million. In addition, the impact on our indirect interest in OML 
18 or upon the Loan Notes is expected to be minimal due to Eroton taking necessary steps to defer some operational and capital 
expenditure and managing working capital. 

(d) Interest rate risk 
The Group and Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group and Company’s 
holdings of cash and short-term deposits. 

It is the Group and Company’s policy to place surplus funds on short term deposit in order to maximise interest earned whilst 
maintaining adequate short-term liquidity for operational requirements. 

The Loan Notes referred to in Note 17 attract a 17% fixed rate of contractual interest and as a consequence there is no interest 
rate exposure.

                                                                                                                                                                                            SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    111

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued

(e) Capital management risk
The Group and Company manage its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while 
maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group and Company
manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust its
capital structure, the Group may adjust or issue new shares or raise debt. During the year the Company obtained local statutory 
approval to cancel all the Deferred Shares of €0.0001 each, resulting in the release of Share Capital of US$144.9 million, Share
Premium of US$459.7 million, a required Special Reserve of US$5.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of US$599.0 
million. This enabled the Company to buyback shares to the value of US$31.5 million in the year. See Note 25 for further details.
The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital,
reserves and retained losses as disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

The Group net debt and equity, and the net debt to equity ratio at 31 December 2019 was as follows: 

Total Liabilities

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Adjusted net debt

Total equity

Adjusted net debt to equity ratio

2019
US$’000

8,091

   36,697

            2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

22,051 

40,762 

(28,606)                (18,711) 

202,916                261,150 

  (0.14)

(0.07) 

(f) Financial assets and liabilities by category
The following table sets out the carrying value of all the financial assets and liabilities held at 31 December 2019:

Group

Financial assets 

OML 18# (Note 17)

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)

Unquoted shares (Note 17)

Trade receivables * (Note 19)

Cash and cash equivalents * (Note 20)

Other debtors * (Note 19)

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables * (Note 21)

Other creditors * (Note 21)

Derivative (Note 22)

At 31 December 2019

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 3^ 
31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December 
2019 
US$’000 

 2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

Level 1

Level 2

111,323

2,769

194

2

36,697

710

(1,608)

(158)

(128)

112,252

2,769

194

2

36,697

710

(1,608)

(158)

(128)

149,801

150,730

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

112,252 

2,769 

194 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(128) 

115,087 

# The credit risk of the OML 18 loan has been assessed as having significantly increased since initial recognition, affecting the underlying determination of the fair value. 

Therefore, the carrying amount arising from the application of the effective interest rate method is greater than the fair value. 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are 

a reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of Level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above.

112     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued

Company

Financial assets 

OML 18# (Note 17)

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)

Cash and cash equivalents * (Note 20)

Other debtors * (Note 19)

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables * (Note 21)

Other creditors * (Note 21)

Derivative (Note 22)

At 31 December 2019

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 3^ 
31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December            31 December 
2019 
US$’000 

 2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

2019
US$’000

Level 2

Level 1

111,323

112,252

2,769

36,388

696

(329)

(71)

(128)

2,769

36,388

696

(329)

(71)

(128)

150,648

151,577

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

112,252 

2,769 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(128) 

114,893 

# There has been no change to the assumptions underlying the determination of fair value of the OML 18 loan since initial recognition. Therefore, the carrying amount 

arising from the application of the effective interest rate method approximates to the fair value. 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are 

a reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of Level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above. 

During the period ended 31 December 2019, there were no significant changes in the business or economic circumstances that 
affect the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, no reclassifications and no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy 
used in measuring the fair value of the financial instruments. 

The following table sets out the carrying value of all the financial assets and liabilities held at 31 December 2018: 

Group

Financial assets 

OML 18 (Note 17)

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)

Unquoted shares (Note 17)

Trade receivables* (Note 19)

Cash and cash equivalents* (Note 20)

Other debtors* (Note 19)

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables* (Note 21)

Other creditors* (Note 21)

Derivative (Note 22)

At 31 December 2018

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 3^ 
31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December 
2018 
US$’000 
(Restated) 

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

 2018
US$’000
(Restated)

Level 2

Level 1

128,720                128,720

51,142

2,625

38

40,762

1,097

(4,555)

(970)

(658)

51,142

2,625

38

40,762

1,097

(4,555)

(970)

(658)

218,201                218,201

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–                128,720 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

51,142 

2,625 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(658) 

–                181,829 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are 

a reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of Level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above.

