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ABF Associated British Foods Plc

1,908.50
18.00 (0.95%)
11 Feb 2025 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Associated British Foods Plc LSE:ABF London Ordinary Share GB0006731235 ORD 5 15/22P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  18.00 0.95% 1,908.50 1,913.50 1,914.50 1,914.50 1,888.00 1,893.00 2,695,951 16:35:05
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Textile Goods, Nec 20.07B 1.46B 1.9867 9.64 13.85B

Associated British Foods PLC Half Yearly Report (8983C)

23/04/2013 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Associated British Foods (LSE:ABF)
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TIDMABF

RNS Number : 8983C

Associated British Foods PLC

23 April 2013

For release 23 April 2013

Associated British Foods plc announces its

interim results for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013

ABF delivers an excellent set of interim results

Highlights

 
 --   Group revenue up 10% to GBP6,333m 
 --   Adjusted operating profit up 20% at GBP496m * 
 --   Adjusted profit before tax up 25% to GBP452m * 
 --   Adjusted earnings per share up 22% at 41.9p * 
 --   Dividend per share up 10% to 9.35p 
 --   Net debt GBP1,337m after net capital investment of GBP334m 
 --   Operating profit up 21% to GBP459m, profit before tax up 26% at 
       GBP415m and basic earnings per share up 23% to 38.9p 
 

George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:

"This is an excellent set of results with adjusted operating profit up 20%, a stronger cash flow and a year-on-year reduction in net debt. We are committed to the long-term development of our businesses through investment. These results have been achieved through a focus on generating good returns from the investments we have made over recent years."

 
 *    before amortisation of non-operating intangibles and profits less 
       losses on the disposal of non-current assets. 
 
 All figures stated after amortisation of non-operating intangibles, 
  profits less losses on the disposal of non-current assets, profits 
  less losses on the sale and closure of businesses and exceptional 
  items are shown on the face of the condensed consolidated income statement. 
 
 
 For further information please contact: 
 Associated British Foods: 
 Until 15.00 only 
 George Weston, Chief Executive 
 John Bason, Finance Director 
 Tel: 020 7638 9571 
 Chris Barrie/Nicola Swift, Citigate Dewe Rogerson 
 Tel: 020 7638 9571 
 
  Jonathan Clare 
  Tel: 07770 321881 
 After 15.00 
 John Bason, Finance Director 
 Tel: 020 7399 6500 
 

ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS plc

INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR THE 24 WEEKS ENDED 2 MARCH 2013

For release 23 April 2013

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I am pleased to report an excellent set of interim results for the group which exceeded our expectations at the start of the year. This outperformance was driven by very strong trading by Primark. Our food businesses remained on track with a much improved result from Grocery, a big increase for Agriculture and some stabilisation in underlying trading at Ingredients. After last year's record performance from Sugar, the result this half year proved to be resilient.

Revenue in the first half grew by 10% and adjusted operating profit increased by 20%. Net financing costs in the period were lower than last year's first half, resulting from the lower level of net borrowings and a strong first half cash flow. The underlying tax rate of 25.7% was little changed from that reported last half year. Adjusted earnings were 22% ahead at 41.9p per share.

Our Sugar businesses delivered an underlying profit increase this year. The weather-related challenges faced by the European operations are being well managed and Illovo has made good progress with a record production in Zambia following our recent factory investment. The current EU sugar regime is in place until October 2015 and although, in October 2011, the European Commission proposed the abolition of internal sugar quotas in 2015, the European Council and European Parliament have recently proposed extensions of existing quota arrangements to 2017 and 2020 respectively. A three-way negotiation process is now under way and an agreement, acceptable to all parties, is expected in the late summer. Much lower sugar prices in China resulted in these operations making losses in the period. We are working hard to reduce costs and have mothballed our two smallest beet sugar factories in the region. A non-cash charge has been taken to write down the carrying value of the associated assets.

The Primark success story continues. Trading in the period was very strong, the profit margin was much improved, customers in continental Europe have taken enthusiastically to the Primark brand and there is very real momentum in the addition of selling space. Encouraged by this success, capital investment will continue.

Grocery profit improved substantially and benefited from the non-recurrence of restructuring costs taken last year. Twinings Ovaltine and our UK and US businesses performed well. Although George Weston Foods in Australia has some way to go to achieve an acceptable level of profitability, the emergence of positive signs in this period is encouraging. Agriculture again delivered a strong result with a good performance from UK feeds and a further demonstration of its successful focus on the value adding areas of the business. The headline profit at Ingredients includes the one-time cost for restructuring our European dry yeast capacity but on an underlying basis the performance was in line with last year.

For the second successive year, the cash outflow before funding in the first half was lower than the prior year with the benefit of the higher profit and a lower working capital outflow. Capital expenditure, including new stores and extensions for Primark, was in line with last year. Payment of deferred consideration on the acquisitions of the Jordans and Patak's businesses, net of a deferred receipt on the disposal of our former sugar business in Poland, resulted in an outflow of GBP30m in the period. The increased level of profit led to an increase in tax payments, with GBP109m paid in the first half of which GBP67m was paid in the UK compared with GBP42m last year. The recent weakening of sterling, particularly against the US dollar, increased net debt since last year end by GBP57m when foreign currency borrowings were translated into sterling at the half year. Net debt nevertheless fell by GBP255m from last half year to GBP1,337m at the period end.

On 5 March we repaid US$120m of the private placement financing which carried a coupon of 6.3%, and in July the GBP150m British Sugar 103/4% debenture will be redeemed, both of which will substantially reduce the group's future average cost of borrowing. There is no immediate need to replace this financing as the headroom between the group's borrowing facilities and projected levels of net debt is more than sufficient to meet the needs of the business for the foreseeable future.

Dividends

As previously indicated, the profit improvement in this financial year is expected to be weighted towards the first half. Accordingly the board has decided to declare an interim dividend of 9.35p, an increase of 10% on last year. The dividend will be paid on 5 July 2013 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 7 June 2013.

Outlook

Low growth looks set to remain a feature of the developed economies in which we operate. With this in mind we remain focused on delivering operating efficiencies and maximising the return on investments made by the group over recent years. We continue to pursue growth opportunities in developing markets. For the full year we expect strong profit growth from Primark, although not at the same level of the first half which had the remaining benefit of lower cotton prices, and we also expect an improvement in Grocery. These will more than offset a reduction in profit from Sugar as a result of lower EU production and lower prices in China. Given this strong first half performance and some modest earnings growth in the second half, we expect to make good progress for the financial year.

Charles Sinclair

Chairman

23 April 2013

OPERATING REVIEW

Group revenues increased by 10% to GBP6,333m and adjusted operating profit was 20% ahead of last year at GBP496m. Average exchange rates were similar to last year in all major currencies resulting in no material translation effects in these results. The first half was notable for the exceptional trading from Primark achieved during a difficult time for many retailers on European high streets. This was a testament to the strong management team at Primark and a very successful seasonal range. I am also pleased with the on-target performance by George Weston Foods in Australia, following a protracted period of operational and commercial difficulties, and with the early progress made by the new team at AB Mauri.

The operating profit achieved by AB Sugar in the last financial year was a consequence of careful investment together with higher production volumes and prices in the regions where we operate. However, we have already seen much lower prices in China this year and expect pressure in the EU and some countries in Africa. Our focus is on improving efficiency, reducing cost and selectively increasing capacity and downstream capability to mitigate the effects on operating profit of margin reduction from lower prices.

