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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epe Special Opportunities Limited | LSE:ESO | London | Ordinary Share | BMG3163K1053 | ORD 5P (DI) |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.00 | -0.61% | 164.00 | 163.00 | 165.00 | 164.00 | 164.00 | 164.00 | 0.00 | 08:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Inv Tr, Closed-end Mgmt | -39.36M | -43.84M | -1.4672 | -1.12 | 49M |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMESO TIDMEO.P TIDMEC.P TIDMEL.P
RNS Number : 8104J
EPE Special Opportunities Limited
16 April 2020
EPE Special Opportunities Limited
("ESO" or the "Company")
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2020
The Board of EPE Special Opportunities Limited are pleased to announce the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2020.
Summary
-- The continuing disruption caused by COVID-19 since the end of the period presents an unprecedented challenge for the Company.
-- The Board, Investment Advisor and the management of the portfolio companies continue to monitor the developing situation closely and prudent steps have already been taken to enhance the financial position of the Company's investments and protect the wellbeing of our colleagues across the portfolio.
-- The Company maintains strong liquidity of GBP26.4 million and operates with modest committed outgoings.
-- The Company has GBP3.9 million of outstanding unsecured loan notes repayable in July 2022. The Company has no other third party debt outstanding.
-- ESO and the IA are well prepared to support portfolio companies financially and operationally over the coming months.
-- The Net Asset Value ("NAV") of the Company as at 31 January 2020 was 317.18 pence per share, an increase of 54.6 per cent on the NAV per share of 205.19 pence as at 31 January 2019.
-- The strong performance of the Company's NAV per share has been driven primarily by the growth in value of the Company's two largest assets, Luceco and Whittard of Chelsea ("Whittard").
-- The share price at 31 January 2020 was 199.00 pence, representing an increase of 33.9 per cent on the share price of 148.57 pence as at 31 January 2019.
-- Whittard grew pleasingly throughout the historic period. The business's UK retail estate continued to perform strongly, achieving 9.1 per cent. like-for-like sales growth, whilst further afield three new stores were opened in Taiwan. Growth in Whittard's e-commerce channel was maintained both domestically and in China.
-- In the interest of employee safety and in line with government advice, Whittard temporarily closed its 49 retail stores on 21 March 2020. The business continues to review its fixed and variable costs and will benefit from the announced government schemes regarding furloughing, business rates and other taxation.
-- Luceco has reported stronger trading performance and increased profitability following the successful implementation of operational improvements and sustained gross margin gains during 2019.
-- Luceco traded on budget for first quarter of 2020, has modest financial debt of 1.1x net debt to EBITDA and significant available liquidity with GBP24 million undrawn against committed banking facilities (as at 31 December 2019).
-- Trading at David Phillips improved steadily over the course of 2019, with the business successfully capitalising on new opportunities to improve sales and profitability.
-- David Phillips traded well in the first quarter of 2020 and has a strong order book for the remainder of the year. The business continues to review its fixed and variable costs and will benefit from the announced government schemes regarding furloughing, business rates and other taxation.
-- Pharmacy2U maintained its high growth trajectory throughout the period, underpinned by significant improvements in key customer acquisition, retention and profitability metrics.
-- As at 31 January 2020, the Company's portfolio was valued at a weighted average EBITDA to enterprise value multiple of 8.1x (excluding Pharmacy2U, which is valued on a sales multiple) and had a low level of third party leverage (0.7x last 12 month EBITDA to net third party debt).
-- The Board continues to review opportunities identified by the Investment Advisor. The Company's strong cash position means that it is well positioned to take advantage of any such opportunities. However, given the ongoing uncertainty resulting from the spread of COVID-19, the Board's major priority is ensuring the financial stability of the portfolio and, whilst the market may present distressed investment opportunities, existing assets remain uppermost in our considerations.
-- Between June and October 2019, the Company completed buybacks in the market totalling 752,001 ordinary shares (or 2.3 per cent of the Company's issued ordinary share capital).
Mr Clive Spears, Chairman, commented: "The performance of the Company for the year ending 31 January 2020 was promising, with pleasing growth in the Company's two largest assets, Luceco and Whittard of Chelsea. However, the continuing disruption caused by COVID-19 since the end of the period presents an unparalleled challenge for the Company and its portfolio. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Investment Advisor, EPIC Private Equity, the Company's other advisors and the management of the portfolio companies for their hard work and dedication in supporting the Company and its portfolio through this difficult period. I would also like to wish all shareholders the best of health."
The person responsible for releasing this information on behalf of the Company is Amanda Robinson of Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited.
Enquiries:
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EPIC Private Equity LLP +44 (0) 207 269 8865
Alex Leslie
Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited +44 (0) 15 3488 5200)
Amanda Robinson
Cardew Group Limited +44 (0) 207 930 0777
Richard Spiegelberg
Numis Securities Limited +44 (0) 207 260 1000
Nominated Advisor: Stuart Skinner / Huw Jeremy
Corporate Broker: Charles Farquhar
Chairman's Statement
The performance of EPE Special Opportunities ("ESO" or the "Company") in the year ended 31 January 2020 was promising, with pleasing growth in the Company's two largest assets, Luceco and Whittard of Chelsea. However, the continuing disruption caused by COVID-19 since the end of the period presents an unprecedented challenge for the Company. The Board, Investment Advisor and the management of the portfolio companies continue to monitor the developing situation closely and prudent steps have already been taken to enhance the financial position of the Company's investments and protect the wellbeing of our colleagues across the portfolio.
The outbreak and ongoing spread of COVID-19 poses signi cant humanitarian and economic risks to the global community. Measures adopted by national governments to delay the spread of the infection will depress economic activity in the mid term and the outlook is likely to remain uncertain and uid in the near term. The Company maintains strong liquidity of GBP26.4 million and operates with modest committed outgoings. The Company has GBP3.9 million of outstanding unsecured loan notes ("ULNs") repayable on 25 July 2022. The Company has no other third party debt outstanding. The Board has reviewed the business continuity plans of the Company's key operational service providers and are satis ed of their resilience.
The Investment Advisor ("IA") is working closely with the management teams of portfolio companies to respond to this dynamic situation and is apprising the Board regularly as the epidemiological and economic situation develops. The portfolio has taken early and prudent steps to manage its liquidity, nancial position and trading outlook; these steps are under active review by the IA and the management of the portfolio companies. The portfolio has a low level of third party leverage (0.7x last 12 month ("LTM") EBITDA to net third party debt) and has strong relationships with all external lenders. ESO and the IA are well prepared to support portfolio companies nancially and operationally over the coming months.
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, the conclusive result of the UK's general election in December 2019 had provided welcome political stability, following the extended Brexit negotiations earlier in the period. There were early indicators of improved domestic economic performance with unemployment achieving a multi-decade low, driving real wage growth and underpinning strong consumer spending in the festive period.
The Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share of the Company as at 31 January 2020 was 317.18 pence per share, representing an increase of 54.6 per cent. on the NAV per share of 205.19 pence as at 31 January 2019. The share price of the Company as at 31 January 2020 was 199.00 pence, representing an increase of 33.9 per cent. on the share price of 148.57 pence as at 31 January 2019.
Luceco plc's share price made positive progress in the year ended 31 January 2020, ending 2019 as the best performing company in the FTSE All Share. The business reported stronger trading performance and increased pro tability following the successful implementation of operational improvements and sustained gross margin gains. Luceco has traded on budget for rst quarter of 2020, has modest nancial debt of 1.1x net debt to EBITDA and signi cant available liquidity with GBP24 million undrawn against committed banking facilities (as at 31 December 2019).
Whittard of Chelsea grew pleasingly throughout the period. The business's UK retail estate continued to perform strongly, achieving 9.1 per cent. like-for-like sales growth, whilst further a eld three new stores were opened in Taiwan. Growth in Whittard's e-commerce channel was maintained both domestically and in China. In the interest of employee safety and in line with government advice, Whittard temporarily closed its 49 retail stores on 21 March 2020. The business traded well in the rst quarter of 2020 and is currently trading ahead of prior years and budget in its ecommerce channel. The business continues to review its xed and variable costs and will bene t from the announced government schemes regarding furloughing, business rates and other taxation. The business has no third party debt.
Trading at David Phillips improved steadily over the course of 2019, with the business successfully capitalising on new opportunities to improve sales and pro tability. The business traded well in the rst quarter of 2020 and has a strong order book for the remainder of the year, but has scaled back trading activity in recent weeks in line with a reduction in demand from the UK property market. The business continues to review its xed and variable costs and will bene t from the announced government schemes regarding furloughing, business rates and other taxation.
Pharmacy2U maintained its high growth trajectory throughout the period, underpinned by signi cant improvements in key customer acquisition, retention and pro tability metrics.
As part of the Company's ongoing focus on optimising the capital structure, the Board has continued to investigate opportunities to maximise liquidity, shareholder value creation and alignment with the Investment Advisor. On 14 May 2019, the Company entered an agreement to acquire the carried interest entitlement and outstanding accrual in ESO Investments 1 LP, a limited partnership which held the Company's indirect interests in Luceco plc, Whittard of Chelsea and Pharmacy2U. The consideration for the transaction was satis ed by the issue of ordinary shares in the Company. The transaction has both enhanced the Company's long-term liquidity and has increased long-term alignment with the Investment Advisor. In addition, in the months of June, July, September and October, the Company completed buybacks of shares in the market, retiring 752,001 or 2.3 per cent. of the Company's ordinary shares.
The Board continues to review opportunities identi ed by the Investment Advisor. The Company's strong cash position means that it is well positioned to take advantage of any such opportunities. However, given the ongoing uncertainty resulting from the spread of COVID-19, the Board's major priority is ensuring the nancial stability of the portfolio and, whilst the market may present distressed investment opportunities, existing assets remain uppermost in our considerations.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Investment Advisor, EPIC Private Equity, for their hard work and dedication in restoring ESO to growth over the course of the last two years and in positioning the Company for this upcoming period of uncertainty which is unprecedented in recent memory. I would also like to wish all shareholders the best of health.
Clive Spears
Chairman
15 April 2020
Investment Advisor's Report
The Investment Advisor (the "IA") was pleased with the progress made by the portfolio during the year ended 31 January 2020 but is now focused on the global economic uncertainty that has resulted from the spread of COVID-19. The IA and the Board are closely monitoring the financial position of the Company and its investments, whilst ensuring the wellbeing of staff is protected at all times. The social distancing measures that are being taken by national governments are likely to result in supply and logistical challenges across the portfolio and to depress sales demand in the near term.
