UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K/A
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Hill International, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 31, 2006

HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware
 
000-50781
 
20-0953973
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
303 Lippincott Centre, Marlton, NJ
 
08053
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (856) 810-6200
 
Arpeggio Acquisition Corporation
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of Universal under any of the following provisions:
 
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 230.14a-12)
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 

 
Explanatory Note:
Hill International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hill” or “the Company"), hereby amends its Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed November 17, 2006, to include the consent of KPMG Audit Plc which had not been included in the previous 8-K/A filed on November 17, 2006; and to correct certain computational and typographical errors in that 8-K/A. The 8-K/A filed on November 17, 2006 included required financial statements relating to the acquisition of the common stock of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC by Hill International SA, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, as described in such Current Report; such financial statements and pro forma financial information are being filed again herewith.
 
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired:

Exhibit 99.1
Audited financial statements of Knowles as of July 31, 2006
   
Exhibit 99.2
Audited financial statements of Knowles as of July 31, 2005 and 2004
   

(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information:
 
Exhibit 99.3
Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information
 
(c)
Exhibits

Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Baker Tilly
   
Exhibit 23.2
Consent KPMG Audit Plc.


Table of Contents

(a) Historical financial statements of the business acquired (James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC)
   
     
Exhibit 99.1 Audited financial statements of Knowles as of and for the year ended July 31, 2006
 
Independent Auditors' Report
 
3
Consolidated profit and loss account
 
4
Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses
 
5
Consolidated balance sheet
 
6
Consolidated cash flows statement
 
7
Notes to financial statements
 
8
     
Exhibit 99.2 Audited financial statements of Knowles as of and for the year ended July 31, 2005 and 2004
   
Independent Auditors' Report
 
25
Consolidated profit and loss accounts
 
26
Consolidated  statements of total recognised gains and losses 
 
27
Consolidated balance sheets
 
28
Consolidated cash flow statements
 
29
Notes to Financial Statements
 
30
   
(b) Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information
 
 
     
Exhibit 99.3 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined financial information
   
     
Contents
 
45
     
Introduction
 
46
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet at July 1, 2006 and related notes thereto.
 
47
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the nine months ended July 1, 2006 and related notes thereto.
 
49
 
   
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 and related notes thereto.
 
50
     
Signatures
 
51
     
(c) Exhibits
   
     
Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Baker Tilly
   
     
Exhibit 23.2 Consent KPMG Audit Plc
   


 
Independent Auditors’ Report
To the board of directors and shareholders of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC (the "Company"), as of July 31, 2006 and the related consolidated notes, statement of total recognised gains and losses profit and loss account and cash flows for the year ended July 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing  audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assesing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by our management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of  James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC and subsidiaries as of July 31, 2006 and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the year ended July 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom.
 
Baker Tilly
London, United Kingdom
 
November 2006 
3

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
Consolidated profit and loss account
for the year ended 31 July 2006
 
   
Note
 
2006
 
       
Total
 
       
£ 000
 
           
Turnover
 
    2
     
Continuing operations
         
28,223
 
Discontinued operations
         
1,180
 
               
           
29,403
 
Other external charges
         
(3,414
)
Staff costs
   
5
   
(18,064
)
Depreciation and amortisation
         
(1,327
)
Other operating charges
   
3
   
(9,806
)
               
Operating (loss) before exceptional items
             
Continuing operations
         
(711
)
Discontinued operations
         
(166
)
               
Exceptional items
             
Continuing operations
   
3
   
(2,271
)
Discontinued operations
   
3
   
(60
)
               
Operating (loss)
             
Continuing operations
         
(2,982
)
Discontinued operations
         
(226
)
               
           
(3,208
)
               
Profit on disposal of operations
   
3
   
95
 
Loss on closure of branch
   
3
   
(197
)
               
(Loss) on ordinary activities before interest and taxation
         
(3,310
)
               
Other interest receivable and similar income
         
20
 
               
Interest payable and similar charges
   
6
   
(317
)
               
(Loss) profit on ordinary activities before taxation
   
3 - 6
   
(3,607
)
               
Tax on (loss) on ordinary activities
   
7
   
(388
)
               
(Loss) on ordinary activities after taxation
         
(3,995
)
               
Minority interests (equity)
         
(85
)
               
Retained (Loss) for the financial year
   
18
   
(4,080
)
               
Basic (loss) per share (pence)
   
8
   
(19.7
)
 
A note on historical cost profits has not been prepared as the historical cost profit and losses are the same as detailed in the above profit and loss account.
 
The notes on pages 8 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
 
4

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses
for the year ended 31 July 2006 
 
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Loss for the financial year
 
 
(4,080
)
Currency translation differences on foreign investments
 
 
(66
)
 
 
 
 
 
Total recognised losses relating to the financial year
   
(4,146
)
 
5

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 July 2006

       
 2006
 
   
Note
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
Fixed assets
             
Intangible assets
   
9
         
838
 
Tangible assets
   
10
         
1,129
 
Investments
   
11
         
1
 
                 
1,968
 
                     
Current assets
                   
Debtors
   
12
   
8,172
       
Cash at bank and in hand
         
1,563
       
           
9,735
       
                     
Creditors - Amounts falling due within one year
   
13
   
(10,161
)
     
                     
Net current assets
               
(426
)
                     
Total assets less current liabilities
               
1,542
 
                     
Creditors - Amounts falling due after more than one year
   
14
         
(393
)
                     
Provisions for liabilities and charges
   
15
         
(647
)
                     
Net assets
               
502
 
                     
                     
Capital and Reserves
                   
Called up share capital
   
17
         
1,059
 
Share premium account
   
18
         
3,333
 
Merger reserve
   
18
         
199
 
Profit and loss account
   
18
         
(4,209
)
                     
Shareholders' funds
   
25
         
382
 
                     
Minority interests (equity)
               
120
 
                     
                 
502
 
 
These financial statements on pages 4 to 24 were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 14 November 2006 and are signed on its behalf by:
 
R Borhan
Director
 
6

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 July 2006

   
Note
 
2006
 
       
£ 000 
 
Net cash inflow from operating activities 
   
20
   
438
 
               
Return on investments and servicing of finance 
   
22
   
(657
)
               
Taxation 
         
(281
)
               
Capital expenditure and financial investment 
   
22
   
(422
)
               
Acquisitions and disposals 
   
22 
   
601
 
               
Net cash outflow before financing 
         
(321
)
               
Financing 
   
22
   
(468
)
               
Decrease in cash in the year 
   
23, 24
   
(789
)
 
7

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
(forming part of the financial statements)

1 Accounting policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Group's financial statements except as noted below.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and under the historical cost accounting rules.
 
Going Concern
 
The Directors consider that the losses sustained during the year are one off in nature. Current trading has improved and profits are forecasted going forward. Opportunities for growth exist as a consequence of the aquisition by Hill which have strengthened the position. The Knowles Group is also under receipt of full financial support from the new parent company. For these reasons the Directors consider the going concern basis is appropriate for preparing the financial statements.

Basis of consolidation

The Directors consider that the losses sustained during the year are one off in nature. Current trading has improved and profits are forecasted going forward. Opportunities for growth exist as a consequence of the aquisition by Hill which have strengthened the position. The Knowles Group is also under receipt of full financial support from the new parent company. For these reasons the directors consider the going concern basis for producing the financial statements is appropriate.
 
The Group accounts include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings made up to 31 July 2006. Unless otherwise stated, the acquisition method of accounting has been adopted. Under this method, the results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of in the year are included in the consolidated profit and loss account from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.
 
Goodwill

Purchased goodwill (both positive and negative) arising on consolidation in respect of acquisitions before 1 August 1998, when FRS 10: Goodwill and intangible assets was adopted, was written off to reserves in the year of acquisition. When a subsequent disposal occurs, any related goodwill previously written off to reserves is written back through the profit and loss account as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

Purchased goodwill (representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration and associated costs given over the fair value of the separable net assets acquired) arising on consolidation in respect of acquisitions since 1 August 1998 is capitalised. Positive goodwill is amortised to nil by equal annual instalments over its estimated useful life which is 20 years.

