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Company Candover Investments PLC
TIDM CDI
Headline Half-yearly Report
Released 07:00 21-Aug-2009
Number 91938-E394

			

Press release For immediate release on 21st August 2009 The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of a prospectus that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial statements. Neither this document nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. These materials do not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Candover Investments plc Interim results for the six months ended 30th June 2009 Financial headlines Net assets per share were 902p, a decrease of 12% since 31st December 2008 (1026p) driven by currency movements and exceptional non-recurring costs which accounted for declines of 13% and 7% respectively Net assets per share before currency movements and exceptional non-recurring costs increased by 8% reflecting the stabilisation of the value of the investment portfolio as equity markets recover * Net debt reduced to £19.2 million (£54.5 million at 31st December 2008) following asset realisations; loan to value covenant ratio of 25% (34% at 31st December 2008) * Realisation proceeds of £41.6m; £36.4m from the sale of Wood Mackenzie, which crystallised carried interest payments * Value of future carried interest increased to £25.7m (£19.2m at 31st December 2008) * No interim dividend (2008: 22.0p per share) Strategic review * Financial position strengthened markedly * Clear progress to stability made following recent asset realisations and lowering of the cost base * Range of strategic options considered; third party proposals not advanced because no certainty of creating value for shareholders * Restructuring of Candover Partners completed with management succession plan implemented and new leadership team now in place * Review now focused on the interlinked issues of the status of the 2008 Fund and the ownership structure of Candover Partners Gerry Grimstone, Chairman of Candover Investments plc, said: 'During the last six months we have made significant progress in terms of achieving financial stability for Candover. We are in a much stronger position than previously due to recent asset realisations and the lowering of the cost base. We continue to focus on enhancing our stability further and resolving the organisational and structural issues that remain. 'In the short term our portfolio companies continue to operate in a challenging economic climate, although we see some stability returning. Our priority remains to ensure that these companies and their management teams have the resources and expertise to trade through the downturn and are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities when conditions improve. We continue to believe that there is considerable long-term value within many of Candover's portfolio companies which, when realised over time, should provide a substantial enhancement of value for our shareholders.' For further information, please contact: Tulchan +44 20 7353 4200 Susanna Voyle/Peter Hewer KEY FINANCIALS Total net assets £197.2 million Total net assets (after currency movements and exceptional non-recurring costs) were £197.2 million, a decrease of 12.1% for the six months to 30th June 2009 Net assets per share 902p Net assets per share (after currency movements and exceptional non-recurring costs) decreased by 12.1% to 902p for the six months to 30th June 2009 Net revenue before exceptional non-recurring costs £5.2 million Compares to net revenue of £9.5 million in 2008 and stated before exceptional non-recurring costs of £15.4 millionincurred on undertaking the strategic review, restructuring costs and the costs of discontinued operations in Asia and Eastern Europe References in this Interim Report to Candover mean Candover Investments plc and/or, where appropriate, one or more of its subsidiaries, and references to Candover Partners means Candover Partners Limited. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of a prospectus that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial statements. Neither this document nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. These materials do not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Introduction I am pleased to be able to report that the financial position of Candover has strengthened markedly in the last six months. Your Board is confident that the Company has made good progress in dealing with the challenges that face it and in achieving greater financial stability. In our preliminary announcement in March, I reported to you that Candover was facing its most challenging period since its foundation in 1980. The financial position of the Company had weakened significantly during the latter part of 2008, reflecting a combination of external factors, structural aspects unique to our business model, and the changes to the Company's balance sheet that were made in 2006 and 2007. I informed you that, in the wake of our decision to withdraw from