TIDMPRA

RNS Number : 8514H

Praesepe PLC

03 June 2011

3 June 2010

Praesepe plc

("Praesepe" or the "Company" or the "Group", AIM:PRA)

Preliminary Results for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

and recommended offer from Marwyn Management Partners plc

Praesepe is a UK based company quoted on AIM. Its strategy is to build a diversified gaming group by pursuing acquisition and consolidation opportunities in the Low Stake High Volume ("LSHV") betting and gaming sector in the UK and Europe. Potential areas of interest to the company include, but are not limited to, Adult Gaming Centres ("AGCs"), Family Entertainment Centres (coastal family arcades, or "FECs"), bingo, sports betting, on-line gaming and provincial casino gaming.

The statement below reports Praesepe's trading results for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010, which include a full year of trading and central costs for the 49 Cashino AGC and FEC sites acquired during 2008 and 2009 and the three Greenfield AGCs opened during the same period, together with the post acquisition trading results of 26 AGCs, six bingo clubs and the online bingo site acquired through Beacon Entertainments Limited in April 2010 and the eight High Street AGCs acquired during the period from the Noble Organisation.

The Company also announces that an independent committee of the Board has voted to recommend to shareholders a conditional offer (the "Offer") from Marwyn Management Partners plc ("MMP") to acquire the entire issued share capital of the Company on a share for share basis. More detailed information on the Offer is provided in a separate statement issued by MMP.

Reported Financial Highlights

-- Revenue GBP38.1 million (FY09 GBP11.9 million)

-- Gross profit GBP19.6 million (FY09 GBP6.3 million)

-- EBITDA* of operating businesses GBP7.1 million (FY09 GBP2.2 million)

-- Group EBITDA* of GBP5.8 million (FY09 GBP1.1 million)

-- Impairment losses in light of the MMP offer of GBP8.1 million

-- Exceptional non-recurring costs of GBP3.0 million (FY09 costs of GBP0.6 million)

-- Group loss before net finance charges and taxation of GBP8.4 million (FY09 loss of GBP0.8 million)

-- Group profit* GBP0.4 million (FY09 loss of GBP0.8 million)

-- Loss per share of 3.3p (FY09 loss of 0.7p)

* Stated before impairment losses, exceptional costs and share based payment charges

Operating Highlights

-- Transformational acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited, compromising six premier bingo clubs, 26 AGCs and an online bingo site. Delivered the targeted GBP2.0million of full year cost savings on a run rate basis on the enlarged Group's cost base ahead of schedule.

-- Two further successful acquisitions of operating businesses, compromising 8 High Street AGC venues, from the Noble Organisation in September 2010, followed by a further acquisition of 14 AGC venues from the Noble Organisation after the balance sheet date in January 2011.

-- Raised GBP6.6 million in cash (before expenses) from two equity placements, acquired net cash of GBP5.3 million on purchase of business and re-invested GBP1.1 million to fund capital expenditure program for property refurbishment and estate development.

-- Since period end awarded management contract to run 75 UK High Street AGCs trading under the Agora name for 12 months, with the option to acquire 100% of that business at a date to be agreed during the period between 25 May 2011 and 24 February 2012.

-- Praesepe now operates and manages 171 High Street gaming venues, 4 Family Entertainment Centres, 6 Bingo Clubs and an on-line bingo web site. Included in this estate are the iconic Crystal Rooms AGC in Leicester Square and the Beacon Bingo Club in Cricklewood, the largest bingo club in the UK.

Current trading and Outlook

Current trading in our core and acquired businesses remains relatively resilient and we are pleased with the way that all our businesses have started in 2011. We expect to see the long overdue deregulation of B3 gaming machines in 2011 and regard that as very exciting for our business. As previously stated, we would expect any increase in stakes to have a positive impact on our business and the potential for revenue growth.

We are firmly committed to capitalising on opportunities that we see arising from the regulatory environment. A good example of this is the new Bingo Express(TM) product on which we have been collaborating with a number of other operators and which launched in a number of our High Street venues, providing pooled bingo games across the UK. We are very excited about the opportunity to provide pari mutuel bingo gaming across our estate.

With our experienced management team we remain committed to our strategy to consolidate the LSHV market and to build a diversified gaming business in the UK and Europe. We are confident in our ability to both integrate "bolt on" acquisitions to further grow the business over the coming months, and also to pursue increasingly large transformational deals. We continue to assess a number of potential acquisition opportunities and remain confident that significant opportunities in all gaming sectors will arise in 2011.

Commenting on the results Nick Harding, CEO of Praesepe, said:

"2010 saw the business start to benefit from increased scale and operating leverage as we continued to add new venues and gaming formats. In 2011 we expect to bed these benefits down and accelerate our growth.

The UK continues to be a challenging market but despite this we are pleased that our like for like revenues were relatively resilient across the Group with our core Cashino business delivering a 2.9% year on year increase in gross revenues (before the impact of VAT) and a 1.5% year on year increase after taking into account VAT (which rose from 15% to 17.5% at the start of January 2010). At the same time we managed our costs tightly and saw EBITDA continue to grow, further helped by the benefit of acquisitions since December 2009.

The acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited has been transformational for us and we are delighted that we achieved the target of GBP2.0 million of full year cost savings ahead of schedule. We have now also successfully integrated 22 High Street AGCs acquired from the Noble Organisation (8 acquired during 2010 and 14 acquired after the 2010 period end) and have since the period end been awarded an initial 12 month management contract for 75 AGCs trading under the Agora name. We look forward in 2011 to the deregulation of Category B3 machines as well as the launch of the new Bingo Express(TM) product which offers us exciting opportunities to expand our bingo offering across our estate.

We remain confident in our ability to consolidate the LSHV sector, and are encouraged by the number of opportunities we see in the market. However, the ongoing uncertainty in financial markets, coupled with the overall economic outlook, has made it more difficult to raise finance with attractive terms to continue our acquisition strategy. The Offer from MMP represents a potential solution to this obstacle, and the management team believe it would allow us to take advantage of the significant opportunities for value creation we see ahead of us."

ENDS

Contacts

Praesepe plc

Nick Harding, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44 (0)7970 148000

Matthew Proctor, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +44 (0)7985 116578

Brunswick

Chris Blundell Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 5959

Claire Boszko

Liberum Capital (NOMAD and Broker)

Chris Bowman Tel: +44 (0)203 100 2222

Richard Bootle

Operating Review

Cashino

As noted above, the UK continues to be a challenging market but despite this we are pleased that our like for like revenues were relatively resilient across the Group with our core Cashino business delivering a 3% year on year increase in gross revenues (before the impact of VAT) and a 2% year on year increase after taking into account VAT (which rose from 15% to 17.5% at the start of 2010). At the same time we managed our costs tightly and saw EBITDA continue to grow, further helped by the benefit of acquisitions since December 2009.

Acquisitions

2010 marked Praesepe's third year of operation as a consolidator in the UK and European LSHV gaming market. Praesepe maintains a highly disciplined assessment and selection process when considering acquisitions.

In April 2010 we successfully completed the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited, which operates 26 AGC venues under the 'Showboat' brand and 6 bingo clubs under the 'Beacon Bingo' brand. This was a transformational deal for Praesepe, substantially increasing the Group's AGC footprint and creating a step change in revenues and EBITDA. This deal delivered further leverage of the Group's head office and support functions, providing the opportunity to realise GBP2.0 million of full year cost savings from the enlarged Group's cost base.

In September 2010 we acquired 8 AGC venues from the Noble Organisation and in January 2011, we completed the acquisition of a further 14 venues from the Noble Organisation. This was the Group's seventh acquisition in less than three years and brings the number of venues operated to 106 and the total machine estate to over 4,000 gaming machines.

In addition to this rapid growth we are pleased to note that our online Bingo business is growing well from a standing start and has benefitted from being linked to our existing Cashino Gaming website.

Agora Management Contract

The delivery of our consolidation strategy continued in 2011 with the award, as announced on 1 March 2011, of a management contract for 75 operating AGCs, largely trading under the 'Agora' brand name, for an initial period of 12 months. In addition, the Group has entered into an exclusive agreement under which it is the intention to agree an option for Praesepe to acquire 100% of that business at a date to be agreed during the period between 25 May 2011 and 24 February 2012.

Gaming Machine Stake & Prize Review

One major area of disappointment in 2010 was the continued delay to the proposed review of B3 gaming machine stakes and prizes. The Conservative Party in opposition confirmed they were supportive of the changes required to the format of B3 machines and it is disappointing that this has not been forthcoming. We understand that this delay has been caused by administrative process but that the changes will be implemented later in 2011. The delay meant that we continue to hold back a significant amount of capital expenditure allocated to the injection of new equipment into the business. This had a consequential negative effect on revenues and profits for the second half of 2010.

Management team

Whilst 2010 was challenging, I was very pleased with the way the management team integrated the Beacon business into the Group, delivering comfortably the targeted GBP2.0 million of cost savings on a run rate basis and we are now in a very strong position to take on more businesses and leverage our base in Milton Keynes. Our ability to win the recent Agora management contract to run a further 75 High Street AGC venues is an example of that leverage.

Board

We continue to build our highly experienced management team and are delighted that Simon Thomas agreed to join us in July 2010 as a Non Executive Board member. Simon has previously held senior positions in Beacon Entertainments and Thomas Holdings Group and is a highly experienced operator in the LSHV gaming sector across the UK and Europe.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work, enthusiasm and good humour of all our staff who undoubtedly are our most valuable asset and are, without doubt, the best team in the business.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group revenue and EBITDA*

Revenue arises from the AGC trading activities of the Cashino business acquired in 2008, the AGC and FEC businesses acquired in 2009, and the post acquisition trading of the AGC and bingo businesses acquired during the course of 2010.

The Group generated revenues of GBP38.1 million during 2010 compared with revenues of GBP11.9 million in 2009. This revenue growth has largely been driven by the Group's bingo club and AGC acquisitions during the year. Whilst trading during the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 remained challenging, particularly as a result of the difficult economic conditions prevalent throughout 2010 and the increase in the rate of VAT to 17.5% at the start of 2010, both of which adversely impacted consumer confidence and spending habits, I am pleased with the relative resilience that our business has shown during 2010, with our core Cashino business delivering a 2.9% like for like year on year increase in gross revenues (before the impact of VAT).

We are also pleased to report that on a normalised basis (stated before impairment losses, exceptional items and share based payment charges) the Group delivered a profit of GBP425,000 for the period compared with a loss of GBP755,000 in 2009.

Overall, the Group delivered EBITDA*, after central costs, of GBP5.8 million compared to GBP1.1 million in 2009 reflecting the benefit of the business acquisitions since December 2009, particularly the Beacon acquisition.

However, given the difficult economic climate and in light of the offer by Marwyn Management Partners ("MMP") to acquire the entire issued share capital of the Company, the annual goodwill impairment review by the Directors has resulted in the carrying value of the Cashino and United Leisure goodwill being impaired by GBP4.9 million and GBP3.2 million respectively. These impairment losses adversely impacted the results by GBP8.1 million in aggregate and the loss per share by 2.5 pence.

Exceptional costs

Exceptional costs were GBP3.0 million compared with GBP0.6 million in the prior year period. This increase in exceptional costs primarily arises due to a change in International Financial Reporting standards (IFRS 3 revised) with effect from the start of 2010, which now requires costs relating to acquisitions, irrespective of whether the acquisition is successfully completed or not, to be charged to exceptional items when incurred, unless they are directly attributable to the issue of equity or debt. In previous periods, those costs relating to acquisitions which completed could be capitalised on the balance sheet as either acquisition costs (in goodwill), as debt issue costs or as equity issue costs and did not need to be taken as exceptional items. Furthermore, costs on potential acquisitions which were considered highly likely to be completed could be carried forward on the balance sheet until the acquisition was either completed or was no longer highly probable.

Result for the Period

The reported loss for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 was GBP10.8 million compared to a loss of GBP1.4 million in 2009. This resulted in a basic and fully diluted loss per share for the period of 3.3 pence (2009: loss of 0.7 pence).

However, I am pleased to report that on a normalised basis (i.e. excluding impairment losses, exceptional items and share-based payment charges) the Group generated a profit for the period of GBP0.4 million (2009: loss of GBP0.8 million), resulting in a normalised profit per share* of 0.1 pence in 2010 (2009: loss of 0.4 pence).

* Stated before impairment losses, exceptional costs and share based payment charges

Bank Debt

During the period, as a part of the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited, the Group repaid a GBP3.8 million secured bank loan and took on GBP40.0 million in secured bank loans with different banks. As a result, the Group's total bank debt as at 26 December 2010 amounted to GBP42.0 million. In addition, the Group has previously issued GBP6.5 million of convertible loan notes which accrue rolled up interest at a rate of 11% p.a., and has a GBP0.3 million loan from the pension fund of the previous owner of the Crystal Rooms.

In line with usual agreements in respect of bank debt facilities, the bank loan agreements require the Group to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants.

On 1 June 2011 the Company announced that it had agreed with its lenders to extend the terms of the repayment of GBP2.35 million of the bank debt, originally due on 20 April 2011, to 17 June 2011 in conjunction with the MMP offer (see note 26).

Acquisitions

On 20 April 2010, the Group acquired Beacon Entertainments Limited and its subsidiaries which operate 6 premier bingo clubs, 26 AGCs and an online bingo site, for a purchase consideration (excluding deal costs) of GBP5.0 million payable by a combination of 63,333,334 ordinary shares issued to the vendors at a price of 7.5 pence per share and GBP272,000 in cash. As a part of the acquisition, the Group assumed GBP40.0 million in bank debt. Subject to the fulfilment of certain performance conditions, the vendor may also receive up to 28,500,000 additional ordinary shares.

The Group fair valued the net liabilities and intangible assets acquired at GBP31.6 million and fair valued all elements of the consideration (including the potential additional consideration shares and vendor deal costs) at GBP6.2 million, resulting in goodwill arising on the acquisition of GBP37.8 million.