On the subsequent disposal of a business acquired since 1 January 1998, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated after charging/(crediting) the unamortised amount of any related goodwill.

Investments

Investments are stated at cost less any impairment in value.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided by the Group to write off the cost or valuation less the estimated residual value of tangible fixed assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful economic lives as follows:

Leasehold buildings
 
-
 
Life of lease
Office equipment
 
-
 
10% - 33% per annum
Computer equipment
 
-
 
20% - 33% per annum
Motor vehicles
 
-
 
25% reducing balance
Technical publications
 
-
 
20% per annum

No depreciation is provided on freehold land.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the contracted rate or the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation are included in the profit and loss account.

The assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated at the closing exchange rates. Profit and loss accounts of such undertakings are consolidated at the average rates of exchange during the year. Gains and losses arising on these translations are taken to reserves, net of exchange differences arising on related foreign currency borrowings.

Leases

Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and the outstanding future lease obligations are shown in creditors. Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Turnover

Turnover represents the amounts (excluding value added tax) recorded as turnover in respect of amounts recoverable on contracts and the amounts earned to date on other work to the extent that the Group has obtained the right to consideration.

Taxation

Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS19: Deferred taxation. 

Cash

Cash, for the purpose of the cash flow statement, comprises cash in hand and deposits repayable on demand, less overdrafts payable on demand.
 
8

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

2 Segmental analysis

The table below sets out turnover, operating loss and net assets for each geographic area of operation by origin.

   
2006
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
Net
 
 
 
Turnover
 
Loss
 
Assets
 
Continuing operations 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
United Kingdom 
   
15,508
   
(447
)
 
(886
)
Overseas 
   
12,715
   
252
   
2,246
 
Holding Company Costs 
   
-
   
(516
)
 
-
 
Exceptional operating charge 
   
-
   
(2,271
)
 
-
 
     
28,223
   
(2,982
)
 
1,360
 
                     
Discontinued operations 
                   
                     
United Kingdom 
   
1,095
   
(73
)
 
(188
)
Overseas 
   
85
   
(93
)
 
(670
)
Holding Company Costs 
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Exceptional operating charge 
   
-
   
(60
)
 
-
 
     
1,180
   
(226
)
 
(858
)
 
Turnover by geographical destination is significantly different from turnover by origin and is as follows:

        
2006
 
 
 
  
 
£ 000
 
Continuing operations 
       
            
United Kingdom 
         
14,171
 
Overseas 
         
14,052
 
           
28,223
 
               
Discontinued operations 
             
               
United Kingdom 
         
1,095
 
Overseas 
         
85
 
           
1,180
 
 
A split of overseas segmental information is not considered to be meaningful by the directors.
 
3 Loss on ordinary activities before taxation 
 
   
Continuing
 
Discontinued
 
Total
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Other external charges 
   
3,340
   
74
   
3,414
 
Staff costs 
   
17,265
   
799
   
18,064
 
Depreciation and amortisation 
   
1,307
   
20
   
1,327
 
Other operating charges 
   
9,293
   
513
   
9,806
 
                     
                 
2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
£ 000
 
Operating loss is stated after charging the following: 
                   
                     
Auditors' remuneration for audit related services including expenses: 
                   
 Principal
               
85
 
 Secondary
               
54
 
                 
109
 
                     
Hire of plant and machinery under operating leases 
               
288
 
Amounts payable in respect of other operating leases 
               
1,283
 
Depreciation and other amounts written off tangible fixed assets: 
                   
 Owned
               
412
 
 Leased
               
159
 
Amortisation of goodwill 
               
33
 
Loss on foreign exchange 
               
29
 
      Impairment of Goodwill                 721  
Exceptional items: 
                   
Redundancy costs: 
                   
Continuing operations
               
223
 
Discontinued operations
               
27
 
Onerous lease provision: 
               
 
 
      Continuing operations
                437  
      Discontinued operations
                33  
Directors retention bonus 
               
110
 
Group disposal costs
               
122
 
Other costs 
               
17
 
Impairment of goodwill on acquisition 
               
721
 
Bad debt write off 
               
115
 
Litigation costs 
               
486
 
Taxation advice 
               
40
 
                 
2,331
 

The effect of the above exceptional items is to decrease the taxation charge by £483,000.

(1) The Group's principal auditors, Baker Tilly, received £12,500 in respect of taxation work in addition to the fees disclosed above.

9

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
 
3 Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (continued)

On 23 December 2005 the Group disposed of its 90% shareholding in Knowles Loss Adjusters Limited . The profit on disposal of this subsidiary has been calculated as follows:
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Disposal proceeds 
   
850
 
Expenses of disposal 
   
(156
)
Net proceeds 
   
694
 
Net assets of subsidiary at disposal 
   
(666
)
Minority interest on disposal 
   
67
 
Profit on disposal 
   
95
 
         
The net inflow of cash in respect of the sale of Knowles Loss Adjusters Limited is as follows:- 
       
         
Cash consideration 
   
850
 
Cash transferred on disposal 
   
(19
)
Associated costs of sale 
   
(156
)
Net inflow of cash 
   
675
 

There is no tax effect from the profit on disposal of operations due to the substantial shareholding exemption.

The net profit of Knowles Loss Adjusters Limited from 1 August 2005 to the date of disposal was £57,000.

On 31 October 2005 the Group decided to close its Paris branch of James R. Knowles (Europe) Limited. The related closure costs were £197,000.

4 Remuneration of directors

   
2006
 
 
 
£ 000
 
Directors' emoluments: 
       
As directors 
   
695
 
Other emoluments 
   
30
 
     
725
 
 
The remuneration of individual directors during the year was as follows:

   
Year Ended 31 July 2006
 
   
Salary
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
and Fees
 
Benefits
 
Total
 
 
   
£ 000
   
£ 000
   
£ 000
 
 Executive Directors                     
                     
J. Roger Knowles1
   
185
   
1
   
186
 
Brian Quinn 
   
360
   
18
   
378
 
Charlotte Parsons 
   
116
   
11
   
127
 
     
661
   
30
   
691
 
                     
Non-Executive Directors 
                   
                     
John Lee 
   
17
   
-
   
17
 
Peter Bates 
   
17
   
-
   
17
 
     
34
   
-
   
34
 
     
695
   
30
   
725
 

1 A total of £165,400, in respect of the fees of J. Roger Knowles, has been paid to Wynton Services Limited, a company incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus.

5 Staff numbers and costs

The average number of persons employed by the Group (including directors) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

   
Number of employees
 
   
2006
 
       
Fee earning staff 
   
212
 
Administrative staff 
   
130
 
     
342
 
         
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows: 
       
     
2006
 
   
 
£ 000
 
         
Wages and salaries 
   
16,516
 
Social security costs 
   
1,263
 
Health insurance scheme 
   
190
 
Staff accommodation 
   
95
 
     
18,064
 

6 Interest payable and similar charges

   
2006
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
On bank loans and overdrafts 
   
177
 
Finance charges payable in respect of finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
   
53
 
Other interest 
   
87
 
     
317
 
 
10


James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

7 Taxation

(a) Analysis of charge in period
        
2006
 
Current tax     
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
UK corporation tax on profits in the period 
         
-
       
Adjustments in respect of prior periods 
         
347
       
                  347  
                     
Foreign tax 
               
226 
 
                     
Total current tax (note 7 (b)) 
               
573
 
                     
Deferred tax 
                   
Origination and reversal of timing differences 
                (185 )
                     
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 
               
388
 

(b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the current period

The effective rate of tax of 11% is lower than the standard UK rate of corporation tax of 30% principally due to the net effects of UK tax losses, unrelieved overseas tax losses and differences in foreign tax rates.

The differences are explained below.