our commitment to the Candover 2008 Fund, the Board was considering a range of strategic options to reinforce our financial position and maximise value for shareholders. The challenges we faced included how to deal with a rapid fall in the value of our assets and how to ensure that the Company had access to sufficient cash and liquidity to fund both its ongoing operations and to meet its commitments to invest in the Funds raised and managed by Candover Partners. Achieving stabilisation The review of strategic options we undertook was focused on how to put Candover on a firm footing for the future. During the review, Candover received a number of expressions of interest covering a range of options for the business, including potential offers for the Company. Together with our advisors, we entered into detailed discussions with a number of parties to establish whether a bid for the entire Company would deliver superior value for shareholders compared with a realisation of our underlying portfolio. After careful consideration of all of the options available and taking into account the progress made in stabilising the overall financial position of the Company, the Board concluded that none of the proposals had sufficient certainty of creating enhanced value for shareholders. These discussions terminated at the end of June. Various proposals were also made to us that would have resulted in substantial dilution for existing shareholders but we found none of these appropriate. We concluded that a reduction in the cost base was essential in the light of the changed economic situation that we faced, including the suspension of the Candover 2008 Fund. This meant that we had to make a number of our investment executives and support staff redundant. This was not an easy process and I would like to thank all our colleagues for their efforts and support for Candover. In addition, we have closed our nascent Asian and Eastern European operations where the efforts by these teams to become self-financing had sadly not made enough progress. Asset sales have made a major contribution to our stabilisation. We sold our interests in three French buyout funds for £5.3 million. The major contribution to our much firmer financial footing, however, came from the sale of Wood Mackenzie by Candover Partners for an enterprise value of £553 million. This generated cash proceeds for the Company of £36.4 million - £19.6 million from the sale itself and a further £16.8 million as a result of the crystallisation of carried interest payments from the Candover 2001 Fund. The value of our carried interest entitlements have increased from £19.6 million to £25.7 million. This reflects the increased certainty as to the crystallisation of the carry into incremental cash flow, as and when the Candover 2001 Fund achieves further realisations. The overall positive impact of these events is reflected in both the reduction in net debt at 30th June 2009 to £19.2 million from £54.5 million at 31st December 2008; as well our ability to meet the covenant obligations attached to our loan notes. As at 30th June 2009, our loan to value ratio as calculated in accordance with our loan note agreement was 24.8% compared to 33.6% at 31st December 2008, and was well within the required threshold of 40%. In addition, the Board is satisfied that Candover continues to have adequate capital to meet its follow-on commitments to the 2005 Fund which amount to £78.4 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of £151.9 million. Two interlinked strategic issues remain - the future of the Candover 2008 Fund and the ownership structure of Candover Partners. The Candover 2008 Fund The Company has always been a cornerstone investor in the funds raised by Candover Partners. However, because of the issues faced by Candover Investments plc, we withdrew from our commitment to the Candover 2008 Fund, leading to the Fund's suspension for up to six months from 6th April 2009. As a result of Candover's decision not to make any further commitment, discussions began between Candover, Candover Partners (as manager of the Fund) and the Fund's Limited Partners regarding the options for the future of the Fund. These talks are ongoing and we expect them to conclude within the weeks ahead. We hope that they will lead to the emergence of a smaller Fund but we do not yet know that this will be the case. In any event, Candover Investments plc will not be an investor in a new Candover 2008 Fund. Candover Partners Our long-standing business model - a listed plc which invests, realises and recycles profits through an independent but wholly owned private equity fund manager, Candover Partners - has been severely tested by the global financial and economic crisis. The stresses that have resulted from this have made it clear that our ownership of Candover Partners and our co-investing alongside funds raised by them, have created a set of arrangements that are not necessarily optimal from the point of view of our shareholders. The fiduciary duty owed by