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    113

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

32. Financial instruments and financial risk management continued

Company

Financial assets 

OML 18 (Note 17)

Barryroe NPI (Note 17)

Unquoted shares (Note 17)

Trade receivables* (Note 19)

Cash and cash equivalents* (Note 20)

Other debtors* (Note 19)

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables* (Note 21)

Other creditors* (Note 21)

Derivative (Note 22)

At 31 December 2018

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 3^ 
31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December              31 December 
2018 
US$’000
(Restated) 

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

2018
US$’000
(Restated)

 2018
US$’000
(Restated)

Level 2

Level 1

128,720                128,720

51,142

2,625

16

40,180

860

(1,365)

(962)

(658)

51,142

2,625

16

40,180

860

(1,365)

(962)

(658)

220,558                220,558

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–                128,720 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

51,142 

2,625 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(658) 

–                181,829 

* The Group has not disclosed the fair value of financial instruments such as short-term receivables and payables, as it is considered that their carrying amounts are a 

reasonable approximation of their fair values. 

^ For detailed disclosures on the valuation techniques of Level 3 disclosures see the note referenced above. 

During the period ended 31 December 2018, there were no significant changes in the business or economic circumstances that 
affect the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, no reclassifications and no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy 
used in measuring the fair value of the financial instruments. 

(g) Hedging
At 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018, the Group and Company had no outstanding contracts designated as hedges. 

33. Subsequent events

Share Buyback Programme 
On 21 January 2020 the Company announced that it had completed the buyback programme initially announced on 18 October 
2019 (the “Buyback Programme”). Under the Buyback Programme which commenced on 18 October 2019, the Company has 
repurchased 5,709,101 Ordinary Shares at an aggregate value of US$2,041,900. Following cancellation of the shares repurchased 
during the Programme, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue with voting rights is 449,913,026. 

MLPL Loan Note 
The Company has received US$41.5 million in Loan Note repayments since 31 December 2019.  

On 6 April 2020 the Company entered into an agreement amending the Loan Notes Instrument (the “Amendment”) between San 
Leon and MLPL. Under the terms of the Amendment, the remaining balance payable is approximately US$82.1 million* at par value 
(accounted for as US$79.5 million under IFRS). A further US$10.0 million is scheduled to be paid to the Company on or before 6 
October 2020, with the balance of the Loan Notes receivable payable in three quarterly instalments, commencing July 2021 and 
completing by December 2021. Due to the modification of the loan, it is expected that the amortised cost of the loan will change, 
however this is considered to be a non-substantial change. 

The balance will continue to accrue a coupon rate of 17% per annum until repaid. All other material terms of the Loan Notes 
Instrument remain unchanged. 

* Refer to Alternate Performance Measures on page 121 for full reconciliation of IFRS numbers and Alternative Performance Measures.

114     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

33. Subsequent events continued

Appointment of new Director 
On 7 April 2020, Adekolapo Ademola joined the Company as a Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director on behalf of Midwestern 
Oil and Gas Company Limited. 

Special dividend 
On 27 April 2020 the Company announced a special dividend of approximately US$33.0 million (£27.0 million), or 6 pence per 
ordinary share. 

Related Party change in shareholding of Company 
On 11 May 2020 the Company was informed that funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP had sold 98,000,000 ordinary 
shares in the Company on 7 May 2020. On completion of the sale funds managed by Tosca Asset Management LLP held 
228,771,927 ordinary shares, representing 50.85% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

On the same day, the Company was notified that Oisín Fanning, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, acquired 98,000,000 
ordinary shares in the Company. Following the purchase, Oisín Fanning has an interest of 107,495,864 ordinary shares, 
representing 23.89% of the issued share capital of the Company. 

Resignation of Director 
On 18 May 2020, Bill Higgs stepped down from the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director. 

Covid-19 
Subsequent to year end, the oil price has been significantly affected due to the combined effects of Covid-19 affecting demand, 
and quota disagreements within OPEC regarding how to deal with that reduction in demand, resulting in a period of excess supply. 
It is not currently possible to predict what the extent of this development is, or for how long it may exist. It is therefore not 
possible to quantify any potential financial impact.  