The IA has worked hard over a number of years to ensure that the Company and portfolio are well positioned for any periods of economic volatility with strong liquidity and prudent levels of third party leverage. As at 31 January 2020, the leverage in the underlying portfolio was 0.7x LTM EBITDA to net third party debt and the IA maintains supportive dialogues with all external lenders. The Company has a strong cash position (GBP26.4 million as at 31 January 2020) which is available to support the existing portfolio, meet the Company's committed obligations and deploy into sufficiently attractive investment opportunities as they arise.
The Company
The Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share of the Company as at 31 January 2020 was 317.18 pence per share, representing an increase of 54.6 per cent. on the NAV per share of 205.19 pence as at 31 January 2019. The share price of the Company as at 31 January 2020 was 199.00 pence, representing an increase of 33.9 per cent. on the share price of 148.57 pence as at 31 January 2019.
The gross asset cover of the outstanding ULNs as at 31 January 2020 was 27.5x. Cash balances now stand at GBP26.4 million(1) .
The Portfolio
Third party net debt remains low across the Company's private equity portfolio, at 0.7x LTM EBITDA in aggregate. The Company has maintained a disciplined approach to the valuation of the portfolio's assets with the weighted average enterprise value ("EV") to EBITDA multiple equating to 8.1x for mature assets (excluding assets investing for growth). This valuation multiple has been derived with reference to relevant market comparables, after the application of an appropriate discount to adjust for the portfolio's scale and unquoted nature (i.e. a liquidity discount).
During the year ended 31 January 2020, the share price of Luceco plc increased by 164.3 per cent. On 28 January 2020, Luceco released a trading statement, reporting on performance for the year ended 31 December 2019. The business achieved a 4.9 per cent. increase in sales in the period compared to the prior year. Ongoing improvements drove gains in gross margin which contributed to an improved operating margin of c.10 per cent. The business also announced that, in the period, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA had reduced to 1.1x. On 24 March 2020, Luceco updated the market on its nancial position given the developing spread of COVID-19. The statement noted that Luceco traded in line with budget for the rst quarter of 2020, and has signi cant liquidity with GBP24 million of undrawn, committed facilities (as at 31 December 2019). As at 31 January 2020, Luceco plc constituted circa 53.4 per cent. of the Company's GAV.
Whittard of Chelsea delivered good growth over the period, in line with budget and materially ahead of the prior year. The business's sales performance was underpinned by like for like sales growth across the UK retail portfolio despite wider retail sector headwinds. Margin gains and improvements in operational ef ciency have augmented this robust performance, generating pro tability in line with budget and comfortably ahead of the prior year. Whittard of Chelsea has continued to develop international growth opportunities as part of its strategic focus on new geographic markets. In addition, the business's franchise division opened three stores and two pop ups in Taiwan and a fourth franchise store in Chile. In response to the spread of COVID-19 and government advice, Whittard temporarily closed its 49 retail stores on 21 March 2020 following a strong start to the year. The business is undertaking a review of its cost base and its access to government support (including employee retention schemes and forbearance of rent and rates payments). The business has no external debt facilities and is taking appropriate actions to preserve liquidity. Nathan Smith was appointed as CEO in July, continuing an eleven year career at Whittard of Chelsea, most recently holding the position of Group CFO. His experience and dedication to the business are expected to be instrumental in delivering the brand's aspirations both in the UK and internationally.
David Phillips' performance improved steadily throughout the period despite persistent uncertainty in the UK housing market for most of 2019, in part due to Brexit. In June 2019, the business simpli ed its operations and reduced its cost base by disposing of its Local Authority Housing division. David Phillips has continued to identify additional opportunities to further improve sales and pro tability with a strategic focus on high margin business lines operating in high growth markets. In response to the spread of COVID-19 and reduced activity in the UK property sector, the business has scaled down its trading operations, availing itself of available government support (including the employee retention scheme). The IA and the management team are closely monitoring market demand in anticipation of a recovery as certainty returns to the market and restrictions are eased.
Pharmacy2U continued to build on its position as the UK's leading online pharmacy, delivering a signi cant increase in both patient numbers and sales over the period. Development of a new distribution facility in Leicestershire is expected to underpin the next stage of growth.
The IA continues to monitor the Company's investment in European Capital Private Debt Fund, which has completed the deployment of the Company's committed capital in the fund and has begun to distribute capital to the Company.
The IA would like to thank all of the management teams across the portfolio for their hard work and dedication through this dif cult period and the Board and Shareholders for their ongoing support and counsel.
EPIC Private Equity LLP
Investment Advisor to the Company
15 April 2020
Biographies of the Directors
Clive Spears David Pirouet
Clive Spears retired from the Royal Bank David Pirouet joined PricewaterhouseCoopers
of Scotland International Limited in Channel Islands LLP in 1980, retiring
December 2003 as Deputy Director of Jersey in 2009 after being an Audit and Assurance
after 32 years of service. His main activities Partner for over 20 years. During his
prior to retirement included Product 29 years at the rm Mr Pirouet specialised
Development, Corporate Finance, Trust in the nancial services sector, in particular
and Offshore Company Services and he in the alternative investment management
was Head of Joint Venture Fund Administration area and also led the business's Hedge
with Rawlinson & Hunter. Mr Spears is Fund and business recovery practices
an Associate of the Chartered Institute for over four years. Mr Pirouet currently
of Bankers and a Member of the Chartered holds a number of non-executive positions
Institute for Securities & Investment. across private equity, infrastructure
He has accumulated a well spread portfolio and corporate debt. Mr Pirouet's appointments
of directorships centring on private currently include non-executive Director
equity, infrastructure and corporate and Chair of the Audit and Risk committee
debt. His current appointments include for GCP Infrastructure Investments (FTSE
Chairman of Nordic Capital Limited and 250 listed company).
director of Invesco Enhanced Income Limited.
-----------------------------------------------
Heather Bestwick Robert Quayle
-----------------------------------------------
Heather Bestwick has been a nancial services Robert Quayle qualified as an English
professional for over 25 years, onshore solicitor at Linklaters & Paines in 1974
in the City of London and offshore in after reading law at Selwyn College,
the Cayman Islands and Jersey. She quali Cambridge. He subsequently practiced
ed as an English solicitor, specialising in London and the Isle of Man as a partner
in ship nance, with City rm Norton Rose, in Travers Smith Braithwaite. He served
and worked in their London and Greek as Clerk of Tynwald (the Isle of Man's
of ces for 8 years. Ms Bestwick subsequently parliament) for periods totalling 12
practised and became a partner with global years and holds a number of public and
offshore law rm Walkers in the Cayman private appointments, and is active in
Islands, and Managing Partner of the the voluntary sector. Mr. Quayle is a
Jersey of ce. Ms Bestwick sits on the director of a number of companies in
boards of the manager of the Deutsche the financial services and distribution
Bank dbX hedge fund platform and a credit sectors.
fund managed by Highland Capital Management.
-----------------------------------------------
Nicholas Wilson
Nicholas Wilson has over 40 years of
experience in hedge funds, derivatives
and global asset management. He has run
offshore branch operations for Mees Pierson
Derivatives Limited, ADM Investor Services
International Limited and several other
London based financial services companies.
He is Chairman of Gulf Investment Fund
plc, a premium listed company, and, until
recently, was chairman of Alternative
Investment Strategies Limited. He is
a resident of the Isle of Man .
Biographies of the Investment Advisor
Giles Brand Hiren Patel
Giles Brand is a Partner and the founder Hiren Patel is a Partner and EPE's
of EPE. He is currently the non-executive Finance Director and Compliance Officer.
Chairman of Whittard of Chelsea and non-executive He has worked in the investment management
chairman of Luceco plc, and a Non-Executive industry for the past ten years.
Director of The Reader Organisation, a Before joining EPEA and EPE, Hiren
not-for-profit educational charity. Before was finance director of EPIC Investment
joining EPE, Giles was a founding Director Partners. Before EPIC Investment
of EPIC Investment Partners, a fund management Partners Hiren was employed at Groupama
business which at sale had US$5 billion Asset Management where he was the
under management and spent five years Group Financial Controller.
working in Mergers and Acquisitions at
Baring Brothers in Paris and London. Giles
read History at Bristol University.
--------------------------------------------------
Robert Fulford James Henderson
--------------------------------------------------
Robert Fulford is an Investment Director James Henderson is an Investment
of EPE. He previously worked at Barclaycard Director of EPE. He previously worked
Consumer Europe before joining EPE. Whilst in the Investment Banking division
at Barclaycard, Robert was the Senior at Deutsche Bank before joining EPE.
Manager for Strategic Insight and was Whilst at Deutsche Bank he worked
responsible for identifying, analysing on a number of M&A transactions and
and responding to competitive forces. IPOs in the energy, property, retail
Prior to Barclaycard, Robert spent four and gaming sectors, as well as providing
years as a strategy consultant at Oliver corporate broking advice to mandated
Wyman Financial Services, where he worked clients. He manages the Company's
with a range of major retail banking and investment in Pharmacy2U. James read
institutional clients in the UK, mainland Modern History at Oxford University
Europe, Middle East and Africa, specialising and Medicine at Nottingham University.
in strategy and risk modelling. He manages
the Company's investment in David Phillips
and Whittard of Chelsea, where he is currently
a non-executive director. Robert read
Engineering at Cambridge University.
--------------------------------------------------
Alex Leslie Ian Williams
------------------------------------------------
Alex Leslie is an Investment Director Ian Williams is an Investment Director
of EPE. He previously worked in Healthcare of EPE. Before joining EPE, he was a partner
Investment Banking at Piper Jaffray. Whilst at Lyceum Capital where he was responsible
at Piper Jaffray he worked on a number for deal origination with a primary focus
of M&A transactions and equity fundraisings on the business services and software
within the Biotechnology, Specialty Pharmaceutical sectors, as well as financial services,
and Medical Technology sectors. He manages education and health sectors. Prior to
the Company's investment in Luceco plc. Lyceum, Ian was a Director at Arbuthnot
Alex read Human Biological and Social Securities, involved in transactions including
Sciences at Oxford University and obtained IPOs, secondary fund raisings and M&A,
an MPhil in Management from the Judge focusing on the support services, healthcare,
Business School at Cambridge University. transport & IT sectors. Ian read Politics
and Economics at the University of Bristol.
------------------------------------------------
Risk and Audit Committee Report
The Risk and Audit Committee is chaired by David Pirouet and comprises all other Directors. Mr Pirouet was appointed as Chairman of the Committee on 28 June 2019. Mr Pirouet and all other members of the Committee would like to thank Mr Spears, the outgoing Chairman, for his diligent and longstanding service leading the Committee.
