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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oryx International Growth Fund Ltd | LSE:OIG | London | Ordinary Share | GG00B3BTVQ94 | ORD 50P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -10.00 | -0.86% | 1,150.00 | 1,150.00 | 1,210.00 | 1,160.00 | 1,160.00 | 1,160.00 | 1,625 | 16:35:23 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Inv Tr, Closed-end Mgmt | -10M | -12.98M | -0.9269 | -12.51 | 162.4M |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMOIG
RNS Number : 1993D
Oryx International Growth Fund Ld
04 July 2016
04 July 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASED BY BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES S.C.A., GUERNSEY BRANCH
FINAL RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Oryx International Growth Fund Limited ANNOUNCE FINAL RESULTS FOR THE YEARED 31 MARCH 2016
A copy of the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements will be available via the following link:
www.oryxinternationalgrowthfund.co.uk
COMPANY OVERVIEW
The investment objective of Oryx International Growth Fund Limited (the "Company") is to seek to generate consistently high absolute returns whilst seeking to maintain a low level of risk for shareholders.
The Company principally invests in small and mid-size quoted and unquoted companies in the United Kingdom and the United States. The Investment Manager targets companies that have fundamentally strong business models, but where there may be specific factors which are constraining the maximisation or realisation of shareholder value, which may be realised through the pursuit of an activist shareholder agenda by the Investment Manager. Dividend income is a secondary consideration when making investment decisions.
The Company's investment policy is set out in the Strategic Report of this annual report.
Hot Features
Premium
Company Oryx International Growth Fund Limited
* Guernsey incorporated, authorised closed-ended
investment company
* Incorporated on 2 December 1994
* Admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing
Authority and to trading on the main market of the
London Stock Exchange on 2 March 1995
* 15,192,125 shares in issue as at 31 March 2016
---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Harwood Capital LLP
Manager (the "Investment Manager" and the
and Investment "Investment Adviser")
Adviser
* A United Kingdom limited liability partnership
incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnerships
Act 2000
* Partnership number OC304213
* Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA')
* Registered as a Small Authorised Alternative
Investment Fund Manager ('AIFM') with the Company
included on its schedule of Alternative Investment
Funds ('AIFs')
---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Figures
(GBP in millions, except per At 31 March At 31 March
share data) 2016 2015
Net Asset Value attributable
to shareholders
- Ordinary Shares 104.72 93.07
Net Asset Value per share attributable
to shareholders
- Ordinary Shares GBP6.89 GBP5.69
Investments 85.66 92.42
Cash and Cash Equivalents 19.51 0.99
Share Price 6.13 4.67
Discount to Net Asset Value (based
on published NAV) (12.50)% (19.01)%
Earnings per share 1.14 0.35
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am, once again, very pleased to report the results for the year to end 31 March 2016. It was another very good year with the net asset value per share increasing by 21.3%. Over the past five years the per share net asset value has increased by 153.3%. Your Board believes that the Company is amongst the best performing small cap investment companies listed in the United Kingdom and has significantly outperformed its relevant indices.
As you will see from the report from the Investment Adviser ("Harwood"), there have been some notable successes. This excellent performance is driven by identifying situations, which through active management can greatly enhance value. This is not an exact science and it can lead to years where the results are less stellar but it is interesting to note that over all the periods analysed above, the Company has greatly exceeded the market indices for which Christopher Mills and his team at Harwood must be congratulated.
We continue to acquire shares and during the year the Company purchased for cancellation 1,179,486 shares at an average discount of 13.0%. This policy continues to benefit long term shareholders.
In accordance with our long established policy, the directors are not recommending a dividend in respect of the year ended March 2016, however we will be seeking authority to continue our programme of share buy backs when the level of discount warrants it.
As ever, the portfolio managers are cautiously optimistic about the coming year. This is a view your Board shares, but it is dependent on the ability of the portfolio managers to continue to acquire stakes in businesses at attractive valuations and then sell them, in due course, at a higher price. Each year, we warn that this is challenging and I would reiterate that, notwithstanding the excellent results over the last one, three, five and ten years.
It is the policy of the Board to review the portfolio with the Investment Manager on a regular basis and this will continue. Following the Brexit vote, it is not considered that there will be a material impact on the long term viability of the Company.
Nigel Cayzer
Chairman
1 July 2016
INVESTMENT ADVISER'S REPORT
It is pleasing to note that during the year the net asset value per share rose by 21.3% as compared to a fall of 0.8% in the AIM Index and yielded a meaningful out-performance against the other appropriate indices.
Quoted portfolio
The net asset value of the Company was assisted by the good performance of a number of the larger holdings held by the Company. Gleeson's share price rose 50% following better than expected results, while Journey Group share price rose 46%, following successful new contracts with Fedex and extensions with United Airlines and Sky Blue. The Company crystallised significant gains on exiting Synergy Health which rose nearly 40% as a result of a takeover bid, while Tangent Communication was taken private at a significant discount premium to the pre offer price.
Hayward Tyler share price rose 19%, following the announcement of the acquisition of Peter Brotherhood while undertaking a major redevelopment of its Luton factory headquarters. OMG has continued performing well following the disposal of 2d3 sensing. SourceBio Science share price rose 22%, and has continued to perform well since the acquisition of Select, which demonstrated that the business is able to expand into new geographies and enhance its existing service offerings. Bioquell's share price rose 34% after undergoing a strategic review process which culminated in the successful sale of TRaC Global limited.
Minds + Machines and Goals Soccer currently are undergoing a restructuring exercise, with the focus of building the businesses where shareholder value can be maximised. The only major disappointment was EKF Diagnostics which has faced a challenging year after an acquisition performed significantly below expectations.
Substantial progress has been made with Assetco, with claims amounting to GBP38m plus interest against third parties, whilst the ongoing business continues to perform well.
Unquoted Portfolio
Celsis performed notably well during the period and was sold at a substantial premium to the 31 March 2015 valuation. Team Rock however missed forecasts and had to be written down, although this was more than offset by the excellent performance of Indoor Bowling which was written up following much better than expected operating results. It is anticipated that the unquoted portfolio will continue to add value to the overall portfolio in the current year.
Outlook
Identifying stocks trading at a discount to market value has become increasingly more challenging with ever decreasing market liquidity.
Notwithstanding this, there are a number of catalysts in place in the quoted portfolio which should support further improvement in the net asset value of the Company over the coming year, even if financial markets face some headwinds, particularly as corporate profits may continue to disappoint.
Harwood Capital LLP
1 July 2016
TEN LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS
As at 31 March 2016 As at 31 March 2015
Shares Cost Fair % of Shares Cost Fair % of
Value NAV* Value NAV*
------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -------
MJ Gleeson
Plc 2,000,000 4,067,733 11,920,000 11.38% 3,400,000 6,915,146 13,600,000 14.61%
------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -------
OMG Plc 18,000,000 2,601,090 8,010,000 7.65% 17,500,000 4,758,590 7,000,000 7.52%
------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -------
Source Bioscience
Plc 50,000,000 6,039,846 7,500,000 7.16% 41,767,620 4,900,291 5,116,533 5.50%
------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -------
Journey Group
Plc 3,327,575 6,690,861 6,156,014 5.88% 2,750,000 5,673,525 3,465,000 3.72%
------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ------- Hayward Tyler Group Plc 6,000,000 4,492,574 4,980,000 4.76% 3,815,000 2,805,074 2,632,350 2.83% ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- Minds + Machines Group 54,700,000 4,357,065 4,923,000 4.70% - - - - ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- Bioquell Plc 3,000,000 3,586,360 4,710,000 4.50% 3,000,000 3,586,360 3,510,000 3.77% ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- EKF Diagnostics Holdings Plc 35,000,000 4,939,395 3,850,000 3.68% 7,485,000 1,628,270 1,497,000 1.61% ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- Goals Soccer Centres Plc 3,500,000 4,569,864 3,255,000 3.11% 3,500,000 4,569,864 7,700,000 8.27% ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- Assetco Plc 1,050,000 2,600,000 3,202,500 3.06% 1,050,000 2,600,000 2,940,000 3.16% ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -------
*Net Asset Value
MJ Gleeson Plc
The company operates two divisions, Gleeson Homes and Gleeson Strategic Land. Gleeson Homes showed a strong increase in revenue from the previous year, driven by increased demand for affordable housing among the group's core customers based in the North of England. Strategic Land continues to enjoy continuing success in securing residential planning permission as well as progressing the sale of a number of its sites.
OMG Plc
The group operates as a diversified technology service business with two core divisions, Vicon and Yotta. Vicon operates as a technology service business providing image capture products and services for the entertainment, life sciences and engineering industries. Yotta provides software systems for local authorities to help improve their management and make informed decisions on infrastructure assets; it is increasingly becoming the key growth component of the business as it looks to expand its software business into new geographies after successful trials in Holland and Australia. OMG Life has been refocused on a licensing IP model which has removed sufficient risk and reduced the cost basis considerably. The company is hopeful that it will sign a substantial contract in the current year.
Source BioScience Plc
The company is an international laboratory service and products business supplying healthcare, life science research and biopharma. The company is split into three divisions: Healthcare, Lifesciences and the Stability and Bio Storage division. The Healthcare division provides diagnostic testing for cancer and infectious disease, for example, screening for cervical cancer. It also provides discreet testing for sexually transmitted diseases (predominantly Chlamydia) as well as selling serology reagents, with opportunities for growth in the US and Europe. The Life Sciences division provides DNA sequencing services for a network of laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and academic research groups. The Stability and Bio storage division provides services for supporting drug discovery and clinical trials through to storage facilities for testing under environmentally controlled conditions. The recent acquisition of Select provides stability testing storage and testing services with a strong commercial presence overseas and in the UK, with the ability for cross selling
opportunities.
Journey Group Plc
The company is a specialist air support business providing in-flight products, catering and cabin management services to the airline industry. The group's operations are organised into two divisions: Watermark Products and Air Fayre (USA). Watermark Products supplies in-flight products primarily to the international airline industry on a global basis. The Air Fayre brand provides in-flight catering to the international and domestic airline industry in the United States through its patent protected supply chain.
The company has had a good year. In particular Air Fayre has benefitted from the start of a five-year contract with FedEx out of Memphis launched towards the end of last year. Air Fayre has proven that its model is successful and can be replicated out of California while maintaining a strong partnership with United Airlines in the form of a three-year contract extension for international and domestic flights out of Los Angeles.
Hayward Tyler Group Plc
Hayward Tyler is a world leader in boiler circulation pumps and is engaged in the manufacturing, design, engineering and service of fluid filled electric motors and pumps for the energy sector. The company has a market leading reputation and is an established player in the Original Equipment and the aftermarket segments. The company is currently undertaking a major refurbishment of its UK factory headquarters based in Luton, establishing a leading Centre of Excellence for specialist manufacturing, which is expected to be completed by June 2016. This will reduce working capital and production costs, whilst increasing the capacity of the facility and the future capability to be able to compete for substantial nuclear contracts that should become available over the next few years.
Minds + Machines Group
Mind + Machines targets top level domain names and operates as a sales and marking led owner. The portfolio is focused around geography names (.London, .Miami, .Boston), consumer interests (.Wedding, .Cooking, .Fashion), professional occupations (.Law, .dds), lifestyle (.Yoga, .Fit, .Surf), generic names (Casa.VIP and .Work) and also outdoor activities (.Garden and .Fishing). The group is continuing to grow market share whilst looking to penetrate new verticals and geographies such as China.
The Group has been through a restructuring process closing down the registrar business which has led to a re-branding of the business with new strategic objectives. The company announced a share buy-back program of upto GBP15m over the next twelve months.
Bioquell Plc
The company is a manufacturer consisting of bio-decontamination products and services. The bio-decontamination division develops, designs and produces specialist surface sterilisation and filtration technology as a component of life sciences, defence, chemical, radiological, biological, health care and nuclear filtration for the defence sector.
The group underwent a strategic review process which culminated in the successful sale of TRaC Global Limited which followed by returning cash by way of a tender offer realising substantial shareholder value. The underlying drivers of growth is in its Healthcare and Life Sciences divisions.
EKF Diagnostics Holdings Plc
EKF Diagnostics is a global integrated market leader in the medical diagnostics business, offering the largest range of hemoglobin and hematocrit analysers. Essentially it focuses manufacturing diagnostic for the Point of Care market, demonstrating a way to make blood and anaemia screening more accessible and more affordable, giving specialists and physicians a choice of various products between measurement speed and price options. The company also has a separate focal point as a global manufacturer of central laboratory products where its liquid reagents can be used widely in analysers found in hospital laboratories globally.
The management team completed a strategic review of the business and intend to build shareholder value by focusing on organic growth and implementing reductions to the cost base. Various opportunities remain including product licensing and entry into new markets.
Goals Soccer Centres Plc
Goals is the leading operator of 5-a-side soccer centres across the United Kingdom, operating 45 centres across the UK. It currently has 1 centre in Los Angeles, United States, which has proved to be a continuing good business and is further developing the pipeline with completion on a second site. The summer of 2015 was a particularly challenging period for Goals with like for like sales declining by 11.5%, driven by a significant downturn in the second half of the year, with the new openings of Manchester and Doncaster trading below their expected forecasts.
The board, under the new appointment of Nick Basing as Executive Chairman, is currently undertaking an ongoing in-depth strategic review of all aspects of the business. As part of the review no new sites will be opened in the UK for the foreseeable future, with the business model focusing on improving the returns and performance of the existing 45 centres across the UK. The US market continues to evolve with significant progress on the US pipeline with 1 site completing legal and heads of terms and another 4 sites in advantaged stages.