34. Comparative amounts

Comparative amounts were regrouped, where necessary, on the same basis as in the current period. 

35. Change in presentation currency

In restating the Group and Company financial statements for 2019, the reported information was converted to US Dollars from 
Euro using the following procedures: 

•

•

•

Assets and liabilities of operations with functional currencies other than US$ (including the Company for periods prior to
1 January 2019) are translated into US$ at closing rates of exchange. Trading results of such operations are translated into US$
at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of transaction or average rates where these are a suitable proxy. Differences
resulting from the retranslation on the opening net assets and the results for the period have been presented in the currency 
translation reserve, a component within shareholders’ equity. 

Share capital, share premium and other reserves are translated at the rate applicable on the date of the change being 
1 January 2019.

Cumulative currency translation adjustments are presented as if the Group had always used US$ as the presentation currency 
of its consolidated financial statements.

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    115

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

35. Change in presentation currency continued 

Consolidated income statement 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2018                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       €’000                      US$’000 

Continuing operations 

Revenue from contracts with customers                                                                                                                         173                       198 

Cost of sales                                                                                                                                                                           (83)                       (95) 

Gross profit                                                                                                                                                                            90                       103 

Share of loss of equity accounted investments                                                                                                        (12,441)                (14,693) 

Administrative expenses                                                                                                                                              (14,208)                (16,349) 

(Loss) / profit on disposal of subsidiaries                                                                                                                         379                 (13,133) 

Impairment / write off of exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                    (2,685)                  (3,074) 

Decommissioning of wells                                                                                                                                                  424                       485 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                                    (3,085)                  (3,532) 

Loss from operating activities                                                                                                                                   (31,526)                (50,193) 

Finance expense                                                                                                                                                              (2,111)                  (2,417) 

Finance income                                                                                                                                                               38,499                  44,082 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                                      3,679                    4,212 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                                                      1,993                    2,281 

Profit / (loss) before income tax                                                                                                                                 10,534                   (2,035) 

Income tax                                                                                                                                                                        (3,299)                  (3,777) 

Profit / (loss) for the financial year                                                                                                                              7,235                   (5,812) 

Profit / (loss) per share (cent) – total 

Basic profit / (loss) per share                                                                                                                                             1.43                     (1.15) 

Diluted profit / (loss) per share                                                                                                                                         1.43                     (1.15) 

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2018                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       €’000                      US$’000 

Profit / (loss) for the year                                                                                                                                                  7,235                   (5,812) 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

Currency translation differences – subsidiaries                                                                                                              183                         46 

Currency translation differences – joint venture                                                                                                          2,241                            – 

Recycling of currency translation reserve on disposal of subsidiaries                                                                          (34)                 13,567 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                                                         104                       119 

Deferred tax on fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                              (35)                       (39) 

Total other comprehensive income                                                                                                                               2,459                  13,693 

Total comprehensive profit for the year                                                                                                                    9,694                    7,881

116     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

35. Change in presentation currency continued

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets

Equity accounted investments

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Other non-current assets

Current assets 

Inventory

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Share-based payments reserve

Shares to be issued reserve

Currency translation reserve

Fair value reserve

Retained earnings

2018

2017 

€’000

US$’000

€’000

US$’000 

–

48,096

1,715

–

55,070

1,964

2,501

58,296

2,398

2,864 

69,763 

2,745 

109,062                124,876                117,901                134,998 

180

206

180

206 

159,053                182,116                181,276                210,576 

237

2,132

50,315

35,600

272

2,440

57,611

40,762

88,284                101,085

282

4,347

61,785

8,131

74,545

323 

4,976 

70,743 

9,311 

85,353 

247,337                283,201                255,821                295,929 

131,529                150,600                131,529                150,600 

418,049                478,666                418,049                478,666 

13,079

1,833

(7,232)

69

14,977

2,099

14,177

80

16,152

2,081

(9,622)

110

18,496 

2,382 

(2,836) 

(363) 

(329,249)             (399,449)             (332,958)             (385,710) 