Candover Partners to the Limited Partners in its funds has the potential for creating an undesirable conflict between the interests of the Limited Partners and the shareholders of Candover Investments plc. The strategic review has therefore focused our minds on whether an alternative ownership model for Candover Partners (or some other arrangements) may be merited in the future. This is closely linked to the discussions concerning the future of the Candover 2008 Fund and we will be concluding our review of this once the future of that Fund has been settled. Management The restructuring of our business team has provided Candover Partners with the opportunity to bring forward some changes to the senior management of the business that were envisaged as part of a long-term succession plan. John Arney, who has been with Candover Partners since 2002, has taken on the newly-created role of Managing Partner, responsible for both the strategy and management of Candover Partners. Marek Gumienny has become Chairman of Candover Partners. Colin Buffin, who has been a driving force in the firm's evolution since he joined Candover in 1985, will leave the Company once discussions on the Candover 2008 Fund have concluded. Likewise, Tian Tan, the Finance Director of Candover Partners, has retired and Matthew Harrison has assumed that role. I would like again to thank all our departing colleagues for their hard work and efforts over the years. I am pleased to say that Malcolm Fallen, who led the strategic review process on behalf of the Board since joining on an interim basis in March 2009, has been confirmed as CEO of Candover Investments plc and he will be joining your board from 9th September. I am confident that Malcolm will continue to drive the affairs of the Company forward as he has so successfully done over the last few months. Our performance We have seen stabilisation in the underlying value of our investment portfolio. Whilst unaudited net assets fell over the six months by £27.1 million, this was after providing for exceptional non-recurring costs of £15.4 million, and net currency losses of £29.8 million due to the adverse translation impact on our non-sterling denominated investments and cash balances, offset by translation gains on the loan notes and related swaps. Excluding these items net assets would have increased by £18.1 million (8.1%), reflecting a steadying in the valuations of the portfolio companies in constant currency terms. Net revenue before tax and exceptional non-recurring costs was £5.2 million, compared to net revenue before tax of £9.5 million in 2008. The reduced revenue is a result of the impact of lower fee income offset by the benefits of restructuring our cost base. Most significantly during the period under review, our net debt has reduced to £19.2 million from £54.5 million at 31st December 2008, principally due to realisation proceeds of £41.6 million. Realisation proceeds crystallised in the first half of 2008 were £31.7 million. Dividend At this point in time the Board does not feel it would be appropriate to recommence paying dividends to shareholders. However, as and when further clarity arises on the remaining strategic issues, and future realisations enhance our balance sheet further, the Board would seek to recommence the process of returning value to shareholders. Outlook During the last six months we have made significant progress in terms of achieving financial stability for Candover. We are now in a much stronger position due to recent asset realisations and the lowering of the cost base. We continue to focus on enhancing our stability further and resolving the organisational and structural issues that remain. In the short term, our portfolio companies continue to operate in a challenging economic climate although we see some stability returning. Our priority remains to ensure that these companies and their management teams have the resources and expertise to trade through the downturn and are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities when conditions improve. We continue to believe that there is considerable long-term value within many of Candover's portfolio companies which, when realised over time, should provide a substantial enhancement of value for our shareholders. Gerry Grimstone Chairman 21st August 2009 INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT Activity in the European buyout market continues to be muted and our focus in the near term is very much on protecting and growing value in the existing portfolio. The most significant event in the first half of the year was the realisation of Wood Mackenzie. Investments The European buyout market suffered in the first half of the year from the difficult market conditions and a lack of availability of debt, with activity reaching lows not seen for ten years in terms of both volume and value. We made no new investments during the period due to a lack of investment opportunities in the first quarter,and, from April onwards, the suspension of the Candover 2008 