On 20 September 2010 the Group acquired 8 operating AGCs for a purchase consideration of GBP1.0 million (excluding deal costs), from various members of the Noble Organisation ("Noble"). The consideration was funded through the issue of 13,333,333 new ordinary shares in Praesepe plc at a price of 7.5 pence per share to Falcombe Holdings Limited ("Falcombe"), a company connected to the rest of Noble by common ownership.

The Group fair valued the net assets and intangible assets acquired at GBP0.7 million and fair valued all elements of the consideration at GBP1.1 million, resulting in goodwill arising on the acquisition of GBP0.5 million.

Subsequent to the end of the financial period, the Group acquired a further 14 operating AGCs from Noble for a total consideration of GBP2.3 million (excluding deal costs). The consideration was funded through the issue of 28,535,981 new ordinary shares in Praesepe plc at a price of 8.06 pence per share to Falcombe.

Equity

On 1 March 2010, the Group's shareholders approved a share reorganisation whereby each ordinary share of 10 pence was subdivided into one new ordinary share of 1 pence and one deferred share of 9 pence. The deferred shares have no rights to voting, dividends or capital distributions. The new ordinary shares have the same rights (including voting and dividend rights) as the previously issued ordinary shares.

In addition, at the Company's general meeting on 1 March 2010, the shareholders also approved the necessary resolutions to grant conversion rights to the loan notes, which are now convertible to ordinary shares at a conversion price of 9 pence per share.

On 30 March 2010, the Group completed a placing of 80,000,000 ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a placing price of 7.5 pence per share to raise GBP6.0 million before expenses. The placing provided additional working capital for the Group to repay the Group's GBP3.8 million bank loan and pay the deal fees in respect of the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited and its subsidiaries, which completed on 20 April 2010 and, as described above, was funded in part by the issue of ordinary shares to the vendors.

In addition, as noted in "Acquisitions" above, to the date of this report the Group has made two further issues of Praesepe shares to fund AGC acquisitions being; (i) 13,333,333 ordinary shares at a price of 7.5 pence per share on 20 September 2010; and (ii) subsequent to the end of the financial period, 28,535,981 ordinary shares a price of 8.06 pence per share on 31 January 2011.

Consequently, the issued ordinary share capital of Praesepe at the date of these financial statements is 405.3 million ordinary shares of 1 pence each.

Dividends

No interim or final dividend has been paid or proposed (2009: GBPnil). The Directors continue to believe that the main focus of the Company should be on delivering capital growth for shareholders, in line with its stated strategy. However, the dividend policy of the Company continues to be regularly reviewed.

Financial Risk

The Group's activities necessarily expose it to a variety of financial risks. The most important components of financial risk impacting the Group are interest rate risk and liquidity risk. These are discussed in turn below. The Group is not subject to significant credit risk due to the nature of the Group's business, which is cash based. The Group has no exposure to either foreign currency risk, as currently all its activities are based in the UK.

Interest rate risk

The Group's trading income and operating cash flows are independent of any changes or movements in interest rates. The Group's exposure to interest rate risk is limited as it arises primarily from its bank borrowings, on which the interest charged is linked closely to LIBOR and is substantially hedged though a fixed interest rate swap which was acquired as a part of the Beacon acquisition and then renegotiated so that the profile of the swap matched that of the bank debt. The Group regularly reviews its interest rate exposure on its variable rate borrowings in order to identify its potential exposure to changes in UK interest rates.

Surplus cash balances are placed so as to maximise interest earned whilst maintaining the liquidity requirements of the business. The Directors regularly review the placing of cash balances. Any surplus cash balances during the year were placed on short-term interest bearing accounts at standard bank floating interest rates.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that cash may not be available to pay obligations when they fall due. Cash forecasts identifying the liquidity requirements of the Group are produced and reviewed regularly to ensure the Group has sufficient financial resources.

Cash Flow & Re-investment

The Group's operating activities delivered a cash inflow from operations of GBP0.1 million in the period compared with a cash inflow from operating activities of GBP0.1 million in the prior period. The Group raised GBP6.6 million in cash (net of expenses) from two equity placings during the period and acquired net cash of GBP5.3 million on purchase of businesses. The Group re-invested GBP1.1 million to fund its capital expenditure programme, primarily on property refurbishment and the replacement/upgrading of a number of gaming machines, repaid GBP3.8 million of bank debt and paid GBP1.7 million in interest during the period.

Prior year change in the period end accounts reporting period

As noted in the Group's prior year accounts, during 2009 the Group changed its period end accounts reporting period from the basis of 12 monthly accounting periods to that of thirteen, four weekly accounting periods ending on the last Sunday in December each year. This accounts reporting approach is in line with many other businesses operating in the retail and entertainment sector. As a result, the year end accounting period for 2009 ended on 27 December 2009. As 2009 represented the first year of this change in accounts reporting period, the reported results for 2009 covered the period from 1 January 2009 to 27 December 2009. The 2010 financial accounts are for the 52 week period ended 26 December 2010.

Going Concern

The Directors have prepared these financial statements on a going concern basis consistent with their view, formed after reviewing the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts, after making appropriate enquiries, and after taking into account the offer from MMP, that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation for at least the next twelve months. This is discussed further in note 1.a to the financial information below.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Annual report and accounts

Consolidated income statement

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

 
                                                        52 weeks        Period 
                                                           ended         ended 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                             Notes       GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                       1,2        38,091        11,883 
 Cost of sales                                          (18,488)       (5,551) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                                             19,603         6,332 
 Administrative expenses                                (16,818)       (6,612) 
 Impairment losses                               9       (8,124)             - 
 Exceptional expenses                            3       (3,039)         (566) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                                2,4       (8,378)         (846) 
 Finance revenue                                 6             3             3 
 Finance costs                                   6       (2,641)         (547) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Loss before tax                                        (11,016)       (1,390) 
 Taxation credit/(charge)                        7           208          (47) 
 Loss for the period attributable to 
  equity holders                                        (10,808)       (1,437) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss per share 
 Basic and diluted loss per share                8        (3.3)p        (0.7)p 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 

All the Group's activities derive from continuing operations.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

 
                                              52 weeks        Period 
                                                 ended         ended 
                                           26 December   27 December 
                                                  2010          2009 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Loss for the period attributable 
  to equity holders                           (10,808)       (1,437) 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Cash flow hedge                                  (12)             - 
 Tax on cash flow hedge                              4             - 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Other comprehensive income for the 
  period, net of tax                               (8)             - 
 Total comprehensive income for the 
  period attributable to equity holders       (10,816)       (1,437) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 26 December 2010

 
 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                             Notes       GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                        9        61,210        31,035 
 Other intangible assets                        10         1,648           887 
 Premiums on operating leases                   11           563           381 
 Property, plant and equipment                  12        15,606         8,905 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                          79,027        41,208 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                    13           427            89 
 Prepayments and accrued income                 14         2,395         1,608 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      15         7,542         3,588 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                          10,364         5,285 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total assets                                             89,391        46,493 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                       16       (8,188)       (2,986) 
 Corporation tax liabilities                                (22)         (306) 
 Other taxation liabilities                              (1,271)         (583) 
 Loans, borrowings and derivative 
  financial liabilities                         17       (5,718)       (4,545) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                        (15,199)       (8,420) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loans, borrowings and derivative 
  financial liabilities                         17      (43,544)       (7,982) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                       18         (301)         (705) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                        (43,845)       (8,687) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total liabilities                                      (59,044)      (17,107) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total net assets                                         30,347        29,386 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                  20        23,578        22,011 
 Share premium                                            18,724        12,984 
 Merger reserve                                            4,116             - 
 Other reserves                                 21           635           168 
 Retained losses                                        (16,706)       (5,777) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total equity attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent                                   30,347        29,386 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Company registered number - 05745526

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

 
 
                    Share     Share    Merger      Other   Retained 
                  capital   Premium   Reserve   Reserves     Losses      Total 
                  GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 At 31 December 
  2008             16,911    13,297         -         52    (4,340)     25,920 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  loss for the 
  period                -         -         -          -    (1,437)    (1,437) 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners: 
 Share Issue on 
 2 March 2009 
 Cost relating 
 to shares 
 issued 
 Share-based        5,100         -         -          -          -      5,100 
 payments               -     (313)         -          -          -      (313) 
 charge                 -         -         -        116          -        116 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with owners       5,100     (313)         -        116          -      4,903 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 At 27 December 
  2009             22,011    12,984         -        168    (5,777)     29,386 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Loss for the 
  period                -         -         -          -   (10,808)   (10,808) 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 losses: 
 Cash flow 
  hedge                 -         -         -       (12)          -       (12) 
 Tax on cash 
  flow hedge            -         -         -          4          -          4 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  loss for the 
  period                -         -         -        (8)   (10,808)   (10,816) 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners: 
 Share issue on 
  30 March 
  2010                800     5,200         -          -          -      6,000 
 Share issue on 
  20 April 
  2010                634         -     4,116          -          -      4,750 
 Share issue on 
  20 September 
  2010                133       867         -          -          -      1,000 
 Cost relating 
  to shares 
  issued                -     (327)         -          -      (121)      (448) 
 Share-based 
  payments 
  charge                -         -         -         70          -         70 
 Convertible 
  loan note 
  equity 
  component             -         -         -        385          -        385 
 Tax on equity 
  component on 
  convertible 
  loan note             -         -         -      (111)          -      (111) 
 Ordinary 
  shares to be 
  issued                -         -         -        131          -        131 
 Transactions 
  with owners       1,567     5,740     4,116        475      (121)     11,777 
 At 26 December 
  2010             23,578    18,724     4,116        635   (16,706)     30,347 
---------------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Details of the other reserves are provided in note 21.Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

 
 
                                                 52 weeks ended   Period ended 
                                                    26 December    27 December 
                                                           2010           2009 
                                                        GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Operating activities 
 Operating loss                                         (8,378)          (846) 
 Adjustments to reconcile operating loss for 
  the period to net cash flow from operating 
  activities: 
 Depreciation and amortisation                            2,962          1,231 
 Impairment losses                                        8,124              - 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                  18              1 
 Increase in inventories                                   (62)           (12) 
 Decrease in other receivables, prepayments 
  and accrued income                                      1,485            101 
 Decrease in trade and other payables                   (3,853)           (39) 
 Taxation paid                                            (305)          (480) 
 Share-based payment charges                                 70            116 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from operating activities                    61             72 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of businesses net of cash acquired 
  (note 9)                                                5,336        (8,631) 
 Purchase of plant, property and equipment              (1,052)          (695) 
 Purchase premiums on operating leases                        -           (14) 
 Purchase of intangible assets                             (54)           (22) 
 Interest received                                            3              3 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from investing activities                 4,233        (9,359) 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Fees associated with loan facilities (note 
  17)                                                   (1,403)              - 
 Repayments of borrowings                               (3,750)          (352) 
 Repayments of finance lease liabilities                      -           (53) 
 Proceeds from share issues                               6,551          4,787 
 Proceeds from issue of unsecured convertible 
  loan notes                                                  -          6,500 
 Interest paid                                          (1,738)          (341) 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from financing activities                 (340)         10,541 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                3,954          1,254 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
  period                                                  3,588          2,334 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period               7,542          3,588 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

General Information

The financial information set out in this preliminary announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, but is derived from the 2010 consolidated financial statements.

The financial information contained in this report and in the Company's 2010 financial statements has been audited. The 2010 financial statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

The audit report on the financial statements was not qualified but it has been modified to include an emphasis of matter disclosure in respect of going concern. The audit report on the financial statements did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006. The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 comprise the consolidated financial information of Praesepe plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The accounting policies and supporting notes to the financial statements are included in the audited financial statements of the Company.

The comparative financial information for the period ended 27 December 2009 is derived from the financial statements for the period ended 27 December 2009. The financial statements for the period ended 27 December 2009 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on the 2009 financial statements and their report was unqualified and unmodified.

1. Accounting Policies

The financial information comprises the audited consolidated financial statements of Praesepe plc (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. Praesepe plc is an AIM-listed company incorporated and domiciled in England. The address of its registered office and principal place of business is Seebeck House, 1A Seebeck Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8FR.

During 2009, the Company changed its reporting periods from monthly to 13 accounting periods of four weeks each, with the last reporting period of each financial year ending on the last Sunday in December. Accordingly, these financial statements cover the period from 28 December 2009 to 26 December 2010, however as 2009 was the first year of this change in accounts reporting period, the comparative results for 2009 cover the period 1 January 2009 to 27 December 2009.

a) Basis of preparation

Group

The consolidated financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 have been prepared on a going concern basis, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union (IFRS), and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that remain applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the valuation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results seldom equal these estimates. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are set out below in note 1.u. The accounting policies have been consistently applied to both of the periods presented in these financial statements.

Going Concern

The Directors have adopted the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements on the basis that MMP will invest GBP3.0 million into the Company following the offer, as detailed in note 26, for Praesepe being declared unconditional on or before 17 June 2011. This will provide Praesepe with the capital required to meet its bank debt repayment schedule, which was revised as detailed in note 26, and funds for additional working capital.

Based on the terms of the offer and the level of irrevocable acceptances already received by MMP, the directors are of the opinion that the MMP offer will be declared unconditional before 17 June 2011.

Accordingly, the financial statements are presented on the going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

a) Basis of preparation (continued)

i) Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the companies controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to the last Sunday in December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Results of subsidiary undertakings acquired during the period are consolidated from the date on which control passes. The trading results of companies acquired during the period are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

ii) Business combinations

At the date of acquisition, the identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred.

At the reporting date, where management's assessment and accounting of the business combination is in the process of being finalised, the carrying amount of the assets, liabilities and goodwill are stated as provisional. The provisional amounts will be finalised within 12 months from the date of acquisition, with appropriate adjustments made to the assets, liabilities and goodwill as prior year adjustments where necessary.

The fair value of contingent consideration is determined through management's best estimate of the weighted probabilities attached to the potential outcomes, discounted to their net present value.