Total equity attributable to equity shareholders

228,078                261,150                225,341                261,235 

Non-current liabilities 

Derivative

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Provisions

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

575

10,834

11,409

7,186

–

664

–

  7,850

19,259

659

12,404

13,063

426

7,538

7,964

488 

8,630 

9,118 

8,228

15,807

17,895 

–

760

–

8,988

22,051

4,146

1,563

1,000

22,516

30,480

4,747 

1,789 

1,145 

25,576 

34,694 

247,337                283,201                255,821                295,929

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    117

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

35. Change in presentation currency continued

Company statement of financial position 

Assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Financial Assets

2018

2017 

€’000

US$’000

€’000

US$’000 

40

46

–

– 

109,062                124,876                117,901                134,998 

Financial assets – investment in subsidiaries

27,545

31,539

30,226

34,608 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities 

Equity 

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Share-based payments reserve

Shares to be issued reserve

Fair value reserve

Retained earnings

136,647                156,461                148,127                169,606 

4,289

50,315

35,092

4,911

57,611

40,180

89,696                102,702

2,993

61,785

7,816

72,594

3,426 

70,743 

8,950 

83,119 

226,343                259,163                220,721                252,725 

131,529                150,600                131,529                150,600 

418,049                478,666                418,049                478,666 

13,079

1,833

69

14,977

2,099

80

16,152

2,081

1,228

18,496 

2,382 

1,408 

(363,422)             (416,122)             (382,063)             (437,464) 

Attributable to equity shareholders

201,137                230,300                186,976                214,088 

575

10,861

11,436

659

12,436

13,095

13,770

15,768

–

13,770

25,206

–

15,768

28,863

426

7,572

7,998

21,601

4,146

25,747

33,745

488 

8,670 

9,158 

24,732 

4,747 

29,479 

38,637 

226,343                259,163                220,721                252,725

Non-current liabilities 

Derivative

Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

118     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

35. Change in presentation currency continued 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2018                           2018 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       €’000                      US$’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit / (loss) for the year – continuing operations                                                                                                       7,235                   (5,812) 

Adjustments for: 

Depletion and depreciation                                                                                                                                                742                       850 

Finance expense                                                                                                                                                               2,111                    2,417 

Finance income                                                                                                                                                              (38,499)                (44,082) 

Share-based payments charge                                                                                                                                       1,114                    1,275 

Foreign exchange                                                                                                                                                                (547)                     (552) 

Income tax                                                                                                                                                                         3,299                    3,777 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets – continuing operations                                                            2,685                    3,074 

Expected credit losses                                                                                                                                                        (594)                     (680) 

Profit / (loss) on disposal of subsidiaries                                                                                                                         (384)                 13,133 

Decommissioning costs                                                                                                                                                     (424)                     (485) 

Decommissioning payments                                                                                                                                             (433)                     (496) 

Fair value movements in financial assets                                                                                                                     (1,993)                  (2,281) 

Decrease / (increase) in inventory                                                                                                                                        44                         50 

Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables                                                                                                    (115)                     (132) 

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables                                                                                                     (7,631)                  (8,737) 

Share of loss of equity-accounted investments                                                                                                         12,441                  14,693 

Tax paid                                                                                                                                                                                  (47)                       (54) 

Net cash outflow from operating activities                                                                                                            (20,996)                (24,042) 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets                                                                                                       (184)                     (210) 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                     (66)                       (75) 

Loans advanced                                                                                                                                                                   400                       458 

Loans issued to Directors                                                                                                                                                  (632)                     (724) 

Interest on Director’s loan                                                                                                                                                       2                            2 

Interest and investment income received                                                                                                                          88                       101 

OML 18 Loan Notes payments received – principal                                                                                                  27,574                  31,572 

OML 18 Loan Notes payments received – interest                                                                                                   28,849                  33,032 

Net cash inflow from investing activities                                                                                                                 56,031                  64,156 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Repayment of other loans                                                                                                                                              (4,565)                  (5,227) 

Dissenting shareholder payment                                                                                                                                        (42)                       (48) 

Loans repaid to Directors                                                                                                                                               (1,669)                  (1,911) 

Interest and arrangement fees paid                                                                                                                             (1,963)                  (2,248) 

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from financing activities                                                                                             (8,239)                  (9,434) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                             26,796                  30,680 

Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents                                                                         673                       771 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year                                                                                                                8,131                    9,311 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                                               35,600                  40,762

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Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019 – continued

35. Change in presentation currency continued

Company statement of cash flows 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit for the year

Adjustments for: 

Depletion and depreciation

Finance income

Finance expense

Share-based payments charge

Impairment of investment in subsidiaries and amounts due from Group undertakings

Fair value movements in financial assets

Expected credit losses

Foreign exchange

Income tax

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

Tax (paid) / received

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities 

Advances to subsidiary companies

OML 18 Loan Notes payments received – principal

OML 18 Loan Notes payments received – interest

Loans advanced

Loans issued to Directors

Interest on Director’s loan

Interest and investment income received

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net cash inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities 

Repayment of other loans

Loans repaid to Directors

Interest and arrangement fees paid

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

36. Approval of financial statements

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 24 June 2020.