AssetCo Plc
AssetCo is a Fire and Rescue business, operating in Abu Dhabi. Recently trading has been good and the company has significant cash balances coupled with no debt. In addition, it has a substantial claim, for previous negligence, amounting to GBP38m plus interest against third parties, which it is actively pursuing.
INVESTMENT SCHEDULE
as at 31 March 2016, expressed in GBP Sterling
Holding Fair Value Proportion
of Net
Assets
GBP %
LISTED INVESTMENTS
Great Britain - Equities
(70.62%, 2015: 81.04%)
365 Agile Group Plc 365,000 240,900 0.23
Access Intelligence Plc 6,500,000 308,750 0.29
Assetco Plc 1,050,000 3,202,500 3.06
Bioquell Plc 3,000,000 4,710,000 4.50
Catalyst Media Group Plc 3,125,000 2,250,000 2.15
Cityfibre Infrastructure
Holdings Plc 1,635,000 784,800 0.75
Coretx Holdings Plc 2,000,000 770,000 0.73
Cyprotex Plc 2,500,000 2,250,000 2.15
Easyhotel Plc 1,174,000 1,080,080 1.03
Eco City Vehicles Plc 19,891,803 547,024 0.52
EKF Diagnostics Holdings
Plc 35,000,000 3,850,000 3.68
Entu UK Plc 1,000,000 600,000 0.57
Goals Soccer Centres Plc 3,500,000 3,255,000 3.11
Harwood Wealth Management
Group Plc 2,345,679 2,111,111 2.02
Hayward Tyler Group Plc 6,000,000 4,980,000 4.76
Instem Plc 350,000 717,500 0.68
Journey Group Plc 3,327,575 6,156,014 5.88
MJ Gleeson Plc 2,000,000 11,920,000 11.38
Netcall Plc 1,500,000 720,000 0.69
Omega Diagnostics Group Plc 4,731,473 674,235 0.64
OMG Plc 18,000,000 8,010,000 7.65
Parallel Media Group Plc 604,829 54,435 0.05
Plastics Capital Plc 950,000 931,000 0.89
Quantum Pharma Plc 4,500,000 2,700,000 2.58
Real Good Food Plc 350,000 157,500 0.15
Safestay Plc 1,600,000 864,000 0.82
Science Group Plc 100,000 138,000 0.13
Scientific Digital Imaging
Plc 4,991,286 499,129 0.48
Scisys Plc 870,455 565,796 0.54
Servelec Group Plc 100,000 380,000 0.36
Source Bioscience Plc 50,000,000 7,500,000 7.16
The Mission Marketing Group
Plc 1,995,000 817,950 0.78
Tp Group Plc 8,000,000 220,000 0.21
-------------------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------------
73,965,724 70.62
British Virgin Islands - Equities
(5.96%, 2015: 2.93%)
Minds + Machines Group Limited 54,700,000 4,923,000 4.70
Public Service Properties
Investments Limited 2,634,000 1,317,000 1.26
-------------------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------------
6,240,000 5.96
USA - Equities (0.38%, 2015:
5.58%)
Tyratech Inc 14,285,714 392,857 0.38
-------------------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------------
392,857 0.38
Total Listed investments 80,598,581 76.96
-------------------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------------
Holding Fair Value Proportion
of Net
Assets
GBP %
UNLISTED INVESTMENTS
Great Britain - Debt (1.69%,
2015: nil)
Indoor Bowling Equity Limited
Loan Notes 1,768,148 1,768,148 1.69
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
1,768,148 1.69
Great Britain - Equities
(2.53%, 2015: 8.33%)
Celsis Group Limited 594,276 413,472 0.39
Indoor Bowling Equity Limited 48,039 598,566 0.57
Interactive Investor Plc 5,853 280,944 0.27
IPT Group Limited 112,498 - -
Sinav Limited - 273,662 0.26
Team Rock Limited 1,557,689 1,087,771 1.04
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
2,654,415 2.53
Great Britain - Limited
Partnership Interest (0.48%,
2015: 0.54%)
Viking Investments 2 LP 500,000 500,000 0.48
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
500,000 0.48
USA - Convertible Debt
(0.00%, 2015: 0.36%)
Tagos Group, LLC 500,000 - -
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
- -
USA - Equities (0.14%,
2015: 0.52%)
Catalina Lighting Inc 46,200 38 -
Tagos Group, LLC 7.50% - -
TGS Solutions, LLC 206,500 143,674 0.14
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
143,712 0.14
Total unlisted investments 5,066,275 4.84
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
Total investments 85,664,856 81.80
Cash 19,514,960 18.64
Other net current liabilities (462,339) (0.44)
Total net assets 104,717,477 100.00
------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------------
STRATEGIC REPORT
Principal Activities and Business Review
The principal activity of the Company is to carry out business as an investment company. The Directors do not envisage any changes in this activity for the foreseeable future.
A review of the Company's activities is given in the Company Overview, the Chairman's statement and the Investment Adviser's report. These reports include a review of the business of the Company and its principal activities, likely future developments of the business, dividends policy and details of the buyback of shares for cancellation during the year by the Company. The Company's investment policy and its approach to achieving the investment policy and managing the associated risks are set out below and in Note 17 to the financial statements.
Structure
The Company is a Guernsey Authorised Closed-Ended Collective Investment Scheme pursuant to the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987, as amended, and the Authorised Closed Ended Investment Scheme Rules 2008 issued by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. It was incorporated and registered with limited liability in Guernsey on 2 December 1994, with registration number 28917. The Company has a premium listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Investment Policy
The Company principally invests in small and mid-size quoted and unquoted companies in the United Kingdom and United States. The Investment Manager targets companies that have fundamentally strong business models but where there may be specific factors which are constraining the maximisation or realisation of shareholder value, which may be realised through the pursuit of an activist shareholder agenda by the Investment Manager. Dividend income is a secondary consideration when making investment decisions.
Achieving the Investment Policy
The investment approach of the Investment Manager is characterised by a rigorous focus on research and financial analysis of potential investee companies so that a thorough understanding of their business models is gained prior to investment. Comprehensive due diligence, including one or more meetings with management as well as site visits, are standard procedures before shares are acquired.
Typically the portfolio will comprise of 40 to 60 holdings (but without restricting the Company from holding a more or less concentrated portfolio in the future).
The Company may invest in derivatives, financial instruments, money market instruments and currencies solely for the purpose of efficient portfolio management (i.e. solely for the purpose of reducing, transferring or eliminating investment risk in the Company's investments, including any technique or instrument used to provide protection against exchange and credit risks).
The Investment Manager expects that the Company's assets will normally be fully invested. During periods in which changes in economic conditions or other factors so warrant, the Company may reduce its exposure to securities and increase its position in cash and money market instruments.
A detailed description of the key risk controls employed by the Manager is disclosed in Note 17 of the financial statements. An analysis of the Company's portfolio is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments including a description of the ten largest equity investments. At the year end the Company's portfolio consisted of 48 holdings (2015: 45 holdings). The top 10 holdings represented 55.88% (2015: 63.47%) of total net assets.
The Board is responsible for determining the gearing strategy for the Company. Gearing is used selectively to leverage the Company's portfolio in order to enhance returns where and to the extent this is considered appropriate to do so. Borrowings are short term and particular care is taken to ensure that any bank covenants permit maximum flexibility of the investment policy. The Company does not currently have any borrowings.
The Company may only make material changes to its investment policy with the approval of Shareholders (in the form of an ordinary resolution).
Investment Restrictions
The Company has adopted the following policies:
(a) it will not invest in securities carrying unlimited liability;
(b) short selling for the purpose of efficient portfolio management will be permitted provided that the aggregate value of the securities subject to a contract for sale that has not been settled and which are not owned by the Company shall not exceed 20 percent of the Net Asset Value. In addition, the Company may engage in uncollateralised stock lending on normal commercial terms with counterparties whose ordinary business includes uncollateralised stock lending provided that the aggregate exposure of the Company to any single counterparty shall not exceed 20 percent of the Net Asset Value;
(c) it will not take legal or management control of investments in its portfolio;
(d) it will not buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts or real estate or interests in real estate although it may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate or commodities and securities of companies which invest in or deal in real estate commodities;
(e) it will not invest or lend more than 20 percent of its assets in securities of any one company or single issuer;
(f) it will not invest more than 35 percent of its assets in securities not listed or quoted on any recognised stock exchange;
(g) it will not invest in any company where the investment would result in the Company holding more than 10 percent of the issued share capital of that company or any class of that share capital, unless that Company constitutes a trading company (for the purposes or the relevant United Kingdom legislation) in which case the company may not make any investment that would result in it holding 50 percent or more of the issued share capital of that company or of any class of that share capital;
(h) it will not invest more than 5 percent of its assets in units of unit trusts or shares or other forms of participation in managed open-ended investment vehicles;
(i) the Company may use options, foreign exchange transactions on the forward market, futures and contracts for differences for the purpose of efficient portfolio management provided that:
(1) in the case of options, this is done on a covered basis;
(2) in the case of futures and forward foreign exchange transactions, the face value of all such contracts does not exceed 100 percent of the Net Asset Value of the Company; or
(3) in the case of contracts for difference (including stock index future or options) the face value of all such contracts does not exceed 100 percent of Net Asset Value of the Company.
None of these restrictions, however, require the realisation of any assets of the Company where any restriction is breached as a result of an event outside the control of the Investment Manager which occurs after the investment is made, but no further relevant assets may be acquired by the Company until the relevant restriction can again be complied with. In the event of any breach of these investment restrictions, the Board will as soon as practicable make an announcement on a Regulatory Information Service and subsequently write to Shareholders if appropriate; and
(j) the Company will ensure gearing does not exceed 20% of net assets.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Directors confirm that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Company, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency, or liquidity.
The Board is responsible for the Company's system of internal controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. The Board also monitors the investment limits and restrictions set out in the Company's investment objective and policy.
The principal risks that have been identified and the steps taken by the Board to mitigate these are as follows:
Investment activity and performance
An inappropriate investment strategy may result in under performance against the Company's objectives. The Board manages these risks by ensuring a diversification of investments. The Investment Manager operates in accordance with the investment limits and restrictions policy determined by the Board. The Directors review the limits and restrictions on a regular basis and the Administrator monitors adherence to the limits and restrictions every month and notifies the Board for any breach. The Investment Manager provides the Board with management information including performance data and reports, and the Stockbroker provides shareholder analyses. The Directors monitor the implementation and results of the investment process with the Investment Manager at each Board meeting and monitor risk factors in respect of the portfolio. Investment strategy is reviewed at each meeting.
Level of discount or premium
A discount or premium to NAV can occur for a variety of reasons, including market conditions or to the extent investors undervalue the management activities of the Investment Manager or discount their valuation methodology and judgement. While the Directors may seek to mitigate any discount to NAV per Share through share buybacks, there can be no guarantee that they will do so and the Directors accept no responsibility for any failure of any such strategy to effect a reduction in any discount or premium.
Market price risk
The fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The Directors review and agree policies for managing these risks which policies have remained substantially unchanged during the year under review. The Investment Manager assesses the exposure to market risk when making each investment decision and monitors the overall level of market price risk on the investment portfolio on an ongoing basis.
Accounting, legal and regulatory
The Company must comply with the provisions of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended), and, since its shares are admitted to listing on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, the Company is subject to the FCA's Listing, Disclosure and Transparency Rules. A breach of the legislation could result in the Company and/or the Directors being fined or subject to criminal proceedings. A breach of the Listing Rules could result in the suspension of trading in the Company's shares. The Board relies on its company secretary and advisers to ensure adherence to the Guernsey legislation and the FCA's rules. The Investment Manager and the Administrator are contracted to provide investment, company secretarial, administration and accounting services through qualified professionals. The Board receives regular internal control reports that confirm compliance.
Operational
Disruption to, or the failure of either the Investment Manager's or the Administrator's accounting, dealings or payment systems, or the custodians' records could prevent the accurate reporting or monitoring of the Company's financial position.
Details of how the Board monitors the services provided by the Investment Manager and the Administrator, and the key elements designed to provide effective internal control are explained further in the internal controls section of the Corporate Governance Statement.
Management, Administration and Custody Arrangements
Pursuant to the Management Agreement dated 14 May 2002, which was novated on 29 December 2003, Harwood Capital LLP provides management services to the Company. The principal contents of the Investment Management Agreement are disclosed in Note 4 to these financial statements. The Management Agreement continues unless terminated by either party on not less than twelve months' notice, in writing or may be terminated forthwith as a result of a material breach of the agreement or the insolvency of either party. No compensation is payable on termination of the Agreement. The Board reviews the performance of the Investment Manager, who carries out the investment decisions for and on behalf of the Company. In the opinion of the Directors, the continued appointment of the current Investment Manager on the terms agreed is in the interests of the Company's shareholders as a whole. The Investment Manager has wide experience in managing and administering investment companies.
Please see note 4 for details on the remuneration of the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser.
Harwood Capital LLP was authorised by the FCA, on 27 October 2014, as a Small Authorised UK Alternative Investment Fund Manager ('AIFM') under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (the 'AIFMD') and the Company has been included in Harwood Capital LLP's Schedule of Alternative Investment Funds ('AIFs'). As a Small Authorised UK AIFM, Harwood Capital LLP is not subject to the full scope of the Directive but must report to the FCA annually on the Company and the other AIFs that it manages.
Administration, Custodian and Company Secretarial Services are provided to the Company by BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch. Registrar services are provided by Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited.
Related Parties
The Investment Adviser and Directors are considered to be related parties. Please refer to note 19 for further detail.