In circumstances where the acquisition consideration is settled through the issue of shares merger relief is applied in the acquiring company, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. The investment is carried at fair value in the acquiring company's accounts and, where appropriate, a merger reserve is created in respect of the difference between the fair value of the consideration shares and their nominal value in both the acquiring company and on consolidation.

b) Revenue recognition

Revenue primarily represents receipts from gaming machines, excluding value added tax, and from bingo operations. Revenue is generated wholly within the United Kingdom. Machine revenue represents machine cash receipts, net of machine payouts. Bingo revenue is stated after the deduction of cash prizes. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the interest rate applicable.

c) Exceptional items

Items that are material in size and non-recurring in nature are presented as operating exceptional items in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income within operating profit. The Directors are of the opinion that the separate recording of the operating exceptional items provides helpful information about the Group's underlying business performance. Examples of events which may give rise to the classification of items as exceptional include redundancy costs arising from reorganisations and expenses that are directly attributable to a potential business combination. As noted below IFRS 3 (revised), applicable to the Group from 28 December 2009, now requires costs relating to acquisitions to be expensed in the statement of comprehensive income when incurred. As stated above these costs are presented in exceptional items. In previous periods, those costs relating directly to acquisitions which completed could be capitalised on the balance sheet as acquisition costs (in goodwill).

d) Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and businesses, representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration given over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, is capitalised as an intangible asset. The carrying value of goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually by reference to the relevant cash-generating unit (CGU) and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and is not subsequently reversed.

e) Other intangible assets Intangible assets purchased separately are capitalised at cost and amortised on a straight line basis over their useful economic lives. Intangible assets acquired through a business combination are capitalised separately from goodwill at their fair values on initial recognition. After initial recognition assets acquired as part of a business combination are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. Methods of amortisation, residual value and useful lives are reviewed and if necessary adjusted at each reporting date. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment either individually or at the CGU level.

All intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortised on a straight line basis over their expected lives of 10 years.

f) Premiums on operating leases

Premiums on operating leases relating to business acquisitions are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease to which they relate. Lease terms range between 5 and 20 years.

g) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset and includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment, on a straight line basis over its expected useful life as follows:

-- Freehold properties 2% per annum

-- Short leasehold property over the term of the lease

-- Plant and equipment between 5% and 50% per annum

-- Fixtures and fittings between 25% and 33% per annum

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable and are written down immediately to their recoverable amount. Useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually and where adjustments are required these are made prospectively.

An item of property, plant and equipment is de-recognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on the de-recognition of the asset is included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period of de-recognition.

h) Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. Any impairment is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as appropriate.

i) De-recognition of financial assets and liabilities

A financial asset or liability is generally de-recognised when the contract that gives rise to it is settled, sold, cancelled or expires.

j) Inventories

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

k) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits. For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

l) Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables and interest bearing loans and borrowings. On initial recognition, financial liabilities are measured at fair value net of transaction costs. Transaction costs are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under finance costs using the effective interest rate.

m) Derivative financial instruments and hedging activity

As a result of the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited on 20 April 2010, the Group acquired an interest rate swap to partially hedge the variable rate borrowings acquired. Derivatives are recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into or acquired and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designed as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Group has designated its interest rate swap hedging variable rate borrowings as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly the effective portion of change in the fair value of the interest rate swap is recognised in other comprehensive income. Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods in which the hedged variable rate borrowings affect profit or loss. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised when incurred in the income statement within "finance revenue/cost".

n) Interest payable

Interest payable is charged as it accrues using the effective interest rate basis.

o) Income taxes Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the period end date.

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exception:

-- Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.

o) Income taxes (continued)

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the period end date. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date.

Income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise income tax is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

p) Pensions

The Group operates a defined contribution scheme for certain employees. The costs of the pension funding borne by the Group are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as an expense as they fall due.

q) Leases

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases and rentals payable are charged in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the lease term. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are charged in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Leases that transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased item or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease terms.

At 26 December 2010, the Group had finance lease liabilities of GBP163,000 (2009: GBPnil). Given the immaterial nature of this balance

the Board do not consider it material to provide separate finance lease disclosure. The finance lease liability is included in trade and other payables and the associated interest is included in interest payable on loans and overdrafts.

r) Share-based payments and management incentive scheme

The Group reflects the economic cost of awarding shares and share options to employees by recording an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income equal to the fair value of the benefit awarded, fair value being determined by reference to the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The expense is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period of the award.

The Group has three types of share-based payment plans in place:

-- Management Participation Shares;

-- Marwyn Participation Option; and

-- Employee Incentive Schemes.

Management participation shares

As the success of Praesepe depends to a high degree on the future performance of the management team, incentive arrangements have been established which will only reward the participants if shareholder value is created.

Certain key Executives subscribed for Management Participation Shares in Praesepe (UK) Limited on 25 June 2008. If these shares satisfy a number of stringent conditions, they can be sold to Praesepe plc for an aggregate value equivalent to 13% of the increase in "shareholder value". Shareholder value, for this purpose, is broadly defined as the uplift in the equity value at a future date over the equity value at the time of the first acquisition.

Praesepe plc can purchase the Management Participation Shares either for cash or for the issue of new ordinary shares at its discretion. Participation Shares may only be sold on this basis if both the Growth and Vesting conditions (as described below) have been satisfied.

Growth condition

The Growth condition is that the compound annual growth of the Company's share price must be at least 12.5% per annum. The growth calculation takes into account the price at which equity issues subsequent to the first acquisition are made, any dividends paid on the ordinary shares and any capital returned to shareholders. The Growth condition will be measured between three and five years after the first acquisition and, if earlier, on a sale or change of control of Praesepe.

Vesting condition

The Management Participation Shares are subject to a vesting period of between three and five years from the date of the first acquisition or on a sale or change of control of Praesepe if earlier. If the Growth condition has not been met by the end of the vesting period, these shares must be sold to Praesepe for a nominal amount.

r) Share-based payments and management incentive scheme (continued)

During the vesting period the participant may not sell any Management Participation Shares unless he leaves employment. In this case, the participant must sell all the Management Participation Shares to Praesepe, or an individual nominated by Praesepe, for a nominal amount unless he is a "good leaver".

A good leaver will be someone who leaves employment because of injury, disability or death or who is designated by the Remuneration Committee as a good leaver.

Marwyn participation option

On 25 June 2008 Praesepe entered into an option agreement with Marwyn Management Partners LP (Marwyn) to align the interests of Marwyn with those of the shareholders.

Subject to the provisions described below, the Marwyn Participation Option may be exercised to subscribe for a number of the ordinary shares at an exercise price equal to the 1 pence nominal value per ordinary share.

The number of ordinary shares that may be subscribed for is such number that will give Marwyn a gain (calculated after deducting the exercise price) equivalent to 10% of the increase in shareholder value, as described for the Management Participation Shares above.

The Marwyn Participation Option may only be exercised on this basis if both the Growth and Vesting conditions attached to the Management Participation Shares (as described above) have been satisfied. If the Growth condition has not been met by the end of the vesting period, the Marwyn Participation Option will lapse for no consideration.

Employee incentive schemes

(i) EMI Praesepe has established an approved and an unapproved EMI Share Option Scheme which allow the grant of share options to employees. Option grants are made at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.

The aggregate number of shares under option which may be granted under the EMI Scheme is limited to a maximum 5% of the issued share capital of Praesepe from time to time.

There are no performance conditions attached to these options, however they can only be exercised between three and seven years from the date of grant.

(ii) SAYE

The Company has introduced a save-as-you-earn staff incentive scheme, the key terms of which are as follows:

-- The monthly saving amount for each member of staff is subject to a minimum amount of GBP10 and a maximum amount of GBP250;

-- The minimum term of the scheme is 3 years and the maximum term is 5 years; and

-- The exercise price is 80% of the market value of Praesepe plc shares at the date of grant.

Further details of these share option schemes are set out in note 24.

s) New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted in the period

The Group has adopted the following new standards and interpretations for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010:

-- IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment" (amendment) - the standard has been amended to clarify the accounting for Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions. This amendment also supersedes IFRIC 8 and IFRIC 11. The early adoption of this amendment did not have any impact on the financial position or performance of the Group.

-- IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" (revised) and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements" (amended) -these standards introduce significant changes in the accounting for business combinations completed in the period. Changes affect the valuation of non-controlling interest, the accounting for transaction costs, the initial recognition and subsequent measurement of contingent consideration and business combinations achieved in stages. These changes have decreased the amount of goodwill recognised, and reduced the reported results, in the period by GBP1,904,000 and increased the loss per share by 0.6 pence, as set out in note 3.

-- IAS 27 (amended) requires that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary (without loss of control) is accounted for as a transaction with owners in their capacity as owners. Therefore, such transactions will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor will they give rise to gains or losses. Furthermore, the amended standard changes the accounting for losses incurred by the subsidiary as well as the loss of control of a subsidiary. The revisions will affect future acquisitions or loss of control

of subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests. The revisions have been applied prospectively and had no impact during the period.

-- IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement - Eligible Hedged Items" - the amendment addresses the designation of a one-sided risk in a hedged item, and the designation of inflation as a hedged risk in particular situations. The amendment had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Group.

s) New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted in the period (continued)

-- IFRIC 17 "Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners" - the interpretation provides guidance on accounting for arrangements whereby an entity distributes non-cash assets to shareholders either as a distribution of reserves or as dividends. The interpretation had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Group.

-- IFRIC 18 "Transfers of Assets from Customers" - the interpretation provides guidance on accounting for transfers of assets received from customers. The interpretation had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Group.

-- Improvements to IFRSs (issued April 2009) - The amendments to standards was issued, primarily with a view to removing inconsistencies and clarifying wording. The early adoption of the amendments had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Group.

The Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

t) Future development

The new standards and amendments to existing standards that have been published but are not yet mandatory for the Group to adopt are presented below:

-- IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (Revised) was issued in November 2009. The Group is required to adopt this standard for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2011. IAS 24R simplifies the identification of related party relationships, particularly in relation to significant influence and joint control. These changes must be applied retrospectively with earlier application being permitted, with disclosure of such fact.

-- IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation - Classification of Rights (Amendment) was issued in October 2009. The Group is required to adopt this standard for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2011. The definition of a financial liability

has been amended to classify rights issues (and certain options or warrants) as equity instruments. This amendment is to be applied retrospectively with early application permitted, with disclosure of such fact.

-- IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments was issued in November 2009. The Group is required to adopt this amendment for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2011. IFRIC 19 clarifies that equity instruments issued to a creditor to extinguish a financial liability qualify as consideration paid. The equity instruments issued are measured at their fair value, unless this cannot be reliably measured, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the liability extinguished. Any gain or loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss. If the amendment results in a change in accounting policy, this is applied retrospectively. Earlier application is permitted and must be disclosed.

-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments was re-issued in October 2010. On EU adoption, the Group will be required to adopt this standard for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2013. The first phase of IFRS 9 addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets. The key requirements of IFRS 9 are that at initial recognition, all financial assets are measured at fair value with different requirements for subsequent measurement for debt and equity instruments.

-- Improvements to IFRS (May 2010), effective 1 July 2010/1 January 2011.

The Group has decided not to early adopt the above standards.

There are no other IFRSs or IFRICs in issue but not yet effective that are expected to have a significant impact for the Group.

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these new or amended standards in future periods will not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

u) Critical accounting estimates and judgements Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Impairment of goodwill and other non-current assets

The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. Other non-current assets are tested for impairment if there are indicators of impairment. Impairment testing requires an estimate of future cash flows and the choice of a suitable discount rate. These calculations require the use of estimates which are inherently judgemental and susceptible to change because they require the Group to make assumptions about future supply and demand, economic and market conditions. Further details of the assumptions and estimates adopted for impairment testing purposes are disclosed in note 9.

Fair value of consideration shares and net assets acquired Management's estimate of the fair value of the consideration shares and net assets acquired, and the basis and assumptions applied therein, are set out in note 9.

u) Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

Fair value of derivative financial liabilities Management's estimate of the fair value of the interest rate swap and convertible loans, and the basis and assumptions applied therein, are set out in note 19.

Business combinations

The Group has incurred expenses in respect of potential business combinations which are under review. Historically, these costs were carried on the consolidated statement of financial position in current assets, where the Board considered that completion of the business combination was highly probable. If those potential business combinations were no longer deemed highly probable by the Board, those costs were written off to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as an exceptional cost.

Effective from 28 December 2009, all costs incurred in respect of business combinations have been written off to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as incurred, or capitalised as part of the cost of raising debt or equity.

Share-based payments

The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. Estimating the fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. It also requires a determination of the most appropriate inputs to the model selected. Further details are outlined in note 24.

2. Segmental information

Management have determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board that are used for strategic decisions. The Board assesses the performance of its operating segments using earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) which is also adjusted to exclude impairment losses, exceptional expenditure and share-based payment charges.

The Group operates solely within one geographical segment being the United Kingdom.

During 2009 and at the start of 2010, the Board reviewed one operating segment, being that of the low stake high volume High Street gaming sector which includes AGCs and FECs. These cash-based gaming centres are operated and managed together, with the Board assessing the Group's financial position and progression based on the financial reports of these gaming centres as a whole.

However, the acquisition on 20 April 2010 of Beacon Entertainments Limited and its subsidiaries, which operate 26 AGCs and 6 Bingo clubs, has introduced a new operating segment into the Group from that date, relating to their Bingo club activities. These Bingo clubs are operated and managed together, with the Board assessing the Bingo division's financial position and trading progression based on the financial reports of these Bingo clubs as a whole.

As a result, from 20 April 2010 the Group reports through two operating segments, being High Street gaming centres and Bingo clubs as analysed further below.

Due to the nature of the Group's operations there are considered to be no major customers of the Group.