Fund. Realisations Candover and its managed funds achieved realisation proceeds totalling £218.5 million during the period. Candover's share was £41.6 million. In May we realised our direct holdings in Ciclad 2, 3 and 4, which the strategic review had identified as non-core assets. The sale of these three investments generated proceeds of £5.3 million. In June, we realised our holding in Wood Mackenzie. The sale generated proceeds of £36.4 million for Candover (including loan note interest of £0.7 million), of which £16.8 million resulted from the crystallisation of the carried interest. The Candover 2001 Fund achieved a return of £173.6 million (including loan note interest of £5.0 million), bringing the overall investment multiple to 2.7 times the original investment. Date of Company Capital Exit route exit proceeds Candover Funds £m £m May Ciclad 2, 3 and 4 5.3 - Private equity sale June Wood Mackenzie 18.9 168.6 Private equity sale Candover 2001 Fund 16.8 - Crystallisation of Carried Interest carried interest Other 0.6 2.6 _____ ______ 41.6 171.2 Valuations Over the period under review the portfolio has shown signs of stabilisation. Of our top ten investments, seven are trading ahead of prior year at the earnings level on a twelve month basis. The portfolio is well diversified by region and sector. Whilst the UK represents 39% of our investments by value, the companies themselves are well diversified in the regions in which they trade. Industrials remain our largest sector by exposure, due to our investments in Stork, Qioptiq and Capital Safety. The slow down in the private equity markets over the past year has affected our ability to achieve realisations, and a significant part of our portfolio by value has now been held for over five years. These investments, Springer, Ontex and Equity Trust, have all now shown positive growth under our ownership and we feel they are well positioned to prosper further when the current climate changes. The 10 largest companies represent 87% of the portfolio, with the 2001 Fund Carried Interest representing a further 10%. Top 10 investments Analysis by value as at 30th June 2009 By valuation method 1. Multiple of earnings 100% By region 1. United Kingdom 39% 2. Benelux 26% 3. Spain 13% 4. France 13% 5. Switzerland 5% 6. Germany 4% By sector 1. Industrials 31% 2. Energy 21% 3. Financials 18% 4. Leisure 13% 5. Health 8% 6. Support services 5% 7. Media 4% By age 1. <1 year nil% 2. 1-2 years 52% 3. 2-3 years 19% 4. 3-4 years 12% 5. 4-5 years nil% 6. >5 years 17% Outlook As part of the ongoing strategic review, we are currently exploring possible changes to the ownership structure between Candover Investments plc and Candover Partners. Any change to this structure will depend on the progress of discussions concerning the future of the 2008 Fund. Under the terms of the suspension of the Candover 2008 Fund, no new investments will be made until at least October 2009. However, whilst there are early indications that the buyout market is starting to recover, we believe that buyout activity in the second half of 2009 will remain relatively quiet. It is our view there will be a number of interesting opportunities in 2010 as developed economies emerge from the recession. Our focus therefore remains on managing the portfolio through this difficult economic period, and ensuring that the long-term value of each company is maximised. John Arney Managing Partner Candover Partners Limited 21st August 2009 10 LARGEST INVESTMENTS as at 30th June, 2009 Residual Directors' Effective % of Basis of cost valuation equity interest Candover's valuation Date of of £m (fully diluted) net assets Investment Geography investment investment £m Expro UK Apr-08 69.5 46.3 See note 23.5% Multiple International 1 of earnings Oilfield services Stork Netherlands Jan-08 48.9 41.3 6.4% 20.9% Multiple Engineering of earnings conglomerate Parques Spain Mar-07 25.7 29.8 5.6% 15.1% Multiple Reunidos of earnings Operator of attraction parks AlmaConsulting France Dec-07 20.5 28.9 5.4% 14.7% Multiple Group of earnings Cost reduction and tax recovery services Ontex Belgium January 22.1 17.3 6.3% 8.8% Multiple Hygienic 2003/ of earnings disposables Jul-07 Qioptiq UK Dec-05 9.6 15.0 7.2% 7.6% Multiple Optical of earnings engineering Capital Safety UK Jun-07 11.8 13.2 6.4% 6.7% Multiple Group of earnings Fall protection equipment Equity Trust UK May-03 8.3 11.9 5.6% 6.0% Multiple Trust services of earnings EurotaxGlass's Switzerland Jun-06 17.4 10.8 8.0% 5.5% Multiple Automotive of earnings data intelligence Springer Germany January/ 0.6 9.0 3.6% 4.5% Multiple Science + Sep-03 of earnings Business Media Academic publisher Note 1 - Candover's final investment amount, and therefore its effective equity interest, will depend on the level of syndication FINANCIAL REVIEW Net asset value per share Net assets per share after currency movements and exceptional items were 902p, a decrease of 12.1% since 31st December 2008. Candover currently manages its currency exposure in order to mitigate