Financial Review
At 31 March 2016, the net assets of the Ordinary shares was GBP104,717,477 (2015 - GBP93,065,017). The Net Asset Value per share was GBP6.89 (2015 - GBP5.69). Details on the share returns are under Note 15.
Dividend Policy
To the extent that any dividends are paid they will be paid in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations of the UK Listing Rules and the requirements of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended). The Directors do not propose payment of a dividend for the year ended 31 March 2016 (2015 - Nil).
The Bribery Act 2010
The Board of the Company has adopted a zero tolerance approach to instances of bribery and corruption. Accordingly it expressly prohibits any Director or associated persons when acting on behalf of the Company, from accepting, soliciting, paying, offering or promising to pay or authorise any payment, public or private, in the United Kingdom or abroad to secure any improper benefit for themselves or for the Company.
The Board insists on the same standards from its service providers in their activities for the Company.
Performance Measurement and Key Performance Indicators
In order to measure the success of the Company in meeting its objectives and to evaluate the performance of the Investment Manager, the Directors take into account the following performance indicators:
-- Returns and NAV - The Board reviews at each meeting the performance of the portfolio as well as the NAV and share price of the Company: and
-- The Board considers the performance of relevant indices at each quarterly Board meeting.
For and on behalf of the Board
Nigel Cayzer
Chairman
1 July 2016
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The Directors present the financial statements of the Company and their report for the year ended 31 March 2016.
Share Capital
The Company's issued share capital as at 31 March 2016 consisted of 15,192,125 Ordinary Shares of 50p nominal value each. All shares hold equal rights with no restrictions and no shares carry special rights with regard to the control of the Company. There are no special rights attached to the shares in the event that the Company is wound up.
Since the year end 31 March 2016 the Company has purchased 88,000 Ordinary Shares for cancellation, bringing the issued share capital to 15,104,125 Ordinary Shares of 50p nominal value each.
Substantial Share Interests
Based upon information deemed to be reliable as provided by the Company's registrar, as at 20 June 2016, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the issued shares of the Company.
Number of Ordinary Percentage of
shares share class (%)
--------------------------- ------------------- -----------------
The Bank of New York
(Nominees) Limited * 7,934,354 52.46%
--------------------------- ------------------- -----------------
Nortrust Nominees Limited 985,722 6.39%
--------------------------- ------------------- -----------------
* The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited is nominee for North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc "NASCIT". NASCIT has a holding of 7,106,284 Ordinary Shares. NASCIT is a related party and further information is detailed in note 19
Notifications of Shareholdings
In the period from 1 April 2015 to 20 June 2016 the Company had been notified in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (which covers the acquisition and disposal of major shareholdings and voting rights), of the following voting rights as a shareholder of the Company. For non-UK issuers, the thresholds prescribed under DTR 5.1.2 for notification of holdings commence at 5%. The table below lists the ordinary shares and voting rights of shareholders as at 20 June 2016 who have acquired or disposed of major shareholdings from the period 1 April 2015 to 20 June 2016.
Number of Ordinary Percentage of
shares total voting
rights (%)
----------------------------- ------------------- --------------
1607 Capital Partners
LLC 0 0%
----------------------------- ------------------- --------------
Henderson Global Investors 1,461,209 Below 5%
----------------------------- ------------------- --------------
CG Asset Management Limited 1,039,722 6.85%
----------------------------- ------------------- --------------
Going Concern
Going concern refers to the assumption that the Company has the resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. After analysing the working capital of the Company, together with the budget for the next financial year, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements. It is further noted that the Company has a tradable portfolio, as 94% of the investment portfolio is listed and can therefore be readily sold for cash.
Based on the above assessments, the Directors are of the opinion that the Company is able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for payment because it has and is expected to maintain adequate cash resources. Given the nature of the Company's business, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The going concern statement required by the Listing Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code is set out above and in the "Directors' Responsibilities Report".
Viability Statement
The Directors are required to make a statement which explains how they have assessed the prospects of the Company, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, taking into account the Company's current position and principal risks. The principal risks faced by the Company are described in the Strategic Report.
The prospects of the Company are driven by its investment strategy, objectives and policy as summarised in the Strategic Report, and also by the conditions in the markets in which the Company invests and the financial market in general.
In assessing the prospects of the Company, the Directors have, in addition to taking into account the principal risks facing the Company, taken into account the Company's current position, which has included a process encompassing an examination of:
(i) the Investment Manager's view of the market conditions and investment opportunities in the market to which the Company is exposed, taking into consideration the financial markets generally.
(ii) the liquidity and prospects of the underlying positions of the Company; (iii) the extent to which the Company directly or indirectly uses gearing; and (iv) the liquidity of the companies in which the Company invests.
Based on the results of their assessment process and the examination of the areas outlined above, the Directors have concluded that a period of three years from the Statement of Financial Positon date is an appropriate period over which to assess the prospects of the Company. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due within this period of assessment. This three year time period assumes that the special resolution outlined in Article 51 of the Articles of Incorporation, and below under "Life of the Company" is not passed in 2017.
Life of the Company
The Company does not have a fixed life. However, under Article 51 of the Articles of Incorporation, the Directors shall give due notice of and propose or cause to be proposed a special resolution that the Company be wound up at the AGM of the Company every two years from 2011 onwards. Notices were tabled at the 2011, 2013 and 2015 AGMs, and in each case were not carried. This was in line with the Board's recommendation to shareholders to vote against these resolutions. The next notice will be given in the 2017 AGM documents.
Buybacks
At the annual general meeting of the Company held in August 2015, the Directors were granted the general authority to purchase in the market up to 10.00% of the Ordinary Shares of each class in issue (as at 14 August 2015). This authority will expire at the forthcoming AGM. The Directors intend to seek annual renewal of this authority from the Shareholders.
Pursuant to this authority, and subject to the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and the discretion of the Directors, the Company may purchase Ordinary Shares of a particular class in the market on an ongoing basis with a view to addressing any imbalance between the supply of and demand for Ordinary Shares of such class, thereby increasing the Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share of that class and assisting in controlling the discount to Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share of that class in relation to the price at which the Ordinary Shares of such class may be trading.
Disclosure of Information to Auditors
The Directors who were members of the Board at the time of approving this Report are listed in the Corporate Governance Report. Each of those Directors confirms that:
-- to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, there is no information relevant to the preparation of their report of which the Auditors are unaware; and
-- he or she has taken all steps a Director might reasonably be expected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Company has no greenhouse gas emissions to report from its operations for the year to 31 March 2016 (2015: None), nor does it have responsibility for any other emissions producing sources.
Website
The maintenance and integrity of the Oryx International Growth Fund Limited website is the responsibility of the directors. The work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements or audit report since they were initially presented on the website.
For and on behalf of the Board
Nigel Cayzer
Chairman
1 July 2016
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Applicable Corporate Governance Codes
The Board of the Company has considered how the principles and provisions of The UK Corporate Governance Code ("the Code"), revised in September 2012 and September 2014, have been applied by the Company. A copy of the Code can be found at https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Codes-Standards/Corporate-governance/UK-Corporate-Governance-Code. The Board acknowledges and has reported on these revisions to the Code (and the associated FRC Guidance on Audit Committees).
On 1 January 2012, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission's ("GFSC") "Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance" ("GFSC Code") came into effect. The GFSC have stated in the GFSC Code, that companies which report against the UK Corporate Governance Code are deemed to meet the GFSC Code, and need take no further action.
Corporate Governance Statement
The Company has complied with the recommendations of the Code, except as set out below and elsewhere in the Corporate Governance Report.
The role of the chief executive
Since all the Directors are non-executive and day-to-day management responsibilities are sub-contracted to the Investment Manager, the Company does not have a Chief Executive Officer.
Executive directors' remuneration
As the Board has no executive directors, it is not required to comply with the principles of the Code in respect of executive directors' remuneration. Directors' fees are detailed in the Directors' Remuneration Report .
Internal audit function
As the Company delegates to third parties its day-to-day operations and has no employees, the Board has determined that there is no requirement for an internal audit function. The Directors review annually whether a function equivalent to an internal audit is needed and will continue to monitor its systems of internal controls in order to provide assurance that they operate as intended.
The Company complies with the corporate governance statement requirements pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure and Transparency Rules by virtue of the information included in the Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report together with information contained in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report.
The Directors believe that this report and financial statements presents a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company's position and prospects, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.
The Board has not deemed it necessary to appoint a Remuneration or Management Engagement Committee as, being comprised of a majority of independent Directors, the whole Board considers these matters on an ongoing basis.
As the Company does not have any employees, the Board or Audit Committee have not established arrangements by which staff of the Company may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters.
Directors
Nigel Cayzer (Chairman)
British
Nigel Cayzer is Chairman of Aberdeen Asian Smaller Companies Investment Trust PLC. He is also a director of a number of private companies. He has been Chairman or a director of a number of Investment Companies and was Chairman of Maggie's, a leading cancer charity, from 2005 until 2014.
Jamie Brooke
British
Jamie Brooke is a fund manager at Henderson Global Investors. He has spent over 20 years investing in smaller companies, listed and private, at all stages of development. He trained as an ACA with Deloitte.
Sidney Cabessa
French
Sidney Cabessa is also a director of Club-Sagem and Mercator/Nature et découvertes. Mr Cabessa was Chairman of CIC Finance, an Investment Fund and a subsidiary of French banking group, CIC - Credit Mutuel and was previously a Director of other investment companies.
Walid Chatila
Canadian
Walid Chatila has more than 11 years of international audit and special assignment experience in the Middle East and North America. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Texas 1984) and a Certified Professional Accountant (Ontario 1991). From 1994 to 2006, he was the Finance Director of Emirates Holdings in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and between 2006 and 2011, he assumed the role of General Manager of Al Nowais Investment LLC. He is currently the General Manager of Arab Development Establishment in Abu Dhabi.
Rupert Evans
British
Rupert Evans is a Guernsey Advocate and was a partner in the firm of Ozannes between 1982 and 2003, since then he has been a consultant to Ozannes (now Mourant Ozannes). He is a non-executive director of a number of other investment companies some of which are quoted on recognised stock exchanges. He is a Guernsey resident.
Christopher Mills
British
Christopher Mills is a Partner and the Chief Executive Officer of Harwood Capital LLP. He is also Chief Investment Officer of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc ("NASCIT"). NASCIT is the winner of numerous Micropal and S&P Investment Trust awards. In addition, he is a non-executive director of numerous UK companies which are either currently, or have in the past five years been, publicly quoted.
John Grace
New Zealander
John Grace is actively involved in the management of several global businesses including asset management, financial services, and real estate. He is a Director and Founder of Sterling Grace International Ltd. Sterling Grace and its affiliates manage investments for high net-worth investors, institutions and investment partnerships. The company is active in global money management, financial services, private equity and real estate investments. Mr Grace is also Chairman of Trustees Executors Holdings Ltd, owner of the premier and oldest New Zealand trust company established in 1882. It is the market leader in the corporate trust business. Its clients include government divisions, corporations and banks. The company is active in wholesale financial services including trust accounting, securities custody and mutual fund registry. It is also actively engaged in the personal trust business. Mr Grace graduated from Georgetown University. Mr Grace has served as a director of numerous public companies and charities. He currently supports genetic research and education initiatives in science at the university of Lausanne, EPFL École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
John Radziwill
British
John Radziwill is currently a director of International Assets Holding Corp, Goldcrown Group Limited, Fourth Street Capital Ltd, Fifth Street Capital Ltd and Vendor Safe Technologies LLC. In the past ten years, he also served as a director of Acquisitor Plc and Acquisitor Holdings (Bermuda) Ltd, Air Express International Corp., Radix Ventures Inc, Baltimore Capital Plc, Lionheart Group Inc, USA Micro Cap Value Co Ltd and Radix Organisation Inc. Mr Radziwill is a member of the Bar of England and Wales.
Our Governance Framework
Chairman
Nigel Cayzer
Responsibilities:
The leadership, operation and governance of
the Board, ensuring effectiveness, and setting
the agenda for the Board.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board Members of Oryx International Growth
Fund Limited:
Nigel Cayzer (Chairman), Jamie Brooke, Sidney
Cabessa, Walid Chatila, Rupert Evans, John Grace,
Christopher Mills and John Radziwill - all independent
non-executive Directors, except Christopher
Mills who is an employee of the Investment Manager
and Sidney Cabessa who is a Director of Harwood
Capital Management Limited.
Responsibilities:
Overall conduct of the Company's business and
setting the Company's strategy.
More details below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Nomination Committee Audit Committee
Members: Members:
Nigel Cayzer (Chairman) Walid Chatila (Chairman)
Jamie Brooke Rupert Evans
Sidney Cabessa John Radziwill
Walid Chatila
Rupert Evans
John Grace
John Radziwill
Responsibilities: Responsibilities:
To ensure the Board comprises The provision of effective
individuals with the necessary governance over the
skills, knowledge and appropriateness of the
experience to ensure that Company's financial
the Board is effective reporting including
in discharging its responsibilities the adequacy of related
and oversight of all matters disclosures, the performance
relating to corporate of the external auditors,
governance. and the management of
the Company's systems
of internal financial
and operating controls
and business risks.