Primark's expansion in continental Europe is proving to be very successful and the prospects for further growth are exciting. We are actively searching for appropriate locations in all the countries where we operate and in the next financial year we will open our first stores in France. Primark's margin in the first half benefited from an ideal combination of lower cotton prices, better exchange rates and lower markdowns. With a strengthening US dollar we expect to see some pressure on margins in the next financial year.

The consumer food industry in developed countries faces the continuing challenge of consumers seeking more value as their disposable incomes are squeezed. Our Grocery businesses have performed well in this environment and look set for further growth. Allied Bakeries continued its capital investment to reduce its cost base. The management team at George Weston Foods has made considerable progress with improvements in profitability in both Tip Top bread and the Don KRC meat business. Both businesses benefited from the restructuring undertaken last year.

We have focused on achieving good returns from the investments we have made over recent years, and have paid close attention to the management of working capital. The benefits of this are evident in the stronger cash flow, the year-on-year reduction in net debt and a higher return on capital employed.

SUGAR

 
                          2013    2012 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue GBPm             1,323   1,203 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Operating profit GBPm     163     172 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Sugar revenues increased by 10% in the first half benefiting from comparison with weaker volumes at the beginning of the prior period in the UK and south China. Operating profit was lower than last year with an improvement at Illovo more than offset by a deterioration in China trading together with a non-cash charge for the mothballing of our two smallest beet sugar factories in north China.

UK revenues were ahead of last year, driven by higher volumes at the beginning of the financial year than the abnormally low level achieved last year. Poor growing conditions during 2012 resulted in a lower beet yield and sugar recovery. As a consequence, this year's UK campaign started later and factory throughput was lower to allow for a slower filtration process. Sugar production for the current year is now estimated to be 1.15 million tonnes compared with last year's 1.32 million tonnes. The Vivergo bioethanol plant in Hull is now operational, with full production expected during the summer.

In Spain, delayed planting in the south is expected to reduce the size of the southern crop and heavy rains extended the campaign in the north into April, consequently delaying planting for the new season. We expect to produce 393,000 tonnes of beet sugar, compared with 468,000 tonnes last year, the Guadalete refinery is expected to produce 222,000 tonnes of refined cane sugar and a further 94,000 tonnes of co-refined cane sugar will be produced at the northern beet plants. Sales revenues in the first half were lower than last year.

Our EU sugar profits for the full year are expected to be lower than last year as a consequence of lower production volumes in the UK and Spain, and higher beet costs.

The Chairman refers to the political discussions surrounding proposals for further reform of the EU sugar regime. In the meantime recent tenders have seen some reduction in import duties payable.

Revenue and profit at Illovo benefited from higher production volumes with increased cane yields and sugar content, particularly in South Africa. Campaigns were extended in Zambia and Swaziland where the recently expanded plants operated well. Sugar production for the season ended March 2013 was 1.75 million tonnes, compared with 1.53 million tonnes last year. With South Africa and Zambia both carrying cane over into the new season, Illovo intends to commence the new campaign as soon as practicable in order to maximise factory throughput. Work on the new sugar warehouse in South Africa has finished and it is now operational. The new potable alcohol distillery at Kilombero in Tanzania is expected to be commissioned this summer.

Sales volumes in China were unusually low in the prior period and as a result, revenues in this first half were ahead despite much lower prices. A larger cane crop is expected to increase southern sugar production volumes for the full year to 484,000 tonnes compared with last year's 405,000 tonnes. Sugar production in the north is expected to be marginally behind last year's 287,000 tonnes at 277,000 tonnes, and the new Zhangbei factory was fully commissioned in time for the new season. As a result of much lower sugar prices our operations in China will be loss-making this year. It is anticipated that sugar prices will continue at this level for some time and we have sought to reduce our cost base. At the end of this campaign the small beet factories at Wangkui and Baolongshan have been mothballed and a non-cash charge of GBP22m has been taken in the period to write down the value of the associated assets.

Agriculture

 
                          2013   2012 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 Revenue GBPm             641    597 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 Operating profit GBPm     20     16 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 

Revenue in the first half was 7% ahead of last year, driven mainly by the increased cost of commodities. Some improvement in operating costs led to firmer margins and another good performance from Frontier advanced operating profit by 25%.

With limited alternatives available to farmers, demand for sugar beet feed in the UK was high in the period but sales for the rest of the year will be constrained by the smaller UK beet crop. Premier Nutrition traded well in the UK and, with continuing investment in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, also achieved good sales growth in this region. A number of manufacturing efficiency projects are nearing completion, and our highly automated production facility at Rugeley, designed to provide increased assurance over feed safety, is now operational. AB Vista's feed enzyme business continued to make good progress, particularly in North America, supported by the success of the recently launched Quantum Blue phytase.

Frontier traded at similar levels to last year. The supply of grain in the UK has been poor, and of variable quality, leading to a higher volume of wheat imports which increased the complexity and cost of the UK cereal supply chain. Wet autumn conditions lowered wheat plantings to 70% of normal levels, reducing the demand for fertiliser and crop protection products, although volumes are expected to pick up as spring planting resumes.

China revenues fell short of last year with lower demand for pig and poultry feed. However, good growth was achieved in co-products driven by strong sugar beet feed volumes and the development of new products for the feed ingredients market. Good raw material procurement underpinned profit delivery.

GROCERY

 
                          2013    2012 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue GBPm             1,832   1,813 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Operating profit GBPm     97      75 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Grocery revenue increased by 1% to GBP1,832m and profit improved substantially to GBP97m benefiting from the non-recurrence of restructuring costs in George Weston Foods in Australia and Allied Bakeries.

Twinings Ovaltine again performed well with some good market share gains. Twinings sales in the UK were well ahead of last year with continued success for the 'gets you back to you' television advertising campaign and the launch of new tea infusions. Tea sales were strong in the US where growth was driven by the K-cup dispenser format and redesigned packaging which gave greater prominence to the brand on shelf. Production efficiencies at the new tea factory in Poland and cost reduction initiatives in the Ovaltine plant in Switzerland drove further improvement in operating profit.

The UK bread market remains highly competitive. The worst UK harvest of recent years resulted in low volumes of wheat which was also of inferior quality but Allied Bakeries continued to produce high-quality bread and recovered the higher cost. Further expansion of the Kingsmill brand was achieved with the launch of 50/50 Bagels and a 50/50 Little Big Loaf. Kingsmill also launched a Fruit & Fibre breakfast range of bread, muffins and bagels in the period and new products were introduced under the Allinson and Burgen ranges. The new bread plant at Stockport has been operational since September and this summer will see the commissioning of Allied Bakeries' largest plant, with a capacity of 10,000 loaves an hour, at Walthamstow. Work has also commenced at West Bromwich to replace two smaller production lines with a new bread plant which is expected to be operational by the end of the calendar year.

Silver Spoon remains the leading retail sugar brand although the intensely competitive marketplace adversely affected volumes and margins. We continued to invest in Billington's, now the leading brand of unrefined baking sugars, and Truvia, the stevia-based, zero calorie sweetener which is the clear market leader in this new category. A stevia/sugar blend for baking and a new tablet format were launched in the period supported by television advertising. The Allinson range of culinary flours continued to grow strongly but the increase in wheat costs had an adverse impact on margins. Ryvita performed well in the UK with particularly strong growth for Thins, benefiting from the addition of a new flavour variant, and the wider distribution of Rustic Bakes which were launched last year. Jordans also had a good first half with growth in Country Crisp and Granola, both of which benefited from new product launches.

