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Full Year Results

31 Jan 2014 15:56

RNS Number : 0428Z
Invista European Real Estate Trust
31 January 2014
 



Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF Annual Report and Accounts 2013

 

Invista European Real Estate Trust Company Summary

 

 

As at 30 September 2013, Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF ("IERET" or the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") held a diversified real estate portfolio comprising 35 commercial properties located across six Continental European countries. The combined aggregate value of these properties was €325.6 million.

 

The long term investment objective of the Company is to provide shareholder returns through investing in a diversified commercial real estate portfolio in Continental Europe with the potential for income and capital growth. The geographical focus of the Group is France and Germany due to the relative stability, transparency and liquidity of these markets.

 

The Company is pursuing a structured realisation of its assets in line with the resolution approved by the Company's shareholders at the EGM on 14 October 2011, as an investment strategy under the Company's original investment policy.

 

Financial Summary

 

v Net Asset Value decreased during the year from €99.0 million to €64.0 million

v Net Asset Value per share decreased by 35.4% to €0.246

v Loss per share of €0.1323

Year ended

30 Sep 13

Year ended

30 Sep 12

Net Asset Value ("NAV")1,2

€64.0m

€99.0m

NAV per share 1,2

€0.25

€0.38

NAV per share 1,2,4

£0.21

£0.30

NAV per preference shares 5

€1.23

€1.29

NAV per preference shares 4,5

102.4p

102.6p

Ordinary share price

4.4p

13.0p

Preference share price

80.9p

95.75p

Warrant price

0.51p

0.60p

Share price discount to NAV 1,2

78.8%

57.1%

NAV total return

-35.4%

-27.2%

Total Group assets less current liabilities 6

€327.4m

€446.5m

 

Sources: Internos Global Investors; Datastream

 

1 NAV is calculated using International Financial Reporting Standards and adjusted to add back the change in fair value of the warrants and deferred tax.

2 As at 30 September 2013, deferred tax liabilities of €17.9 million, based upon temporary differences at the time of initial recognition arising from transactions treated as asset acquisitions have not been recognised in accordance with IAS 12. The Group has deferred tax assets of €17.2 million which have also not been recognised.

3 Loss for the period divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in the year.

4 £:€ exchange rate used was €1.197 as at 30 September 2013; €1.257 as at 30 September 2012.

5 The NAV for preference share is equal to the nominal value plus accrued interest divided by the total number of preference shares.

6 Current liabilities exclude banking facilities and deferred tax liabilities arising from the existing portfolio and asset held for sale.

 

 

  

Performance Summary

 

Property performance

Year ended

30 Sep 13

€m

Year ended

30 Sep 12

€m

Value of property assets

325.6

412.0

Current annualised rental income

28.2

31.8

Estimated open market rental value per annum on lettable area

30.5

36.0

Summary consolidated income statement

Year ended

30 Sep 13

€m

Year ended

30 Sep 12

€m

Net rental and other income

23.6

34.5

Net gain on disposal of investment property

(3.5)

-

Net valuation gain on derivative financial instruments

9.4

2.0

Net valuation losses on investment property

(37.6)

(42.5)

Expenses

(5.0)

(7.5)

Net finance costs

(20.5)

(25.1)

Loss before tax

(33.6)

(38.6)

Taxation

(0.8)

1.4

Loss for the year

(34.4)

(37.2)

 

 

Earnings and dividends

Year ended

30 Sep 13

Year ended

30 Sep 12

Loss per share (euro) 1

(0.132)

(0.143)

 

 

Bank borrowings 2

Year ended

30 Sep 13

Year ended

30 Sep 12

Borrowings €m

229.7

286.7

Borrowings as % of total assets less current liabilities 3

70.2%

64.2%

Borrowing as % of market value of property assets 3

70.6%

69.6%

Bank of Scotland ("BoS") loan covenant of borrowings as % of market value of property assets

70.0%

 

75.0%

 

 

Estimated annualised total expense ratio 4

Year ended

30 Sep 13

Year ended

30 Sep 12

As % of total assets less current liabilities 4

1.54%

1.68%

As % of shareholders' funds 4,5

6.22%

6.56%

 

1 Share price converted to Euro at exchange rate of £:€ of 1.197 prevailing at 30 September 2013 and 1.257 prevailing at 30 September 2012. During the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 financial years no ordinary dividend was paid.

2 See the 'Bank Borrowings' section in the Investment Manager's Report for more information.

3 The Company made a payment post quarter end to remain below the 70% loan covenant within the remedy period under the amended and restated Common Terms Agreement with BoS.

4 The Total Expense Ratio ('TER') reflects the total of all operating costs associated with running the Group, including the Investment Manager's annual management charge, but excluding any costs associated with the day to day maintenance of the assets.These calculations are presented as a percentage of average shareholder's funds over the period.

 

 

 

Chairman's Statement

 

During the financial year to 30 September 2013, the Company has worked energetically to reposition itself in the light of the continuing poor economic conditions and still weak secondary property markets in Continental Europe. Asset management initiatives across the Company's portfolio generated significant new lettings which, along with the disposal of empty property, enabled the vacancy level to be reduced from a peak of over 24% to under 20% by year end. Four properties in total were sold and debt was reduced by €57 million, 20% of the opening amount outstanding.

 

Although a long term refinancing of the remaining debt was not completed, the extensive work undertaken during the year lays the ground for renewed initiatives for refinancing during the current year. Since the financial year end, the maturity of the existing loan was extended to 30 April 2014, allowing more time for the Company to work on these initiatives and with Cerberus Capital Management, one of whose funds has acquired the loan from Bank of Scotland.

 

Adjusted net asset value declined in the year from €0.38 (30.3p) to €0.25 (21p) per share, reflecting a fall in property valuations on a like for like basis of 9.74%. Net earnings (on an EPRA basis) were (€0.50 million) (€2.1 million in 2012). The level of net debt as at 30 September 2013 was 64.9%, compared to 62.6% as at 30 September 2012, as property valuations continued to decline. The gross loan to value ratio ("LTV") was 70.6%, compared to 69.6% at the end of the previous year.

 

Particular emphasis was put during the year on the marketing for sale of vacant property, in order to improve the portfolio's income profile and quality. Since the year end, three properties in France which have been mostly vacant for some time have been sold, in addition to the vacant property in France sold during the year. The continuing disposal programme, currently comprising fourteen assets with a current valuation of €103 million, includes further vacant properties, as well now as those where completed asset management initiatives and other factors make them priorities for sale.

 

The French and German portfolio that would be left when all these disposals are completed has been identified as one that in terms of profile, size and quality should be of the widest possible interest, in whole or in part, to a range of different prospective new lenders.

 

It was very disappointing that, despite the strenuous efforts of the Board, the Investment Manager and the Company's advisers, a long term refinancing was not completed in 2013, despite a firm proposal having been made to the Company's then lender. Although there was some improvement in sentiment in the European property lending market during the year, the geographical diversity and property mix of the Company's portfolio did, admittedly, make it still a challenging proposition for refinancing. The asset management and disposal initiatives that have been and are being vigorously pursued are designed to help make a refinancing during the current year more achievable.

 

The early progress being made with these initiatives and the constructive initial dialogue that has been established with Cerberus as the new owner of the existing loan to the Company make the Board cautiously encouraged. However, the Company's position remains uncertain and the ability to deliver value to shareholders is dependent on some combination of new refinancing, the successful disposal of further properties and the continuing support of Cerberus.

 

 

 

Tom Chandos

 

31 January 2013

 

 

Investment Manager's Report

 

Business review

 

Following a difficult year for both occupancy levels and asset sales in 2012, the last financial year saw a number of successes for the Company, since vacancy fell from its peak in Q4 2012 of 24.10% to 19.78% in Q3 2013 as a result of a combination of new lettings and disposals of vacant assets. The Company modified its structured realisation strategy in Q2 2013, announcing its intention to concentrate on the sale of vacant assets in order to maximise net operating income and provide an attractive portfolio for refinancing. From that time until 31 December 2013, the Company successfully completed the disposals of four vacant assets in France, with heads of terms agreed for the sale of another vacant asset in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, the Manager remains vigilant with regard to the realisation of properties where asset management objectives have been achieved: during the financial year, a further three sales of occupied properties were also completed. In addition, the Company has now accelerated the deleveraging of its Loan, having placed 14 of its property assets on the market, with a combined total valuation of €103.2 million. These disposals are part of the Company's refinancing strategy, targeting a core portfolio of 18 properties with a total value of €212.89 million, which the Company expects will be more attractive to prospective lenders.

 

Despite improving occupancy levels, valuations decreased by 9.74% on a like for like basis over the financial year, reflecting continued rises in secondary European property yields. Early signs of improved investor confidence and a returning appetite for riskier assets only began to appear towards the end of the financial year, while the spread between prime and secondary European yields continued to grow as investors prioritised relative safety over returns (CBRE).

 

The dominant concern of the Board and advisers of IERET during the last financial year was the maturity of the Company's existing debt facility ("the Loan") with Bank of Scotland PLC ("BoS" or "the Bank"), which was due to mature on 31 December 2013. The Company appointed Rothschild to act as an independent financial advisor to assist with the effort to secure a suitable refinancing package in advance of debt maturity. Conditions in the European debt markets remained constrained throughout the year, as banks continued to focus on reducing their exposures to non-core real estate. With lenders implementing Basel III regulatory requirements, the banking market continued to deleverage to meet capital requirements. As a result, there was limited appetite for lending against non-core assets, particularly on a multi-jurisdictional scale.

 

Against this background, the Manager and Rothschild succeeded in structuring more than one refinancing package from a number of different sources, while also engaging in constructive discussions with BoS throughout the year, in the hope of coming to an agreement which would enable a satisfactory outcome for the Company as well as its largest creditor. The news that BoS intended to include the Loan in a larger portfolio of loans named "Project Hampton" marked an important milestone in the year's events for the Company: many potential investors and lenders considered it hard to justify incurring transactional costs if there was a likelihood that the Loan would be transferred as part of Project Hampton. As a result, the Company was only able to present a conditional refinancing proposal to the Bank, offering to repay an amount in full and final settlement of all liabilities to BoS, subject to a certain level of debt forgiveness. As the Company announced on 2 December 2013, this proposal was not accepted, and negotiations with BoS with regards to new proposals for refinancing drew to a close.

 

However, BoS offered to grant IERET a short term extension to the Loan's maturity, to 30 April 2014, in order to provide sufficient time for the Board and its advisers to enter into discussions with the new owner of the Loan, Promontoria Hampton (1) Limited and Promontoria Hampton (2) Limited, funds affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management L.P. and certain other separate Cerberus funds ("Cerberus") ("Cerberus"). On 23 December 2013 the Company accepted this proposal, simultaneously agreeing to a relaxation in the terms of the Loan's transferability.

 

 

 

Results

 

The Company's Adjusted NAV as at 30 September 2013 was €0.246 (£0.206) per share. This decreased over the financial year by 35.4% (32.0%) from €0.381 (£0.303) principally due to the combined effect of some asset sales completed below valuation and a fall in property valuations of 9.7% on a like for like basis.

 

The Company completed four sales of properties during the financial year, and post quarter end closed three sales of vacant assets in France as well as agreeing heads of terms for the disposal of another asset in the Czech Republic. Sale proceeds of €45.8 million generated during the financial year have enabled the Company to amortize the Company's Loan, remaining below the Loan to Value ("LTV") covenant of 70%.

 

Despite continued weaknesses in occupier markets, the Company re-geared leases representing 8.29% of the portfolio's annualised gross rent as at 30 September 2013, and secured another 8.73% of annual rent in the form of new lettings.

 

The Market

 

The economic outlook for the European region improved over the past 12 months with the Eurozone exiting recession in Q2. However, the nascent recovery remains fragile with threats in the form of weak domestic demand, illustrated by high levels of unemployment, unresolved political issues in key export markets and in regards to the implementation of a European banking union. The recovery has also been uneven with disparity within Europe as Germany leads the Eurozone out of recession while Southern Europe experienced lower levels of growth. Following comments by Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank, to do 'whatever it takes' to preserve the Euro, investor confidence has continued to improve with the equity markets rising across Europe while debt markets experienced relative calm.

 

Despite an improvement in the confidence of French businesses the economy has yet to experience the same level of economic recovery that has benefitted other Northern European economies. This has been reflected in the occupier market for French logistic assets during the first nine months of 2013 where occupiers remained cautious with take-up declining by 13% y/y (BNP Paribas). The île-de-France market remains the most active region for occupier activity accounting for 32% of national take-up during the first 9 months of 2013 but demand for the region was down 24% y/y in the year to September 2013 (BNP Paribas). In contrast, Lille, Marseille and Toulouse proved more resilient with take-up volumes increasing by 90%, 30% and 8% respectively over the first 9 months (BNP Paribas). However, activity in these markets appears to have been driven by a small number of large transactions with demand generally focused on Grade A stock. Availability of French logistics stock increased by 7% from Q1 to Q3 2013 but this trend continues to be driven by the release of Grade B and C stock while available Grade A stock continues to decline (CBRE).

 

Take-up for German office space over the first 9 months was down just 2% on the same period in 2012 (JLL) with occupier activity experiencing a modest recovery since the start of the year in line with higher levels of German business confidence as the IFO Business Climate Index rose to 109.5 in December, representing a 20 month high. Prime and good secondary locations that benefit from good communication links to the main business centres have experienced some stability in demand while Grade C stock has continued to suffer from high levels of vacancy. In the German retail market both domestic and international retailers remain attracted by the robust levels of employment and high levels of consumer confidence. Occupiers remain discerning over asset location and specification with prime and good quality secondary assets experiencing stable rental values.

 

The core European markets of UK, France and Germany accounted for the 65% of the €143bn invested into European real estate during the 12 months to Q3 2013 (CBRE). However, there are encouraging signs that investors have become increasingly active in the perceived higher risk markets with investment into Southern Europe experiencing a significant increase with a combined total €2.2bn completed in Spain, Italy and Portugal during Q3, representing an increase of 145% on Q3 2012 (CBRE). A sustained economic recovery is likely to provide further encouragement for investors to take on higher levels of risk.

 

 

Property Portfolio

As at 30 September 2013, the Company's property portfolio was valued at €325.6 million and comprised 35 commercial property investments across six countries (€412.0 million, 39 assets and six countries as at 30 September 2012). On a like-for-like basis the portfolio value decreased by 9.7% during the year; as investor and lender appetites for European secondary real estate exposures remained limited. Post year end, valuations continued to decline at a similar rate, since the December valuation of the Company's property portfolio fell to €316.1 million (including the effect of the disposal of three assets in Amiens, France, during Q4 2013).

 

 

 

Top 10 properties by value*- Table 1

Address

Sector

%

Heusenstamm, Frankfurt, Germany

Office

14.9%

Riesa, Germany

Retail

10.6%

Cergy, Paris, France

Office

8.7%

Grenoble, France

Office

4.9%

Miramas, France

Logistics

4.5%

Monteux II, France

Logistics

4.4%

Fos-Distriport, France

Logistics

4.3%

Pocking, Germany

Retail

4.2%

Alovera, Spain

Logistics

3.6%

Solingen, Germany

Logistics

3.3%

Total

 

63.4%

 

 

 

* Percentage of aggregate asset value plus cash as at 30 September 2013.

 

Table 1 above shows the Company's ten largest properties by value calculated as a proportion of the open market value of the portfolio (including cash) as at 30 September 2013.

 

Click or paste the following link into your web browser to view the associated PDF document. Refer to page 6 for the relevant graph. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0428Z_-2014-1-31.pdf 

Split by Country

Sept 13 Net Market Value

% Portfolio

France

€ 160,630,000

49.34%

Germany

€ 123,500,000

37.94%

Spain

€ 16,110,000

4.95%

Netherlands

€ 12,150,000

3.73%

Belgium

€ 6,360,000

1.95%

Czech Republic

€ 6,800,000

2.09%

Total

€ 325,550,000

 

 

Note: percentages are calculated as a proportion of aggregate asset value as at 30 September 2013

 

 

Over 87% of the portfolio is located in the Company's key markets, France and Germany. These are the largest property markets in Europe and accounted for 30.5% of the total European commercial real estate investment activity in 2013 (Source: CBRE, PropertyData).

 

Click or paste the following link into your web browser to view the associated PDF document. Refer to page 7 for the relevant graph. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0428Z_-2014-1-31.pdf

 

 

 

Split by Sector

Sep 13 Net Market Value

% Portfolio

Logistics

 € 160,170,000

49.20%

Offices

 € 104,380,000

32.06%

Retail

 € 61,000,000

18.74%

 Total

 € 325,550,000

 

 

Note: percentages are calculated as a proportion of aggregate asset value as at 30 September 2013.

 

The portfolio is invested in the three main commercial property sectors, logistics, offices and retail.

 

Income Tenancies

 

As at 30 September 2013 the Company's portfolio generated a gross income of €28.2 million per annum (net €25.6 million), with a valuation of €325.6 million. The portfolio produced a Net Initial Yield ("NIY") at property level of 7.86%, compared to 7.50% last year on a like for like basis. The yield increased over the year as a result of the portfolio void level decreasing to 19.8% as at 30 September 2013 from 20.3% as at 30 September 2012, while over the same period gross property valuations fell by 9.5% on a like for like basis.

 

The weighted average lease length to expiry was 5.91 years as at 30 September 2013 (6.22 years as at 30 September 2012). The weighted average lease length to first break also declined to 4.00 years from 4.67 years as at 30 September 2012. The portfolio's credit rating, as measured by the Investment Property Databank's M-IRIS Credit Analysis System in October 2013, fell during the year to 64 out of 100, while remaining within the "low to medium risk" classification. A significant portion of this decline was the result of the implementation of a new rating system which affected the scores of all Dutch leases, while 34.6% of the portfolio income remains in the negligible or low credit risk category. 

 

Top 10 tenants by income**- Table 2

Tenant

%

Deutsche Telekom

21.2%

Valeo

8.2%

Norbert Dentressangle

7.4%

DHL

5.1%

Carrefour

5.0%

SDV Logistique

3.9%

Strauss

3.9%

Real SB-Warenhaus

3.6%

Euromaster

3.1%

Tech Data

2.7%

Total

64.0%

 

 

** Percentage of aggregate gross rent as at 30 September 2013

 

Table 2 above shows the Group's ten largest tenants by income, calculated as a proportion of the gross annual rental income receivable by the group as at 30 September 2013.

 

Click or paste the following link into your web browser to view the associated PDF document. Refer to page 8 for the relevant graph. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0428Z_-2014-1-31.pdf 

 

 

2014

12.65%

2015

0.51%

2016

0.64%

2017

6.28%

2018

13.35%

2019

21.28%

2020

28.51%

2021

7.23%

2021

2.02%

2023+

3.99%

 

Click or paste the following link into your web browser to view the associated PDF document. Refer to page 9 for the relevant graph. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0428Z_-2014-1-31.pdf 

 

 

 

2014

26.97%

2015

9.71%

2016

11.62%

2017

2.06%

2018

4.14%

2019

2.19%

2020

26.28%

2021

0.10%

2021

0.60%

2023+

3.99%

 

Source: Internos and Savills, valuation as at 30 September 2013

 

The charts above show the lease expiry and break profile of the Company's portfolio. The percentages represent the proportion of the Group's total annual rental income due to break or expire in each year, as at 30 September 2013. Income security has improved during the year as existing tenants representing 8.3% of annual contracted income as at 30 September 2013 have extended their leases by a weighted average lease term to next break by 5.67 years, and to expiry by 7.10 years.

 

Portfolio Statistics 1

France

Germany

Spain

Netherlands

Belgium

Czech Republic

Total

Number of Tenants 2

21

151

2

1

4

-

179

Ten Largest Tenants (%) 2

92.2%

83.3%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

n/a

64.0%

ERV (€,000) 3, 4

€ 15,581

€ 10,522

€ 1,444

€ 1,616

€ 638

€ 727

€ 30,527

Gross Rent (€,000) 2

€ 12,712

€ 12,176

€ 1,300

€ 1,431

€ 573

€ 0

€ 28,192

Net Rent (€,000) 3

€ 12,654

€ 10,631

€ 1,269

€ 1,059

€ 135

-€ 144

€ 25,604

Potential Rent 2,3,5

€ 16,820

€ 13,293

€ 1,700

€ 1,939

€ 663

€ 727

€ 35,142

Average Occupancy Rate (%) 6

75.6%

91.6%

76.5%

73.8%

86.4%

0.0%

80.2%

Number of Properties 2

23

5

2

2

2

1

35

Average Lot Size (€,000) 3

6,984

24,700

6,075

3,180

8,055

6,800

9,301

Net Initial Yield (%) 7

7.32%

8.12%

7.52%

8.32%

1.90%

-2.12%

7.37%

Lettable Floor Space (sqm) 2

315,609

137,118

48,428

30,586

5,400

17,147

554,287

Lettable Floor Space (%) 2

56.9%

24.7%

8.7%

5.5%

1.0%

3.1%

100.0%

Sector 3,8

Office

29.1%

41.5%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

0.0%

32.1%

Logistics

70.9%

9.1%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

100.0%

49.2%

Retail

0.0%

49.4%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

18.7%

 

 

1 As at 30 September 2013.

2 Source: Internos.

3 Source: Savills valuation as at 30 September 2013.

4 ERV based on leased and vacant area.

5 Potential Rent is calculated as the sum of Gross Rent and ERV on vacancy.

6 Calculated as ERV on vacant space as a percentage of total Potential Rent.

7 Weighted average by property.

8 Calculated as a percentage of valuation as at 30 September 2013.

 

Disposals

 

Over the last year, the Company has continued with the process of strategically assessing and actively managing the property portfolio in order to undertake a structured realisation of its assets to reduce the outstanding debt and achieve maximum value for shareholders. Achieving this optimal sale strategy has not been without challenges given the parallel need to retain the most effective income producing assets in order to secure a refinancing deal in advance of the maturity of the Company's Loan. At the same time, continued weaknesses in the investment market as well as unrecognised deferred tax liabilities on a number of assets have also presented obstacles to the disposal process.

 

Despite these sale constraints, the Company has successfully implemented the disposal process on several assets which have sold or are under exclusivity. On 30 November 2012, at a sales consideration of €29.5 million (3.4% below 30 September 2012 valuation), and net of a cash payment made to the tenant Deutsche Post Immobilien GmbH ("DPI") in exchange for a lease extension of five years until 2022, the Company completed the disposal of a logistics asset at Lutterberg in Germany, one of the largest assets in the portfolio representing 7.4% of portfolio valuation as at 30 September 2012.

 

In Q2 2013, two further assets were sold: one in Grenoble, France; the other in Brussels, Belgium. The asset in France was sold at 31 December 2012 valuation, whereas the Belgian asset was sold at a 2.4% premium to 31 December 2012 valuation, following an extension of the term of the property's lease for a fixed period of nine years.

 

Subsequent to this, the Company announced that it had modified its sales strategy, concentrating on the disposal of vacant assets in order to present the most appealing portfolio of assets to potential lenders. By the end of July, IERET had completed the sale of a vacant logistics asset located in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, France, using the majority of the sale proceeds to repay €3.2 million in outstanding debt and to close the associated swap contract.

 

 

Post financial year end, the Company has also completed the sale of another three assets in Amiens, France, which reduced portfolio vacancy (calculated as vacant ERV expressed as a percentage of total potential rent) from 19.8% (as at 30 September 2013) to 18.9%. In addition, the Company has entered into exclusivity and agreed heads of terms to sell a fully vacant logistics asset in the Czech Republic.

 

 

Asset Management Highlights

 

Following the challenges presented by the financial year ending 30 September 2012 with regard to tenant retention, portfolio vacancy peaked in Q4 2012 at 24.10%. Since then, a combination of new lettings and disposals of vacant assets have succeeded in reducing this figure to 19.78% as at 30 September 2013, with further improvements made post quarter end.

 

During the financial year, the Company has actively negotiated with existing tenants representing 8.3% of annual contracted income as at 30 September 2013, to extend those leases' weighted average lease term to next break by 4.29 years, and to expiry by 6.65 years. Approaching tenants ahead of lease break or expiry has helped secure a weighted average lease length to expiry across the portfolio of 5.91 years and to break of 4.00 years, although this figure has decreased since September 2012 (6.22 years on expiry and 4.67 years to break). Nevertheless, actively re-gearing leases has been central to achieving the Company's strategic objectives, as lease extensions improved the liquidity of assets in Lutterberg, Grenoble and Brussels prior to their sale during the year. As at 30 September 2013, 22.0% of existing portfolio income was under negotiation with existing and new tenants to secure income going forward and improve asset liquidity.

