TIDMTRS
RNS Number : 2025R
Tarsus Group PLC
27 February 2019
Tarsus Group plc
Final results for year ended 31 December 2018
Strong performance in first year of QTP 2 Strategy
Tarsus Group plc (LSE: TRS, "Tarsus" or "the Group"), the
international business-to-business media group, announces its
results for the year ended 31 December 2018.
The Group launched the second phase of its "Quickening the Pace"
strategy in January 2018. This focuses on further building the
scale and momentum of the Group, driving the organic growth of
existing businesses, replicating Tarsus brands and acquiring new
platforms for growth.
This new phase has begun well with the Group delivering
like-for-like revenue growth of 9% over the year (at constant
exchange rates) and an increase in buyers across the portfolio of
10% on a like-for-like basis.
Financial results
2018 2017 2016
Revenue (GBPm) 99.7 117.7 68.4
Like-for-like* revenue growth 9% 7% 8%
Adjusted EBITDA* (GBPm) 33.0 44.9 22.0
Operating profit (GBPm) 24.9 33.6 14.7
Adjusted profit before tax* (GBPm) 27.9 40.2 19.2
Profit before tax (GBPm) 16.5 27.9 8.6
Adjusted EPS* (pence) 17.5 27.7 15.2
Basic EPS (pence) 9.4 21.5 6.9
Dividend (pence) 11.0 10.0 9.1
Net debt (GBPm) 78.8 84.8 69.5
* See glossary at end of this announcement for definitions of
terms
Financial highlights
-- Revenue of GBP99.7m up 46% against 2016
-- Group like-for-like revenues* up 9%
-- Adjusted profit before tax of GBP27.9m up 45% against 2016
(statutory profit before tax GBP16.5m up 93%)
-- Adjusted earnings per share of 17.5p up 15% against 2016
(statutory earnings per share 9.4p up 36%)
-- Proposed final dividend of 7.7p per share - total for year up
10% to 11.0p
-- GBP150m refinancing completed with new five year revolving
credit facility of GBP120m and GBP30m by way of a seven year
bond
-- Net debt at GBP78.8m, with gearing back at target range
Operational highlights
-- Buyer/visitor growth across the portfolio of 10%, at the top
end of the Group's KPI target of 5-10%
-- Strong performances from leading events
-- 19 brand replications launched, including 6 new Connect
events
-- Outstanding first edition of Labelexpo South East Asia with a
strong rebook for 2020
-- The Group announced six acquisitions in the year with the
largest being the acquisition of the remaining 50% its joint
venture with EJ Krause in Mexico
Current trading and outlook
-- Trading off to a good start in 2019
-- Forward bookings for 2019 on a like-for-like basis currently
up 10%
-- Well positioned to deliver another strong performance in
2019
Douglas Emslie, Group Managing Director of Tarsus,
commented:
"2018 saw the launch of the latest phase of our Quickening the
Pace strategy and we are delivering
against that strategy with another good year of progress both
operationally and strategically.
"Our buyer/visitor growth of 10% was especially pleasing and
results from the Group's focus on deepening our presence in
higher-growth markets, maximising the scale of our events and
constantly seeking to deliver high-quality buyers.
"Trading has got off to a good start for the first two months of
2019. Bookings for our larger biennial events, including the Dubai
Airshow and Labelexpo Europe, are promising. We are pleased with
the strong recovery in bookings for our shows in Turkey and
bookings across the portfolio are at the top end of the Group's
target range demonstrating the importance of a diversified
portfolio. In addition, our programme of brand replications is
steadily augmenting our growth.
2019 - the larger of the years in our biennial cycle - is
shaping up to be another successful one for the Group. Our
confidence in the future is reflected in the Board's recommended
10% full year dividend increase."
For further information contact:
Tarsus Group plc:
Douglas Emslie, Group Managing Director 020 8846 2700
Dan O'Brien, Group Finance Director
Neville Harris, Investor Relations 07909 976 044
The Group will be hosting a presentation to analysts at 11.00am
today at the offices of Deutsche Bank plc, Winchester House, 1
Great Winchester St, London EC2N 2DB. A webcast of the presentation
will be available on Tarsus's website (www.tarsus.com) from 9.30am
on 28 February 2019.
Strategic overview
2018 saw the launch of the next phase of the Quickening the Pace
strategy - "QTP2: driving scale and momentum". In this phase, the
Group will deepen its presence in higher growth markets; look to
maximise the scale of existing events; and acquire new platforms
for growth. A key part of this will be continued investment in the
Tarsus replication programme, which spreads the success of the
Group's leading brands around the world.
First launched in 2013, the initial QTP strategy had one
over-riding ambition: to accelerate the pace of financial returns
to shareholders through two initiatives. First, by driving organic
growth from the existing portfolio through replicating those events
and by increasing buyer attendance. Second, by making strategic
acquisitions in selected high-growth geographies.
To execute this strategy Tarsus re-shaped its portfolio
significantly and moved into fast-growing economies. In addition to
the US and China - the world's largest exhibition markets - the
Group's selected territories now comprise Mexico, South East Asia
and the Middle East. Tarsus targets not only high-growth
geographies but also high-growth industries where technological
innovation or substantial investment is driving growth. The
strategy drove a fundamental shift in the shape of Tarsus'
business, in terms of where it operates, the business verticals
that it serves and the overall scale of the Group. The number of
events held grew from 65 to 153 over the five-year period, through
a combination of acquisition and new launches.
Between 2013 and 2017, the first phase of the QTP strategy
delivered average like-for-like revenue growth of 9% per annum,
average buyer growth of 8% per annum and average adjusted earnings
per share growth of 9% per annum. Total shareholder return over the
period was 111%, approximately 50% better than our peer group.
The ability to deliver the strategy successfully is dependent on
a number of factors, but two in particular are key:
First, the Group will continue to take an entrepreneurial
approach towards developing its portfolio. Around the world,
exhibition markets are consolidating, with high-quality assets in
great demand. In this context, Tarsus' flexibility and willingness
to work in partnership with vendors is increasingly seen by the
Group as a point of differentiation from our competitors. Rather
than seeking to impose a blue-print from above, we look for dynamic
entrepreneurs to partner with in order to build a business
together. This gives the Group an edge in acquiring the most
promising new assets, which will contribute to the future growth of
the Group.