Westmill grew volumes in the period with share gains for its two key catering brands, Lucky Boat noodles and Patak's. In September 2012 the acquisition of Elephant chapatti flour and associated ethnic flour brands received competition clearance, and commercial and logistics activities were successfully transferred by the end of November. AB World Foods achieved good growth in Blue Dragon, the UK's largest oriental ambient brand following last year's relaunch, and Patak's both in the UK, where it was supported by a high level of promotion, and internationally.

Trading at George Weston Foods in Australia met expectations in the first half. Total revenue in the period was in line with last year and profitability was significantly improved with the non-recurrence of last year's restructuring costs. Price increases were secured for Tip Top bread but the market continued to be difficult with a high level of in-store bakery promotions. The bakery business continued to make good progress with cost reduction programmes continuing to offset inflationary pressure. Progress was also made in the Don KRC meat business where production and sales volumes were higher and cost control and customer service were both improved.

Revenue and operating profit at ACH were ahead of last year. Some recovery in the US baking sector and improvements in operational efficiency more than offset commodity cost increases to drive an improved performance for baking. Investment in new products and marketing expenditure in the first half was higher than last year which contributed to sales growth, particularly in Canada. In Mexico, Capullo, our premium oil brand was relaunched last year and, with increased marketing support, was better positioned to meet the challenges of a competitive market.

INGREDIENTS

 
                          2013   2012 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 Revenue GBPm             540    538 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 Operating profit GBPm     2      18 
-----------------------  -----  ----- 
 

Revenue and underlying operating profit in the first half were in line with last year. Following the successful start-up of the new Mexican yeast plant, a provision of GBP15m has been made to cover the expected cost of restructuring our European dry yeast capacity.

Following the difficulties experienced by the yeast business last year, the performance this period has seen some stabilisation although markets remain very competitive. A solid performance in Hispano-America drove revenue growth across all product categories and a focus on operational efficiencies throughout the region mitigated the effect of high inflation in Argentina and Venezuela. In Brazil, raw material price instability and competitor activity made trading conditions difficult and severely impacted margins. However, recent increases in selling prices are expected to lead to a better second half result, particularly in bakery ingredients.

In the US, the difficulties faced by the country's third largest plant bakery business will continue to have an impact on our business in the short term. Commissioning of the new yeast plant in Veracruz, Mexico progressed according to plan and domestic fresh yeast sales began in March. Dry yeast commissioning will be under way shortly with commercial production expected during the summer. Expansion of the business across the Middle East and Africa saw the opening of a new regional office in Dubai in March, and bakery ingredients production at the new factory in Cordoba, Spain commenced in October. Supply of yeast to the Vivergo bioethanol plant has now commenced and volumes will increase as production builds.

Yeast quality and productivity in China improved and there was some reduction in molasses costs. Domestic volumes were level with last year and there was strong demand for dry yeast exports. Commissioning of the new fresh yeast plant in Yantai and the recently expanded dry yeast capacity at Xinjiang were both completed in the period.

At ABF Ingredients, further growth was achieved in bakery, feed and speciality enzymes, driven by new products launched last year. The growth achieved by enzymes since the factory in Finland was expanded in 2009 has resulted in this factory reaching full capacity and further expansion is now being planned. In the US, strong dairy markets contributed to good results in whey proteins and lactose, and sales of extruded grain products were well ahead of last year. Responding to increased demand for extruded ingredients and specialty animal feeds, a new cereal extrusions factory is under construction at Evansville, Indiana in the US which is on track to be operational at the end of the summer. Operations at the new yeast extracts plant in China continued to make good progress.

RETAIL

 
                          2013    2012 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue GBPm             1,997   1,615 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 Operating profit GBPm     238     154 
-----------------------  ------  ------ 
 

The performance from Primark in the first half was exceptionally strong. Sales were 24% ahead of the same period last year including 7% like-for-like growth, a substantial expansion of retail selling space and superior sales densities in the larger new stores. The like-for-like growth benefited particularly from comparison with weak sales during the unseasonably warm autumn of 2011. Trading over the Christmas period was good but has been weaker during the prolonged period of cold weather since the New Year. Trading in our stores in northern continental Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, was particularly strong during the period. Like-for-like growth in Spain was held back in the short term by the large number of recent store openings there.

Operating profit margin was much higher than in the same period last year, reflecting the benefit of lower cotton prices, a weaker US dollar and lower markdowns as a result of better trading. No further margin improvement from lower cotton prices is expected in the second half. Although dollar-denominated garment purchases for the balance of this financial year are already committed and the related currency exposure is covered, the recent strengthening of the US dollar against both sterling and the euro can be expected to put pressure on margins for the forthcoming autumn and winter ranges.

This was an extremely active period for new store openings. Retail selling space increased by 0.7 million sq ft since the last financial year end, and by 1.0 million sq ft, or 13%, since the 2012 half year. At 2 March 2013, we were trading from 257 stores and 8.9 million sq ft of selling space. We opened 15 new stores in the period including six in Spain and four in the UK including our second store on London's Oxford Street, with 82,000 sq ft of selling space. Two new stores were opened in Germany including one in Frankfurt's Zeil, one of the country's premier shopping locations. We opened our first two stores in Austria and a further store in the Netherlands. We also relocated our store in Sunderland to a larger site, and completed the refurbishment and extension of our flagship store on Mary Street in Dublin. Capital expenditure of GBP136m in the first half was in line with last year.

This pace of store openings will not continue for the remainder of this financial year. We expect to add a further 100,000 sq ft of space this year mainly comprising the completion of extensions to our Newcastle and Manchester stores. Expenditure on new stores and refits for the full year is expected to be at a similar level to last year. New store openings will accelerate early next year including our first steps into France

George Weston

Chief Executive

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

 
 
                                                  24 weeks  24 weeks        52 weeks 
                                                     ended     ended           ended 
                                                   2 March   3 March    15 September 
                                                      2013      2012            2012 
                                                      GBPm      GBPm            GBPm 
Continuing operations                       Note 
------------------------------------------  ----  --------  --------  -------------- 
Revenue                                      1       6,333     5,766          12,252 
Operating costs                                    (5,879)   (5,402)        (11,302) 
Exceptional items                                        -         -            (98) 
                                                       454       364             852 
Share of profit after tax from joint 
 ventures and associates                                 5        13              27 
Profits less losses on disposal of 
 non-current assets                                      -         1             (6) 
------------------------------------------  ----  --------  --------  -------------- 
Operating profit                                       459       378             873 
 
Adjusted operating profit                    1         496       412           1,077 
Profits less losses on disposal of 
 non-current assets                                      -         1             (6) 
Amortisation of non-operating intangibles             (37)      (35)           (100) 
Exceptional items                                        -         -            (98) 
 
Profits less losses on sale and closure 
 of businesses                                           -         -             (9) 
------------------------------------------  ---- 
Profit before interest                                 459       378             864 
Finance income                                           6         5               9 
Finance expense                                       (49)      (53)           (114) 
Other financial (expense)/income                       (1)       (1)               2 
------------------------------------------  ----  --------  --------  -------------- 
Profit before taxation                                 415       329             761 
 
Adjusted profit before taxation                        452       363             974 
Profits less losses on disposal of 
 non-current assets                                      -         1             (6) 
Amortisation of non-operating intangibles             (37)      (35)           (100) 
Exceptional items                                        -         -            (98) 
Profits less losses on sale and closure 
 of businesses                                           -         -             (9) 
 
  Taxation - UK                                       (56)      (40)            (91) 
- Overseas (excluding tax on exceptional 
 items)                                               (50)      (45)           (116) 
- Overseas (on exceptional items)                        -         -              29 
                                             3       (106)      (85)           (178) 
------------------------------------------  ----  --------  --------  -------------- 
Profit for the period                                  309       244             583 
==========================================  ====  ========  ========  ============== 
 
