FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 July 2003
BETINTERNET.COM PLC
("the Company" or "betinternet")
PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
1 JUNE 2003
betinternet.com plc, the global on-line gaming group, today announces
preliminary results for the period ended 1 June 2003.
Highlights of the results are:
* Group operating profit * �100,443 (2002: �1,692,533 loss)
* Gross profit �4.16m (2002: �2.87m) - an increase of 44.9%.
* Internet betting turnover �50.4m (2002: �38.7m) - an increase of 30.2%.
* Internet betting margin, after duty, 7.04% (2002: 6.24%)
* Customer accounts at period end 57,037 (2002: 23,795) - an increase of
140%.
* First strategic acquisition - Oddsalive
* Euro Off-track now able to commingle wagers into approximately 100 tracks
* Basic and diluted loss per share 0.12p (2002: loss of 2.33p)
* Period-end cash (net of overdrafts) �1.77m.
* prior to share of loss in joint venture
Commenting on the results, Denham Eke, chairman of betinternet, said: "I am
delighted that at the same time as announcing our maiden operating profit, I
can report on significantly increased interest in the pari-mutuel opportunities
we are offering. Indeed, last week's wagers through our Isle of Man hub
exceeded $2m for the first time. These opportunities, coupled with the
underlying performance of the core sports book business, provide exciting
prospects for the Company."
ENDS
For further information:
betinternet.com plc Tel: 01624 629 699
Paul Doona, Managing Director Mob: 07624 450 024
Waughton Tel: 020 7796 9999
Robin Hepburn/Sorrel Davies
Notes to editors:
The following are attached:
* Chairman's statement
* Operating Review
* Consolidated Profit & Loss Accounts
* Consolidated Balance Sheets
* Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
* Notes to the Accounts
N.B. Pari-mutuel (or `tote' wagering) refers to wagering into a `pool' where
dividends are paid to winners and the operator retains a percentage of the
`pool'.
betinternet.com plc
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
In my first statement as Chairman I am pleased to be able to report a period of
substantial progress towards creating a profitable internet business with a
stable income base. We continue to seek opportunities to strengthen our
position in the global online gaming market and the acquisition of Oddsalive in
April 2003 was a first step towards this.
Overview of results
In the year to 1 June 2003, all of our key performance indicators were positive
and the Board is delighted to report that the Company has achieved its maiden
operating profit.
Turnover has increased 9.6% to �58.1m, (2002: �53.0m) although this masks a
30.3% (or �11.7m) rise in the turnover of our internet business.
The planned migration of business away from our telephone betting operation,
which we started two years ago, has continued, and turnover in this area was
reduced by 52% to �6.7m (2002: �14.0m).
Overall our margins have increased strongly from 5.45% to 7.29% and at the
operational level we generated a maiden profit of �100,443, although after
taking account of the group's share of loss in the Euro Off-track joint venture
and interest, there was a loss of �130,555 (2002: loss of �1.98m). The basic
and diluted loss per share was 0.12p (2002: loss of 2.33p).
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.
Strategy
The Board's previously stated strategy of growing the business in the global
internet and pari-mutuel gaming markets continues. We continue to seek
acquisitions that will give the company a broader geographical reach. The
acquisition of Oddsalive in April 2003, with its strong presence in the
Scandinavian market, is a good example.
We also expect that following duty changes on the Isle of Man which will come
into effect from 1 September 2003, we will be able to advertise the betinternet
product range inside the UK from the autumn of 2003. The Board is excited at
the prospect of being able to actively participate in one of the largest gaming
markets in the world.
In addition to seeking acquisition opportunities and new markets, we also
continue to hunt for innovative and stimulating new wagering opportunities,
some of which are described in the Operational and Financial Review which
follows. In this way we seek to enhance the gaming experience of our existing
customers and attract new customers.
Regulation
Whilst betinternet benefits from its location and regulation in the Isle of
Man, a regulatory system that recognises the legitimacy of the internet as a
business channel, current regulation of online gaming services by many other
governments around the world is very confused.
Recent moves against the global gaming service providers have been unhelpful
and seem to come from diverse motivations. As a matter of good practice, we are
constantly reviewing our payment systems, and we undertake detailed discussions
with credit card providers, to minimise the opportunity for money laundering
through the online gaming channel.