 

As at 30 September 2013, 8.73% of portfolio income stood at risk of break in the succeeding financial year, yet the Company expects that a continuation of the current modified investment strategy, which combines sales of vacant assets with asset management initiatives to secure and optimise existing incomes, will not only offset this risk, but will result in improvements to the portfolio's performance. Post year end, a new lease was agreed on the logistics asset in Amsterdam, representing 1.66% of rent as at 30 September 2013. In addition, at the end of the financial year, 10.48% of annual rent was under agreed heads of terms to be re-geared, while an amount representing 0.91% of annual rent was under agreed heads of terms to be let to new tenants.

 

Offices

 

The portfolio's five office assets in France, Belgium and Germany remained relatively robust over the year with occupancy levels of 94.89% as at 30 September 2013. This declined from 96.7% as at 30 September 2012 on a like for like basis, as a result of increased vacancies on assets in France and Belgium. This decrease in occupancy excludes the positive effects of successful asset management initiatives completed on two office assets which enabled both properties to be sold during the financial year.

 

The Company is in negotiations with existing tenants occupying office space in France which represent 8.92% of portfolio office income. As well as this, IERET signed a lease extension in Q3 2013 on an office asset in Brussels, which secured 3.7% of existing office income for a fixed term of an additional 9 years. Consequently the weighted average lease term to expiry on the office assets improved from 6.37 as at 30 September 2012 to 6.82 as at 30 September 2013.

 

The office portfolio generates an income return (NIY) of 9.0%.

 

Logistics

 

During the financial year and post quarter end, the Company successfully added €2.46 million to its rental income on logistics assets through new lettings, representing 20.0% of the logistics portfolio's annual income as at 30 September 2013. Logistics vacancy measured as ERV on vacant space and expressed as a percentage of potential rent reduced from 36.5% as at 30 September 2012 to 29.9% at the end of the financial year on a like for like basis. As well as new lettings, IERET has also re-geared €1.3 million of logistics rental income in France, which accounts for 10.6% of the Company's logistics assets by annual rent as at 30 September 2013.

 

European logistics assets still faced a hesitant investor and occupier market throughout 2013, and as a result valuations on these assets declined by 7.2% on a like for like basis over the 12 months to 30 September 2013, notwithstanding the improvements made to vacancy levels during the course of the year. Despite a difficult market for logistics asset sales, the Manager of IERET completed the disposal of two assets during the year, and the sale of another three logistics properties was finalised post year end.

 

Retail

 

In March 2012, the anchor tenant at the shopping centre in Roth, Germany, disputed the terms of its lease break options and vacated the property. The tenant, Marktkauf, agreed a cash settlement payment of €3.6 million which the Company is utilising to reposition the asset and improve occupancy. As at the end of the financial year, IERET is in advanced negotiations with a large supermarket chain to occupy the asset as a new anchor tenant. Heads of terms have been agreed to let 2,260 sqm of the building's vacant space, and the Manager is in discussions with other interested new tenants to let the remaining vacant space following the completion of the anchor tenant's lease.

 

Occupancy on the three German retail assets has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 84% on 30 September 2012 to 82% as at 30 September 2013. The assets at Riesa and Roth in particular require asset management initiatives prior to sale which include re-gearing some leases alongside capital expenditure programmes to rejuvenate the properties and secure the existing tenant base. The total amount of capital expenditure budgeted for these properties stands at €9.7 million. The works at Riesapark are due to be completed in Q2 2015, whereas at Roth they are planned for completion in Q3 2014.

 

As a large amount of vacant space at Roth is expected to be occupied in the next financial year, the capital expenditure includes a mixture of fit out costs for new tenants and improvements to some common areas, particularly the parking garage. The subsequent increase in occupancy is expected to significantly increase the value of this property.

 

Regarding Riesapark, the restructuring will strengthen tenant confidence, maintain the current rental level and increase the WALT. Based on discussions held with the involved tenants, the Company is of the opinion that it will be able to prolong existing lease contracts on a 10 years basis, increasing the WALT from 5.30 years at present to 7.88. The capital expenditure is currently estimated to cost €6.6 million, which will be split between the landlord and tenants.

 

 

Borrowings

 

As at 30 September 2013, the Company had drawn down a total of €229.7 million of senior debt in respect of its €359.3 million facility with the Bank of Scotland. In addition, the Company had cash balances of €18.3 million (excluding tenant deposits of €3.1 million and escrow accounts of €2.7 million) at that date, giving a net debt position of €211.4 million.

 

On 26 July 2013, €11.9 million of cash from the Company's balance sheet was used to pay down a debt with the Bank of Scotland and thus reduce its drawn debt facilities to €229.7 million, thereby decreasing the LTV to below 70% (as calculated by reference to 30 June 2013 valuation) in order to benefit from a reduction in the interest rate margin by 25 basis points while meeting the LTV covenant of 70%.

 

At 30 September 2013 the Group had access to a €359.3 million credit facility from Bank of Scotland of which the Group had drawn down a total of €229.7 million. The Company's gross Loan to Value ("LTV") as at that date was 70.6% and the net debt LTV was 64.9%.

 

Following a reduction in portfolio valuation as at 30 September 2013 by 2.09% quarter on quarter, the Company made an additional amortization payment of €3.0 million, thus maintaining an LTV below the 70% covenant. As further progress with IERET's asset disposal strategy is anticipated in the next year, the Company will continue to review the use of cash and the best utilisation of sale proceeds.

 

All debt is fully hedged against changes in European interest rates until December 2013, giving a total interest cost of 6.72% per annum at current LTV levels.

 

Refinancing Strategy

 

In order to deleverage IERET's portfolio, the Company has identified 14 assets as being ready for sale last valued at €103 million, and which are currently being marketed for disposal before the end of 2014. The assets within this portfolio have been chosen either on the basis of their prospective long term vacancy, in which case their disposal will improve the characteristics of the remaining portfolio; or because they have recently benefitted from asset management initiatives which has placed them in a strong position for sale; or because they will be ready for disposal following the fulfilment of some additional asset management objectives in the short term.

It is the view of the Manager that the remaining smaller portfolio of assets will be more likely to succeed in being refinanced: it is upon this basis that current discussions with lenders are progressing. In the event the Company is not able to refinance the debt or repay the outstanding loan amount by 30 April 2014 without a further maturity extension, the Company would be in default. In this scenario, there is a risk that disposals made under an accelerated liquidation strategy would not generate sufficient proceeds to enable the return of equity to ordinary or preference shareholders. However, we believe it is in the best interests of the lender to work proactively with the Company to achieve the common goal of a refinance, either total or in part.

The combination of circumstances described above represents a material uncertainty over the Company's ability to repay its loan facility in full by the 30 April 2014. Nevertheless, it is the view of the Manager that the realization strategy being undertaken is likely to reduce debt levels while structuring a more attractive portfolio for refinancing.

 

Report of the Directors

 

The Directors of the Company (the "Directors" or the "Board") present their report and the Audited Separate Financial Statements of the Company and the Group Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

Business review

Business of the Company

The Company was incorporated on 6 June 2005 as Insight European Real Estate Trust S.A. On 17 November 2006 the Company's name was changed to its present name Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF together with conversion of the Company into an investment company with fixed capital (société d'investissement à capital fixe). The Company has been listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange since 20 December 2006.

 

Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF is an investment company with fixed capital (société d'investissement à capital fixe) under the form of a public limited company (société anonyme), registered under Part II of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 and managed by Internos Global Investors ("Internos"). Additional information regarding the Company and Group's business during the year is contained in the Chairman's Statement and the Investment Manager's Report.

 

Investments

The independent valuation of the Company's property portfolio as at 30 September 2013 was €325.55 million and consisted of 35 properties located in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Czech Republic.

 

Disposals

There were four completed disposals during the year under review as well as a further three disposals completed following the year end. Further details are set out later in this report.

 

 

Strategic outlook

The Company announced on 28 May 2012 that it had concluded discussions with the Comission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier ("CSSF") and it may pursue a structured realisation of its assets in line with the resolution approved by the Company's shareholders at the EGM on 14 October 2011, as an investment strategy under the Company's original investment policy. The full text of the investment policy is available in the 2009 Prospectus on the Company's website: www.ieret.eu.

 

The investment restrictions contained in the Company's prospectus dated 16 November 2009 will not apply to the extent that such restrictions are inconsistent with the Company's new investment strategy.

 

On 31 May 2013 the Company announced a modification of its investment strategy, stating its intention to concentrate on the sale of vacant assets in order to maximise net operating income and provide an attractive portfolio for refinancing. Post financial year end, the Company has accelerated its sales strategy in order to proactively deleverage. Further details can be found in the 'Refinancing Strategy' section of the Investment Manager's Report.

 

The Company will continue to actively manage the existing property portfolio to reduce the level of borrowings through sales where this is beneficial to the Group, improve the income characteristics of the Group, maximise capital returns and enhance NAV performance. This will include regular reviews of the relative performance of the countries, regions and sectors in which the Company has invested and managing asset, country and sector allocation.

 

 

Key performance indicator

The Board uses the absolute net asset value ('NAV') return of the Company to monitor and assess the performance of the Company. As at 30 September 2013, the Company's audited NAV (adjusted to add back deferred taxation and the change in the fair market value of warrants) was €0.246 per share.

 

During the year ended 30 September 2013, the Company's audited adjusted NAV has decreased by €0.135 per share or 35.4%. The decline in NAV was primarily due to fall in investment property valuations and the gearing effect of the Company's borrowings.

 

An analysis and review of performance of the property portfolio is set out in the Property Portfolio section of the Investment Manager's report.

 

Important events post year end

The Chairman's Statement and the Investment Manager's Report, where appropriate, both contain information on the important events of the Company occurring since the end of the financial year and the Company's likely future development.

 

Disposals

The Company completed disposals of four assets during the financial year, located in Lutterberg, Germany; Grenoble, France; Brussels, Belgium; and Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, France. These sales generated proceeds of €45.8 million. On 7 November 2013, the Company announced the completion of an additional three disposals of logistics assets located in Amiens, France.

Capital Structure

At 30 September 2013 the Company's issued share capital consisted of 259,980,909 ordinary shares each allotted and fully paid, 29,137,134of preference shares (800,000 held by the Company as Treasury shares), and 29,105,174warrants.

 

On 29 December 2009 the Company's share capital was reduced from €142,829,093.75 to €11,426,327.50 (without the cancellation of shares and without any reimbursement or repayment to the shareholders) to accomplish the following:

 

(i) absorption of the (non consolidated) losses of the Company as at 30 September 2009 of €13,089,270 resulting in the reduction of share capital of the Company to €129,739,823.75; and

(ii) creation of a non-distributable reserve of €118,313,496.25 which would be used exclusively to absorb losses incurred or to increase the share capital of the Company through the capitalisation of the non-distributable reserve.

 

Subsequent to the share capital reduction each ordinary share had an accounting par value of 10 eurocents (€0.1).

 

On 29 December 2009 the Company issued the following ordinary shares, preference shares and warrants:

 

· 145,685,674 ordinary shares at £0.20 per ordinary share,;

 

· 29,137,134 preference shares priced at £1 per preference share, with a seven year term;

 

· one warrant per preference share giving the right to subscribe for an ordinary share at £0.29 exercisable in May and November of each year during the four year life of the Warrants as set out in the Instrument and the Prospectus of the Company dated 16 November 2009.

 

The ordinary shares and preference shares were issued pursuant to the terms of the Articles of Incorporation and the terms of Luxembourg Company law while the Warrant Instrument is governed by English law.

 

On 1 December 2010, 2,937 warrants were converted to Ordinary shares.

On 1 June 2011, 859 warrants were converted to Ordinary shares.

On 6 December 2011, 170 warrants were converted to Ordinary shares.

There was no conversion of warrants to Ordinary shares on 1 June 2012.

There was no conversion of warrants to Ordinary shares on 5 December 2012.

There was no conversion of warrants to Ordinary shares on 5 June 2013.

 

Since the warrants were issued on 16 November 2009, a total of 31,960 warrants have been converted to 31,960 of ordinary shares

 

The Company purchased between 25 and 31 July 2012 in total 800,000 of its own preference shares at a price of 95p per share, which are held in treasury.

 

 

Voting rights 

There are no restrictions on the voting rights attaching to the ordinary shares. The preference shares do not carry voting rights except in circumstances (i) set out in articles 44 to 46(1) of the Company Act, and (ii) where, despite the existence of profits available for that purpose, the preferential cumulative dividends to which the preference shareholders are entitled are not paid in their entirety for any reason whatsoever for a period of one financial year, in which case the holders of preference shares will have the right to vote in the same manner as other shareholders at all meetings until such time as all such preferential cumulative dividends have been received in full. The Warrants do not carry any voting rights. Voting rights to each share and procedures relating thereto are described in articles 7, 8 and 26 of the Articles of the Company.

 

Authority to allot shares 

Pursuant to article 8 of the Articles, the Board is authorised to issue ordinary shares, and, as the case may be, additional Warrants (if and when required to comply with adjustment mechanisms provided for in the terms and conditions of the Warrants) within the limits of the authorised share capital. The ordinary shares and/or Warrants may be issued in one or several tranches, on such terms and conditions as the Board may approve, and at such price including such share premium as the Board may decide. The authority expires on 29 December 2014.

 

Pre-emption rights

Pursuant to article 8 of the Articles, pre-emption rights do not apply to shares that are offered for subscription by way of contributions in cash at or above the latest published net asset value, providing such offer is made within the period expiring on 29 December 2014. Where shares are offered for subscription by way of contributions in cash below the latest published net asset value, pre-emption rights apply as described in article 8 of the Articles of the Company.

 

Repurchase and redemption of own shares 

The Company may repurchase its own shares in compliance with the Company Act, the Listing Rules and its Articles. Shares redeemed by the Company may remain in existence and be held in treasury by the Company. Shares which are not cancelled do not have any voting rights or any right to participate in any dividends declared by the Company, or in any distribution paid upon the liquidation or winding-up of the Company. Such shares are also disregarded for purposes of determining Net Asset Value, in each case, for so long as such shares are held by the Company. The price of shares reissued by the Company are determined according to such policy as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

Under the Articles of Association, all shares are redeemable shares within the meaning of article 49-8 of the Company Act. The Company may redeem its own ordinary shares whenever the Board considers this to be in the best interest of Company, subject to the terms and conditions determined by the Board, within the limitations set forth by the Company Act and by article 9 of the Articles of the Company. Preference shares can only be redeemed in the specific circumstances described in article 9 of the Articles, in accordance with the terms of, and subject to the conditions set in, article 49-8 of the Company Act.

 

Dividend

As at the date of this report, the Company has neither declared nor paid dividends to the holders of ordinary shares during the financial year.

 

The Payment Dates for the payments of dividends relating to the preference shares changed from 31 May and 30 November to the third week of June and the third week of December respectively to be consistent with the ordinary share dividend pay dates previously set in place.

 

On 31 May 2013, the Company declared the seventh semi-annual preference dividend of £0.04488 per preference share in respect of the period from 22 December 2012 to 21 June 2013, which was paid on 21 June 2013 to preference shareholders on the Register on 14 June 2013 and the shares were quoted ex-dividend on 12 June 2013.

 

The eighth semi-annual preference share dividend of £0.04488 per preference share was declared on 29 November 2013 in respect of the period from 22 June 2013 to 20 December 2013, which was paid on 20 December 2013 to preference shareholders on the Register on 6 December 2013. The shares were quoted ex-dividend on 4 December 2013.

 

Warrants

The registered holders of Warrants were in a position to subscribe on 31 May and 29 November for new ordinary shares subject to the terms and conditions attaching to the Warrants as set out in the Instrument and the Prospectus of the Company dated 16 November 2009.

 

Shareholders' agreements

The Company is not aware of any shareholders' agreements which would result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights within the meaning of Directive 2004/109/EC on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market (the "Transparency Directive").

 

Shares and warrants transferability

Shares of the Company (i.e., ordinary shares and preference shares, as such terms are defined in the Articles) are freely transferable subject to article 10 of the Articles. Warrants issued by the Company are freely transferable subject to the provisions laid down in Part IV, Section 5. of the Prospectus.

 

Special Control rights

No security holder is vested with special control rights with regard to control of the Company.

 

Investment objective and policy

 

Investment objective

The long term investment objective of the Company is to provide shareholder returns through investing in a diversified commercial real estate portfolio in Continental Europe with the potential for income and capital growth. The geographical focus of the Group is primarily France and Germany due the relative stability, transparency and liquidity of these markets.

 

Investment strategy

At an EGM held on 14 October 2011, shareholders approved a proposed new investment objective and policy to realise the existing property portfolio and return capital to shareholders and the Company  concluded discussions with the Comission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier ("CSSF") enabling it to pursue a structured realisation of its assets in line with the resolution approved by the Company's shareholders at the EGM, as an investment strategy under the Company's original investment policy. On 31 May 2013 the Company announced a modification of its investment strategy, stating its intention to concentrate on the sale of vacant assets in order to maximise net operating income and provide an attractive portfolio for refinancing. Post financial year end, the Company has accelerated its sales strategy in order to proactively deleverage. Further details can be found in the 'Refinancing Strategy' section of the Investment Manager's Report. The Board believes that the investment objective and policy under the Company's original investment policy is the most appropriate course of action for the Company at this time, and is expected to have the following benefits:

· shareholders should be able to obtain net realisable value (after repayment of borrowings and liabilities) in as short a timescale as practicable;

· the approach to realisation should achieve the best balance between maximising value (compared to an immediate liquidation) and minimising the time taken to return capital to shareholders;

· the strategic management of the realisation strategy within the given market constraints, debt covenants and maturity and asset level liquidity limitations. It is proposed that all property assets will be sold as expeditiously as is consistent with the protection of value.

The sales proceeds will be applied in the first instance to the repayment of debt and thereafter returned to shareholders of the Company within a targeted timescale of approximately three years from 29 September 2011, being the date on which a circular was issued by the Company to its shareholders seeking approval of the new investment policy of the Company.

New property assets would not be acquired unless such an acquisition is deemed by the Board, in consultation with the investment adviser, to be essential to protect or enhance the realisable value of an existing property asset. Where there is an opportunity to accelerate the realisation of optimal value for shareholders of the Company, a corporate transaction, such as the merger or sale of the Company, will be considered.

 

Diversification

Under the existing investment objective, the Board continues to believe that in order to maximise the stability of the Group's income, the optimal strategy for the Group is to be invested in a portfolio of assets which (a) is diversified by location, sector, asset size, lease length and tenant exposure and (b) has low vacancy rates and (c) creditworthy tenants. While there will be no predefined limit on exposures to location, sector, asset size, vacancy rates and tenant types, the Company's portfolio will be invested and managed, as is currently required by the Listing Rules, in a way which is consistent with its objective of spreading investment risk and taking into account the Company's investment objectives, policies and restrictions.

 

Asset allocation

The Group currently owns a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate. Its sector focus is logistics, office, retail and light industrial. From time to time the Group may have modest exposure to other types of real estate, for example leisure or residential. There will be no predetermined limits on investment per sector and no predetermined geographical limit on investment. Asset allocation will be determined taking into account current Listing Rule requirements (see below under 'Investment Restrictions'), the objective of spreading risk and the Company's investment objectives, policies and restrictions.

 

Investment restrictions

As a registered Luxembourg closed ended investment fund company listed on the London Exchange, the Company and, where relevant, its subsidiaries are subject to the UK Listing Rules as well as various rules of the CSSF, the Luxembourg regulator. The Company and where relevant, its subsidiaries will observe the following restrictions in compliance with the current Listing Rules:

 

· Distributable income will be principally derived from investment. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary will conduct a trading activity which is significant in the context of the Group as a whole;

· The Company will invest and manage its assets in a way which is consistent with its objective of spreading investment risk; and

· The Company will only use financial derivatives instruments for hedging purposes.

 

As the Company is a closed-ended investment fund for the purposes of the Listing Rules, the Group will also adhere to the Listing Rules applicable from time to time to closed-ended investment funds. This includes observing the following restrictions in compliance with the current Listing Rules for closed-ended investment funds:

 

· The borrowings of the Group (excluding intra group loans) are limited by the Articles to 65% of the gross assets of the Group. This limit is tested at the time any borrowing is made. In addition, the Company is subject to a limit on borrowing of 70% of gross assets which, in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements applies at all times; and

· No property (including all adjacent or contiguous properties) shall at the time of Admission or, if later, at the time of acquisition, represent more than 15% of the gross assets of the Group.

 

In relation to the investment restriction set out in the second bullet point above, the Company has previously received a waiver of this restriction from the UKLA (when this requirement was set out in the Listing Rules) in respect of the initial assembly of the Total Property Portfolio. However, in accordance with Luxembourg regulatory requirements, the Company is now in compliance with restriction.

 

No more than 20% of the gross assets of the Company may be exposed to the creditworthiness or solvency of any one counterparty (including its subsidiaries or affiliates).

 

The total amount of loans granted by the Company to entities which are not part of the Group may not represent more than 20% of the gross assets of the Company (consolidated where appropriate) at a time a loan is made.

 

Ancillary holding of liquid assets by the Group is subject to the following restrictions:

· the Company may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in money market instruments or debt securities of one single issuer;

· the Company may not hold more than 10% of any single class of money market instrument or debt security of a single issuer nor may it invest more than 10% of its net assets in money market instruments or debt securities which are neither listed on a stock exchange nor dealt on a Regulated Market.

 

The above restrictions are, however, not applicable to securities issued by companies which are wholly or partly owned and controlled by the Company.

 

Where amendments are made to the Listing Rules, the restrictions applying to the Company will, subject to the prior approval of the CSSF, be amended so as to reflect the new Listing Rules. In this instance the Board will consider the revisions applicable to the Company and, if considered suitable, will, subject to the prior approval of the CSSF, adopt the new Listing Rules investment restrictions.

 

In case of non-compliance with the investment restrictions, corrective and compensatory actions will be undertaken in accordance with the CSSF Circular 02/77 and an announcement of such action shall be made through a regulatory information service.

 

 

Principal risks and Uncertainties

In addition to the various operating risks presented below, the Board has set out and presented risks it considers to be critical to the Company in Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements as at 30 September 2013. As the revised strategy is executed, the portfolio is likely to become more concentrated with the consequence that diversification controls are no longer effective.

 

The principal risk facing the Company is presented by the proximity of the maturity date of the current Loan Facility. In order to deleverage IERET's portfolio, the Company has identified 14 assets last valued at €103 million as being ready for sale, and which are currently being marketed for disposal before the end of 2014. The assets within this portfolio have been chosen either on the basis of their prospective long term vacancy, in which case their disposal will improve the characteristics of the remaining portfolio; or because they have recently benefitted from asset management initiatives which has placed them in a strong position for sale; or because they will be ready for disposal following the fulfilment of some additional asset management objectives in the short term.

It is the view of the Manager that the remaining smaller portfolio of assets will be more likely to succeed in being refinanced: it is upon this basis that current discussions with lenders are progressing. In the event the Company is not able to refinance the debt or repay the outstanding loan amount by 30 April 2014 without a further maturity extension, the Company would be in default. In this scenario, there is a risk that disposals made under an accelerated liquidation strategy would not generate sufficient proceeds to enable the return of equity to ordinary or preference shareholders. However, we believe it is in the best interests of the lender to work proactively with the Company to achieve the common goal of a refinance, either total or in part.

The combination of circumstances described above represents a material uncertainty over the Company's ability to repay its loan facility in full by the 30 April 2014. Nevertheless, it is the view of the Board that the realization strategy being undertaken is likely to reduce debt levels while structuring a more attractive portfolio for refinancing. After considering the uncertainties that exist around the Company's ability to meet its debt obligations, the Board maintains a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future in the light of debt management strategies currently in progress.

 

 

Investment and strategy

Market circumstances can introduce volatility into investment returns arising from factors such as market sentiment, an excess supply of accommodation relative to occupier demand, macroeconomic factors impacting on the capability of tenants to pay rents or fiscal and legislative changes. Under the current strategy, the Investment Manager and the Board seek to mitigate these risks through a business plan led approach, which incorporates a rigorous asset management strategy, research-based investment decisions and regular reviews of portfolio strategy. This approach has led to owning a well diversified and balanced portfolio with opportunities for active asset management.