   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
Loss on ordinary activities before tax 
   
(3,607
)
         
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of 
       
corporation tax in the UK of 30%
   
(1,082
)
         
Effects of: 
       
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
    363  
Depreciation for period in excess of capital allowances 
    25  
Unrelieved UK tax losses 
    718  
Unrelieved overseas tax losses 
    273  
Utilisation of tax losses brought forward 
    (66)  
Other tax rates on overseas earnings 
    17  
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods 
    347  
Other tax adjustments 
   
(22)
 
         
Current tax charge for the period (note 7 (a)) 
   
          573
 

8 Earnings per share

           
2006
 
   
Continuing
 
Discontinued
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
Loss for the financial year (£000)
   
(3,745
)
 
(335
)
 
(4,080
)
                     
Weighted average number of shares 
   
20,750,620
   
20,750,620
   
20,750,620
 
                     
                     
Basic (loss) per share (pence)
   
(18.0
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(19.7
)
                     
 
     
 
 
 

The share options have no dilutive effect.

11

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

9 Intangible fixed assets

        
Goodwill
 
 
 
  
 
£ 000
 
Cost
         
At 1 August 2005 
         
524
 
Additions 
         
1,142
 
Impairment 
         
(721
)
At 31 July 2006 
         
945
 
               
Amortisation 
             
At 1 August 2005 
         
74
 
Charge for the year 
         
33
 
At 31 July 2006 
         
107
 
               
Net book value 
             
At 31 July 2006 
         
838
 

On the 3rd July 2006, the Group acquired Knowles Lawyers Limited giving rise to goodwill of £721,000. Following an impairment review the carrying value of this goodwill was considered by the directors to be nil and the whole amount has been written off to the Profit & Loss account during the year.
 
The decision to acquire Knowles Lawyers Limited was taken in December 2005 by the Board, in the presence of its nominated advisors and solilcitors. The transaction was not however completed until 3rd July 2006 as the Company was regulated by The Law Society. The deregulation and related client matters were subsequently completed and the acquisition finalised. On 21 July 2006, Hill SA (a wholly owned subsidiary of Hill International Inc) were announced to The London Stock Exchange as the preferred bidders for the sale of the Group. Following this announcement it was made very clear to the Board of Directors that on completion of the sale, the Group would divest of this subsidiary as it did not fit with the core services of the new Group. As a direct consequence of this decision, the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Knowles Lawyers Limited has been fully impaired at the year end.

10 Tangible fixed assets

        
 
 
Office and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Land and
 
computer
 
Motor 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
buildings
 
equipment
 
vehicles
 
Total
 
 
 
  
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Cost or valuation
                     
At 1 August 2005
         
49
   
5,849
   
167
   
6,065
 
Additions 
         
-
   
357
   
65
   
422
 
Acquisition of subsidiary 
         
-
   
38
   
-
   
38
 
Disposals 
         
-
   
(69
)
 
(46
)
 
(115
)
Disposal of subsidiary 
         
-
   
(159
)
 
-
   
(159
)
Foreign exchange 
         
-
   
(25
)
 
(4
)
 
(29
)
                                 
At 31 July 2006
         
49
   
5,991
   
182
   
6,222
 
                                 
Depreciation 
                               
At 1 August 2005
         
31
   
4,586
   
156
   
4,773
 
Charge for the year 
         
1
   
562
   
8
   
571
 
Disposals 
         
-
   
(62
)
 
(41
)
 
(103
)
Disposal of subsidiary 
         
-
   
(121
)
  -    
(121
)
Foreign exchange 
         
-
   
(23
)
 
(4
)
 
(27
)
                                 
At 31 July 2006 
         
32
   
4,942
   
119
   
5,093
 
                                 
Net book value 
                               
At 31 July 2006 
         
17
   
1,049
   
63
   
1,129
 
                                 

a)
The above net book value includes an amount of £169,000 in respect of assets held under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts. The total depreciation on such assets during the year amounts to £159,000.

b)
Contained within land and buildings are short leaseholds as follows:

   
2006
   
£ 000
     
 Cost
   
49  
 Depreciation
   
(32)
       
 Net book value
   
17  
 
 
12

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
11 Fixed asset investments
 
     
£ 000
 
Group
       
Listed investments
       
Cost at 1 August 2005
   
2
 
         
Provision made during the year
   
(1
)
         
Net book value
       
At 31 July 2006
   
1
 
         
 
The current market value of the listed investments is not considered by the directors to be materially different to the book value.
 
The companies in which the Group's interest at 31 July 2006 is more than 10% are as follows:
 
Subsidiary undertakings:
   
Country of
registration or
incorporation
 
 
Percentage
of ordinary
shares held
 
 
Knowles Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
James R. Knowles Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
James R. Knowles (Europe) Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Knowles Project Services Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Knowles Management Limited
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
 
Knowles Law Limited
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
 
James R. Knowles (Worldwide) Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
James R Knowles Global Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Consortium James R. Knowles Limited
   
England and Wales
   
75
%*
 
Knowles Capital Projects Limited
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
 
Knowles Legal Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Knowles Commercial Services Limited
   
England and Wales
   
85
%
 
Knowles Construction Technology Limited
   
England and Wales
   
85
%
 
Knowles Legal Services Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Knowles Platinum Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
Knowles Lawyers Limited
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
 
James R. Knowles (Deutschland) GmbH
   
Germany
   
100
%
 
James R. Knowles (Espana) SL
   
Spain
   
100
%
 
James R. Knowles (Overseas) Limited
   
Cyprus
   
100
%
 
James R Knowles (Singapore) Pte Limited
   
Singapore
   
90
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Hong Kong) Limited
   
Hong Kong
   
100
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Middle East) Limited
   
Cyprus
   
75
%*
 
James R. Knowles (M) Sdn Bhd
   
Malaysia
   
100
%*
 
Knowles Surveying Services Limited
   
Hong Kong
   
90
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Thailand) Ltd
   
Thailand
   
100
%*
 
James R. Knowles (B) Sdn Bhd
   
Brunei
   
100
%*
 
Knowles Consultancy Services Inc.
   
Canada
   
78
%*
 
Knowles North America Holdings Inc.
   
Canada
   
100
%*
 
1226545 Ontario Limited
   
Canada
   
65
%*
 
Baker, Bertrand, Chasse & Goguen Claim Services Limited
   
Canada
   
65
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Egypt) Limited
   
Egypt
   
75
%*
 
J R Knowles (USA) LLC
   
USA
   
70
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Australian Holdings) Pty Limited
   
Australia
   
90
%*
 
James R. Knowles (Australia) Pty Limited
   
Australia
   
90
%*
 
James R. Knowles (NSW) Pty Limited
   
Australia
   
90
%*
 
James R. Knowles Lawyers Pty Limited
   
Australia
   
90
%*
 
Knowles Adjusters Ireland Limited
   
Eire
   
90
%*
 
                 
Associated undertakings:
               
                 
Knowles Video Services Limited
   
Scotland
   
50
%
 
 
* Not directly owned by James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC.                  
 
The above companies are principally involved in construction contracts consultancy and have all been included in the consolidation. The companies are all owned in the proportions stated either by James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC or by James R. Knowles (Worldwide) Limited and James R Knowles Global Limited, both companies are registered in England and Wales which and are wholly owned subsidiaries of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC.              
 
Of the above companies James R Knowles Limited, Knowles Project Services Limited, Knowles Management Limited, Consortium James R Knowles Limited, Knowles Capital Projects Limited, Knowles Legal Limited, Knowles Commercial Services Limited, Knowles Construction Technology Limited, Knowles Legal Services Limited, Knowles Platinum Limited, James R Knowles (NSW) Pty Limited and Knowles Video Services Limited did not trade during the year.
 
On 23 December 2005 the Group disposed of its 90% shareholding in Knowles Loss Adjusters Limited.           
 
On 3 July 2006 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Knowles Lawyers Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.       
 