Board changes
In February, the Company announced the resignation of Vincent Caldwell as
Managing Director. Whilst the Board acknowledged the significant contribution
made by Vincent, it also recognised that the Company had reached a size and
diversity of operation which required a different management style, if it was
to successfully take the business to the next level.
To facilitate the necessary change of management Jim Mellon assumed the
Chairmanship for an interim period from 1st January, 2003 to 4th April, 2003
and Paul Doona was appointed Managing Director. Once this immediate transition
was complete, Jim Mellon stood down as Chairman, and I was pleased to accept
the request of the Board to take his place as Chairman.
Also on 4th April, 2003, Hugh Mac Giolla Ri was appointed a non-executive
director, and has already made a positive contribution.
On behalf of shareholders, I would like take this opportunity to thank all our
staff for the contribution they continue to make to the success of the
business.
Prospects
We are encouraged by the significantly increased interest in the pari - mutuel
opportunities we offer, particularly to the business-to-business fraternity.
Wagers through our Isle of Man hub have exceeded $2m per week for the first
time and it is providing an increasingly positive base from which to facilitate
a global wagering business. These opportunities, coupled with the underlying
performance of the core sports book business, provide exciting prospects for
the Company.
betinternet.com plc
Operating and Financial Review
Introduction
In last year's report, we indicated why we remained confident of the company's
continuing ability to grow and to achieve profitability. I am pleased to now
report that in the period ended 1 June 2003, the business achieved its first
operational profit.
The Euro Off-Track business model has been improved by reducing the costs and
by finding new content providers and the establishment of our first B2B
relationships, thereby increasing revenue. In the year ahead we are confident
of further improved performance.
In April 2003 we acquired an internet gaming company called Oddsalive. This
acquisition has enabled betinternet to extend its reach into the Scandinavian
market.
Review of Operations
We have continued to pursue our strategy of increasing the internet business
area whilst reducing the dependence on telephone betting. Excluding turnover
from our joint venture, the internet operations represented 88.3% of turnover
for the period. The pari-mutuel operations continue to grow and we have high
hopes of the tote wagering platform, which is now available on the betinternet
site. In addition, our overall gross margins have risen to 7.29% from 5.45%.
Internet operations
Turnover in our internet operations increased to �50.4m (2002: �38.7m), an
uplift of 30.2%, year on year. The gross margin of 7.04% compares very
favourably with 6.24% in the previous year and is comparable to our leading
competitors.
Our customer account base has seen strong growth to stand at 57,037 compared
with 23,795 at the start of the period. Of the increase, 19,275 (81%) was due
to organic growth, whilst the remaining 13,967 accounts came via the
acquisition of Oddsalive.
Although the Far East remains the Company's largest market place, the
acquisition of Oddsalive has reduced the customer percentage from the Far East
to 47% from 62.3%. This market continues, however, to produce good customer
growth with 75% of our organic growth coming from the region. This growth
largely followed interest in the World Cup and the Company was able to attract
`follow-on' business at the start of the English soccer season. Overall the
cost of acquiring customers has remained static.
One of the main aims of betinternet is to provide leisure gaming opportunities
via the internet that attract the attention of `fun' gamblers. During the year
progress has been made in this area, as evidenced by lower bet sizes which in
the period under review averaged �21.62, down from �31.26. Accordingly, the
overall spend per customer has dropped in the Far East, as the table below
shows:
2003 2002
� �
Far East 3,950 4,500
ROW 3,952 3,122
UK 1,560 1,305
The Company continues to believe that regulation is the correct way forward
but, has continued its policy of not accepting fixed odds wagers from US
customers, thus recognising the current political realities of the USA. Whilst
some jurisdictions permit gaming but not advertising, and others permit
wagering but not payment by credit card, there is a significant level of market
confusion on regulation. We seek to provide solutions to these problems
allowing people who wish to wager to do so, whilst also providing secure
methods for making deposits and payment. During the period, the government of
Hong Kong prohibited the use of credit cards for gaming purposes, largely as an
anti-money laundering measure. Within the region this measure has altered the
balance of the business, so that Singapore has over taken Hong Kong as our
fastest growing region.