------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Board Independence and Composition
The Board
The Board is comprised of six independent non-executive Directors including the Chairman Nigel Cayzer and two non-independent Directors, Christopher Mills who is an employee of the Investment Manager and Sidney Cabessa who is a Director of Harwood Capital Management Limited. The biographical details of the Directors holding office at the date of this report are listed in the Corporate Governance Report, and demonstrate a breadth of investment, accounting and professional experience. The Board does not consider it necessary to appoint a Senior Independent Director, as it is considered that all the Directors have different qualities and areas of expertise on which they may lead where issues arise and to whom concerns can be conveyed. The performance of the Company is considered in detail at each board meeting. An evaluation of Directors' performance, their independence and the work of the Board as a whole and its committees is reviewed annually by the Nominations Committee. The Directors also review the Chairman's performance, without the Chairman present. The Board considers that independence is not compromised by the length of tenure and that it has the appropriate balance of skills, experience, ages and length of service in the circumstances. The majority of the Board is considered to be independent.
The Investment Manager takes decisions as to the purchase and sale of individual investments. The Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary through its appointed representatives who are responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations are complied with. Directors are able to have access to independent professional advice at the Company's expense if they judge it necessary to discharge their responsibilities as directors. To enable the Board to function effectively and allow Directors to discharge their responsibilities, full and timely access is given to all relevant information.
The Company Secretary, BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch through its representative, acts as Secretary to the Board and Committees and in doing so it:
-- assists the Chairman in ensuring that all Directors have full and timely access to all relevant documentation;
-- organises induction of new Directors; and
-- is responsible for ensuring that the correct Board procedures are followed and advises the Board on corporate governance matters.
Directors' Appointment and Re-election
No Director has a service contract with the Company. Any Director may resign in writing to the Board at any time.
The Articles of Incorporation provide that Directors are initially appointed until the following Annual General Meeting when, it is required that they be re-elected by shareholders. The Articles of Incorporation also provide that each year one-third of the Directors shall retire by rotation. The retiring Directors will then be eligible for reappointment.
Having served for more than nine years as non-executive directors and in accordance with the Code, Nigel Cayzer, Sidney Cabessa, Walid Chatila, Rupert Evans, and John Radziwill are retiring and, being eligible, will seek re-election to the Board at the forthcoming AGM.
In accordance with Listing Rule 15.2.13A, which requires Directors or members of the Investment Manager to be subject to annual election, Christopher Mills is a member of the Investment Manager, and accordingly, is retiring and, being eligible, will seek re-election to the Board.
The Board continues to believe that Mr Cayzer, Mr Chatila, Mr Evans, and Mr Radziwill are independent and that all Directors standing for re-election make an effective and valuable contribution to the Board and that the Company should support their re-election.
Responsibilities
The Board meets at least four times each year and deals with the important aspects of the Company's affairs including the setting and monitoring of investment strategy, and the review of investment performance. The Investment Manager takes decisions as to the purchase and sale of individual investments, in line with the investment policy and strategy set by the Board. The Investment Manager together with the Company Secretary also ensures that all Directors receive, in a timely manner, all relevant management, regulatory and financial information relating to the Company and its portfolio of investments. A representative of the Investment Manager attends each Board meeting, enabling Directors to question any matters of concern or seek clarification on certain issues. Matters specifically reserved for decision by the full Board have been defined and a procedure adopted for Directors in the furtherance of their duties to take independent professional advice at the expense of the Company.
Tenure
The Board has adopted a policy on tenure that is considered appropriate for an investment company. The Board does not believe that length of service, by itself, leads to a closer relationship with the Investment Manager or necessarily affects a Director's independence. The Board's tenure and succession policy seeks to ensure that the Board is well-balanced and will be refreshed from time to time by the appointment of new Directors with the skills and experience necessary to replace those lost by Directors' retirements. Directors must be able to demonstrate their commitment to the Company. The Board seeks to encompass relevant past and current experience of various areas relevant to the Company's business.
Conflict of Interests
Directors are required to disclose all actual and potential conflicts of interest to the Board as they arise for consideration and the Board may impose restrictions or refuse to authorise conflicts if deemed appropriate. The Directors have undertaken to notify the Company Secretary as soon as they become aware of any new potential conflicts of interest that would need to be approved by the Board. Only Directors who have no material interest in the matter being considered will be able to participate in the Board approval process.
It has also been agreed that the Directors will advise the Chairman and the Company Secretary in advance of any proposed external appointment. None of the Directors had a material interest in any contract, which is significant to the Company's business. The Directors' Remuneration Report provides information on the remuneration and interests of the Directors.
Performance evaluation
The Board has adopted a formal annual evaluation of its own performance and that of its Committees and individual Directors. The last evaluation took place in March 2016 and was led by the Chairman. Mr Evans took the lead in the evaluation of the Chairman's performance.
Evaluation is conducted utilising a questionnaire. The Board has developed criteria for use at the evaluation, which focuses on the individual contribution to the Board and its Committees made by each Director and the Chairman, each Director's independence and the responsibilities, composition and agenda of the Committees and of the Board itself. A review of Board composition and balance, including succession planning for appointments to the Board, is included as part of the annual performance evaluation. The non-executive Directors also meet without the Chairman present to appraise his performance.
During the annual board evaluation in March 2016, it was concluded that all Directors with the exception of Messer's Mills and Cabessa were independent. It was confirmed that the Chairman and all Directors felt well prepared and able to participate fully at Board meetings, with a good understanding of the markets and investments of the Company. It was agreed that all relevant topics were fully discussed at effective Board meetings, with the board having a good range of competencies and skills.
The Board will continue to review its procedures, its effectiveness and development in the year ahead.
Induction/Information and Professional Development
Directors are provided, on a regular basis, with key information on the Company's policies, regulatory requirements and its internal controls. Regulatory and legislative changes affecting Directors' responsibilities are advised to the Board as they arise along with changes to best practice from, amongst others, the Company Secretary and the Auditors. Advisers to the Company also prepare reports for the Board from time to time on relevant topics and issues.
When a new Director is appointed to the Board, they will be provided with all relevant information regarding the Company and their respective duties and responsibilities as a Director. In addition, a new Director will also spend time with representatives of the Investment Manager in order to learn more about their processes and procedures.
Independent Advice
The Board recognises that there may be occasions when one or more of the Directors feels it is necessary to take independent legal advice at the Company's expense. A procedure has been adopted to enable them to do so, which is managed by the Company Secretary.
Directors' Indemnity
To the extent permitted by Guernsey law, the Company's Articles of Incorporation provide an indemnity for the Directors against any liability except such (if any) as they shall incur by or through their own breach of trust, breach of duty or negligence.
During the year the Company has maintained insurance cover for its Directors and Officers under a Directors' and Officers' liability insurance policy.
Board Meetings
The Board meets at least quarterly. Certain matters are considered at all Board meetings including the performance of the investments, NAV and share price and associated matters such as asset allocation and investor relations. Consideration is also given to administration and corporate governance matters, and where applicable, reports are received from the Board committees.
Directors unable to attend a board meeting are provided with the board papers and can discuss issues arising in the meeting with the Chairman or another non-executive Director.
Attendance at scheduled meetings of the Board and its committees in the 2015/16 financial year
Board Audit Nomination
Committee Committee
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Number of meetings
during the year 6 3 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Nigel Cayzer 4 - 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Jamie Brooke 4 - -
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Sidney Cabessa 4 - 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Walid Chatila 6 3 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Rupert Evans 5 2 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
Christopher Mills 4 - -
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
John Grace 4 - 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
John Radziwill 4 1 1
-------------------- ------ ----------- -----------
In addition to these meetings, 7 ad-hoc Committee meetings were held during the year for various matters.
Board Committees
The Board has established a Nomination and an Audit Committee with defined terms of reference and duties. Further details of these committees can be found in their reports below. The terms of reference for each committee can be found on the Company's website www.oryxinternationalgrowthfund.co.uk.
Nomination Committee
Membership:
Nigel Cayzer - Chairman (Independent non-executive Director)
Jamie Brooke (Independent non-executive Director)
Sidney Cabessa (Non-executive Director)
Walid Chatila (Independent non-executive Director)
Rupert Evans (Independent non-executive Director)
John Grace (Independent non-executive Director)
John Radziwill (Independent non-executive Director)
The Board believes it is appropriate for the Company Chairman to also be Chairman of the Nomination Committee as he is an independent non-executive Director.
Key Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees and to evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board and the division of responsibilities between the Board and the Investment Manager. The Nominations Committee also meets as and when appropriate to replace Directors who retire from the Board, leading the process for Board appointments and making recommendations to the Board.
Responsibilities
-- Regularly reviews and makes recommendations in relation to the structure, size and composition of the board including the diversity and balance of skills, knowledge and experience, and the independence of the non-executive Directors;
-- Oversees the performance evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual Directors; -- Reviews the tenure of each of the non-executive Directors;
-- Leads the process for identifying and making recommendations to the Board regarding candidates for appointment as Directors, giving full consideration to succession planning and the leadership needs of the Company;
-- Makes recommendations to the Board on the composition of the Board's committees; and
-- Is responsible for the oversight of all matters relating to corporate governance, bringing any issues to the attention of the Board.
Committee Meetings
Only members of the Nomination Committee have the right to attend Committee meetings. Representatives of the Investment Manager and Administrator are invited by the Nomination Committee to attend meetings as and when appropriate. In the event of matters arising concerning either an individual's membership of the Board or their remuneration, they would absent themselves from the meeting as required and another independent non-executive Director would take the chair, if this applied to the Committee Chairman.
Main Activities during the Year
The Committee met once during the year to consider and review the results of the annual board evaluation and considered that the balance of experience, skills, independence and knowledge of the Company was appropriate.
There is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment of new Directors. Candidates are identified and selected on merit against objective criteria and with due regard to the benefits of diversity on the Board.
The Board continues to focus on encouraging diversity of business skills and experience, recognising that Directors with diverse skills sets, capabilities and experience gained from different backgrounds enhance the Board. The Board considers that its members have a balance of skills and experience which are relevant to the Company. The Board believes in the value and importance of diversity in the boardroom but it does not consider it appropriate or in the interests of the Company and its shareholders to set prescriptive targets for gender or nationality on the Board.
Nigel Cayzer
On behalf of the Nomination Committee
1 July 2016
Audit Committee
Membership:
Walid Chatila - Chairman (Independent non-executive Director)
Rupert Evans (Independent non-executive Director)
John Radziwill (Independent non-executive Director)
Key Objectives
The provision of effective governance over the appropriateness of the Company's financial reporting including the adequacy of related disclosures, the performance of the external auditors, and the management of the Company's systems of internal financial and operating controls and business risks.
Responsibilities
-- Reviewing the Company's internal financial controls;
-- Reviewing the Company's financial results announcements, financial statements and monitoring compliance with relevant statutory and listing requirements;
-- Reporting to the Board on the appropriateness of the Company's accounting policies and practices including critical accounting policies and practices;
-- Advising the Board on whether the Audit Committee believes the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy;
-- Overseeing the relationship with the external auditor;
-- Considering the financial and other implications on the independence of the auditor arising from any non-audit services provided by the auditors;
-- To analyse the key procedures adopted by the Company's Service Providers; and -- Compile a report on its activities to be included in the Company's annual report.
The Committee members have a wide range of financial and commercial expertise necessary to fulfil the Committee's duties.
Committee Meetings
The Committee meets at least three times a year. Only members of the Audit Committee have the right to attend Audit Committee meetings. Representatives of the Investment Manager and Administrator will be invited to attend Audit Committee meetings on a regular basis and other non-members may be invited to attend all or part of the meeting as and when appropriate and necessary. The Company's external auditor, KPMG Channel Islands Limited ("KPMG"), is also invited whenever it is appropriate. The Committee is also able to meet separately with KPMG without the Investment Manager being present.
Main Activities during the Year
The Committee assists the Board in carrying out its responsibilities in relation to financial reporting requirements, risk management and the assessment of internal financial and operating controls. It also manages the Company's relationship with the external auditor. Meetings of the Committee generally take place prior to a Company Board meeting. The Committee reports to the Board as part of a separate agenda item, on the activity of the Committee and matters of particular relevance to the Board in the conduct of their work.
The Committee advises the Board on whether it believes the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy. The Committee's terms of reference can be found on the Company's website www.oryxinternationalgrowthfund.co.uk.
At its three meetings during the year, the Committee focused on:
Financial Reporting
The primary role of the Committee in relation to financial reporting is to review in conjunction with the Investment Manager and the Administrator the appropriateness of the half-year and the audited annual financial statements concentrating on, amongst other matters:
-- The quality and acceptability of accounting policies and practices;
-- The clarity of the disclosures and compliance with financial reporting standards and relevant financial and governance reporting requirements;
-- Material areas in which significant judgements have been applied or there has been discussion with the external auditor;
-- Whether the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy; and -- Any correspondence from regulators in relation to the quality of our financial reporting.
To aid its review, the Committee considers reports from the Investment Manager, Administrator and also reports from the external auditor on the outcome of their annual audit.
Significant Issues
In relation to the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016, the following significant issues were considered by the Audit Committee:
Significant How the Issue was Addressed
Issue
Valuation The Audit Committee received a report
of Investments from the Investment Manager on the valuation
of the portfolio and on the assumptions
used in valuing the unlisted assets in
the portfolio. The Committee analysed
the Investment portfolio of the Company
in terms of investment mix, fair value
hierarchy and valuation. The Committee
has also considered the auditor's approach
to the valuation of the Company's investments.
The Committee has held detailed discussions
with the Investment Manager with regards
to the methodology used in valuing the
unlisted assets in the portfolio. The
Committee discussed in depth with KPMG,
with regards to their approach to testing
the appropriateness and robustness of
the valuation methodology applied by
the Investment Manager to the Company's
portfolio. The members of the Committee
had a meeting with KPMG, where the audit
findings were reported. KPMG did not
report any significant differences between
the valuations used by the Company and
the work performed during their testing
process. Based on their above review
and analysis the Committee confirmed
that they are satisfied with the valuation
of the investments.