13

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
12 Debtors
 
 
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
Amounts falling due within one year 
       
 
       
Trade debtors 
   
6,280
 
Amounts recoverable on contracts 
   
274
 
Other debtors 
   
230
 
Deferred tax asset (Note 16) 
   
816
 
Prepayments and accrued income 
   
559
 
Corporation tax recoverable 
   
13
 
         
     
8,172
 

14

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Bank overdrafts
   
2,654
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
   
140
 
Bank loans
   
289
 
Trade creditors
   
1,488
 
Corporation tax
   
326
 
Other taxes and social security
   
1,449
 
Other creditors
   
505
 
Accruals and deferred income
   
3,310
 
     
10,161
 
 
The bank loans and overdrafts are secured by fixed and floating charges on other assets of certain Group companies.
 
14 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

   
2006
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
Bank loans
   
265
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
   
128
 
         
     
393
 
 
Bank loans are repayable as follows:
       
     
2006
 
 
 
 
£ 000
 
         
Within one year
   
289
 
Between one and two years
   
138
 
Between two and five years
   
127
 
         
Total outstanding
   
554
 
 
15

 
James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC    
 
Notes       
 
14 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)
 

Details of loans wholly repayable within 5 years:
   
2006
 
 
 
 
£ 000
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.39% *
   
10
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.69% *
   
2
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.69% *
   
10
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.09% *
   
17
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.35% *
   
36
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% *
   
41
 
 
       
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% *
   
23
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% *
   
18
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 6.00%*
   
10
 
         
Bank loan repayable by bi-annual instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 5.56%*
   
100
 
         
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 7%*
   
287
 
     
554
 
 
These loans are secured by fixed and floating charges on the relevant equipment being financed.
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
 
 
 
 
2006 
 
 
 
 
£ 000
 
         
Total outstanding
   
315
 
Interest attributable to future years
   
(47
)
         
     
268
 
 
The maturity of obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts is as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
   
£ 000
 
         
Within one year
   
140
 
In the second to fifth years
   
128
 
         
     
268
 
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured by retention of title to the relevant equipment.
 
15 Provisions for liabilities and charges
 
   
Onerous
 
 
 
 
leases
 
 
   
£ 000
 
         
At 1 August 2005
   
177
 
Charged to the profit and loss for the year
   
470
 
         
At 31 July 2006
   
647
 
 
The onerous lease provision represents provision for vacant properties in the UK, the main provision £500,000 relates to 53 Bedford Square in London, the property is currently vacant and the Directors are currently negotiating to surrender the lease. The Directors consider that the amount will be settled in the next financial year.
 
16

16 Deferred Tax
 
The elements of deferred taxation are as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
 
 
£ 000 
 
Difference between accumulated depreciation and
       
amortisation and capital allowances
    210  
Other timing differences     75  
Tax losses
    531  
Deferred tax asset (note 12)
   
816
 
 
17

 
James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
17 Called up share capital

   
2006
 
2006
 
   
Number
 
£ 000
 
Authorised
             
26,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each
   
26,000,000
   
1,300
 
 
             
Allotted, called up and fully paid
             
Ordinary shares of 5p each
             
At start of the year
   
19,921,853
   
996
 
Issue of shares
   
1,250,000
   
63
 
At end of the year
   
21,171,853
   
1,059
 
 
On 2 December 2005 the Group issued 305,800 new ordinary shares of 5p each to Mr Brian Quinn, Chief executive of the Group, at 30 pence per share in respect of a retention bonus.
                     
In addition, on the same day, the Group issued a further 944,200 new ordinary shares to Mr Brian Quinn in exchange for the minority interests he held in the Group's North American subsidiaries as follows:
 
Both of the above transactions were calculated on an arms length basis with the shares being awarded at the prevailing market values.
 
   
Holding in subsidiary
 
Number of shares issued
 
Price per share
 
               
Knowles Consultancy Services Inc
   
7.50
%
 
542,235
   
28.8
 
1226545 Ontario Limited
   
Entitlement to 10
%
 
314,635
   
30
 
J R Knowles (USA) LLC
   
10
%
 
87,330
   
30
 
 
Goodwill arising as a result of the above transactions amounted to £307,000 which was capitalised and will be written off over 20 years
 
18 Reserves
 
 
 
Share
premium
account
 
Merger
reserve
 
Profit and
loss account
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
At 1 August 2005
   
3,026
   
199
   
(63
)
Foreign exchange
   
-
   
-
   
(66
)
Retained loss for the year
   
-
   
-
   
(4,080
)
Premium on share issue
   
307
   
-
   
-
 
                     
At 31 July 2006
   
3,333
   
199
   
(4,209
)
 
The cumulative total of goodwill written off against reserves in respect of acquisitions prior to 1 August 1998 when FRS 10: Goodwill and intangible assets was adopted amounts to £1,057,000 of which £1,019,000 was taken to the merger reserve and the remaining £38,000 was taken to the profit and loss reserve.
 
19 Commitments
 
(i) Capital commitments at the end of the financial year, for which no provision has been made, are as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
   
£ 000 
 
         
Contracted
   
-
 
 
(ii)  Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 
 
   
  2006
 
 
 
Land &
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings
 
Other
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Operating leases which expire:
             
Within one year
   
14
   
4
 
In the second to fifth years inclusive
   
412
   
284
 
After five years
   
187
   
10
 
             
     
613
   
298
 
 
20 Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities
 
   
2006
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
Operating loss
   
(3,208
)
Depreciation charge
   
571
 
Amortisation charge
   
33
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
   
12
 
Decrease in stocks
   
253
 
Decrease in debtors
   
1,542
 
Increase in creditors
   
30
 
Increase in provisions
   
470
 
Impairment of goodwill on acquisition of Knowles Lawyers Limited
   
721
 
Other non cash movements
   
91
 
Foreign exchange differences*
   
(77
)
         
Net cash inflow from operating activities
   
438 
 
 
*Adjustment arising from re-translation of opening balance sheet. This has not been done on a line-by-line basis, as it cannot be determined without unreasonable expense.
 
The cash effect of exceptional operating items is £1,025,000.
 
It is not practicable to divide cashflows into those arising from continuing and discontinued operations.
 
18

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
21 Acquisitions
 
On 3rd July 2006 the Group acquired Knowles Lawyers Limited from Mr Brian Quinn, Chief Executive of the Group  for £50,000 paid by cash (see note 9).
 
In calculating the goodwill arising on acquisition, the fair value of net assets have been assessed and are not considered to be materially different to the book value at that time.

   
Fair
 
 
 
Value
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
Fixed assets
       
Tangible
   
38
 
         
Current assets
       
Debtors
   
790
 
Cash at bank and in hand
   
110
 
         
Total assets
   
938
 
         
Creditors
       
Due within one year
   
(1,396
)
Due after more than one year
   
(213
)
         
Net liabilities
   
(671
)
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Cash consideration
   
50
 
Net liabilities acquired
   
671
 
         
Goodwill arising on acquisition (note 9)
   
721
 
 
The net loss of Knowles Lawyers Limited in the year ended 31 July 2005 was £260,894 and in the period to 3rd July 2006 was £246,205:

Cash flows
           
                               
The net outflow of cash arising from the acquisition of Knowles Lawyers Limited was as follows:-
   
 
   
£ 000
 
Cash consideration
   
(50
)
Cash acquired
   
110
 
Overdraft acquired
   
(35
)
         
Net inflow of cash
   
25
 
 
22 Analysis of cash flows for headings netted in the cash flow statement

Returns on investments and servicing of finance
     
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Interest received
   
20
 
Interest paid
   
(328
)
Interest element of finance leases
   
(53
)
Minority dividends paid
   
(296
)
         
     
(657
)
 
Capital expenditure and financial investment
     
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
   
(422
)
         
 
 
19

Aquisitions and disposals
 
Net cash inflow from sale of Knowles Loss
Adjusters Limited (note 3)
   
675
 
Net cash inflow from purchase of Knowles Lawyers Limited (note 22)
   
25
 
Net cash outflows from closure of branch    
(8
)
Net cash outflow from purchase of minority in Knowles Consultancy Services Inc.    
(91
)
     