I am delighted to report that the Isle of Man Treasury has provided a pragmatic
solution to the issue of differential duty, paid by Isle of Man and UK
bookmakers. As a result of paying Isle of Man rates of duty at a lower rate
than that levied by the UK government, the Company was treated as an overseas
bookmaker by the UK authorities, and prohibited from advertising in the UK, the
third largest gaming market in the world. Following the passing of an amendment
order to the 1970 Betting Act, the Company will pay, from 1 September, 2003,
the same rate of tax as UK bookmakers, on UK bets, but will retain its
comparative advantage in relation to duty paid on wagers in the Rest of the
World. This will open the door to the UK market for your company.
The mix of sport within our internet business still strongly favours football,
with over 75% of our turnover coming from this sport. Whilst the English
premier league attracts the most business, we have specialist expertise in all
the major European leagues. US sports account for 16% of internet business. We
have no plans to radically change this balance, but are likely to increase the
spread of winter and Scandinavian sports.
Horse racing is something we would consider if our UK business expands and we
are confident about our risk management capability. In the meantime our
offering on horse racing will be limited to tote wagering on US content.
The technical section of this report describes the detailed development of a
gateway via which B2Cs and B2Bs can access pari-mutuel content, previously only
available to customers who separately registered with Euro Off-track. We
believe that this will provide yet another attractive customer offering, as
well as supplying a healthy risk-free stream of income to betinternet and EOT.
It also has obvious attractions as a B2B proposition for bookmakers and others
with large customer bases.
Telephone operations
Our concentration on a core number of more serious gamblers appears to be
paying off, with a margin after duty of 9.15% (2002: 3.26%) having been
achieved. Our strategy of managing a reduction in turnover from �14.0m to �6.7m
has produced an increase in gross margin, resulting in a contribution of �
612,000 (2002: �455,000). Average revenue has increased marginally to �308.91
per slip (2002: �307.44), almost 15 times the average wager on the Internet,
and confirming the more professional nature of the punter.
Due to the small number of telephone customers, we are able to provide a horse
racing facility over the telephone, and this sport together with soccer account
for the vast proportion of the business.
We currently have no intention of increasing the fixed odds element of our
telephone operation. However, we can see the potential for increase in relation
to our pari-mutuel operations. We are currently offering a voice service to
`high-rolling' customers of Euro Off-Track and this has been the engine behind
the recent increase of turnover through the joint venture. We are considering
the potential of offering a similar service to customers who access the
pari-mutuel content now available to betinternet customers.
Euro Off-Track (EOT)
Despite a reduction in our share of loss to �239,000 (2002: �306,000), the
following action has been initiated which we are confident will deliver
profitability in the short-term:
We have:
a. re-negotiated the joint-venture financing arrangements, at no cost, so that
expenditure is now borne equally by the partners;
b. significantly reduced the largest element of the cost base - the cost of
broadcasting satellite pictures from the two Irish tracks, for which we
provide an inter-track service. In addition, in April 2003 we suspended the
experiment of transmitting those pictures into the United States until such
time as we become convinced that there is viable business to be won;
c. significantly increased activity through the call centre and over the
Internet, in recent weeks, as our first B2B partners begin to drive
turnover towards EOT and as familiarity with pari-mutuel wagering
increases.
The benefits of (b) and (c) above, which have already had a marked effect on
financial performance, will be felt in the current financial year.
As a result of the development of the park - mutuel gateway mentioned above,
there will be a direct impact on EOT, as a facilitator of global wagering. EOT
will receive commission payments for providing the ability to commingle wagers
and provide access directly into host track pools, through its Amtote hub.
Euro Off-Track is moving towards becoming a tote service provider and provider
of technological solutions. It will increasingly look to others (including
betinternet) to provide customers and it will primarily provide its services in
return for a percentage of the `handle'.
Regulatory environment
We believe shareholders, staff and government all benefit from the security of
a well regulated gaming environment and we therefore welcome it.
The Isle of Man Government has embraced technological advancement and has a
well developed strategy to promote e-commerce. Recognising that new rules must
be adopted to deal with the Internet, the Government has adopted firm but fair
rules to govern us and the online gaming market and we have been able to
participate and respond to these developments, whilst also recognising the size
of our contribution to the Isle of Man Treasury.
We believe that this is a far more healthy approach than, for example, the USA,
which is by far the largest market in the world, but which is serviced by
unregulated off-shore operations who pay no tax.