any adverse impact on its loan to value covenant through the denomination of its cash balances and swaps. As a result, currency fluctuations can have a material impact on net assets. See Table 1. At 30th June 2009, net assets per share before currency movements and exceptional non-recurring costs were 1109p compared to 1026p at 31st December 2008. The increase of 8.1% over the six month period compares with a fall in the FTSE All-Share of 1.7% over the same period, reflecting the growing stabilisation of the portfolio. Table 1 £ £ p/ p/ million million share share Net asset value at 31st December 2008 as 224.3 1026 reported Investment movements (before currency) 22.1 101 Net revenue before exceptional 5.2 24 non-recurring costs Capitalised expenses net of tax (7.7) (35) Others (1.5) (7) _____ ____ 242.4 1109 Currency impact: - Realised and unrealised investments (39.6) (181) - Restatement of cash and cash equivalents (15.9) (73) - Translation of loan and swap balances 25.7 118 ______ ______ (29.8) (136) Exceptional non-recurring costs (15.4) (71) ______ _____ Net asset value at 30th June 2009 as 197.2 902 reported Investments The valuation of investments, including accrued loan note interest, at 30th June 2009 was £256.6 million (31st December 2008: £313.9 million). See Table 2. Table 2 £ million £ million Investments at 31st December 2008 313.9 Disposals at valuation (46.5) Additions 0.1 Revaluation of investments: - Valuation movements before currency 26.1 - Currency impact on unrealised investments (37.0) _________ (10.9) ______ Investments at 30th June 2009 256.6 Net debt position Candover's net debt has fallen from £54.5 million at 31st December 2008 to £ 19.2 million as at 30th June 2009, principally due to realisation proceeds of £ 41.6 million. Realisation proceeds crystallised in the first half of 2008 were £31.7 million. See Table 3. Table 3 30th June 2009 31st December 2008 £ million Loans and borrowings 187.1 217.5 Fair value hedge adjustment (12.0) (21.0) Deferred costs 1.4 1.6 _______________________ Value of bonds 176.5 198.1 Value of related swaps (5.4) (10.4) Cash (151.9) (133.2) _______________________ Net debt 19.2 54.5 The outstanding commitment to the Candover 2005 Fund fell to £78.4 million over the period from £90.4 million at the year end, largely due to currency. As disclosed at the year end, Candover has guaranteed an additional Euro43.2 million investment in Expro, pending its syndication. Net revenue before tax For the six month period net revenue before exceptional items and tax was £5.2 million compared to £9.5 million in the comparative period. This resulted from the impact of lower fee income offset by the benefits of restructuring our cost base. Exceptional non-recurring costs of £15.4 million were incurred on undertaking the strategic review, restructuring costs and the costs of discontinued operations in Asia and Eastern Europe. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES Details of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group were set out on pages 53 to 59 of the 2008 Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which is available on the website. In summary, those risks and uncertainties were as follows: market risk, currency risk (in particular the euro and US dollar), interest rate risk, other price risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities and capital management policies and procedures. The principal risks and uncertainties identified in the 2008 Annual Report remain unchanged and each of them has the potential to affect the Group's results during the remainder of 2009. Candover aims to minimise risk by: - Diversifying the portfolio by size, sector and geography; - Monitoring the Group's exposure to foreign currencies and fixed interest securities; - Using foreign currency borrowing and derivative financial instruments to reduce the Group's exposure to future exchange rate movements; - Ensuring full and timely access to relevant information from the investee companies and attending board meetings; - Managing cash and non-cash equivalents in such a way that they are readily realisable to meet investment and operating needs - Monitoring and reviewing the broad structure of the Group's capital on an ongoing basis; and - Hedging market movements where appropriate Our views on the current market conditions are reflected in the Chairman's statement and interim management report. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS'RESPONSIBILITIES The directors of Candover Investments plc confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the condensed set of financial statements on pages 11 to 14 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU, and that the interim management report on pages 4 and 5 includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.4, DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8. The directors of Candover Investments plc are listed on page 16. By order of the Board Philip Price Company Secretary 21st August 2009 INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO CANDOVER INVESTMENTS PLC Introduction We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30th June 2009 which comprises the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, statement of financial position, group cash flow statement and the related notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with guidance contained in ISRE (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them in a review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority. As disclosed in Note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. Our responsibility Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. Scope of review We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion. Conclusion Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30th June 2009 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority. Grant Thornton UK LLP Registered Auditor London 21st August 2009 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the period ended 30th June 2009 £ million Six months to 30th Six months to 30th Year to 31st December June 2009 June 2008 2008 Unaudited Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Notes Gain/(loss) on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss Realised gains and losses - (12.4) (12.4) - 15.1 15.1 - 34.3 34.3 Unrealised gains and losses - (0.4) (0.4) - 6.6 6.6 - (224.9) (224.9) __________________________________________________________________ - (12.8) (12.8) - 21.7 21.7 - (190.6) (190.6) Revenue Management fees from managed funds 9.8 - 9.8 20.0 - 20.0 46.4 - 46.4 Investment and other income 6.5 - 6.5 12.0 - 12.0 (5.2) - (5.2) ___________________________________________________________________ 16.3 - 16.3 32.0 - 32.0 41.2 - 41.2 Recurring administrative expenses (10.1) (3.6) (13.7) (21.4) (5.8) (27.2) (33.2) (9.0) (42.2) Exceptional 3 non-recurring costs (15.4) - (15.4) - - - - - - _____________________________________________________________________ Profit/(loss) before finance costs and taxation (9.2) (16.4) (25.6) 10.6 15.9 26.5 8.0 (199.6) (191.6) Finance costs (1.0) (4.1) (5.1) (1.1) (4.7) (5.8) (2.8) (11.1) (13.9) Movement in the fair value of derivatives - (1.0) (1.0) - (14.8) (14.8) - 2.2 2.2 Exchange movements on borrowings - 5.8 5.8 - (1.4) (1.4) - (11.8) (11.8) ___________________________________________________________________ Profit/(loss) before taxation and other comprehensive income (10.2) (15.7) (25.9) 9.5 (5.0) 4.5 5.2 (220.3) (215.1) Analysed between: Profit/(loss) before exceptional non-recurring costs 5.2 (15.7) (10.5) 9.5 (5.0) 4.5 5.2 (220.3) (215.1) Exceptional non- recurring costs (15.4) - (15.4) - - - - - - Taxation (0.8) - (0.8) (2.8) 3.0 0.2 (1.4) 3.9 2.5 Other comprehensive income: Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (0.4) - (0.4) (0.2) - (0.2) (0.2) - (0.2) _____________________________________________________________________ Profit/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders (11.4) (15.7) (27.1) 6.5 (2.0) 4.5 3.6 (216.4) (212.8) Earnings per ordinary share: Before exceptional non-recurring costs Basic and diluted 18p (72)p (54)p 30p (9)p 21p 16p (990)p (974)p After exceptional non-recurring costs Basic and diluted (52)p (72)p (124)p 30p (9)p 21p 16p (990)p (974)p _____________________________________________________________________ Dividends paid (£ millions) - - - 8.7 - 8.7 13.6 - 13.6 All of the profit for the year and the total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to the owners of the Company. The total column of the statement is the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the Company prepared in accordance with IFRS. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are presented for information purposes as recommended by the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of Investment Companies. All items in the above Statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year. No interim dividend is proposed. Exceptional non-recurring costs are outlined in Note 3. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the period ended 30th June 2009 £ million Called Share Other Capital Capital Revenue Total up premium reserves reserve reserve - reserve equity share account - unrealised capital realised Unaudited Balance at 1st 5.5 1.2 (0.2) 369.8 (182.1) 30.1 224.3 January 2009 Net revenue - - - - - (11.4) (11.4) Unrealised loss on - - - - (0.4) - (0.4) financial instruments Realised gain on - - - 24.1 (36.5) - (12.4) financial instruments Movement in fair - - - - (1.0) - (1.0) value of derivatives Exchange movements - - - - 5.8 - 5.8 on borrowing Costs net of tax - - - (7.7) - - (7.7) Exchange - - (0.4) - - 0.4 - differences on translation of foreign operations ________________________________________________________ Balance at 30th 5.5 1.2 (0.6) 386.2 (214.2) 19.1 197.2 June 2009 ________________________________________________________ £ million Called Share Other Capital Capital Revenue Total up premium reserves reserve reserve - reserve equity share account - unrealised capital