The Risk and Audit Committee's main duties are:
-- To review and monitor the integrity of the interim and annual financial statements, interim statements, announcements and matters relating to accounting policy, laws and regulations of the Company;
-- To evaluate the risks to the quality and effectiveness of the financial reporting process ;
-- To review the effectiveness and robustness of the internal control systems and the risk management policies and procedures of the Company;
-- To review the valuation of portfolio investments;
-- To review corporate governance compliance, including the Company's compliance with the QCA Corporate Governance Code;
-- To review the nature and scope of the work to be performed by the Auditors, and their independence and objectivity; and
-- To make recommendations to the Board as to the appointment and remuneration of the external auditors.
The Risk and Audit Committee has a calendar which sets out its work programme for the year to ensure it covers all areas within its remit appropriately. It met four times during the period under review to carry out its responsibilities and senior representatives of the Investment Advisor attended the meetings as required by the Risk and Audit Committee. In between meetings, the Risk and Audit Committee chairman maintains ongoing dialogue with the Investment Advisor and the lead audit partner via visits and meetings at the office of the Investment Advisor.
During the past year the Risk and Audit Committee carried out an ongoing review of its own effectiveness and the Board carried out a review of the Committee's terms of reference. These concluded that the Risk and Audit Committee is satisfactorily fulfilling its terms of reference and is operating effectively. In addition, the Committee undertook a review of the Company's corporate governance and adoption of the QCA Corporate Governance Code.
Significant accounting matters
The primary risk considered by the Risk and Audit Committee during the period under review in relation to the nancial statements of the Company is the valuation of unquoted investments.
The Company's accounting policy for valuing investments is set out in notes 3i and 12. The Risk and Audit Committee examined and challenged the valuations prepared by the Investment Advisor, taking into account the latest available information on the Company's investments and the Investment Advisor's knowledge of the underlying portfolio companies through their ongoing monitoring. The Risk and Audit Committee satis ed itself that the valuation of investments had been carried out consistently with prior accounting periods, or that any change in valuation basis was appropriate, and was conducted in accordance with published industry guidelines.
The Auditors explained the results of their review of the procedures undertaken by the Investment Advisor in preparation of valuation recommendations for the Risk and Audit Committee. On the basis of their audit work, no material adjustments were identi ed by the Auditor.
External audit
The Risk and Audit Committee reviewed the audit plan and fees presented by the auditors, KPMG Audit LLC ("KPMG"), and considered their report on the nancial statements. The fee for the audit of the annual report and nancial statements of the Company (and associates) for the year ended 31 January 2020 is expected to be GBP58,500 (2019: GBP56,100).
The Risk and Audit Committee reviews the scope and nature of all proposed non-audit services before engagement, with a view to ensuring that none of these services have the potential to impair or appear to impair the independence of their audit role. The Risk and Audit Committee receives an annual assurance from the auditors that their independence is not compromised by the provision of such services, if applicable. During the period under review, the auditors provided non-audit services to the Company in relation to taxation and the acquisition of the ESO 1 LP carried interest accrual.
KPMG were appointed as auditors to the Company for the audit of the year ended 31 January 2005. The Risk and Audit Committee regularly considers the need to put the audit out to tender, the auditors' fees and independence, alongside matters raised during each audit.
The appointment of KPMG has not been put out to tender as yet as the Committee, from ongoing direct observation and indirect enquiry of the Investment Advisor, remain satis ed that KPMG continue to provide a high-quality audit and effective independent challenge in carrying out their responsibilities.
The Board will review the performance and services offered by Langham Hall, who took over from R&H Fund services (Jersey) on 31 October 2019, as fund administrator and EPEA as fund sub-administrator on an ongoing basis. EPEA is currently undertaking its triennial agreed upon procedures review.
Risk management and internal control
The Company does not have an internal audit function. The Risk and Audit Committee believes this is appropriate as all of the Company's operational functions are delegated to third party service providers who have their own internal control and risk monitoring arrangements. A report on these arrangements is prepared by each third-party service provider and submitted to the Risk and Audit Committee which it reviews on behalf of the Board to support the Directors' responsibility for overall internal control. The Company does not have a whistleblowing policy and procedure in place. The Company delegates this function to the Investment Advisor who is regulated by the FCA and has such policies in place. The Risk and Audit Committee has been informed by the Investment Advisor that these policies meet the industry standards and no whistleblowing took place during the year.
David Pirouet
Chairman of the Risk and Audit Committee
15 April 2020
Corporate Governance
The Board of EPE Special Opportunities is pleased to update shareholders of the Company's compliance with the 2018 Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (the "QCA Code").
The Company is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, ethical practices and regulatory compliance. The Board believe that these standards are vital to generate long-term, sustainable value for the Company's shareholders. In particular the Board is concerned that the Company is governed in a manner to allow ef cient and effective decision making, with robust risk management procedures.
As an investment vehicle, the Company is reliant upon its service providers for many of its operations. The Board maintains ongoing and rigorous review of these providers. Speci cally the Board reviews the governance and compliance of these entities to ensure they meet the high standards of the Company.
The Board is dedicated to upholding these high standards and will look to strengthen the Company's governance on an ongoing basis.
The Company's compliance with the QCA Code on the Company's website (www.epespecialopportunities.com ). The Company will provide annual updates on changes to compliance with the QCA Code.
Clive Spears
Chairman
15 April 2020
Report of the Directors
Principal activity
The Company was incorporated in the Isle of Man as a company limited by shares under the Laws with registered number 108834C on 25 July 2003. On 23 July 2012, the Company re-registered under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, with registration number 008597V. On 11 September 2018, the Company re-registered under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, with registration number 53954. The Company's ordinary shares are quoted on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, and the Growth Market of the Aquis Stock Exchange (formerly the NEX Exchange).
The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries and its associates is to arrange income yielding financing for growth, buyout and special situations and holding the investments with a view to exiting in due course at a profit.
Incorporation
The Company was incorporated on 25 July 2003 and on 11 September 2018, registered under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. The Company's registered office is:
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda.
Details of subsidiaries are provided in note 23.
Place of business
During the year, the Company changed the place of business on 31 October 2019 and has solely operated out of and has been controlled from:
Liberation House, Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey JE1 2LH
Between 17 May 2017 and 31 October 2019, the Company solely operated out of and was controlled from:
Ordnance House, 31 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8PW
Results of the financial year
Results for the year are set out in the Statements of Comprehensive Income on page 47 and in the Statement of Changes in Equity on page 49.
Dividends
The Board does not recommend a dividend in relation to the current year (2019: nil) (see note 10 for further details).
Corporate governance principles
The Directors, place a high degree of importance on ensuring that the Company maintains high standards of Corporate Governance and have therefore adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance 2018 Corporate Governance Code (the "QCA Code").
The Board holds at least four meetings annually and has established Audit and Risk and Investment committees. The Board does not intend to establish remuneration and nomination committees given the current composition of the Board and the nature of the Company's operations. The Board reviews annually the remuneration of the Directors and agrees on the level of Directors' fees.
Composition of the Board
The Board currently comprises five non-executive directors, all of whom are independent. Clive Spears is Chairman of the Board, David Pirouet is Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and Nicholas Wilson is Chairman of the Investment Committee.
Audit and Risk Committee
The activities of the Audit and Risk Committee continued, members of which are David Pirouet (Chairman of the Committee) and all the other Directors. The Audit and Risk Committee provides a forum through which the Company's external auditors report to the Board.
The Audit and Risk Committee meets twice a year, at a minimum, and is responsible for considering the appointment and fee of the external auditors and for agreeing the scope of the audit and reviewing its findings. It is responsible for monitoring compliance with accounting and legal requirements, ensuring that an effective system of internal controls is maintained and for reviewing annual and interim financial statements of the Company before their submission for approval by the Board. The Audit and Risk Committee has adopted and complied with the extended terms of reference implemented on the Company's readmission in August 2010, as reviewed by the Board from time to time.
The Board is satisfied that the Audit and Risk Committee contains members with sufficient recent and relevant financial experience.
Investment Committee
The Board established an Investment Committee, which comprises Nicholas Wilson (Chairman of the Committee) and all the other Directors. The purpose of this committee is to review the portfolio of the Company, new investment opportunities and evaluate the performance of the Investment Advisor.
The Board is satisfied that the Investment Committee contains members with sufficient recent and relevant financial experience.
Significant holdings
Significant shareholdings are analysed on page 71. The Directors are not aware of any other holdings greater than 3% of issued shares.
Directors
The Directors of the Company holding office during the financial year and to date are:
Mr. C.L. Spears (Chairman)
Mr. R.B.M. Quayle
Mr. N.V. Wilson
Ms. H. Bestwick
Mr. D.R. Pirouet (appointed on 21 June 2019)
Mr. G.O. Vero (until 21 May 2019)
Staff
At 31 January 2020 the Company employed no staff (2019: none).
Auditors
Our Auditors, KPMG Audit LLC, being eligible, have expressed their willingness to continue in office.
On behalf of the Board
Heather Bestwick
Director
15 April 2020
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The Directors are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange they are required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (IFRS as adopted by the EU), as applicable to a Bermuda company and applicable law.
The Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its profit or loss for that period. In preparing the Company's financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; -- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable; -- state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU;
-- assess the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and
-- use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Bermuda Companies Act. They are responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in Bermuda governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of EPE Special Opportunities Limited
1 Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of EPE Special Opportunities Limited ("the Company") For the year ended 31 January 2020 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including the accounting policies in note 3.
In our opinion the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 January 2020 and of the Company's loss for the year then ended;
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS as adopted by the EU)
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) ("ISAs (UK)") and applicable law. Our responsibilities are described below. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of the Company in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion.
2 Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. We identified one key audit matter in arriving at our audit opinion above. The key audit matter was as set out below. This key audit matter and the risk significance of this matter is unchanged from 2019.