 

To enable the Board to ensure that the portfolio does not become overly concentrated or reliant on individual assets, sectors or tenants, the Investment Manager reports quarterly on asset concentration, sector and regional diversification.

 

On a semi-annual basis the Investment Manager provides an independent analysis of tenant quality to the Board, sourced from Investment Property Databank's tenant credit rating system.

 

The primary control is that no single property (including all adjacent or contiguous properties) shall represent more than 15% of the gross assets of the Group at the time of purchase.

 

Borrowings

The Group is subject to a limit on borrowing of 70% of gross assets that applies at all times in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements.

 

At 30 September 2013 the Group had access to a €359.3 million credit facility from Bank of Scotland of which the Group had an unpaid principal balance of €229.7 million. The Company's gross Loan to Value ("LTV") as at that date was 70.6% and the net debt LTV was 64.9%.

 

The Group seeks to avoid significant exposure to unforeseen upward interest rate movements, with all third party debt currently hedged.

 

Accounting, legal and regulatory

The Group has processes in place to ensure that the administrators maintain accurate accounting records and that sufficient evidence to support the accounts is available to the auditors upon request. The Administrator also operates established accounting systems that address issues of control and completeness. Procedures are in place to ensure that the quarterly NAV and Gross Asset Value are calculated properly by the Administrator, and the Group's property assets are valued quarterly by an independent specialist property valuation firm which is provided with regular updates on portfolio activity by the Investment Manager.

 

The Administrator monitors legal requirements in Luxembourg to ensure that adequate procedures and reminders are in place to meet the Group's legal requirements and obligations. The Investment Manager undertakes appropriate legal, tax and structuring due diligence with the assistance of external advisers when transacting and managing the Company's assets. All contracts entered into by the Group are reviewed by the Company's legal and the Group's other advisers. Processes are in place to ensure that the Group complies with the conditions applicable to property investment companies set out in the Listing Rules and the Circulars issued by the Luxembourg financial supervisory authority, the CSSF.

 

The Administrator attends all Board meetings to be aware of all announcements that need to be made and the Group's advisers are aware of their obligations to advise the Administrator, and where relevant the Board, of any events which require notification be made to the Board.

 

Finally, the Board is satisfied that the Investment Manager and Administrator have adequate procedures in place to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the CSSF.

 

Citco REIF Services (Luxembourg) S.A. ("Citco") has entered into an Administration Agreement with the Company which may be terminated by either party giving to the other not less than 120 days notice in writing. The Administrator is entitled to an annual fee equal to €1.1 million pa.

 

Management

 

The Board has appointed Internos Global Investors Limited ("Internos") in replacement of Invista Real Estate Investment Management Limited ("Invista") to execute the investment objective and policy set out above pursuant to an investment advisory agreement dated 22 September 2011 (the "Internos IAA").

 

The appointment of Internos was approved by (i) the CSSF as the Company's regulator (in relation to Internos acting as manager and promoter of the Company); and (ii) Bank of Scotland in its capacity as facility agent in connection with the credit facility provided by it to the Company. The Company announced on 15 December 2011 that Internos has taken on the role of investment manager with effect from 15 December 2011 and that the proposed change of the Company investment objective and policy to implement a structured realisation of its portfolio of assets was subject to regulatory approval. The Company concluded discussions with the CSSF on this point and it may now pursue a structured realisation of its assets in line with the resolution approved by the Company's shareholders at the EGM on 14 October 2011, as an investment strategy under the Company's original investment policy.

 

The Internos IAA (including the transitional arrangements thereunder), may be terminated by either the Company or Internos on 6 months written notice. The Internos IAA may also be terminated immediately by the Company in certain circumstances, such as in the case of the departure of certain key persons of Internos or for regulatory reasons.

 

Management fees

 

From 15 December 2011, when Internos took on the management of the Company's assets from Invista, the Company agreed to pay Internos pursuant to the Internos IAA a management fee of 1.25% per annum on the Net Asset Value attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders, subject to a minimum of €1.0 million per annum. Assuming an unchanged level of NAV, this was approximately €1.6 million per annum lower than the management fee payable under the Invista IMA, representing a reduction of 47%.

 

In addition, the Company will pay Internos a realisation fee equal to 12.5% of the amount by which cash returned to ordinary shareholders exceeds €82.8 million (the "Notional Market Cap" as defined in the Internos IAA), compounded thereafter at 10% per annum.

 

Significant contracts

Apart from the Internos IAA and Administration Agreements, other significant contracts are with the following parties:

· Citco Bank Nederland N.V. - Luxembourg Branch (Citco Bank) as Custodian Bank

· Citco REIF Services (Luxembourg) S.A. (Citco) as Central Administrator & Company Secretary & The Registrar & Transfer Agent

· Capita IRG Trustees Limited as Depository Agent

· Internos Global Investors Ltd. ("Internos") for accounting services

· Rothschild for debt advisory services in relation to refinancing the Loan facility with Bank of Scotland

 

Other Significant contracts which have been entered into by the Company are listed in Part XII, Section 8 of the Prospectus.

 

Creditor payment policy

It is the Group's policy to ensure settlement of supplier invoices in accordance with stated terms.

 

Donations

The Company made no political or charitable donations during the year

 

Directors

The Directors of the Company (who together with their beneficial interests in the voting rights of the Company's ordinary share capital as at 30 September 2013) are listed below:

 

 

 

 

Director

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 12

30 Sep 12

Number of shares

%

Number of Shares

%

Tom Chandos (Chairman)

261,000 ordinary shares, and 10,200 preference shares, and

10,200

warrants

 

0.1004

 

0.0350

 

 

 

0.0350

 

261,000 ordinary shares, and 10,200 preference shares, and

10,200

warrants

 

0.1004

 

0.0350

 

 

 

0.0350

 

Michael Chidiac

-

-

-

-

Robert DeNormandie

-

-

-

-

William Scott

-

-

-

-

 

 

Directors are elected and may be removed with or without cause or replaced by the shareholders in accordance with the rules set out in articles 13 and 26 of the Articles.

 

Directors' Remuneration

 

The appointment dates and gross remuneration of the Directors during the current and previous financial year was as follows:

 

Director

Date of appointment

30 September 2013

30 September 2012

Tom Chandos (Chairman)

17 November 2006

52,000

52,000

John Frederiksen (resigned 23 April 2013)

17 November 2006

18,449

30,000

Michael Chidiac

17 November 2006

35,000

35,000

Robert DeNormandie

26 April 2007

40,000

40,000

William Scott

28 September 2012

30,000

30,000

 

The Directors do not have service contracts with the Company. The terms of appointment provide that a Director shall retire at every Annual General Meeting.

 

The Directors receive a base fee of €30,000 per annum, and the Chairman receives €52,000 per annum. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional fee of €5,000 per annum, reflecting his additional responsibilities and workload. All Luxembourg based Directors also receive an additional €5,000 per annum in recognition of their additional work.

 

The Directors are not eligible for bonuses, pension benefits, share options or other incentives or benefits.

 

Compensation in case of resignation, removal from office or takeover bid.

The Company has not entered into any agreements with the Directors providing for compensation if they resign or removed from office without valid reason or if their appointments cease because of a takeover bid.

 

 

Disclosure of information to auditors

As far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which has not been disclosed to the Company's external auditors and each of the Directors has taken all of the steps that they each ought to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

 

Substantial shareholdings - At 30 September 2013 the Board was aware that the following shareholders owned 3% or more of the issued shares of the Company:

 

 

Number of

Ordinary Shares

 

%

Ironsides Partners LLC

62,353,907

23.98

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management

44,170,324

16.99

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management

38,956,776

14.98

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management

5,213,548

2.01

Weiss Capital LLC

16,506,846

6.35

Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited

14,524,646

5.59

CPP Investment Board

12,492,125

4.81

Investec Wealth & Investment

11,905,419

4.58

Barclays Stockbrokers Ltd

11,191,624

4.30

Halifax Share Dealing Limited

8,914,269

3.43

 

 

 

Number of

Preference Shares

 

%

Forum Partners Investment Mgmt LLC

12,096,633

42.69

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management

5,451,148

19.24

Henderson Global Investors

1,469,489

5.19

Number of

Warrant-holders

 

%

Forum Partners Investment Mgmt LLC

12,088,633

41.53

Barclays Stockbrokers Ltd

4,994,476

17.16

Henderson Global Investors

1,469,489

5.05

J.P. Morgan Securities Plc

1,177,271

4.04

Winterflood Securities Ltd

1,094,502

3.76

Forum Partners Investment Mgmt LLC

1,012,710

3.48

 

 

Independent auditors

KPMG Luxembourg S.à.r.l. has been appointed as independent auditor of the Company with effect from 18 February 2013 and for a duration of one year. The decision on the re-appointment of the KPMG will be submitted for approval of shareholders during the AGM to be held on 28 March 2014.

 

Amendment to the Articles

The Articles may be amended in accordance with the rules set out in article 25 of the Articles.

 

Status for taxation

The Company is not liable for any Luxembourg tax on profits or income, nor are distributions paid by the Company subject to any Luxembourg withholding tax. The Company is, however, liable in Luxembourg to a subscription tax of 0.05% per annum of its Net Asset Value, such tax being payable quarterly on the basis of the value of the aggregate net assets of the Company at the end of the relevant calendar quarter. No stamp duty or other tax is payable in Luxembourg on the issue of Shares. No Luxembourg tax is payable on the realised capital appreciation of the assets of the Company.

 

Going concern

The Directors have examined significant areas of possible financial risk and have satisfied themselves that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. After due consideration the Board believes it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the financial statements. Please see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and separate accounts. 

 

Related Party transactions

This is detailed in Note 27 in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Corporate governance

Principles statement

The Directors are committed to high standards of corporate governance and have made it Company policy to comply with best practice in this area and insofar as the Directors believe it is relevant and appropriate to the Company, to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting Council or to explain areas of non-compliance.

 

There is no generally applicable Luxembourg corporate governance code for Luxembourg companies. Whilst the Luxembourg stock exchange has issued a corporate governance code based on international precedents, this code is not applicable to the Company.

 

The relevant corporate governance rules are the statutory rules of the Luxembourg Companies Act, which are, in essence, reflected in the constitutional documents of the Company. The Company's application of the UK Corporate Governance Code (with which the Company complies, and which is available at (http://www.frc.org.uk/getattachment/a7f0aa3a-57dd-4341-b3e8-ffa99899e154/UK-Corporate-Governance-Code-September-2012.aspx) is discussed in the following paragraphs.

 

Composition and Balance of the Board

The Board currently consists of four Directors, all of whom are Non-Executive.

 

Tom Chandos is the Chairman of the Board.

 

 

All the Directors (Tom Chandos, John Frederiksen (who resigned on 23 April 2013), Michael Chidiac, Robert DeNormandie, William Scott (who was appointed on 28 September 2012) and Jaap Meijer, (who resigned on 28 September 2012)) are considered independent as they have no links with the Investment Manager and all have other professional employment.

 

The Board believes that the Directors have a breadth of property investment, business and financial skills and experience relevant to the Company. Biographical details of all current Board members are set out at the start of this section.

 

The Board acknowledges the Financial Reporting Council's proposed changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code in relation to the consideration of greater diversity within the boardroom as a whole, including that of gender. The Board remains committed to ensuring that the Directors of the Company possess a broad balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge and that there is sufficient diversity within the composition of the Board. The matter of Board diversity will be considered at regular intervals and will be an integral part of the annual Board evaluation process, however all appointments will be made on merit.

 

Chairman

The Board considers the Chairman to have sufficient time to commit to the Company's affairs as necessary

 

Senior Independent Director

The Board has considered the need to appoint a Senior Independent Director, but believes that this is not appropriate due to the size of the Board. (provision A 4.1)

 

 

 

The Role of the Board

The Board has determined that its role is to consider the following principal matters which it considers are of strategic importance to the Company and to take appropriate decisions thereon:

 

1. The overall objectives of the Company, as described under Investment Objective and Policy above, and the strategy for fulfilling those objectives within an appropriate risk framework.

2. The strategy followed is appropriate in light of the prevailing market conditions.

3. The capital structure of the company, including consideration of an appropriate use of borrowings is appropriate both for the Company and its shareholders.

4. The appointment and monitoring through regular reports and meetings of the Investment Manager, Administrator and other appropriately skilled service providers to ensure their ongoing effectiveness through regular reports and meetings.

5. Review of the key elements of the Company's performance including NAV growth and the payment of dividends.

 

Board decisions

At Board meetings, matters listed under the Role of the Board above are considered and resolved by the Board. Some issues associated with implementing the Company's strategy may be delegated by the Board either to the Investment Manager or the Administrator. However matters of strategic importance to the Company are usually reserved for the Board. Generally these are defined as large property decisions affecting either 5% or more of the Group's assets and decisions affecting the Group's borrowings.

 

A formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board has been adopted which clearly defines the Directors'

Responsibilities and the powers of the Board are further described in articles 6,9,10 and title III of the Articles. In particular, the Board may decide to issue shares and to redeem the Company's own shares subject to the conditions set out in articles 8 and 9 of the Articles of the Company.

 

Board performance evaluation

The Board undertakes an annual review of its performance and that of its Committees and individual members during the financial year. The Board's procedure for evaluating the performance of the Board, its Committees and the individual Directors in respect of the year ended 30 September 2013 has occurred through a combination of questionnaire and discussion. The evaluation process is designed to show whether individual Directors continue to contribute effectively to the Board and to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of the Board's composition and processes. The Chairman takes the lead in acting upon the results of the evaluation process. In respect of the Chairman, a meeting of Directors was held, without the Chairman present, to evaluate his performance. Following the annual review the Board concluded it was operating effectively and that the Chairman and the members of the Board had the breadth of skills required to fulfil their role.

 

Accordingly, as the individual performance of the respective Directors continues to be effective and the attendance by all Directors at meetings of the Board during the last financial year (see 'Board meetings') demonstrates the continued commitment of all Directors to their respective roles, the Board therefore considers all Directors standing for re-election at the Annual General Meeting on 28 March 2014 should be re-elected for a period of one year.

 

Re-appointment of Directors and Directors' tenure

Directors' re-appointment is subject to the Company's Articles and UK Corporate Governance Code and the Listing rules. The Company's Articles require that all Directors stand for re-appointment every year.

 

Directors Training

Directors are provided on a regular basis with key information on the Company's activities, including regulatory and statutory requirements, internal control and operational/portfolio risks.

 

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interests between the Directors and the Company. The Prospectus issued in November 2009 discloses the Director's interest in Part XI, Section 3.

 

Insurance

Directors' and Officers' insurance is currently in place. The Company maintains liability insurance for its Directors and Officers.

 

Board meetings

The Board meets quarterly and as required from time to time to consider specific issues reserved for the Board.

 

At the Board's quarterly meetings it considers papers circulated in advance including reports provided by the Investment Manager and the Administrator. The Investment Manager's report comments on the Continental European commercial property market, performance, strategy, transactional and asset management and the Group's financial position including relationships with its bankers and lenders.

 

These reports enable the Board to assess the success with which the Group's property strategy and other associated matters are being implemented and also to consider any relevant risks and how they can be properly managed. The Board also considers reports provided from time to time by its various service providers reviewing their internal controls.

 

The table below shows the attendance at the Board's quarterly meetings during the financial year to 30 September 2013:

 

 

Director

 

Board

 

Audit Committee

Tom Chandos (Chairman)

4

1

John Frederiksen

2

2

Michael Chidiac

4

4

Robert DeNormandie

4

4

William Scott

4

4

Number of meetings during the year

4

4

 

In between its regular quarterly meetings, the Board has also met on a number of occasions during the year to consider specific transactions or reach decisions on matters arising. It has not always been possible for all Directors to attend these meetings.

 

 

 

Committees of the Board

 

The Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is chaired by Robert DeNormandie with Michael Chidiac and William Scott (who replaced Jaap Meijer on 28 September 2012) as voting members. The Company considers that Robert DeNormandie's experience makes him suitably qualified to chair the Audit Committee. If required, meetings can also be attended by the Investment Manager, the Administrator and the Independent Auditor as well as with the Company's property appraiser to discuss the scope and conclusions of their work.

 

The primary tasks of the Company's Audit Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, including:

 

reviewing the half-year and annual financial statements before their submission to the Board;

 

advising the Board on the terms and scope of the appointment of the external auditors, their remuneration, the independence and objectivity as well as reviewing with the external auditors the results and effectiveness of the semi-annual review and the annual audit;

 

performing such other duties imposed by applicable laws and regulations of the markets on which the shares are listed, as well as any other duties entrusted to the Audit Committee by the Board;

 

any material non-audit or tax services must be considered and approved by the Committee and a recommendation submitted to the Board for final approval; and

 

periodic reporting to the Board on its activities.

 

During the year the Company's auditors were involved in reviews of the interim and year end financial statements. No other work by the external auditor was performed.

 

The Audit Committee is satisfied that KPMG Luxembourg S.à.r.l is independent of the Company.

 

Terms of Reference

The Committee has written terms of reference, which clearly define its responsibilities and duties.

 

Other Committees

The Company does not have a Remuneration Committee [provision D.2.1] or a Nominations Committee [provision B.2.1], since the Company does not have any executive Directors and also due to the small size of the Board, it is more efficient for any decisions relating to Board nominations to be taken directly by the Board rather than instituting a separate committee. New appointments to the Board and remuneration issues are considered by the Board as a whole from time to time.

 

Review of the Investment Manager's performance and the contractual arrangement with the Investment Manager are conducted by the Board as a whole during its regular quarterly meetings.

 

Shareholder relations

Shareholder communications are a high priority for the Board. The Investment Manager produces a quarterly fact sheet which is posted on the Company's website at www.ieret.eu; the latest version can be

found at http://www.ieret.eu/quarterly-factsheets. The fund manager and other relevant members of the Investment Manager's Investment Committee make themselves available at all reasonable times to meet with brokers, shareholders and sector analysts. Feedback from these sessions is provided by the Investment Manager to quarterly Board meetings.

 

In addition, the Board is also kept fully appraised of all market commentary on the Company prepared by the Investment Manager and other professional advisers including the Company's brokers. Through this process the Board seeks to monitor the views of shareholders and to ensure an effective communication programme. The Chairman and Directors also hold meetings with shareholders in response to invitations to do so or as required.

 

Details of the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 28 March 2014 can be found in the Notice of the Meeting

 

 

 

Statement of Directors responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for ensuring proper preparation of the financial statements and Report of Directors for each financial period:

 

i) which give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group as of and at the end of the financial period in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Listing Rules; and

ii) which give a true and fair view of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group as well as a true and fair description of the principal risks and uncertainties the Group may encounter.

 

In addition, the Board is responsible to ensure that the Company is in compliance with applicable company law and other UK or Luxembourg applicable laws and to provide a description of the risks and uncertainties the Group may encounter and to put in place an appropriate control framework designed to meet the Group's particular needs and the risks to which it is exposed.

 

In preparing such financial statements the Directors are responsible for:

 

· Selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them consistently.

· Making judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

· Stating whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements.

· Preparing the Financial Statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.

· Maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with all relevant regulations.

· Safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

Internal control

The Directors are responsible for the determination of the Company's investment objective and related policies and have overall responsibility for the Group's activities including the review of investment activity and performance.

 

The UK Corporate Governance Code requires the Directors to review the effectiveness of the Group's system of internal controls on an annual basis and to report to shareholders that they have done so. Although such a system can only provide reasonable assurance and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss, as it is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure.

The Board considers risk management and internal control on a regular basis during the year.

 

The key reviews conducted by the Directors are described as follows:

 

1. The Board has reviewed a report (the "Operating Memorandum") prepared by Internos's team on Internos (Investment Manager and Accountant), Citco REIF Services (Luxembourg Registrar and Administrator), Citco Bank Nederland N.V. (Custodian), and Capita Registrars (UK Registrar) and has been satisfied that their approach is appropriate for the Group.

2. The Board meets regularly at the offices of the Administrator for its formal quarterly Board meetings and for ad-hoc Board meetings. The Board is therefore familiar with the environment in which the Administrator is operating and has the opportunity to meet the staff responsible for providing administrative agency services to the Company. This enables the Board to view at first hand the level of resources made available to the Company by the Administrator.

 

As the Company has no employees and its operational functions are undertaken by third parties, the Audit Committee does not consider it necessary for the Company to establish its own internal control function. The effectiveness of internal controls is assessed on a regular basis by the Compliance and Risk departments of the Investment Manager and Administrator. Therefore the Company is substantially reliant on the Investment Manager's and Administrators own internal controls and their internal audit. The Board considers risk management and internal control on a regular basis during the year. The processes implemented to identify, evaluate and manage risk that are described in the following paragraphs have been in place throughout the financial year to the date of this document and accord with the Revised Turnbull Guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council, a guidance document relating to the principles under UK Corporate Governance Code .

 

The key elements designed to provide effective control are as follows:

1. Regular review of relevant financial data including management accounts and performance projections.

2. Contractual documentation with appropriately regulated entities which clearly describes responsibilities for the two principal service providers concerned.

3. The Investment Manager's system of internal controls is based on clear written processes, a formal investment committee, clear lines of responsibility and reporting; all of which are monitored by Internos's internal risk team. Internos is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

4. The Company's strategy is authorised by the Board which also monitors the Investment Manager's effectiveness in implementing the strategy.

 

Action has been taken to remedy any significant failings or weaknesses identified.

 

Responsibility statement

The undersigned, Mr Tom Chandos, Chairman of the Board, and Mr Robert DeNormandie, Chairman of the Audit Committee, both Directors of the Company, state that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

a) the financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards and the Listing Rules give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group; and

b) the Annual Report and Accounts 2013 includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group for the financial year ended 30 September 2013, and their impact on the set of financial statements, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the next financial year.