Attributable to: 
Equity shareholders                                    307       250             555 
Non-controlling interests                                2       (6)              28 
------------------------------------------  ----  --------  --------  -------------- 
Profit for the period                                  309       244             583 
==========================================  ====  ========  ========  ============== 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary 
 share (pence)                               4        38.9      31.7            70.3 
Dividends per share paid and proposed 
 for the period (pence)                      5        9.35       8.5            28.5 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 
                                                       24 weeks  24 weeks      52 weeks 
                                                          ended     ended         ended 
                                                        2 March   3 March  15 September 
                                                           2013      2012          2012 
                                                           GBPm      GBPm          GBPm 
 
 
Profit for the period recognised in the 
 income statement                                           309       244           583 
 
Other comprehensive income 
 
Actuarial losses on defined benefit schemes               (121)      (21)          (99) 
Deferred tax associated with defined benefit 
 schemes                                                     28         6            23 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Items that will not be reclassified to 
 profit or loss                                            (93)      (15)          (76) 
 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange                     247      (33)         (241) 
Net (loss)/gain on hedge of net investment 
 in foreign subsidiaries                                   (57)         3            11 
Deferred tax associated with movements 
 in foreign exchange                                          1         -             3 
Current tax associated with movements in 
 foreign exchange                                             -       (1)           (4) 
Movement in cash flow hedging position                       24       (3)          (21) 
Deferred tax associated with movement in 
 cash flow hedging position                                 (5)         1             4 
Share of other comprehensive income of 
 joint ventures and associates                                2       (2)             - 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Items that are or may be subsequently reclassified 
 to profit or loss                                          212      (35)         (248) 
 
Other comprehensive income for the period                   119      (50)         (324) 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
 
Total comprehensive income for the period                   428       194           259 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
 
Attributable to 
Equity shareholders                                         436       208           281 
Non-controlling interests                                   (8)      (14)          (22) 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Total comprehensive income for the period                   428       194           259 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  ------------ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 
                                  2 March   3 March   15 September 
                                     2013      2012           2012 
                                     GBPm      GBPm           GBPm 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                  1,771     1,850          1,769 
 Property, plant and equipment      4,779     4,546          4,541 
 Biological assets                     92       100             89 
 Investments in joint ventures        184       166            174 
 Investments in associates             39        43             40 
 Employee benefits assets               2        19             18 
 Deferred tax assets                  210       174            189 
 Other receivables                    154       191            151 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 Total non-current assets           7,231     7,089          6,971 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                        1,795     1,727          1,500 
 Biological assets                    115       114            109 
 Trade and other receivables        1,403     1,312          1,236 
 Derivative assets                     40        30             33 
 Cash and cash equivalents            218       310            391 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 Total current assets               3,571     3,493          3,269 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 TOTAL ASSETS                      10,802    10,582         10,240 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Loans and overdrafts               (601)     (979)          (538) 
 Trade and other payables         (1,923)   (1,665)        (1,752) 
 Derivative liabilities              (31)      (14)           (50) 
 Income tax                         (132)     (140)          (150) 
 Provisions                          (63)      (94)           (98) 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 Total current liabilities        (2,750)   (2,892)        (2,588) 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loans                              (954)     (923)          (914) 
 Provisions                          (29)      (36)           (38) 
 Deferred tax liabilities           (361)     (428)          (366) 
 Employee benefits liabilities      (221)      (76)          (113) 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 Total non-current liabilities    (1,565)   (1,463)        (1,431) 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                (4,315)   (4,355)        (4,019) 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 NET ASSETS                         6,487     6,227          6,221 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Issued capital                        45        45             45 
 Other reserves                       175       175            175 
 Translation reserve                  732       689            532 
 Hedging reserve                        2       (1)           (17) 
 Retained earnings                  5,165     4,919          5,099 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
  EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS               6,119     5,827          5,834 
 Non-controlling interests            368       400            387 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY                       6,487     6,227          6,221 
                                 --------  --------  ------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 
 
                                                         24 weeks  24 weeks      52 weeks 
                                                            ended     ended         ended 
                                                          2 March   3 March  15 September 
                                                             2013      2012          2012 
                                                 Note        GBPm      GBPm          GBPm 
 
Cash flow from operating activities 
Profit before taxation                                        415       329           761 
Profits less losses on disposal of non-current 
 assets                                                         -       (1)             6 
Profits less losses on sale and closure 
 of businesses                                                  -         -             9 
Finance income                                                (6)       (5)           (9) 
Finance expense                                                49        53           114 
Other financial expense/(income)                                1         1           (2) 
Share of profit after tax from joint 
 ventures and associates                                      (5)      (13)          (27) 
Amortisation                                                   54        44           122 
Depreciation                                                  197       173           394 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                     8         -            92 
Impairment of operating intangibles                             4         -             6 
Impairment of goodwill                                         10         -             - 
Net change in the fair value of biological 
 assets                                                      (21)       (8)          (28) 
Share-based payment expense                                     6         4             8 
Pension costs less contributions                              (2)       (4)          (38) 
Increase in inventories                                     (239)     (320)         (125) 
(Increase)/decrease in receivables                          (128)      (35)             3 
Increase in payables                                          116        47           165 
Purchases less sales of current biological 
 assets                                                         -       (1)           (3) 
Decrease in provisions                                          -      (11)          (17) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Cash generated from operations                                459       253         1,431 
Income taxes paid                                           (109)      (70)         (191) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Net cash from operating activities                            350       183         1,240 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ---------- 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Dividends received from joint ventures 
 and associates                                                 4         4            11 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment                   (323)     (316)         (700) 
Purchase of intangibles                                      (12)      (10)          (13) 
Purchase of non-current biological assets                     (1)         -           (1) 
Sale of property, plant and equipment                           1         -             6 
Purchase of subsidiaries, joint ventures 
 and associates                                              (43)       (5)          (45) 
Sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures 
 and associates                                                13         -             2 
Loans to joint ventures                                       (4)         4            24 
Purchase of non-controlling interests                         (1)       (1)             - 
Interest received                                               5         5            10 
-----------------------------------------------  ---- 
Net cash from investing activities                          (361)     (319)         (706) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ----------  --------  ------------ 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                  (11)      (13)          (23) 
Dividends paid to equity shareholders            5          (158)     (133)         (200) 
Interest paid                                                (39)      (38)         (108) 
Financing: 
  Increase/(decrease) in short-term loans                      86       237         (279) 
  (Decrease)/increase in long-term loans                     (12)        37            44 
  Sale of shares in subsidiary undertakings 
   to non-controlling interests                                 -         -             4 
Net cash from financing activities                          (134)        90         (562) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ----------  --------  ------------ 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                   (145)      (46)          (28) 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
 of the period                                                245       291           291 
Effect of movements in foreign exchange                        10       (4)          (18) 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ----------  --------  ------------ 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end 
 of the period                                   7            110       241           245 
===============================================  ====  ==========  ========  ============ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                                         Attributable to equity shareholders 
                             Issued      Other   Translation    Hedging   Retained           Non-controlling     Total 
                    Note    capital   reserves       reserve    reserve   earnings   Total         interests    equity 
                               GBPm       GBPm          GBPm       GBPm       GBPm    GBPm              GBPm      GBPm 
 
 Balance as at 15 
  September 
  2012                           45        175           532       (17)      5,099   5,834               387     6,221 
 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Profit for the 
  period 
  recognised 
  in the income 
  statement                       -          -             -          -        307     307                 2       309 
 