The risk Our response
Valuation of unquoted Subjective valuation: Our procedures included:
investments:
GBP25.4m (2019: GBP14.2m). 30% of the Company's Control design :
underlying investment Documenting and assessing the
Refer to Significant portfolio (by value) design and implementation of
accounting matters identified is held in investments the investment valuation processes
by and loans where no quoted and controls;
the Audit and Risk Committee market price is available.
set out above, note 3
(accounting policies); Unquoted investments Methodology choice :
note 2d (estimates and are measured at fair In the context of observed
judgements), note 11 value, which is established industry best practice and
(investments at fair in accordance with the the provisions of the International
value through profit International Private Private Equity and Venture
or loss), note 12 (fair Equity and Venture Capital Capital Valuation Guidelines,
value of financial instruments) Valuation Guidelines we challenged the appropriateness
and note 20 (financial by using measurements of the valuation basis selected;
instruments disclosures), of value such as prices
note 24 (subsequent events of recent orderly transactions, Our valuations experience
- COVID-19). trading comparable multiples :
and net assets. Challenging the investment
The effect of these advisor on key judgements affecting
matters is that, as investee company valuations,
part of our risk assessment, such as discount factors and
we determined that the the choice of benchmark for
valuation of unquoted earnings and sales multiples.
investments has a high We compared key underlying
degree of estimation financial data inputs to external
uncertainty, with a sources and investee company
potential range of reasonable management information as applicable.
outcomes greater than We challenged the assumptions
our materiality for around sustainability of earnings
the financial statements based on the plans of the investee
as a whole, and possibly companies and whether these
many times that amount. are achievable. Our work included
The financial statements consideration of events which
(note 12) disclose the occurred subsequent to the
range estimated by the year end up until the date
Company. Also as disclosed of this audit report;
in note 24 in respect
of subsequent events, Assessing transparency :
the impacts of COVID-19 Consideration of the appropriateness,
have accelerated since in accordance with relevant
the year end and the accounting standards, of the
outlook remains uncertain disclosures in respect of unquoted
in this regard. investments and the effect
of changing one or more inputs
to reasonably possible alternative
valuation assumptions.
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
3 Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the financial statements as a whole was set at GBP800,000, determined with reference to a benchmark of Company's total assets, of which it represents 1%.
In the prior year, Group materiality was set at GBP1,790,000, determined with reference to a benchmark of the Company's net assets, of which it represented 3%.
The benchmark used for materiality was changed as a result of a reassessment of the benchmark which is most relevant to users of the financial statements.
We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding GBP40,000 (2019: GBP89,500) for Company's financial statements, in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
4 We have nothing to report on going concern
The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Company or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Company's financial position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements ("the going concern period").
Our responsibility is to conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors' conclusions and, had there been a material uncertainty related to going concern, to make reference to that in this audit report. However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor's report is not a guarantee that the Company will continue in operation.
In our evaluation of the Directors' conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Company's business model and analysed how those risks might affect the Company's financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period. We evaluated those risks and concluded that they were not significant enough to require us to perform additional audit procedures.
Based on this work, we are required to report to you if we have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting is inappropriate or there is an undisclosed material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt over the use of that basis for a period of at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
We have nothing to report in these respects, and we did not identify going concern as a key audit matter.
5 We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report
The Directors are responsible for the information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information.
6 Respective responsibilities
Directors' responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out above, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor's report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.
A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities .
7 The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
KPMG Audit LLC
Chartered Accountants
Heritage Court
41 Athol Street Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 1LA
15 April 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 January 2020
31 January 31 January
2020 2019
Revenue Capital Total Total
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Income
4 Interest income 101,566 - 101,566 276,328
Gains/(losses) on investments
at fair value through profit
11 or loss - 39,568,491 39,568,491 (3,864,447)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total income/(loss) 101,566 39,568,491 39,670,057 (3,588,119)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Expenses
5 Investment advisor's fees (1,642,504) - (1,642,504) (1,137,117)
6 Directors' fees (154,264) - (154,264) (154,000)
7 Share based payment expense (71,158) - (71,158) (120,544)
8 Other expenses (1,257,703) - (1,257,703) (1,202,297)
Total expense (3,125,629) - (3,125,629) (2,613,958)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Profit/(loss) before finance
costs and tax (3,024,063) 39,568,491 36,544,428 (6,202,077)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Finance charges
Interest on unsecured loan
15 note instruments (319,685) - (319,685) (469,225)
Profit/(loss) for the year
before taxation (3,343,748) 39,568,491 36,224,743 (6,671,302)
9 Taxation - - - -
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Profit/(loss) for the year (3,343,748) 39,568,491 36,224,743 (6,671,302)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Other comprehensive income - - - -
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income/(loss) (3,343,748) 39,568,491 36,224,743 (6,671,302)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Basic earnings/(loss) per
17 ordinary share (pence) (10.42) 123.28 112.86 (23.47)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Diluted earnings/(loss) per
17 ordinary share (pence) (10.42) 123.28 112.86 (23.47)
---------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
The total column of this statement represents the Company's Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Supplementary revenue and capital return columns are prepared in accordance with the Board of Directors' agreed principles. All items derive from continuing activities.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
At 31 January 2020
31 January 31 January
2020 2019
Note GBP GBP
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through profit
11 or loss 83,382,923 34,793,620
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
83,382,923 34,793,620
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current assets
13 Cash and cash equivalents 25,604,783 29,125,615
Trade and other receivables 235,211 301,728
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
25,839,994 29,427,343
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
14 Trade and other payables (1,028,704) (492,878)
Net current assets 24,811,290 28,934,465
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
15 Unsecured loan note instruments (3,936,217) (3,915,612)
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(3,936,217) (3,915,612)
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net assets 104,257,996 59,812,473
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Equity
16 Share capital 1,726,953 1,503,286
Share premium 13,489,826 3,867,209
Capital reserve 84,285,434 44,716,943
Revenue reserve 4,755,783 9,725,035
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total equity 104,257,996 59,812,473
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
18 Net asset value per share (pence) 317.18 205.19
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15 April 2020 and signed on its behalf by:
Clive Spears David Pirouet
Director Director
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 January 2020
Year ended 31 January 2020
Capital Revenue
Share capital Share premium reserve reserve Total
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 1 February
2019 1,503,286 3,867,209 44,716,943 9,725,035 59,812,473
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for the
year - - 39,568,491 (3,343,748) 36,224,743
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share based payment
7 charge - - - 71,158 71,158
Share ownership scheme
participation - - - 64,980 64,980
Provision for future
14 issue of shares - - - (350,000) (350,000)
Purchase of shares - - - (1,411,642) (1,411,642)
16 Issue of new shares 223,667 9,622,617 - - 9,846,284
Total transactions with
owners 223,667 9,622,617 - (1,625,504) 8,220,780
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 31 January
2020 1,726,953 13,489,826 84,285,434 4,755,783 104,257,996
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Year ended 31 January 2019
Capital Revenue
Share capital Share premium reserve reserve Total
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 1 February
2018 1,503,286 3,867,209 48,581,390 12,390,969 66,342,854
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for the
year - - (3,864,447) (2,806,855) (6,671,302)
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share based payment
7 charge - - - 120,544 120,544
Share ownership scheme
participation - - - 20,377 20,377
Total transactions with
owners - - - 140,921 140,921
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 31 January
2019 1,503,286 3,867,209 44,716,943 9,725,035 59,812,473
------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 January 2020
31 January 31 January
2020 2019
Note GBP GBP
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating activities
Interest income received 17,574 187,516
Expenses paid (2,903,818) (2,591,918)
19 Net cash used in operating activities (2,886,244) (2,404,402)
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Investing activities
11 Purchase of investments (700,000) (3,008,113)
11 Sales of investments 942,505 -
11 Distributions 768,650 10,906,961
Net cash generated from investing activities 1,011,155 7,898,848
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Financing activities
Unsecured loan note repurchases - (3,987,729)
Unsecured loan note interest paid (299,080) (448,620)
Purchase of shares (1,411,642) -
Share ownership scheme participation 64,980 20,377
Net cash used in financing activities (1,645,742) (4,415,972)
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents (3,520,831) 1,078,474
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of year 29,125,615 28,047,141
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
13 year 25,604,783 29,125,615
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 January 2020
1 Operations
The Company was incorporated with limited liability in the Isle of Man on 25 July 2003. The Company then re-registered under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, with registration number 008597V. On 11 September 2018, the company re-registered under the Bermuda Companies Act 1981, with registration number 53954. The Company raised GBP30.0 million by a placing of ordinary shares at 100 pence per share. In 2009 the Company raised an additional GBP5.0 million by a placing of ordinary shares at 5 pence per share. During the year ended 31 January 2011, the Company issued a further GBP2.4 million in share capital. During the year ended 31 January 2016, the Company raised a further GBP0.25 million in share capital. The Company moved its operations to Jersey with immediate effect on 17 May 2017 and has subsequently operated from Jersey only.
The Company's ordinary shares are quoted on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, and the Growth Market of the Aquis Stock Exchange (formerly the NEX Exchange).
During the year ended 31 January 2020, the Company completed a corporate reorganisation. Subsequent to this reorganisation, the Company's portfolio investments are held in three associates (ESO Investments 1 Limited, ESO Investments 2 Limited and ESO Alternative Investments LP). The remainder of the Company's subsidiary companies and associates are to be dissolved or are in process of liquidation.
The Company has two wholly owned subsidiary companies (see note 23) and as at 31 January 2020, had interests in five partnerships and three limited company that are classified as associates, based upon the Company's economic interest (see note3(a)). As the company is an investment entity, interests in subsidiaries and associates are measured at fair value (see note 2(e)). The partnerships comprise one limited liability partnership and four limited partnerships.
The principal activity of the Company and its associates is to arrange income yielding financing for growth, buyout and special situations and holding the investments and its associates with a view to exiting in due course at a profit.
The financial statements comprise the results of the Company and its associates (see notes 3(a)).
The Company has no employees.
2 Basis of prepa ration a. Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations as adopted by the EU ("IFRS") and applicable legal and regulatory requirements of Bermuda law and reflect the following policies, which have been adopted and applied consistently, with the exception of the adoption of the following new standards and amendments to standards, including any consequential amendments to other standards, with a date of initial application of 1 January 2019:
a. IFRS 16: Leases b. IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments c. Amendments to IFRS 9: Prepayments Features with Negative Compensation d. Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures e. Amendments to IAS 19: Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement f. Annual improvements to IFRS - 2015-2017 cycle - various standards
The adoption of the above new standards has had no significant impact on the Company's measurement of its assets and liabilities, and no impact on the disclosures included in the financial statements.
b. Basis of measurement
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss which are measured at fair value.
c. Functional and presentation currency
These financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company's functional currency. All financial information presented in Sterling has been rounded to the nearest pound.
'Functional currency' is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The expenses (including investment advisory and administration fees) are denominated and paid in sterling. Accordingly, management has determined that the functional currency of the Company is sterling.
d. Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires Directors and the Investment Advisor to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Directors have, to the best of their ability, provided as true and fair a view as is possible. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Judgements made by Directors and the Investment Advisor in the application of IFRS that have a significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year relate to the determination of fair value of financial instruments with significant unobservable inputs (see note 12).