 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 31 January 2014

 

 

 

 

Tom Chandos, Chairman

31 January 2014

 

 

 

Robert DeNormandie, Chairman of the Audit Committee

31 January 2014

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Rental income

6

27,650

33,935

Other income

8

622

3,906

Total revenue

 

28,272

37,841

Property operating expenses

7

(4,708)

(3,287)

Net rental and related income

 

23,564

34,554

 

 

 

Investment management fees

9

(969)

(1,946)

Professional fees

10

(1,929)

(1,526)

Administration fees

11

(1,682)

(2,173)

Directors' fees

27

(182)

(204)

Other expenses

 

(267)

(1,658)

Total expenses

 

(5,029)

(7,507)

 

 

 

 

Net loss on disposal of investment property

12

(3,364)

-

Net loss on disposal of subsidiaries

 

(109)

-

Net valuation losses on investment property

12

(37,595)

(42,521)

 

 

 

 

 Loss before net financing costs and tax

 

 

(22,533)

 

(15,474)

 

 

 

 

Finance income

13

2,279

1,880

Finance expense

14

(22,778)

(26,980)

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

28

9,430

2,000

Net financing costs

 

(11,069)

(23,100)

Loss before tax

 

(33,602)

(38,574)

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax benefit

 

1,081

1,352

Current tax expense

 

(1,903)

(4)

Total tax

25

(822)

1,348

Loss for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Company

 

 

(34,424)

 

(37,226)

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per share (Euro)

20

(0.132)

(0.143)

Diluted loss per share (Euro)

20

(0.132)

(0.143)

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 12

 

Note

€000

€000 

Loss for the year

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flows hedged for the year

 

18

 

1,087

 

3,531

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

 

1,087

3,531

Total other comprehensive loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company

 

 

(33,337)

 

(33,695)

 

All items in the above consolidated statement are derived from continuing operations.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 September 2013

 

 

Notes

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Assets

 

 

 

Investment property

12

325,550

369,510

Deferred tax assets

25

-

3,869

Total non-current assets

 

325,550

373,379

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

15

3,550

13,457

Other current assets

16

6,422

4,368

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale

17

30

24,126

35,195

41,120

-

Total current assets

 

34,098

94,140

Total assets

 

359,648

467,519

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

Share capital

 

25,998

25,998

Share premium

 

164,992

164,992

Restricted reserve

 

3

 65,816

Cumulative deficit

 

(132,582)

(163,971)

Hedge reserve

 

5,800

4,713

Total equity attributable to owners of the Company

 

18

 

64,211

 

97,548

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

21

-

259,011

Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

22

-

6,325

Preference shares

23

32,020

32,940

Warrants

24

176

219

Derivative financial instruments

28

-

16,767

Deferred tax liabilities

25

1,346

6,410

Total non-current liabilities

 

33,542

321,672

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

21

229,630

-

Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

22

5,988

-

Trade and other payables

 

3,076

751

Income tax and other taxes payable

25

4,560

5,032

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

26

10,159

9,722

Deferred income

15

4,133

4,568

Derivative financial instruments

28

4,349

-

Liabilities directly associated with current assets classified as held for sale

30

-

28,226

Total current liabilities

 

261,895

48,299

Total liabilities

 

295,437

369,971

Total equity and liabilities

 

359,648

467,519

Net Asset Value per ordinary share (Euro)

19

0.247

0.375

Diluted Net Asset Value per ordinary share (Euro)

 

19

 

0.257

 

0.374

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 January 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

Tom Chandos Robert DeNormandie

Chairman Chairman of Audit Committee

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

Share capital

Share premium

Restricted

 reserve

Cumulative deficit

Hedging reserve

Total equity

 

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Balance as at 30 September 2011

 

25,998

164,992

120,484

(181,413)

1,182

131,243

Absorption of losses by the restricted reserve

 

 

-

 

-

 

(52,500)

 

52,500

 

-

 

-

Recapitalisation of subsidiaries

 

-

-

(2,168)

2,168

-

-

Total equity movement

 

-

-

(54,668)

54,668

-

-

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

-

-

-

(37,226)

3,531

(33,695)

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year and equity movement

 

 

-

 

-

 

(54,668)

 

17,442

 

3,531

 

(33,695)

Balance as at 30 September 2012

 

25,998

164,992

65,816

(163,971)

4,713

97,548

Absorption of losses by the restricted reserve

 

 

-

 

-

 

(65,813)

 

65,813

 

-

 

-

Total equity movement

 

 

 

(65,813)

65,813

-

-

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

-

-

-

(34,424)

1,087

(33,337)

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year and equity movement

 

 

 

 

(65,813)

 

31,389

 

1,087

 

(33,337)

Balance as at 30 September 2013

 

25,998

164,992

3

(132,582)

5,800

64,211

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 30 Sep 13

 30 Sep 12

€000

€000

Loss before tax

(33,602)

(38,574)

Adjustments for:

 

 

Net loss on disposal of investment property

12

3,364

-

Net valuation losses on investment property

12

37,595

42,521

Net loss on liquidation of investments in subsidiaries

109

-

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

28

(9,396)

165

Unrealised change in fair value of warrants

28

(34)

(2,165)

Interest expense

14

17,233

18,937

Interest received

13

(49)

(158)

Unrealised change in fair value of treasury shares

143

-

Amortisation of transaction costs relating to debt

14

1,110

1,720

Preference shares dividends

14

2,977

3,023

Net unrealised foreign currency losses / gains

14

(915)

2,940

Changes in working capital:

(Decrease) / Increase in current assets

7,936

(683)

Decrease in current liabilities

1,963

 (230)

Cash generated from operating activities

28,434

27,496

Interest paid

(17,595)

(19,183)

Interest received

49

158

Taxes paid

25

(2,379)

 (980)

Net cash flows from Operating Activities

8,512

 7,491

Investing Activities

Capital expenditure

12

(596)

(1,127)

Net proceeds from disposal of investment property

12

42,282

 -

Net cash flows from/(used in) Investing Activities

41,686

 (1,127)

Financing Activities

Proceeds from bank loans

21

- Gross proceeds

-

-

- Gross repayments

(56,940)

(11,300)

- Transaction costs

-

-

Swap breakage costs

28

(1,935)

-

Gain on forward transaction

13

-

185

Buyback of preference shares

-

(963)

Dividend paid on preference shares

14

(2,991)

(2,983)

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

-

 -

Net cash flows used in Financing Activities

(61,866)

 (15,061)

Effects of changes in exchange rates

599

 -

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year

(11,069)

 (8,697)

Opening cash and cash equivalents

35,195

 43,892

Closing non-restricted cash and cash equivalents

17

21,379

32,681

Closing restricted cash and cash equivalents

17

2,747

 2,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

1. Reporting entity

 

Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF (the "Company") was incorporated as a "société anonyme" under the laws of Luxembourg on 6 June 2005. On 17 November 2006 the Company was converted into an investment company with fixed capital "société d'investissement à capital fixe" ("SICAF"). Through its subsidiaries (together the "Group") its main activity is to evaluate, make and actively manage direct and indirect investments in real estate in Continental European countries.

 

The Company is a public limited liability company incorporated for an unlimited term. The registered office of the Company is established at 25C, Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg. Information pertaining to the Company is included to the extent required by the London Stock Exchange listing rules. This information should not deem to represent statutory annual accounts, which are separately prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.

 

2. Basis of preparation

 

2.1 Statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB), and adopted by the European Union (EU).

 

These consolidated financial statements are presented for the year ended 30 September 2013, with comparative figures for the year ended 30 September 2012.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 31 January 2014.

 

2.2 Going concern

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. It is the assessment of the Board of Directors that the Company will continue as a going concern for at least 12 months from the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements. In forming this opinion, the Board of Directors has considered its ability to meet liabilities as they fall due and the continued availability of the Company's Loan facilities.

 

The Investment Manager maintains a detailed 18 month cash flow forecast, which is reviewed every quarter. The Board of Directors has identified the refinancing of the Common Terms Agreement, the Company's debt facility, which expires on 30 April 2014, as the key risk to the going concern basis.

 

Following the most recent valuation of the portfolio undertaken by Savills as at 31 December 2013, the Company made an amortization payment of €5.5 million on 15 January. This brought the level of outstanding debt to €221.2 million. Against the current valuation of €316.1 million, the outstanding debt produces an LTV of 69.98%. The current Loan facility has a maturity date of 30 April 2014, following the extension agreed with Bank of Scotland PLC ("BoS") prior to the end of 2013. The Loan is being transferred to Promontoria Hampton (1) Limited and Promontoria Hampton (2) Limited, funds affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management L.P. and certain other separate Cerberus funds ("Cerberus") during the month of January. The Company's interest rate hedging agreement in the form of a swap expired on 31 December 2013.

 

The Company's disposal plan is influenced by weak market conditions, portfolio vacancy levels, bank covenants, refinancing considerations and unrecognized deferred tax liabilities. As a result, the Company has taken and continues to undertake a strategic review of the portfolio to assess the optimal disposal programme. The Company has identified fourteen assets last valued at €103 million that are currently on the market or being prepared for marketing. A number of other assets require completion of asset management initiatives which range from lease re-gears and re-lettings to structural repositioning and extensive capital expenditure, as with the shopping centre in Riesa, Germany.

 

There is uncertainty regarding the price level that can be achieved on sale, but this disposal plan is anticipated to produce proceeds that will deleverage the current portfolio. It is the view of the Manager that the remaining smaller portfolio of assets will be more likely to succeed in being refinanced: it is upon this basis that current discussions with lenders are progressing. In the event the Company is not able to refinance the debt or repay the outstanding loan amount by 30 April 2014 without a further maturity extension, the Company would be in default. In this scenario, there is a risk that disposals made under an accelerated liquidation strategy would not generate sufficient proceeds to enable the return of equity to ordinary or preference shareholders. However, we believe it is in the best interests of the lender to work proactively with the Company to achieve the common goal of a refinance, either total or in part.

 

The combination of circumstances described above represents a material uncertainty over the Company's ability to repay its loan facility in full by the 30 April 2014. Nevertheless, it is the view of the Board that the realization strategy being undertaken is likely to reduce debt levels while structuring a more attractive portfolio for refinancing. After considering the uncertainties that exist around the Company's ability to meet its debt obligations, the Board maintains a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future in the light of debt management strategies currently in progress.

 

 

2.3 Functional and presentation currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company's presentation and functional currency. All financial information presented in Euro has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

 

2.4 Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the investment properties, warrants and derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value.

 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

 

2.5 Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

 

Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements are described in note 4.

2.6 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

 

The Group has early adopted the following amended standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as of 1 October 2012:

 

i. IAS 12, Income taxes - Deferred taxes: Recovery of Underlying Assets - The amendment clarified the determination of deferred tax on investment property measured at fair value. The amendment introduces a rebuttable presumption that deferred tax on investment property measured using the fair value model in IAS 40 should be determined on the basis that its carrying amount will be recovered through sale of the property. As a result of the amendment the Standing Interpretation Committee (SIC) issued SIC 21, Income Taxes-Recovery of Revalued Non-depreciable Assets, has been superseded and withdrawn. The amendment to IAS 12 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013, but the Group has elected to early adopt the amendment effective 1 October 2012.

 

Standards and interpretations recently issued but not yet effective

 

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective up to the date of issuance of the Group's consolidated financial statements, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements.

 

Those which may be relevant to the Group are set out below. The Group does not plan to adopt these standards early.

ii. IAS 1, Financial Statement Presentation - Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - The amendment to IAS 1 changes the grouping of items presented in OCI. Items that could be reclassified (or "recycled") to profit or loss at a future time (for example, upon de-recognition or settlement) would be presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. The amendment affects presentation only and has therefore no impact on the Group's financial position or performance. The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The Group will apply the amendment to IAS 1 retrospectively from 1 January 2013 as endorsed by the European Union.

iii. IAS 27 (as revised in 2011) - As a consequence of the new IFRS 10 and IFRS 12, what remains in IAS 27 is limited to accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities, and associates in separate financial statements. The Group will apply IAS 27(revised 2011) prospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

iv. IAS 28 (as revised in 2011) - As a consequence of the new IFRS 11 and IFRS 12, IAS 28 has been renamed IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures , and describes the application of the equity method to investments in joint ventures in addition to associates. The standard defines significant influence as the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control of those policies. The Group will apply IAS 28 (revised 2011) prospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

v. IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement - IFRS 9 as issued reflects the first phase of the IASB's work on the replacement of IAS 39 and applies to classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as defined in IAS 39. IFRS 9 has two measurement categories: amortized cost and fair value through profit or loss. All equity instruments are measured at fair value. A debt instrument is stated at amortized cost only if the entity is holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest. Otherwise it should be measured at fair value through profit or loss. The adoption of the first phase of IFRS 9 will have no impact on classification and measurements of the Group's financial assets/financial liabilities. The Group will apply IFRS 9 retrospectively from 1 January 2015. This standard has not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

vi. IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements - IFRS 10 replaces the portion of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements that addresses the accounting for consolidated financial statements. It also includes the issues raised in SIC-12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities. IFRS 10 establishes a single control model that applies to all entities including "special purpose entities". The changes introduced by IFRS 10 will require management to exercise significant judgment to determine which entities are controlled, and therefore are required to be consolidated by a parent, compared with the requirements that were in IAS 27. The Group will apply IFRS 10 retrospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

vii. IASB issued Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27) on 31 October 2012. The amendments provide an exception to the consolidation requirements in IFRS 10 and require investment entities to measure particular subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss. The amendments are effective from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

IERET does not qualify as an investment entity mostly from the fact that it has a separate business activity (property and asset management) which goes beyond earning returns from capital appreciation and/or investment income (IFRS 10.IE9 to IE11). The Fund has assessed that the implementation of the standard will have no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. If IERET had qualified as an investment entity, no consolidated financial statements would have been prepared in subsequent years.

 

viii. IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements - IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly-controlled Entities - Non-monetary Contributions by Venturers - This standard provides for a more consistent reflection of joint arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations of the arrangement, rather than its legal form. There are two types of joint arrangements: joint operations and joint ventures. IFRS 11 removes the option to account for jointly controlled entities (JCEs) using proportionate consolidation. Instead, JCEs that meet the definition of a joint venture must be accounted for using the equity method. The Group will apply IFRS 11 retrospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

ix. IFRS 12, Disclosure of Involvement with Other Entities - IFRS 12 includes all of the disclosure requirements that were previously in IAS 27 related to consolidated financial statements, as well as all of the disclosures that were previously included in IAS 31 and IAS 28. These disclosures relate to an entity's interests in subsidiaries, joint ventures, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. A number of new disclosures are also required. The Group will apply IFRS 12 retrospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

x. IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement - IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. The requirements of IFRS 13, which are largely aligned between IFRSs and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), do not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provide guidance of how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. The Group will apply IFRS 13 prospectively from 1 January 2013 as endorsed by the European Union.

 

The Group has considered the above new standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards and concluded that they are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements, apart from additional disclosures.

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

 

3.1 Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries drawn up to 30 September each year. Subsidiaries are those entities over which the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are de-consolidated from the date control ceases.

 

The Group's acquisitions of subsidiaries are primarily accounted for as acquisitions of assets as the subsidiaries are special purpose vehicles established for the sole purpose of owning property. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets acquired, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition.

 

The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries and their results are fully reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have also been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with new or revised accounting policies adopted by the Group.

 

3.2 Related parties

Related parties are defined as parties either directly or indirectly controlled, managed or owned by Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF. A list of related party transactions is disclosed in note 27.

 

3.3 Foreign currency translation

The functional currency of a subsidiary is determined as the principal currency in which the entity's assets, liabilities, income and expenses are denominated.

 

Fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the acquired company and are recorded at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

 

Transactions in currencies other than the presentation currency of the Group are recorded at the rate in effect at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in such currencies are translated at the date of exchange ruling at the consolidated statement of financial position date. All differences are recognised in the consolidated income statement under 'finance income" or "finance expense" (see notes 13 and 14). The cumulative effect of exchange differences on cash transactions are classified as realised gains and losses in the consolidated income statement in the period in which they are settled. Exchange differences on transactions not yet settled in cash are classified as unrealised gains and losses under "finance income" or "finance expense".

 

3.4 Investment property

Investment property is property held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation or for both, but not for sale in the ordinary course of business, used in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes. Investment property comprises freehold land, freehold buildings and land held under operating leases.

 

Investment property is initially recognised on completion of contracts at cost, including related transaction and borrowing costs associated with the investment property. Borrowing costs incurred for the purpose of acquiring, constructing or producing a qualifying investment property are capitalised as part of its costs.

 

Borrowing costs are capitalised while acquisition or construction is actively underway and cease once the asset is substantially completed, or suspended if the development of the asset is suspended.

 

Where unconditional commitments have been entered into prior to the consolidated statement of financial position date, property acquisitions are recognised at their contractual value. After initial recognition, investment properties are measured at fair value as determined by third party independent appraisers. The gains or losses arising from a change in the fair value of the investment property are included in the consolidated income statement under the heading "net valuation gains / (losses) on investment property" in the period in which they arise. Depreciation is not provided on investment properties. Realised net gains and losses on the disposal of investment properties are determined as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying value and are included in the consolidated income statement in the period in which they arise.

 

A property interest under an operating lease is classified and accounted for as an investment property on a property-by-property basis when the Group holds it to earn income or for capital appreciation or both. Any such property interest under an operating lease classified as an investment property is carried at fair value. This accounting policy is also applied for assets held for sale (note 30).

 

3.5 Financial instruments

Financial assets: Initial recognition

The Group determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. The Group's financial assets include cash and short term deposits, trade and other receivables and financial instruments.

 

Available-for-sale

After initial measurement (fair value plus any directly attributable costs), available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealised gains or losses recognised directly in equity until the investment is (i) derecognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss recorded in equity is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income, or (ii) determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative loss is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income.

 

Financial liabilities: Initial recognition

Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as either financial liability at fair value through profit and loss, loans and borrowings, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective

hedge, as appropriate. The Company determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition.

 

The Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables, loans and borrowings and derivative financial instruments.

 

The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification:

 

- Financial liability at fair value recognised through profit and loss

Financial liability at fair value recognised through profit and loss includes financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon the initial recognition at fair value through profit and loss. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. This category includes derivative instruments entered into by the Group that do not meet hedging accounting criteria as defined by IAS 39. Gains and losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the consolidated income statement;

 

- Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are actively traded in organised financial markets is determined by reference to quoted market bid prices at the close of business on the consolidated statement of financial position date. For financial instruments where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. Such techniques may include recent arm's length market transactions; reference to the current fair value of another instrument that has substantially the same discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation methods;

 

- Amortised cost of financial instruments

Amortised cost is computed using the effective interest rate method less any allowance for impairment and principal repayment or reduction. The calculation takes into account any premium or discount on acquisition and includes transaction costs and fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

 

3.6 Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities (refer to note 28). On initial designation of the hedge, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instruments and hedged items, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge relationship. The Group makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected to be "highly effective" in offsetting the changes in the fair value of cash flows of the respective hedged items during the period for which the hedge is designated, and whether the actual results of each hedge are within a range of 80-125%.

 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value with related transaction costs recognised in the consolidated income statement when incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are measured and stated at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently revised to reflect their fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative. Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value on derivatives during the year that do not qualify for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of an effective hedge are taken directly to the consolidated income statement. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed by comparing the value of the hedged item with the notional value implicit in the contractual terms of the financial instrument being used in the hedge.

 

The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is determined by reference to market values for similar instruments.

 

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either fair value hedges, when they hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset and liability, or cash flow hedges where they hedge exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability.

 

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Amounts taken to equity are transferred to the consolidated income statement when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when the hedged financial income or financial expense is recognised or when the related sale occurs.

 

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity remains there until the forecast transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when it

is recognised. In other cases the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the consolidated income statement in the same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.

 

3.7 Impairment

Financial assets (including receivables)

The Group assesses at consolidated statement of financial position date whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. A financial asset is deemed to be impaired if, and only if, there is objective evidence of an impairment as a result of one or more events that has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (an incurred "loss event") and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can be reliably estimated. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. All impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement in an allowance account against loans and receivables.

 

Non Financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Group's non financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates continuing cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or groups of assets (the "cash-generating unit").

 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

3.8 Derecognition of financial instruments

Financial assets

A financial asset is derecognised when:

- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired;

- The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows or transferred substantially all the risks and rewards and/or has neither transferred nor substantially retained all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset;

- If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity remains there until the related transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when it is recognised. In other cases the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the consolidated income statement in the same period as the hedged item affects profit or loss.

 

 

Financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a reversal of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability and the difference in the respective carrying amount is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

3.9 Trade receivables

Trade receivables are carried at amortised cost less provision for doubtful debts, if any. The Directors of the Group assess specific provisions (refer to note 15) on a customer by customer basis throughout the period.

 

3.10 Current assets and liabilities

Due to the short time frame in which these transactions are settled, the fair value of other current assets and liabilities due within one year approximates the carrying value disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.

 

3.11 Assets held for sale

Investment property is transferred to current assets held for sale when it is expected that the carrying amount will be recovered principally through sale rather than from continuing use. For this to be the case, the property must be available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such property and its sale must be highly probable. On reclassification, investment property that is measured at fair value continues to be so measured.

 

3.12 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash includes cash on hand and cash with banks. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. The use and disbursement of certain cash deposits are restricted under the terms of various financing agreements. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and that form an integral part of the Group's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

3.13 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. External costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares, other than on a business combination, are shown as a deduction, net of tax, in equity from the proceeds. Share issue costs incurred directly in connection with a business combination are included in the cost of acquisition.

 

3.14 Issue costs

The cost of raising capital represents direct costs incurred in establishing or increasing the capital of the Company including, amongst others, legal, accounting, financial advisory and equity underwriting fees.

 

3.15 Preference shares

Preference shares are classified as a financial liability due to the contractual obligation by the issuer to redeem them in cash at a date in the future.

 

Where the preference shares are classified as a financial liability, external costs directly attributable to issuance of the preference shares are capitalised and amortised over the life of the preference shares.

 

 

 

3.16 Warrants

Preference shares and their related warrants are considered as two separate instruments due to the fact they are detachable and traded separately on the London Stock Exchange. The warrants are considered as a financial derivative liability at fair value through profit and loss. Their recognition as a financial liability is due to the fact the strike price for the warrants is £0.29, a different currency (Sterling) than the functional currency of the Fund (Euro) as well as the fact the warrants were not issued on a pro rata basis to the existing shareholders.

 

3.17 Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Debt, comprising secured and unsecured bank loans, is reflected in the consolidated statement of financial position at the fair value of the initial proceeds less the unamortised portion of discounts and transaction costs incurred to acquire the debt. Discounts and transactions costs are amortised over the life of the related debt through finance expenses using the effective interest rate method.

 

Transaction costs include fees and commission paid to agents, advisers, brokers and dealers, levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges, and transfer taxes and duties. Transaction costs do not include internal administrative or holding costs.

 

3.18 Tax and deferred tax

According to the Luxembourg regulations concerning undertakings for collective investments, the Company is not subject to income taxes in Luxembourg. It is, however, liable to an annual subscription tax of 0.05% (taxe d'abonnement) of its total net assets, payable quarterly, and assessed on the last day of each quarter. Real estate revenues, or capital gains derived thereon, may be subject to taxes by assessment, withholding or otherwise in the countries where the real estate is situated.

 

The subsidiaries of the Group are subject to taxation in the countries in which they operate. Current taxation is provided for at the current applicable rates on the respective taxable profits.

 

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination which at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss. The aggregate amount of such deferred income tax is disclosed as unrecognised deferred income tax (note 25). Deferred income tax is determined with regard to tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted into law by the consolidated statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

 

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax assets to be utilised.

 

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are re-assessed at each consolidated statement of financial position date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax assets to be recovered.

 

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if (i) a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, if (ii) the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority and if (iii) different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.

 

3.19 Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

 

3.20 Deferred income

Deferred income represents rental income which has been billed to customers at the Consolidated statement of financial position date, but which relates to future periods.

 

3.21 Rental income

Rental income from investment properties is accounted for on a straight-line basis taking account of any rent free periods and other lease incentives, net of any sales taxes, over the term of the ongoing leases.

 

3.22 Finance income and expenses

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and gains on hedging instruments that are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

 

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, amortisation of debt transaction costs and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

 

Attributable transaction costs incurred in establishing the Group's credit facilities are deducted from the fair value of borrowings on initial recognition and are amortised over the lifetime of the facilities through the consolidated income statement. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognised in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest rate.

 

Finance expenses include the effect of unrealised foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities arising in the period plus the effect of the realised foreign currency gains and losses on cash transactions completed during the period.

 

3.23 Operating expenses

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. The Group's investment management and administration fees and all other expenses are charged to the consolidated income statement.

 

 

3.24 Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise warrants.

 

3.25 Segment reporting

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group's other components. All operating segments' operating results are reviewed regularly to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess their performance (see note 29).

 

3.26 Subsequent events

Post consolidated statement of financial position date, events are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements when significant.

 

3.27 Contingencies

Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the consolidated financial statements, unless there is a probable chance of an outflow for which a provision is made. They are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote.

A contingent asset is not recognised in the consolidated financial statement but disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

 

4. Significant accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

 

Information about critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the consolidated financial statements is included in:

 

Investment property

Fair value is based on the open market valuations of the properties as provided by an independent expert, Savills, in accordance with the guidance issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (the "RICS"). Market valuations are carried out on a quarterly basis. The fair values are based on market values, being the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of the valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The determination of the fair value of investment property requires the use of estimates such as future cash flows from assets (such as lettings, tenants' profiles, future revenue streams, capital values of fixtures and fittings, plant and machinery, any environmental matters and the overall repair and condition of the property) and discount rates applicable to those assets. In addition, development risks (such as construction and letting risks) are also taken into consideration when determining the fair value of investment properties under construction. These estimates are based on local market conditions existing at the reporting date. The experts also used their market knowledge and professional judgement and did not rely solely on historical transactional

comparables. Valuations typically reflect all the market and operational risks as described in note 28.1. It should be noted that the valuation of property and property related assets is inherently subjective due to the nature of each property and the characteristics of local, regional and national real estate markets which change over time.

 

The current economic climate and volatility in the global capital markets creates additional uncertainty and there can therefore be no assurance valuations of the Group's assets will reflect actual sale prices even where such sales occur shortly after the valuation date.

 

Income and deferred taxes

The Group is subject to income and capital gain taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the total provision for income and deferred taxes. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated taxes based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income and deferred tax provision in the period in which the determination is made.