 Actuarial losses 
  on defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -      (121)   (121)                 -     (121) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -         28      28                 -        28 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Items that will 
  not be 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -             -          -       (93)    (93)                 -      (93) 
 
 Effect of 
  movements in 
  foreign 
  exchange                        -          -           250          -          -     250               (3)       247 
 Net loss on 
  hedge of net 
  investment in 
  foreign 
  subsidiaries                    -          -          (50)          -          -    (50)               (7)      (57) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with movements 
  in foreign 
  exchange                        -          -             -          -          1       1                 -         1 
 Movement in cash 
  flow hedging 
  position                        -          -             -         24          -      24                 -        24 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with movement 
  in cash flow 
  hedging 
  position                        -          -             -        (5)          -     (5)                 -       (5) 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income of joint 
  ventures 
  and associates                  -          -             -          -          2       2                 -         2 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Items that are 
  or may be 
  subsequently 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -           200         19          3     222              (10)       212 
 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -           200         19       (90)     129              (10)       119 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -           200         19        217     436               (8)       428 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Dividends paid 
  to equity 
  shareholders       5            -          -             -          -      (158)   (158)                 -     (158) 
 Net movement in 
  own shares 
  held                            -          -             -          -          7       7                 -         7 
 Dividends paid 
  to 
  non-controlling 
  interests                       -          -             -          -          -       -              (11)      (11) 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners                          -          -             -          -      (151)   (151)              (11)     (162) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 2 
  March 2013                     45        175           732          2      5,165   6,119               368     6,487 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Balance as at 17 
  September 
  2011                           45        175           712          -      4,816   5,748               427     6,175 
 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Profit for the 
  period 
  recognised 
  in the income 
  statement                       -          -             -          -        250     250               (6)       244 
 
 Actuarial losses 
  on defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -       (21)    (21)                 -      (21) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -          6       6                 -         6 
 Items that will 
  not be 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -             -          -       (15)    (15)                 -      (15) 
 
 Effect of 
  movements in 
  foreign 
  exchange                        -          -          (26)          -          -    (26)               (7)      (33) 
 Net gain on 
  hedge of net 
  investment in 
  foreign 
  subsidiaries                    -          -             3          -          -       3                 -         3 
 Current tax 
  associated with 
  movements in 
  foreign 
  exchange                        -          -             -          -        (1)     (1)                 -       (1) 
 Movement in cash 
  flow hedging 
  position                        -          -             -        (2)          -     (2)               (1)       (3) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with movement 
  in cash flow 
  hedging 
  position                        -          -             -          1          -       1                 -         1 
 Share of other 
  comprehensive 
  income of joint 
  ventures 
  and associates                  -          -             -          -        (2)     (2)                 -       (2) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Items that are 
  or may be 
  subsequently 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -          (23)        (1)        (3)    (27)               (8)      (35) 
 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -          (23)        (1)       (18)    (42)               (8)      (50) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -          (23)        (1)        232     208              (14)       194 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Dividends paid 
  to equity 
  shareholders       5            -          -             -          -      (133)   (133)                 -     (133) 
 Net movement in 
  own shares 
  held                            -          -             -          -          4       4                 -         4 
 Dividends paid 
  to 
  non-controlling 
  interests                       -          -             -          -          -       -              (13)      (13) 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners                          -          -             -          -      (129)   (129)              (13)     (142) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 3 
  March 2012                     45        175           689        (1)      4,919   5,827               400     6,227 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 
 Balance as at 17 
  September 
  2011                           45        175           712          -      4,816   5,748               427     6,175 
 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Profit for the 
  period 
  recognised 
  in the income 
  statement                       -          -             -          -        555     555                28       583 
 
 Actuarial losses 
  on defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -       (99)    (99)                 -      (99) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with defined 
  benefit schemes                 -          -             -          -         23      23                 -        23 
 Items that will 
  not be 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -             -          -       (76)    (76)                 -      (76) 
 
 Effect of 
  movements in 
  foreign 
  exchange                        -          -         (192)          -          -   (192)              (49)     (241) 
 Net gain/(loss) 
  on hedge 
  of net 
  investment in 
  foreign 
  subsidiaries                    -          -            12          -          -      12               (1)        11 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with movements 
  in foreign 
  exchange                        -          -             -          -          3       3                 -         3 
 Current tax 
  associated with 
  movements in 
  foreign 
  exchange                        -          -             -          -        (4)     (4)                 -       (4) 
 Movement in cash 
  flow hedging 
  position                        -          -             -       (21)          -    (21)                 -      (21) 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with movement 
  in cash flow 
  hedging 
  position                        -          -             -          4          -       4                 -         4 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Items that are 
  or may be 
  subsequently 
  reclassified 
  to profit or 
  loss                            -          -         (180)       (17)        (1)   (198)              (50)     (248) 
 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -         (180)       (17)       (77)   (274)              (50)     (324) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                          -          -         (180)       (17)        478     281              (22)       259 
 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Dividends paid 
  to equity 
  shareholders       5            -          -             -          -      (200)   (200)                 -     (200) 
 Net movement in 
  own shares 
  held                            -          -             -          -          8       8                 -         8 
 Deferred tax 
  associated 
  with 
  share-based 
  payments                        -          -             -          -        (2)     (2)                 -       (2) 
 Dividends paid 
  to 
  non-controlling 
  interests                       -          -             -          -          -       -              (23)      (23) 
 Changes in 
  ownership of 
  subsidiaries                    -          -             -          -        (1)     (1)                 5         4 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners                          -          -             -          -      (195)   (195)              (18)     (213) 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 Balance as at 15 
  September 
  2012                           45        175           532       (17)      5,099   5,834               387     6,221 
-----------------  -----  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ------  ----------------  -------- 
 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
1. Operating segments 
 
The group discloses five operating segments, as described below. These 
 are the group's operating divisions, based on the group's management and 
 internal reporting structure, which combine businesses with common characteristics. 
 The board is the chief operating decision maker. 
 
 Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis. Segment 
 result is adjusted operating profit, as shown on the face of the consolidated 
 income statement. Segment assets comprise all non-current assets except 
 employee benefits assets and deferred tax assets, and all current assets 
 except cash and cash equivalents. Segment liabilities comprise trade and 
 other payables, derivative liabilities and provisions. Segment results, 
 assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment 
 as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated 
 items comprise mainly corporate assets and expenses, cash, borrowings, 
 employee benefits balances and current and deferred tax balances. Segment 
 non-current asset additions are the total cost incurred during the period 
 to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more than one 
 year, comprising property, plant and equipment, operating intangibles 
 and biological assets. 
 
 The group is comprised of the following operating segments: 
                           The manufacture of grocery products, including hot beverages, 
                            sugar & sweeteners, vegetable oils, bread & baked goods, cereals, 
                            ethnic foods, herbs & spices, and meat products which are sold 
                            to retail, wholesale and foodservice businesses. 
                            The growing and processing of sugar beet and sugar cane for 
Grocery                     sale to industrial users and to Silver Spoon, which is included 
                            in the grocery segment. 
                            The manufacture of animal feeds and the provision of other 
 Sugar                      products for the agriculture sector. 
                            The manufacture of bakers' yeast, bakery ingredients, speciality 
 Agriculture                proteins, enzymes, lipids and yeast extracts. 
 Ingredients                Buying and merchandising value clothing and accessories through 
 Retail                     the Primark and Penneys retail chains. 
Geographical information 
 In addition to the required disclosure for operating segments, disclosure 
 is also given of certain geographical information about the group's operations, 
 based on the geographical groupings: United Kingdom; Europe & Africa; 
 The Americas; and Asia Pacific. 
 