 
                                                  52 weeks ended 26 December 
                                                             2010 
                                               ------------------------------- 
                                                     High 
                                                   Street 
                                                   Gaming      Bingo 
                                                  centres      clubs     Total 
                                                  GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 Revenue                                           24,476     13,615    38,091 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Segment EBITDA *                                   4,781      2,324     7,105 
 Group overheads                                                       (1,288) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 Group EBITDA *                                                          5,817 
 Impairment losses (relating solely to High 
  Street Gaming centres) (Note 9)                 (8,124)          -   (8,124) 
 Exceptional items                                                     (3,039) 
 Share-based payments charge                                              (70) 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                         (2,962) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 Operating loss                                                        (8,378) 
---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 * Stated before impairment losses, exceptional costs and share-based 
  payment charges 
  2. Segmental information (continued) 
 
 
                                    Period ended 27 December 
                                              2009 
                                 ----------------------------- 
                                      High 
                                    Street 
                                    Gaming    Bingo 
                                   centres    clubs      Total 
                                   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                            11,883         -    11,883 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 Segment EBITDA *                    2,234         -     2,234 
 Group overheads                                       (1,167) 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 Group EBITDA *                                          1,067 
 Exceptional items                                       (566) 
 Share-based payments charge                             (116) 
 Depreciation and amortisation                         (1,231) 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 Operating loss                                          (846) 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 

* Stated before exceptional costs and share-based payment charges

The Group operates and manages its current assets, non-current assets and liabilities on a centralised basis from its head office in Milton Keynes. Accordingly, these assets and liabilities cannot be allocated to specific segments, and therefore depreciation, amortisation and interest income or expenditure also cannot be allocated to an operating segment. As a result, no further financial disclosure on assets and liabilities is deemed to be necessary for segmental reporting purposes as the relevant information is presented in the consolidated statement of financial position and related notes.

3. Exceptional expenses

 
                                                 52 weeks ended   Period ended 
                                                    26 December    27 December 
                                                           2010           2009 
                                                        GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Costs relating to aborted and ongoing 
  potential business combinations and 
  associated activities                                     756            134 
 Costs relating to successful business 
 combinations                                             1,904              - 
 Costs relating to closed premises                          162            163 
 Redundancies arising from reorganisations                  217            269 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
                                                          3,039            566 
----------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Costs relating to acquisitions, irrespective of whether the acquisition is successfully completed or not, are charged to exceptional expenses when incurred unless they are directly attributable to the issue of debt or equity. As can be seen above, the impact on the loss for the period due to the change in IFRS 3 (Revised) is GBP1.9 million and consequently has increased the loss per share by 0.6 pence.

4. Operating loss

The following items have been charged/(credited) in arriving at the operating loss:

 
                                           52 weeks ended         Period ended 
                                              26 December          27 December 
                                                     2010                 2009 
                                                  GBP'000              GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---------------------  ------------------- 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                     2,751                1,091 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                    161                   67 
 Amortisation of operating lease 
  premiums                                             50                   73 
 Loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                (18)                  (1) 
 Operating lease payments                           4,118                1,329 
 Cost of inventories recognised as 
  an expense during the period                         62                  184 
 Auditors' remuneration: 
 - audit of the Company financial 
  statements                                           55                   52 
 - audit of the subsidiary 
  companies' financial statements                      70                   39 
 Corporate finance services: 
 - current auditors                                   156                   29 
 Other services pursuant to 
 legislation: 
 - current auditors                                    72                   34 
----------------------------------  ---------------------  ------------------- 
 

Further auditors' remuneration relating to current auditors of GBP390,000 (2009: GBP489,000) relating to corporate finance services has been capitalised as part of the acquisition costs on prior year business combinations or the cost of raising finance.

5. Staff costs and Directors' emoluments

Staff costs

 
                                                   52 weeks        Period 
                                                      ended         ended 
                                                26 December   27 December 
                                                       2010          2009 
                                                    GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Staff costs (including Executive Directors) 
 Wages and salaries                                  10,285         3,912 
 Social security costs                                  774           323 
 Pension costs                                          142           102 
 Other staff costs                                      163            48 
 Expense of share-based payments                         70           116 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                     11,434         4,501 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The expense of share-based payments has arisen from the approved EMI share option scheme, the unapproved EMI share option scheme and the SAYE share option scheme. Further details of these share option schemes are given in note 24.

The monthly average number of employees including Directors during the period was operational staff 641 (2009: 244) and administrative staff 46 (2009: 35). There are no pension amounts accruing at 26 December 2010 (2009: GBPnil).

Directors' remuneration

The cash emoluments or fees, and benefits received by the Directors for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 and the period ended 27 December 2009 are set out below.

 
 52 weeks ended 
 26 December 
 2010 
                          Base                              Pension 
                   salary/fees      Bonus   Benefits   contribution      Total 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 Executive 
 Directors: 
 Nicholas 
  Harding                  257        100         16             39        412 
 Matthew 
  Proctor                  155        100          9             23        287 
 Non-executive 
 Directors: 
 David Williams             40          -          -              -         40 
 Mark Watts *               25          -          -              -         25 
 Ben Shaw *                 25          -          -              -         25 
 Blair Sinton               40         50          -              -         90 
 Brian 
  Mattingley                26          -          -              -         26 
 Simon Thomas               15          -          -              -         15 
                           583        250         25             62        920 
---------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 

* Note - Amount paid to third party for the service of the Director

5. Staff costs and Directors' emoluments (continued)

 
 Period ended 
 27 December 
 2009 
                          Base                              Pension 
                   salary/fees      Bonus   Benefits   contribution      Total 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 Executive 
 Directors: 
 Nicholas 
  Harding                  250          -         16             38        304 
 Matthew 
  Proctor                  150          -          9             22        181 
 Non-executive 
 Directors: 
 David Williams 
  *                         40          -          -              -         40 
 Mark Watts *               25          -          -              -         25 
 Ben Shaw *                 25          -          -              -         25 
 Blair Sinton               40          -          -              -         40 
                           530          -         25             60        615 
---------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  --------- 
 

* Note - Amount paid to third party for the service of the Director

Directors' interest in Ordinary shares

The notified interests of the Executive and Non-executive Directors in the issued share capital of Praesepe plc are as follows:

 
                                    Number     Number 
                                        of         of 
                                  Ordinary   Ordinary 
                                    shares     shares 
                                      held       held 
                                     under      under 
                      Number of        the        the 
                       Ordinary   approved   approved 
                    shares held        EMI        EMI 
                      under the      share      share    Number of    Number of 
                     SAYE share     option     option     Ordinary     Ordinary 
                  option scheme     scheme     scheme    shares as     share as 
                  (5 year term)   as at 26   as at 27        at 26        at 27 
                       as at 26   December   December     December     December 
                  December 2010       2010       2009         2010         2009 
                         Number     Number     Number       Number       Number 
---------------  --------------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ----------- 
 Executive 
 Directors: 
 Nicholas 
  Harding               280,909    141,023    141,023   1,314,090*   1,179,090* 
 Matthew 
  Proctor               280,909          -          -      405,000      270,000 
 Non-executive 
  Directors: 
 David Williams               -          -          -      655,723            - 
 Mark Watts                   -          -          -            -            - 
 Ben Shaw                     -          -          -            -            - 
 Blair Sinton                 -          -          -       62,000            - 
 Brian                        -          -          -    4,000,000            - 
  Mattingley 
 Simon Thomas                 -          -          -    1,500,000            - 
 

*N Harding's beneficial interest in the share capital of the Company is largely held, together with that of certain of his relatives, through a trust in the name of SG Hambros Trust Company (Channel Islands) Limited.

The Executive Directors, N Harding and M Proctor also hold 2,796 and 1,434 A ordinary shares respectively in Praesepe (UK) Limited under the terms of the Management Participation Shares incentive scheme, details of which are provided in note 24 to these accounts.

The Executive and Non-executive Directors are related parties and further disclosures regarding transactions with certain of the Directors are set out in note 22 to these accounts.

6. Net finance (cost)/revenue

 
                                                        52 weeks        Period 
                                                           ended         ended 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Interest receivable on bank deposits                          3             3 
 Interest payable on loans and overdrafts                (2,214)         (547) 
 Fair value loss on interest rate swap: Cash flow 
 hedge transfer from hedging reserve (note 21)             (427)             - 
                                                         (2,638)         (544) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

7. Taxation credit/(charge)

 
                                                        52 weeks        Period 
                                                           ended         ended 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Tax credited/(charged) in the consolidated 
 statement of comprehensive income 
 Current income tax                                            -           (7) 
 Movement in deferred taxation                               208          (40) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                             208          (47) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The current tax assessed on the loss before tax for the period is not the same as the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 28% (2009: 28%). The differences are reconciled below:

 
                                                       52 weeks 
                                                          ended   Period ended 
                                                    26 December    27 December 
                                                           2010           2009 
                                                        GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Loss on ordinary activities before taxation           (11,016)        (1,390) 
 Theoretical tax credit at United Kingdom 
  corporation tax rate of 28% (2009: 28%)                 3,084            389 
 Effects of: 
 - exceptional expenditure that is not tax 
 deductible (impairment losses)                         (2,274)              - 
 - other expenditure that is not tax deductible           (770)          (436) 
 - adjustment in respect of corporation tax rate 
 change                                                      17              - 
 - adjustment relating to previous period                   151              - 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                            208           (47) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

Factors that may affect future tax charges

A potential deferred tax asset of GBP1,352,000 (2009: GBP1,066,000) has not been recognised as future recovery is uncertain. The deferred tax asset not recognised is made up of GBP3,580,000 (2009: GBP3,428,000) of losses carried forward indefinitely, temporary differences of GBP920,000 (2009: GBPnil) and capital allowances in excess of depreciation of GBP508,000 (2009: GBP381,000), calculated at 27% (2009: 28%).

It was announced in the Budget on 23 March 2011 that the UK corporation tax rate will be reduced from 28% to 26% from 1 April 2011, and by a further 1% per annum thereafter until 1 April 2014 when the corporation tax rate will be 23%. The proposed rate reductions will reduce the amount of future cash tax payments to be made by the Group. Overall the reduction in the corporation tax rate from 28% to 23% is not expected to significantly affect the Group's net deferred tax liability, nor its unrecognised deferred tax asset.

The Budget also proposed that from 1 April 2012, the rate of capital allowances applicable to plant and machinery expenditure will be reduced from 20% to 18% on a reducing balancing basis. The rate of capital allowances applicable to long-term assets will be reduced from 10% to 8% on a reducing balancing basis. Once enacted, these changes to capital allowance rates will reduce the rate that tax relief is given to qualifying capital expenditure, which will advance cash tax payments. This will be offset by the proposed reductions to the rate of corporation tax.

8. Loss per share

 
                               52 weeks 
                                  ended   Period ended 
                            26 December    27 December 
                                   2010           2009 
                                GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Numerator 
 Basic/diluted: net loss         10,808          1,437 
-------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 
                                        Number        Number 
--------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Denominator 
 Basic: weighted average shares    326,725,360   211,637,184 
--------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Basic loss per share of 3.3 pence (2009: loss per share of 0.7 pence) is calculated by dividing the net loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

The impact of the share options, Management Participation Shares and Marwyn Participation Option, convertible loan notes and the deferred contingent consideration payable in shares has not been presented as they are anti-dilutive.

Details of the post period end share transactions that would effect the loss per share if they had occurred before the end of the reporting period are provided in note 26.

9. Goodwill

 
                                                 Total 
                                               GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 1 January 2009                              20,161 
 Recognised on acquisition through business 
  combination                                   10,874 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                            31,035 
 Adjustment to acquisition costs                    54 
 Recognised on acquisition through business 
  combination                                   38,245 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                            69,334 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Accumulated impairment losses 
 At 1 January 2009                                   - 
 Impairment losses for the period                    - 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                                 - 
 Impairment losses for the period              (8,124) 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                           (8,124) 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Carrying amount 
 At 26 December 2010                            61,210 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                            31,035 
--------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

During the period ended 27 December 2009 the Group was required to estimate the accruals for a number of the costs on the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings. These accruals have now been finalised resulting in an increase in previously recorded goodwill of GBP54,000.

Business acquisition during the period - Beacon Entertainments Limited and its subsidiaries

On 20 April 2010, Praesepe plc acquired 100% of the voting equity share capital of Beacon Entertainments Limited for GBP5,023,000 (excluding fees) payable by a combination of 63,333,334 ordinary shares to the vendors at a price of 7.5 pence per share and GBP272,500 in cash. The premium at which the consideration shares were issued has been recognised in the merger reserve not as share premium, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, the vendors may also receive up to 28,500,000 additional ordinary shares which would have a maximum fair value of GBP2.85 million. If the conditions are

9. Goodwill (continued)

not met no additional consideration shares would be issued, so their fair value would be GBPnil. Management have reviewed the conditions attaching to the potential additional ordinary shares which may be issued to the vendors under certain conditions during the period of 10 years from the date of acquisition, and assessed their fair value at GBP131,000, based on management's best estimate of the weighted probabilities attached to the various potential outcomes discounted to their net present value at an appropriate rate. The Group assumed GBP40,000,000 in secured bank debt as a part of that acquisition. Goodwill arising on acquisition amounted to GBP37.8 million.

The net assets of the business acquired on 20 April 2010, as extracted from the acquiree's accounting records, and the provisional fair value adjustments ascribed thereto based on management's review to date, are set out below.

 
                                                     Provisional   Provisional 
                                                                   fair values 
                                              Book    fair value            to 
                                            values   adjustments     the Group 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Other intangible assets (note 10)               -           793           793 
 Property, plant and equipment               8,040         (184)         7,856 
 Operating lease premiums                       80             -            80 
 Inventories                                   276             -           276 
 Prepayments and accrued income              3,302         (700)         2,602 
 Amounts relating to Rank VAT case         (3,476)             -       (3,476) 
 Cash and cash equivalents                   6,669             -         6,669 
 Trade and other payables                  (5,025)         (290)       (5,315) 
 Corporation tax payable                      (26)             -          (26) 
 Bank borrowings                          (40,000)             -      (40,000) 
 Derivative financial instrument: 
  interest rate swap                       (1,350)             -       (1,350) 
 Deferred tax receivable/(payable)             397          (92)           305 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total fair value of net liabilities 
  acquired                                (31,113)         (473)      (31,586) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Goodwill                                                               37,792 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                         6,206 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total consideration comprises: 
 Issue of ordinary shares (note 20)                                      4,750 
 Cash                                                                      273 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Sub Total                                                               5,023 
 Payment of vendor deal costs                                            1,052 
 Deferred consideration                                                    131 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total consideration                                                     6,206 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------ 
 

During the period, the net cash inflow arising from this business combination was GBP6,396,500 which comprised cash and cash equivalents acquired of GBP6,669,000 less the cash consideration paid of GBP272,500. Included in cash acquired of GBP6,669,000 was GBP3,476,000 held in relation to the Rank VAT reclaim case, held for the benefit of previous shareholders (refer to note 25 for further details).