We also positively embrace regulations designed to prevent anti-money
laundering. One of our non-executive directors, Harley Corkill, maintains
special interest in this area, and the role of Anti-Money Laundering Officer
for the company, has been retained at Board level as one of my
responsibilities. We also provide a programme of continuous anti-money
laundering training for our staff.
In the Company's opinion, jurisdictions which believe that outlawing the use of
credit cards for leisure gaming purposes as a means of preventing money
laundering, are misguided. This approach only helps to promote alternative
payment methods, some of which are patently less safe.
We will continue to seek and promote secure alternative payment methods whilst
following the Isle of Man anti-money laundering regulations.
There have been a few high profile departures from the Isle of Man on-line
gaming sector in recent months. We are very happy to remain within this
jurisdiction and have recently reviewed the possibility of applying for a
gaming licence. However, we have concluded that the business model for e-gaming
is currently insufficiently attractive for it to be a worthwhile investment.
This area will be kept under review.
Technology
Last year we reported a milestone where we exceeded 10,000 bets in a single day
during the World Cup. Our daily peak has now exceeded 17,000 bets from 35,000
unique sessions and 2.3 million hits, without any strain on our systems, which
again exceeded 99.9% availability to clients.
During the year we have further invested in resilience, redundancy and security
for our technology platform, including the concurrent writing of all bets to a
remote location. We have also developed a gateway platform that has enabled
betinternet to offer co-mingled tote wagering. This will enable third party
betting companies to participate with us in co-mingled tote wagering.
Euro Off-track's portfolio now covers 75 tracks each weekend and almost 100
tracks in total. We have also established a call centre handling international
tote wagering via the telephone.
At the end of the year under review we successfully integrated the Oddsalive
business previously located in Malta into the betinternet platform in the Isle
of Man.
Finance Review
Overview
The group recorded a maiden, operating profit of �100,433. This was on the back
of an increase of 9.6% in turnover to �58.1m (2002 : �53.0m). As commented upon
elsewhere, this does, however, mask an increase of more than 30% in Internet
turnover.
Gross profit increased considerably to �4.16m from �2.87m in 2002, not only
because of the turnover increase, but also due to an improved margin
percentage, which after duty paid was 7.29%, compared with 5.45% in the
previous period.
Despite the increased activity, we were able to reduce our administration costs
to �4.06m, a reduction of 11.0% from the previous year. This was largely due to
a reduction in staff costs as we scaled back our telephone operations. As a
percentage of turnover, administration costs were 7.1% compared with 8.7% in
the previous period. The main costs were marketing - �0.6m, wages and salaries
- �1.5m, information technology (including depreciation of hardware and
software) - �0.8m, and bank charges - �0.5m.
We did not achieve an overall group profit as we absorbed a further share of
loss, albeit reduced, from Euro Off-track. However, as mentioned elsewhere, we
are encouraged that this venture is showing signs of improved financial
performance, and has started the current period positively.
Loss per share
The basic and diluted loss per share was 0.12 p - 2002, loss of 2.33p.
Cash Flow
In the period to 1 June 2003 the group absorbed an operating cash outflow of �
995k. Of this amount �654k represented funding for Euro Off-track and, in
addition, we provided �355k of working capital to the Oddsalive operation. EOT
funding totalled �1.2m at the period end, and will be recovered as a first call
on EOT's profits.
As far as non-operating activities were concerned, the group received �1.6m
under the terms of a subscription agreement entered into in December 2001;
repaid a loan of �350k and incurred capital expenditure of �378k.
Cash balances, net of overdrafts, were therefore �1.77m at the period end,
which compares with �1.83m at the previous year end.
Balance Sheet
The Group Balance sheet was strengthened by the equity injection referred to
above. Net worth increased to �2.3m from �0.9m at the previous year end.
As in previous years we have continued to invest in our technological
infrastructure, and capital expenditure during the period amounted to �378k.
It has been decided to re-classify capitalised software costs, previously shown
on the Balance Sheet as Intangible Assets, as Tangible Fixed Assets to
correctly reflect their nature. This has no impact on the group's net assets or
results for the period.
Treasury Management
The group's finance department manages its liquidity and foreign exchange risk.
The department is risk averse and does not enter into any speculative trades.
The main control mechanism is to seek to match individual currency assets and
liabilities. There are no debt instruments other than conventional trade
creditors.