Brexit
The economic effects felt by the UK from the exit from the EU remain dependent on the outcome of trade negotiations with the EU. In the event that a comprehensive free trade agreement is reached, it is expected that UK economic performance will stabilise. Whilst the exact terms of the future EU relationship is yet to be finalised, the Board have made an assessment of the potential effect on the Company and do not believe that Brexit will have a material impact on the investment activities of the Company at this point in time, although the risk posed remains uncertain.
e. Changes in presentation
The Company meets the definition of an investment entity under IFRS 10, and therefore holds investments in subsidiaries at fair value, rather than consolidating them. The Company also holds investments in associates at fair value. Investments in subsidiaries and associates are classified as fair value through profit and loss, in accordance with IFRS 9. As a result of this, presentational changes have been made to the financial statements. These changes have also been reflected in the comparative information. A summary of the amendments made are as follows:
-- Changes to presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Cash Flows to report the performance of the company in the most appropriate format.
-- The presentation of investments in and loans to associates has been changed in order to present these balances in one line in each of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Comprehensive Income, being 'Investments at fair value through profit or loss' and 'Gain/loss on investments' respectively. Following re-presentation, the net assets of the company remained unchanged.
3 Significant accounting policies a. Basis of treatment of subsidiaries and associates
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to effect those returns through its power over the investee.
Subsidiaries that provide investment related services or engage in permitted investment related activities with investees continue to be consolidated unless they are also investment entities. The Board has concluded that the company meets the definition of an investment entity and its subsidiaries are held at fair value through profit or loss.
Associates
Associates are those enterprises over which the Company has significant influence, and which are neither subsidiaries nor an interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is exerted when the Company has the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decision of the investee, but is not in control or joint control over those policies.
The Company holds a number of investments in entities over which it has significant influence which meet the definition of associates in IAS 28 Investment in Associates. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption from applying IAS 28 as these investments are held as part of the Company's portfolio with a view to the ultimate realisation of capital gains. The Company holds investments in associates at fair value rather than being equity accounted.
The Company holds interests in ESO Investments 1 LP, ESO Alternative Investments LP, ESO Investments (PC) LLP, ESO Investments (DP) Limited, ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited which are managed and controlled by parties related to EPIC Private Equity LLP for the benefit of the Company and the other members. The Company does not have the ability to direct the activities of ESO Investments 1 LP, ESO Alternative Investments LP, ESO Investments (PC) LLP, ESO Investments (DP) Limited, ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited. The Directors consider that ESO Investments 1 LP, ESO Alternative Investments LP, ESO Investments (PC) LLP, ESO Investments (DP) Limited, ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited do not meet the definition of subsidiaries. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption from applying IAS 28 and interest in associates are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss rather than being equity accounted.
b. Segmental reporting
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business and geographic area being arranging financing for growth, buyout and special situations in the United Kingdom. Information presented to the Board of Directors for the purpose of decision making is based on this single segment.
c. Income
Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. Dividend income is accounted for when the right to receive such income is established.
d. Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accrual basis.
e. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprises of current cash deposits with banks only.
f. Finance charges
Other finance charges are recognised as an expense.
g. Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are stated at amortised cost in accordance with IFRS 9.
h. Unsecured loan note instruments
Unsecured loan note instruments are stated at amortised cost in accordance with IFRS 9.
i. Financial assets and financial liabilities
i. Classification
Financial assets
When the company first recognises a financial asset, it classifies it based on the business model for managing the asset and the asset's contractual cash flow characteristics, as follows:
-- Amortised cost-a financial asset is measured at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:
- the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and
- the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
-- Fair value through other comprehensive income-financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if they are held in a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets.
-- Fair value through profit or loss-any financial assets that are not held in one of the two business models mentioned are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
When, and only when, the company changes its business model for managing financial assets it must reclassify all affected financial assets.
Financial liabilities
All financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. Such liabilities include derivatives (other than derivatives that are financial guarantee contracts or are designated and effective hedging instruments), other liabilities held for trading, and liabilities that an entity designates to be measured at fair value through profit or loss.
ii. Recognition
The Company recognises financial assets and financial liabilities on the date it becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
iii. Measurement
Equity and debt investments, including those held by associates, are stated at fair value. Loans and Receivables are stated at amortised cost less any impairment losses.
The Investment Advisor determines asset values using IPEV guidelines and other valuation methods with reference to the valuation principles of IFRS 13. The valuation principles adopted are classified as Level 3 for unquoted investments and Level 1 for quoted investments in the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. IPEV guidelines recommend the use of comparable quoted company metrics and comparable transaction metrics to determine an appropriate enterprise value, to which a marketability discount is applied given the illiquid nature of private equity investments. The Investment Advisor also seeks to confirm value using discounted cash flow and other methods of valuation, and by applying a range approach. The Investment Advisor then seeks to determine whether holding the investment at cost is appropriate given the implied value, or whether an adjustment should be made to achieve fair value: whether this be in the form of an impairment or a write-up.
'Fair value' is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or, in its absence, the most advantages market to which the Company has access at that date. The fair value of a liability reflects its non-performance risk.
When available, the Company measures the fair value of an instrument using the quoted price in an active market for that instrument. A market is regarded as 'active' if transactions for the asset or liability take place with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The Company measures instruments quoted in an active market at mid-price.
If there is no quoted price in an active market, then the Company uses valuation techniques that maximise the use of relevant observable inputs and minimise the use of unobservable inputs. The chosen valuation technique incorporates all of the factors that market participants would take into account in pricing a transaction.
The Company recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.
The amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which the financial asset or financial liability is measured at initial recognition, minus principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between the initial amount recognised and the maturity amount, minus any reduction for impairment. Financial assets that are not carried at fair value though profit and loss are subject to an impairment test. For loans to portfolio companies the impairment test is undertaken as part of the assessment of the fair value of the enterprise value of the related business, as described above. If expected life cannot be determined reliably, then the contractual life is used.
iv. Impairment
12-month expected credit losses
12-month expected credit losses are calculated by multiplying the probability of a default occurring in the next 12 months with the total (lifetime) expected credit losses that would result from that default, regardless of when those losses occur. Therefore, 12-month expected credit losses represent a financial asset's lifetime expected credit losses that are expected to arise from default events that are possible within the 12 month period following origination of an asset, or from each reporting date for those assets in initial recognition stage.
Lifetime expected credit losses
Lifetime expected credit losses are the present value of expected credit losses that arise if a borrower defaults on its obligation at any point throughout the term of a lender's financial asset (that is, all possible default events during the term of the financial asset are included in the analysis). Lifetime expected credit losses are calculated based on a weighted average of expected credit losses, with the weightings being based on the respective probabilities of default.
v. Derecognition
The Company derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or it transfers the financial asset and the transfer qualifies for derecognition in accordance with IFRS 9.
The Company uses the weighted average method to determine realised gains and losses on derecognition. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.
j. Share capital
Ordinary share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.
Repurchase of share capital (treasury shares)
When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity. When treasury shares are sold or reissued subsequently, the amount received is recognised as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to/from retained earnings.
k. Joint share ownership plan ("JSOP") and share based payments
Directors of the Company and certain employees of the Investment Advisor (together "Participants") receive remuneration in the form of equity-settled share-based payment transactions, through a JSOP Scheme.
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value is determined based on the share price of the equity instrument at the grant date. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. The instruments are subject to a three year service vesting condition from the grant date, and their fair value is recognised as an employee bene t expense with a corresponding increase in retained earnings within equity over the vesting period. Contributions received from employees as part of the JSOP arrangement are recognised directly in equity.
The assets (other than investments in the Company's shares), liabilities, income and expenses of the trust established to operate the JSOP scheme (the "Trust") are held at fair value through pro t or loss. The Trust's investment in the Company's shares is deducted from shareholders' funds in the Statement of asset and liabilities as if they were treasury shares (see note 7).
l. Future changes in accounting policies
A number of new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2019 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Company has not early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these financial statements.
The following amended standards and interpretations are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.
a) Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards. b) Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3). c) Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8). d) IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts. e) Insert Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7).
The Directors do not expect the adoption of the standards and interpretations to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements in the period of initial application.
4 Interest income
2020 2019
Company Company
GBP GBP
---------------------- -------- --------
Cash balances 17,574 17,711
Bond interest income 83,992 258,617
----------------------- -------- --------
Total 101,566 276,328
----------------------- -------- --------
5 Investment advisory, administration and performance fees
Investment advisory fees
As agreed on the 31 August 2010, the investment advisory fee payable to EPIC Private Equity LLP ("EPE") is calculated at 2% of the Company's Net Asset Value ("NAV"), with a minimum of GBP325,000 payable per annum.
On 9 September 2019, the Company revised the investment advisory fee payable to EPE. From the date of the revision, investment advisory fee shall be calculated as 2% of the Company's NAV where the Company's NAV is less than GBP100 million; otherwise the investment advisory fee shall be calculated as the greater of GBP2.0 million or the sum of 2% of the Company's NAV comprising Level 3 portfolio assets (i.e. unquoted assets), 1% of the Company's NAV comprising Level 1 assets (i.e. quoted assets), no fees on assets which are managed or advised by a third-party manager, 0.5% of the Company's net cash (if greater than nil), and 2% of the Company's net cash (if less than nil) (i.e. reducing fees for net debt positions).
The charge for the current year was GBP1,642,504 (2019: GBP1,137,117). The amount outstanding as at 31 January 2020 was GBP500,000 (2019: GBP308,454) (see note 14).
Administration fees
On 17 May 2018, and concurrent with the move of the Company's operations to Jersey, R&H Fund Services (Jersey) Limited ("R&H") were appointed as the Company's administrators.
On 31 October 2019 Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited were appointed as the Company's administrators, replacing R&H from that date.
The provision of accounting and financial administration services is with the EPE Administration Limited. The fee payable to EPEA is at a rate of 0.15% per annum of the Company's NAV.
On 9 September 2019, the Company revised the fee payable to EPE Administration Limited. From the date of the revision, fee shall be calculated as 0.15% of the Company's NAV where the Company's NAV is less than GBP100 million (subject to a minimum fee of GBP35,000); otherwise the advisory fee shall be calculated as 0.15% of GBP100 million plus a fee of 0.1% of the excess of the Company's NAV above GBP100 million.
The charge for the current year was GBP125,732 (year ended 31 January 2019: GBP88,438).
Other administration fees during the year was GBP72,499 (2019: 60,128).
Performance fees
During the year ended 31 January 2020, as part of the buyout of carried interest entitlement and accrual in ESO Investments 1 LP, the assets of ESO Investments 1 LP were transferred to new holding companies, ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited, with revised performance fee structures. It has been agreed that legacy holding vehicles, which no longer hold portfolio assets, will be dissolved and no material performance fees are outstanding or will accrue before dissolution.
Acquisition of carried interest in ESO 1 LP
On 9 May 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the carried interest entitlement and outstanding accrual in ESO Investments 1 LP from the Investment Advisor (and related parties). The total consideration of GBP9,846,284 paid through issuance of 4,473,347 ordinary shares in the Company, issued at 220.11 pence each. As a result, the Company owns 100% of the limited partner interest in ESO 1 LP and there was no carried interest at 31 January 2020 (year ended 31 January 2019: Balance of GBP6,796,947). The charge for carried interest for the year was GBP3,049,337.