601
 
 
Financing
       
   
 2006
 
 
 £ 000
 
         
(Repayment)/inception of loans
   
(588
)
Inception of new finance leases
   
281
 
Capital element of finance lease rental payments     (161 )
     
(468
)
         
 
20

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
 
23 Reconciliation of net cash inflow to movement in net debt
 
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
Decrease in cash in the year
   
(789
)
Cash inflow from increase in debt and lease financing
   
468
 
Loan acquired with subsidiary
   
(293
)
         
     
(614
)
Net debt at 31 July 2005
   
(1,299
)
         
Net debt at 31 July 2006
   
(1,913
)
 
24 Analysis of net debt 

        
At 31
     
Acquired with
 
Non cash
 
At 31
 
        
July 2005
 
Cash flow
 
subsidiary
 
changes
 
July 2006
 
        
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
                            
Cash at bank and in hand 
         
1,761
   
(198
)
 
-
   
-
   
1,563
 
Overdraft 
         
(2,063
)
 
(591
)
 
-
   
-
   
(2,654
)
           
(302
)
 
(789
)
 
-
   
-
   
(1,091
)
                                       
Debt due after one year 
         
(416
)
 
149
   
(213
)
 
215
   
(265
)
Debt due within one year 
         
(433
)
 
439
   
(80
)
 
(215
)
 
(289
)
Finance leases 
         
(148
)
 
(120
)
 
-
   
-
   
(268
)
                                       
           
(1,299
)
 
(321
)
 
(293
)
 
-
   
(1,913
)
 
25 Reconciliations of movement in shareholders' funds
 
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Retained loss for the financial year
   
(4,080
)
Foreign exchange movements
   
(66
)
New share capital subscribed
   
370
 
         
Net movement in shareholders' funds
   
(3,776
)
         
Opening shareholders' funds - equity
   
4,158
 
         
         
Closing shareholders' funds - equity
   
382
 
 
26  Financial Instruments and risk management
 
The Group finances its operations through a mixture of equity finance, retained profits, bank borrowings and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The Group's borrowings relate mainly to its working capital requirements. These borrowings take the form of bank overdraft facilities. The Group's short-term working capital requirements fluctuate significantly throughout the year because of seasonal factors, tax, bonus and dividend payments. In these circumstances the directors do not feel that it is appropriate to borrow at a fixed rate of interest. At the year-end, 88% of the Group's borrowings were at floating rates.
 
However, most fixed asset purchases are financed by fixed rate borrowings in the form of finance leases, hire purchase contracts and long-term loans. The term of the borrowings is matched to the length of the useful life of the assets. At the year end, 12% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rates of interest.
 
It is, and has been throughout the period under review, the Group's policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.
 
As permitted by FRS 13: Derivatives and other financial instruments: disclosures, short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from the following analyses.
 
21

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
26  Financial Instruments and risk management (continued)
 
Interest rate risk
 
The interest rate profile of the Group's financial liabilities as at 31 July 2006 was:

a)
 
 
Floating rate
 
Fixed rate
 
 
 
Total 
 
financial liabilities
 
financial liabilities
 
Currency
 
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
                     
Sterling
   
2,890
   
2,493
   
397
 
Hong Kong Dollar
   
25
   
10
   
15
 
Canadian Dollar
   
111
   
100
   
11
 
US Dollar
   
215
   
215
   
-
 
Malaysian Ringitts
   
2
         
2
 
Dirhams
   
233
   
233
   
-
 
                     
     
3,476
   
3,051
   
425
 
 
b)
     
Fixed rate financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average
 
Weighted average
 
 
 
 
 
interest rate
 
period for which
 
Currency
 
 
%
 
rate is fixed
 
               
Sterling
         
8.25
   
2 years
 
 
The floating rate financial liabilities comprise bank overdraft and bank loan facilities that bear interest at rates based on clearing bank and finance house base rates.
 
There are no financial liabilities on which no interest is paid.
 
Borrowing facilities
 
The Group had undrawn committed borrowing facilities at 31 July 2006, in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met, as follows: 
   
2006
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
Expiring in one year or less
    550  
 
Liquidity risk
 
As regards liquidity, the Group's working capital borrowing facilities are reviewed by its lenders on an annual or semi-annual basis.
 
The Group has no financial assets other than short-term debtors and cash at bank.
 
Foreign currency risk
 
The Group's U.K. subsidiaries price their export sales in sterling and hence there is no foreign currency risk on these transactions.
 
The Group has overseas subsidiaries and branches in: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Italy, Egypt, U.A.E., Canada, USA and Australia. The revenues and expenses are mainly denominated in local currencies. The Group's sterling balance sheet is exposed to potential foreign currency losses on translation of the net assets of these overseas subsidiaries. However, the Group's policy is to maximise dividend payments and cash repatriation from these subsidiaries and branches to the holding company. The Directors do not consider it would be appropriate to borrow in matching foreign currencies to hedge against these translation risks as, in many cases, the net assets of these overseas operations are small and in addition taking on additional borrowings would create an unnecessary interest rate risk.
 
Fair values
 
The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities approximate to their fair value.
 
27 Related party transactions
 
Until 2 December 2005, the Group's Chief Executive, Mr Brian Quinn, had a 10% holding in Knowles Consultancy Services Inc. Following the declaration of a dividend by this company during the year, £16,000 was due to Mr Quinn, of which £Nil remains unpaid at the Balance Sheet date.
 
In addition, during the year a number of shares in James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC were issued to Mr Brian Quinn in exchange for minority holdings, see note 17
 
On 3 July 2006 the group acquired the share capital of Knowles Lawyers limited from Mr Brian Quinn,  details are given in note 21
 
During the period from 1 August 2005 to aquisition the following transactions took place between Knowles Lawyers Limited and other Group companies
 
 
 
 £ 000
 
 Sales to Knowles Lawyers Limited
   
152
 
 Purchases from Knowles Lawyers Limited    
220
 
 
28 Ultimate parent undertaking and related party
 
On 31 August 2006 an offer from Hill SA, a company incorporated in Luxembourg, to purchase the whole of the company's share capital became unconditional. Any shareholdings where the offer to purchase had not been accepted were to be acquired under the provisions of Section 429 of the Companies Act 1985.
 
The ultimate parent undertaking is Hill International Inc, a company incorporated in the United States of America. Since acquisition Hill International Inc is the Group's ultimate controlling party, prior to 31 August 2006, the Group was controlled by J R Knowles, a director.
 
22

 
Notes
 
29 Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
 
The principal differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP for the consolidated financial statements of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC can be summarised as follows:
 

   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Stockholders equity per UK GAAP
   
502
 
         
Adjustment to goodwill (Note A)
   
(193
)
Amortisation on reinstated goodwill (Note A)
   
(48
)
Recognition of intangible assets on business combinations (Note A)
   
1,399
 
Amortisation of intangibles (Note A)
   
(1,024
)
Deferred tax liabilities on business combinations (Note A)
   
(47
)
Adjustment in respect of leases (Note C)
   
(35
)
Taxation effect of all adjustments (Note D)
   
(10
)
         
Stockholders equity per US GAAP
   
544
 
 
Under US GAAP the effect on the profit and loss account would be as follows:
 
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
Loss on ordinary activities before minority interests
       
and dividends under UK GAAP
   
(3,995
)
Adjustment in respect of amortisation change in the year
   
(31
) 
Adjustment in respect of Perform 21
   
173
 
Adjustment in respect of intangibles
   
(66
)
Taxation effect of all adjustments
   
(5
)
         
Net loss under US GAAP
   
(3,924
)
 
As a consequence of these restatements the loss per share would decrease by 0.3 pence.
 