120     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

2018
€’000

2018 
US$’000 

21,046

24,098 

1

1 

(38,499)                (44,082) 

2,107

          454

5,400

(1,993)

(3,679)

(631)

3,233

(107)

(3,883)

(36)

2,413 

520 

6,183 

(2,281) 

(4,212) 

(724)

3,702 

(123)

(4,446) 

(41)

(16,587)                (18,992) 

(4,836)

27,574

28,849

400

(632)

2

88

(41)

(5,537) 

31,572 

33,032 

458 

(724)

2 

101 

(47)

51,404

58,857 

               (4,565)

               (1,669)

(1,959)

(8,193)

26,624

652

7,816

35,092

(5,227) 

(1,911) 

(2,243) 

(9,381) 

30,484 

746 

8,950 

40,180 

Alternative performance measures

The Group monitors the par value of the Loan Notes, which is a non-IFRS measure. 

The Group believes that the disclosure of the par value of the Loan Notes will assist investors in evaluating the performance of the 
underlying Loan Notes. Given that these cash metrics are used by management, they also give the investor an insight into how the 
Group management review and monitor the Loan Notes on an ongoing basis. 

A reconciliation from the value of the Loan Notes under IFRS 9 and the par value is provided below: 

IFRS 9

IFRS 9  
Amortised Cost                Adjustment
US$’000*

US$’000

Par value 
US$’000 

Loan Notes at 31 December 2019

Interest accrued on Loan Notes (1 January 2020 to 6 April 2020)

Cash receipts (1 January 2020 to 6 April 2020)

Loan Notes at 6 April 2020

* The effective interest rate is 25% and the coupon rate is 17% (Note 17). 

^ Made up of capital balance of US$108.4 million and accrued interest of US$10.3 million. 

114,254

6,783

(41,500)

79,537

4,494             118,748^ 

(1,886)

–

4,897 

(41,500)

82,145 

SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    121

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Registrars 

Computershare Investor Services 
(Ireland) Limited  
3100 Lake Drive 
Citywest Business Campus 
Dublin 24 

Public Relations 

Tavistock 
1 Cornhill 
London EC3V 3ND 

Plunkett Communications 
62b York Road 
Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin 

Registered Number 

237825

Corporate information

Directors 

Mutiu Sunmonu (Non-Executive Chairman) 

Oisín Fanning (Chief Executive Officer)  

Joel Price (Chief Operating Officer) 

Alan Campbell (Commercial and 
Business Development Director)  

Lisa Mitchell (Chief Financial Officer) 
appointed 30 June 2019 

Ewen Ainsworth (Finance Director) 
resigned 30 June 2019 

Mark Phillips (Non-Executive Director) 

Linda Beal (Non-Executive Director)  

Bill Higgs (Non-Executive Director) 
resigned 18 May 2020 

Adekolapo Ademola (Non-Executive 
Director) appointed 7 April 2020 

Registered Office 

2 Shelbourne Buildings  
Crampton Avenue  
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge  
Dublin 4 

Secretary 

Raymond King 
(resigned 17 January 2019) 

Alan Campbell 
(appointed 17 January 2019) 

Auditor 

KPMG 
Chartered Accountants, 
Statutory Audit Firm  
1 Stokes Place 
St Stephen’s Green 
Dublin 2

Principal Bankers 

Ulster Bank Ireland DAC  
33 College Green 
Dublin 2 

Barclays Bank plc 
Leicester 
Leicestershire LE87 2BB 
United Kingdom 

Solicitors 

Whitney Moore Solicitors 
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 

David M Turner & Co Solicitors 
32 Lower Abbey Street 
Dublin 1 

Fieldfisher LLP 
2 Swan Lane 
London EC4R 3TT 

Fladgate LLP 
16 Great Queen Street 
London WC2B 5DG 

Nominated Advisor 
and Joint Broker 

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe 
1 Churchill Place 
Canary Wharf  
London E14 5EF 

Joint Stockbrokers 

Whitman Howard Limited 
First floor, Connaught House 
1-3 Mount Street 
London W1K 3NB 

Brandon Hill Capital 
1 Tudor Street 
London EC4Y 0AH

122     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Glossary

2C

AIM

AIM Rules

BCF or bcf

Bilton

B.V.