Profit share in ESO Investments 1 Limited
The distribution policy of ESO Investments 1 Limited includes an allocation of profits to the Investment Advisor such that, for each investment where a returns hurdle of 8% per annum has been achieved, the Investment Advisor is entitled to receive 20% of the increase in the base value of investment. For the year ended 31 January 2020, GBP2,718,340 has been credited to the profit share account of the Investment Advisor in the records of ESO Investments 1 Limited.
Profit share in ESO Investments 2 Limited
The distribution policy of ESO Investments 2 Limited includes an allocation of profit to the Investment Advisor such that, for each investment where a returns hurdle of 8% per annum has been achieved, the Investment Advisor is entitled to receive 20% of the increase in the base value of investment. For the year ended 31 January 2020, GBP4,726,677 has been credited to the profit share account of the Investment Advisor in the records of ESO Investments 2 Limited.
6 Director's fees
2020 2020 2019 2019
Share based Share based
Company payment Company payment
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------
G.O. Vero 16,000 - 32,000 5,709
R.B.M. Quayle 30,000 4,062 30,000 2,614
C.L. Spears (Chairman) 32,000 1,899 32,000 2,614
N.V. Wilson 30,000 1,899 30,000 2,614
H. Bestwick 30,000 - 30,000 -
D.R. Pirouet 16,264 - - -
------------------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------
Total 154,264 7,860 154,000 13,551
------------------------- -------- ------------ -------- ------------
In addition to above, during the year, C.L. Spears and H. Bestwick, received Director's fees for their directorship in ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited amounting to GBP1,943 each.
7 Share based payment expense
The cost of equity settled transactions Participants of the JSOP Scheme is measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they are granted. The fair value is determined based on the share price of the equity instrument at the grant date.
The Trust was created to award shares to Participants as part of the JSOP. Participants are awarded a certain number of shares ("Matching Shares") which are subject to a three year service vesting condition from the grant date. In order to receive their Matching Share allocation Participants are required to purchase shares in the Company on the open market ("Bought Shares").The Participant will then be entitled to acquire a joint ownership interest in the Matching Shares for the payment of a nominal amount, on the basis of one joint ownership interest in one Matching Share for every Bought Share they acquire in the relevant award period.
The Trust holds the Matching Shares jointly with the Participant until the award vests. These shares carry the same rights as rest of the ordinary shares.
The Trust held 956,569 (2019: 1,035,624) matching shares at the year end which have traditionally not voted (see note 6).
During the year, no shares were issued to Trust for the JSOP scheme (2019: 849,626). 79,055 shares were vested during the year to the JSOP participants (2019: 234,052). 856,058 shares (in part covering historic years) were awarded to the participants in the year ending 31 January 2020 (2019: nil).
The amount expensed in the income statement has been calculated by reference to the grant date at a fair value of the equity instrument and the estimated number of equity instruments to be issued after the vesting period, less the amount
paid for the joint ownership interest in the Matching Shares. The total expense recognised on the share based payments during the year amounts to GBP71,158 (2019: GBP120,544).
8 Other expenses
The breakdown of other expenses presented in the statement of comprehensive income is as follows:
31 January 2020 31 January 2019
Total Total
GBP GBP
------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------
Administration fees (198,231) (148,566)
Directors' and officers' insurance (22,665) (11,705)
Professional fees (780,440) (855,046)
Board meeting and travel expenses (16,425) (12,340)
Auditors' remuneration (50,000) (35,217)
Bank charges (1,095) (1,008)
Irrecoverable VAT (600) -
Sundry expenses (48,557) (40,183)
Nominated advisor and broker fees (55,740) (57,758)
Listing fees (81,591) (38,425) Net foreign exchange loss (2,360) (2,049) ------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- Other expenses (1,257,703) (1,202,297) ------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
For the year ended 31 January 2020, the total remuneration of the auditors for the Company and associate undertakings was GBP58,500 (2019: GBP56,100).
This remuneration was recognised in the profit and loss account of the Company as GBP50,000 (2019: GBP35,217) and associate undertakings as GBP8,500 (2019: GBP20,883).
9 Taxation
The Company is a tax resident of Jersey and is subject to 0% corporation tax (2019: 0%).
The Limited Liability Partnerships and Limited Partnerships are transparent for tax purposes.
ESO Investments (DP) Limited is tax resident in the United Kingdom and did not have any tax charge in the current year.
ESO Investments 1 Limited and ESO Investments 2 Limited are tax resident in Jersey and are subject to 0% corporation tax.
10 Dividends paid and proposed
No dividends were paid or proposed for the year ended 31 January 2020 (2019: GBPnil).
11 Investments at fair value through profit or loss
31 January
31 January 2020 2019
GBP GBP
Investments at fair value through
profit and loss 83,382,923 34,793,620
83,382,923 34,793,620
----------------------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Investment roll forward schedule
31 January
2020
GBP
Investments at 31 January 2019 34,793,620
Purchase of investments 700,000
Sale of investments (942,505)
Distributions (768,650)
Buy out of accrued carried interest 9,846,284
Fair value movements 39,568,491
Loan to associates 185,683
Investments at 31 January 2020 83,382,923
--------------------------------------- -----------
12 Fair value of financial instruments
The Company determines the fair value of financial instruments with reference to IPEV guidelines and the valuation principles of IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement). The Company measures fair value using the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy, which reflects the significance and certainty of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of an asset:
-- Level 1: Inputs that are quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments;
-- Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). This category includes instruments valued using quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are considered less than active or other valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data;
-- Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable. This category includes all instruments for which the valuation technique includes inputs not based on observable data and the unobservable inputs have a significant effect on the instrument's valuation. This category includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments but for which significant unobservable adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments.
Valuation framework
The Company employs the valuation framework detailed below with respect to the measurement of fair values. A valuation of the Company's investments is prepared by the Investment Advisor with reference to IPEV guidelines and the valuation principles of IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement). The Investment Advisor recommends these valuations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors considers the valuations recommended by the Investment Advisor, determines any amendments required and thereafter adopts the fair values presented in the Company's financial statements.
Quoted equity investments
Quoted investments traded in an active market are classified as Level 1 in the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. The Company's investment in Luceco is considered as a Level 1 asset. For Level 1 assets, the Company calculates the holding value from the latest market price (without adjustment).
Unquoted private equity investments and third party fund investments
Private equity investments and third party fund investments are classified as Level 3 in the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. The Company's investments in Whittard, David Phillips, Pharmacy2U and European Capital Private Debt Fund are considered to be Level 3 assets. Various valuation techniques may be applied in determining the fair value of investments held as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy;
-- For recently acquired assets, the Company considers the investment cost an applicable fair value for the asset;
-- For underperforming assets, the Company considers the net asset or recovery valuation more applicable, in particular where the business' performance be contingent on shareholder financial support;
-- For performing assets, the Company considers the market approach to be the most appropriate with a specific focus on trading comparables, applied on a forward basis. The Company will also consider transaction comparables, applied on a historic basis;
-- For assets managed and valued by third party managers, the Company reviews the valuation methodology of the third party manager. If deemed appropriate and consistent with the Company's reporting standards, the Company will use the valuation prepared by the third party manager.
The Investment Advisor believe that it is appropriate to apply an illiquidity discount to the multiples of comparable companies when using them to calculate valuations for small, private companies. This discount adjusts for the difference in size between generally larger comparable companies and the smaller assets being valued. The illiquidity discount also incorporates the premium the market gives to comparable companies for being freely traded or listed securities. The Investment Advisor has determined between 15% and 25% to be an appropriate illiquidity discount with reference to market data and transaction multiples seen in the market in which the Investment Advisor operates.
Where portfolio investments are held through subsidiary/associate holding companies, the net assets of the holding company are added to the value of the portfolio investment being assessed (net of any profit share, see note 5) to derive the fair value of the holding company held by the Company.
Fair value hierarchy - Financial instruments measured at fair value
The table below analyses the underlying investments held by the associates measured at fair value at the reporting date by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value measurement is categorised. Debt securities are also included, as these are also stated at fair value with the Board assessing the fair value of the total investment, which includes debt and equity. The amounts are based on the values recognised in the statement of financial position of the associates. All fair value measurements below are recurring.
Level 1 Level 3 Total
31 January 2020 GBP GBP GBP
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss
Unquoted private equity investments
(including debt) - 14,024,146 14,024,146
Third party private debt fund investment - 1,512,259 1,512,259
Quoted private equity investments 57,227,830 - 57,227,830
Debt securities, unlisted - 9,868,825 9,868,825
Investments at fair value through profit
or loss 57,227,830 25,405,230 82,633,060
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other asset and liabilities - 749,863 749,863
Total investments at fair value through
profit or loss` 57,227,830 26,155,093 83,382,923
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Level 1 Level 3 Total
31 January 2019 GBP GBP GBP
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss
Unquoted private equity investments
(including debt) - 1,087,680 1,087,680
Third party private debt fund investment - 2,043,303 2,043,303
Quoted private equity investments 18,753,797 - 18,753,797
Debt securities, unlisted - 11,078,357 11,078,357
Investments at fair value through profit
or loss 18,753,797 14,209,340 32,963,137
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Other asset and liabilities - 1,830,483 1,830,483
Total investments at fair value through
profit or loss 18,753,797 16,039,823 34,793,620
------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
The following table, detailing the value of portfolio investments only, shows a reconciliation of the opening balances to the closing balances for fair value measurements in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the underlying investments held by the associates.
31 January 2020 31 January
2019
Unlisted private equity investments (including GBP GBP
debt)
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------
Balance as at 1 February 14,209,340 21,830,645
Additional investments 700,000 3,100,000
Disposal of investments - (11,012,405)
Capital distributions from investments (247,693) (286,432)
Change in fair value through
profit & loss 10,743,583 577,532
Balance as at 31 January 25,405,230 14,209,340
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------- --------------
Disposal of investments relate to sale of investments in P2U Holdings Limited and Process Components Limited during the year ended 31 January 2019
Significant unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value
The table below sets out information about significant unobservable inputs used at 31 January 2020 in measuring financial instruments categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Description Fair value Valuation technique
at
31 January
2020
----------------------------------------- --------------------
GBP
----------------------------------------- ------------ --------------------
Unquoted private equity investments 23,892,971 Sales/EBITDA
(including debt) multiple
Third party private debt fund investment 1,512,259 Reported net
asset value
----------------------------------------- ------------ --------------------
Significant unobservable inputs are developed as follows:
-- Trading comparable multiple: valuation multiples used by other market participants when pricing comparable assets. Relevant comparable assets are selected from public companies determined to be proximate to the Company's investment based on similarity of sector, size, geography or other relevant factors. The valuation multiple for a comparable company is determined by calculating the enterprise value of the company implied by its market price as at the reporting date and dividing by the relevant financial metric (sales or EBITDA).