Because of the global nature of the business, profits, net assets and cash
flows are all subject to exchange rate risk. The control mechanism mentioned
above is designed to mitigate this risk.
Going Concern
The board has considered the further net loss incurred during the period and
the impact that further losses could have on its cash resources. However,
budgets for the 12 months ahead, which the board believes to be prudently
based, predict cash surpluses considerably greater than the group's on-going
financial commitments. These budgets take no account of the recovery of �1.2m
EOT funding referred to above. Accordingly, the board considers it appropriate
to continue to apply the going concern principle.
Acquisition
On 28 April 2003, the Company acquired the entire share capital of Oddsalive
Limited for a consideration of $1. The Company also agreed to satisfy the
obligations of Oddsalive to its customers and trade creditors, but certain
arrangements with the vendors will ensure that the total consideration will not
exceed $700,000 (�437,500).
An earn-out arrangement has been entered into with certain of the vendors, but
this has been capped at $1m, measured by way of performance in the two years
following acquisition and is further subject to the repayment of working
capital injected by the company. Accordingly, the board believes it is too
early to determine what the earn-out liability might be, and goodwill has
therefore been stated at �437,500, the `capped' liabilities of the company.
In line with FRS10, impairment reviews will be carried out at each balance
sheet date. It is anticipated that goodwill will be amortised over 2 years. The
board considered that as the acquisition took place near to the period end,
there was no impairment at the balance sheet date. It was also considered that
the trading results and cash flow since acquisition were not material and have,
therefore, not been separately disclosed.
Accounting Standards
In the absence of accounting standards in the Isle of Man, the company applies
Accounting Standards published by the United Kingdom's Accounting Standards
Board.
There were no Financial Reporting Standards which applied to the Group's
financial statements for the first time this period.
The Future
betinternet's continued aim is to become a respected, integrated, e-gaming
company. We seek to build on our strength as a provider of technological
solutions to organisations wishing to participate in global wagering.
We intend to broaden our reach and are looking forward to entering the UK
market place. In addition, we are considering other European and American
territories, and will continue to make further acquisitions where appropriate
opportunities arise.
betinternet.com plc
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT
PERIOD ENDED 1 JUNE 2003
2003 2002
Notes � �
Turnover including share of joint venture
Betting stakes received 1
Internet 50,374,502 38,672,608
Telephone 6,687,992 13,953,019
Joint Venture 1,016,187 384,776
58,078,681 53,010,403
Less share of joint venture turnover (1,016,187) (384,776)
Total group turnover 57,062,494 52,625,627
Cost of sales
Winnings paid and bets laid off 1 (52,825,992) (49,626,900)
Betting duty paid 1 (76,463) (130,841)
Gross Profit 4,160,039 2,867,886
Administration expenses (4,059,596) (4,560,419)
Group operating profit/(loss) 100,443 (1,692,533)
Share of operating loss in joint venture (238,981) (306,178)
Total operating loss including share of joint venture (138,538) (1,998,711)
Interest 7,983 14,600
Loss on ordinary activities before and after
taxation and retained loss for the period (130,555) (1,984,111)
Basic and diluted loss per share 2 (0.12) (2.33)
betinternet.com plc
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
1 JUNE 2003
1 June 2003 31 May 2002
Fixed Assets
Intangible Assets 437,500 498,088
Tangible Assets 840,833 480,237
1,278,333 978,325
Current Assets
Debtors 1,611,285 822,607
Cash at bank and in hand 1,851,900 1,850,421
3,463,185 2,673,028
Creditors
amounts falling due within one year (1,876,682) (2,463,218)
Net Current Assets 1,586,503 209,810
Provision for Liabilities and
Charges
Investment in joint venture
- share of gross assets 193,577 86,009
- share of gross liabilities (737,736) (391,187)
- share of net liabilities (544,159) (305,178)
Net Assets 2,320,677 882,957
Capital and Reserves
Called up share capital 1,166,870 1,006,870
Share Premium 6,927,995 5,519,720
Profit and loss account (5,774,188) (5,643,633)
Equity Shareholders' Funds 2,320,677 882,957
betinternet.com plc
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS 2003 2002
PERIOD ENDED 1 JUNE 2003
Notes � �
Net cash outflow from operating activities 5 (994,803) (811,282)
Returns on investments and servicing of 6 7,983 14,600
finance