Under US GAAP, the cash flow statement would be presented as follows:
     
       
   
2006
 
   
£ 000
 
       
Cash flow from operating activities
   
157
 
Cash flow from investing
   
(170
)
Cash flow from financing
   
(305
)
         
     
(318
)
         
         
The Statement of Goup cash flow is prepared in accordance with UK FRS No 1 (Revised 1996) - Cash Flow Statements, the objective of which is similar to that set out in the US Standard SFAS No. 95 - Statements of Cash Flows. The two statements differ, however, in their definitions of cash and their presentation of the main constituents of the cash flow
         
The definition of cash in the UK standard is limited to cash plus depostits les overdrafts/borrowings repayable on demand without penalty. In the US, the definition in SFAS No. 95 excludes overdrafts but is widened to include cash equivalents comprising short-term highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturities that they present insignificant risk of changes in value.
 
 
a) Intangible assets and goodwill

In the consolidated financial statements, goodwill arising on acquisitions made prior to January 1998 accounted for under the purchase method, has been eliminated against shareholders’ equity, in accordance with UK GAAP. Under the requirements of UK Financial Reporting Standard 10 ‘Goodwill and intangible assets’, goodwill on acquisitions made after 1 January 1998 is capitalised and amortised over its estimated useful life, which is generally presumed not to exceed 20 years. UK GAAP requires that on subsequent disposal or termination of a previously acquired business, any goodwill previously taken directly to shareholders equity is charged in the income statement against the profit or loss on disposal or termination.
 
23

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
29 Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (continued)
 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). The principal differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP are presented below together with explanations that affect total shareholders’ equity and net income as at and for the year ended 31 July 2006.

This US GAAP information provides a reconciliation between earnings available for shareholders under UK GAAP and net income under US GAAP and between shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP and shareholders’ equity under US GAAP respectively.
 
Under US GAAP, SFAS 142 ‘Goodwill and other intangible assets’ is applicable for accounting periods starting after 15 December 2001. This states that goodwill should be held on the balance sheet, it should not be amortised, but considered for impairment on an annual basis. Prior to this date, goodwill was amortised. For the purposes of US GAAP, the Group adopted Financial Accounting Standard 142 ‘Goodwill and other intangible assets’ in the year end 31 July 2003 and from this date, goodwill which arise would not be amortised but reviewed for impairment.

Under US GAAP, separately identified intangible assets arising on acquisitions, would be capitalised and amortised over their useful economic lives. Under UK GAAP, these assets are included in goodwill.

Impairment of goodwill: Under UK GAAP, goodwill is reviewed for potential impairment where there is an indicator that impairment may have occurred. The impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of goodwill for each income-generating unit (IGU) with the higher of the net realisable value and value in use. Under US GAAP, goodwill impairment reviews are also conducted when an indicator of impairment exists, in addition to an annual impairment test required by FAS142. The impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit with its fair value. Where the carrying value, including any separately identifiable intangible assets, is greater than the fair value, the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. Where reporting units identified under US GAAP differ from IGUs identified under UK GAAP, a reconciling item may arise.

As as result of the above a difference has arisen whereby goodwill which arose on acquisition has been reinstated to its original value and subsequently an element of this has been reclassified as an intangible asset. This intangible asset will be amortised over a period of 8 years from the date of acquisition with an anual impairment review.

b) ‘Work in Progress’ Perform 21

During the year, the Group capitalised time costs in creating a Partnering Contract and Toolkit and related website. The Group recognised these costs as an asset, as it was perceive the Group would derive some benefit from these costs. The costs were capitalised and included within work in progress under UK GAAP.

Under US GAAP, guidance on the recognition of intangibles is provided in EITF 00-2 ‘Accounting for website development costs’ and SFAS142 ‘Goodwill and intangible assets’.

The US Standards include stricter criteria in respect of the treatment of costs and provides condition as to whether costs should be capitalised or expensed. Following a review of this criteria, differences were noted between those amounts which would be capitalised under UK and US GAAP as to those values which should and should not be capitalised. As such a difference between UK and US GAAP results.

c) Leases

The Group has several operating leases which have incentives attached in the form of rent free periods.

Under UK GAAP the operating lease charges have been recognised when incurred, and the benefits of these rent free periods have been recognised in the periods in which the cash flow benefit was received.

Under US GAAP (SFAS 13 ‘Accounting for Leases’) operating lease charges are recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term, the rent free period should be spread over the same lease term

As a result of this, a difference results.

The GAAP difference is UKGAAP spread to break clause USGAAP over the whole lease.
.
d) Deferred tax
 
Following the implementation in the UK of FRS19 ‘Deferred tax’, both US GAAP and UK GAAP now provide for deferred taxation on a full liability basis. The Group provides for deferred taxation in respect of timing differences, subject to certain exceptions between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and for tax purposes. Timing differences are recognised, include accelerated capital allowances, unrelieved tax losses and short term timing differences.

Under US GAAP, deferred taxation would be computed on all differences between the tax bases and book values of assets and liabilities which will result in taxable or tax deductible amounts arising in future years.

US GAAP requires provision for revaluation gains, fair value adjustments similar to revaluations arising on the acquisition of a business, latent rolled over gains and the retained earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not permanently reinvested. These are not normally provided for under UK GAAP.

Deferred taxation assets under UK GAAP and US GAAP are recognised only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realised.
 
e) Dividends
 
Under US GAAP final ordinary dividends are provided for in the year in respect of which they are proposed by the Board or approved by the shareholders. Under US GAAP, dividends would not be provided for until the year in which they are declared.
 
24

 
 
Independent Auditors' Report
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC ("the Company") as of 31 July 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated profit and loss accounts, statements of total recognised gains and losses and consolidated cash flow statements for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 31 July 2005 and 2004, and of the results of its operations and its cash flows for the two years then ended in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP).
 
These consolidated statements have been restated from the previously published UK statutory financial statements as described in Note 28.
 
UK GAAP varies in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

KPMG Audit plc

Leeds
United Kingdom
17-Nov-06

25

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Consolidated profit and loss accounts
 
for the year ended 31 July 2005

   
 
 
 2005
 
2004
 
       
 Restated
 
Restated
 
       
(Note 28 )
 
(Note 28 )
 
   
Note
 
 £ 000
 
£ 000
 
       
  
 
 
 
Turnover
   
2
   
30,224
   
31,256
 
Change in work in progress
         
(74
)
 
28
 
Other external charges
         
(3,349
)
 
(4,251
)
Staff costs
   
5
   
(17,913
)
 
(18,016
)
Depreciation and amortisation
         
(690
)
 
(537
)
Other operating charges
   
3
   
(7,977
)
 
(7,886
)
                 
                     
Operating profit
         
221
   
594
 
                     
Other interest receivable and similar income
         
8
   
50
 
                     
Interest payable and similar charges
   
6
   
(247
)
 
(187
)
                 
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation
   
3 - 6
   
(18
)
 
457
 
                     
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
   
7
   
4
   
(176
)
                     
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities after taxation
         
(14
)
 
281
 
                     
Minority interests (equity)
         
(288
)
 
(226
)
                     
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
         
(302
)
 
55
 
                     
Dividends (equity)
         
-
   
(159
)
                     
Retained loss for the financial year
   
19
   
(302
)
 
(104
)
                     
                     
                     
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence)
   
8
   
(1.5
)
 
0.3
 
                     
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
   
8
   
(1.5
)
 
0.3
 
 
A note on historical cost profits has not been prepared as the historical cost profit and losses are the same as detailed in the above profit and loss account.
 