Second, the Group will continue to focus relentlessly on
improving the experiences of its exhibitors and buyers. For Tarsus,
everything depends on the user experience; the front line leads
directly to the bottom line. Therefore attracting high-quality
buyers will continue to be a priority - and with an
industry-leading record in delivering buyer growth, the Group is
confident it can continue to drive up volumes as it has done again
in 2018.
To measure the success of this next phase of its QTP strategy
through to 2021, the Group has set itself three Key Performance
Indicators: 5% to 10% growth per annum in like-for-like revenues,
buyers and earnings per share.
Financial Results
The financial results for the year ended 31 December 2018 were
in line with the Board's expectations. Group revenues for the full
year were GBP99.7m (2017: GBP117.7m), up 46% on a biennial basis
(2016: GBP68.4m). Like-for-like revenues increased by 9%.
Group adjusted profit before tax was GBP27.9m (2017: GBP40.2m),
up 45% on a biennial basis (2016: GBP19.2m). Net interest expense
of GBP4.5m (2017: GBP4.2m). Statutory profit before tax was
GBP16.5m (2017: GBP27.9m).
The Group incurred an amortisation charge of GBP9.5m (2017:
GBP8.4m).
The adjusted tax charge of GBP4.5m (2017: GBP6.3m) represents
16% (2017: 16%) of the Group's adjusted profit before tax. The
statutory tax charge is GBP2.5m (2017: GBP1.1m).
Adjusted earnings per share were 17.5p (2017: 27.7p), 15% up on
a biennial basis (2016: 15.2p). Basic earnings per share for 2018
were 9.4p (2017: 21.5p).
The Group continued to deliver strong operating cash conversion,
with GBP28.6m of cash generated from operations during the year,
substantially ahead of 2016 (2017: GBP36.5m and 2016: GBP15.8m).
The Group's net debt as at 31 December 2018 was GBP78.8m (2017:
GBP84.8m) the decrease driven principally by the strong operating
cash flow of the business. This represents net debt to EBITDA of
2.0x which is in line with the Group's medium term target of 1.5x -
2.0x geared.
Reflecting the strong financial performance during 2018 and
given our confidence in the outlook, the Tarsus Board is proposing
a final dividend of 7.7p per share, bringing the total for the year
to 11.0p per share (2017: 10.0p per share), an increase of 10%.
This proposed rise is the eighth consecutive year of increases to
the dividend and represents a compound annual growth rate of
8%.
The final dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder
approval, on 5 July 2019 to shareholders on the Register of Members
on 24 May 2019. A scrip dividend will continue to be offered to
Shareholders as an alternative.
Corporate activity
Six acquisitions were announced during the year, including
buying in minority interests in three of the Group's businesses, as
follows:
eTourism Summit: Tarsus' US business Connect acquired 80% of
this business which links travel destination marketing executives
with the latest products and services in digital marketing. The
travel industry is one of the largest consumers of digital
media.
EJ Krause: The Group acquired the remaining 50% of its joint
venture with EJ Krause to consolidate its position in the
fast-growing Mexican marketplace, where it is now the largest
international exhibition company.
Expo Restaurantes: Tarsus and EJ Krause jointly acquired 60% of
the leading restaurant show in Mexico which successfully ran its
first event under our ownership in June.
Streamline: Tarsus entered into a strategic partnership in the
UAE with Streamline Marketing Group resulting in the acquisition of
100% of the Global Space Congress, the Global Aerospace Summit and
the World Aviation Safety Summit, representing a good bolt-on to
the Group's existing aerospace portfolio in Dubai. This acquisition
completed in January 2019.
SIUF: The Group purchased an additional 25% stake - taking its
holding to 75% - of Asia's largest fair for intimate apparel.
AMB: The Group acquired an additional 25% in AMB in Southeast
Asia, taking its holding to 75%.
Operating Review
Americas
(GBPm) 2018 2017 2016
Biennial revenue 7.1 - 6.8
Annual revenue 53.4 46.2 31.3
Total revenue 60.5 46.2 38.1
Adjusted profit before tax 24.0 20.0 17.1
Statutory profit before tax 24.0 20.0 17.1
Connect again performed well and made further good progress in
terms of both expansion into new verticals and new launches. A
total of 23 events were held, including 6 new events and the main
event, Connect marketplace (held in Salt Lake City this year)
produced a strong result.
Medical - The Medical division made further progress in 2018.
The established anti-aging events again performed well with an
excellent showing at the Las Vegas event in December. PAINWeek had
another solid year and expanded the number of its regional
conferences from 27 to 32. South Beach Symposium (oncology) also
achieved good results. The Cardiometabolic Health Congress had a
strong performance in 2018 and also benefited from the launch of
CMHC West in the first half.
Labelexpo Americas was the largest to date with 487 exhibitors
and is already 83% rebooked for 2020.
Offprice - The two Las Vegas events produced solid performances
in 2018 in a difficult retail environment in the US.
Mexico - There was a strong performance from Expo Manufactura
(manufacturing) and the other events in the Group's Mexican
portfolio all performed in line with expectations.
EMEA
(GBPm) 2018 2017 2016
Biennial revenue 3.0 35.5 3.7
Annual revenue 9.8 12.6 13.7
Total revenue 12.8 48.1 17.4
Adjusted profit before tax 0.5 17.2 2.1
Statutory profit before tax 0.5 17.2 2.1
Dubai - GESS, AIME and MRO achieved good performances. MEBAA had
a solid performance in a slow regional market for business
aviation. New launches included the Gulf Print and Pack Summit and
the Global Air Traffic Management exhibition.
Turkey - The pattern of trade was similar to 2017 with a number
of first-half events seeing weaker revenues but the larger events
in the second half - including Zuchex - performing in line with
expectations. The devaluation of the Lira in Turkey also held back
the performance of the division.