realised Unaudited Balance at 1st 5.5 1.2 0.6 326.6 77.5 39.9 451.3 January 2008 Dividends - - - - - (8.7) (8.7) Share based - - 1.2 - - - 1.2 payments Transactions with - - 1.2 - - (8.7) (7.5) equity holders Net revenue - - - - - 6.5 6.5 Unrealised loss on - - - - 6.6 - 6.6 financial instruments Realised gain on - - - 40.0 (24.9) - 15.1 financial instruments Movement in fair - - - - (14.8) - (14.8) value of derivatives Exchange movements - - - - (1.4) - (1.4) on borrowing Costs net of tax - - - (7.5) - - (7.5) Exchange - - (0.1) - - 0.1 - differences on translation of foreign operations ________________________________________________________ Balance at 30th 5.5 1.2 1.7 359.1 43.0 37.8 448.3 June 2008 __________________________________________________ £ million Called Share Other Capital Capital Revenue Total up share premium reserves reserve - reserve - reserve equity capital account realised unrealised Audited Balance at 1st 5.5 1.2 0.6 326.6 77.5 39.9 451.3 January 2008 Dividends - - - - - (13.6) (13.6) Share based - - (0.2) - - - (0.2) payments Share buy-backs - - (0.6) - - - (0.6) Transactions - - (0.8) - - (13.6) (14.4) with equity holders Net revenue - - - - - 3.8 3.8 Unrealised loss - - - - (224.9) - (224.9) on financial instruments Realised gain - - - 59.3 (25.0) - 34.3 on financial instruments Movement in - - - - 2.2 - 2.2 fair value of derivatives Exchange - - - - (11.9) - (11.9) movements on borrowing Costs net of - - - (16.1) - - (16.1) tax ___________________________________________________________ Balance at 31st 5.5 1.2 (0.2) 369.8 (182.1) 30.1 224.3 December 2008 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION at 30th June 2009 £ million 30th June 30th June 31st December Unaudited 2009 2008 2008 Non-current assets Notes Property, plant and equipment 3.5 3.9 4.0 Financial investments designated at fair value through profit and loss Investee companies 4 230.9 425.4 294.3 Other financial investments 4 25.7 24.8 19.6 256.6 450.2 313.9 Trade and other receivables 2.9 - 7.1 Deferred tax asset 5.9 6.1 6.5 268.9 460.2 331.5 Current assets Trade and other receivables 7.7 7.1 14.1 Derivative financial instruments 32.9 7.3 58.7 Current tax asset - - 3.9 Cash and cash equivalents 151.9 183.1 133.2 192.5 197.5 209.9 Current liabilities Trade and other payables (22.0) (26.3) (20.3) Financial liability on equity commitments (27.3) - (31.1) Derivative financial instruments (27.6) (24.1) (48.2) Current tax liabilities (0.2) (0.9) - (77.1) (51.3) (99.6) Net current assets 115.4 146.2 110.3 Total assets less current liabilities 384.3 606.4 441.8 Non-current liabilities Loans and borrowings (187.1) (158.1) (217.5) Net assets 197.2 448.3 224.3 Equity attributable to equity holders Called up share capital 5.5 5.5 5.5 Share premium account 1.2 1.2 1.2 Other reserves (0.6) 1.7 (0.2) Capital reserve - realised 386.2 359.1 369.8 Capital reserve - unrealised (214.2) 43.0 (182.1) Revenue reserve 19.1 37.8 30.1 Total equity 197.2 448.3 224.3 Net asset value per share Basic 902p 2051p 1026p Diluted 902p 1996p 1026p GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the period ended 30th June 2009 Six months Six months Year to to to £ million 30th June 30th June 31st December Unaudited 2009 2008 2008 Cash flow from operating activities Cash flow from operations (3.6) (16.9) (22.9) Interest paid (7.2) (4.8) (11.7) Tax reclaimed/(paid) 3.9 (1.7) (4.7) Net cash from operating activities (6.9) (23.4) (39.3) Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment - (0.3) (0.9) Purchase of financial investments (0.1) (103.5) (168.8) Sale of financial investments* 41.6 31.7 47.4 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities 41.5 (72.1) (122.3) Cash flows from financing activities Equity dividends paid - (8.7) (13.6) Purchase of own shares - - (0.6) Advances of loans - 33.0 33.2 Net cash from financing activities - 24.3 19.0 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 34.6 (71.2) (142.6) Opening cash and cash equivalents 133.2 240.3 240.3 Effect of exchange rates and revaluation on cash and cash equivalents (15.9) 14.0 35.5 Closing cash and cash equivalents 151.9 183.1 133.2 *Whilst rolled-up loan note interest is disclosed within 'Financial investments designated at fair value through profit and loss' on the balance sheet, any interest received or receivable is shown within the revenue column of the 'Statement of comprehensive income' and so included in cash flow from operating activities above. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - General information The information for the year ended 31st December 2008 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 1985. Comparative figures for 31st December 2008 are taken from the full accounts, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and contain an unqualified audit report and did not contain a statement under Section 237 (2) or Section 237(3) of the Companies Act 1985. Note 2 - Basis of accounting The Group financial statements are prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. This statement has been prepared using accounting policies and presentation consistent with those applied in the preparation of the accounts for the Group for the year ended 31st December 2008, and in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', with the exception of: IAS 1 'Presentation of financial statements'. This revised standard affects the presentation of changes in equity and the introduction of a Statement of Comprehensive Income. Note 3 - Exceptional costs Exceptional costs are those items that are one-off in nature and create significant volatility in reported earnings and are therefore reported separately in the income statement. These include non-recurring costs relating to the strategic review and restructuring costs that are not regular running costs of the underlying business. £ million Western European Asia and Central Total Buyout Team European Team Redundancy costs 6.8 1.6 8.4 Advisor costs 2.7 - 2.7 Placing agents' fees written off 1.7 - 1.7 Discontinued operations - 2.6 2.6 Total costs 11.2 4.2 15.4 Note 4 - Financial investments designated at fair value through profit and loss £ million Six months to Six months to Year to 30th June 30th June 31st December 2009 2008 2008 Opening valuation 313.9 364.4 364.4 Additions at cost 0.1 103.5 168.8 Disposals (46.8) (29.6) (30.1) Valuation movements (10.6) 11.9 (189.2) Closing valuation 256.6 450.2 313.9 'Other financial investments' comprise the Company's valuation of its investment as a Special Limited Partner in managed funds. The value of rolled-up loan note interest recognised has been reclassified within 'Financial investments designated at fair value through profit and loss' rather than in accrued income, as the value recognised is based of the overall value of the investment. Note 5 - Related party transactions The Company's interest in the Candover 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2008 Funds is disclosed in note 10 on page 44 of the 2008 Annual Report and Accounts. As at 30th June 2009, Candover's investments as a Special Limited Partner in the Candover 2001, 2005 and 2008 Funds were valued at £25.3 million, £0.3 million and £0.1 million respectively (31st December 2008: Candover 2001 Fund £19.2 million , Candover 2005 Fund £0.3 million, and Candover 2008 Fund £0.1 million). The Company's subsidiaries are listed in note 11 on page 46 of the 2008 Annual Report, which includes a description of the nature of their business. During the period the Company undertook transactions with Candover Services Limited which provided investment and administration services to the Company, for which the Company was charged £3.3 million (2008: £6.7 million). Note 6 - Outstanding commitments At 30th June 2009, the Company had an outstanding commitment to fund investments alongside the Candover 2005 Fund of £78.4 million (31st December 2008: £90.4 million). The reduction in the period was mainly due to currency movements. As previously communicated because of the issues faced by the Company, it withdrew from its commitment to the Candover 2008 Fund, leading to the Fund's suspension for up to six months from 6th April 2009. FURTHER INFORMATION Information for shareholders Share price The Company's shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under share code 'CDI'. The share price is quoted daily in the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Independent and the Evening Standard and is also available on our website at www.candoverinvestments.com/ and www.candoverinvestments.com/investor-info/price-graph ISA status The Board has considered the ISA status of Candover's shares and for the time being considers that a decision to make Candover's shares eligible for inclusion in an ISA will impose constraints on the Company's investment criteria that will not be in the overall interests of shareholders. Website For the latest information about Candover Investments plc visit our website: Home page: www.candoverinvestments.com Latest plc news www.candoverinvestments.com/media/latest-plc-news Dividend History www.candoverinvestments.com/financial-performance/dividend-history Registrars Enquiries concerning registered shareholdings, including changes of address, should be referred to: Capita Registrars Northern House Woodsome Park Fenay Bridge Huddersfield West YorkshIre HD8 0LA Telephone +44 (0)871 664 0300* Facsimile +44 (0)1484 600911 Email ssd@capitaregistrars.com * Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras Board of directors G E Grimstone ** Non-executive Chairman A P Hichens MBA §** Non-executive, nominations committee chairman Senior Independent Director Lord Jay of Ewelme GCMG §** Non-executive N M H Jones FCA §* Non-executive J Oosterveld §* Non-executive C Russell FSIP FCA §* Non-executive, audit committee chairman R A Stone FCA §** Non-executive, remuneration committee chairman * Member of the remuneration committee § Member of the audit committee * Member of the nominations committee END


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