The intangible assets identified on acquisition of GBP793,000 comprise premises licenses of GBP410,000, Beacon trading name of GBP150,000, security systems of GBP99,000, operating licenses of GBP74,000, customer lists of GBP50,000 and internet domains of GBP10,000.

The goodwill arising on acquisition is attributable to the highly regarded operation of the businesses acquired, their prominent high street trading positions, the quality of staff taken on, the Beacon bingo trading name and the long-established trading record and consistent cash generation.

The revenue and operating profit attributed to the venues acquired for the period since acquisition was GBP20.7 million and GBP1.3 million respectively. If the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited had been completed on the first day of the period, the revenue and the operating loss of the Group would have been GBP47.3 million and GBP8.4 million respectively.

Business acquisition during the period - Eight AGC venues from the Noble Organisation

On 20 September 2010, the Group acquired the trade and assets of eight trading AGC venues from various members of the Noble Organisation for a purchase consideration of GBP1,000,000 (excluding fees) payable in cash. The consideration was funded through the issue of 13,333,333 new ordinary shares in Praesepe plc at a price of 7.5 pence per share to Falcombe Holdings Limited, a company connected to the rest of the Noble Organisation by common ownership. Goodwill arising on acquisition amounted to GBP0.5 million and has been allocated to the Cashino CGU.

9. Goodwill (continued)

The net assets of the combined businesses acquired on 20 September 2010, as extracted from the acquiree's accounting records, and the provisional fair value adjustments ascribed thereto based on management's review to date, are set out below.

 
                                                     Provisional   Provisional 
                                                                   fair values 
                                              Book    fair value            to 
                                            values   adjustments     the Group 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
 Other intangible assets (note 10)               -           129           129 
 Property, plant and equipment                 365         (102)           263 
 Premiums on operating leases                  152             -           152 
 Prepayments and accrued income                 63             -            63 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      85             -            85 
 Total fair value of net assets acquired       665            27           692 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
 Goodwill                                                                  453 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                         1,145 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total consideration comprises: 
 Cash                                                                    1,000 
 Additional cash cost to pay for 
  acquired cash and prepaid costs                                          145 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total consideration                                                     1,145 
----------------------------------------  --------  ------------  ------------ 
 

During the period, the net cash outflow arising from this business combination was GBP1,060,000 which comprised cash and cash equivalents acquired of GBP85,000 less the cash consideration paid of GBP1,000,000 and the additional cash costs of GBP145,000.

The intangible assets identified on acquisition of GBP129,000 comprise premises licenses of GBP100,000, computer systems of GBP24,000 and GBP5,000 relating to non-compete agreements.

The goodwill arising on acquisition is attributable to the highly regarded operation of the businesses acquired, their prominent high street trading positions, the quality of staff taken on and the long-established trading record and consistent cash generation.

The revenue and operating profit attributed to the venues acquired for the period since acquisition was GBP332,000 and GBP56,000 respectively. If the acquisition of these businesses had been completed on the first day of the period, the revenue and the operating loss of the Group would have been GBP39.0 million and GBP8.2 million respectively.

Fair value review of intangible assets

Following the completion of the two acquisitions during 2010, management performed a detailed review of the assets acquired for the purposes of identifying the fair value of any acquired intangible assets. This review was performed separately for each acquisition and considered the following types of intangible assets: contract based intangibles (such as supplier contracts and licences, employee contracts and lease agreements); customer related assets (such as customer lists); trademarks, trade names and other marketing related intangibles; non-compete agreements; and technology based intangibles. Management's review of intangible assets and their estimated fair values have been discussed and approved by the Board of Directors.

Impairment review of intangible assets with indefinite lives

As stated in the accounting policies, the Group performs an annual impairment review for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, by comparing the carrying amount of these assets with their recoverable amount. Testing is carried out by allocating the carrying value of these assets to groups of cash-generating units.

The recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units are determined by value in use calculations. Management estimates the discount rate used in these value in use calculations using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the cash-generating units. The Group prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the following periods budget to EBIT for each cash-generating unit. The budgets used have been approved by management and reflect the past performance of the cash-generating unit adjusted for the forecast cost base and revenue growth. The forecast cash flows are then extrapolated by a growth rate, approximating the long term economic growth rate. The impairment review also takes into account the implications of the offer from Marwyn Management Partners plc ("MMP"), which is summarised further in note 26.

The discount rate applied in 2010 to the future cash flows of the cash-generating units was 12.0% (2009: 10.4%). The rate of return assumed by management to be implicit in the terms of MMP's offer to acquire the Company which was received after the reporting date is broadly consistent with the discount rate that was used by management in the annual impairment review. Cash flows beyond the budget period are extrapolated using a 2.0% growth rate (2009: 2.5%).

Prior to the impairment review, the carrying value of the Group's goodwill was GBP69.3 million (2009: GBP31.0 million). As there has been no previous impairments, this reflected the amounts arising from the acquisition of businesses.

For impairment testing, the Group has been separated into three cash-generating units: (i) the Cashino business including those businesses it has acquired direct and those businesses which have been hived up in to the Cashino business; (ii) United Leisure Limited; and (iii) Beacon Entertainments Limited.

9. Goodwill (continued)

As a result of the impairment testing, the Directors have concluded that the carrying values of the Cashino and United Leisure goodwill were impaired at the reporting date as the carrying values of the cash-generating units, to which the goodwill has been allocated, exceeded the recoverable amounts as determined by their value in use. The Cashino and United Leisure goodwill has been written down by GBP4,916,000 and GBP3,208,000 respectively.

The impairment losses have decreased the carrying value of goodwill, and reduced the reported results, in the period by GBP8,124,000 and increased the loss per share by 2.5 pence.

A summary of the carrying value of goodwill, together with the impact of the impairment review, as at 26 December 2010 by cash-generating unit, is as follows:

 
                                                Carrying 
                                                value of 
                                                goodwill 
                    Carrying                    as at 26                Carrying 
                    value of   Acquisitions     December                value of 
                    goodwill            and   2010 prior                goodwill 
                    as at 27    adjustments           to                as at 26 
 Cash-generating    December         in the   impairment   Impairment   December 
 unit                   2009         period       review       losses       2010 
                     GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 Cashino              27,425            507       27,932      (4,916)     23,016 
 Beacon 
  Entertainments           -         37,792       37,792            -     37,792 
 United Leisure        3,610              -        3,610      (3,208)        402 
-----------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
                      31,035         38,299       69,334      (8,124)     61,210 
-----------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------- 
 

The activities of the Cashino and United Leisure cash-generating units reside in the High Street Gaming centre operating segment. The impairment losses recognised against the Cashino and United Leisure cash-generating units have therefore been recorded in the High Street Gaming centre operating segment (note 2).

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding discount rates, growth rates and projected cash flows.

Following the impairment losses booked in the period, the estimated recoverable amounts of the Cashino and United Leisure cash-generating units were in line with their carrying values. As such, any adverse change in these key assumptions would result in further impairment.

The sensitivity to movements in the key assumptions has been given below for illustrative purposes:

a) a fall in projected trading cash flows of 15.5%, or an increase in the discount rate of 5.1% to 17.1% would result in the Beacon cash-generating unit having a nil impairment headroom;

b) a fall in projected trading cash flows of 1% would result in further impairment of the Cashino and United Leisure cash-generating units of GBP895,000 and GBP24,000 respectively; and

c) an increase in the discount rate of 1% would result in further impairment of the Cashino and United Leisure cash-generating units of GBP2,849,000 and GBP55,000 respectively.

10. Other Intangible assets

 
                                     Licences   Trademarks     Other     Total 
                                      GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2009                        485           25        15       525 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations                            318           50        60       428 
 Additions                                  -            -        22        22 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                      803           75        97       975 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations                            510          150       262       922 
 At 26 December 2010                    1,313          225       359     1,897 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 Amortisation 
 At 1 January 2009                         20            -         1        21 
 Charge for the period                     59            3         5        67 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                       79            3         6        88 
 Charge for the period                    114           19        28       161 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                      193           22        34       249 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 26 December 2010                    1,120          203       325     1,648 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                      724           72        91       887 
----------------------------------  ---------  -----------  --------  -------- 
 

Other intangible assets include customer lists, internet domains and security systems.

11. Premiums on operating leases

 
                                             Total 
                                           GBP'000 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 1 January 2009                             440 
 Additions                                      14 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                           454 
 Acquired through business combinations        232 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                           686 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 Amortisation 
 At 1 January 2009                               - 
 Charge for the period                          73 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                            73 
 Charge for the period                          50 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                           123 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 26 December 2010                           563 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                           381 
----------------------------------------  -------- 
 

During 2008 and 2009, Praesepe plc acquired a number of operating leases for AGC sites, which are to be rebranded as Cashino sites and integrated with the trading subsidiaries. Amortisation has been provided over the terms of the leases.

12. Property, plant and equipment

 
                                                    Plant   Fixtures 
                                     Land and         and        and 
                                    buildings   equipment   fittings     Total 
                                      GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2009                      5,877       1,221      1,213     8,311 
 Additions                                103         216        376       695 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations                             86         933        340     1,359 
 Disposals                                  -        (14)          -      (14) 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                    6,066       2,356      1,929    10,351 
 Additions                                278         785        288     1,351 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations (note 9)                 4,817         772      2,530     8,119 
 Disposals                                  -        (20)        (2)      (22) 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                   11,161       3,893      4,745    19,799 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 January 2009                        114          85        169       368 
 Depreciation charge for the 
  period                                  253         481        357     1,091 
 Disposals                                  -        (13)          -      (13) 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                      367         553        526     1,446 
 Depreciation charge for the 
  period                                  395       1,111      1,245     2,751 
 Disposals                                  -         (3)        (1)       (4) 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                      762       1,661      1,770     4,193 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 
 Net book value 
 At 26 December 2010                   10,399       2,232      2,975    15,606 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                    5,699       1,803      1,403     8,905 
---------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 

The Group's bank loan (details of which are set out in note 17) is secured on the Group's freehold property.

Included in the net book value of plant and equipment is GBP250,000 (2009: GBPnil) carrying value of machines purchased in the period on finance leases.

13. Inventories

 
                         As at         As at 
                   26 December   27 December 
                          2010          2009 
                       GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Finished goods            427            89 
----------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

14. Prepayments and accrued income

 
                                                           As at         As at 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Prepayments and accrued income                            1,780           797 
 Other receivables                                           615           342 
 Prepaid costs relating to future business 
  combinations                                                 -           469 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                           2,395         1,608 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Prepayments and accrued income do not contain any impaired assets.

15. Cash and cash equivalents

 
                                   As at         As at 
                             26 December   27 December 
                                    2010          2009 
                                 GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Cash at bank and in hand          7,542         3,588 
--------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Included in cash as at 26 December 2010 is GBP2.9 million received in respect of historical VAT reclaims which are for the benefit of previous shareholders. This cash was subsequently paid over to the previous shareholders during January 2011. Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods dependent on the immediate cash requirements of the Group. The book value of cash and cash equivalents approximates to their fair value.

As at 27 December 2009, there was GBP1.0 million held in escrow at the request of the bank following the United Leisure acquisition. These funds were released from escrow during the period.

16. Trade and other payables

 
 
                                                As at                                      As at 
                                                   26                                         27 
                                             December                                   December 
                                                 2010                                       2009 
                                              GBP'000                                    GBP'000 
----------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 Trade 
  payables                                      2,798                                      2,194 
 Other 
  payables                                      4,329                                        265 
 Accruals 
  and 
  deferred 
  income                                        1,061                                        527 
----------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
                                                8,188                                      2,986 
----------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 

Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and it is the Company's policy to pay within the stated terms or other period as agreed with the supplier. Due to their short maturities, the book value of trade payables approximates to their fair value.

17. Loans, borrowings and derivative financial liabilities

 
                                        Interest      Loan   Pension 
                                 Bank       Rate                fund 
                                 loan       SWAP     notes      loan     Total 
                              GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 As at 1 January 2009           3,674          -         -         -     3,674 
 Issued to fund acquisition         -          -     6,500         -     6,500 
 Interest accrued                 121          -       137         -       258 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations                  2,352          -         -       295     2,647 
 Cost of raising finance 
  acquired through business 
  combinations                  (200)          -         -         -     (200) 
 Repayment of loan during 
  the period                    (352)          -         -         -     (352) 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009            5,595          -     6,637       295    12,527 
 Interest accrued                 238          -       673         -       911 
 Transfer of convertible 
  loan note equity 
  component to reserves             -          -     (385)         -     (385) 
 Acquired through business 
  combinations                 40,000      1,350         -         -    41,350 
 Cost of raising finance 
  acquired through business 
  combinations                (1,403)          -         -         -   (1,403) 
 Unwinding of fair value on 
  interest rate swap                -      (427)         -         -     (427) 
 Fair value loss on 
  interest rate swap during 
  the period                        -        439         -         -       439 
 Repayment of loan during 
  the period                  (3,750)          -         -         -   (3,750) 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010           40,680      1,362     6,925       295    49,262 
---------------------------  --------  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                      As at         As at 
                26 December   27 December 
                       2010          2009 
                    GBP'000       GBP'000 
-------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Current              5,718         4,545 
 Non-current         43,544         7,982 
-------------  ------------  ------------ 
                     49,262        12,527 
-------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The bank debt is secured on the Group's freehold properties and the Group has given cross guarantees in relation to the bank debt. There are amortising capital repayments during the life of the loans, with the repayment of any unamortised amounts due on the maturity dates of the loans, details of which are set out in note 19. The interest charge is linked to LIBOR and is paid every quarter.

17. Loans, borrowings and derivative financial liabilities (continued)

The bank provider of this loan has, under certain circumstances, the right to set-off the cash deposits it holds on behalf of the Group against the loan balance.

In line with usual arrangements in respect of bank debt facilities, the bank loan agreement requires the Group to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants.

The loan notes of GBP6.5 million were issued on 19 October 2009 to provide funding for the acquisition of the trade and assets of 13 trading sites from Case Concepts Limited, its subsidiaries and related businesses.