Asia
(GBPm) 2018 2017 2016
Biennial revenue 2.1 2.4 1.0
Annual revenue 24.4 21.0 11.8
Total revenue 26.5 23.4 12.8
Adjusted profit before tax 10.5 9.8 4.8
Statutory profit before tax 10.5 9.8 4.8
In China, the Shenzhen based shows performed well, especially
Hometex. CES in Shanghai recorded strong buyer growth as it
continued to consolidate its position as a market leader in the
region. SIUF again made progress and the Group has increased its
stake to 75%.
In Southeast Asia, the inaugural Labelexpo Southeast Asia in
Bangkok was the Group's most successful launch to date. Labelexpo
India, in its sixth edition, saw a strong rise in buyers. Wofex,
Philippines' biggest food show, had a good edition. In Indonesia,
the fourth edition of GESS and the inaugural editions of
Intertraffic Indonesia and the Indonesia Fintech Show were both
encouraging.
Central costs
(GBPm) 2018 2017 2016
Central costs (before interest and tax) 2.6 2.5 2.4
Interest 4.5 4.2 2.4
Central costs have remained flat as the Group retains tight
controls.
Outlook
Trading has got off to a good start for the first two months of
2019. Bookings for our larger biennial events, including the Dubai
Airshow and Labelexpo Europe, are promising. We are pleased with
the strong recovery in bookings for our shows in Turkey and
bookings across the portfolio are at the top end of the Group's
target range demonstrating the importance of a diversified
portfolio. In addition, our programme of brand replications is
steadily augmenting our growth.
2019 is the larger of the years in our biennial cycle and is
shaping up to be another very successful one for the Group. Our
confidence in the future is reflected in the proposed 10% dividend
increase for 2018.
Neville Buch, Chairman
Douglas Emslie, Group Managing Director
26 February 2019
Glossary*
1. Like-for-like revenue:
Pro-forma revenue at constant exchange rates adjusted for
biennial events, adjusting for acquisitions impacting for the first
time in 2018, prior year disposals and non-recurring products and
items.
2. Adjusted EBITDA:
Calculated using adjusted profit before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation charges arising from business
combinations.
3. Adjusted profit before tax:
Profit before tax adjusted for share option charges,
amortisation of intangible assets arising from business
combinations, taxation on joint venture profits, unwinding of
discount charges, changes in fair value of contingent consideration
and put/call liabilities, corporate transactions, profit on
disposal of joint venture and restructuring costs, along with the
associated tax impact.
4. Adjusted EPS:
Calculated on profit after tax attributable to ordinary
shareholders adjusted for share option charges, amortisation of
intangible assets arising from business combinations, unwinding of
discount charges, changes in fair value of contingent consideration
and put/call liabilities, corporate transactions, profit on
disposal of joint venture and restructuring costs and the related
taxation impact along with the abnormal impact of tax legislative
changes, and the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares
in issue during the period.
5. Buyer/Visitor Growth:
Buyers/visitors adjusted for biennial events, prior year
disposals and non-recurring products and items.
Average metrics are an arithmetic average of the defined metrics
over a specified period of time.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Year to 31 December 2018 Year to 31 December 2017
Note Adjusted Adjusting items * Statutory Adjusted Adjusting Statutory
items *
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Group revenue 2 99,726 - 99,726 117,660 - 117,660
Operating
costs (69,965) (6,916) (76,881) (78,981) (9,178) (88,159)
Share of
profit of
joint
ventures 2,693 (676) 2,017 5,723 (1,647) 4,076
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ------------
Group
operating
profit 32,454 (7,592) 24,862 44,402 (10,825) 33,577
Net finance
costs (4,548) (3,783) (8,331) (4,234) (1,441) (5,675)
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ------------
Profit before
taxation 27,906 (11,375) 16,531 40,168 (12,266) 27,902
Taxation
expense 4 (4,471) 2,007 (2,464) (6,331) 5,247 (1,084)
Profit for the
financial year from
continuing
operations 23,435 (9,368) 14,067 33,837 (7,019) 26,818
========= ========= ========== ========= ========= ============
Attributable
to:
Profit/(loss) for
the financial
period attributable
to equity
shareholders of the
parent company 20,168 (9,368) 10,800 31,184 (7,019) 24,165
Profit for the
financial period
attributable to
non-controlling
operations 3,267 - 3,267 2,653 - 2,653
23,435 (9,368) 14,067 33,837 (7,019) 26,818
========= ========= ========== ========= ========= ============
Note Adjusted Statutory Adjusted Statutory
Earnings per
share
(pence) 6
- basic 17.5 9.4 27.7 21.5
- diluted 17.3 9.3 27.6 21.4
GBP000 GBP000
Dividends 5
Equity -
ordinary
Final
2017/2016
dividend
paid 7,904 7,199
Interim
2017/2016
dividend
paid 3,372 2,749
Minority
dividend
paid 2,609 793
13,885 10,741
========== ============
*see note 3 for adjusting items analysis and definition
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year to 31 Year to 31
December December 2017
2018
GBP000 GBP000
Profit for the financial year 14,067 26,818
----------- ----------------
Other comprehensive expense/(income):
Cost of hedging reserve - movement
in fair value 1,167 810
Foreign exchange translation differences 869 (14,756)
----------- ----------------
Other comprehensive income/(expense) 2,036 (13,946)
Total comprehensive income for the
year 16,103 12,872
=========== ================
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the parent
company 12,029 10,082
Non-controlling interests 4,074 2,790
Total comprehensive income for the
year 16,103 12,872
=========== ================
Other comprehensive income relating to foreign exchange
translation differences, fair value movements in cash flow hedges
and the tax effects thereon may all subsequently be reclassified to
profit and loss if certain conditions are met.