26

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Consolidated statements of total recognised gains and losses
 
for the year ended 31 July 2005
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
   
Restated
 
Restated
 
   
 (Note 28)
 
(Note 28)
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
   
(302
)
 
55
 
Currency translation differences on foreign investments
   
147
   
(342
)
 
         
Total recognised losses relating to the financial year
   
(155
)
 
(287
)
 
27

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Consolidated balance sheets
 
at 31 July 2005

       
2005
 
2004
 
       
Restated
 
 Restated
 
       
(Note 28)
 
(Note 28)
 
   
Note
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
                       
Fixed assets
                     
Intangible assets
   
9
         
450
         
476
 
Tangible assets
   
10
         
1,292
         
1,374
 
Investments
   
11
         
2
         
2
 
                 
1,744
         
1,852
 
                                 
Current assets
                               
Stocks
   
12
   
903
         
977
       
Debtors
   
13
   
9,085
         
8,751
       
Cash at bank and in hand
         
1,761
         
2,056
       
           
11,749
         
11,784
       
                                 
Creditors - Amounts falling due within one year
   
14
   
(8,378
)
       
(8,282
)
     
                                 
Net current assets
               
3,371
         
3,502
 
                                 
Total assets less current liabilities
               
5,115
         
5,354
 
                                 
Creditors - Amounts falling due after more than
one year
   
15
         
(476
)
       
(783
)
Provisions for liabilities and charges
   
16
         
(177
)
       
(30
)
                                 
Net assets
               
4,462
         
4,541
 
                                 
                                 
Capital and Reserves
                               
Called up share capital
   
18
         
996
         
996
 
Share premium account
   
19
         
3,026
         
3,026
 
Merger reserve
   
19
         
199
         
199
 
Profit and loss account
   
19
         
(63
)
       
92
 
                                 
Shareholders' funds
   
25
         
4,158
         
4,313
 
                                 
Minority interests (equity)
               
304
         
228
 
                                 
                 
4,462
         
4,541
 
 
28

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Consolidated cash flow statements
 
for the year ended 31 July 2005

       
2005
 
2004
 
   
Note
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
Net cash inflow from operating activities
   
21
   
1,330
   
973
 
                     
Return on investments and servicing of finance
   
22
   
(381
)
 
(447
)
                     
Taxation
         
(223
)
 
(203
)
                     
Capital expenditure and financial investment
   
22
   
(582
)
 
(403
)
                     
Equity dividends paid
         
-
   
(577
)
                     
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing
         
144
   
(657
)
                     
Financing
   
22
   
(343
)
 
13
 
                     
Decrease in cash in the year
   
23,24
   
(199
)
 
(644
)
 
 
29

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
(forming part of the financial statements)

1 Accounting policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Group's financial statements except as noted below.

Basis of preparation
 
These nonstatutory consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK applicable accounting standards and under the UK historical cost accounting rules. They have been prepared for the purposes of US regulatory filing and have been restated from the previously published UK statutory financial statements as described in Note 28.
 
Basis of consolidation

The Group accounts include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings made up to 31 July 2005. Unless otherwise stated, the acquisition method of accounting has been adopted. Under this method, the results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of in the year are included in the consolidated profit and loss account from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.

Goodwill
Purchased goodwill (both positive and negative) arising on consolidation in respect of acquisitions before 1 August 1998, when FRS 10: Goodwill and intangible assets was adopted, was written off to reserves in the year of acquisition. When a subsequent disposal occurs, any related goodwill previously written off to reserves is written back through the profit and loss account as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

Purchased goodwill (representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration and associated costs given over the fair value of the separable net assets acquired) arising on consolidation in respect of acquisitions since 1 August 1998 is capitalised. Positive goodwill is amortised to nil by equal annual instalments over its estimated useful life which is 20 years.

On the subsequent disposal of a business acquired since 1 January 1998, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated after charging/(crediting) the unamortised amount of any related goodwill.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided by the Group to write off the cost or valuation less the estimated residual value of tangible fixed assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful economic lives as follows:
 
Leasehold buildings
 
-
   
Life of lease
 
Office equipment
 
-
   
10% - 33% per annum
 
Computer equipment
 
-
   
20% - 33% per annum
 
Motor vehicles
 
-
   
25% reducing balance
 
Technical publications
 
-
   
20% per annum
 
No depreciation is provided on freehold land.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation are included in the profit and loss account.
 
The assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated at the closing exchange rates. Profit and loss accounts of such undertakings are consolidated at the average rates of exchange during the year. Gains and losses arising on these translations are taken to reserves, net of exchange differences arising on related foreign currency borrowings.

Leases
 
Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and the outstanding future lease obligations are shown in creditors. Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
 
Stock: work in progress

Gross work in progress is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Work in progress is defined as the employment cost of staff plus direct expenses and overheads related to staff time. Payments received on account of work in progress are shown as a deduction from gross work in progress. Payments received on account in excess of the carrying value of the relevant work in progress are included in creditors.

Long term work in progress

The amount of profit attributable to the stage of completion of a long term contract is recognised when the outcome of the contract can be foreseen with reasonable certainty. Turnover for such contracts is shown to the extent that the Group has obtained the right to consideration, which in most cases is recorded as cost appropriate to their stage of completion plus attributable profits, less amounts recognised in previous years. Provision is made for any losses as soon as they are foreseen. Long term work in progress is stated at cost, after deducting foreseeable losses and attributable payments received on account. Payments received on account in excess of applicable work in progress are included in creditors.

Turnover

Turnover represents the amounts (excluding value added tax) recorded as turnover in respect of long-term work in progress as described above and the amounts earned to date on other work to the extent that the Group has obtained the right to consideration.
 
Taxation
Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS19: Deferred taxation. 
 
Cash

Cash, for the purpose of the cash flow statement, comprises cash in hand and deposits repayable on demand, less overdrafts payable on demand.
 
Going Concern
 
The Directors consider that recent losses sustained are one off in nature. Current trading has improved and profits are forecasted going forward. Opportunities for growth exist as a consequence of the aquisition by Hill which have strengthened the position. The Knowles Group is also under receipt of full financial support from the new parent company. For these reasons the Directors consider the going concern basis is appropriate for preparing the financial statements.

30

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

2 Segmental analysis

The table below sets out turnover, operating profit/(loss) and net assets for each geographic area of operation by origin.
 

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
Net
 
 
 
Operating
 
Net
 
 
 
 
 
Profit/(loss)
 
Assets
 
 
 
Profit/(loss)
 
Assets
 
 
 
Turnover
 
Restated
 (Note 28)
 
Restated
 (Note 28)
 
Turnover
 
Restated
 (Note 28)
 
Restated
 (Note 28)
 
           
 
         
 
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
                           
United Kingdom
   
18,745
   
389
   
1,736
   
20,178
   
1,200
   
2,465
 
Overseas
   
11,479
   
541
   
2,726
   
11,078
   
(75
)
 
2,076
 
Holding Company Costs
   
-
   
(216
)
 
-
   
-
   
(531
)
 
-
 
Exceptional operating charge
   
-
   
(493
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                                       
     
30,224
   
221
   
4,462
   
31,256
   
594
   
4,541
 

 Turnover by geographical destination is significantly different from turnover by origin and is as follows:
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
United Kingdom
   
17,806
   
17,461
 
Overseas
   
12,418
   
13,795
 
               
     
30,224
   
31,256
 
 
 
3 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

 
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Operating profit is stated after charging the following:
         
           
Auditors' remuneration including expenses:
         
Audit - Parent company (1)
   
32
   
36
 
Audit - Rest of group
   
69
   
83
 
     
101
   
119
 
               
Hire of plant and machinery under operating leases
   
357
   
414
 
Amounts payable in respect of other operating leases
   
1,320
   
1,063
 
Depreciation and other amounts written off tangible fixed assets:
             
Owned
   
287
   
199
 
Leased
   
377
   
312
 
Amortisation of goodwill
   
26
   
26
 
Loss on foreign exchange
   
10
   
9
 
               
Exceptional items:
             
               
Severance payment to Mr M Charlton
   
150
   
-
 
Restructuring of Far East operations
   
93
   
-
 
Redundancy costs
   
80
   
-
 
Onerous lease provision
   
170
   
-
 
     
493
   
-
 
 
The effect of the above exceptional items is to decrease the taxation charge by £148,000 (2004: £Nil)

(1) The Group's principle auditors, KPMG Audit Plc, received £5,000 in respect of taxation work in addition to the fees disclosed above.
 