 

Derivative financial instruments

An interest rate swap can be viewed as a series of cash flows occurring at known future dates. The value of the swap is the present value of these cash flows. To calculate the present value of each cash flow, both the future cash flows and an appropriate discount factor for each period on which a cash flow occurs are estimated. Future cash flows are calculated from a forward interest rate curve constructed using market prices for similar interest rate instruments independently sourced from mid-market broker quotes for the relevant market. The discount factor is the factor by which the future cash flow must be adjusted to obtain the present value. Discount factors are derived from an assessment of interest rates in the future

and are calculated using forward rates such as EURIBOR. Interest rates used for calculating discount factors are independently sourced from mid-market broker quotes for the relevant market at the valuation date.

The fair value of the Group's derivatives is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the derivatives at the balance sheet date. The Group estimates the fair value of derivatives by reference to current market conditions compared to the terms of the derivatives agreement using the result of an external appraiser. Refer to note 28 for the related balances.

 

Classification of preference shares and the warrants

Judgement is required to determine whether preference shares should be classified as financial liability or equity in accordance with IAS 32 Financial instruments: Presentation. Based on the terms and conditions of the preference shares issued in December 2009 the Group has determined that the preference shares have the characteristics of a financial liability rather than equity. This was primarily based on the fact that the preference shares and the warrants are denominated in sterling whereas the functional currency used by the Group is the Euro. In addition, the preference shares have a right to receive a dividend and are redeemable.

 

5. Capital Management

 

The primary objectives of the Group's capital management is to ensure that it remains within its quantitative banking covenants and maintains a strong credit rating. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the years ending 30 September 2013 and 30 September 2012. The Group monitors capital primarily using a Loan to Value ratio (LTV), which is calculated as the amount of outstanding debt divided by the valuation of the investment property portfolio. The Group's policy is to keep the average LTV ratio of the Group lower than the LTV requirements in the banking covenants.

 

The banking covenants require the Group to have a LTV ratio of 82.5% until 31 December 2011, 80% until 30 June 2012, 75% until 31 December 2012, 72.5% until 30 June 2013 and 70% thereafter.

 

5. Capital Management (continued)

 

During the year the Group did not breach any of its loan covenants, nor did it default on any other of its obligations under its loan agreement.

 

For the financial year ended 30 September 2013, the LTV ratio as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Loan on the basis of information known and knowable at that time was 68.9%, (2012: 67.9%).

 

6. Rental income

 

The Group leases out its investment properties under operating leases. The future minimum lease receipts under non-cancellable leases are as follows:

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Less than one year

33,740

30,370

Between one and five years

110,141

90,692

More than five years

47,065

38,422

Total rental income

190,946

159,484

 

The Investment Manager's Report referred to in this document provides additional information regarding contingent rent recognised and leasing arrangements. For the year ended 30 September 2013, €27.6 million was recognised as rental income in the consolidated income statement (2012: €33.9 million).

 

7. Property operating expenses

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Insurance

131

164

Property management fees

591

457

Property service charges

1,108

757

Property maintenance

1,009

726

Property tax

1,076

695

Other miscellaneous expenses

793

488

Total property operating expenses4,7083,287

 

 

Property operating expenses incurred during the year were attributed to:

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Income-generating property

3,408

2,095

Vacant property

1,300

1,192

Total4,7083,287

 

8. Other income

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Other property income

69

115

Adjustments and reversal of accruals

337

12

Tenant indemnity

168

2,592

Proceeds from litigation

48

1,130

Refund of VAT and of other taxes

-

57

Total other income6223,906

 

9. Investment management and performance fees

 

Internos Global Investors Limited ("Internos") acted as the Investment Manager of the Group in the year under review. Internos received Investment Management fees of €1.0 million (in 2012 the Company paid €1.9 million in Investment Management fees, €0.7 million of which were paid to Internos). The conditions for payment of a performance fee to the Investment Manager were not met during the year under review and as such no provision for performance fees was made in the consolidated income statement.

 

In addition the Group accrued accounting fees of €0.3 million for the period beginning 1 February 2013 in respect of the accounting services provided by Internos. This amount is included under accounting and administrative fees in note 11 below.

 

10. Professional fees and other expenses

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

 

30 Sep 12

 

€000

 

€000

Audit fees

 

458

 

594

Legal fees

 

576

 

449

Tax advisory fees

 

482

 

483

Financial advisory fees

 

413

 

-

Total professional fees

 

 

1,929

 

1,526

 

 

11. Administration fees

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Accounting and administrative fees

908

1,356

Investment property valuation fees

211

238

Custodian, registrar and other fees

563

579

Total administration fees

1,682

2,173

 

 

12. Investment properties

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 12

 

 €000

 €000

Historic cost

 

 

Cost, beginning of the year

589,926

620,192

Capital expenditure

596

1,127

Unexpired lease incentive

799

-

Disposals

Transfer from/(to) assets held for sale (note 30)

(16,389)

10,449

-

(31,393)

Cost, end of the year

585,381

589,926

 

 

 

Net unrealised losses related to property

 

 

Net unrealised losses, beginning of the year

(220,416)

(169,142)

Valuation gains on investment property during the year

1,770

2,002

Valuation losses on investment property during the year

(39,365)

(44,523)

Reversal of accumulated valuation of disposal

Reversal of accumulated valuation from/ (to) assets held for sale (note 30)

(3,321)

 

1,501

-

 

(8,753)

Net unrealised losses, end of the year

(259,831)

(220,416)

 

 

 

Fair value, end of the year

325,550

369,510

 

 

The steep decline in values followed a change in valuer on 10 December 2012 to Savills, who, given the constraints in the secondary market, have continued to discount vacant properties and assets with shortening lease lengths.

 

The fair value of the investment properties has been determined on a market value basis in accordance with the appropriate sections of the current Practice Statements, and United Kingdom Practice Statements contained within the RICS Valuation Standards. The valuation is prepared on an aggregated ungeared basis. As set out in note 4, in arriving at their estimates of market values, the experts have used their market knowledge and professional judgement and not only relied on historical transactional comparables.

 

The valuations were performed by Savills, an accredited independent valuer with a recognised and relevant professional qualification and with recent experience in the location and category of the investment property being valued.

 

The net change in the value of the investment property also includes the valuation of assets sold:

 

 

30 Sep 12

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Net proceeds (*) from disposal of investment property

42,282

 

-

Carrying value of investment disposals

(45,646)

-

Net loss on disposal of investment property

(3,364)

-

(*) Includes sale costs

 

 

 

 

 

Sensitivity analysis

 

The table below presents the sensitivity of the changes in valuation based on the significant assumptions underlying the valuation of the investment properties:

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Increase in yield of 25bps

(7,825)

(10,617)

Increase in expected vacancy rates of 1%

(3,542)

(4,069)

Decrease in forecast rental rates of 5%

 

(14,807)

(17,736)

 

13. Finance income

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Finance income: movements

 

 

Interest received

49

343

Interest income

FV adjustment on preference shares held in treasury

49

-

343

8

Unrealised foreign currency loss on preference shares and warrants

 

1,650

 

-

Realised foreign currency gain on monetary transactions

 

580

 

1,529

Total finance income

2,279

1,880

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Interest income: breakdown

 

 

Interest income on bank deposits

49

158

Realised gain on forward transaction

-

185

Total interest income

49

343

 

14. Finance expense

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Finance expense: movements

 

 

Interest payable brought forward

4,068

4,273

Interest payable carried forward

(3,692)

(4,068)

Interest paid

(20,586)

(22,166)

Interest expense

(20,210)

(21,961)

Amortisation of transaction costs relating to debt

(1,110)

(1,418)

FV adjustment on preference shares held in treasury

(143)

-

Other net unrealised foreign currency effect on monetary assets and liabilities

 

(1,315)

 

(465)

Unrealised foreign currency loss on preference shares and warrants

 

-

 

(3,136)

Total finance expense

22,778

(26,980)

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Interest expense: breakdown

 

 

Interest expense on bank loans

(7,018)

(9,926)

Interest expense swaps

(10,215)

(9,011)

Interest on preferred shares

(2,977)

(3,024)

Total interest expense

(20,210)

(21,961)

 

 

Amortisation of transaction costs incurred in relation to the refinancing of the bank loans and preference shares are disclosed respectively in notes 21 and 22. Such costs are capitalised and amortised to the maturity date of the bank loans and preference shares.

 

15. Trade receivables

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Rent receivable

4,472

14,186

Bad debt provision

(922)

(729)

Total trade receivable

3,550

13,457

 

The level of accounts receivable from tenants varies due to the timing of the invoices issued and receipt of cash. Of the €3.6 million (2012: €13.5 million) rent receivable included in the table above, €4.1 million (2012: €4.6 million) relate to the period after 30 September 2013.

 

Trade receivables are analysed as follows:

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Not past due

3,404

5,703

Past due from 30 to 120 days

117

187

Past due from 120 days to one year

951

567

More than one year

-

7,729

Total

4,472

14,186

 

As at 30 September 2012, the past due rent receivables of more than one year includes €7.5 million in relation to the Montowest property which was settled in the current financial year.

 

Movements on bad debt provision are set out below:

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

As at 1 October

(729)

(552)

Bad debt provision for the year

29

(191)

Bad debts written off

(222)

14

As at 30 September

(922)

(729)

 

 

16. Other current assets

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Tax receivable

2,977

2,757

Prepayments

867

837

Other receivables

467

595

Service charge advances

2,111

179

Total other current assets

6,422

4,368

 

 

17. Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Bank balances

11,419

18,815

Bank deposits

9,960

13,866

Restricted bank balances

2,747

2,514

Total cash and cash equivalent

24,126

35,195

 

The bank deposits mentioned above at the Group level includes a restricted amount of tenant deposits, held in a separate account, of €3.1 million (2012: €3.8 million). The Group has €2.4 million held in escrow account (2012: €2.5 million) which is not available for current use, plus €0.3 million (nil in 2012) relating to the disposal of the Rue Royal property. This amount of €2.4 million (2012: €2.5 million) is a deposit required by Bank of Scotland with regards to the forward exchange contract (refer to note 28.5) to hedge the dividend payment of preference shares (refer to note 26) until 15 December 2014.

 

As at the consolidated statement of financial position date, an amount of €18.3 million (2012: €31 million) has been pledged in favour of Bank of Scotland under the terms of various agreements. These relate to loan agreements concluded by subsidiaries of the Company and Bank of Scotland for the purposes of financing acquisitions of investment property. No restrictions on the utilisation of these pledged bank accounts have been imposed.

 

18. Issued capital and reserves

 

 

Number of ordinary shares

Number of warrants 

 

In issue as at 30 September 2011

259,980,739

29,105,344

Exercise of warrants

170

(170)

In issue as at 30 September 2012

259,980,909

29,105,174

Exercise of warrants

-

-

In issue as at 30 September 2013

259,980,909

29,105,174

 

Issuance of ordinary shares

The Company has an issued share capital of €25,998,090 (2012: €25,998,090) consisting of 259,980,909 shares (2012: 259,980,909 shares) without indication of nominal value all of which have been fully paid up.

 

 

 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to the Company's residual assets.

 

Restricted reserve

The non-distributable reserve of €3,416 (2012: €65,816,913) can be used to absorb losses incurred or to increase the Company's share capital.

 

During the year, the amount of €65.8 million (2012: €52.5 million) was used to absorb losses.

 

 

Authorised capital

The Company has an authorised capital of €920,980,852 represented by 9,209,808,522 ordinary shares without indication of nominal value.

 

Hedge reserve

The hedging reserve relates to the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet expired.

 

On 12 January 2010 the Company finalized an agreement with the Bank of Scotland to extend the loan facility to 31 December 2013 bringing the maturity date in line with the swap agreements. Consequently, the swaps qualified as effective cash flow hedges. Until December 2012, the changes in the fair value of the swaps deemed to be effective were recorded in other comprehensive income. Thereafter, following a negative hedging effectiveness test made in accordance with IFRS, the hedge is no longer effective and all movements are going through the income statement.

 

 

Hedge reserve

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance, beginning of the year

4,713

1,182

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flows hedged the year

 

1,087

 

3,531

Balance end of the year

5,800

4,713

 

Voting rights

There are no restrictions on the voting rights attached to the ordinary shares. The preference shares will not have the right to vote except in circumstances set out in the articles 44 to 46 (1) of the Company Act. In addition, holders of preference shares will have the right to vote in the same manner as other Shareholders at all meetings, if, despite the existence of profits available for that purpose, the Preference Dividends at the Preference Dividend Sterling Equivalent are not paid entirely for any reason whatsoever for a period of one financial year and until Preference Dividends at the Preference Dividend Sterling Equivalent have been received in full. Warrants do not carry any voting rights. Voting rights to each share and procedures relating thereto are described in articles 7, 8 and 26 of the Articles of the Company.

 

Shareholder's agreements

The Group is not aware of any shareholder agreement which could result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights within the meaning of Directive 2004/109/EC on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market (the "Transparency Directive").

 

Shares and warrant transferability

Shares of the Company (i.e., ordinary shares and preference shares, as such terms are defined in the Articles of incorporation) are freely transferable subject to article 10 of the Articles of incorporation. Warrants issued by the Company are freely transferable subject to provisions laid down in Part IV, section 5 of the Prospectus.

 

Special Control rights

No shareholder is vested with special control rights with regard to control of the Company.

 

19. Net asset value per ordinary share

 

The net asset value per ordinary share is based on net assets of €64.2 million at 30 September 2013 (2012: €97.5 million, 2011: €131 million) and 260 million ordinary shares outstanding at 30 September 2013 (2012: 260 million, 2011: 260 million).

 

 

 

As at 30 Sep 13

€000

As at 30 Sep 12

€000

As at 30 Sep 11

€000

Net asset value

 

64,211

97,548

131,243

Assuming exercise of all dilutive potential ordinary shares

 

 

 

 

Listed warrants1,2

 

10,101

10,608

9,699

Fully diluted net asset value

 

74,312

108,156

140,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

Number

Number

Number of ordinary shares

 

259,980,909

259,980,909

259,980,739

Number of warrants

 

29,105,174

29,105,174

29,105,344

Fully diluted ordinary share capital

 

289,086,083

289,086,083

289,086,083

Net asset value per ordinary share

 

€0.247

€0.375

€0.505

Diluted net asset value per ordinary share

 

 

€0.257

 

€0.374

 

€0.488

(1) £:€ exchange rate 1.19673 as at 30 September 2013 (2012: 1.2568, 2011: 1.1492)

(2) Exercise price of warrants of £0.29

 

20. Earnings per share

 

The calculation of the basic earnings per share for the financial year ended 30 September 2013 is based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of €34.424 million (2012: loss of €37.226 million), and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 30 September 2013 is based on a diluted loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of €34.424 million (2012: loss of €37.226 million), and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 30 September 2013 after the adjustment for the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

20. Earnings per share (continued)

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Loss for the period

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

Number

Issued ordinary shares at 1 October

 

259,980,875

259,980,739

Effect of warrants exercised

 

 

136

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

 

259,980,875

259,980,875

Loss per ordinary share (Euro)

 

(0.132)

(0.143)

Diluted loss per ordinary share (Euro)

 

(0.132)

(0.143)

 

The conversion and assumed exercise of warrants to ordinary shares are ignored in the calculation of diluted loss per share since these are anti-dilutive.

 

Furthermore, the warrant share price has been below the exercise price throughout the periods in the report, thus the assumption that warrants are unlikely to be converted to ordinary shares, and hence does not have a dilutive effect on profit/loss.

 

21. Interest bearing loans and borrowings

 

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group's interest bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at amortised cost. For more information about the Group's exposure to interest rate, foreign currency and liquidity risk see note 28.4.

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance at the beginning of the year

286,677

297,977

Repayment during the year

(56,940)

(11,300)

Balance at the end of the year

229,737

286,677

Gross book value of bank loans

229,737

286,677

 

On 12 January 2010, the Group finalised an agreement with the Bank of Scotland to extend the term of its existing debt facility from 31 December 2011 to 31 December 2013. The previous facility related to a €416.5 million senior debt facility for which the annual margin was 2.75% over three month EURIBOR.

 

On 11 November 2009, the Group entered into revised terms with the Bank of Scotland which became effective on 12 January 2010 following the pay down of €40.0 million of debt by the Group. The amendment relates to a decreased facility amount of €359.3 million and the margin per annum is calculated as follows, 3-month EURIBOR by reference to the prevailing LTV on the following basis; 225

basis points if the LTV is less than 65%; 250 basis points if the LTV is more than or equal to 65% but less than 70%; 275 basis points if the LTV is more than or equal to 70% but less than 75%; 300 basis points if the LTV is more than or equal to 75% but less than 80% and 400 basis points if the LTV is more than or equal to 80%. The facility has an amendment fee of €150,000 and an exit fee of 2% of the average drawn

amount. The maturity date of the loan was extended until 31 December 2013. The terms provide for an interest cover covenant of 1.30x and a LTV covenant of 82.5% until 31 December 2011, 80% until 30 June 2012, 75% until 31 December 2012, 72.5% until 30 June 2013 and 70% thereafter.

 

 

As at 30 September 2013, the Group had €229.7 million of outstanding indebtedness with Bank of Scotland (2012: €286.7 million). The Company's LTV (gross debt divided by market value of properties) under the Bank of Scotland loan documentation at that date was 70.6% (2012: 67.9%), against a covenant of 70.0% (2012: 75.0%). The LTV is calculated based upon the market value of the properties as at 30 September 2013.

 

Terms and debt repayment schedule

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Proceeds

Bank loans maturing within more than one year and less than two years

 

-

 

286,677

Bank loans maturing less than one year

229,737

-

 

Total proceeds from long term bank loans

229,737

286,677

Transaction costs

 

Costs

 

Balance at the beginning of the year

7,535

7,912

Retirements and amounts written off

(349)

(377)

Gross transaction costs balance at the end of the year

7,186

7,535

 

Amortisation

 

Balance at the beginning of the year

6,585

5,803

Amortisation during the year

843

1,159

Retirements and amounts written off

(349)

(377)

Accumulated depreciation balance at the end of the year

7,079

6,585

 

Net book value of transaction costs

107

950

 

Net book value of proceeds from bank loans

229,630

285,727

 

Less current portion of bank loans (note 21)

(229,630)

(26,716)

 

Net book value of bank loans net of current portion

-

259,011

 

 

Transaction costs incurred in refinancing the above loans are initially deducted from the loan balance and are being amortised over the extended period of the loan. Amortisation of transaction costs recognised as finance costs amounted to €0.8 million for the year ended 30 September 2013 (2012: €1.2 million). Finance costs include debt arrangement, structuring, utilisation fees and exit fees paid in arranging the debt facility and the preference shares.

 

All borrowings are denominated in Euro. The weighted average interest rate at 30 September 2013 on the bank borrowings was 2.726% (2012: 3.324%). The loan is collateralised by all properties of the portfolio included under "Investment property" and "assets held for sale" accounts (see notes 12 and 30).

 

 

30 Sep 13

 

30 Sep 12

 

Currency

 

 

Nominal interest

Rate

 

 

Date of maturity

 

Face

Value

€000

 

Carrying

Amount

€000

 

Face

Value

€000

 

Carrying

Amount

€000

Bank of Scotland Secured bank loan

Euro

 3M Euribor +2.50%

 

31 Dec 2013

 

229,737

 

229,630

 

286,677

 

259,011

 

22. Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

 

As part of the current facility agreement with Bank of Scotland there is an exit fee payable. The fee is calculated as 2% of the weighted average drawn balance during the period commencing on the issuance date through the final repayment of the facility, 31 December 2013 (or repayment date if earlier). The quantum of the exit fee has subsequently been reduced according to the revised terms to €6.0 million

(2012: €6.3 million) and reclassified under current liabilities.

 

 

Current liabilities

30 Sep 13

€000

Non-current liabilities

30 Sep 12

€000

Interest bearing loan exit fee

5,988

6,325

 

 

23. Preference shares

 

On 30 December 2009 the Company issued 29,137,134 redeemable preference shares with one warrant attached per preference share. The preference shares confer the right to a cumulative preference share dividend payable semi-annually. As the preference shareholders have a right to receive a dividend and are redeemable, they are treated as a financial liability.

 

 

In addition, on 30 December 2009, the Company issued 29,137,134 warrants. A reserve was established by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the initial value of the warrants. This reserve is periodically marked to market and is amortised as the warrants are exercised.

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Preference shares at the beginning of the year

32.940

30,333

Transaction costs amortisation

Preference shares held in treasury

328

329

(963)

189

Foreign exchange difference

(1,437)

3,241

Preference share value at the end of the year

32,020

32,940

 

 

Costs

Transaction costs amortisation represents the amortisation of the cost of raising preference share capital (7 years).

 

The holders of preference shares are entitled to receive a preferential cumulative dividend of 9% per annum of the preference share issue price of £1.00. The preference dividend is payable semi-annually in June and December each year from 2010 to 2016 inclusive.

 

Preference shares held in treasury

In July 2012, the Company purchased 800,000 of its own preference shares, denominated in GBP, at a purchase price of 95 pence per preference share. The acquired preference shares are marked to market value at the end of each year.

 

 

24. Warrants

 

On 30 December 2009 the Company issued 29,137,134 warrants. Each warrant holder is entitled to exercise their subscription right in cash on any subscription date falling in the years from 2010 to 2013 inclusive. The subscription date in any year is the last business day in May and the last business day in November. The subscription price is £0.29 per ordinary share. As the exercise price for the warrants is set in Sterling as opposed to the functional currency of the Company, which is Euro, the warrants have been treated as a financial liability.

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Warrant fair value at the beginning of the year

219

2,258

Warrants exercised during the year (refer to the statement of change in equity)

 

-

 

-

Fair value movement of the warrants (note 28.5)

(34)

(2,165)

Foreign exchange difference

(9)

126

Warrant fair value at the end of the year

176

219

 

25. Taxation

 

The Company is an investment company with fixed capital (société d'investissement à capital fixe) under the form of a public limited company (société anonyme) and registered pursuant to part II of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investments.

 

According to Luxembourg regulations concerning undertakings for collective investments, the Company is not subject to corporate income or capital gains taxes in Luxembourg. It is however, liable to an annual subscription tax based at 0.05% of its total net asset value. The tax, payable quarterly, is assessed on the last day of each quarter.

 

Within the Group, real estate revenues, or capital gains derived from real estate, may be subject to taxes by assessment, withholding or otherwise in the countries where the real estate is situated. The Group's subsidiaries depreciate their historical property cost in accordance with applicable tax regulations. Depreciation is deducted from taxable profits in determining current taxable income.

 

Deferred tax liabilities are calculated according to the full liability method, and mainly arise on timing differences generated by fair value adjustments occurring post acquisition in the case where an acquisition does not qualify as a business combination.

 

In case of acquisitions which are classified as business combinations, deferred tax is recognised on the timing differences between the carrying value of real estate investments in these consolidated financial statements and the respective tax basis at the date of the acquisition, and is subsequently measured in each period.

 

A deferred tax liability has not been accrued in respect of unremitted profits contained in direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Group as it is unlikely that these profits will be remitted to the parent in a manner which will attract income tax.