The amounts above are presented net of tax.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December As at 31
2018 December
2017
Restated*
Notes GBP000 GBP000
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 1,363 1,082
Intangible assets 229,862 188,344
Investment in Joint Ventures 23,412 38,490
Deferred tax assets 5,330 3,003
259,967 230,919
CURRENT ASSETS
Trade and other receivables 39,826 28,909
Cash and cash equivalents 7 26,845 22,373
66,671 51,282
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables (49,155) (36,457)
Deferred income (40,365) (22,450)
Provisions (76) (120)
Liabilities for current tax (3,252) (3,155)
(92,848) (62,182)
------------------ ----------
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES (26,177) (10,900)
------------------ ----------
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 233,790 220,019
------------------ ----------
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other payables (11,920) (27,981)
Deferred tax liabilities (12,767) (10,059)
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 7 (107,241) (106,239)
(131,928) (144,279)
NET ASSETS 101,862 75,740
================== ==========
EQUITY
Share capital 6,131 5,654
Share premium account 97,303 73,303
Other reserves (18,472) (19,701)
Retained profit 10,172 11,914
Issued capital and reserves attributable
to equity shareholders of the parent 95,134 71,170
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 6,728 4,570
TOTAL EQUITY 101,862 75,740
================== ==========
*2017 has been restated for the impact of IFRS15
implementation.
The financial statements of Tarsus Group plc, registered number
101579 (Jersey), were approved by the board and authorised for
issue on 26 February 2019 and signed on its behalf by:
J D Emslie D P O'Brien
Group Managing Director Group Finance Director
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year to 31 Year to
December 31 December
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the year 14,067 26,818
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 541 511
Amortisation & Impairment 9,463 8,418
Other gains (4,203) (2,967)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible
assets (28) 3
Profit on disposal of joint venture (3,239) -
Share option charge 2,436 2,598
Taxation charge 4 2,464 1,084
Finance costs 8,331 5,675
Share of joint venture profits (2,017) (4,076)
Dividend received from joint venture
company 2,425 4,295
Operating cash flow before changes in
working capital 30,240 42,359
Increase in trade and other receivables (2,918) (11,283)
Increase in trade and other payables 1,423 5,330
(Decrease)/increase in provisions (103) 53
Cash generated from operations 28,642 36,459
Interest paid (5,282) (3,991)
Income taxes paid (3,724) (1,184)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 19,636 31,284
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed
assets 21 36
Acquisition of property, plant & equipment (475) (304)
Acquisition of intangible assets (708) (831)
Acquisition of subsidiaries - cash paid (11,391) (16,378)
Acquisition of joint venture - cash
paid (635) (5,481)
Deferred and contingent consideration
paid (6,600) (5,800)
Put call option liability paid (3,758) (5,573)
Net cash outflow from investing activities (23,546) (34,331)
----------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Drawdown of borrowings 11 22,546
Bank facility fees (900) (187)
Proceeds from the issue of share capital 24,997 -
Purchases for employee benefit trust - (553)
Dividends paid to shareholders in parent
company (11,122) (9,901)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
in subsidiaries (2,609) (793)
Costs of shares issued (733) -
Net cash inflow from financing activities 9,644 11,112
----------- -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,734 8,065
Opening cash and cash equivalents 22,373 15,946
Foreign exchange movements (1,262) (1,638)
Closing cash and cash equivalents 7 26,845 22,373
=========== =============
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Other Reserves
Share Share Reorgan- Capital Cost Foreign Retained Non- Total
of
Capital Premium isation Redemption hedging Exchange Earnings Controlling
Account Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Interests
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
As at 1 January 2018 5,654 73,303 6,013 (443) (1,624) (23,647) 11,914 4,570 75,740
Recognised foreign
exchange gains for
the period - - - - - 62 - 807 869
Tax effect of foreign - - - - - - - - -
exchange translation
differences
Profit for the period:
- Attributable to equity
shareholders - - - - - - 10,800 - 10,800
- Attributable to
non-controlling
interests - - - - - - - 3,267 3,267
Cash flow hedge reserve - - - - 1,167 - - - 1,167
Total comprehensive
income / (expense)
for the period - - - - 1,167 62 10,800 4,074 16,103
Scrip dividend 3 151 - - - - - - 154
New share capital
subscribed 474 24,523 - - - - - - 24,997
Cost of shares issued - (674) - - - - - - (674)
Share option charge - - - - - - 2,112 - 2,112
Movement in reserves
relating to deferred
tax 4 - - - - - - (420) - (420)
Other movements in
reserves - - - - - - (1,984) - (1,984)
Dividend paid 5 - - - - - - (11,276) - (11,276)
Dividend paid to
non-controlling
interests - - - - - - - (2,609) (2,609)
Purchase of non-controlling
interests - - - - - - 648 (648) -
Written Put/Call options
over non-controlling
interests - - - - - - (1,622) - (1,622)
Non-controlling interests
arising on acquisition - - - - - - - 1,341 1,341
Net change in
shareholders'
funds 477 24,000 - - 1,167 62 (1,742) 2,158 26,122
-------- -------- --------- ----------- -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
As at 31 December
2018 6,131 97,303 6,013 (443) (457) (23,585) 10,172 6,728 101,862
======== ======== ========= =========== ======== ========= ========= ========== =========
Other Reserves
--------
Share Share Reorgan- Capital Cost Foreign Retained Non- Total
of
Capital Premium isation Redemption Hedging Exchange Earnings Controlling
Account Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Interests
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
At 1 January
2017 5,637 72,304 6,013 (443) (2,434) (8,754) (3,047) 2,363 71,639
Recognised foreign
exchange gains
for
the period - - - - - (14,893) - 137 (14,756)
Profit for the
period:
- Attributable to
equity
shareholders - - - - - - 24,165 - 24,165
- Attributable to
non-controlling
interests - - - - - - - 2,653 2,653
Cash flow
hedge reserve - - - - 810 - - - 810
Total
comprehensive
income /
(expense)
for the period - - - - 810 (14,893) 24,165 2,790 12,872
Scrip dividend 1 49 - - - - - - 50
New share
capital
subscribed 16 950 - - - - - - 966
Share option
charge - - - - - - 2,281 - 2,281
Movement in
reserves
relating to
deferred
tax 4 - - - - - - 499 - 499
Other
movements in
reserves - - - - - - (2,036) - (2,036)
Dividend paid 5 - - - - - - (9,948) - (9,948)
Dividend paid to
non-controlling
interests - - - - - - - (793) (793)
Non-controlling
interests
arising on
acquisition - - - - - - - 210 210
Net change in
shareholders'
funds 17 999 - - 810 (14,893) 14,961 2,207 4,101
-------- -------- --------- ----------- -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
As at 31
December
2017 5,654 73,303 6,013 (443) (1,624) (23,647) 11,914 4,570 75,740
======== ======== ========= =========== ======== ========= ========= ========== =========
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
Aside from the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15, which are
described below, the results for the year ended 31 December 2018
have been prepared using accounting policies and methods of
computation consistent with those used in the Group's annual report
for the year ended 31 December 2017. The results have also been
presented and prepared in a form consistent with that which will be
adopted in the Group's annual report for the year ended 31 December
2018 and in accordance with the recognition and measurement
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union.