The loan notes are unsecured and they accrue interest at a rate of 11% per annum (compounding annually), settled through the issuance of additional loan notes. The loan notes have no voting rights, and mature on the later of three years from the date of their issue (the "Issue Date") or 20 business days after Praesepe's senior debt facilities mature under their existing terms or under any terms post refinancing, with a long stop date of 9 October 2014 (Maturity). It was also the intention that the loan notes would subsequently become convertible loan notes once the appropriate shareholder approval had been received at the Company's next general meeting. Prior to conversion, the loan notes have no right to receive amounts in respect of or in lieu of any dividends or distributions on the ordinary shares.

At the Company's general meeting on 1 March 2010, the shareholders approved the necessary resolutions to grant conversion rights to the loan notes, which are now convertible to ordinary shares at a conversion price of 9.0 pence per share. As a result, the loan notes as originally presented in the accounts were de-recognised and the convertible loan note instrument was re-recognised in the accounts at the fair value of its respective debt and equity elements. The other terms of the loan notes remain unchanged from those summarised above, with the exception that conversion can occur during the period from March 2010 until 20 business days prior to their maturity.

18. Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred taxation provided in the accounts is as follows:

 
 
                                                   As at                                     As at 
                                             26 December                               27 December 
                                                    2010                                      2009 
                                                 GBP'000                                   GBP'000 
--------------  ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 Capital 
  allowances 
  in excess of 
  depreciation                                       129                                       318 
 Other 
  temporary 
  differences                                        172                                       387 
--------------  ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
                                                     301                                       705 
--------------  ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 
 
                                                                    GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 1 January 2009                                                      529 
 Acquired through business combinations                                  16 
 Deferred tax on fair value adjustments on business combinations 
  recognised in goodwill                                                120 
 Deferred tax arising on trade and assets acquisition recognised 
  in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income                 167 
 Reversal of temporary differences in the consolidated statement 
  of comprehensive income                                             (127) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                                                    705 
 Deferred tax on swap acquired through business combination           (378) 
 Deferred tax impact of movement in swap reported through other 
  reserves                                                              (4) 
 Deferred tax on the equity element of the convertible loan 
  note                                                                  111 
 Deferred tax acquired through business combinations                   (19) 
 Deferred tax on fair value adjustments on business combinations 
  recognised in goodwill                                                 92 
 Arising on change in rate of corporation tax                          (23) 
 Adjustment relating to previous period                               (151) 
 Reversal of temporary differences in the consolidated statement 
  of comprehensive income                                              (32) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                                                    301 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

19. Financial instruments and risk management

The Group's principal financial instruments comprise Sterling cash and bank deposits, the bank and other loans (including the convertible loan notes), the interest rate swap and trade and other payables that arise directly from its operations.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Details of significant accounting policies and methods adopted (including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis for recognition of income and expenses) for each class of financial asset, financial liability, equity instrument and the interest rate swap are disclosed in the accounting policies.

CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

 
                                                          As at          As at 
                                                    26 December    27 December 
                                                           2010           2009 
                                                        GBP'000        GBP'000 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Financial assets - classified as cash and 
 receivables: Other receivables Cash at bank                615            342 
 balances                                                 7,542          3,588 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                                          8,157          3,930 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Financial liabilities - measured at amortised 
  cost: 
  Borrowings                                             47,900         12,527 
  Trade payables                                          2,798          2,194 
  Other payables                                          5,302            265 
  Accruals                                                1,061            527 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                                         57,061         15,513 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Derivative used for hedging:                             1,362              - 
  Interest rate swap 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                                          1,362              - 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

BORROWING FACILITIES The Group had no undrawn borrowing facilities available at the period end (2009: GBPnil).

RISK MANAGEMENT

The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are interest rate risk and liquidity risk.

The Group is not subject to significant credit risk due to the nature of the Group's business which is cash based. The total exposure in respect of credit risk is GBP9.6 million comprising GBP4.9 million cash (excluding cash in machines) and GBP4.7 million other receivables. Credit reports on counterparties are reviewed to manage this risk and there was no indication of significant risk at the period end.

The Group has no exposure to foreign currency risk as it has minimal overseas transactions in terms of exploring future acquisitions, nor significant exposure to pricing risk (as no financial instruments, other than the interest rate swap, are carried at market value). The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

INTEREST RATE RISK

The Group finances its operations through a mixture of retained cash, bank borrowings and convertible loan notes. At the end of the period, the Group held borrowings as follows:

 
                             Underlying 
                                 Amount                             Interest 
 Loan                           GBP'000   Repayment Terms            Rate 
--------------------------  -----------  ------------------------  ----------- 
                                          Amortising loan with 
                                          final bullet payment in 
 Bank                            42,000   April 2015                LIBOR + 3% 
                                          Redeemable/convertible 
 Loan notes                       6,500   October 2014              11% 
 Pension loan                       295   Amortising loan to        Base rate 
                                          September 2013             + 3% 
 Cash deposits (excluding       (4,942)   On demand                 Negligible 
  machine floats) 
 

19. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

As a part of the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited, the Group acquired a fixed interest rate swap. This swap is discussed further below under the section entitled "Hedging".

The weighted average interest rate on borrowings was 6.17% for the period (2009: 5.91%). A 1% movement in LIBOR on the unhedged portion of the bank debt would result in an increase or decrease in interest payable of GBP120,000. A 1% movement in the base rate would have a negligible impact on the pension loan interest of GBP3,000. The Group analyses its interest rate exposure on its variable rate borrowings in order to identify its potential exposure to changes in UK interest rates on its variable rate debt.

LIQUIDITY RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its payment obligations associated with its liabilities as they fall due. It should be noted that this is a cash business, there are no trade receivables and trade payables primarily relate to fixed overhead costs. The Group's risk therefore relates to meeting its financial commitments. The Group seeks to manage this risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and investing cash assets safely and profitably. The Group reviews its available cash position against current liabilities on a regular basis taking into account the dates on which liabilities fall due. The Group currently holds all deposits on demand. The contractual maturity of the financial liabilities is presented below.

CONTRACTUAL MATURITY OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 
 As at 26 
 December 
 2010 
             Trade and                          Interest 
                 Other                   Loan       rate    Pension 
              payables   Bank Loan      Notes       swap       Loan      Total 
                  2010        2010       2010       2010       2010       2010 
               GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 On demand 
 Within 
 one year 
 Between 
 one and         9,161           -          -          -          -      9,161 
 five                -       5,000          -        618        100      5,718 
 years               -      35,680      6,925        744        195     43,544 
                 9,161      40,680      6,925      1,362        295     58,423 
----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
              Trade and                         Interest 
                  other       Bank       Loan       rate    Pension 
 As at 27      payables       Loan      Notes       swap       Loan      Total 
 December          2009       2009       2009       2009       2009       2009 
 2009           GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 On demand        2,459          -          -          -          -      2,459 
 Within one 
  year                -      4,250          -          -          -      4,250 
 Between 
  one and 
  five 
  years               -      1,345      6,637          -        295      8,277 
-----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
                  2,459      5,595      6,637          -        295     14,986 
-----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Details of the interest rates and security relating to the loans are provided above and in note 17 respectively.

MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL

The capital employed by the Group is composed of equity attributable to shareholders and bank loans, details of which are included in note 17. The primary objective of the Group is maximising shareholders' value through growth by acquisition. The capital structure is therefore maintained at a level suitable for the Group's size, strategy and underlying business risk. As noted previously, during the period the Group repaid GBP3.8 million of bank debt and acquired GBP40.0 million of bank debt as a part of the Beacon acquisition. The directly attributable costs relating to the bank debt amounted to GBP1.4 million.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

-- Interest rate swaps are measured at the present value of future cash flow estimates and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates.

19. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

-- The fair value of other non-derivative financial assets and financial liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable current market transactions and dealer quotes for similar instruments.

On 1 March 2010, the shareholders approved the necessary resolutions to grant conversion rights to the loan notes. As a result, the loan notes were de-recognised and the convertible loan note instrument was re-recognised at the fair value of its respective debt and equity elements. The fair value of the debt element of the loan notes was determined assuming redemption in October 2014, a 12% rate of interest for the entirety of the loan and constant credit risk margins.

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximately equal to their fair values.

Movements in the fair value of the interest rate swap in the period are as follows:

 
                                             GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Interest rate swap fair value: 
 Fair value liability at acquisition           1,350 
 Transfer to finance costs in the period       (427) 
 Fair value loss since acquisition               439 
------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Fair value liability at 26 December 2010      1,362 
------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

In the case of bank loans and cash deposits, the fair value approximates to the carrying value reported in the consolidated statement of financial position as all balances are at floating rate where payments are reset to market rates at intervals of less than one year.

Fair value hierarchy

The hierarchy of the Group's financial instruments carried at fair value at 26 December 2010 is as follows:

 
                               Level 1    Level 2    Level 3      Total 
                               GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000 
 Liabilities held at fair 
  value: 
 Interest rate swap                  -      1,362          -      1,362 
                                     -      1,362          -      1,362 
 -------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The interest rate hedging swap has been classified as level 2 in the hierarchy as its fair value is determined using inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly.

HEDGING

As part of the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited, the Group acquired a fixed interest rate swap which has been renegotiated such that the Group receives interest at the floating LIBOR rate and pays a fixed rate of interest on 71.43% of the bank debt throughout the life of the bank debt. At the reporting date, the bank debt was GBP42.0 million and the swap notional was GBP30.0 million. The swap notional will reduce to GBP17.1 million over the five years since its renegotiation prior to the loan's redemption, at which time the bank debt will be GBP24.0 million. The fixed rate of interest paid on the 71.43% of the bank debt covered by the swap is 2.45% increasing to 4.10% over the next five years.

As detailed in the accounting policies, the Group has designated this interest rate swap, hedging LIBOR variable rate borrowings, as a cash flow hedge. The cash flows of the hedged item (the borrowings) and the hedging instrument (the interest rate swap) arise on the same quarterly dates. The swap notional has been staggered such that it is 71.43% of the bank debt throughout the life of the bank debt. The swap also expires on the date of redemption of the bank debt. On inception, the swap was expected to be 100% effective in its hedging objective, to swap floating LIBOR rate interest for a fixed rate of interest on 71.43% of the bank debt, throughout its life until expiry. In the period, there is no ineffective hedging portion requiring the recognition of a gain or loss in the income statement, nor is an ineffective portion anticipated throughout the life of the swap.

The following table details the Group's liquidity analysis for its interest rate swap. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted net cash inflows/(outflows) on the swap that settle on a net basis and the undiscounted gross inflows and (outflows) on the swap that require gross settlement. The amounts disclosed have been determined by reference to the projected interest rates at the reporting date.

19. Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

 
             Less than      1 - 2      2 - 3      3 - 4       4 - 5 
                1 year      years      years      years       years      Total 
               GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Interest 
  rate 
  swap             662        458        262        154          23      1,559 
----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

20. Authorised and issued share capital

 
                                           As at          As at          As at 
                                     26 December    27 December    31 December 
                                            2010           2009           2008 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Authorised 
 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each 
 (2009: 10 pence each): 
 - number                            400,000,000    400,000,000    400,000,000 
 - nominal value (GBP)                 4,000,000     40,000,000     40,000,000 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Deferred ordinary shares of 9 
 pence each: 
 - number                            400,000,000              -              - 
 - nominal value (GBP)                36,000,000              -              - 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total nominal value authorised 
  (GBP)                               40,000,000     40,000,000     40,000,000 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Issued, called up and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each 
 (2009: 10 pence each): 
 - number                            376,780,305    220,113,638    169,113,638 
 - nominal value (GBP)                 3,767,803     22,011,364     16,911,364 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Deferred ordinary shares of 9 
 pence each: 
 - number                            220,113,638              -              - 
 - nominal value (GBP)                19,810,227              -              - 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total nominal value issued (GBP)     23,578,030     22,011,364     16,911,364 
---------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The movement in the Company's issued share capital during the period from 1 January 2009 to 27 December 2009, and the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 is summarised below.

 
                                     Share 
                                   Capital 
                                   GBP'000 
-------------------------------  --------- 
 At 1 January 2009                  16,911 
 Share issue 2 March 2009            5,100 
 At 27 December 2009                22,011 
 Share Issue 30 March 2010             800 
 Share Issue 20 April 2010             634 
 Share issue 20 September 2010         133 
-------------------------------  --------- 
 At 26 December 2010                23,578 
-------------------------------  --------- 
 

20. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)

On 2 March 2009, the Company placed 51,000,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each at a placing price of 10 pence per share to raise GBP5.1 million.

On 1 March 2010 the share capital of the Company was reorganised by subdividing each existing ordinary share of 10 pence into one new ordinary share of 1 pence and one deferred share of 9 pence. The new ordinary shares have the same rights (including voting and dividend rights) as each previously issued ordinary share had. The rights attaching to the deferred shares can be summarised as follows:

-- they do not entitle holders to receive any dividend or other distribution or to receive notice or speak or vote at general meetings of the Company;

-- on a return of assets on a winding up, they only entitle the holder to the amounts paid up on such shares after the repayment of GBP10 million per new ordinary share;

-- they are not freely transferable;

-- the creation and issue of further shares which rank equally or in priority to the deferred shares or the passing of a resolution of the Company to cancel the deferred shares or to effect a reduction of capital shall not constitute a modification or abrogation of their rights; and

-- the Company shall have the right at any time to purchase all of the deferred shares for an aggregate consideration of GBP1.00.

The Company announced on 2 March 2010 that the shareholders had approved the necessary resolutions to grant conversion rights to the loan notes, which are now convertible to ordinary shares at a conversion price of 9.0 pence per share. In addition on 30 March 2010, the Company completed the placing of 80,000,000 ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a placing price of 7.5 pence per share to raise GBP6.0 million before expenses.

On 20 April 2010, the Group completed the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited for GBP5.0 million (excluding fees) payable by a combination of 63,333,334 ordinary shares to the vendors at a price of 7.5 pence per share and GBP272,500 in cash. Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, the vendors may also receive up to 28,500,000 additional ordinary shares. The Group assumed GBP40.0 million in secured bank debt as a part of that acquisition.