-- Recovery valuation: the value estimated to able to be recovered by stakeholders in the event of the trade out of the business. The total amount available to be distributed is determined by calculating the value able to be realised from the liquidation of the business' assets and the sale of any ring fenced divisions.
-- Reported net asset value: for assets managed and valued by a third party, the manager provides the Company with periodic valuations of the Company's investment. The Company reviews the valuation methodology of the third party manager. If deemed appropriate and consistent with the Company's reporting standards, the Board will adopt the valuation prepared by the third party manger.
Although management believes that its estimates of fair value are appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could lead to different measurements of fair value. For fair value measurements of Level 3 assets, changing one or more of the assumptions used to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would have the following effects on the Level 3 investment valuations:
-- For the Company's investment in mature Level 3 assets, the valuations used in the preparation of the financial statements imply an average EV to EBITDA multiple of 5.6x (weighted by each asset's total valuation) (2019: 5.3x). The key unobservable inputs into the preparation of the valuation of mature Level 3 assets was the EV to EBITDA multiple applied to the asset's financial forecasts. If these inputs had been taken to be 25% higher, the value of the Level 3 assets and profit for the year would have been GBP5,043,129 higher. If these inputs had been taken to be 25% lower, the value of the Level 3 assets and profit for the year would have been GBP5,074,562 lower. A corresponding increase or decrease in the asset's financial forecasts would have a similar impact on the Company's assets and profit.
-- For the Company's investment in growth Level 3 assets, the valuations used in the preparation of the financial statements imply an average EV to sales multiple of 0.5x (weighted by each asset's total valuation) (2019: 0.2x). The key unobservable inputs into the preparation of the valuation of growth Level 3 assets were the EV to sales multiple applied to the asset's financial forecasts. If these inputs had been taken to be 25% higher, the value of the Level 3 assets and profit for the year would have been GBP221,399 higher. If these inputs had been taken to be 25% lower, the value of the Level 3 assets and profit for the year would have been GBP221,399 lower. A corresponding increase or decrease in the asset's financial forecasts would have a similar impact on the Company's assets and profit.
Classification of financial assets and liabilities
The table below sets out the classifications of the carrying amounts of the Company's financial assets and liabilities into categories of financial instruments.
31 January 2020
At amortised
At fair value cost Total
Financial assets GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Investments at fair value
through profit or loss 83,382,923 - 83,382,923
Cash and cash equivalents - 25,604,783 25,604,783
Trade and other receivables - 235,211 235,211
83,382,923 25,839,994 109,222,917
============== ============= =============
Financial liabilities
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Trade and other payables - 678,704 678,704
Unsecured loan note instruments - 3,936,217 3,936,217
- 4,614,921 4,614,921
============== ============= =============
31 January 2019
At amortised
At fair value cost Total
Financial assets GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Investments at fair value
through profit or loss 34,793,620 - 34,793,620
Cash and cash equivalents - 29,125,615 29,125,615
Trade and other receivables - 301,728 301,728
34,793,620 29,427,343 64,220,963
============== ============= =============
Financial liabilities
--------------------------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Trade and other payables - 492,878 492,878
Unsecured loan note instruments - 3,915,612 3,915,612
- 4,408,490 4,408,490
============== ============= =============
13 Cash and cash equivalents
2020 2019
GBP GBP
--------------------------- ----------- -----------
Current and call accounts 25,604,783 29,125,615
--------------------------- ----------- -----------
25,604,783 29,125,615
--------------------------- ----------- -----------
The current and call accounts have been classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Statement of Cash Flows.
The Company has total liquidity of GBP26.4 million, inclusive of GBP0.8 million cash held by underlying associates in which the Company is the sole investor.
14 Trade and other payables
2020 2019
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------- ---------- --------
Trade payables - 50,176
Accrued administration fee 38,569 7,726
Accrued audit fee 24,136 12,224
Accrued professional fee 103,166 101,465
Accrued investment advisor fees 500,000 308,454
Accrued Directors' fees 12,833 12,833
Provision for future issue of shares 350,000 -
Total 1,028,704 492,878
--------------------------------------- ---------- --------
15 Non-current liabilities
On 23 July 2015, the Company raised GBP4,500,000 via a placing of a Unsecured Loan Note ("ULN") instrument. Following the initial issuance of the ULNs, further notes were issued to investors such that on 31 January 2016 the Company had issued GBP7,975,459 in principal amount and the notes admitted to trading on the ISDX Growth Market on 29 January 2016. During the years ended 31 January 2017 and 31 January 2018 the Company issued no further notes such that on 31 January 2018 the Company had issued GBP7,975,459 in principal amount. On 31 July 2018, 50% of the outstanding ULNs in issue were redeemed such that GBP3,987,729 in principal amount was outstanding at the end of the period. The notes carry interest at 7.5% per annum. Issue costs totalling GBP144,236 have been offset against the value of the loan note instrument and are being amortised over the life of the instrument. The total amount expensed in the year ended 31 January 2020 was GBP20,605 (2019: GBP20,605). The carrying value of the ULNs in issue at the year-end was GBP3,936,217 (2019: GBP3,915,612). The total interest expense on the ULNs for the year is GBP319,685 (2019: GBP469,225). This includes the amortisation of the issue costs.
16 Share capital
At the year end 956,569 shares were held by the Trust (2019: 1,035,624) (see note 7).
2020 2020 2019 2019
Number GBP Number GBP
------------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
Authorised share capital
Ordinary shares of 5p each 45,000,000 2,250,000 45,000,000 2,250,000
-------------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
Called up, allotted and fully
paid
Ordinary shares of 5p each 34,539,061 1,726,953 30,065,714 1,503,286
Ordinary shares of 5p each
held in treasury (1,668,251) - (916,250) -
-------------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
32,870,810 1,726,953 29,149,464 1,503,286
------------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
During the year ended 31 January 2020, 4,473,347 ordinary shares of 5 pence each were issued at a price of 220.11 pence each in consideration for the acquisition for the carried interest entitlement and outstanding accrual in ESO Investments 1 LP (see note 5). Therefore, the share capital of the Company increased by GBP223,667 (nil as at 31 January 2019) and the share premium increased by GBP9,622,617 (nil as at 31 January 2019).
17 Basic and diluted profit per share (pence)
Basic profit per share is calculated by dividing the profit of the Company for the year attributable to the ordinary shareholders of GBP36,224,743 (2019: loss of GBP6,671,302) divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year of 32,095,510 after excluding treasury shares (2019: 28,420,881 shares).
Diluted profit per share is calculated by dividing the profit of the Company for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders of GBP36,224,743 (2019: loss of GBP6,671,302) divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, as adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, of 32,095,510 after excluding treasury shares (2019: 28,420,881 shares).
18 NAV per share (pence)
The Company's NAV per share of 317.18 pence (2019: 205.19 pence) is based on the net assets of the Company at the year-end of GBP104,257,996 (2019: GBP59,812,473) divided by the shares in issue at the end of the year of 32,870,810 after excluding treasury shares (2019: 29,149,464).
The Company's diluted NAV per share of 317.18 pence is based on the net assets of the Company at the year-end of GBP104,257,996 (2019: GBP59,812,473) divided by the shares in issue at the end of the year, as adjusted for the effects of dilutive potential ordinary shares of 32,870,810 after excluding treasury shares (2019: 29,149,464).
19 Net cash used in operating activities
Reconciliation of net investment expense to net cash used in operating activities:
2020 2019
Company Company
GBP GBP
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net investment expense (3,024,062) (2,337,630)
Adjustments:
Adjustment for accrued interest on loan
to Hamsard 3463 Limited (151,776) -
Share based payment expense 71,158 120,544
Movement in loans from associates (33,907) -
Provision for future issue of shares (350,000) -
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(3,488,587) (2,217,086)
Non-cash items
Movement in trade and other receivables 66,517 (215,872)
Movement in trade and other payables 535,826 28,556
Net cash used in operating activities (2,886,244) (2,404,402)
----------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
20 Financial instruments
The Company's financial instruments comprise:
-- Investments in listed and unlisted companies held by associates, comprising equity and loans
-- Cash and cash equivalents, bank loan and convertible loan note instruments; and -- Accrued interest and trade and other receivables, accrued expenses and sundry creditors.
Financial risk management objectives and policies
The main risks arising from the Company's financial instruments are liquidity risk, credit risk, market price risk and interest rate risk. None of those risks are hedged. These risks arise through directly held financial instruments and through the indirect exposures created by the underlying financial instruments in the associates. These risks are managed by the Directors in conjunction with the Investment Advisor. The Investment Advisor is responsible for day to day management of financial instruments in the associates.
Capital management
The Company's capital comprises share capital, share premium and reserves and is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Company's liquid assets comprise cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables, which are readily realisable.
Residual contractual maturities of financial liabilities
Less than 1 month 1 - 5 Over No stated
1 month to 1 year years 5 years maturity
31 January 2020 GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Financial liabilities
Trade and other
payables 678,704 - - - -
Loan note instruments - - 3,936,217 - -
Loans from associates - - - - -
----------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Total 678,704 - 3,936,217 - -
------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Less than 1 month 1 - 5 Over No stated
1 month to 1 year years 5 years maturity
31 January 2019 GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Financial liabilities
Trade and other
payables 492,878 - - - -
Loan note instruments - - 3,915,612 - -
Loans from associates - - - - -
----------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Total 492,878 - 3,915,612 - -
------------------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or counterparty will be unable or unwilling to meet a commitment that it has entered into with the Company.
The Company, through its interests in associates, has advanced loans to a number of private companies which exposes the Company to significant credit risk. The loans are advanced to unquoted private companies, which have no credit risk rating. They are entered into as part of the investment strategy of the Company and its associates, and credit risk is managed by taking security where available (typically a floating charge) and the Investment Advisor taking an active role in the management of the borrowing companies.
Although the Investment Advisor looks to set realistic repayment schedules, it does not necessarily view a portfolio company not repaying on time and in full as 'underperforming' and seeks to monitor each portfolio company on a case-by-case basis. However, in all cases the Investment Advisor reserves the right to exercise step in rights. In addition to the repayment of loans advanced, the Company and associates will often arrange additional preference share structures and take significant equity stakes so as to create shareholder value. It is the performance on the combination of all securities including third party debt that determines the Company's view of each investment.