The financial information set out above does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2018
or 2017 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for
2017 have been delivered to the Jersey Financial Services
Commission Companies Registry. Those for the year ended 31 December
2018 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General
Meeting on 20 June 2019.
This financial information has been extracted from the Group's
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018. The
auditors have reported on these accounts; their reports were
unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by the emphasis
without qualifying their report and did not contain statements
under s.113B(3) or (4) Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 or equivalent
preceding legislation. The Group intends to publish its 2018 Annual
Report and Accounts in March 2019.
IFRS 9
In the current period the Group has applied IFRS 9 Financial
Instruments (as revised in July 2014) and the related consequential
amendments to other IFRSs. IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for
1) the classification and measurement of financial assets and
financial liabilities, 2) impairment for financial assets and 3)
general hedge accounting. The only significant impact on the Group
is in relation to the impairment of trade receivables and hedge
accounting as detailed below.
In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9
requires an expected credit loss model as opposed to an incurred
credit loss model under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model
required the Group to account for expected credit losses and
changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to
reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the
financial assets. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a
credit event to have occurred before credit losses are
recognised.
As at 1 January 2018, the directors of the Company reviewed and
assessed the Group's existing trade receivables for impairment
using reasonable and supportable information that is available
without undue cost of effort in accordance with the requirements of
IFRS 9 to determine the credit risk of the respective items at the
date they were initially recognised. No material adjustments were
identified.
In accordance with IFRS 9's transition provisions for hedge
accounting, the Group has applied the IFRS 9 hedge accounting
requirements prospectively from the date of initial application on
1 January 2018. The Group's qualifying hedging relationships in
place as at 1 January 2018 also qualified for hedge accounting in
accordance with IFRS 9 and were therefore regarded as continuing
hedge relationships. No rebalancing of any of the hedging
relationships was necessary on 1 January 2018. As the critical
terms of the hedging instruments match those of their corresponding
hedged items, all hedging relationships continue to be effective
under IFRS 9's effectiveness assessment requirements. The Group has
also not designated any hedging relationships under IFRS 9 that
would not have met the qualifying hedge accounting criteria under
IAS 39.
Apart from this, the application of the IFRS 9 hedge accounting
requirements has had no material impact on the results and
financial position of the Group at 1 January 2018 or in the current
period. No accounting policy changes have been made as a result of
the adoption of this standard.
IFRS 15
In the current financial year the Group has adopted IFRS 15
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Group has elected to
restate comparative information from prior periods upon adoption of
IFRS 15 and has applied the practical expedient under which
contracts that began and ended in 2017 or that were completed prior
to January 2017 are not restated.
The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognise
revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the
entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services.
Under IFRS 15, deferred income and trade debtors may not both be
recognised where neither the service has been performed or payment
is due by the customer. As a result deferred income and trade
debtors have both reduced by GBP15,543,000 in 2017.
2. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
As at 31 December 2018, the Group was organised into three main
segments - EMEA, Americas, and Asia. The main activities of all
segments are the production of exhibitions supported by other media
activities related to those exhibitions.
The following table sets out the revenue and profit information
and certain asset and liability information for the Group's
reportable segments:
31 December 2018
Central
Americas Asia EMEA Costs Group
Revenue by sector GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Group revenue from continuing operations 60,481 26,457 12,788 - 99,726
========= ========= ========== ========= ==========
Profit/(loss) from operating activities 24,033 10,508 459 (10,138) 24,862
Net financing costs - - - (8,331) (8,331)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 24,033 10,508 459 (18,469) 16,531
Total adjusting items - note 3 - - - 11,375 11,375
Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax * 24,033 10,508 459 (7,094) 27,906
========= ========= ========== ========= ==========
Segment non-current assets 140,101 72,307 42,229 - 254,637
Segment current assets 22,401 24,703 19,567 - 66,671
162,502 97,010 61,796 - 321,308
========= ========= ========== =========
Deferred tax assets 5,330
Total assets 326,638
==========
Segment liabilities (58,669) (23,548) (126,540) - (208,757)
========= ========= ========== =========
Liabilities for current tax (3,252)
Deferred tax liabilities (12,767)
Total liabilities (224,776)
==========
* Includes joint venture profit before tax of GBP377,000 in
Americas and GBP2,317,000 in Asia.
31 December 2017 - RESTATED
Central
Americas Asia EMEA Costs Group
Revenue by sector GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Total Revenue 46,247 23,357 48,056 - 117,660
========= ========= ========== ========= ==========
Profit/(loss) from operating activities 19,989 9,757 17,154 (13,323) 33,577
Net financing costs - - - (5,675) (5,675)
Profit/(loss) before taxation 19,989 9,757 17,154 (18,998) 27,902
Total adjusting items - note 3 - - - 12,266 12,266
Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax * 19,989 9,757 17,154 (6,732) 40,168
========= ========= ========== ========= ==========
Segment non-current assets 114,630 71,266 42,020 - 227,916
Segment current assets 15,967 20,229 15,086 - 51,282
130,597 91,495 57,106 - 279,198
========= ========= ========== =========
Deferred tax assets 3,003
Total assets 282,201
==========
Segment liabilities (37,898) (25,863) (129,486) - (193,247)
========= ========= ========== =========
Liabilities for current tax (3,155)
Deferred tax liabilities (10,059)
Total liabilities (206,460)
==========
* Includes joint venture profit before tax of GBP2,160,000 in
Americas and GBP3,564,000 in Asia.