Internal Controls
The Board is responsible for the Company's system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness, which was in place up to the date the financial statements were signed. The Board has delegated the responsibility of regularly reviewing the effectiveness of the systems of internal controls in place to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee believes that the key risks identified and implementation of the system to monitor and manage those risks, are appropriate to the Company's business as an investment company.
The ongoing risk assessment includes the monitoring of the financial, operational and compliance risks as well as an evaluation of the scope and quality of the system of internal control adopted by the third party service providers. The Audit Committee regularly reviews the delegated services to ensure their continued competitiveness and effectiveness. The system is designed to ensure regular communication of the results of monitoring by the third parties to the Board and the incidence of any significant control failings or weaknesses that have been identified and the extent to which they have resulted in unforeseen outcomes or contingences that may have a material impact on the Company's performance or operations. The Audit Committee believes that, although robust, the Company's system of internal controls is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives.
The Committee is responsible overall for the Company's system of internal financial and operating controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system, however, is designed to manage rather than eliminate risks of failure to achieve the Company's business objectives and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Board receives each year a report from the Administrator on its internal controls which includes a report from the Administrator's auditors on the control policies and procedures in operation.
The Investment Manager has established an internal control framework to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance on the effectiveness of the internal controls operated on behalf of its clients. The effectiveness of the internal controls is assessed by the Investment Manager's compliance and risk department on an ongoing basis.
In respect of the Company's system of internal controls and reviewing its effectiveness, the Directors are satisfied that a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Company has been carried out (as outlined above) and that having reviewed the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems including material financial, operational and compliance controls (including those relating to the financial reporting process) no significant failings or weaknesses were identified.
External Audit
The effectiveness of the external audit process is dependent on appropriate audit risk identification at the start of the audit cycle. The Committee received a detailed audit plan from KPMG identifying their assessment of the significant audit risks. For the 2016 financial year the significant audit risks identified were the valuation of unlisted investments and fraud risk, including management override of controls. The significant risks were tracked through the year and the Committee reviewed the procedures performed by the auditors to test management override of controls and in addition the audit work undertaken in respect of valuations of unlisted investments. The Committee assess the effectiveness of the audit process in addressing these matters through the reporting received from KPMG in relation to the year-end. In addition, the Committee seeks feedback from the Investment Manager and the Administrator on the effectiveness of the audit process. For the 2016 financial year, the Committee was satisfied that there had been appropriate focus and challenge on the significant and other key areas of audit risk and assessed the quality of the audit process to be good.
Appointment and Independence
The Committee considers the reappointment of KPMG, including the rotation of the audit engagement partner, and assesses their independence on an annual basis. KPMG is required to rotate the engagement partner responsible for the audit every five years. The current audit engagement partner has been in place for three years. KPMG has been the Company's external auditors since 31 March 2010. Due to the Company's incorporation in Guernsey, it is not obliged to comply with proposed developments in the UK and the EU on audit tendering. The Committee does however keep under review legislation from the EU and the Competition Commission in the UK.
The Committee will continue to consider annually the need to go to tender for audit quality or independence reasons and will be guided by any changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code. Subject to the outcome of this process continuing to be satisfactory, it is currently expected that KPMG will remain in office and a resolution to reappoint them for the 2017 audit will therefore be proposed at the AGM. In its assessment of the independence of the external auditors, the Committee receives details of any relationships between the Company and KPMG that may have a bearing on their independence and receives confirmation that the external auditor are independent of the Company.
The Committee approved the fees for audit services for 2015/16 after a review of the level and nature of work to be performed, and after being satisfied by KPMG that the fees were appropriate for the scope of the work required.
The external auditor was remunerated GBP50,000 for their services rendered in 2015/16. The entire amount relates to the year-end audit.
The Committee is satisfied with the effectiveness of the audit provided by KPMG, and is satisfied with their independence. The Committee has therefore recommended to the Board that KPMG be reappointed as external auditor for the year ending 31 March 2017, and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration. The auditor, KPMG, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. Accordingly, a resolution proposing the reappointment of KPMG as the external auditor will be put to the shareholders at the 2016 AGM. There are no contractual obligations restricting the Committee's choice of external auditor and we do not indemnify our external auditor.
Non Audit Services
The external auditor and the Directors have agreed a policy for non-audit services. All non-audit services are prohibited.
Committee Evaluation
The Committee's activities formed part of the Board evaluation performed in the year. Details of this process can be found under the "Performance evaluation" section of the Corporate Governance Report.
Walid Chatila
On behalf of the Audit Committee
1 July 2016
Relationship with the Investment Manager and the Administrator
The Board has delegated various duties to external parties including the management of the investment portfolio, the custodial services (including the safeguarding of assets), the registration services and the day-to-day company secretarial, administration and accounting services.
The Board receives and considers reports regularly from the Investment Manager and ad hoc reports and information are supplied to the Board as required. The Investment Manager takes decisions as to the purchase and sale of individual investments. The Investment Manager and Administrator also ensure that all Directors receive, in a timely manner, all relevant management, regulatory and financial information. Representatives of the Investment Manager and Administrator attend each Board meeting enabling the Directors to probe further on matters of concern. A formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for decision by the full Board has been defined and a procedure adopted for Directors. The Directors have access to the advice and service of the corporate Company Secretary through its appointed representative who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations are complied with.
Shareholder Engagement
Communications with Shareholders
The Board believes that the maintenance of good relations with shareholders is important for the long-term prospects of the Company. Where appropriate the Chairman, and other Directors are available for discussion about governance and strategy with major shareholders and the Chairman ensures communication of shareholders' views to the Board. The Board receives feedback on the views of shareholders from the Investment Manager and Broker.
The Board believes that the Annual General Meeting provides an appropriate forum for investors to communicate with the Board, and encourages participation. The Annual General Meeting will be attended by at least one Director. Details of proxy votes received in respect of each resolution will be made available to shareholders at the meeting and will be posted on the Company's website following the meeting.
The Annual and Half-year Reports are available to all shareholders. The Board considers the format of the annual and interim reports so as to ensure they are useful to all shareholders and others taking an interest in the Company. In accordance with best practice, the Annual Report, including the Notice of the Annual General Meeting, will be sent to shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting.
Institutional Investors - use of voting rights
The Investment Manager, in the absence of explicit instructions from the Board, are empowered to exercise discretion in the use of the Company's voting rights in respect of investments and then to report to the Board, where appropriate, regarding decisions taken. The Board has considered whether it was appropriate to adopt a voting policy and an investment policy with regard to social, ethical and environmental issues and concluded that it was not appropriate to change the existing arrangements.
2016 Annual General Meeting ("AGM")
The AGM will be held in Guernsey on 25 August 2016 at 10:00 BST. The notice for the Annual General Meeting set out in the Shareholder Circular accompanying this Annual Report sets out the ordinary and special resolutions to be proposed at the meeting. Separate resolutions are proposed for each substantive issue.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT
Annual Statement
Dear Shareholder
This report meets the relevant Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and the UK Corporate Governance Code and describes how the Board has applied the principles relating to Directors' remuneration. An ordinary resolution to ratify this report will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 25 August 2016.
The rest of this report is split into two parts:
-- The Directors' remuneration policy sets out the company's proposed policy on Directors' remuneration for the year. The Directors' remuneration policy is subject to annual review.
-- The annual report on remuneration sets out payments made to the Directors.
Changes to the Board
There were no changes to the Board during the year.
Conclusion
We have provided an at a glance summary of 2015/16 remuneration immediately after this letter. The Annual Report on Remuneration provides further details and the Directors' Remuneration Policy sets out how we are building for the future.
I hope that we can rely on your vote in favour of the Annual Report.
At a Glance
Single total figure for Directors for 2015/16
Director Fees Other Total
GBP Fees GBP
GBP
================ ======= ====== =======
Nigel Cayzer 25,000 - 25,000
Jamie Brooke 18,000 - 18,000
Sidney Cabessa 18,000 - 18,000
Walid Chatila 18,000 - 18,000
Rupert Evans 18,000 - 18,000
Christopher
Mills 18,000 - 18,000
John Grace 18,000 - 18,000
John Radziwill 18,000 - 18,000
Single total figure for Directors for 2014/15
Director Fees Other Total
GBP Fees GBP
GBP
================ ======= ====== =======
Nigel Cayzer 25,000 - 25,000
Jamie Brooke 18,000 - 18,000
Sidney Cabessa 18,000 - 18,000
Walid Chatila 18,000 - 18,000
Rupert Evans 18,000 - 18,000
Christopher
Mills 18,000 - 18,000
John Grace 18,000 - 18,000
John Radziwill 18,000 - 18,000
Remuneration Policy
The determination of the Directors' fees is a matter dealt with by the Board. The Board has not sought the advice or services by any outside person in respect of its consideration of the Directors' remuneration, although the Directors reviewed the fees paid to the Boards of Directors of similar investment companies during 2015. No Director is to be involved in decisions relating to their own remuneration.
No Director has a service contract with the Company and Directors' appointments may be terminated at any time by one month's written notice with no compensation payable at termination.
The Company's policy is for the Directors to be remunerated in the form of fees, payable quarterly in arrears. No Director has any entitlement to a pension, and the Company has not awarded any share options or long-term performance incentives to any of the Directors. No element of the Directors' remuneration is performance related.
Directors are authorised to claim reasonable expenses from the Company in relation to the performance of their duties.
The Company's policy is that the fees payable to the Directors should reflect the time spent by the Board on the Company's affairs and the responsibilities borne by the Directors and should be sufficient to enable high calibre candidates to be recruited. During the year 2015/16, the policy was for the Chairman of the Board to be paid a higher fee than the other Directors in recognition of their more onerous role and more time spent. The Board may amend the level of remuneration paid within the limits of the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
Policy Table
Directors' Fees Policy
Element Undertaking Maximum Potential Performance
in relation Value Metrics Used
to the Element
========================== ==================== ===================== =======================
Fees
To recognise Directors' Current fee Directors
time spent fees are set levels are are not remunerated
and the responsibilities by the Board. shown in the based on
borne and to Annual fees remuneration performance
attract high are paid quarterly report. and are not
calibre candidates in arrears. eligible
who have the The Company's to participate
necessary experience Fees are reviewed current Articles in any performance
and skills. against those of Incorporation related arrangements.
for Directors limit the aggregate
in companies fees payable
of similar to the Board
scale and of Directors
complexity. to a total
Fees were of GBP200,000
last reviewed per annum.
in 2015
Directors
do not receive
benefits and
do not participate
in any incentive
or pension
plans.
========================== ==================== ===================== =======================
Service Contracts and Policy on Payment of Loss of Office
Directors are appointed with the expectation that they are initially appointed until the following Annual General Meeting when, it is required that they be re-elected by shareholders. Directors will initially serve for a period of three years, and will stand for re-election every three years. In accordance with the Code, Directors who have served for more than nine years as non-executive directors will retire annually and seek re-election to the Board. Directors or members of the Investment Manager are be subject to annual election, in accordance with Listing Rule 15.2.13A.
The names and biographies of the Directors holding office at the date of this report are listed in the Corporate Governance Report.
Dates of Directors' Appointment
Director Date of Appointment
================== ====================
Nigel Cayzer 3 December
1994
Jamie Brooke 5 September
2013
Sidney Cabessa 3 June 2003
Walid Chatila 27 September
2005
Rupert Evans 3 December
1994
John Grace 8 March 2011
Christopher Mills 3 December
1994
John Radziwill 1 May 2007
================== ====================
Directors Interests
The Company has not set any requirements or guidelines for Directors to own shares in the Company. The beneficial interests of the Directors and their connected persons in the Company's shares are shown in the table below:
31 March 2016 31 March 2015
Ordinary Shares Ordinary Shares
------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Christopher Mills 328,716 328,716
------------------- ----------------- -----------------
John Radziwill
* 419,000 419,000
------------------- ----------------- -----------------
John Grace ** 130,000 130,000
346,607 346,607
------------------- ----------------- -----------------
* John Radziwill is a Director of a fund, held by his family trust, that holds 419,000 Ordinary Shares and which is managed by an independent fund manager.
** John Grace holds a beneficial interest of 130,000 Ordinary Shares. Mr Grace is also a member of a class of beneficiaries which holds an interest in 346,607 Ordinary Shares.
Christopher Mills is a Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Harwood Capital LLP, the Investment Manager and Investment Adviser. Harwood Capital LLP is entitled to fees as detailed in Notes 4 and 5. Rupert Evans is a consultant to the law firm Mourant Ozannes, the legal adviser to the Company.
No fees were paid or are payable to Harwood Capital Management Limited where Sidney Cabessa is a director.
Other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business, there have been no material transactions with these related parties.
Annual Report on Remuneration
Other than as shown above, no other remuneration or compensation was paid or payable by the Company during the year to any of the Directors, other than travel expenses of GBP35,746 (2015: GBP32,299).
Advisers to the Remunerations Committee
The Board has not sought the advice or services by any outside person in respect of its consideration of the Directors' remuneration.
Nigel Cayzer
On behalf of the Board
1 July 2016
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES REPORT
The Directors are responsible for preparing financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view, in accordance with applicable Guernsey law and International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the European Union, of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss for the period.
In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; -- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-- State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended.
The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
-- The financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company, taken as a whole as required by DTR 4.1.6, and are in compliance with the requirements set out in the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 as amended;
-- The Annual Report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.1.8R and DTR 4.1.11R, which provides an indication of important events and a description of principal risks and uncertainties which face the Company.