 Revenues are shown by reference to the geographical location of customers. 
 Profits are shown by reference to the geographical location of the businesses. 
 Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets. 
                                                  Revenue                       Adjusted operating profit 
                                    24 weeks    24 weeks         52 weeks  24 weeks  24 weeks         52 weeks 
                                       ended       ended            ended     ended     ended            ended 
                                     2 March     3 March     15 September   2 March   3 March     15 September 
                                        2013        2012             2012      2013      2012             2012 
Operating segments                      GBPm        GBPm             GBPm      GBPm      GBPm             GBPm 
                                  ----------  ----------  ---------------  --------  --------  --------------- 
 
Grocery                                1,832       1,813            3,726        97        75              187 
Sugar                                  1,323       1,203            2,666       163       172              510 
Agriculture                              641         597            1,265        20        16               40 
Ingredients                              540         538            1,092         2        18               32 
Retail                                 1,997       1,615            3,503       238       154              356 
Central                                    -           -                -      (24)      (23)             (48) 
                                  ----------  ----------  ---------------  --------  --------  --------------- 
                                       6,333       5,766      12,252            496       412            1,077 
 
Geographical information 
 
United Kingdom                         2,676       2,485            5,248       344       271              638 
Europe & Africa                        1,849       1,549            3,328       138        89              325 
The Americas                             620         607            1,241        52        50              100 
Asia Pacific                           1,188       1,125            2,435      (38)         2               14 
                                  ----------  ----------  ---------------  --------  --------  --------------- 
                                       6,333       5,766           12,252       496       412            1,077 
 
 
 
 
 
 1    Operating segments for the 24 weeks ended 
       2 March 2013 
 
 
                                         Grocery   Sugar   Agriculture   Ingredients     Retail   Central     Total 
                                            GBPm    GBPm          GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 
  Revenue from continuing 
   businesses                              1,836   1,390           641           596      1,997     (127)     6,333 
  Internal revenue                           (4)    (67)             -          (56)          -       127         - 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers          1,832   1,323           641           540      1,997         -     6,333 
 
  Adjusted operating profit 
   before joint ventures and 
   associates                                 93     169            16           (1)        238      (24)       491 
  Share of profit after tax 
   from joint ventures and 
   associates                                  4     (6)             4             3          -         -         5 
  Adjusted operating profit                   97     163            20             2        238      (24)       496 
  Amortisation of non-operating 
   intangibles                               (9)    (11)             -          (17)          -         -      (37) 
  Profit before interest                      88     152            20          (15)        238      (24)       459 
  Finance income                                                                                        6         6 
  Finance expense                                                                                    (49)      (49) 
  Other financial expense                                                                             (1)       (1) 
  Taxation                                                                                          (106)     (106) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Profit for the period                       88     152            20          (15)        238     (174)       309 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Segment assets (excluding 
   investments in joint ventures 
   and associates)                         2,837   2,810           368         1,428      2,532       174    10,149 
  Investments in joint ventures 
   and associates                             31      44            91            57          -         -       223 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                           2,868   2,854           459         1,485      2,532       174    10,372 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                           218       218 
  Deferred tax assets                                                                                 210       210 
  Employee benefits assets                                                                              2         2 
  Segment liabilities                      (566)   (607)         (136)         (193)      (418)     (126)   (2,046) 
  Loans and overdrafts                                                                            (1,555)   (1,555) 
  Income tax                                                                                        (132)     (132) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                                                                          (361)     (361) 
  Employee benefits liabilities                                                                     (221)     (221) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Net assets                               2,302   2,247           323         1,292      2,114   (1,791)     6,487 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Non-current asset additions                 65      96             6            34        116         1       318 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                                50      44             3            31         67         2       197 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                18      17             1            18          -         -        54 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of property, 
   plant and equipment                         -       8             -             -          -         -         8 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of operating 
   intangibles                                 -       4             -             -          -         -         4 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of goodwill                       -      10             -             -          -         -        10 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
      Geographical information                                  United        Europe        The      Asia 
                                                               Kingdom      & Africa   Americas   Pacific     Total 
                                                                  GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
     ---------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers                                2,676         1,849        620     1,188     6,333 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                                                 3,935         3,108      1,149     2,180    10,372 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Non-current asset additions                                      122           118         26        52       318 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                                                      88            52         12        45       197 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                                      16            11         14        13        54 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of property, 
   plant and equipment                                               -             -          -         8         8 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of operating 
   intangibles                                                       -             -          -         4         4 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of goodwill                                             -             -          -        10        10 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 
 1    Operating segments for the 24 weeks ended 
       3 March 2012 
 
 
                                         Grocery   Sugar   Agriculture   Ingredients     Retail   Central     Total 
                                            GBPm    GBPm          GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 
  Revenue from continuing 
   businesses                              1,815   1,281           602           574      1,615     (121)     5,766 
  Internal revenue                           (2)    (78)           (5)          (36)          -       121         - 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers          1,813   1,203           597           538      1,615         -     5,766 
 
  Adjusted operating profit 
   before joint ventures and 
   associates                                 69     173            13            13        154      (23)       399 
  Share of profit after tax 
   from joint ventures and 
   associates                                  6     (1)             3             5          -         -        13 
  Adjusted operating profit                   75     172            16            18        154      (23)       412 
  Profits less losses on 
   disposal of non-current 
   assets                                      -       1             -             -          -         -         1 
  Amortisation of non-operating 
   intangibles                               (7)    (12)             -          (16)          -         -      (35) 
  Profit before interest                      68     161            16             2        154      (23)       378 
  Finance income                                                                                        5         5 
  Finance expense                                                                                    (53)      (53) 
  Other financial expense                                                                             (1)       (1) 
  Taxation                                                                                           (85)      (85) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Profit for the period                       68     161            16             2        154     (157)       244 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Segment assets (excluding 
   investments in joint ventures 
   and associates)                         2,894   2,901           333         1,402      2,207       133     9,870 
  Investments in joint ventures 
   and associates                             23      51            78            57          -         -       209 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                           2,917   2,952           411         1,459      2,207       133    10,079 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                           310       310 
  Deferred tax assets                                                                                 174       174 
  Employee benefits assets                                                                             19        19 
  Segment liabilities                      (574)   (524)         (117)         (166)      (315)     (113)   (1,809) 
  Loans and overdrafts                                                                            (1,902)   (1,902) 
  Income tax                                                                                        (140)     (140) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                                                                          (428)     (428) 
  Employee benefits liabilities                                                                      (76)      (76) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Net assets                               2,343   2,428           294         1,293      1,892   (2,023)     6,227 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Non-current asset additions                 59      67             8            46        122         1       303 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                                50      45             3            22         52         1       173 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                14      12             1            17          -         -        44 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
      Geographical information                                  United        Europe        The      Asia 
                                                               Kingdom      & Africa   Americas   Pacific     Total 
                                                                  GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
     ---------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers                                2,485         1,549        607     1,125     5,766 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                                                 3,760         2,946      1,102     2,271    10,079 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Non-current asset additions                                       91           116         32        64       303 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                                                      77            40         12        44       173 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                                       6            17         11        10        44 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 
 1    Operating segments for the 52 weeks ended 
       15 September 2012 
 