Segment assets and liabilities have been restated for impact of
IFRS15 - see note 1.
3. ADJUSTING ITEMS
The following analysis details the adjusting items in the
consolidated income statement. The directors believe that adjusted
profit provides an additional useful indication of overall
financial performance to complement statutory measures, and
reflects how the business is managed and measured on a day to day
basis due to the nature, materiality or frequency of certain items.
This preparation is consistent with the way management measure
financial performance and with how it is reported to the Board. In
addition to providing a more comparable set of results
year-on-year, this is also in line with similar adjusted measures
used by our peer companies and therefore facilitates comparison
across the industry.
Adjusted profit excludes certain recurring charges which in
monitoring the business are excluded as they do not relate to the
performance of our events. These include charges relating to share
options, amortisation of intangible assets arising from business
combinations, unwinding of discount on long term liabilities,
changes in fair value of contingent consideration and put/ call
liabilities, with the related taxation impact. It also excludes
costs which, based on our judgement, we consider to be one-off in
nature. These include costs associated with restructuring,
corporate transaction costs (which include costs associated with
acquisitions and minority purchases, the refinancing that took
place during the year and costs relating to legal claims) and
profit on disposal of joint venture, along with the associated
taxation impact.
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Operating items:
Operating costs:
Corporate transactions 2,538 2,009
Restructuring 882 -
Changes in fair value of put/call and
contingent consideration (3,444) (2,225)
Share option charge 2,436 2,598
Other (28) 2
Amortisation charge (excluding amounts
charged to costs of sale) 7,771 6,794
Profit on disposal of joint venture (3,239) -
Total adjusting items in operating costs 6,916 9,178
Tax on joint venture profits 676 1,647
-------- --------
Total adjusting items in operating profit 7,592 10,825
Finance item - Unwinding of discount 3,783 1,441
-------- --------
Adjusting items before tax 11,375 12,266
Taxation:
Tax on joint venture profits (676) (1,648)
Tax relating to adjusting items (1,331) (1,161)
Impact of tax law changes (see note 4) - (2,438)
-------- --------
(2,007) (5,247)
Total adjusting items 9,368 7,019
======== ========
4. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Corporation tax:
Overseas tax on profits for the period 3,709 2,790
Adjustments to overseas corporation tax in respect
of previous periods (139) 431
Current tax charge for the period 3,570 3,221
-------- --------
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of timing differences (339) (1,725)
Adjustment in respect of previous periods (tax
losses recognised) (915) 7
Adjustments in respect of previous periods (timing
difference recognised) 148 (419)
Total deferred tax (1,106) (2,137)
-------- --------
Tax charge for the year 2,464 1,084
======== ========
The tax charge below differs from the tax at the effective rate
on the profit for the year. The differences are explained
below:
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Profit before taxation 16,531 27,902
Tax on profit on ordinary activities at 25% (2017
- 25%) 4,133 6,976
Effects of:
Non-deductible expenses/non-taxable income (370) 1,933
Current period losses unrecognised 349 323
Tax effect of share of results of associates (713) (2,100)
Impact of US tax reform rate change * - (2,438)
Impact of tax rate changes in Turkey 13 -
Effect of tax rates in overseas jurisdictions 172 (2,872)
Over provision in respect of prior periods (907) (491)
Recognition of previously unrecognised losses - (588)
Other items (213) 341
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 2,464 1,084
======= ========
* The impact of US tax reform rate change is created by a one
off revaluation of deferred tax liabilities due to the reduction in
federal tax rate from 38% to 21% partially offset by an anticipated
charge on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries.
Tax recognised directly in equity
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Deferred tax on intangible assets due to foreign
exchange movements (361) 44
Deferred tax on unexercised employee share options (59) 455
Total tax recognised in equity (420) 499
======= =======
5. DIVIDS
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Dividend paid in cash or scrip
2017/2016 interim dividend paid (3.0p / 2.7p
per share) 3,372 2,749
2017/2016 final dividend paid (7.0p / 6.4p
per share) 7,904 7,199
11,276 9,948
======= =======
Dividend paid and proposed post year end
2018/2017 interim dividend paid (3.3p / 3.0p
per share) 4,034 3,372
2018/2017 final dividend proposed (7.7p / 7.0p
per share) 8,891 7,869
12,925 11,241
======= =======
An interim dividend of 3.3p per share (2017: 3.0p) was paid on
11 January 2019 to shareholders on the Register of Members of the
Company as at 30 November 2018.
The directors announced the proposed final dividend for 2018, of
7.7p per share, on 27 February 2019. Subject to approval at the
Annual General Meeting on 19 June 2019, the proposed date of
payment is 5 July 2019 to Shareholders on the Register of Members
as at 24 May 2019.
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which
they are appropriately authorised and are no longer at the
discretion of the entity.
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
2018 2017
Pence Pence
Basic earnings per share 9.4 21.5
Diluted earnings per share 9.3 21.4
Adjusted earnings per share 17.5 27.7
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 17.3 27.6
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share has been calculated on profit after tax
attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year (as shown on the
Consolidated Income Statement) and the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period (see below table).
Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share has been calculated on profit after
tax attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year (as shown on
the Consolidated Income Statement) and the diluted weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the period (see below
table).
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted profit
after tax as reconciled in note 3 and the weighted average number
of ordinary shares (as above) in issue in the year.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted
profit after tax as reconciled in note 3 and the weighted average
number of diluted ordinary shares (as above) in issue in the
year.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted):
2018 2017
Number Number
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 115,463,414 112,410,537
Dilutive effect of share options 1,088,739 415,521
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) 116,552,153 112,826,058
============ ============
Dilutive and anti-dilutive share options were determined using
the average closing price for the period. The average share price
used was 299.52 pence.