BVI

CPR

Eroton

US$’000

ESM

FSO

Group

LLP

Loan Notes

Ltd or limited

m

‘m

Martwestern

Midwestern

MLPL

MSA

mmbbL

Nomad

NNPC

NPI

PLC

Best estimate of Contingent Resources 

The London Stock Exchange’s AIM market 

AIM Rules for Companies 

Billion cubic feet 

Bilton Energy Limited 

Dutch private limited company 

British Virgin Islands 

Competent Person’s Report 

Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited 

United States Dollars, thousands 

European Stability Mechanism 

Floating Storage and Offloading 

San Leon and its subsidiaries 

Limited liability partnership 

$174.5 million principal amount of 17% fixed rate Loan Notes acquired by San Leon pursuant to the 
amended and restated Loan Note instrument dated September 30, 2016 executed and issued by 
Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited 

A private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, Scotland, certain 
Commonwealth countries and Ireland 

Metres 

Millions 

Martwestern Energy Limited 

Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited 

Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited 

Master Services Agreement 

Million barrels 

A company that has been approved as a nominated advisor for AIM by the London Stock Exchange 

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation 

Net Profit Interest 

A publicly held company  

San Leon or the Company       San Leon Energy PLC 

SEDA

Sp. z o.o.

Standby Equity Distribution Agreement 

Polish limited liability company 

Sp. z o.o. sp.k

Polish LLP 

SPV

Special purpose vehicle 

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SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019    123

 
 
 
 
Conversion

The following table sets forth certain standard conversions from Standard Imperial Units to the International System of Units 
(or metric units). 

To convert from

mcf

Cubic metres

bbls

Cubic metres

Feet

Metres

Miles

Kilometres

Acres

Hectares

To

Cubic metres

Cubic feet

Cubic metres

bbls

Metres

Feet

Kilometres

Miles

Hectares

Acres

Multiply by 

28.174 

35.494 

0.159 

6.290 

0.305 

3.281 

1.609 

0.621 

0.405 

2.471 

124     SAN LEON  ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Corporate statement

San Leon Energy plc (“San Leon” or the “Company”) is a
publicly listed energy company focused on Nigeria. The
Company currently holds a 10.58% indirect economic
interest in Oil Mining Lease 18 (“OML 18”), a producing
asset located onshore Nigeria. 

The Company is aiming to use OML 18 as a platform to become a leading
independent production and exploration company focused on Nigeria
and West Africa – by securing and developing further high potential
asset opportunities that yield value to our shareholders.

01 Highlights

02

San Leon at a glance 

04 Our strategy  

44

45

46

Statement of Director’s responsibilities

Financial statements 

Independent Auditor’s report

05 Overview / Corporate structure 

52 Consolidated income statement 

06 Chairman’s statement 

53 Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income

08

Four expected cash flow sources

54 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

10 Chief Executive’s statement

56 Company statement of changes in equity 

13 Corporate governance 

14 Board of Directors

58 Consolidated statement of financial position

59 Company statement of financial position

16 Corporate governance statement

60 Consolidated statement of cash flows 

24

27

Audit Committee report 

61 Company statement of cash flows

Remuneration Committee report 

62 Notes to the financial statements

30 Nomination  Committee report 

121 Alternative performance measures

31

Risk and Safety Committee report 

122 Corporate information

32 Directors’ report 

39 Corporate Social Responsibility

42 Country and industry overview

123 Glossary

124 Conversion  

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i

 
 
 
San Leon Energy plc 

Head Office  
3300 Lake Drive  
Citywest Business Campus 
Dublin 24 
Ireland 

Registered address  
2 Shelbourne Buildings 
Crampton Avenue 
Shelbourne Road 
Ballsbridge 
Dublin 4 
Ireland 

sanleonenergy.com

S
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1
9

An independent 
oil and gas company 

Annual Report 2019