Capital expenditure and financial investment 6 (377,508) (770,927)
Acquisition of subsidiary 6 77,467 -
Cash outflow before use of liquid resources (1,286,861) (1,567,609)
and financing
Financing 6 1,218,275 2,475,515
(Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (68,586) 907,906
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in
net funds
Opening net funds 1,483,825 925,919
(Decrease)/ increase in cash in year (68,586) 907,906
Cash outflow/ (inflow) from movement in 350,000 (350,000)
borrowings
Closing net funds 7 1,765,239 1,483,825
betinternet.com plc
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Telephone Internet Total
Period ended 1 June 2003 � � �
Betting stakes received 6,687,992 50,374,502 57,062,494
Winnings paid and bets laid off (6,073,116) (46,752,876) (52,825,992)
Betting duty paid (2,756) (73,707) (76,463)
Gross profit 612,120 3,547,919 4,160,039
Margin 9.15% 7.04% 7.29%
Telephone Internet Total
Year ended 31 May 2002 � � �
Betting stakes received 13,953,019 38,672,608 52,625,627
Winnings paid and bets laid off (13,462,982) (36,163,918) (49,626,900)
Betting duty paid (34,691) (96,150) (130,841)
Gross profit 455,346 2,412,540 2,867,886
Margin 3.26% 6.24% 5.45%
2. LOSS PER SHARE
The basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the losses attributable to
ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during
the year.
Calculation of loss per share is based on losses of �130,555 (2002 : �
1,984,111) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares being the
equivalent of 112,293,584 (2002 : 85,030,112) ordinary 1p shares.
The diluted loss per share is the same as the basic loss per share as the
adjustment to assume conversion of dilutive ordinary shares would decrease the
loss per share.
3. TAX CHARGE
There is no tax charge for the year. There are tax losses available to carry
forward and set off against future profits of the same trade, subject to
agreement with the Isle of Man Assessor of Taxes.
4. DIVIDEND
The directors propose no dividend be paid for the year.
betinternet.com plc
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED
5. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) TO NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM
OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
2003 2002
� �
Operating profit/(loss) 100,443 (1,692,533)
Depreciation and amortisation charges 544,319 397,033
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (787,412) 11,273
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (852,153) 520,268
Write back of associate - (47,323)
Net cash outflow from operating activities (994,803) (811,282)
6. ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS FOR HEADINGS NETTED IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
2003 2002
Returns on investments and servicing of finance � �
Interest received 7,983 17,477
Interest paid - (2,877)
7,983 14,600
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (382,861) (770,927)
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets 5,353 -
Net capital expenditure (377,508) (770,927)
Acquisition of subsidiary
Cash consideration (1) -
Net cash acquired with subsidiary 77,468 -
77,467 -
betinternet.com plc
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED
6. (contd.)
Financing 2003 2002
� �
Issue of new shares including share premium 1,568,275 2,125,515
(Repayment)/issue of borrowings (350,000) 350,000
1,218,275 2,475,515
7. ANALYSIS OF NET FUNDS
at 31 May Cash at 1 June
2002 Flow 2003
� � �
Cash in hand and at bank 1,850,421 1,479 1,851,900
Bank overdraft (16,596) (70,065) (86,661)
Other loans (350,000) 350,000 -
1,483,825 281,414 1,765,239
8. OTHER INFORMATION
i. The abridged accounts for the year to 31 May 2002 are an extract from the
full group accounts for that period on which an unqualified report was made
by the group's auditors and which have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies.
ii. The results for the period ended 1 June 2003 are prepared in accordance
with applicable accounting standards, using the same accounting policies as
set out in the group accounts for the year end 31 May 2002.
iii. All profits derive from continuing activities.
iv. The preliminary statement was approved by the board on 31 July 2003.
v. The Report and Accounts, upon which KPMG Audit LLC will deliver an
unqualified report, will be posted to shareholders on 15 August 2003.
Further copies will be available for inspection from the Company's Head
Office; Viking House, Nelson Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2AH; and the
Company's Registered Office, Burleigh Manor, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of
Man, IM1 5EP.
vi. The Company's nominated advisor and broker is Williams de Broe, PO Box 515,
6 Broadgate, London EC2M 2RP.
END