At the reporting date, the Company's financial assets exposed to credit risk amounted to the following (excluding exposure in the underlying associates):
2020 2019
GBP GBP
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents 25,604,783 29,125,615
Trade and other receivables 135,745 180,103
Total 25,740,528 29,305,718
------------------------------ ----------- -----------
Cash balances are placed with HSBC Bank plc and Barclays Bank plc both of which have the credit rating of A1 Negative (Moody's).
Market price risk
Market price risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk). The Company is exposed to a market price risk via its equity investments held through its interests in associates, which are stated at fair value.
Market price risk sensitivity
The Company is exposed to market price risk with regard to its investment in the partnerships, which own equity interests in a number of quoted and unquoted companies which are stated at fair value. Sensitivity analysis cannot be performed with any reliability on the unquoted equity investments. Luceco plc was quoted on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange at 31 January 2020. If Luceco plc's share price had been 5.0% higher than actual close of market on 31 January 2020, EPE Special Opportunities Limited's NAV / share would have been 2.38% higher than reported. If Luceco's share price had been 5.0% lower than actual close of market on 31 January 2020, EPE Special Opportunities Limited's NAV / share would have been 2.38% lower than reported. Such movement would have had a corresponding effect on the profit for the year.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its investment in the associates and on its cash balances. The associates provide loans to portfolio companies. Most of the loans are at fixed rates. Cash balances earn interest at variable rates. The unsecured loan note instruments carry fixed interest rates.
The table below summarises the Company's exposure to interest rate risks. It includes the Company's financial assets and liabilities at the earlier of contractual re-pricing or maturity date, measured by the carrying values of assets and liabilities:
Less than 1 month Over 5 Non- interest
31 January 2020 1 month - 1 year 1 - 5 years years bearing Total
Assets GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Receivables and
cash
Trade and other
receivables - - - - 135,745 135,745
Cash and cash
equivalents 25,604,783 - - - - 25,604,783
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------
Total financial
assets 25,604,783 - - - 135,745 25,740,528
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Liabilities
Financial liabilities
measured at amortised
cost
Trade and other
payables - - - - (678,704) (678,704)
Unsecured loan
note instruments - - (3,936,217) - - (3,936,217)
Total financial
liabilities - - (3,936,217) - (678,704) (4,614,921)
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Total interest
rate sensitivity
gap 25,604,783 - (3,936,217) - - -
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Less than 1 month Over 5 Non- interest
31 January 2019 1 month - 1 year 1 - 5 years years bearing Total
Assets GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Receivables and
cash
Trade and other
receivables - - - - 180,103 180,103
Cash and cash
equivalents 29,125,615 - - - - 29,125,615
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------
Total financial
assets 29,125,615 - - - 180,103 29,305,718
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Liabilities
Financial liabilities
measured at amortised
cost
Trade and other
payables - - - - (492,878) (492,878)
Unsecured loan
note instruments - - (3,915,612) - - (3,915,612)
Total financial
liabilities - - (3,915,612) - (492,878) (4,408,490)
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Total interest
rate sensitivity
gap 29,125,615 - (3,915,612) - - -
------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------- -------------- ------------
Interest rate sensitivity
The Company is exposed to market interest rate risk only via its cash balances. A sensitivity analysis has not been provided as it is not considered significant to Company performance.
Currency risk
The Company has no direct exposure to currency risk as it has no non-sterling assets or liabilities.
Exposure to other market price risk
The investment advisors monitors the concentration of risk for equity and debt securities based on counterparties and industries (and geographical location). The Company's equity and debt investments are concentrated in the following industries.
2020 2019
% %
--------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Retail 21.2 19.2
Engineering, Manufacturing and Distribution 52.5 33.1
Healthcare 0.7 1.5
Third Party Funds 1.4 2.9
Bank Deposits 24.2 43.2
--------------------------------------------- ------ ------
100.0 100.0
--------------------------------------------- ------ ------
The Company notes that there was a concentration on the Engineering, Manufacturing and Distribution sector, representing 52.5% of investments for the year ended 31 January 2020 (31 January 2019: 33.1%). The Company monitors carefully the sector concentration risk across the portfolio.
Operational risk
'Operational risk' is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising from a wide variety of causes associated with the processes, technology and infrastructure supporting the Company's activities with financial instruments, either internally within the Company or externally at the Company's service providers, and from external factors other than credit, market and liquidity risks such as those arising from legal and regulatory requirements and generally accepted standards of investment management behaviour.
The Company's objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance the limiting of financial losses and damage to its reputation with achieving its investment objective of generating returns to investors.
The primary responsibility for the development and implementation of controls over operational risk rests with the Board of Directors. This responsibility is supported by the development of overall standards for the management of operational risk, which encompasses the controls and processes at the service providers and the establishment of service levels with the service providers, in the following areas:
-- documentation of controls and procedures; -- requirements for: - appropriate segregation of duties between various functions, roles and responsibilities; - reconciliation and monitoring of transactions; and - periodic assessment of operational risk faced; -- the adequacy of controls and procedures to address the risks identified; -- compliance with regulatory and other legal requirements; -- development of contingency plans; -- training and professional development; -- ethical and business standards; and -- risk mitigation, including insurance if this is effective.
The Company's key service providers include the following:
-- Administrator: Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited -- Investment Advisor: EPIC Private Equity LLP -- Financial Administrator: EPE Administration Limited -- Nominated Advisor and Broker: Numis Securities Limited
The Directors' assessment of the adequacy of the controls and processes in place at the service providers with respect to operational risk is carried out via regular discussions with the service providers as well as site visits to their offices. The Company also undertakes periodic third party reviews of service providers' activities.
21 Directors' interests
Four of the Directors had interests in the shares of the Company as at 31 January 2020 (2019: five). Nicholas Wilson held 128,764 ordinary shares (2019: 120,894). Robert Quayle held 109,979 ordinary shares (2019: 107,201). Clive Spears held 129,270 ordinary shares (2019: 125,105) and Heather Bestwick held 13,888 ordinary shares (2019: 12,500).
22 Related parties
Directors' fees expense during the year amounted to GBP154,264 (year ended 31 January 2019: GBP154,000) of which GBP12,833 is accrued as at 31 January 2020 (2019: GBP12,833)
Certain Directors of the Company and other participants are incentivised in the form of equity settled share-based payment transactions, through a Joint Share Ownership Plan (see note 7).
Details of remuneration payable to key service providers are included in note 5 to the financial statements.
On 9 May 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the carried interest entitlement and outstanding accrual of ESO Investments 1 LP from the Investment Advisor (and related parties). The total consideration of GBP9,846,284 for the interest was paid by through the issuance of 4,473,347 ordinary shares in the Company, issued at 220.11 pence each (see note 16).
23 Subsidiary companies
On 29 October 2005, the Company incorporated EPIC Reconstruction Property Company (IOM) Limited, in the Isle of Man, which was incorporated to allow the Company to look into possible investments in IOM which did not transpire the way it was intended to. As a result, there has been no trading activity being carried out through the subsidiary. EPE Special Opportunities Limited owns 100% ordinary shares of EPIC Reconstruction Property Company (IOM) Limited.
On 16 November 2012, the Company incorporated Corvina Limited, in the Isle of Man, whose principal activity is that of acquiring shares in the Company, which are held as treasury shares (see note 16). EPE Special Opportunities Limited owns 100% ordinary shares of Corvina Limited ordinary shares.
The Company is deemed to have control of its Trust, which is therefore considered a subsidiary of the Company. EPE Special Opportunities Limited owns 100% ordinary shares of Trust.
24 Subsequent events
Following the year end, the Directors purchased 21,473 ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 200.00 pence per ordinary share.
COVID-19
Since the end of the review period on 31 January 2020, the spread of COVID-19 has accelerated with signi cant social, humanitarian and economic impacts being experienced globally. These impacts are anticipated to continue, if not increase, in the near term; the outlook thereafter remains uncertain.
The Board and IA have provided a review of how the spread of COVID-19 is likely to impact the Company and its investments in the Chairman's Statement and Investment Advisors Report, respectively.
The Company maintains strong liquidity of GBP26.4 million and operates with modest committed outgoings. The Company has GBP3.9 million of outstanding ULNs and could in extremis defer the proposed repayment of GBP2.0 million in July 2020 to July 2022. The Company has no other third -party debt outstanding.
On 24 March 2020, Luceco, the Company's largest asset, updated the market, in light of the spread of COVID-19, on its nancial position and outlook in a RNS announcement. Luceco has traded on budget for rst quarter of 2020, has modest nancial debt of 1.1x net debt to EBITDA and signi cant available liquidity with GBP24 million undrawn against committed banking facilities (as at 31 December 2019).
On 26 March 2020, the Company updated the market, in light of the spread of COVID-19, on its nancial position and outlook in a RNS announcement. The Company detailed its current liquidity, the steps taken to maintain operational ef ciency and the position of the portfolio companies.
On 3 April 2020, the Company updated the market on its nancial position in a RNS announcement. The Company disclosed that, as at 31 March 2020, the Company estimated its NAV to be 244.95 pence per ordinary share. As at 31 March 2020, the share price of Luceco, the Company's largest asset, was 76.20 pence.
Schedule of shareholders holding over 3% of issued shares
As at 31 January 2020
Percentage holding
------------------------------------- -------------------
Giles Brand 31.28%
Corporation of Lloyds 8.97%
Milton Asset Management 4.65%
Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management 4.15%
Total over 3% holding 49.05%
----------------------------------------- -------------------
Company Information
Directors Administrator and Company Address
C.L. Spears (Chairman) Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey)
Limited
H. Bestwick Liberation House
David Pirouet Castle Street, St Helier
R.B.M. Quayle Jersey JE1 2LH
N.V. Wilson
Investment Advisor Nominated Advisor and Broker
EPIC Private Equity LLP Numis Securities Limited
Audrey House 10 Paternoster Square
16-20 Ely Place London EC4M 7LT
London EC1N 6SN
Auditors and Reporting Accountants Registered Agent (Bermuda)
KPMG Audit LLC Conyers Dill & Pearman
Heritage Court Clarendon House, 2 Church Street
41 Athol Street Hamilton HM 11
Douglas Bermuda
Isle of Man IM1 1LA
Bankers Registrar and CREST Providers
Barclays Bank plc Computershare Investor Services
(Jersey) Limited
1 Churchill Place Queensway House
Canary Wharf Hilgrove Street
London E14 5HP St. Helier JE1 1ES
HSBC Bank plc Investor Relations
1st Floor Richard Spiegelberg
60 Queen Victoria Street Cardew Company
London EC4N 4TR 5 Chancery Lane
London EC4A 1BL
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR FFFVVSRIELII
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 16, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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