On 20 September 2010, the Group acquired eight operating AGCs for a purchase consideration of GBP1.0 million (excluding fees) payable in cash, which was funded through the issue of 13,333,333 ordinary shares at a price of 7.5 pence per share.

The directly attributable costs of the three share issues summarised above of GBP448,000 have been charged to reserves.

Details of the share options over ordinary shares are presented in note 24.

21. Other Reserves As at 26 December 2010

 
                                                                     Ordinary 
                                                            Share-     shares 
                                  Convertible                based      to be 
                                         loan   Hedging   payments     issued 
                                         note   reserve    reserve    reserve     Total 
                           Note       GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------  -----  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 At 1 January 2009                          -         -         52          -        52 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                                    -         -        116          -       116 
------------------------  -----  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                        -         -        168          -       168 
 Cash flow hedge: 
            - Fair value 
             loss since 
             acquisition                    -     (439)          -          -     (439) 
            - Tax on 
             fair value 
             loss since 
             acquisition                    -       123          -          -       123 
            - Transfer 
             to finance 
             costs in 
             the period       6             -       427          -          -       427 
            - Tax on 
             transfer to 
             finance 
             costs                          -     (119)          -          -     (119) 
 Convertible loan note 
  equity component           17           385         -          -          -       385 
 Tax on equity component 
  on convertible loan 
  note                                  (111)         -          -          -     (111) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                                    -         -         70          -        70 
 Ordinary shares to be 
  issued                                    -         -          -        131       131 
 At 26 December 2010                      274       (8)        238        131       635 
------------------------  -----  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

21. Other Reserves (continued)

The expense of share-based payments has arisen from the approved EMI share option scheme, the unapproved EMI share option scheme and the save as you earn share option scheme. Full details of these share options schemes are set out in note 24 to these accounts.

22. Related party transactions Marwyn Value Investors LP, a substantial shareholder in the Company, is managed on an arm's length basis by Marwyn Investment Management LLP. Marwyn Value Investors LP currently holds 100,316,964 ordinary shares via its nominee, Vidacos Nominees Limited, representing 24.8% of the issued equity of the Company. Two of the Non-executive Directors are partners of Marwyn Capital LLP and Marwyn Investment Management LLP, and are directors and shareholders of various Marwyn group companies. During the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010, Marwyn Capital LLP invoiced the Company GBP569,653 in fees relating to corporate finance advisory services and Directors' fees as disclosed in note 5 (period ended 27 December 2009: GBP1,068,017).

During the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010, the Company paid Marwyn Partners Limited GBP2,820 for office and infrastructure expenses (period ended 27 December 2009: GBP36,302). The accommodation and support services agreement with Marwyn Partners Limited was terminated by the Company during 2009.

As at 26 December 2010, the Company owed Marwyn Capital LLP GBP24,798 (period ended 27 December 2009: GBP524,019) and Marwyn Partners Limited GBP105 (period ended 27 December 2009: GBP1,028). No amounts have been written off or impaired during the period.

Marwyn Management Partners LP has been granted the Marwyn Participation Option, the details of which are described in the accounting policies and in note 24 to these accounts.

As at 26 December 2010, Marwyn Value Investors LP held loan notes of GBP6,470,000 (2009: GBP6,470,000) and Mr M Proctor held loan notes of GBP30,000 (2009: GBP30,000). Details of the loan notes are set out in note 17 to these accounts.

A Non-executive Director is a recipient of certain of the potential VAT reclaim amounts, which are detailed in note 25.

23. Obligations under operating leases

The Group has entered into commercial leases on certain property, plant and equipment. These leases have durations between one and 20 years. Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases at 26 December 2010 are as follows:

 
                                                   52 weeks 
                                                      ended   Period ended 
                                                26 December    27 December 
                                                       2010           2009 
                                                    GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Expiry date 
 Within one year                                        220             25 
 After one year but not more than five years          4,484            915 
 After five years                                    47,222         25,977 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                     51,926         26,917 
---------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

The Group's current leases do not include any contingent rents, purchase options, exclusion clauses or any other such restrictions.

24. Share-based payment and long-term incentive plans

Praesepe plc has an approved employee Enterprise Management Incentive ("EMI") share option scheme ("the Approved scheme"), an unapproved EMI share option scheme ("the Unapproved share option scheme"), a Save As You Earn ("SAYE") share option scheme, Management Participation Shares ("MPS") and a Marwyn Participation Option ("MO"). The plans and their performance conditions are described in detail in note 1.r of the accounting policies. The valuation of each of the plans was undertaken using the Black-Scholes-Merton model, and the key assumptions used are as follows:

 
                      SAYE      SAYE 
                    Scheme    Scheme   Unapproved   Approved 
                   (3 year   (5 year          EMI        EMI 
                     term)     term)       Scheme     Scheme      MPS      MO* 
----------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                          19       25       25 
                   29 July   29 July       25 May     August     June     June 
 Date of grant        2010      2010         2010       2008     2008     2008 
 Ordinary share 
 price at date 
 of grant             6.9p      6.9p         7.5p        25p      29p      29p 
 Exercise price       5.5p      5.5p        12.0p        22p      n/a      10p 
 Volatility            25%       25%          25%        60%      60%      60% 
 Expected option                                         3.5        5        5 
 life              3 years   5 years      3 years      years    years    years 
 Dividend yield          -         -            -          -        -        - 
 Risk-free 
  interest rate         4%        4%           4%         4%       4%       4% 
 Market-related 
  performance 
  conditions             -         -            -          -     100%     100% 
 Fair value           2.3p      3.0p         4.3p     12.51p        -        - 
----------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 

* Subject to a number of provisions, the MO may be exercised to subscribe for a number of ordinary shares at an exercise price equal to the 1 pence nominal value per ordinary share such that the MO has an aggregate value equivalent to 10% of the increase in shareholder value of the Company (as defined in note 1.r of the accounting policies) calculated after deducting the exercise price.

24. Share-based payment and long-term incentive plans (continued)

The expected volatility was determined by reference to historical volatilities over the period since listing and reflecting the fact that Praesepe plc was a cash shell for a significant portion of that period. The risk-free rate of return is based on United Kingdom Government bond yields to maturity as at the date of grant. The expected remaining life of the options was matched to the time to maturity of the bonds. Within the EMI charge, it is assumed that the leavers rate is 24% (2009: 14%). There are no performance criteria attached to the EMI or SAYE options. The performance criteria attached to the MPS and the MO are considered to have such a remote likelihood of being achieved that the values are discounted 100% for these market-related conditions.

Details of options granted and those which were forfeited over the period ended 27 December 2009 and the period ended 26 December 2010 are shown below:

 
                         Number         Number 
                        of SAYE        of SAYE                          Number 
                        (3 year        (5 year           Number             of 
                          term)          term)    of Unapproved       Approved 
                          share          share        EMI share      EMI share 
                        options        options          options        options 
                    outstanding    outstanding      outstanding    Outstanding 
                         Number         Number           Number         Number 
 At 1 January 
  2009                        -              -                -      3,382,274 
 Exercised 
 during the 
 period                       -              -                -              - 
 Forfeited 5 May 
  2009                        -              -                -      (318,182) 
 Forfeited 28 
  August 2009                 -              -                -      (141,023) 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 At 27 December 
  2009                        -              -                -      2,923,069 
 Issued 25 May 
 2010                         -              -       23,758,334              - 
 Issued 10 June 
  2010                1,191,260      2,887,735                -              - 
 Exercised 
 during the 
 period                       -              -                -              - 
 Forfeited 5 
 July 2010                    -              -      (2,250,000)              - 
 Forfeited 18 
 July 2010                    -              -        (500,000)              - 
 Forfeited 31 
  July 2010                   -              -                -      (409,091) 
 Forfeited 1 
 December 2010                -      (112,363)                -              - 
 Forfeited 11 
  December 2010               -              -                -      (409,091) 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 At 26 December 
  2010                1,191,260      2,775,372       21,008,334      2,104,887 
----------------  -------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

The total number of options which would be issued at the end of the term of the SAYE share option scheme, assuming no further leavers, would be 3,966,632 shares. The exercise price relating to these options is presented in the table above. The share options outstanding at 26 December 2010 had a remaining average contractual life of 2.5 years. The share-based payment charge recognised in the period is as follows:

 
               SAYE Scheme   SAYE Scheme 
                   (3 year       (5 year    Unapproved      Approved 
                     term)         term)    EMI Scheme    EMI Scheme     Total 
                   GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 At 27 
  December 
  2009                   -             -             -           116       116 
------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 At 26 
  December 
  2010                   5             7            17            41        70 
------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

25. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

As at 26 December 2010, the Group had received GBP12.3 million (including interest) from HMRC in relation to VAT previously paid on mechanised cash bingo, main stage bingo and gaming machines following the High Court's decision on the Rank case.

The receipt of GBP12.3 million is split between monies due to Thomas Holdings Limited (in its capacity as VAT group representative member) for the period prior to August 2006, and monies due to the previous shareholders of Beacon Entertainments Limited for the period after August 2006 to 20 April 2010. These receipts have not been booked in profit or loss.

The receipts relating to the period prior to August 2006 are payable to the previous shareholders of Thomas Estates Limited (including Simon Thomas, a Non-executive Director of the Company, and his family) in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated August 2006 and the Deed of Variation dated January 2010. Any payments made under the Sale and Purchase Agreement or the Deed of Variation are to be treated as deferred consideration for the investment made by a member of the Group, Mayfair Acquisitionco Limited, in Thomas Holdings Limited. The receipts relating to the period post August 2006 to 20 April 2010 are to be paid to the previous shareholders of Beacon Entertainments Limited in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement dated 20 April 2010. As at 26 December 2010, GBP9.7 million had been received in respect of VAT claims relating to the period prior to August 2006, and this amount is payable to the previous shareholders, the Thomas family, net of corporation tax.

There is currently uncertainty surrounding the assessment of the income to corporation tax, so any potential tax liability due on the income is being held in escrow.

25. Contingent liabilities and contingent assets (continued)

During the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010, GBP6.8 million has been paid to the Thomas family, which represented the majority of the receipts to date less corporation tax at 28%. A further amount of GBP1.1 million is payable to the Thomas family in respect of the amounts received net of corporation tax. In addition, GBP1.8 million relating to the potential corporation tax liability was held by the Group at the reporting date and this is payable into the aforementioned escrow account.

The Group has also received GBP2.6 million of VAT relating to claims for the period post August 2006 and this amount was repaid to HMRC during the period pending the conclusion of HMRC's appeal of the Rank case. As noted, these amounts are payable to the previous shareholders of Beacon Entertainments Limited. These amounts will become finally payable once HMRC have lost the right of appeal in respect of the VAT reclaims.

HMRC have informed the Group that they are to issue protective assessments on all of the refunds received by the Group, in accordance with their intention to appeal against the Rank decision in every available court.

The Directors confirm that the VAT reclaims have not been recognised as income in the accounts as at 26 December 2010, and no future VAT receipts that have been agreed with HMRC have been accrued as they are contingent assets, given the level of uncertainty involved.

At 26 December 2010 there are future potential receipts of GBP4.7 million in respect of other VAT reclaim amounts due to be paid to the Thomas family and GBP3.6 million (in addition to the GBP2.6 million previously received but repaid to HMRC in the period) in respect of other VAT reclaim amounts due to the previous shareholders of Beacon Entertainments Limited. These also have not been recognised in these accounts.

26. Events after the reporting date

On 31 January 2011, the Group acquired 14 operating AGCs for a total consideration of GBP2.3 million (excluding deal costs of GBP0.1 million) settled in cash, from various members of the Noble Organisation, which is one of the UK's leading gaming operators. The consideration was funded through the issue of 28,535,981 ordinary shares at a price of 8.06 pence per share to Falcombe Holdings Limited, a company connected to the rest of Noble by common ownership. The review of the fair value of the assets acquired is currently being undertaken and provisional fair values, where appropriate, will be reflected in the Group's interim results for 2011.

On 25 February 2011, the Group was awarded an exclusive management contract for 75 operating AGCs located throughout the UK for an initial period of 12 months. Additionally the Group has entered in to an exclusivity agreement under which it is the intention to agree an option for Praesepe to acquire 100% of these operating AGCs at a date to be agreed during the period between 25 May 2011 and 24 February 2012.

On 8 April 2011, the Company announced that it had received an indicative offer from Marwyn Management Partners plc ("MMP"), a company related to the Marwyn group of companies (see note 22) in connection with a possible all share offer for the entire issued share capital of the Company. The possible offer values each ordinary share of the Company at 7.5 pence based on a price of 100 pence per MMP share. The Company has formed an independent committee of the Board comprising Blair Sinton, Brian Mattingley and Simon Thomas to evaluate the merits of the possible offer. The Company announced on 3 June 2011 that MMP had made a formal offer for the Company at a price of 8.0 pence per share based upon the closing price of MMP shares on 2 June 2011 and that MMP had received irrevocable acceptances in respect of at least 51% of the issued share capital. The acquisition of the Company under the terms of the offer is expected to become wholly unconditional by 17 June 2011.

As a result of the offer becoming wholly unconditional, MMP will invest GBP3.0 million into Praesepe to provide the Company with the capital required to meet its bank debt repayment, due on 17 June 2011, and provide additional working capital for the business. GBP2.35 million of bank debt due for repayment on 20 April 2011 was rescheduled for repayment on 17 June 2011.

It should be noted that as a result of the acquisition of the Company under the terms of the MMP offer after the reporting date, the convertible loan notes which originated in 2009 will be converted into approximately 85.7 million ordinary shares (accordingly the liability of GBP6,925,000 will be extinguished, the shares issued will be recorded in equity and the deferred tax liability of GBP111,000, which arose on the previous equity element of the convertible loan notes, will be released through reserves in the forthcoming period ended 25 December 2011); the deferred consideration shares, which arose on the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited will no longer be issued (accordingly the balance in equity of GBP131,000 will be adjusted against the goodwill in the forthcoming period ended 25 December 2011); and the options under the Company's share option schemes will vest immediately resulting in an accelerated IFRS 2 share-based payments charge of GBP224,000 being recognised in the accounts in the forthcoming period ended 25 December 2011 and 713,975 ordinary shares will be issued under the SAYE share option scheme.