-- The Investment Adviser's Report, together with the Director's report, includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.1.12R.
-- The Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for Shareholders to assess the company's performance, business model and strategy.
The Directors are also considered to be related parties and their fees are disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
By order of the Board
Walid Chatila Rupert Evans Director Director
INDEPENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ORYX INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND LIMITED
Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit
Opinion on financial statements
We have audited the financial statements of Oryx International Growth Fund Limited (the "Company") for the year ended 31 March 2016 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity, the statement of cash flows and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('EU'). In our opinion, the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 March 2016 and of its total comprehensive income for the year then ended;
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU; and
-- comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
The risks of material misstatement detailed in this section of this report are those risks that we have deemed, in our professional judgement, to have had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in our audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. Our audit procedures relating to these risks were designed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole. Our opinion on the financial statements is not modified with respect to any of these risks, and we do not express an opinion on these individual risks.
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements, the risk of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit was as follows:
Valuation of investments (GBP85,664,856)
Refer to the Audit Committee section of the Corporate Governance Report, Note 2(b) (use of estimates and judgements), Note 2(e) (financial assets), Note 18 (fair value hierarchy)
-- The risk - As at 31 March 2016 the Company had invested 82% of its net assets in equities, debt, convertible debt and a limited partnership interest (together, "investments") in listed and unlisted small and mid-size entities. As described in the Audit Committee section of the Corporate Governance Report, the valuation of the Company's investments, given that it represents the majority of the Company's net assets, is a significant area of our audit. The Company's holdings in listed investments (representing 77% of net assets) are valued based on the bid prices as at 31 March 2016. The Company's holdings in unlisted investments (representing 5% of net assets) are valued based on the International Private Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) valuation guidelines, which requires the use of significant judgement.
-- Our response - Our audit procedures in respect of the Company's investments included, but were not limited to, evaluating the design and implementation of controls over the valuation of both listed and unlisted investments and testing the effectiveness of the controls over the valuation of listed investments. We used our own valuation specialist to independently price listed investments to a third party source and assess the trading volumes behind such prices. For unlisted investments, we assessed the appropriateness of the techniques used to value the unlisted investments. We challenged the Investment Manager's key assumptions used in preparing these valuations. In particular, we focused on the appropriateness of the valuation basis selected as well as the underlying assumptions, such as the choice of benchmark for earnings multiples, the validity of the price of recent investment being used to value a holding, and discount provisions. We corroborated key underlying financial data inputs to external sources, investee company audited accounts and management information as applicable.
We also considered the Company's disclosures (see Note 2(b)) in relation to the use of estimates and judgements in determining the fair value of investments and the Company's investment valuation policies adopted and fair value disclosures in Note 2(e) and Note 18 for compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU.
Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality is a term used to describe the acceptable level of precision in financial statements. Auditing standards describe a misstatement or an omission as "material" if it could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. The auditor has to apply judgement in identifying whether a misstatement or omission is material and to do so the auditor identifies a monetary amount as "materiality for the financial statements as a whole".
The materiality for the financial statements as a whole was set at GBP3,000,000. This has been calculated using a benchmark of the Company's net asset value (of which it represents approximately 3%) which we believe is the most appropriate benchmark as net asset value is considered to be one of the principal considerations for members of the Company in assessing the financial performance of the Company.
We agreed with the audit committee to report to it all corrected and uncorrected audit misstatements we identified through our audit with a value in excess of GBP150,000, in addition to other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
Our audit of the Company was undertaken to the materiality level specified above, which has informed our identification of significant risks of material misstatement and the associated audit procedures performed in those areas as detailed above.
Whilst the audit process is designed to provide reasonable assurance of identifying material misstatements or omissions it is not guaranteed to do so. Rather we plan the audit to determine the extent of testing needed to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements does not exceed materiality for the financial statements as a whole. This testing requires us to conduct significant depth of work on a broad range of assets, liabilities, income and expense as well as devoting significant time of the most experienced members of the audit team, in particular the Responsible Individual, to subjective areas of the accounting and reporting process.
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company's circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Board of Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Disclosures of principal risks
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
-- the directors' Viability Statement, concerning the principal risks, their management, and, based on that, the directors' assessment and expectations of the Company continuing in operation over the 3 years to 2019; or
-- the disclosures in Note 2(a) of the financial statements concerning the use of the going concern basis of accounting.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have identified other information in the Annual Report that contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge or the financial statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise misleading.
In particular, we are required to report to you if:
-- we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our audit and the directors' statement that they consider that the Annual Report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy; or
-- the audit committee report does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit committee.
Under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
-- the Company has not kept proper accounting records; or -- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
-- we have not received all the information and explanations, which to the best of our knowledge and belief are necessary for the purpose of our audit.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company's compliance with the eleven provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.
Scope of report and responsibilities
The purpose of this report and restrictions on its use by persons other than the Company's members as a body
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with section 262 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and, in respect of any further matters on which we have agreed to report, on terms we have agreed with the Company. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Report, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the UK Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Lee C Clark
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditors
Glategny Court, Glategny Esplanade,
St Peter Port, Guernsey
GY1 1WR
1 July 2016
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 March 2016, expressed in GBP Sterling
2016 2015
Notes GBP GBP
Income
Dividends 3 1,160,205 1,155,662
Interest and other income 3 44,372 22,707
1,204,577 1,178,369
Realised gains on investments 10 19,625,032 9,955,720
Unrealised loss on revaluation of investments 10 (500,497) (3,581,682)
Net loss on foreign currency translation (64,266) (4,460)
Total revenue 19,060,269 6,369,578
----------- ------------
Expenses
Management and investment adviser's fee 4 1,074,626 933,806
Directors' fees and expenses 8 191,598 190,213
Legal and professional fees 91,799 130,134
Supplementary management fee 5 200,000 150,000
Transaction costs 309,975 92,918
Advisory fees 250,536 10,000
Administration fees 7 92,939 83,211
Audit fees 50,942 43,711
Custodian fees 6 24,042 22,979
Insurance 5,269 4,988
Registrar and transfer agent fees 22,503 21,118
Printing costs 18,512 14,715
Other expenses 42,963 17,587
Total expenses 2,375,704 1,715,380
----------- ------------
Total profit for the year before taxation 17,889,142 5,832,567
Withholding tax on dividends 9 74,700 71,100
Total comprehensive income for the year 17,814,442 5,761,467
----------- ------------
Earnings per share - basic and diluted:
Ordinary 15 GBP1.14 GBP0.35
----------- ------------
All items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 31 March 2016, expressed in GBP Sterling
2016 2015
Notes GBP GBP
Non-current assets
Listed investments designated at fair value through profit or loss (Cost -
GBP65,345,587 (2015
- GBP73,744,583)) 80,598,581 83,348,998
Unlisted investments designated at fair value through profit or loss (Cost -
GBP4,979,007
(2015 - GBP2,831,710)) 5,066,275 9,068,055
10 85,664,856 92,417,053
------------- -------------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 19,514,960 992,864
Amounts due from brokers 379,239 -
Dividends and interest receivable 90,000 91,800
Other receivables 10,396 4,721
19,994,595 1,089,385
------------- -------------
Total assets 105,659,451 93,506,438
------------- -------------
Current liabilities
Other payables and accrued expenses 320,733 261,099
Amounts due to brokers 621,241 180,322
941,974 441,421
------------- -------------
Net assets 104,717,477 93,065,017
------------- -------------
Shareholders' equity
Called up share capital 11 50,289,346 50,879,089
Capital redemption reserve 1,246,500 1,246,500
Other reserves 53,181,631 40,939,428
Total equity shareholders' funds 104,717,477 93,065,017
Net Asset Value per Share - basic and diluted 14 GBP6.89 GBP5.69
------------- -------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 1 July 2016 and are signed on its behalf by:
Walid Chatila Rupert Evans Director Director
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 March 2016, expressed in GBP Sterling
Capital
Share redemption Other
Notes Capital reserve reserves Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 1
April 2015 50,879,089 1,246,500 40,939,428 93,065,017
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - 17,814,442 17,814,442
---------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Transactions
with owners,
recorded directly
in equity
Contributions,
redemptions
and distributions
to shareholders
- Cancellation
of shares 11 (589,743) - (5,572,239) (6,161,982)
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total transactions
with owners (589,743) - (5,572,239) (6,161,982)
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 31
March 2016 50,289,346 1,246,500 53,181,631 104,717,477
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Capital
Share redemption Other
Notes Capital reserve reserves Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 1
April 2014 51,018,780 1,246,500 36,232,101 88,497,381
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - 5,761,467 5,761,467
---------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Transactions
with owners,
recorded directly
in equity
Contributions,
redemptions
and distributions
to shareholders
- Cancellation
of shares 11 (139,691) - (1,054,140) (1,193,831)
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Total transactions
with owners (139,691) - (1,054,140) (1,193,831)
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at 31
March 2015 50,879,089 1,246,500 40,939,428 93,065,017
-------------------- ------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 March 2016, expressed in GBP Sterling
2016 2015
Notes GBP GBP
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 13 24,748,344 (457,370)
------------- --------------
Financing Activities
Cancellation of shares (6,161,982) (1,193,829)
Cash outflow from financing activities (6,161,982) (1,193,829)
------------- --------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 18,586,362 (1,651,199)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 992,864 2,648,523
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents (64,266) (4,460)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 19,514,960 992,864
------------- --------------
For the year ended 31 March 2016, cash received from dividends was GBP1,162,005 (2015: GBP1,129,262) and interest received was GBP2,596 (2015: GBP22,707).
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. General
The Company was registered in Guernsey on 2 December 1994 and commenced activities on 3 March 1995. The Company was listed on the London Stock Exchange on 3 March 1995.
The Company is a Guernsey Authorised Closed-Ended Investment Scheme and is subject to the Authorised Closed-Ended Investment Scheme Rules 2008.
The investment activities of the Company are managed by Harwood Capital LLP ('the Investment Manager') and the administration of the Company is delegated to BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch ('the Administrator').
Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
2. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements of the Company, which give a true and fair view, and comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended), have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as adopted by the European Union ("EU"). This comprises of standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (the "IASB"), and International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee ("IASC") that remain in effect.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the inclusion at fair value of certain financial instruments. The principal accounting policies are set out below.
a) Going concern
Going concern refers to the assumption that the Company has the resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. After analysing the following, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements:
-- Working capital - As at 31 March 2016, there was a working capital surplus of GBP19,052,621. The Directors noted that as at 31 March 2016 (i) the gross investment income for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 was GBP17,814,442 and (ii) the Company had no borrowings, as such it has sufficient capital in hand to cover all expenses (which mainly consist of Investment Manager's fees, Administration fees and Professional fees) and to meet all of its obligations as they fall due.
-- Closed-ended Company - The Company has been authorised by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission as an Authorised Closed-ended Collective Investment Scheme, as such there cannot be any shareholder redemptions, and therefore no cash flows out of the Company in this respect.
-- Investments - The Company has a tradable portfolio, as 94% of the investments are listed and can therefore be readily sold for cash.
Based on the above assessments, the Directors are of the opinion that the Company is able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for payment because it has and is expected to maintain adequate cash resources. Given the nature of the Company's business, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
b) Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may vary from these estimates.
Judgement is exercised in terms of whether the price of recent transaction remains the best indicator of fair value for financial instruments at the statement of financial position date.
The manager reviews sector and market information and the circumstances of the investee company to determine if the valuation adopted at the statement of financial position date remains the best indicator of fair value. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Information about areas of critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are set out in Note 2(e). Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are set out in Notes 17 and 18.
c) New standards, amendments and interpretations adopted in these financial statements
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations that are not yet effective have not been applied in preparing these financial statements. None of these are expected to have a material impact on the Company, with the exception of IFRS 9 as detailed below:
IFRS 9,'Financial Instruments', includes requirements for recognition and measurement, impairment, derecognition and general hedge accounting. IFRS 9 was issued on 24 July 2014 and replaces the parts of IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement' that relate to the classification and measurement of financial instruments.
IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured as at fair value and those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity's own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch.
IFRS 9 does not replace the requirements for portfolio fair value hedge accounting for interest rate risk (often referred to as the 'macro hedge accounting' requirements) since this phase of the project was separated from the IFRS 9 project due to the longer term nature of the macro hedging project which is currently at the discussion paper phase of the due process. In April 2014, the IASB published a Discussion Paper Accounting for Dynamic Risk management: a Portfolio Revaluation Approach to Macro Hedging. Consequently, the exception in IAS 39 for a fair value hedge of an interest rate exposure of a portfolio of financial assets or financial liabilities continues to apply
The Company has yet to assess IFRS 9's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 at such time as the standard comes into effect.
The version of IFRS 9 issued in 2014 supersedes all previous versions and is mandatorily effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 with early adoption permitted (subject to local endorsement requirements).
The EU has yet to endorse IFRS 9, however, this is expected in the second half of 2016.
d) Income recognition
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive income is established. Usually this is the ex-dividend date for equity securities. Deposit interest is accrued on a day-to-day basis. Loan interest is accounted for using the effective interest method. All income is shown gross of any applicable withholding tax.
e) Financial assets
Classification
All investments of the Company, are designated into the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss category. The investments are purchased mainly for their capital growth and the portfolio is managed, and performance evaluated, on a fair value basis in accordance with the Company's documented investment strategy, therefore the Directors consider that this is the most appropriate classification.