7. OVERDRAFTS AND OTHER INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND
BORROWINGS
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Two to five years
Bank loans 77,241 106,239
More than five years
Private bond 30,000 -
--------- ---------
Total financial liabilities 107,241 106,239
Cash balances (26,845) (22,373)
--------- ---------
Net financial liabilities and cash balances 80,396 83,866
Capitalised bank fees (2,082) (676)
Fair value of interest rate swaps 457 1,624
--------- ---------
Net debt 78,771 84,814
========= =========
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Current liabilities
Secured bank loans - -
--------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Secured bank loans 107,241 106,239
--------- ---------
Total financial liabilities 107,241 106,239
========= =========
8. ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY
i) On 1 September 2018, the Group acquired a further 25% of the
share capital of AMB Tarsus Exhibitions SDN BHD, AMB Tarsus
Exhibitions (Cambodia) Pte. Ltd and AMB Tarsus Exhibitions
(Myanmar) Pte. Ltd ("AMB"), an exhibition business we previously
treated as a joint venture due to our 50% ownership and we now
fully consolidate. Voting rights are aligned to share
ownership.
The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group,
in respect of this acquisition:
Book Value Adjustments Fair value
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Other intangibles - 4,453 4,453
Net assets 373 (235) 138
Net assets acquired 373 4,218 4,591
----------- ------------
Goodwill arising on acquisition 6,408
Notional consideration on acquisition
of subsidiary 10,999
===========
Actual consideration paid and costs
incurred for 25%:
Satisfied in cash 1,681
Contingent consideration (less than
one year) 1,599
Total consideration incurred 3,280
===========
Consideration paid in cash 1,681
Total net cash outflow 1,681
===========
The values used in accounting for identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and therefore provisional in nature at
the balance sheet date. If necessary, adjustments will be made to
these carrying values and the related goodwill within 12 months of
the acquisition date.
Contingent consideration, relates to payments to vendors,
payable after completion, that are dependent on the outcome of
future events. The contingent consideration is dependent on the
financial performance of the exhibitions occurring in 2018.
From the date of acquisition to 31 December 2018, the
acquisition has contributed GBP2,653,000 of revenue to the Group.
If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2018 it would have
contributed GBP3,845,000 of revenue to the Group.
Goodwill of GBP6,408,000, recognised on this acquisition,
relates to certain assets that cannot be separated and reliably
measured. These items include sector knowledge, customer loyalty
and the anticipated future profitability that the Group can bring
to the business acquired. Consistent with other media companies,
goodwill makes up a large percentage of the fair value of the
acquisition.
The Group incurred transaction costs of GBP317,000 in respect of
the acquisition, which were expensed.
The values used in accounting for the identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and are therefore provisional in nature
at the balance sheet date. The non-controlling interest is measured
as their proportionate share of the fair value of the net
assets.
Consideration paid in cash represents the initial cash payment
only.
ii) On 1 September 2018, the Group acquired the remaining 50% of
the share capital of E.J. Krause Tarsus Events LLC, EJKT Mexico
Events LLC and EJKT Exhibitions LLC ("EJK"), an exhibition business
we previously treated as a joint venture due to our 50% ownership
and we now fully consolidate. Voting rights are aligned to share
ownership.
The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group,
in respect of this acquisition:
Book Value Adjustments Fair value
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Other intangibles - 17,498 17,498
Net Assets (430) - (430)
Net assets acquired (430) 17,498 17,068
----------- ------------
Goodwill arising on acquisition 12,409
Notional consideration on acquisition
of subsidiary 29,477
===========
Actual consideration paid and costs
incurred for 50%:
Satisfied in cash 8,248
Deferred consideration (less than
one year) 5,878
Total consideration incurred 14,126
===========
Consideration paid in cash 8,248
Total net cash outflow 8,248
===========
The values used in accounting for identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and therefore provisional in nature at
the balance sheet date. If necessary, adjustments will be made to
these carrying values and the related goodwill within 12 months of
the acquisition date.
Deferred consideration, is a fixed contractual payment which is
due in early 2019.
From the date of acquisition to 31 December 2018, the
acquisition has contributed GBP2,929,000 of revenue to the Group.
If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2018 it would have
contributed GBP6,733,000 of revenue to the Group.
Goodwill of GBP12,409,000, recognised on this acquisition,
relates to certain assets that cannot be separated and reliably
measured. These items include sector knowledge, customer loyalty
and the anticipated future profitability that the Group can bring
to the business acquired. Consistent with other media companies,
goodwill makes up a large percentage of the fair value of the
acquisition.
The Group incurred transaction costs of GBP297,000 in respect of
the acquisition, which were expensed.
The values used in accounting for the identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and are therefore provisional in nature
at the balance sheet date. The non-controlling interest is measured
as their proportionate share of the fair value of the net
assets.
Consideration paid in cash represents the initial cash payment
only.
iii) On 28 March 2018, the Group acquired the trade and assets
of eTourism ("eTourism"), an exhibition business.
The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group,
in respect of this acquisition:
Book Value Adjustments Fair value
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Other intangibles - 867 867
Net assets acquired - 867 867
----------- ------------
Goodwill arising on acquisition 442
1,309
===========
Actual consideration paid and costs
incurred:
Satisfied in cash 1,091
Contingent consideration (less than
one year) 588
Total consideration incurred 1,679
===========
Consideration paid in cash 1,679
Total net cash outflow 1,679
===========
The values used in accounting for identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and therefore provisional in nature at
the balance sheet date. If necessary, adjustments will be made to
these carrying values and the related goodwill within 12 months of
the acquisition date.
Contingent consideration, has been fully paid in the year based
on results of the 2018 edition of the acquired show.
From the date of acquisition to 31 December 2018, the
acquisition has contributed GBP482,000 of revenue to the Group. If
the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2018 it would have
contributed the same amount of revenue to the Group.
Goodwill of GBP442,000, recognised on this acquisition, relates
to certain assets that cannot be separated and reliably measured.
These items include sector knowledge, customer loyalty and the
anticipated future profitability that the Group can bring to the
business acquired. Consistent with other media companies, goodwill
makes up a large percentage of the fair value of the
acquisition.
The Group incurred transaction costs of GBP50,000 in respect of
the acquisition, which were expensed.
The values used in accounting for the identifiable assets and
liabilities and related contingent consideration of this
acquisition are estimates and are therefore provisional in nature
at the balance sheet date. The non-controlling interest is measured
as their proportionate share of the fair value of the net
assets.