Company Balance Sheet

As at 26 December 2010

 
                                                     26 December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                             Notes       GBP'000       GBP'000 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Fixed assets 
 Fixed asset investments - Group 
  undertakings                                   5        28,197        27,232 
 Premiums on operating leases                    3           330           381 
 Tangible fixed assets                           4           159           123 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                          28,686        27,736 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Current assets 
 Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings                  12,895        11,313 
 Prepayments and accrued income                  6            90           613 
 Cash at bank and in hand                        7             -         1,047 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                          12,985        12,973 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Creditors: amounts falling due within one 
  year 
 Trade and other creditors                       8         (880)       (1,172) 
 Loans                                           9             -       (3,750) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Net current assets                                       12,105         8,051 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total assets less current liabilities                    40,791        35,787 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Creditors: amounts falling due after more 
  than one year                                  9       (7,310)       (6,637) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Net assets                                               33,481        29,150 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                  10        23,578        22,011 
 Share premium                                  11        18,724        12,984 
 Merger reserve                                 11         4,116             - 
 Share-based payments reserve                   11           238           168 
 Retained losses                                11      (13,175)       (6,013) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                          33,481        29,150 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Company registered number - 05745526

Notes to the Company balance sheet

For the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010

1. Accounting Policies The financial statements of the Company have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The Company has not presented a cash flow statement on the basis that its cash flows are included in the consolidated statement of cash flow.

The Company has taken advantage of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included a profit and loss account in these financial statements. The Company's loss for the year is given in note 11 to these financial statements.

a) Accounting convention The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.

b) Going concern The Directors have adopted the going concern basis in the preparation of the company financial statements on the basis that MMP will invest GBP3.0 million into the company following the offer, as detailed in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, for Praesepe being declared unconditional on or before 17 June 2011. This will provide the company and its subsidiaries with the capital required to meet their bank debt repayment schedule, which was revised as detailed in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements, and funds for additional working capital.

Based on the terms of the offer and the level of irrevocable acceptances already received by MMP, the directors are of the opinion that the MMP offer will be declared unconditional before 17 June 2011.

Accordingly, the company financial statements are presented on the going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that would result if the company was unable to continue as a going concern.

c) Fixed assets and depreciation Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

-- Fixtures and fittings - between 25% and 33% per annum

d) Deferred taxation Deferred tax is provided in respect of the tax effect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only when, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

e) Investments Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value. Where investments are acquired through a share for share exchange they are recorded at the fair value of the consideration shares. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 merger relief is applied and a merger reserve created for the difference between the nominal and fair value of the consideration shares.

f) Premiums on operating leases Premiums on operating leases relating to business acquisitions are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease terms range between two and 20 years.

g) Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits The Company operates a defined contribution scheme for certain employees. The costs of the pension funding borne by the Company are charged to the profit and loss account as an expense as they fall due.

h) Share-based payments The Company reflects the economic cost of awarding shares and share options to employees by recording an expense in the profit and loss account equal to the fair value of the benefit awarded, fair value being determined by reference to option pricing models. The expense is recognised in the profit and loss account over the vesting period of the award.

There are four share-based payment plans in place:

-- Management Participation Shares;

-- Marwyn Participation Option;

h) Share-based payments (continued)

-- Employee Incentive Scheme; and

-- Save As You Earn Scheme. Refer to note 24 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

i) Operating leases Rentals payable under operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

j) Related party transactions The Company has taken advantage of the FRS 8 exemption from providing information about transactions entered into by Group companies as all subsidiaries are wholly-owned by the Company.

2. Company loss The Company's loss for the period is GBP7,041,000 (2009: loss of GBP1,513,000).

3. Premiums on operating leases

 
                            Total 
                          GBP'000 
 Cost or valuation 
 At 27 December 2009          454 
 Additions                      - 
-----------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010          454 
-----------------------  -------- 
 Amortisation 
 At 27 December 2009           73 
 Charge for the period         51 
-----------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010          124 
-----------------------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 26 December 2010          330 
-----------------------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009          381 
-----------------------  -------- 
 

During 2008 and 2009, Praesepe plc acquired several operating leases for AGC sites, which are to be rebranded as Cashino sites and integrated with the trading subsidiaries. Amortisation has been provided over the terms of the leases.

4. Tangible fixed assets

 
                                       Fixtures 
                                            and 
                                       fittings     Total 
                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 January 2009                          120       120 
 Additions                                  107       107 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                        227       227 
 Additions                                  110       110 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                        337       337 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 January 2009                           48        48 
 Depreciation charge for the period          56        56 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                        104       104 
 Depreciation charge for the period          74        74 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                        178       178 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Net book value 
 At 26 December 2010                        159       159 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 December 2009                        123       123 
------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

5. Fixed asset investments - Group undertakings

 
                                                                     Total 
                                                                   GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Shares in subsidiary undertakings 
 At 27 December 2009                                                21,364 
 Additions                                                           5,022 
 Impairment charge during the period                               (4,113) 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                                                22,273 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Share options available to subsidiary undertakings 
 At 27 December 2009                                                   124 
 Share-based payments charge on share options made available to 
  employees of subsidiary undertakings                                  56 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                                                   180 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Loans to subsidiary undertakings 
 At 27 December 2009                                                 5,744 
 Additions                                                               - 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 At 26 December 2010                                                 5,744 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Total fixed asset investments as at 26 December 2010               28,197 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Total fixed asset investments as at 27 December 2009               27,232 
----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings are recorded at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value.

Following the impairment review performed on the Group's goodwill (as set out in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements), where it was concluded that the Group's goodwill was impaired, the value of the Company's investments has been assessed with a resulting reduction in value of GBP4,113,000. The Company's indirectly held investments in Cashino Gaming Limited and Cashino Gaming (E&J) Limited are considered to be impaired by this amount. The Company's directly held investment in Praesepe (UK) Limited, which with Praesepe Gaming Limited, are intermediate holding companies for these indirectly held investments are resultantly also considered to be impaired by this amount.

The principal subsidiaries of the Company are:

 
                                             Proportion 
                              Country of   of ownership 
 Company                   incorporation       interest     Nature of business 
------------------------  --------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 Praesepe (UK) Limited       England and           100%   Intermediate holding 
                                   Wales                               company 
 Praesepe Gaming Limited     England and           100%   Intermediate holding 
                                   Wales                               company 
 Mayfair Acquisitionco       England and           100%   Intermediate holding 
 Limited                           Wales                               company 
 Cashino Gaming Limited      England and           100%           AGC operator 
                                   Wales 
 Cashino Gaming (E&J)        England and           100%           AGC operator 
 Limited                           Wales 
 Thomas Estates Limited      England and           100%         Bingo club and 
                                   Wales                          AGC operator 
 United Leisure Limited      England and           100%           AGC operator 
                                   Wales 
------------------------  --------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 

6. Prepayments and accrued income

 
                                                           As at         As at 
                                                              26 
                                                        December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 VAT debtor                                                   72            83 
 Prepayments and accrued income                               12            50 
 Other debtors                                                 6            11 
 Prepaid costs relating to future business 
  combinations                                                 -           469 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
                                                              90           613 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 

7. Cash at bank and in hand

 
                                 As at         As at 
                                    26 
                              December   27 December 
                                  2010          2009 
                               GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 Cash at bank and in hand            -         1,047 
--------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods dependent on the immediate cash requirements of the Group.

8. Trade and other creditors

 
                                        As at         As at 
                                           26 
                                     December   27 December 
                                         2010          2009 
                                      GBP'000       GBP'000 
---------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 Trade creditors                          627           867 
 Social security and other taxes           18            20 
 Accruals and deferred income             235           285 
---------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
                                          880         1,172 
---------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 

Trade and other creditors are non-interest bearing and it is the Company's policy to pay within the stated terms or other period as agreed with the supplier.

9. Loans

 
                                                           As at         As at 
                                                              26 
                                                        December   27 December 
                                                            2010          2009 
                                                         GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 At start of the period                                   10,387         3,674 
 Issued to fund acquisition                                    -         6,500 
 Loan interest accrued                                       673           137 
 Repayment of loan facilities                            (3,750)             - 
 Amortisation of cost of raising finance during the 
  period                                                       -            76 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 At the end of the period                                  7,310        10,387 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 
                                               As at         As at 
                                         26 December   27 December 
                                                2010          2009 
                                             GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Falling due within one year                       -         3,750 
 Falling due after more than one year          7,310         6,637 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                               7,310        10,387 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Details of the repayment terms, interest and security relating to these loans are provided in notes 17 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

10. Authorised and issued share capital

 
                                                          As at          As at 
                                                    26 December    27 December 
                                                           2010           2009 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Authorised 
 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each (2009: 10 pence 
  each): 
 - number                                           400,000,000    400,000,000 
 - nominal value (GBP)                                4,000,000     40,000,000 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Deferred ordinary shares of 9 pence each: 
 - number                                           400,000,000              - 
 - nominal value (GBP)                               36,000,000              - 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total nominal value authorised (GBP)                40,000,000     40,000,000 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Issued, called up and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each (2009: 10 pence 
  each): 
 - number                                           376,780,305    220,113,638 
 - nominal value (GBP)                                3,767,803     22,011,364 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Deferred ordinary shares of 9 pence each: 
 - number                                           220,113,638              - 
 - nominal value (GBP)                               19,810,227              - 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total nominal value issued (GBP)                    23,578,030     22,011,364 
------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The movement in the Company's issued share capital during the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2010 is set out in the table in note 11 and is summarised below.

10. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)

On 2 March 2009, the Company placed 51,000,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each at a placing price of 10 pence per share to raise GBP5.1 million.

On 1 March 2010 the share capital of the Company was reorganised by subdividing each existing ordinary share of 10 pence into one new ordinary share of 1 pence and one deferred share of 9 pence. The new ordinary shares have the same rights (including voting and dividend rights) as each previously issued ordinary share had. The rights attaching to the deferred shares can be summarised as follows:

-- they do not entitle holders to receive any dividend or other distribution or to receive notice or speak or vote at general meetings of the Company;

-- on a return of assets on a winding up, they only entitle the holder to the amounts paid up on such shares after the repayment of GBP10 million per new ordinary share;

-- they are not freely transferable;

-- the creation and issue of further shares which rank equally or in priority to the deferred shares or the passing of a resolution of the Company to cancel the deferred shares or to effect a reduction of capital shall not constitute a modification or abrogation of their rights; and

-- the Company shall have the right at any time to purchase all of the deferred shares for an aggregate consideration of GBP1.00.

The Company announced on 2 March 2010 that the shareholders had approved the necessary resolutions to grant conversion rights to the loan notes, which are now convertible to ordinary shares at a conversion price of 9.0 pence per share. In addition on 30 March 2010, the Company completed the placing of 80,000,000 ordinary shares of 1 pence each at a placing price of 7.5 pence per share to raise GBP6.0 million before expenses.

On 20 April 2010 the Group completed the acquisition of Beacon Entertainments Limited for GBP5.0 million (excluding fees) payable by a combination of 63,333,334 ordinary shares to the vendors at a price of 7.5 pence per share and GBP272,500 in cash. Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, the vendors may also receive up to 28,500,000 additional ordinary shares. The Group assumed GBP40.0 million in secured bank debt as a part of that acquisition.

On 20 September 2010, the Group acquired eight operating AGCs for a purchase consideration of GBP1.0 million (excluding fees) payable in cash, which was funded through the issue of 13,333,333 ordinary shares at a price of 7.5 pence per share.

The directly attributable costs of the three share issues summarised above of GBP448,000 have been charged to reserves (see note 11).

11. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds

 
                                              Share-based 
                  Share     Share    Merger      payments   Retained 
                Capital   premium   reserve       reserve     losses     Total 
                GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
-------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 1 January 
  2009           16,911    13,297         -            52    (4,500)    25,760 
 Share issue 
  2 March 
  2009            5,100         -         -             -          -     5,100 
 Costs 
  relating to 
  shares 
  issued              -     (313)         -             -          -     (313) 
 Share-based 
  payments 
  charge              -         -         -           116          -       116 
 Loss for the 
  period              -         -         -             -    (1,513)   (1,513) 
-------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 27 
  December 
  2009           22,011    12,984         -           168    (6,013)    29,150 
 Share issue 
  30 March 
  2010              800     5,200         -             -          -     6,000 
 Share issue 
  20 April 
  2010              634         -     4,116             -          -     4,750 
 Share issue 
  20 
  September 
  2010              133       867         -             -          -     1,000 
 Costs 
  relating to 
  shares 
  issued              -     (327)         -             -      (121)     (448) 
 Share-based 
  payments 
  charge              -         -         -            70          -        70 
 Loss for the 
  period              -         -         -             -    (7,041)   (7,041) 
-------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 At 26 
  December 
  2010           23,578    18,724     4,116           238   (13,175)    33,481 
-------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  -------- 
 

The merger reserve arises following the acquisition of the Beacon group of companies as set out in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. The consideration included a share for share exchange at a premium, in accordance with Companies Act

11. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds (continued)

2006 a share premium has not been recognised in respect of this transaction. The investment has been recorded at the fair value of the shares issued rather than at their nominal value and accordingly a merger reserve has been recognised for the difference between the nominal and fair value of the shares. 12. Commitments

At 26 December 2010 the Company was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases in the next financial year:

 
                                       52 weeks ended             Period ended 
                                          26 December              27 December 
                                                 2010                     2009 
                                       Land                     Land 
                                & buildings     Other    & buildings     Other 
                                    GBP'000   GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Expiry date 
 Within one year                          -         -              -         - 
 After one year but not more 
  than five years                        14         3             14         3 
 After five years                        13         -             13         - 
----------------------------  -------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
                                         27         3             27         3 
----------------------------  -------------  --------  -------------  -------- 
 

13. Share-based payment and long-term incentive plans Details of the Company's share-based payment and long-term incentive plans are disclosed in note 24 of the consolidated financial statements. 14. Post balance sheet events Details of post balance sheet events are disclosed in note 26 of the consolidated financial statements.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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