 
                                         Grocery   Sugar   Agriculture   Ingredients     Retail   Central     Total 
                                            GBPm    GBPm          GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 
  Revenue from continuing 
   businesses                              3,734   2,808         1,275         1,163      3,503     (231)    12,252 
  Internal revenue                           (8)   (142)          (10)          (71)          -       231         - 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers          3,726   2,666         1,265         1,092      3,503         -    12,252 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
  Adjusted operating profit 
   before joint ventures and 
   associates                                179     514            27            22        356      (48)     1,050 
  Share of profit after tax 
   from joint ventures and 
   associates                                  8     (4)            13            10          -         -        27 
  Adjusted operating profit                  187     510            40            32        356      (48)     1,077 
  Profits less losses on 
   disposal of non-current 
   assets                                      -       1             -             -          -       (7)       (6) 
  Amortisation of non-operating 
   intangibles                              (16)    (22)           (1)          (61)          -         -     (100) 
  Exceptional items                         (98)       -             -             -          -         -      (98) 
  Profits less losses on 
   sale and closure of businesses              -     (6)             -           (3)          -         -       (9) 
  Profit before interest                      73     483            39          (32)        356      (55)       864 
  Finance income                                                                                        9         9 
  Finance expense                                                                                   (114)     (114) 
  Other financial income                                                                                2         2 
  Taxation                                                                                          (178)     (178) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Profit for the period                       73     483            39          (32)        356     (336)       583 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Segment assets (excluding 
   investments in joint ventures 
   and associates)                         2,685   2,510           275         1,353      2,423       182     9,428 
  Investments in joint ventures 
   and associates                             24      47            87            56          -         -       214 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                           2,709   2,557           362         1,409      2,423       182     9,642 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                                           391       391 
  Deferred tax assets                                                                                 189       189 
  Employee benefit assets                                                                              18        18 
  Segment liabilities                      (573)   (413)         (104)         (204)      (526)     (118)   (1,938) 
  Loans and overdrafts                                                                            (1,452)   (1,452) 
  Income tax                                                                                        (150)     (150) 
  Deferred tax liabilities                                                                          (366)     (366) 
  Employee benefits liabilities                                                                     (113)     (113) 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Net assets                               2,136   2,144           258         1,205      1,897   (1,419)     6,221 
 =====================================  ========  ======  ============  ============  =========  ========  ======== 
 
  Non-current asset additions                153     160            14            96        329         3       755 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                               105      95             7            47        132         8       394 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                33      24             3            62          -         -       122 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of property, 
   plant and equipment                        92       -             -             3          -         -        95 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of operating 
   intangibles                                 6       -             -             -          -         -         6 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 
      Geographical information                                  United        Europe        The      Asia 
                                                               Kingdom      & Africa   Americas   Pacific     Total 
                                                                  GBPm          GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
     ---------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Revenue from external customers                                5,248         3,328      1,241     2,435    12,252 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Segment assets                                                 3,689         3,002      1,051     1,900     9,642 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Non-current asset additions                                      270           278         65       142       755 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Depreciation                                                     184            95         25        90       394 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Amortisation                                                      15            49         26        32       122 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of property, 
   plant and equipment                                               -             -          -        95        95 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
  Impairment of operating 
   intangibles                                                       -             -          -         6         6 
 -------------------------------------  --------  ------  ------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 
 
2.    Exceptional items 
      In the 2012 full year results an exceptional charge of GBP98m was 
       made to impair property, plant and equipment (GBP92m) and operating 
       intangibles (GBP6m) in the Australian meat business. An exceptional 
       tax credit of GBP29m arose on this item. 
 
3.    Income tax expense 
                                                          24 weeks  24 weeks      52 weeks 
                                                             ended     ended         ended 
                                                           2 March   3 March  15 September 
                                                              2013      2012          2012 
                                                              GBPm      GBPm          GBPm 
      Current tax expense 
 UK - corporation tax at 23.5%/25.5%/25.1%                      56        37           108 
 Overseas - corporation tax                                     51        39           110 
 UK - overprovided in prior periods                              -         -           (6) 
 Overseas - overprovided in prior periods                        -         -           (2) 
                                                               107        76           210 
      Deferred tax expense 
 UK deferred tax                                                 -         3          (14) 
 Overseas deferred tax                                         (1)         6          (20) 
 UK - underprovided in prior periods                             -         -             3 
 Overseas - underprovided in prior periods                       -         -           (1) 
                                                         ---------  --------  ------------ 
                                                               (1)         9          (32) 
 
 Total income tax expense in income 
  statement                                                    106        85           178 
                                                         =========  ========  ============ 
 
      Reconciliation of effective tax rate 
 Profit before taxation                                        415       329           761 
 Less share of profit from joint ventures 
  and associates                                               (5)      (13)          (27) 
                                                         ---------  --------  ------------ 
 Profit before taxation excluding share 
  of profit after tax from joint ventures 
  and associates                                               410       316           734 
                                                         ---------  --------  ------------ 
 Nominal tax charge at UK corporation 
  tax rate of 23.5%/25.5%/25.1%                                 96        81           184 
 Different tax rates on overseas earnings                      (2)         1          (19) 
 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                        9         3             3 
 Disposal of assets covered by tax exemptions 
  or unrecognised capital losses                                 -         -             2 
 Deferred tax not recognised                                     3         -            14 
 Adjustments in respect of prior periods                         -         -           (6) 
                                                         ---------  --------  ------------ 
                                                               106        85           178 
                                                         =========  ========  ============ 
 
      Income tax recognised directly in equity 
 Deferred tax associated with defined 
  benefit schemes                                             (28)       (6)          (23) 
 Deferred tax associated with share 
  based payments                                                 -         -             2 
 Deferred tax associated with movement 
  in cash flow hedging position                                  5       (1)           (4) 
 Deferred tax associated with movements 
  in foreign exchange                                          (1)         -           (3) 
 Current tax associated with movements 
  in foreign exchange                                            -         1             4 
                                                         ---------  --------  ------------ 
                                                              (24)       (6)          (24) 
                                                         =========  ========  ============ 
 
In 2012, it was announced that the UK corporation tax rate, which was 
 to have been reduced from 26% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2012, 
 would be reduced further to 24% with effect from 1 April 2012, and to 
 23% with effect from 1 April 2013. These lower rates had not been substantively 
 enacted by the end of the reporting period and therefore were not reflected 
 in the interim report for 2012. Following substantive enactment before 
 the full year end, the impact of these rate reductions on current and 
 deferred tax was reflected in the consolidated financial statements 
 for the year ended 15 September 2012. 
 
 It has recently been announced that the UK corporation tax rate will 
 be further reduced to 21% with effect from 1 April 2014 and to 20% with 
 effect from 1 April 2015. Again, these rates have not yet been substantively 
 enacted and so are not reflected in the interim results for 2013. If 
 substantively enacted, these rate reductions will be reflected in the 
 results for the year ended 14 September 2013. 
 