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Income and other current tax payables

 

 

Balance brought forward

5,032

6,594

Tax expense

1,903

4

Tax paid

(2,375)

(980)

Investment property classified as asset held for sale

-

(586)

Income and other current tax payables

4,560

5,032

Income taxes

(1,803)

185

Other taxes

(67)

(132)

Subscription taxes

(33)

(57)

Current income tax expense

(1,903)

(4)

 

Arising from liabilities

 

2,131

 

1,524

Arising from short term differences

26

(79)

Arising from assets

(1,076)

(93)

Deferred tax benefit / (expense)

1,081

1,352

Total tax reported in the consolidated income statement

 

(822)

 

1,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

 

 

Loss for the year

(34,424)

(37,226)

Total taxation

822

(1,348)

Loss excluding taxation

(33,602)

(38,574)

Income tax benefit using the Company's domestic tax rate, which is 29.68% (2012: 29.57%)

 

9,973

 

11,405

Tax adjustments

(1,083)

2,141

Minimum taxable net margin

(368)

(45)

Differences in tax rates

(8,556)

(3,270)

Tax losses arising / used during the year for which no deferred tax was recognised

 

 

(3,636)

(1,163)

Permanent differences

(3,218)

(1,435)

Short term differences for which no deferred tax was recognised

 

 

251

805

Differences arising due to fair value adjustments in investment property for which no deferred tax was recognised

 

 

 

(6,452)

(1,207)

Prior year adjustment

Other tax-exempt income

Non deductible expenses

39

-

(15)

-

459

-

Differences due to consolidation

3,550

2,575

Other taxes

(38)

(186)

Total

(822)

1,348

 

 

25.1 Deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised

 

 

Deferred tax liability

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Opening balance

Investment property

Investment property classified as asset held for sale

 

(6,410)

 

(8,386)

531

(471)

Effect of revaluations of properties to fair value post acquisition

 

993

 

1,524

Deferred tax on properties disposed of

1,708

-

Short timing differences

22

(79)

Movements on deferred tax liability

2,723

1,445

Closing balance

(4,158)

(6,410)

Made up of:

 

 

Revaluation on investment properties to fair value

(4,094)

(6,855)

Investment property classified as asset held for sale

-

531

Short timing differences

(64)

(86)

Total deferred tax liabilities

(4,158)

(6,410)

 

 

 

25. Taxation (continued)

 

As at 30 September 2013, deferred tax assets of €2.9 million (2012: €3.9 million) were recognised. The Group has recognised deferred tax assets where the tax losses are likely to be offset by future profits from the sale of the property.

 

 

Long term tax asset mainly related to tax losses carried forward

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Opening balance

3,869

4,108

Investment property classified as asset held for sale

-

(156)

Deferred tax on properties disposed of

(137)

-

Relating to tax losses carried forward

(920)

(83)

Deferred tax assets

2,812

3,869

 

 

25.2 Deferred tax assets and liabilities unrecognised

 

As at 30 September 2013 the unrecognised portion of deferred tax assets related to property fair value movements and excess tax losses carried forward was €17.2 million (2012: €23.4 million).

 

As at 30 September 2013, deferred tax liabilities of €17.9 million (2012: €23.4 million), based upon temporary differences at the time of initial recognition arising from transactions treated as asset acquisitions have not been recognised in accordance with IAS 12.

 

26. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Accruals and other creditors

2,903

3,067

Interest payable on bank loans

2,879

3,240

Preference share dividend

814

828

Service charges

762

(732)

Tenant deposits

2,801

3,319

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

10,159

 

9,722

 

Accruals and other payables indicated above equal their contractual amounts and are payable in less than six months except for tenant deposits, which are repayable upon termination of the related lease contract. The Group has signed forward exchange contracts with Bank of Scotland Treasury to protect the Euro payment of the next three sterling dividend payments on the preference shares until December 2014 (the spot rate of between €1.00 for £0.8116 to €1.00 for £0.8666 has been agreed).

 

 

27. Related party transactions

 

The Group has related party transactions with its subsidiaries, shareholders and certain Directors.

 

Directors' fees

The Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries were paid a total of €182,000 (2012: €204,000) in Directors' fees during the year.

 

The Group also operates an inter-group trading account facility with its subsidiaries whereby it may receive income on behalf of its subsidiaries or pay expenses on their behalf. These balances are non-interest bearing and are settled on demand.

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies

 

The Group's financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are loans and borrowings, warrants and preference shares. The main purpose of the Group's loans and borrowings is to finance the acquisition and the development of the Group's property portfolio. The proceeds from the preference shares were used to repay part of the bank debt the Group contracted with the Bank of Scotland. The Group has trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and cash and short term deposits that arise directly from its operation.

 

The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

- Market and operational risks,

- Currency risk,

- Credit risk,

- Liquidity risk.

 

This note presents information about the Group's exposure to each of the above risks, the Group's objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Group's management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

 

Risk management framework

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group's risk management framework. A description of the internal controls in place is set out in the Director's report.

 

28.1 Market and operational risks

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as rental income, interest rates and property value will affect the Group's income. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

 

Interest rate risk

The Group uses derivatives, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage the market risk attributable to the interest rate risk. Generally, the Group seeks to apply hedge accounting in order to manage volatility in profit or loss.

 

The interest rate risk of the Group remained fully hedged throughout the year ended 30 September 2013 and 2012, and as such, there would be no effect on profit before tax due to movements in interest rates.

 

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Market risk

Rental income and the market value for properties are generally affected by overall conditions in the local economy, such as changes in gross domestic product, employment trends, inflation and changes in interest rates. Changes in gross domestic product may also impact employment levels, which in turn may

impact the demand for premises. Furthermore, movements in interest rates may also affect the cost of financing for real estate companies.

 

Both rental income and property values may also be affected by other factors specific to the real estate market, such as competition from other property owners, the perceptions of prospective tenants of the attractiveness, convenience and safety of properties, the inability to collect rents because of bankruptcy or the insolvency of tenants or otherwise, the periodic need to renovate, repair and re-lease space and the costs thereof, the costs of maintenance and insurance, and increased operating costs.

 

The Investment Manager also analyses portfolio and investment risks under the following categories:

 

Criteria Risk control

Rental income Ongoing review of income receipt of rents and progress on leasing vacancy - at least on a quarterly basis.

 

Terms of rental agreements Ongoing review at least on a quarterly basis.

 

Quality of tenants Informal controls performed on an ongoing basis. Formal analysis on a semi - annual basis by means of the credit rating performed by IPD M-RIS. Quarterly reviews with the Board of Directors.

 

Sector diversification Quarterly, formal comparison of strategy and review with the Board of Directors.

 

Geographic diversification Quarterly, formal comparison of strategy and review with the Board of Directors.

 

Sizes of individual properties Quarterly monitoring of the percentage of specific properties in the portfolio in accordance with London Stock Exchange regulations.

 

Payments in arrears Ongoing reviews, supported by quarterly review of property management reports.

 

By monitoring assets under these categories using the risk controls outlined and by diversifying the portfolio in different property sectors, countries, regions and tenant industries the Group expects to lower the risk profile of the portfolio.

 

28.2 Currency risk

 

The Company obtains financing in currencies other than Euro (preference shares and warrants issued in Sterling, refer to notes 23 and 24) and is exposed to the fluctuations of the exchange rate of that currency.

 

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

The Company has entered into currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to the preference share dividends which are paid in GBP. The table below details the contracts entered into by the Company as at 30 September 2013:

 

Maturity date

CCY bought

Amount bought

CCY sold

Amount sold

Fair value (€'000)

15 December 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,598,109

(37)

16 May 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,615,398

(50)

02 December 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,512,763

(202)

 

 

As at 30 September 2012

 

Maturity date

CCY bought

Amount bought

CCY sold

Amount sold

 Fair value (€'000)

16 May 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,615,398

(17)

02 December 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,512,763

210

24 May 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,529,019

(111)

13 December 2012

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,553,928

244

 

 

As at 30 September 2013, the net exposure of the Group to GBP was as follows:

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Cash deposits

9,549

12,732

Preference shares

(33,912)

(35,614)

Warrants

(176)

(219)

Total

(24,539)

(23,101)

 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable changes in the sterling exchange rates, with all others variables held constant, to the Group's loss before tax:

 

As at 30 September 2013

Increase/Decrease

Effect on profit or loss before tax (€000)

Sterling

+10%

3,446

Sterling

-10%

(3,446)

 

 

 

 

As at 30 September 2012

Increase/Decrease

Effect on profit or loss before tax (€000)

Sterling

+10%

2,310

Sterling

-10%

(2,310)

 

 

 

 

 

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

28.3 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 Group. Credit risk for the Group arises principally from rental receivables from tenants.

 

Trade and other receivables

In the event of default by an occupational tenant, the Group will suffer a rental income shortfall and may incur additional costs, including legal expenses, in maintaining, insuring and re-letting the property. The Investment Manager reviews reports prepared by Experian, or other sources, to assess the credit quality of the Group's tenants and aims to ensure there is no excessive concentration of risk and that the impact of any default by a tenant is minimised:

- Credit risk for tenants

The Group's income would be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants were unable to pay rent or its properties could not be rented on favourable terms. Certain significant expenditure associated with each equity investment in real estate is generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from properties;

- Credit risk management for tenants and property managers

Receivables from tenants are the main credit risk for the Group. A credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of prospective new tenants and a deposit is taken depending on the credit worthiness of the tenant.  

 

The Group establishes a provision for doubtful debt that represents its estimates of potential losses with respect to trade and other receivables.

 

Investment securities

Investments, other than those in property, are held only in liquid securities and only with counterparties that have a credit rating above or similar to the Group. Transactions involving derivatives are with the counterparty Bank of Scotland Treasury. Credit and counterparty risk on liquid funds and on interest rate hedges is limited because the counterparty is a bank with a high credit rating assigned by international credit rating agencies.

 

The carrying amount of the Group's financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

 

 

Notes

30 Sep 12

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Loans and receivables

15, 16

6,995

15,068

Cash and cash equivalents

17

24,126

35,195

Total

 

31,121

50,263

 

 

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

28.4 Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter in realising its assets or otherwise raising funds to meet financial commitments. Investments in property are relatively illiquid. The Group's approach to managing liquidity exposure is that it will seek to have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities and obligations when due.

 

The Group has endeavoured to mitigate liquidity risk by investing in properties leased to good quality tenants with the potential for income and capital growth.

 

 

Carrying amount

€000

6 months or less

€000

6 months to 1 year

€000

1 - 5

years

€000

30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of Scotland loans outstanding

Note 21

(229,737)

(229,737)

-

-

Preference shares

 

(33,912)

-

-

(33,912)

Bank of Scotland Interest payable

 

(2,879)

(2,879)

-

-

Preference share coupons

 

(814)

(814)

-

-

30 September 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of Scotland loans outstanding

Note 21

(286,677)

-

-

(286,677)

Preference shares

 

(35,614)

-

-

(35,614)

Bank of Scotland Interest payable

 

(3,564)

(3,564)

-

-

Preference share coupons

 

(828)

(828)

-

-

 

The maturity date of the interest bearing loans in the table above is 31 December 2013. The contractual cash flows for loans and borrowings presented in the above table reflect only the expected principal cash flows.

 

The following table indicates the periods in which the cash flows associated with the interest rate swaps and the currency rate swaps are expected to occur and how they will impact the future income statements:

 

Interest rate swap

 

Carrying amount

 

€000

Expected Cash Flows

€000

6 months or less

 

€000

6-12 months

 

€000

1 - 2 years

 

€000

2 - 5 years

 

€000

More than 5 years

€000

As at 30 September 2013

 

(4,060)

 

(4,060)

 

(4,060)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

As at 30 September 2012

(16,441)

(16,441)

-

-

(16,441)

-

-

 

 

Currency swap

 

Carrying amount

 

€000

Expected Cash Flows

€000

6 months or less

 

€000

6-12 months

 

€000

1 - 2 years

 

€000

2 - 5 years

 

€000

More than 5 years

 

€'000

As at 30 September 2013

 

(289)

 

(289)

 

(203)

 

(50)

 

(37)

 

-

 

-

As at 30 September 2012

(326)

(326)

(244)

111

(193)

-

-

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

28.5 Fair value

Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts versus fair value of the Group's financial instruments.

 

Carrying amount

Fair value

30 Sept 2013

€000

30 Sept 2012

€000

30 Sept 2013

€000

30 Sept 2012

€000

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables

9,972

17,827

9,972

17,827

Cash and cash equivalents

24,126

35,195

24,126

35,195

Financial liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

229,630

259,011

229,737

286,677

Deposits from tenants

2,801

3,841

2,801

3,841

Derivative financial instruments

4,349

16,767

4,349

16,767

Trade and other payables

3,076

751

3,076

751

Preference shares

32,020

32,940

27,426

34,100

Warrants

176

219

176

219

 

 

Movements in fair value are:

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance at the beginning of the year

16,767

20,133

Fair value hedges terminated during the year

(2,414)

-

Movement in fair value on forward transaction

(38)

327

Movement in fair value of effective hedges

(2,526)

(3,531)

Movement in fair value of ineffective hedges

(7,440)

(162)

Balance at the end of the year

4,349

16,767

 

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Movement in fair value of ineffective hedges

7,440

162

Movement in fair value on forward transaction

38

(327)

Swap breakage cost

(496)

-

Fair value hedges terminated during the year

2,414

-

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

9,396

(165)

Movement in warrants fair value (refer note 23)

34

2,165

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

9,430

2,000

 

 

The derivative financial instruments are Euro interest rate swaps; transacted to hedge the interest rate risks arising from the floating rate borrowings (see note 21) and a foreign currency forward exchange contract to hedge the preference shares dividends (see note 26). As at 30 September 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of €4.1 million (2012: liability of €16.7 million) and the fair value of the foreign currency contract a liability of €0.29 million (2012: liabilities of €0.3 million). The notional amount of the interest rate swaps amounted to €241.2 million (2012: €299.4 million). The weighted average Euro interest swap rate on Group debt was 3.82% per annum (2012: 3.58%).

 

 

28. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Fair value hierarchy

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

 

i. Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

ii. Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or the liability, either directly (e.g., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices);

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

 

Level 1

€000

Level 2

€000

Level 3

€000

Total

€000

As at 30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

Warrants

(176)

-

-

(176)

Interest rate swap

-

(4,349)

-

(4,349)

As at 30 September 2012

 

 

 

 

Warrants

(219)

-

-

(219)

Interest rate swap

-

(16,767)

-

(16,767)

 

 

29. Segment reporting

 

The Group adopted IFRS 8, 'Operating segments'. This has resulted in an increase in the number of reportable segments presented. In addition, the segments are reported in a manner that is more consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operation decision maker is the person or Group that allocates resources to and assesses the performance of operating segments of an entity. The Group has determined that its chief operating decision maker is the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group's other components, whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors to make decisions about resources allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. Segments' results that are reported to the Board of Directors include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

 

The Board of Directors is of the opinion that the Group is engaged in one single segment of business being property investments and the quarterly reports delivered to the Board are based into geographical segments. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue and segment assets are based on the domicile country of the properties.

 

 

 

29. Segment reporting (continued)

 

The operating segments derive their revenue primarily from rental income from lessees. All of the Group's business activities and operating segments are reported within the segments below.

 

The segment information for the year ended 30 September 2013 is as follows:

 

 

France

Germany

Belgium

Others

Holdings activities and inter-segmental

Total

As at 30 September 2013

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Rental income

11,230

13,170

743

2,507

-

27,650

Net loss on disposal

(2,271)

(499)

-

-

(703)

(3,473)

Loss before net financing costs and tax

(1,049)

(11,713)

(2,765)

(4,639)

(2,367)

(22,533)

Finance income

1,167

352

281

12

467

2,279

Finance expense

(8,051)

(8,287)

(803)

(2,645)

(2,992)

(22,778)

Net change in fair value of derivatives

-

-

-

-

9,430

9,430

Taxation

(50)

(1,604)

315

249

268

(822)

Loss for the year

(7,983)

(21,252)

(2,972)

(7,023)

4,806

(34,424)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reportable segments' assets

223,262

154,400

22,895

37,043

(77,952)

359,648

Reportable segments' liabilities

(137,158)

(114,953)

(19,844)

(47,775)

24,293

(295,437)

 

 

The segment information for the year ended 30 September 2012 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

France

 

€000

 

 

Germany

 

€000

 

 

Belgium

 

€000

 

 

Others

 

€000

Holdings activities and inter-segmental

 

 €000

 

 

Total

 

€000

Rental income

13,204

14,877

1,453

4,401

-

33,935

Net gain on disposal

-

-

-

-

-

-

Profit/(loss) before net financing cost and tax

 

514

 

(10,513)

 

2,289

 

(2,511)

 

(5,253)

 

(15,474)

Finance income

576

356

360

20

568

1,880

Finance expense

(7,213)

(8,533)

(958)

(3,214)

(7,062)

(26,980)

Net change in derivatives

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,000

 

2,000

Taxation

(1,089)

67

(532)

606

2,296

1,348

Profit/(loss) for the year

 

(7,212)

 

(18,623)

 

1,159

 

(5,099)

 

(7,451)

 

(37,226)

Reportable segments' assets

 

257,834

 

213,579

 

27,802

 

44,330

 

(76,026)

 

467,519

Reportable segments' liabilities

 

(159,391)

 

(138,112)

 

(21,788)

 

(48,040)

 

(2,640)

 

(369,971)

 

29. Segment reporting (continued)

 

The Board of Directors assesses the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of earning before financial cost and tax. The earning before financial cost and tax and profit or loss of the Group's reportable segments reported to the Board of Directors is measured in a manner consistent with that in profit or loss. A reconciliation of operating profit to profit before tax is therefore not presented separately.

 

The amounts provided to the Board of Directors in respect of total assets and total liabilities are measured in a manner consistent with that of the consolidated financial statements. These assets and liabilities are allocated based on the operations of the segment and the physical location of the asset. As all assets and liabilities have been allocated to the reportable segments, reconciliations of reportable segments assets to total assets, and of reportable segments liabilities to total liabilities, are not presented.

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Analysis of revenue per category

 

 

Logistics

14,678

20,284

Office

11,707

12,452

Other

1,265

1,199

Rental income

27,650

33,935

Other Income

622

3,988

Cost of rental activities

(4,708)

(3,367)

Net revenue

23,564

34,556

 

The Group's revenues are primarily generated from property assets which are held by Group companies domiciled in the same country as the relevant asset is located. The breakdown of the major components of revenue from external customers by country is disclosed above.

 

Rental income is derived from a large number of tenants although two single tenants contribute more than 10% of the Group's rental income:

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Deutsche Telekom

5,983

5,892

Valeo

2,302

2,053

Norbert-Dentressangle

2,079

-

Others

17,286

25,990

Rental income

27,650

33,935

 

 

30. Assets held for sale

 

As at 30 September 2013, there were no assets held for sale. As at 30 September 2012, two assets located in Germany were held for sale following completion of contractual commitments to sell.

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Assets classified as held for sale

 

 

Investments properties

-

40,146

Tax and other receivables

-

252

Deferred tax assets

-

156

Tenant receivables

-

566

Total

-

41,120

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Liabilities classified as held for sale

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

-

531

Loan and borrowings

-

26,716

Trade and other payables

Current tax payables

-

393

586

-

Total

-

28,226

 

31. Commitments

 

Foreign exchange hedge/Preference dividend

The Company has entered into currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to the next two years' preference share dividends which are paid in GBP (note 28.2).

 

The eighth (2012: sixth) interim dividend of £0.04488 (2012: £0.04488) per Preference Share will be paid on 20 December 2013 to Preference Shareholders on the Register 6 December 2013. The shares were quoted ex-dividend on 4 December 2013.

 

32. Contingent assets or liabilities

 

Certain subsidiaries of the Group are involved in litigation resulting from operating activities. These legal disputes and claims for damages are routine resulting from the normal course of business. None of these legal disputes and claims is expected to have a material effect on the balance sheet, the result or liquidity of the Group.

 

33. Subsequent events

 

The sale of 3 logistic warehouses located in Amiens was completed on November 7 2013 for a net sale price of EUR 1.1m. Until the completion of sale and the signature of the notary deed, the buyer had the possibility to abort the transaction at any time.

 

The Company agreed an extension to the maturity date of its Credit Facility (the "Loan") with Bank of Scotland ("BoS") from 31 December 2013 to 30 April 2014. At the same time, IERET agreed to a relaxation in the terms of the transferability of the Loan, allowing for the sale of BoS's interest to Promontoria Hampton (1) Limited and Promontoria Hampton (2) Limited, funds affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management L.P. and certain other separate Cerberus funds ("Cerberus").

 

IERET is now pursuing a refinancing package to repay its debt obligation to Cerberus, partly facilitated by a planned deleveraging of the Company through asset disposals. More information can be found in Note 2.2 to the Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, as well as the 'Business Review' and 'Refinancing Strategy' sections of the Investment Manager's Report.

 

34. List of the fully consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

Domicile

Ownership interest

30 September 2013

Ownership interest

30 September 2012

 

Indirect subsidiaries:

Invista European RE Holdings S.à r.l.

Invista European RE Heusenstamm PropCo S.à r.l.

 

 

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

 

 

100%

100%

 

 

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Marseille PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Solingen PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Nanteuil PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monheim PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg (3)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Lutterberg PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Lutterberg Logistics GmbH

Germany (1)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Villeurbanne Holdco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg (3)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Holdco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Propco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Propco II S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Riesapark PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Roth PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monbonnot HoldCo 1 S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monbonnot HoldCo 2 S.àr.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Germany GmbH

Germany

100%

100%

 

Invista RE Dutch Holdings B.V.

The Netherlands

100%

100%

 

Centaurus Logistics S.A.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Pocking PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Sun PropCo S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Nova PropCo S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Spanish PropCo S.L.

Spain

100%

100%

 

Invista European Real Estate Bel-Air Holdings S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European Bel-Air France S.A.S.

France

100%

100%

 

Compagnie Francesca S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Fonciere Vauclusienne Fova S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Malabar Societe de Manutention Logistique et d'Affretement Barlantier (Malabar) S.à r.l.

 

France

 

 100%

 

 100%

 

Compagnie d'Entrepots et de Magasine Generaux d'Amiens (Cemga) S.à r.l.

 

France

 

 100%

 

 100%

 

Les Merisiers S.N.C.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Mirasud S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Nelson S.C.I.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Compagnie frigorifique et immobilere de Normandie

(Cofrinor) S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Monto'west S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Pole Logistique Vauclusien (Poloval) S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Societe du Pole Nord S.A.S.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Compagnie Vauclusienne de Distribution (Covadis) S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

DBA Czech s.r.o.

Czech Republic

 100%

 100%

 

Hades Logistics B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Atena Logistics B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Financiere, Immobiliere et Agricole S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

KP Image House S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

KP Rue Royal S.A.

Belgium (2)

 -

 100%

 

KP HH S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

Demeter B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Girona Logistics S.L.

Spain

 100%

 100%

 

(1) Statutory merged into Invista European RE Lutterberg PropCo S.à r.l.

(2) Sold

(3) Entity liquidated

Glossary

 

Adjusted gross assets is the aggregate value of all of the assets of the Group, including net distributable but undistributed income, less current liabilities of the Group (excluding from current liabilities any proportion of monies borrowed for investment whether or not treated under accounting rules as current liabilities), as shown in the consolidated accounts of the Group.

 

Articles are the articles of association of the Company as amended and restated on 29 December 2009.

 

Earnings per share (EPS) is the profit after taxation divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

 

European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is a not-for-profit association registered in Belgium dedicated to the promotion of investment in listed real estate vehicles.

 

Estimated rental value (ERV) is the Group's external valuers' reasonable opinion as to the open market rent which, on the date of valuation, could reasonably be expected to be obtained on a new letting or rent review of a property.

 

Gearing is the Group's net debt as a percentage of adjusted net assets.

 

Gross rental income or gross rent is the annualised rental income receivable in the period, prior to payment of non-recoverable expenditure such as ground rents and property outgoings.

 

Gross initial yield (GIY) is the Gross rent expressed as a percentage of the net valuation of property portfolio.

 

Group is Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF and its subsidiaries.

 

Listing rules are rules made by the UK Listing Authority under section 73A of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

 

Net asset value (NAV) are shareholders' funds, plus the surplus of the open market value over the book value of both development and trading properties, adjusted to add back deferred tax.

 

Net equivalent yield is the time weighted average yield between the Net initial yield and the Reversionary yield.

 

Net initial yield (NIY) is the Net rental income expressed as a percentage of the net valuation of property portfolio.

 

Net rental income or net rent is the annualised rental income receivable in the period after payment of non-recoverable expenditure items such as ground rents and property outgoings.

 

Potential rent is the rent achievable if all the remaining vacant space is let at the estimated rental value and added to the current Gross rental income.

 

Prospectus is the prospectus of the Company dated 16 November 2009.

 

Regulated market is a market referred to in article 1, point 13 of the Council Directive 93/22 EEC on investment services in the securities field, as amended.

 

Reversionary yield is the anticipated yield, which the Net initial yield will rise to once the rent reaches the estimated rental value.