Initial recognition
Financial assets are measured initially at fair value being the transaction price. Subsequent to initial recognition on trade date, all assets classified as fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value with changes in their fair value recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Transaction costs are separately disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Fair value measurement principles
Listed investments have been valued at the bid market price ruling at the reporting date. In the absence of the bid market price, the closing price has been taken, or, in either case, if the market is closed on the financial reporting date, the bid market or closing price on the preceding business day.
Fair value of unlisted investments are derived in accordance with the International Private Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) valuation guidelines. Their valuation includes all factors that market participants would consider in setting a price. The primary valuation techniques employed to value the unlisted investments are earnings multiples, recent transactions and the net asset basis. Cost is considered appropriate for early stage investments. The relevance of this methodology can be eroded over time and in these cases the carrying values will be adjusted to reflect fair value.
For certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, dividends and interest receivable and amounts due to and from broker, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their immediate or short-term maturity.
Derecognition
Derecognition of financial assets occurs when the rights to receive cash flows from financial instruments expire or are transferred and substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
Fair value hierarchy
Fair value measurement should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions, IFRS 13 - "Fair Value measurement" (IFRS 13), establishes a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the value hierarchy are as follows.
Level 1: Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2: Inputs reflect quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices of identical assets and liabilities in markets that are considered to be inactive, as well as inputs other than quoted prices within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability and reflect the Investment Manager's own assumptions in accordance with the accounting policies disclosed within Note 2 to the financial statements.
f) Other receivables
Other receivables do not carry any interest and are short term in nature and are accordingly stated at their amortised cost as reduced by appropriate allowances for impairment.
g) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in hand and short term deposits in banks with original maturities of less than three months.
h) Other payables and accrued expenses
Other payables and accrued expenses are non-interest bearing and are stated at their amortised cost.
i) Foreign currency translation
Items included in the Company's financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (the "functional currency"). This is Pound Sterling which reflects the Company's activity of investing in predominantly Sterling securities. The Company's shares are also issued in Sterling. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities have been translated at the exchange rates ruling at the statement of financial position date. Transactions in foreign currency during the period have been translated into Pounds Sterling at the spot exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on currency translation are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
j) Realised and Unrealised Gains and Losses
Realised gains and losses arising on the disposal of investments are calculated by reference to the cost attributable to those investments and the sales proceeds, and are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The change in unrealised gains and losses arising on investments held at the financial reporting date are also included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The cost of investments partly disposed is determined using the weighted average method.
k) Financial liabilities
Amounts due to brokers represent payables for investments that have been contracted for but not yet settled or delivered at the year end. Financial liabilities include trade payables and other payables which are held at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
l) Equity
Share Capital represents the nominal value of equity shares and the excess of the paid up capital over the nominal value.
Other reserves and the Capital Redemption Reserve include all current and prior results as disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Other Reserves also includes the deduction for the excess of consideration paid over nominal value on share buy-backs.
m) Expenses
Expenses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income upon utilisation of the service or at the date they are incurred.
n) Segmental reporting
Operating segments are reported in the manner consistent with the internal reporting used by the chief operating decision-maker ('CODM'). The CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors who makes strategic decisions regarding the investments of the Company. Other than as disclosed in Note 16, the CODM does not consider necessary to provide further analysis for the Company.
3. Income
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Dividends 1,160,205 1,155,662
Interest income 2,596 22,707
Other income 41,776 -
---------- ----------
1,204,577 1,178,369
---------- ----------
4. Investment Manager and Investment Adviser's fee
Harwood Capital LLP, the Investment Manager and Investment Adviser, is entitled to an annual fee of 1.25% on the first GBP15 million of the Net Asset Value of the Company, and 1% of any excess, payable monthly in arrears. The agreement can be terminated giving 12 months' notice or immediately should the Investment Manager be placed into receivership or liquidation. The Investment Manager is entitled to all the fees accrued and due up to the date of such termination but is not entitled to compensation in respect of any termination. The fees due for the year ended 31 March 2016 are GBP1,074,626 (2015: GBP933,806) and as at the reporting date an amount of GBP93,634 was still payable to the Investment Manager (2015: GBP83,335). This amount is included in other payables and accrued expenses.
5. Supplementary Management fee
The Investment Manager agreed to waive its right to exercise management options to subscribe for ordinary shares in exchange for a discretionary bonus (supplementary management fee).
During a meeting of the Board of Directors on 3 December 2015, a payment of GBP200,000 was recommended by the Chairman in respect of the 2015 supplementary management fee. This was approved by the Board of Directors and paid during December 2015. The supplementary management fee is paid annually in arrears.
6. Custodian fee
BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch was appointed as custodian on 1 April 2007 and is entitled to an annual safekeeping fee based upon the value of investments held plus transactions fees, subject to a minimum of GBP4,000 per annum. The fees due for the year ended 31 March 2016 are GBP24,042 (2015: GBP22,979) and as at the reporting date an amount of GBP3,624 was still payable to the custodian (2015 : GBP3,682). This amount is included in other payables and accrued expenses.
7. Administration fees
BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch was appointed as secretary and administrator on 1 April 2007 and is entitled to an annual fee at a rate of 0.125% on the first GBP20 million, 0.10% on the next GBP20 million and 0.075% of any excess of the Total Assets, subject to a minimum of GBP50,000 per annum. The fees due for the year ended 31 March 2016 are GBP92,939 (2015: GBP83,211) and as at the reporting date an amount of GBP28,901 (2015: GBP26,030) was still payable to the administrator. This amount is included in other payables and accrued expenses.
8. Directors' fees and expenses
With the exception of the Chairman, who is entitled to a fee of GBP25,000 per annum, each Director is entitled to GBP18,000 per annum from the Company. In addition, all Directors are entitled to reimbursement of travel, hotel and other expenses incurred by them in course of their duties relating to the Company. As at 31 March 2016 an amount of GBP37,750 (2015: GBP37,750) was still payable to the Directors. This amount is included in other payables and accrued expenses.
9. Taxation
The Company is eligible for exemption from taxation in Guernsey under the provisions of the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989. As such, the Company is only liable to pay a fixed annual fee, currently GBP1,200. The withheld tax shown in the Statement of Comprehensive Income account relates to overseas dividends received or receivable.
10. Investments at fair value through profit or loss
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Cost at beginning of year 76,576,293 66,615,229
Additions 43,359,865 37,762,591
Disposals (69,236,597) (37,757,247)
Realised gains on investments 19,625,032 9,955,720
------------- -------------
Cost at end of year 70,324,593 76,576,293
Unrealised gain on investments 15,340,263 15,840,760
------------- -------------
Fair value at end of the year 85,664,856 92,417,053
------------- -------------
Representing:
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Listed Equities 80,598,581 83,348,998
Unlisted Equities 5,066,275 9,068,055
----------- -----------
85,664,856 92,417,053
----------- -----------
11. Share Capital
Authorised Share Capital
Number GBP
of Shares
Authorised:
Ordinary shares
of 50p each 90,000,000 45,000,000
----------- -----------
Ordinary Shares Issued - 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016
Ordinary Shares Number Share Capital
of 50p each of Shares GBP
At 1 April
2015 16,371,611 50,879,089
Cancellation
of shares (1,179,486) (589,743)
------------ --------------
At 31 March
2016 15,192,125 50,289,346
------------ --------------
Ordinary Shares Issued - 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015
Ordinary Shares Number Share Capital
of 50p each of Shares GBP
At 1 April
2014 16,650,992 51,018,780
Cancellation
of shares (279,381) (139,691)
----------- --------------
At 31 March
2015 16,371,611 50,879,089
----------- --------------
Rights attributable to Ordinary Shares
In a winding-up, the holders of ordinary shares are entitled to the repayment of the nominal amount paid up on their shares. In addition, they have the right to receive surplus assets available for distribution. The shares confer the right to dividends, and at general meetings, on a poll, confer the right to one vote in respect of each ordinary share held.
12. Share buybacks
In accordance with section 315 of The Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, (as amended) (the "Law"), the Company has been granted authority to make one or more market acquisitions (as defined in section 316 of the Law, of Ordinary Shares of 50 pence each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") on such terms and in such manner as the Directors of the Company may from time to time determine, provided that:
a) the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be acquired does not exceed 10 per cent. of the issued Ordinary Share capital of the Company on the date the shareholders' resolution is passed;
b) the minimum price (exclusive of expenses) payable by the Company for each Ordinary Share is 50 pence and the maximum price payable by the Company for each Ordinary Share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle market quotations for an Ordinary Share as derived from The London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which that Ordinary Share is purchased and that stipulated by Article 5(1) of the Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulation being the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid available in the market;
c) subject to paragraph (d), this authority shall expire (unless previously renewed or revoked) at the earlier of the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company or on the date which is 18 months from the date of the previous shareholders' resolution;
d) notwithstanding paragraph (c), the Company may make a contract to purchase Ordinary Shares under the authority from the shareholders' before its expiry which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of the authority and may make a purchase of Ordinary Shares in pursuance of any such contract after such expiry; and
e) the price payable for any Ordinary Shares so purchased may be paid by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law.
A renewal of the authority to make purchases of the Company's own Ordinary Shares will be sought from existing shareholders at each annual general meeting of the Company.
Between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016, the Company carried out 6 share buybacks, resulting in a total reduction of 1,179,486 shares for a cost of GBP6,161,982. These shares were subsequently cancelled.
13. Cash flows from operating activities
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Total comprehensive income
for the year 17,814,442 5,761,467
------------- -------------
Realised gains on investments (19,625,032) (9,955,720)
Unrealised loss on revaluation
of investments 500,497 3,581,682
Net loss on foreign currency
translation 64,266 4,460
(19,060,269) (6,369,578)
------------- -------------
Purchase of investments (43,359,865) (37,762,591)
Proceeds from sale of investments 69,236,597 37,757,245
25,876,732 (5,346)
------------- -------------
Decrease/(increase) in dividends
receivable 1,800 (26,400)
(Increase)/decrease in other
receivables (5,675) 1,995
(Increase)/decrease in amounts
due from brokers (379,239) 80,737
Increase in amounts due
to brokers 440,919 155,649
Increase/(decrease) in manager's
fees payable 10,299 (67,135)
Increase/(decrease) in other
payables and accrued expenses 49,335 11,241
------------- -------------
117,439 156,087
------------- -------------
24,748,344 (457,370)
------------- -------------
14. Reconciliation of net asset value to published net asset value
2016 2015
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Ordinary Shares per per
share share
Published net asset value 106,402,946 7.00 94,286,473 5.76
Unrealised loss on revaluation
of investments at bid /
mid-price (1,685,469) (0.11) (1,696,656) (0.10)
Adjustment to Accumuli Plc's
valuation based on the transaction
price agreed with NCC Group
Plc to acquire Accumuli
Plc - - 475,200 0.03
Net asset value attributable
to shareholders 104,717,477 6.89 93,065,017 5.69
-------------- --------- -------------- ---------
15. Earnings per Share and net asset value per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share for the Ordinary Share is based on net income of GBP17,814,442 (2015: GBP5,761,467) and the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year of 15,610,370 shares (2015: 16,589,534 shares). At 31 March 2016 there was no difference in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the Ordinary Shares.
The calculation of Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share is based on a Net Asset Value of GBP104,717,477 (2015: GBP93,065,017) and the number of shares in issue at the year-end of 15,192,125 shares (2015: 16,371,611 shares).
16. Segment information
The Chief Operating Decision Makers ("CODM") of the Company are the Board of Directors. The Company has one reportable segment. The Board of Directors review internal management reports on a quarterly basis prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU.
Information on realised gains and losses derived from sales of investments are disclosed in Note 10 to the financial statements.
The Company is domiciled in Guernsey. All of the Company's income from investments is from underlying companies. The majority of these companies are incorporated in countries other than Guernsey (mainly Great Britain).
The geographical breakdown of the Company's investment portfolio is set out in the Investment Schedule of the annual report.
The Company has no non-financial assets classified as non-current assets.
The Company also has a diversified shareholder population and the significant holdings of 5% or more are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report.
17. Financial risk management
The Company's financial assets mainly comprise equity investments, trade receivables and cash balances. Note 2 sets out the accounting policies, including criteria for recognition and the basis for measurement, applied to significant financial assets and liabilities.
Note 2 also includes the basis on which income and expenses arising from financial assets and liabilities are recognised.
The Company finances its investment activities through the Company's Ordinary Share capital, reserves and, if required, borrowings. The Company's financial liabilities comprise trade payables and expense accruals.
The main risks arising from the Company's activities are:
(i) market risk, including currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk; (ii) liquidity risk; and (iii) credit risk
The Company Secretary, in close cooperation with the Board of Directors and the Investment Manager, coordinates the Company's risk management. The policies for managing each of these risks are summarised below and have been applied throughout the year.
i) Market risk
The fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument held by the Company may fluctuate because of changes in market prices. This market risk comprises currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for managing these risks.
Currency risk
The functional and presentational currency of the company is Pound Sterling and, therefore, the Company's principal exposure to foreign currency risk comprises investments priced in other currencies, principally US Dollars. The Investment Manager monitors the Company's exposure to foreign currencies and reports to the Board on a regular basis. The Investment Manager measures the risk to the Company of the foreign currency exposure by considering the effect on the net asset value and income of a movement in the rates of exchange to which the Company's assets, liabilities, income and expenses are exposed.