 
 
4.    Earnings per ordinary share                                    24 weeks      24 weeks        52 weeks 
                                                                        ended         ended           ended 
                                                                      2 March       3 March    15 September 
                                                                         2013          2012            2012 
                                                                        pence         pence           pence 
 
 Adjusted earnings per share                                             41.9          34.4            87.2 
 Disposal of non-current assets                                             -           0.1           (0.8) 
 Sale and closure of businesses                                             -             -           (1.1) 
 Exceptional items                                                          -             -          (12.4) 
 Tax effect on above adjustments                                            -             -             3.9 
 Amortisation of non-operating intangibles                              (4.7)         (4.4)          (12.7) 
 Tax credit on non-operating intangibles 
  amortisation and goodwill                                               1.3           1.1             4.2 
 Non-controlling interests' share of 
  amortisation of non-operating intangibles 
  net of tax                                                              0.4           0.5             2.0 
 Earnings per ordinary share                                             38.9          31.7            70.3 
                                                                   ==========  ============  ============== 
 
5.    Dividends 
 
                                                                     24 weeks      24 weeks        52 weeks 
                                                                        ended         ended           ended 
                                                                      2 March       3 March    15 September 
                                                                         2013          2012            2012 
                                                                        pence         pence           pence 
      Per share 
 2011 final                                                                 -         16.85           16.85 
 2012 interim                                                               -             -            8.50 
 2012 final                                                             20.00             -               - 
                                                                   ----------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                                        20.00         16.85           25.35 
                                                                   ==========  ============  ============== 
 
      Total                                                              GBPm          GBPm            GBPm 
 2011 final                                                                 -           133             133 
 2012 interim                                                               -             -              67 
 2012 final                                                               158             -               - 
                                                                   ----------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                                          158           133             200 
                                                                   ==========  ============  ============== 
 
      The 2012 final dividend of 20.0p per share was approved on 7 December 
       2012 and totalled GBP158m when paid on 11 January 2013. The 2013 interim 
       dividend of 9.35p per share, total value of GBP74m, will be paid on 
       5 July 2013 to shareholders on the register on 7 June 2013. 
 
6.    Acquisitions and disposals 
      There were no acquisitions or disposals in the period. The cash outflow 
       on purchase of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in the 
       cash flow statement of GBP43m comprised a GBP2m investment in a joint 
       venture and GBP41m deferred consideration paid in respect of previous 
       acquisitions. The cash inflow on sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures 
       and associates of GBP13m comprised deferred consideration received 
       in respect of previous disposals. 
 
7.    Analysis of net debt 
 
                                                    At                                                   At 
                                          15 September                             Exchange         2 March 
                                                  2012         Cash flow        adjustments            2013 
                                                  GBPm              GBPm               GBPm            GBPm 
 Cash at bank and in 
  hand, cash equivalents 
  and overdrafts                                   245             (145)                 10             110 
 Short-term borrowings                           (392)              (86)               (15)           (493) 
 Loans over one year                             (914)                12               (52)           (954) 
                                        --------------       -----------       ------------       --------- 
                                               (1,061)             (219)               (57)         (1,337) 
                                        ==============       ===========       ============       ========= 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and 
  investments with original maturities of three months or less. Bank 
  overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part 
  of the group's cash management are included as a component of cash 
  and cash equivalents for the purpose of the cash flow statement. 
 
8.    Related party transactions 
 
 Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related 
  parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed 
  in this note. 
 
  Full details of the group's other related party relationships, transactions 
  and balances are given in the group's financial statements for the 
  52 weeks ended 15 September 2012. There have been no material changes 
  in these relationships in the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013 or up to 
  the date of this report. 
 
  No related party transactions have taken place in the first 24 weeks 
  of the current financial year that have materially affected the financial 
  position or the performance of the group during that period. 
9.    Basis of preparation 
 
 Associated British Foods plc ('the Company') is a company domiciled 
  in the United Kingdom. The condensed consolidated interim financial 
  statements of the Company for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013 comprise 
  those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as 
  'the group') and the group's interests in associates and jointly controlled 
  entities. 
 
  The consolidated financial statements of the group for the 52 weeks 
  ended 15 September 2012 are available upon request from the Company's 
  registered office at 10 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 4QY or at www.abf.co.uk. 
 
  The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been 
  prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. They 
  do not include all of the information required for full annual financial 
  statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated 
  financial statements of the group for the 52 weeks ended 15 September 
  2012. 
 
  The preparation of interim financial statements requires management 
  to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application 
  of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
  income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 
  In preparing the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, 
  the significant judgements made by management in applying the group's 
  accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty 
  were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial 
  statements for the 52 weeks ended 15 September 2012. 
 
  After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation 
  that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
  for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt 
  the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated interim 
  financial statements. The group's business activities, together with 
  the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
  position are set out in the Operating review. Note 24 on pages 96 
  to 107 of the 2012 annual report provides details of the group's policy 
  on managing its financial and commodity risks. 
 
  The group has considerable financial resources, good access to debt 
  markets, a diverse range of businesses and a wide geographic spread. 
  It is therefore well placed to continue to manage business risks successfully 
  despite the current economic uncertainty. 
 
  The 24 week period for the condensed consolidated interim financial 
  statements of the Company means that the second half of the year is 
  usually a 28 week period, and the two halves of the reporting year 
  are therefore not of equal length. For the Retail segment, Christmas, 
  falling in the first half of the year, is a particularly important 
  trading period. For the Sugar segment, the balance sheet, and working 
  capital in particular, is strongly influenced by seasonal growth patterns 
  for both sugar beet and sugar cane, which vary significantly in the 
  markets in which the group operates. 
 
  The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited 
  but have been subject to an independent review by the auditor and 
  were approved by the board of directors on 23 April 2013. They do 
  not constitute statutory financial statements as defined in section 
  434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the 52 
  weeks ended 15 September 2012 have been abridged from the group's 
  2012 financial statements and are not the Company's statutory financial 
  statements for that period. Those financial statements have been reported 
  on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. 
  The report of the auditors was unqualified, did not include a reference 
  to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis 
  without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under 
  section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006. 
 
  This interim results announcement has been prepared solely to provide 
  additional information to shareholders as a body, to assess the group's 
  strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. This 
  interim results announcement should not be relied upon by any other 
  party or for any other purpose. 
 
10.   Significant accounting policies 
 
 The accounting policies applied by the group in these condensed consolidated 
  interim financial statements are substantially the same as those applied 
  by the group in its consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks 
  ended 15 September 2012. Whilst there have been a number of minor 
  changes to standards which become applicable for the year ending 14 
  September 2013, none have been assessed as having a significant impact 
  on the group. 
 
  The condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income has been 
  amended to meet the revised requirements of IAS 1 Presentation of 
  Financial Statements. This is a presentational change only and no 
  figures or descriptions have changed. 
 
 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This interim results announcement contains forward-looking statements. These have been made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report. The directors can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors underlying such forward-looking information, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The directors undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the group's performance over the remainder of the financial year and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. These include, but are not limited to, competitor activity and competition risk, commercial relationships with customers and suppliers, changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Details of the key risks facing the group's businesses at an operational level are included on pages 48 to 51 of the group's statutory financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 15 September 2012, as part of the corporate governance report. Details of further potential risks and uncertainties arising since the issue of the previous statutory financial statements are included within the Chairman's statement and the Operating review as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The interim results announcement complies with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of the requirement to produce a half yearly financial report.

The directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

-- this financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU;

-- this interim results announcement includes a fair review of the important events during the first half and their impact on the financial information, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining half of the year as required by DTR 4.2.7R; and

-- this interim results announcement includes a fair review of the disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein as required by DTR 4.2.8R.

On behalf of the board

 
 George Weston     John Bason         Charles Sinclair 
 Chief Executive   Finance Director   Chairman 
 23 April 2013     23 April 2013      23 April 2013 
 

Independent review report to Associated British Foods plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the interim results announcement for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and the related explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the interim results announcement and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK FCA"). Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this 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 for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim results announcement is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim results announcement in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.

The annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in this interim results announcement has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the interim results announcement based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the interim results announcement for the 24 weeks ended 2 March 2013 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FCA.

Richard Pinckard

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

London

E14 5GL

23 April 2013

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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