 

SEPARATE INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

Notes

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Investment management fees

6

(343)

(752)

Professional fees

7

(832)

(262)

Administrative fees

8

(623)

(978)

Directors' fees

21

(182)

(192)

Other expenses

22

(175)

(1,126)

Total expenses

 

(2,155)

(3,310)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses before net financing cost and tax

 

(2,155)

(3,310)

 

 

 

 

Finance income

9

6,422

1,534

Finance expense

10

(6,418)

(9,240)

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

23

11,367

2,000

Net finance costs

 

11,371

(5,706)

 

 

 

Shares and intercompany loan impairments

11,27

(43,606)

(28,153)

 

 

 

Loss for the year before tax

 

(34,390)

(37,169)

 

 

 

 

Taxation

19

(34)

(57)

Loss for the year

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

Basic loss per share (Euro)

15

(0.132)

(0.143)

Diluted loss per share (Euro)

15

(0.132)

(0.143)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these separate financial statements.

SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

30 Sep 12

 

Note

€000

€000

Loss for the year

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Fair value of warrants exercised during the year

 

-

-

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flows hedged for the year

13

1,087

3,531

Other comprehensive gain for the year

 

1,087

3,531

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to owners of the Company

 

 

(33,337)

 

(33,695)

 

All items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these separate financial statements.

SEPARATE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 September 2013

 

Notes

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Assets

Investment in subsidiaries

 

27

 

-

 

-

Loans to subsidiaries

11

105,146

148,447

Deferred expenses

 

-

518

Non-current assets

 

105,146

148,965

Amounts due from subsidiaries

11

27,928

23,920

Trade and other receivables

 

437

101

Cash and cash equivalents

12

9,583

12,795

Current assets

 

37,948

36,816

Total assets

 

143,094

185,781

Share capital

 

25,998

25,998

Share premium

 

164,992

164,992

Restricted reserve

 

3

65,816

Cumulative deficit

 

(132,582)

(163,971)

Hedge reserve

 

5,800

4,713

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

 

13

 

64,211

 

97,548

Liabilities

 

 

 

Preference shares

16

32,020

32,940

Warrants

17

176

219

Loans from subsidiaries

 

17,450

17,050

Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

18

-

6,325

Derivative financial instruments

23

-

16,767

Non-current liabilities

 

49,646

73,301

Loans from subsidiaries

11

16,973

13,408

Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

18

5,988

-

Derivative financial instruments

23

4,349

-

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

20

1,927

1,524

Current liabilities

 

29,237

14,932

Total liabilities

 

78,883

88,233

Total equity and liabilities

 

143,094

185,781

Net Asset Value per ordinary share (Euro)

14

0.247

0.375

 

 

 

 

 

The separate financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 January 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

 

Tom Chandos Robert DeNormandie

Chairman Chairman of Audit Committee

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these separate financial statements.

 

SEPARATE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

 

Sharecapital

Share premium

Restricted

 reserve

Cumulative deficit

Hedging reserve

Total equity

 

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Balance as at 30 September 2011

 

25,998

164,992

118,316

(179,245)

1,182

131,243

Warrants exercised

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Absorption of losses by the restricted reserve

 

 

-

 

-

 

(52,500)

 

52,500

 

-

 

-

 

Total equity movement

 

-

-

(52,500)

52,500

-

-

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(37,226)

 

3,531

 

(33,695)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year and equity movement

 

 

-

 

-

 

(52,500)

 

15,274

 

3,531

 

(33,695)

Balance as at 30 September 2012

 

 

25,998

 

164,992

 

65,816

 

(163,971)

 

4,713

 

97,548

Warrants exercised

 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Absorption of losses by the restricted reserve

 

 

-

 

-

 

(65,813)

 

65,813

 

-

 

-

Total equity movement

 

-

-

(65,813)

65,813

-

-

Total comprehensive (loss)/income

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(34,424)

 

1,087

 

(33,337)

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year and equity movement

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(65,813)

 

 

31,389

 

 

1,087

 

 

(33,337)

Balance as at 30 September 2013

 

 

25,998

 

164,992

 

3

 

(132,582)

 

5,800

 

64,211

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these separate financial statements.

SEPARATE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 30 September 2013

 

 

Notes

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Loss before tax

(34,390)

(37,169)

Adjustments for:

Shares and intercompany loan impairments

11,27

43,606

28,153

Net loss on financial instruments

23

(11,333)

165

Unrealised change in fair value of warrants

23

(34)

(2,165)

Unrealised change in fair value of treasury shares

10

143

-

Net unrealised foreign currency gain

(915)

2,952

Amortisation of transaction costs relating to debt

10

758

1,055

Interest expense

10

1,302

4,811

Interest received

9

(4,269)

(101)

Preference shares dividends

2,977

3,023

Changes in working capital:

Decrease in current assets

(251)

40

Decrease in current liabilities

3,360

(519)

Cash generated from operations

954

245

Interest paid

(608)

(4,732)

Interest received

179

3,055

Tax paid

(26)

(57)

Net Cash flows used in Operating Activities

499

 (1,489)

Investing Activities

Investments in subsidiaries

-

(223)

Decrease in loans granted to subsidiaries

-

95

Net Cash flows (used in) / from Investing Activities

-

 (128)

Financing Activities

Increase in loans granted to subsidiaries

-

2,422

Gain on forward transaction

9

-

 185

Acquisition of own preference shares in issue

-

(963)

Dividend paid on preference shares

(2,991)

(2,983)

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

-

-

Net Cash flows used in Financing Activities

(2,991)

(1,339) 

Effects of changes in exchange rates

(720)

 -

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year

(3,212)

 (2,956)

Opening cash and cash equivalents

12,795

15,751

Closing non-restricted cash and cash equivalents

12

7,135

10,281

Closing restricted cash and cash equivalents

12

2,448

2,514

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these separate financial statements

NOTES TO THE SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 

1. Reporting entity

 

Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF ("the Company") was incorporated as a "société anonyme" under the laws of Luxembourg on 6 June 2005. On 17 November 2006 the Company was converted into an investment company with fixed capital "société d'investissement à capital fixe" ("SICAF") and is registered pursuant to part II of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 on undertakings for collective investments. Through its subsidiaries its main activity is to evaluate, make and actively manage direct and indirect investments in real estate in Continental European countries.

 

The Company is a public limited liability company incorporated for an unlimited term. The address of the registered office of the Company is 25C, Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg.

 

The Company holds 100% of the following Luxembourg companies as at 30 September 2013:

- Invista European Real Estate Holdings S.à r.l.

- Invista European Real Estate Finance S.à r.l.

 

 

2. Basis of preparation

 

2.1 Statement of compliance

These separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB), and adopted by the European Union (EU). These separate financial statements do not include consolidated amounts, as the consolidated financial statements are prepared separately.

 

These separate financial statements are presented for the year ended 30 September 2013, with comparative figures for the year ended 30 September 2012.

 

These separate financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 31 January 2014.

 

2.2 Going Concern

 

The separate financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. It is the assessment of the Board of Directors that the Company will continue as a going concern for at least 12 months from the date of issue of these separate financial statements. In forming this opinion, the Board of Directors has considered its ability to meet liabilities as they fall due and the continued availability of the Company's Loan facilities.

 

The Investment Manager maintains a detailed 18 month cash flow forecast, which is reviewed every quarter. The Board of Directors has identified the refinancing of the Common Terms Agreement, the Company's debt facility, which expires on 30 April 2014, as the key risk to the going concern basis.

 

Following the most recent valuation of the portfolio undertaken by Savills as at 31 December 2013, the Company made an amortization payment of €5.5 million on 15 January. This brought the level of outstanding debt to €221.2 million. Against the current valuation of €316.1 million, the outstanding debt produces an LTV of 69.98%. The current Loan facility has a maturity date of 30 April 2014, following the extension agreed with Bank of Scotland PLC ("BoS") prior to the end of 2013. The Loan is being transferred to Cerberus during the month of January. The Company's interest rate hedging agreement in the form of a swap expired on 31 December 2013.

 

The Company's disposal plan is influenced by weak market conditions, portfolio vacancy levels, bank covenants, refinancing considerations and unrecognized deferred tax liabilities. As a result, the Company has taken and continues to undertake a strategic review of the portfolio to assess the optimal disposal programme. The Company has identified fourteen assets last valued at €103 million that are currently on the market or being prepared for marketing. A number of other assets require completion of asset management initiatives which range from lease re-gears and re-lettings to structural repositioning and extensive capital expenditure, as with the shopping centre in Riesa, Germany.

 

There is uncertainty regarding the price level that can be achieved on sale, but this disposal plan is anticipated to produce proceeds that will deleverage the current portfolio. It is the view of the Manager that the remaining smaller portfolio of assets will be more likely to succeed in being refinanced: it is upon this basis that current discussions with lenders are progressing. In the event the Company is not able to refinance the debt or repay the outstanding loan amount by 30 April 2014 without a further maturity extension, the Company would be in default. In this scenario, there is a risk that disposals made under an accelerated liquidation strategy would not generate sufficient proceeds to enable the return of equity to ordinary or preference shareholders. However, we believe it is in the best interests of the lender to work proactively with the Company to achieve the common goal of a refinance, either total or in part.

 

The combination of circumstances described above represents a material uncertainty over the Company's ability to repay its loan facility in full by the 30 April 2014. Nevertheless, it is the view of the Board that the realization strategy being undertaken is likely to reduce debt levels while structuring a more attractive portfolio for refinancing. After considering the uncertainties that exist around the Company's ability to meet its debt obligations, the Board maintains a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future in the light of debt management strategies currently in progress.

 

2.3 Functional and presentation currency

These separate financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company's presentation and functional currency. All financial information presented in Euro has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

 

2.4 Basis of measurement

The separate financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the warrants and derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value.

 

These separate financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

 

2.5 Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of the separate financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

 

Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the separate financial statements are described in note 4. 

2.6 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

 

Standards and interpretations recently issued but not yet effective

 

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective up to the date of issuance of the Company's separate financial statements, and have not been applied in preparing these separate financial statements.

 

Those which may be relevant to the Company are set out below. The Company does not plan to adopt these standards early.

xi. IAS 1, Financial Statement Presentation - Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - The amendment to IAS 1 changes the grouping of items presented in OCI. Items that could be reclassified (or "recycled") to profit or loss at a future time (for example, upon de-recognition or settlement) would be presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. The amendment affects presentation only and has therefore no impact on the Company's financial position or performance. The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The Company will apply the amendment to IAS 1 retrospectively from 1 January 2013 as endorsed by the European Union.

xii. IAS 27 (as revised in 2011) - As a consequence of the new IFRS 10 and IFRS 12, what remains in IAS 27 is limited to accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities, and associates in separate financial statements. The Company will apply IAS 27(revised 2011) prospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

xiii. IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement - IFRS 9 as issued reflects the first phase of the IASB's work on the replacement of IAS 39 and applies to classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as defined in IAS 39. IFRS 9 has two measurement categories: amortized cost and fair value through profit or loss. All equity instruments are measured at fair value. A debt instrument is stated at amortized cost only if the entity is holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest. Otherwise it should be measured at fair value through profit or loss. The adoption of the first phase of IFRS 9 will have no impact on classification and measurements of the Group's financial assets/financial liabilities. The Company will apply IFRS 9 retrospectively from 1 January 2015. This standard has not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

xiv. IASB issued Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27) on 31 October 2012. The amendments provide an exception to the consolidation requirements in IFRS 10 and require investment entities to measure particular subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss. The amendments are effective from 1 January 2014 with early adoption permitted, which allow an investment entity to adopt the amendments at the same time as IFRS 10. This standard has not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

xv. IFRS 12, Disclosure of Involvement with Other Entities - IFRS 12 includes all of the disclosure requirements that were previously in IAS 27 related to consolidated financial statements, as well as all of the disclosures that were previously included in IAS 31 and IAS 28. These disclosures relate to an entity's interests in subsidiaries, joint ventures, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. A number of new disclosures are also required. The Company will apply IFRS 12 retrospectively from 1 January 2014 as endorsed by the European Union.

xvi. IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement - IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. The requirements of IFRS 13, which are largely aligned between IFRSs and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), do not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provide guidance of how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. The Company will apply IFRS 13 prospectively from 1 January 2013 as endorsed by the European Union.

 

The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new and revised IFRS.

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all the periods presented in these separate financial statements.

 

3.1 Related parties

Related parties are defined as parties either directly or indirectly controlled, managed or owned by the Company. A list of related party transactions is disclosed in Note 21.

 

3.2 Foreign currency translation

Transactions in currencies other than the presentation currency of the Company are recorded at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in such currencies are translated at the date of exchange ruling at the separate statement of financial position date. All differences are recognised in the separate income statement under 'finance income" or "finance expense" (see Notes 9 and 10). The cumulative effect of exchange differences on cash transactions are classified as realised gains and losses in the separate income statement in the period in which they are settled. Exchange differences on transactions not yet settled in cash are classified as unrealised gains and losses under "finance expense".

 

3.3 Investment in subsidiaries

Investment in subsidiaries are held at cost less any impairment.

 

3.4 Loans to subsidiaries

Loans to subsidiaries are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition loans to subsidiaries are measured at cost, less any impairment losses.

 

3.5 Financial instruments

 

Financial assets: Initial recognition

The Company determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. The Company's financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and financial instruments.

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Available-for-sale

After initial measurement (fair value plus any directly attributable costs), available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealised gains or losses recognised directly in equity until the investment is (i) derecognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss recorded in the fair value reserve in equity is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income, or (ii) determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative loss is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income.

 

Financial liabilities: Initial recognition

Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as either financial liability at fair value through profit and loss, loans and borrowings, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate. The Company determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition.

The Company's financial liabilities include trade and other payables, loans and borrowings and derivative

financial instruments.

 

The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification:

 

- Financial liability at fair value recognised through profit and loss

Financial liability at fair value recognised through profit and loss includes financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon the initial recognition at fair value through profit and loss. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. This category includes derivative instruments entered into by the Company that do not meet hedging accounting criteria as defined by IAS 39. Gains and losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the separate income statement;

 

- Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are actively traded in organised financial markets is determined by reference to quoted market bid prices at the close of business on the separate statement of financial position date. For financial instruments where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. Such techniques may include recent arm's length market transactions; reference to the current fair value of another instrument that has substantially the same discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation methods;

 

- Amortised cost of financial instruments

Amortised cost is computed using the effective interest rate method less any allowance for impairment and principal repayment or reduction. The calculation takes into account any premium or discount on acquisition and includes transaction costs and fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.

 

3.6 Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and investment activities (refer to Note 23). On initial designation of the hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the hedging instruments and hedged items, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge relationship. The Company makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected to be "highly effective" in offsetting the changes in the fair value of cash flows of the respective hedged items during the period for which the hedge is designated, and whether the actual results of each hedge are within a range of 80-125%.

 

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value with related transaction costs recognised in the separate income statement when incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments are measured and stated at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently revised to reflect their fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative. Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value on derivatives during the year that do not qualify for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of an effective hedge are taken directly to the income statement. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed by comparing the value of the hedged item with the notional value implicit in the contractual terms of the financial instrument being used in the hedge. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is determined by reference to market values for similar instruments.

 

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either fair value hedges, when they hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset and liability, or cash flow hedges where they hedge exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability.

 

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement. Amounts taken to equity are transferred to the income statement when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when the hedged financial income or financial expense is recognised or when the related sale occurs.

 

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity remains there until the forecast transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when it is recognised. In other cases the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement in the same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.

 

Following a negative hedging effectiveness test made in accordance with IFRS, even if the interest bearing loan is overhedged at a level of 105%, the changes in fair value hedging are therefore recognized in the income statement.

 

3.7 Impairment

 

Financial assets (including receivables)

The Company assesses at separate statement of financial position date whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. A financial asset is deemed to be impaired if, and only if, there is objective evidence of an impairment as a result of one or more events that has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (an incurred "loss event") and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can be reliably estimated. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. All impairment losses are recognised in the separate income statement.

 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

 

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Non financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Company's non financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates continuing cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets or groups of assets (the "cash-generating unit").

 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the separate income statement.

 

3.8 Derecognition of financial instruments

 

Financial assets

A financial asset is derecognised when:

- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired;

- The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows or transferred substantially all the risks and rewards and/or has neither transferred nor substantially retained all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset;

- If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity remains there until the related transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when it is recognised. In other cases the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the separate income statement in the same period as the hedged item affects profit or loss.

 

Financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a reversal of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability and the difference in the respective carrying amount is recognised in the separate income statement.

 

3.9 Current assets and liabilities

Due to the short time frame in which these transactions are settled, the fair value of other current assets and liabilities due within one year approximates the carrying value disclosed in the separate financial statements.

 

3.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash includes cash on hand and cash with banks. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. The use and disbursement of certain cash deposits are restricted under the terms of various financing agreements. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and that form an integral part of the Company's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the separate statement of cash flows.

 

3.11 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. External costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown as a deduction, net of tax, in equity from the proceeds.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.12 Issue costs

The cost of raising capital represents direct costs incurred in establishing or increasing the capital of the Company including, amongst others, legal, accounting, financial advisory and equity underwriting fees.

 

3.13 Preference shares

Preference shares are classified as a financial liability due to the contractual obligation by the Company to redeem them in cash at a date in the future.

 

Where the preference shares are classified as a financial liability, external costs directly attributable to issuance of the preference shares are capitalised and amortised over the life of the preference shares.

 

3.14 Warrants

Preference shares and their related warrants are considered as two separate instruments due to the fact they are detachable and traded separately on the London Stock market. The warrants are considered as a financial derivative liability at fair value through profit and loss. Their recognition as a financial liability is due to the fact the strike price for the warrants is £0.29, a different currency (Sterling) than the functional currency of the Company (Euro) as well as the fact that the warrants were not issued on a pro rata basis to the existing shareholders.

 

3.15 Interest bearing debt

Debt, comprising secured and unsecured bank loans, is reflected in the separate statement of financial position at the fair value of the initial proceeds less the unamortised portion of discounts and transaction costs incurred to acquire the debt. Discounts and transaction costs are amortised over the life of the related debt through finance expense using the effective interest rate method.

 

Transaction costs include fees and commission paid to agents, advisers, brokers and dealers, levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges, and transfer taxes and duties. Transaction costs do not include internal administrative or holding costs.

 

3.16 Taxation

According to the Luxembourg regulations concerning undertakings for collective investments, the Company is not subject to income taxes in Luxembourg. It is, however, liable to an annual subscription tax of 0.05% (taxe d'abonnement) of its total net assets, payable quarterly, and assessed on the last day of each quarter.

 

3.17 Provisions

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

 

3.18 Finance income and expense

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and gains on hedging instruments that are recognised in the separate income statement. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

 

Finance expense comprise interest expense on borrowings, amortisation of debt transaction costs and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the separate income statement.

 

 

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

Attributable transaction costs incurred in establishing the Company's credit facilities are deducted from the fair value of borrowings on initial recognition and are amortised over the lifetime of the facilities through the income statement. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognised in the separate income statement using the effective interest rate.

 

Finance expenses include the effect of unrealised foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities arising in the period plus the effect of the realised foreign currency gains and losses on cash transactions completed during the period.

 

3.19 Operating expenses

All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. The investment management and administration fees and all other expenses are charged to the separate income statement.

 

3.20 Earnings per share

The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise warrants.

 

3.21 Subsequent events

Post balance sheet date events are disclosed in the notes to separate financial statements when significant.

 

3.22 Contingencies

Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the separate financial statements, unless there is a probable chance of an outflow for which a provision is made. They are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote.

A contingent asset is not recognised in the separate financial statement but disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

 

4. Significant accounting estimates and judgements

 

The preparation of these separate financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

 

Information about critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the statements is included in:

 

Derivative financial instruments

An interest rate swap can be viewed as a series of cash flows occurring at known future dates. The value of the swap is the present value of these cash flows. To calculate the present value of each cash flow, both the future cash flows and an appropriate discount factor for each period on which a cash flow occurs are estimated. Future cash flows are calculated from a forward interest rate curve constructed using market prices for similar interest rate instruments independently sourced from mid-market broker quotes

 

4. Significant accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

 

for the relevant market. The discount factor is the factor by which the future cash flow must be adjusted to obtain the present value. Discount factors are derived from an assessment of interest rates in the future

and are calculated using forward rates such as EURIBOR. Interest rates used for calculating discount factors are independently sourced from mid-market broker quotes for the relevant market at the valuation date.

 

The fair value of the Company's derivatives is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the derivatives at the balance sheet date. The Company estimates the fair value of derivatives by reference to current market conditions compared to the terms of the derivatives agreement using the result of an external appraiser. Refer to Note 23 for the related balances.

 

Classification of preference shares and the warrants

Judgement is required to determine whether preference shares should be classified as financial liability or equity in accordance with IAS 32 Financial instruments: Presentation. Based on the terms and conditions of the preference shares issued in December 2009 the Company has determined that the preference shares have the characteristics of a financial liability rather than equity. This was primarily based on the fact that the preference shares and the warrants are denominated in sterling whereas the functional currency used by the Company is the Euro. In addition, the preference shares have a right to receive a dividend and are redeemable.

 

5. Capital management

 

The Company's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern and to maximise the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance.

 

The Company's board of directors manages the Company's capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. The capital structure is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Based on recommendations of the directors, the Company balances its overall capital structure through the payments of dividends, new share issues as well as the issue of new debt or the redemption of existing debt.

 

6. Investment management and performance fees

 

Internos Global Investors Limited ("Internos") acted as the Investment Manager of the Group in the year under review. Internos received Investment Management fees of €0.3 million (2012: €0.5 million in the previous year an additional €0.22m was paid in relation to the previous Investment Manager). The conditions for payment of a performance fee to the Investment Manager were not met during the year under review and as such no provision for performance fees was made in the income statement.

 

In addition the Company accrued accounting provisions fee of €0.01 million for the period beginning 1 February 2013 in respect of the accounting services provided by Internos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Professional fees

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Audit fees

152

157

Legal fees

229

148

Tax advisory fees

38

(43)

Financial advisory fees

413

-

Total professional fees

832

262

 

 

8. Administrative fees

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Accounting and administrative fees

151

407

Registrar and other fees

382

490

Custodian fees

90

81

Total administrative fees

623

978

 

9. Finance income

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

 

Interest income on intra-group loans

4,222

-

 

Interest income on bank deposits

47

101

 

Market value adjustment on preference shares held in treasury

 

-

 

8

 

Realised foreign currency gain on monetary transactions

 

504

 

1,240

 

Unrealised foreign currency gain on preference shares and warrants

 

1,649

 

-

 

Realised gain on forward transaction

-

185

 

Total finance income

6,422

1,534

 

 

 

10. Finance expense

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Interest on intra-group loans

(834)

(1,588)

Interest expense swaps

(468)

(294)

Interest on preferred shares

(2,977)

(3,023)

Amortisation of transaction costs relating to debt

(758)

(1,054)

Market value adjustment on preference shares held in treasury

 

(143)

 

-

Other net unrealised foreign currency effect on monetary assets and liabilities

 

(1,238)

 

(145)

Unrealised foreign currency loss on preference shares and warrants

 

-

 

(3,136)

Total finance expense

(6,418)

(9,240)

 

 

10. Finance expense (continued)

 

Amortisation of transaction costs incurred in relation to the preference shares are disclosed in Note 16. Such costs are capitalised and amortised to the maturity date of the preference shares.

 

11. Loans to subsidiaries

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

 

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance, beginning of the year

148,447

172,727

Loans repaid

(95)

(95)

Loans contributed

-

(1,149)

Impairment of loans to subsidiaries

(43,206)

(23,036)

Total loans to subsidiaries

105,146

148,447

 

 

The Company has granted loans to both subsidiaries Invista European Real Estate Holdings S.à r.l. and Invista European Real Estate Finance S.à r.l.

 

The directors have estimated the fair value of the loans to Invista European Real Estate Holdings S.à r.l as at 30 September 2013 and determined a provision for impairments of €43.2 million (2012: €23.0 million) which is recognised in shares and intercompany loan impairments in the separate income statement. The provision for impairment on the loans to Invista European Real Estate Finance S.à r.l. was decreased by €nil million (2012: reduction of €0.03 million).

 

Included under non-current liabilities are Loans from subsidiaries of €17.5 million (2012: €17.1 million) which are interest bearing with fully documented intercompany loan agreements. Furthermore the Company has net current account balances with its subsidiaries of €10.9 million (2012: €10.5 million) which are non interest bearing.