Consideration paid in cash represents the initial cash payment
and contingent consideration.
9. GOING CONCERN AND VIABILITY
After considering the current financial projections of the Group
and taking into account the cash needs of the business and
availability of funds, the Directors have a reasonable expectation
that the Group has adequate resources to continue its operations
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt
a "going concern" basis in preparing this Statement of Annual
Results.
The Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a
three-year period to December 2021, taking account of the Group's
current position and the potential impact of the principal risks
documented in note 10. The A three-year period is considered
appropriate, as it is aligned with the Board's periodic strategic
review and plan. It is also used by the Remuneration Committee to
set targets for the long term incentive plans.
The plan makes certain assumptions about the acceptable
performance of the underlying portfolio of shows, the availability
of venues and future tax and foreign exchange rates.
The Directors' assessment considered the resilience of the
Group, taking account of its current position including committed
financing throughout the period, forward bookings, the key risks
facing the business in severe but reasonable scenarios and the
effectiveness of any mitigating actions. This assessment has
considered the potential impacts of these risks on the plan,
including solvency and liquidity over the period - primarily
through reducing revenues and cash-flows in the plan. It has also
taken account of the mitigating actions including withholding
dividends and reducing launch investments and capex.
Based on this assessment, the directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period to
December 2021.
10. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The directors have identified below the principal risks and
uncertainties relating to the Group's business. The Board discusses
and monitors these risks and has implemented mitigation measures
against each one.
Tarsus' events and exhibitions business may be adversely
affected by incidents which curtail travel, such as terrorist
attacks, higher oil prices or health pandemics
Tarsus' exhibitions businesses contribute in excess of 90% of
the Group's revenue. Visitors travel to these shows from around the
world. Any incident that curtails travel, such as terrorist
attacks, may have an impact on the running of the relevant event
and may, therefore, affect reported revenues.
Expansion into new geographic regions subjects the Group to new
operating risks
As a result of acquisitions and organic growth, the Group
operates in many geographic regions such as China, India, the
United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South East Asia and Latin America.
Whilst the Group conducts its business on a global scale, growth in
these regions presents logistical and management challenges due to
different business cultures, laws and languages. This may result in
incremental operational risks for the Group.
The ability of the Company to implement and execute its
strategic plans depends on its ability to attract and retain the
key management personnel required
The Group operates in a number of industry segments in which
there is intense competition for experienced and highly qualified
individuals. The Group cannot predict the future availability of
suitably experienced and qualified people; it places significant
emphasis on developing and retaining management talent.
Accordingly, the Group has and will continue to implement a number
of incentive schemes, to attract and motivate key senior managers.
There can be no certainty that such retention policies and
incentive plans will be successful in allowing the Company to
attract and retain the right calibre of key management
personnel.
Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the reported
results
The Group is exposed to movements in foreign exchange rates
against Sterling for trading transactions and the translation of
the net assets and income statements of overseas operations. The
principal exposure is to the US Dollar, Chinese Renminbi and
Turkish Lira exchange rates, which form the basis of pricing for
the Group's customers.
Venue availability
Damage to or unavailability of a particular venue could impact
specific events within the Group's portfolio. The Group also has
key commercial relationships with venues which secure the Group's
rights to run its exhibitions in the future.
There are inherent risks and uncertainties in connection with
the Group's acquisition strategy
The Group will seek and effect appropriate acquisitions across
various geographic regions, consequently exposing the Company to
inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such acquisitions.
The risks associated with such a strategy include the availability
of suitable acquisitions, obtaining regulatory approval for any
acquisition, and assimilating and integrating acquired companies
into the Group. In addition, potential difficulties inherent in
mergers and acquisitions may adversely affect the results of an
acquisition. These include delays in implementation or unexpected
costs or liabilities, as well as the risk of failing to realise
operating benefits or synergies from completed transactions. In
addition, there can be no certainty that the benefits of
acquisitions and strategic investments, including synergies,
increased cash flows and other operational benefits, will be
realised.
Breaches of the Group's data security systems or other
unauthorised access to its databases, intellectual property or
information could adversely affect its businesses and
operations
The Group has valuable databases and intellectual property and,
as part of its businesses, provides its customers with access to
database information such as treatises, journals and publications
as well as other data. There are persons who may try to breach the
Group's data security systems or gain other unauthorised access to
its databases in order to misappropriate such information for
potentially fraudulent purposes. Due to the rapid change in the
nature of these threats to the Group's databases, intellectual
property and other information, the Group may be unable to
anticipate or protect against the threat of breaches of data
security or other unauthorised access. Such breaches could damage
the Group's reputation and expose it to a risk of loss or
litigation and possible liability, as well as increase the
likelihood of more extensive governmental regulation of these
activities in a way that could adversely affect this aspect of the
Group's business. Legal actions against the Group could have a
material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Competition
The Group's businesses operate in competitive markets, which
continue to evolve in response to technological innovations,
legislative and regulatory changes, the entrance of new
competitions and other factors. Whilst an event or sectors in a
market could have its prospects curtailed by these factors, the
breadth of the Group's portfolio, with its geographic and sector
diversity, reduces the risk to Tarsus' overall business.
Brexit
The Directors have considered the potential impact of Brexit on
the organisation. Given the existing long-term financing and
limited operations in the EU, including in the UK, they believe the
risk to the Group is minimal and already addressed in the risks set
out above.
11. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTORS
The responsibility statement below has been prepared in
connection with the company's full annual report for the year
ending 31 December 2018. Certain parts thereof are not included
within this announcement.
We confirm to the best of our knowledge:
- the financial statements, prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and profit or loss of the company and the undertakings
included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
- the strategic report includes a fair review of the development
and performance of the business and the position of the company and
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole,
together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties they face.
This responsibility statement was approved by the board of
directors for release on 26 February 2019.
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Writers Room,
Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport, Dublin, Ireland on 19 June 2019
at 11.00am.
A copy of this report will also be available on the Group's
website at www.tarsus.com.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR DMGZZLVGGLZM
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