At 31 March 2016 the currency profile of those financial assets and liabilities was:
GBP USD Total
GBP GBP GBP
Investments at
fair value through
profit or loss 84,834,010 830,846 85,664,856
Dividends and interest
receivable 90,000 - 90,000
Cash and cash equivalents 19,514,986 (26) 19,514,960
Trade and other
receivables 389,635 - 389,635
Trade and other
payables (941,974) - (941,974)
Total net foreign
currency exposure 103,886,657 830,820 104,717,477
------------ -------- ------------
At 31 March 2015 the currency profile of those financial assets and liabilities was:
GBP USD NZD Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Investments at fair
value through profit
or loss 82,235,914 7,087,206 3,093,933 92,417,053
Dividends and interest
receivable 91,800 - - 91,800
Cash and cash equivalents 992,889 (25) - 992,864
Trade and other receivables 4,721 - - 4,721
Trade and other payables (441,421) - - (441,421)
Total net foreign
currency exposure 82,883,903 7,087,181 3,093,933 93,065,017
------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Sensitivity analysis is based on the Company's monetary foreign currency instruments held at each balance sheet date.
31 March 2016 31 March 2015
Impact Impact
on Total Impact on Total Impact
Comprehensive on Net Comprehensive on Net
Income Assets Income Assets
---------- --------------------
Increase/(decrease) GBP GBP GBP GBP
in the
exchange
Currency rate
---------- -------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------ ------------------
USD 10%/(10%) 92,322/(75,522) 92,322/(75,522) 787,468/(644,290) 787,468/(644,290)
NZD 10%/(10%) - - 343,770/(281,267) 343,770/(281,267)
Interest rate risk
Interest rate movements may affect:
-- the fair value of the investments in fixed rate securities; -- the level of income receivable on cash deposits and floating rate debt instruments; and -- the interest payable on the Company's variable rate borrowings, if any.
The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result of changes in interest rates are
taken into account when making investment decisions and borrowings, if any. The Board reviews on a regular basis the values of the unquoted loans and preferred shares to companies in which private equity investment is made. Interest rate risk is not significant to the Company as it has no significant fixed income investments or borrowings.
Other price risk
Other price risks (i.e. changes in market prices other than those arising from currency risk or interest rate risk) may affect the value of investments.
The Company's exposure to price risk comprises mainly of movements in the value of the Company's investments. As at the year-end, the spread of the Company's investment portfolio is detailed in the Investment Schedule.
The Board of Directors manages the market price risks inherent in the investment portfolio by ensuring full and timely access to relevant investment information from the Investment Manager. The Board meets regularly and at each meeting reviews investment performance. The Board monitors the Investment Manager's compliance with the Company's objectives and is directly responsible for investment strategy and asset allocation.
The Company's exposure to other changes in market prices at 31 March 2016 on its investments was as
follows:
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss
- Non current investments
at fair value through profit
or loss 85,664,856 92,417,053
------------- -------------
The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the profit and net assets to an increase or decrease of 10% in the fair values of the Company's investments. This level of change is considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market conditions. The sensitivity analysis is based on the Company's investments at each balance sheet date, with all other variables held constant.
2016 2015
Increase Decrease Increase Decrease
in fair in fair in fair in fair
value value value value
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Income statement
Profit / (loss)
for the year 8,566,486 (8,566,486) 9,241,705 (9,241,705)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Net assets 8,566,486 (8,566,486) 9,241,705 (9,241,705)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
ii) Liquidity risk
This is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.
The Company is faced with some level of liquidity risk as 6% of the Company's investments are in unlisted equities and other investments that may not be readily realisable.
In accordance with the Company's policy, the Investment Manager monitors the Company's liquidity risk, and the Board of Directors has overall responsibility.
The table below shows the split of investments with maturity dates of less than a year and investments with no maturity date.
31 March 2016 31 March 2015
Less No maturity Less No maturity
than date Total than date Total
1year 1year
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Listed - 80,598,581 80,598,581 - 83,348,998 83,348,998
Unlisted - 5,066,275 5,066,275 264,948 8,803,107 9,068,055
-------- ------------ ----------- -------- ------------
- 85,664,856 85,664,856 264,948 92,152,105 92,417,053
------------------- ------------ ----------- -------- ------------ -----------
The Company's financial liabilities are due to mature within one year from the balance sheet date and because the Company is in a net current asset position, the Directors are satisfied that there are adequate resources to meet these obligations as they fall due.
iii) Credit risk
The Company does not have any significant exposure to credit risk arising from any one individual party. Credit risk is spread across a number of counterparties, each having an immaterial effect on the Company's cash flows, should a default happen. The Company's maximum credit risk exposure at the statement of financial position date is represented by the respective carrying amounts of the financial assets in the Statement of Financial Position.
There is a risk that the custodian and bank used by the Company to hold assets and cash balances could fail and that the Company's assets may not be returned.
Associated with this is the additional risk of fraud or theft by employees of those third parties. The Board manages this risk through the Investment Manager monitoring the financial position of those custodians and banks used by the Company.
The credit rating of the custodian, BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch, is A with Standard & Poor's.
iv) Operational risk
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising from a wide variety of causes associated with the processes, technology and infrastructure supporting the Company's activities with financial instruments either internally within the Company or externally at the Company's service providers, and from external factors other than credit, market and liquidity risks such as those arising from legal and regulatory requirements and generally accepted standards of investment management behaviour.
The Company's objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance limiting of financial losses and damage to its reputation with achieving its investment objective.
Capital management policies and procedures
The Company's capital management objectives are:
- to ensure that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern; and
- to maximise the income and capital return to its equity shareholders through an appropriate balance of equity capital and long-term debt. The policy is that gearing should not exceed 20% of net assets.
The Company's capital at 31 March comprises:
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Long-term Debt - -
------------ -----------
Equity
Equity share capital 50,289,346 50,879,089
Retained earnings and other
reserves 54,428,131 42,185,928
------------ -----------
104,717,477 93,065,017
Long-term Debt as a % of - -
net assets
------------ -----------
The Board, with the assistance of the Investment Manager, monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Company's capital on an ongoing basis. This review includes:
- the planned level of gearing, which takes account of the Investment Manager's views on the market;
- the need to buy back equity shares for cancellation, which takes account of the difference between the net asset value per share and the share price (i.e. the level of share price discount or premium);
- the need for new issues of equity shares; and
- the extent to which revenue in excess of that which is required to be distributed should be retained.
The Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing capital are unchanged from the preceding accounting period and there are no imposed capital requirements.
18. Fair value hierarchy
Where an asset or liability's value is determined based on inputs from different levels of the hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy assumed for the valuation assessment is the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and therefore classified within level 1, include active listed equities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.
Financial instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active but are valued based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources supported by observable inputs are classified within level 2. As level 2 investments include positions that are not traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, which are generally based on available market information.
Investments classified within level 3 have significant unobservable inputs. Level 3 instruments consists of private equity positions. As observable prices are not available for these securities, the Company has used valuation techniques to derive the fair value. For certain investments, the Company utilises comparable trading multiples in arriving at the valuation for these positions. The Investment Manager determines comparable public companies (peers) based on industry, size, developmental stage and strategy.
Management then calculates a trading multiple for each comparable company identified. The multiple is calculated by dividing the enterprise value of the comparable company by its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). The trading multiple is then discounted for considerations such as illiquidity and differences between the comparable companies based on company-specific facts and circumstances. New investments are initially carried at cost, for a limited period, being the price of the most recent investment in the investee company.
In accordance with IPEV valuation guidelines changes and events since the acquisition date are monitored to assess the impact on the fair value of the investment and the valuation derived from cost is adjusted if necessary. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The table below analyses financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the fair value measurement is categorised.
Level Level Level
31 March 2016 1 2 3 Total
GBP GBP GBP GBP
Financial assets
at fair value
through profit
or loss
Listed securities 80,598,581 - - 80,598,581
Unlisted securities - - 5,066,275 5,066,275
80,598,581 - 5,066,275 85,664,856
----------- ------ ---------- -----------
31 March 2015
Financial assets
at fair value
through profit
or loss
Listed securities 80,101,798 3,247,200 - 83,348,998
Unlisted securities - - 9,068,055 9,068,055
80,101,798 3,247,200 9,068,055 92,417,053
----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
The following table summarises the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 investments for the year ended 31 March 2016.
2016 2015
GBP GBP
Balance at 1 April 9,068,055 9,416,195
Net realised gain on investments 8,455,850 3,082,179
Unrealised (loss)/gain on
investments (6,614,894) 354,439
Purchase of investments 250,000 1,671,019
Sale of investments (8,459,488) (5,455,777)
Transfers into/(out of) level
3 2,366,752 -
Balance at 31 March 5,066,275 9,068,055
------------ ------------
Change in unrealised gain
on investments included in
Statement of Comprehensive
Income for Level 3 investments
held (3,632,271) 2,539,843
------------ ------------
There were two transfers from level 1 to level 3 in the year ended 31 March 2016, one resulting from a de-listing and the other from acquisition by a non-listed entity (31 March 2015: None).
Transfers between levels are determined based on changes to the significant inputs used in the fair value estimation. The directors have selected an accounting policy to apply transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy at the beginning of the relevant reporting period.
The table below sets out information about significant unobservable inputs used at 31 March 2016 in measuring financial instruments categorised as Level 3 in fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Sensitivity to changes
Valuation at 31 March Unobservable in significant unobservable
Method 2016 (GBP) inputs Factor inputs
The estimated fair
value would increase
Comparative if:
Company Earnings - the Earnings
Multiples 598,566 multiple 4.0x multiple was increased
--------------- ------------- ------------- ------- -----------------------------
The table below sets out information about significant unobservable inputs used at 31 March 2015 in measuring financial instruments categorised as Level 3 in fair value hierarchy
Fair Value Sensitivity to changes
Valuation at 31 March Unobservable in significant unobservable
Method 2015 (GBP) inputs Factor inputs
The estimated fair
value would increase
Comparative if:
Company Earnings - the Earnings
Multiples 6,004,595 multiple 9.5x multiple was increased
--------------- ------------- ------------- ------- -----------------------------
The rest of the investments classified as level 3 have not been included in the above analysis as they have either a fair value that either approximates a recent transaction price or is cash held in escrow pending the outcome of certain post sale conditions (i.e warranties).
Although the Company believes that its estimates of fair value are appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could lead to different measurements of fair value. For fair value measurements in Level 3, changing one or more of the assumptions used to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would have the following effects on the net assets attributable to the shareholders.
As at 31 March 2016
Valuation Method Input Sensitivity GBP
used
--------------------- ---------- ------------------ ------------------
Comparative Company
Multiples Multiple +/-10% (4.4/3.6) 258,580/(258,580)
--------------------- ---------- ------------------ ------------------
As at 31 March 2015
Valuation Method Input Sensitivity GBP
used
--------------------- ---------- --------------------- ------------------
Comparative Company
Multiples Multiple +/-10% (10.45/8.55) 740,735/(606,752)
--------------------- ---------- --------------------- ------------------
19. Related parties
All transactions with related parties are carried out at arm's length and the prices reflect the prevailing fair market value of the assets on the date of the transaction.
The Investment Adviser is considered to be a related party. The fees paid are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and further detailed in Notes 4 and 5.
The Directors are also considered to be related parties and their fees are disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. At 31 March 2016, GBP37,647 (2015: GBP32,795) included in other accruals and payables was payable to the Directors.
Christopher Mills is a Director and shareholder of Oryx International Growth Fund Limited. He is also a Partner and the Chief Executive of Harwood Capital LLP, the Company's Investment Manager and Investment Adviser and Chief Investment Officer of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc "NASCIT", which is a substantial shareholder of Oryx as detailed in the Corporate Governance Report.
Rupert Evans is a consultant to the law firm Mourant Ozannes, the legal adviser to the Company. The Company neither paid fees to Mourant Ozannes during the year, nor had any dues outstanding at the Statement of Financial Position date (2015: Nil).
During the year, the Company acquired 2,345,679 shares in Harwood Wealth Management Group, valued at GBP2,111,111 as at 31 March 2016. The Company considers Harwood Wealth Management Group a related party as Mr Christopher Mills, a non-executive director of Harwood Wealth Management Group, is also a member of key management personnel of the Company.
Sidney Cabessa is a Director of Harwood Capital Management Limited, the parent company of Harwood Capital LLP. No fees were paid or are payable to Harwood Capital Management Limited.
20. Subsequent Events
During the period 1 April 2016 to 1 July 2016, the Company carried out two share buybacks resulting in a total reduction of 88,000 Ordinary Shares at a cost of GBP513,750. These Ordinary Shares were subsequently cancelled and the ordinary shares in issue is now 15,104,125.
ADMINISTRATION
Registered Office
BNP Paribas House,
St Julian's Avenue,
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WA
Investment Manager
Harwood Capital LLP
6 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LD
Investment Adviser
Harwood Capital LLP
6 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LD
Custodian
BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch
BNP Paribas House, St Julian's Avenue,
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WA
Secretary and Administration
BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch
BNP Paribas House, St Julian's Avenue,
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WA
Registrars
Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited
PO Box 627, St Sampson, Guernsey, GY1 4PP
Stockbroker
Winterflood Securities Limited
The Atrium Building, Cannon Bridge House
25 Dowgate, Hill, London, EC4R 2GA
Independent Auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Glategny Court, Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WR
Legal Advisers
To the Company as to Guernsey law:
Mourant Ozannes
1, Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 4HP
To the Company as to English law:
Bircham Dyson Bell
50 Broadway
London, SW1H 0BL
Ends
Enquiries:
Sarah Hendry
BNP Paribas Securities Services SCA, Guernsey Branch
Tel: 01481 750822
A copy of the Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements is available from the Company Secretary, BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch at BNP Paribas House, St Julian's Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WA, or on the Company's website (www.oryxinternationalgrowthfund.co.uk).
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
ACSSSUFILFMSEIW
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July 04, 2016 12:01 ET (16:01 GMT)
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