 

12. Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Bank balances

271

256

Bank deposits

6,864

10,025

Restricted bank balances

2,448

2,514

Total cash and cash equivalents

9,583

12,795

 

The Company has €2.4 million (2012: €2.5 million) held in an escrow account in respect of a deposit required by Bank of Scotland to hedge the dividend payment of preference shares (refer to Note 16) until 15 December 2014.

 

 

13. Issued capital and reserves

 

 

Number of ordinary shares

Number of warrants 

 

In issue at 1 October 2008

114,263,275

-

In issue at 30 September 2009

114,263,275

-

Issued for cash

Issuance of warrants

145,685,674

-

-

29,137,134

Exercise of warrants

27,994

(27,994)

In issue as at 30 September 2010

259,976,943

29,109,140

Exercise of warrants

3,796

(3,796)

In issue as at 30 September 2011

259,980,739

29,105,344

Exercise of warrants

170

(170)

In issue as at 30 September 2012

259,980,909

29,105,174

Exercise of warrants

-

-

In issue as at 30 September 2013

259,980,909

29,105,174

 

Issuance of ordinary shares

The Company has an issued share capital of €25,998,091 (2012: €25,998,091) consisting of 259,980,909 shares (2012: 259,980,909 shares) without indication of nominal value all of which have been fully paid up.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to the Company's residual assets.

 

Restricted reserve

The non-distributable reserve of €3,416 (2012: €65,816,913) can be used to absorb losses incurred or to increase the Company's share capital.

 

During the year, the amount of €65.8 million (2012: €52.5 million) was used to absorb losses.

 

Authorised capital

The Company has an authorised capital of €920,980,852 represented by 9,209,808,522 ordinary shares

without indication of nominal value.

 

Hedge reserve

The hedging reserve relates to the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet expired.

 

On 12 January 2010 the Company finalized an agreement with the Bank of Scotland to extend the loan facility to 31 December 2013 bringing the maturity date in line with the swap agreements. Consequently, the swaps qualified as effective cash flow hedges. Until December 2012, the changes in the fair value of the swaps deemed to be effective were recorded in other comprehensive income. Thereafter, following a negative hedging effectiveness test made in accordance with IFRS, the hedge is no longer effective and all movements are going through the income statement.

 

 

13. Issued capital and reserves (continued)

 

Hedge reserve

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance, beginning of the year

4,713

1,182

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flows hedged for the year

 

1,087

 

3,531

 

Balance, end of the year

5,800

4,713

 

 

Voting rights

There are no restrictions on the voting rights attached to the ordinary shares. The preference shares will not have the right to vote except in circumstances set out in the articles 44 to 46 (1) of the Articles of the Company. In addition, holders of preference shares will have the right to vote in the same manner as other Shareholders at all meetings, if, despite the existence of profits available for that purpose, the Preference Dividends at the Preference Dividend Sterling Equivalent are not paid entirely for any reason whatsoever for a period of one financial year and until Preference Dividends at the Preference Dividend Sterling Equivalent have been received in full. Warrants do not carry any voting rights. Voting rights to each share and procedures relating thereto are described in articles 7, 8 and 26 of the Articles of the Company.

Shareholder's agreements

The Company is not aware of any shareholder agreement which could result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or voting rights within the meaning of Directive 2004/109/EC on the harmonisation of transparency requirements in relation to information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market (the "Transparency Directive").

 

Shares and warrant transferability

Shares of the Company (i.e., ordinary shares and preference shares, as such terms are defined in the Articles of incorporation) are freely transferable subject to article 10 of the Articles of incorporation. Warrants issued by the Company are freely transferable subject to provisions laid down in Part IV, section 5 of the Prospectus.

 

Special control rights

No shareholder is vested with special control rights with regard to control of the Company.

 

 

14. Net asset value per ordinary share

 

The net asset value per ordinary share is based on net assets of €64 million at 30 September 2013 (2012: €97 million, 2011: €131 million) and 260 million ordinary shares outstanding at 30 September 2013 (2012: 260 million, 2011: 260 million).

 

 

 

As at 30 Sep 13

€000

As at 30 Sep 12

€000

As at 30 Sep 11

€000

Net asset value

 

64,211

97,548

131,243

Assuming exercise of all dilutive potential ordinary shares

 

 

 

 

Listed warrants (1,2)

 

10,101

10,608

9,699

Fully diluted net asset value

 

74,312

108,156

140,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

Number

Number

Number of ordinary shares

 

259,980,909

259,980,909

259,980,739

Number of warrants

 

29,105,174

29,105,174

29,105,344

Fully diluted ordinary share capital

 

 

289,086,083

 

289,086,083

 

289,086,083

Net asset value per ordinary share

 

€0.247

€0.375

€0.505

Diluted net asset value per ordinary share

 

 

€0.257

 

€0.374

 

€0.488

(2) €:£ exchange rate 1.19673 as at 30 September 2013 (2012: 1.2568, 2011: 1.1492)

(2) Exercise price of warrants of £0.29

 

 

15. Earning per share

 

The calculation of the basic earnings per share for the financial year ended 30 September 2013 is based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of €34.464 million (2012: loss of €37.226 million), and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

The calculation of diluted earnings per share at 30 September 2013 is based on a diluted loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of €34.424 million (2012: loss of €37.226 million), and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ended 30 September 2013 after the adjustment for the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Loss for the year

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders

 

(34,424)

(37,226)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued ordinary shares at 1 October

 

259,980,875

259,980,739

Effect of warrants exercised

 

-

136

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

 

259,980,875

259,980,875

Loss per ordinary share (Euro)

 

(0.132)

(0.143)

Diluted loss per ordinary share (Euro)

 

(0.132)

(0.143)

 

The conversion and assumed exercise of warrants to ordinary shares are ignored in the calculation of diluted loss per share since these are anti-dilutive.

 

15. Earnings per share (continued)

 

Furthermore, the warrant share price has been below the exercise price throughout the periods in the report, thus the assumption that warrants are unlikely to be converted to ordinary shares, and hence does not have a dilutive effect on profit/loss.

 

16. Preference shares

 

On 30 December 2009 the Company issued 29,137,134 redeemable preference shares with one warrant attached per preference share. The preference shares confer the right to a cumulative preference share dividend payable semi-annually. As the preference shareholders have a right to receive a dividend and are redeemable, they are treated as a financial liability.

 

In addition, on 30 December 2009, the Company issued 29,137,134 warrants. A reserve was established by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the initial value of the warrants. This reserve is periodically marked to market and is amortised as the warrants are exercised.

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Preference shares at the beginning of the year

32,940

30,333

Transaction costs amortisation

328

329

Foreign exchange difference

(1,437)

3,241

Preference shares held in treasury

189

(963)

Preference share value at the end of the year

32,020

32,940

 

 

Costs

Transaction costs amortisation represents the amortisation of the cost of raising preference share capital (7 years) and the amortisation of the warrants fair value upon initial recognition (4 years).

 

The holders of preference shares are entitled to receive a preferential cumulative dividend of 9% per annum of the preference share issue price of £1.00. The preference dividend is payable semi-annually in June and December each year from 2010 to 2016 inclusive.

 

 

Preference shares held in treasury

In July 2012, the Company purchased 800,000 of its own preference shares, denominated in GBP, at a purchase price of 95 pence per preference share. The acquired preference shares are marked to market value at the end of each year.

 

 

17. Warrants

 

On 30 December 2009 the Company issued 29,137,134 warrants. Each warrant holder is entitled to exercise their subscription right in cash on any subscription date falling in the years from 2010 to 2013 inclusive. The subscription date in any year is the last business day in May and the last business day in November. The subscription price is £0.29 per ordinary share. As the exercise price for the warrants is set in Sterling as opposed to the functional currency of the Company, which is Euro, the warrants have been treated as a financial liability.

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Warrant fair value at the beginning of the year

219

2,258

Warrants exercised during the year (refer to the statement of change in equity)

 

-

 

-

Fair value movement of the warrants (note 23)

(34)

(2,165)

Foreign exchange difference

(9)

126

Warrant fair value at the end of the year

176

219

 

No warrants were exercised in the year under review.

 

 

18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

 

On 12 January 2010, the Group finalised an agreement with the Bank of Scotland to extend the term of its existing debt facility from 31 December 2011 to 31 December 2013.

 

As part of the current facility agreement with Bank of Scotland there is an exit fee payable. The fee is calculated as 2% of the weighted average drawn balance during the period commencing on the issuance date through the final repayment of the facility, 31 December 2013 (or repayment date if earlier). The quantum of the exit fee has subsequently been reduced according to the revised terms to €5.988 million (2012: €6.325 million) and reclassified under current liabilities.

 

19. Taxation

 

The Company is an investment company with fixed capital (société d'investissement à capital fixe) under the form of a public limited company (société anonyme) and registered pursuant to part II of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investments.

 

According to Luxembourg regulations concerning undertakings for collective investments, the Company is not subject to corporate income or capital gains taxes in Luxembourg. It is however, liable to an annual subscription tax based at 0.05% of its total net asset value. The tax, payable quarterly, is assessed on the last day of each quarter.

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

 

 

Loss for year

(34,424)

(37,226)

Total taxation

34

57

Loss excluding taxation

(34,390)

(37,169)

Income tax expense using the Company's domestic tax rate (0.00%)

 

-

 

 

-

Reduction in tax rate

-

(19)

Subscription tax paid by the Company

34

76

Total

34

57

 

 

 

 

20. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Accounts payables

298

317

Accruals and other creditors

581

285

Interest payable on bank loans

81

84

Preference share dividend

814

828

Tax payables

153

10

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

1,927

 

1,524

 

The Company has signed forward exchange contracts with Bank of Scotland Treasury to protect the Euro payment of the next three sterling dividend payments on the preference shares until December 2014 (the spot rate of between €1.00 for £0.8116 to €1.00 for £0.8666 has been agreed) (see Note 23).

 

 

21. Related party transactions

 

The Company has related party transactions with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, shareholders and certain Directors.

 

Directors' fees

The Directors of the Company were paid a total of €182,000 (2012: €192,000) in Directors' fees during the year.

 

The Group obtained a credit facility from the Bank of Scotland with related interest rate swap agreements with Bank of Scotland's Treasury Group. In addition, as disclosed in Note 23, the Group also entered into a currency rate swap agreement with Bank of Scotland's Treasury.

 

 

 

The Company also operates an inter-group trading account facility with its subsidiaries whereby it may receive income on behalf of its subsidiaries or pay expenses on their behalf. These balances are non-interest bearing and are settled on demand.

 

22. Other expenses

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Invista termination fee

-

855

Bank administration fee

30

75

Bank fees

-

2

Sundry expenses

128

-

Write off unrecoverable VAT

17

194

Total other expenses

175

1,126

 

 

23. Financial risk management objectives and policies

 

The Company's financial liabilities, other than derivatives, are loans and borrowings, warrants and preference shares. The main purpose of the Company's loans and borrowings is to finance the acquisition and the development of the subsidiaries' property portfolio. The proceeds from the preference shares were used to repay part of the bank debt the Group contracted with the Bank of Scotland.

 

The Company has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

- Market and operational risks,

- Currency risk,

- Credit risk,

- Liquidity risk.

 

This note presents information about the Company's exposure to each of the above risks, the Company's objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Company's management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these separate financial statements.

 

Risk management framework

 

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company's risk management framework. A description of the internal controls in place is set out in the Director's report.

 

Market and operational risks

 

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity price will affect the Company's income or the value of its holding of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Company uses derivatives, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage the market risk attributable to the interest rate risk. Generally, the Company seeks to apply hedge accounting in order to manage volatility in profit or loss.

 

The interest rate risk of the Company remained fully hedged throughout the year ended 30 September 2013, and as such, there would be no effect on profit before tax due to movements in interest rates.

 

 

Currency risk

 

The Company obtains financing in currencies other than Euro (the preference shares and the warrants were issued in Sterling, refer to Notes 16 and 17) and is exposed to the fluctuations of the exchange rate of that currency.

 

 

 

23. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

The Company has entered into currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to the preference share dividends which are paid in GBP. The table below details the contracts entered into by the Company as at 30 September 2013:

 

Maturity date

CCY bought

Amount bought

CCY sold

Amount sold

 Fair value (€'000)

15 December 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,598,109

(37)

16 May 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,615,398

(50)

02 December 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,512,763

(202)

 

As at 30 September 2012

 

Maturity date

CCY bought

Amount bought

CCY sold

Amount sold

 Fair value (€'000)

16 May 2014

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,615,398

(17)

02 December 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,512,763

210

24 May 2013

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,529,019

(111)

13 December 2012

GBP

1,311,000

EUR

1,553,928

244

 

As at 30 September 2013, the net exposure of the Company to GBP was as follows:

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Cash deposits

9,549

12,732

Preference shares

(33,912)

(35,614)

Warrants

(175)

(219)

Total

(24,538)

(23,101)

 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable changes in the sterling exchange rates, with all others variables held constant, to the Company's loss before tax:

 

As at 30 September 2013

Increase/Decrease

Effect on profit or loss before tax (€000)

Sterling

+10%

2,188

Sterling

-10%

(2,674)

 

 

 

 

As at 30 September 2012

Increase/Decrease

Effect on profit or loss before tax (€000)

Sterling

+10%

2,310

Sterling

-10%

(2,310)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or counterparty to a financial instrument will be unable or unwilling to meet a commitment that it has entered into with the Company. Credit risk for the Company arises principally from cash and cash equivalents held at banks and Loans to subsidiaries.

 

Investments are held only in liquid securities and only with counterparties that have a credit rating above or similar to the Company. Transactions involving derivatives are with the counterparty Bank of Scotland Treasury. Credit and counterparty risk on liquid funds and on interest rate hedges is limited because the counterparty is a bank with a high credit rating assigned by international credit rating agencies. Listed below is the latest Credit Rating for Bank of Scotland Treasury

 

Agency

Long Term

Short Term

Moody's

A2

P-1

Fitch

A

F1

Standard and Poor's

A

A-1

 

 

The carrying amount of the Company's financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:

 

 

Notes

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Loans and receivables

11

105,146

158,106

Cash and cash equivalents

12

9,583

12,795

Total

 

114,729

170,901

 

 

Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or other financial assets. The Company's approach to managing liquidity exposure is that it will seek to have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities and obligations when due.

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

€000

6 months or less

€000

6 months to 1 year

€000

1 - 5

years

€000

30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Preference shares

 

(33,912)

-

-

(33,912)

Preference share coupons

 

(814)

(814)

-

-

30 September 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Preference shares

 

(35,614)

-

-

(35,614)

Preference share coupons

 

(828)

(828)

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

The maturity date of the interest bearing loans in the table above is 31 December 2013. The contractual cash flows for loans and borrowings presented in the above table reflect only the expected principal cash flows.

 

The following table indicates the periods in which the cash flows associated with the interest rate swaps and the currency rate swaps are expected to occur and how they will impact the future income statements:

 

Interest rate swap

 

Carrying amount

 

€000

Expected Cash Flows

€000

6 months or less

 

€000

6-12 months

 

€000

1 - 2 years

 

€000

2 - 5 years

 

€000

More than 5 years

€000

As at 30 September 2013

 

(4,060)

 

(4,060)

 

(4,060)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

As at 30 September 2012

 

(16,441)

 

(16,441)

 

(5,656)

 

(5,768)

 

(5,017)

 

-

 

-

 

 

Currency swap

 

Carrying amount

 

€000

Expected Cash Flows

€000

6 months or less

 

€000

6-12 months

 

€000

1 - 2 years

 

€000

2 - 5 years

 

€000

More than 5 years

 

€'000

As at 30 September 2013

 

(289)

 

(289)

 

(203)

 

(50)

 

(37)

 

-

 

-

As at 30 September 2012

 

(326)

 

(326)

 

(244)

 

111

 

(193)

 

-

 

-

 

 

Fair value

 

Set out below is a comparison by class of the carrying amounts versus fair value of the Company's financial instruments.

Carrying amount

Fair value

30 Sept 13

€000

30 Sept 12

€000

30 Sept 13

€000

30 Sept 12

€000

Financial assets

Loans and receivables from subsidiaries

133,074

 172,367

133,074

172,367

Cash and cash equivalents

9,583

12,795

9,583

12,795

Preference shares held in treasury

774

963

774

963

Financial liabilities

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

17,450

17,050

17,450

17,050

Derivative financial instruments

4,349

16,767

4,349

16,767

Trade and other payables

1,927

1,524

1,927

1,524

Interest bearing loans and borrowings exit fee

 

5,988

 

6,325

 

5,988

 

6,325

Preference shares

32,020

32,940

27,426

34,100

Warrants

176

219

176

219

 

23. Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Movements in fair value are:

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance at the beginning of the year

16,767

20,133

Fair value hedges terminated during the year

(2,414)

-

Movement in fair value on forward transaction

(38)

327

Movement in fair value of effective hedges

(2,366)

(3,531)

Movement in fair value of ineffective hedges

(7,600)

(162)

Balance at the end of the year

4,349

16,767

 

 

 

 

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Movement in fair value of ineffective hedges

7,600

162

Movement in fair value on forward transaction

38

(327)

Fair value hedges terminated during the year

3,695

-

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

11,333

(165)

Movement in warrants fair value (refer Note 17)

34

2,165

Net change in fair value of financial instruments

11,367

2,000

 

The derivative financial instruments are Euro interest rate swaps; transacted to hedge the interest rate risks arising from the floating rate borrowings of the Company with Bank of Scotland and a foreign currency forward exchange contract to hedge the preference shares dividends (see Note 20). As at 30 September 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of €4.1 million (2012: liability of €16.7 million) and the fair value of the foreign currency contract a liability of €0.29 million (2012: asset of €0.3 million). The notional amount of the interest rate swaps amounted to €241.2 million (2012: €299.4 million). The weighted average Euro interest swap rate on Group debt was 3.82% per annum (2012: 3.58%).

 

Fair value hierarchy

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

 

iv. Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

v. Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or the liability, either directly (e.g., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices);

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

 

Level 1

€000

Level 2

€000

Level 3

€000

Total

€000

As at 30 September 2013

 

 

 

 

Warrants

(176)

-

-

(176)

Interest rate swap

-

(4,349)

-

(4,349)

As at 30 September 2012

 

 

 

 

Warrants

(219)

-

-

(219)

Interest rate swap

-

(16,767)

-

(16,767)

 

24. Commitments

 

Foreign exchange hedge/Preference Dividend

The Company has entered into currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to the next two years' preference share dividends which are paid in GBP (note 23).

The eighth (2012: sixth) interim dividend of £0.04488 (2012: £0.04488) per Preference Share will be paid on 20 December 2013 to Preference Shareholders on the Register on 6 December 2013. The shares were quoted ex-dividend on 4 December 2013.

 

25. Segment reporting

 

The Board of Directors is of the opinion that the Company is engaged in one single segment of business being investments in subsidiaries. The Group's revenues are primarily generated from property assets which are held by Group companies domiciled in the same country as the relevant asset is located. The Company is domiciled in Luxembourg but does not generate revenue and is therefore not an operating segment.

 

26. Subsequent events

 

The Company agreed an extension to the maturity date of its Credit Facility (the "Loan") with Bank of Scotland ("BoS") from 31 December 2013 to 30 April 2014. At the same time, IERET agreed to a relaxation in the terms of the transferability of the Loan, allowing for the sale of BoS's interest to Promontoria Hampton (1) Limited and Promontoria Hampton (2) Limited, funds affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management L.P. and certain other separate Cerberus funds ("Cerberus").

 

IERET is now pursuing a refinancing package to repay its debt obligation to Cerberus, partly facilitated by a planned deleveraging of the Company through asset disposals. More information can be found in Note 2.2 to the Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, as well as the 'Business Review' and 'Refinancing Strategy' sections of the Investment Manager's Report.

 

27. Direct and Indirect Subsidiaries

The Company has the following direct and indirect subsidiaries

 

Domicile

Ownership interest 30 September 2013

Ownership interest 30 September 2012

Direct subsidiaries:

 

Invista European Real Estate Holdings S.à r.l.

 

 

 

Luxembourg

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

100%

 

Invista European Real Estate Finance S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

 

Investments in direct subsidiaries

30 Sep 13

€000

30 Sep 12

€000

Balance at the beginning of the year

25,241

20,125

Movements for the year

400

5,116

Historical cost at the end of the year

25,641

25,241

Accumulated impairments at the beginning of the year

(25,241)

(20,125)

Impairments for the year

(400)

(5,116)

Accumulated impairments at the end of the year

(25,641)

(25,241)

Total Investments in subsidiaries at the end of the year

-

-

During the year, the Company increased its participation in Invista European Real Estate Finance S.à r.l. ("IEREF") by €nil (2012: €0.5 million) and in Invista European Real Estate Holdings S.à r.l. ("IEREH") by €0.4 million (2012: €4.6 million). The directors have estimated the fair value of their investments in shares as at 30 September 2013 and determined a provision for impairments of €nil (2012: €0.5 million) for the

 

27. Direct and Indirect Subsidiaries (continued)

investment in IEREF and €0.4 million (2012: €4.6 million) for the investments in IEREH, which were recognised in shares and intercompany loan impairments in the separate income statement.

 

 

 

 

Domicile

Ownership interest

30 September 2013

Ownership interest

30 September 2012

 

Indirect subsidiaries:

 

Invista European RE Heusenstamm PropCo S.à r.l.

 

 

 

Luxembourg

 

 

 

100%

 

 

 

100%

 

Invista European RE Marseille PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Solingen PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Nanteuil PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monheim PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg (3)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Lutterberg PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Lutterberg Logistics GmbH

Germany (1)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Villeurbanne Holdco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg (3)

-

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Holdco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Propco S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Delta Propco II S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Riesapark PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Roth PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monbonnot HoldCo 1 S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Monbonnot HoldCo 2 S.àr.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Germany GmbH

Germany

100%

100%

 

Invista RE Dutch Holdings B.V.

The Netherlands

100%

100%

 

Centaurus Logistics S.A.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Pocking PropCo S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Sun PropCo S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Nova PropCo S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Invista European RE Spanish PropCo S.L.

Spain

100%

100%

 

Invista European Real Estate Bel-Air Holdings S.à r.l.

Luxembourg

100%

100%

 

Invista European Bel-Air France S.A.S.

France

100%

100%

 

Compagnie Francesca S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Fonciere Vauclusienne Fova S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Malabar Societe de Manutention Logistique et d'Affretement Barlantier (Malabar) S.à r.l.

 

France

 

 100%

 

 100%

 

Compagnie d'Entrepots et de Magasine Generaux d'Amiens (Cemga) S.à r.l.

 

France

 

 100%

 

 100%

 

Les Merisiers S.N.C.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Mirasud S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Nelson S.C.I.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Compagnie frigorifique et immobilere de Normandie

(Cofrinor) S.à r.l.

France

100%

100%

 

Monto'west S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Pole Logistique Vauclusien (Poloval) S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Societe du Pole Nord S.A.S.

France

 100%

 100%

 

Compagnie Vauclusienne de Distribution (Covadis) S.à r.l.

France

 100%

 100%

 

DBA Czech s.r.o.

Czech Republic

 100%

 100%

 

Hades Logistics B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Atena Logistics B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Financiere, Immobiliere et Agricole S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

KP Image House S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

KP Rue Royal S.A.

Belgium (2)

 -

 100%

 

KP HH S.A.

Belgium

 100%

 100%

 

Demeter B.V.

The Netherlands

 100%

 100%

 

Girona Logistics S.L.

Spain

 100%

 100%

 

(1) Statutory merged into Invista European RE Lutterberg PropCo S.à r.l.

(2) Sold

(3) Entity liquidated

 

 

Glossary

 

Articles are the articles of association of the Company as amended and restated on 29 December 2009.

 

Earnings per share (EPS) is the profit after taxation divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

 

Group is Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF and its subsidiaries.

 

Listing rules are rules made by the UK Listing Authority under section 73A of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

 

Net asset value (NAV) are shareholders' funds, plus the surplus of the open market value over the book value of both development and trading properties, adjusted to add back deferred tax.

 

Prospectus is the prospectus of the Company dated 16 November 2009.

 

Regulated market is a market referred to in article 1, point 13 of the Council Directive 93/22 EEC on investment services in the securities field, as amended.

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
FR LLFSELSILVIS
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6th May 20141:45 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
1st May 20147:00 amRNSRefinancing of Debt Facility

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