31

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
 
4 Remuneration of directors
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Directors' emoluments:
             
As directors
   
680
   
576
 
Other emoluments
   
38
   
91
 
               
     
718
   
667
 
 
The remuneration of individual directors during the year was as follows:

       
Year Ended 31 July 2005
 
Year Ended 31 July 2004
 
 
 
 
 
Salary
 
Other
 
 
 
Salary
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Fees
 
Benefits
 
Total
 
and Fees
 
Benefits
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
£'000
 
£'000
 
£'000
 
£'000
 
£'000
 
£'000
 
Executive Directors
                             
                               
J. Roger Knowles
   
1
   
185
   
1
   
186
   
183
   
1
   
184
 
Michael Charlton
   
2
   
195
   
10
   
205
   
183
   
75
   
258
 
Brian Quinn
         
185
   
17
   
202
   
183
   
15
   
198
 
Charlotte Parsons
         
83
   
10
   
93
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
           
648
   
38
   
686
   
549
   
91
   
640
 
                                             
Non-Executive Directors
                                           
                                             
Sir Michael Latham
         
-
   
-
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
3
 
John Lee
         
16
   
-
   
16
   
16
   
-
   
16
 
Peter Bates
         
16
   
-
   
16
   
8
   
-
   
8
 
           
32
   
-
   
32
   
27
   
-
   
27
 
                                             
           
680
   
38
   
718
   
576
   
91
   
667
 
 
1
A total of £185,400 (2004 - £183,150) in respect of the fees of J. Roger Knowles has been paid to Wynton Services Limited, a company incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus.
 
2
A total of £150,000 in respect of the salary for M.C. Charlton was paid as payment in lieu of notice.
 

5 Staff numbers and costs
 
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including directors) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:
 
 
 
Number of employees 
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
           
Fee earning staff 
   
210
   
234
 
Administrative staff 
   
144
   
132
 
               
     
354
   
366
 
 
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
Restated
 
Restated
 
   
 (Note 28)
 
 (Note 28)
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Wages and salaries
   
16,085
   
16,287
 
Social security costs
   
1,411
   
1,405
 
Health insurance scheme
   
259
   
250
 
Staff accommodation
   
158
   
74
 
               
     
17,913
   
18,016
 
 
6 Interest payable and similar charges
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
On bank loans and overdrafts 
   
171
   
156
 
Finance charges payable in respect of finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
   
76
   
31
 
               
     
247
   
187
 
 
Taxation
 
(a) Analysis of charge in period
 
     
2005 
   
2004
 
     
Restated
   
Restated 
 
     
 (Note 28)
   
 (Note 28)
 
     
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
                           
Current tax
                         
UK corporation tax on profits in the period
   
-
         
46
       
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
   
66
         
(27
)
     
                           
           
66
         
19
 
Foreign tax
         
203
         
192
 
                           
Total current tax (note 7 (b))
         
269
         
211
 
                           
Deferred tax
                         
Origination and reversal of timing differences
         
(273
)
       
(35
)
                           
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
         
(4
)
       
176
 
 
32

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes 
 
7 Taxation (continued)
 
(b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the current period

The effective rate of tax of 34% (2004: 38%) is higher than the standard UK rate of corporation tax of 30% (2004: 30%) principally due to the net effects of unrelieved overseas tax losses and differences in foreign tax rates.
 
The differences are explained below.

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
Restated
 
Restated
 
   
 (Note 28)
 
 (Note 28)
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
(Loss)/Profit on ordinary activities before tax
   
(18
)
 
457
 
               
Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of
             
corporation tax in the UK of 30% (2004: 30%)
   
(6
)
 
137
 
               
Effects of:
             
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
   
(24
)
 
28
 
Depreciation for period in excess of capital allowances
   
43
   
23
 
Unrelieved UK tax losses
   
71
   
-
 
Unrelieved overseas tax losses
   
74
   
79
 
Lower tax rates on small UK company earnings
   
(1
)
 
(3
)
Other tax rates on overseas earnings
   
28
   
(50
)
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods
   
66
   
(27
)
Other tax adjustments
   
18
   
24
 
               
Current tax charge for the period (note 7 (a))
   
269
   
211
 

(c) Factors that may affect future tax charges

The Group envisages utilising its tax losses in the near future which will then mean the effective tax rate will be closer to 30%.
 
8 Earnings per share

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
Restated
 
Restated
 
   
 (Note 28)
 
 (Note 28)
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
   
(302
)
 
55
 
               
               
Weighted average number of shares
   
19,921,853
   
19,921,853
 
Diluted effect of options
   
-
   
-
 
Diluted weighted average number of shares
   
19,921,853
   
19,921,853
 
               
               
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
   
(1.5p
)
 
0.3p
 
               
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
   
(1.5p
)
 
0.3p
 

The share options which currently exist are not considered to be dilutive.
 
33

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

9 Intangible fixed assets

   
Goodwill
 
 
 
£ 000
 
Cost
       
At 1 August 2004
   
524
 
Additions
   
-
 
At 31 July 2005
   
524
 
         
Amortisation
       
At 1 August 2004
   
48
 
Charge for the year
   
26
 
At 31 July 2005
   
74
 
         
Net book value
       
At 31 July 2005
   
450
 
At 31 July 2004
   
476
 
 
10 Tangible fixed assets 
 
   
 
 
Office and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and
 
computer
 
Motor
 
 
 
 
 
buildings
 
equipment
 
vehicles
 
Total
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Cost or valuation
                         
At start of the year
   
49
   
5,267
   
229
   
5,545
 
Additions
   
-
   
582
   
-
   
582
 
Disposals
   
-
   
(52
)
 
(68
)
 
(120
)
Foreign exchange
   
-
   
52
   
6
   
58
 
                           
At end of the year
   
49
   
5,849
   
167
   
6,065
 
                           
Depreciation
                         
At start of the year
   
29
   
3,936
   
206
   
4,171
 
Charge for the year
   
2
   
654
   
8
   
664
 
Disposals
   
-
   
(42
)
 
(64
)
 
(106
)
Foreign exchange
   
-
   
38
   
6
   
44
 
                           
At end of the year
   
31
   
4,586
   
156
   
4,773
 
 
                         
Net book value
                         
At 31 July 2005
   
18
   
1,263
   
11
   
1,292
 
                           
At 31 July 2004
   
20
   
1,331
   
23
   
1,374
 

a)
The above net book value includes an amount of £573,000 (2004 : £941,000) in respect of assets held under finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts. The total depreciation on such assets during the year amounts to £377,000 (2004: £312,000).

b)
Contained within land and buildings are short leaseholds as follows:
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Cost
   
49
   
49
 
Depreciation
   
(31
)
 
(29
)
               
Net book value
   
18
   
20
 
 
34

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
11 Fixed asset investments
 
   
£ 000
 
Listed investments
       
Cost at beginning and end of the year
   
2
 

The current market value of the listed investments is not considered by the directors to be materially different to the book value.

The companies in which the Group's interest at 31 July 2005 is more than 10% are as follows:

 Subsidiary undertakings:  
Country of
registration or
incorporation
 
Percentage
of ordinary
shares held
     
               
Knowles Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
James R. Knowles Limited  
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
James R. Knowles (Europe) Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
Knowles Project Services Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
Knowles Loss Adjusters Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
90
%
     
Knowles Management Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
     
Knowles Law Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
     
James R. Knowles (Worldwide) Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
James R Knowles Global Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
Consortium James R. Knowles Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
 
*
 
Knowles Capital Projects Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
75
%
     
Knowles Legal Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
Knowles Commercial Services Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
85
%
     
Knowles Construction Technology Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
85
%
     
Knowles Legal Services Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
Knowles Platinum Limited 
   
England and Wales
   
100
%
     
James R. Knowles (Deutschland) GmbH 
   
Germany
   
100
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Espana) SL 
   
Spain
   
100
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Overseas) Limited 
   
Cyprus
   
100
%
 
*
 
James R Knowles (Singapore) Pte Limited 
   
Singapore
   
90
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Hong Kong) Limited 
   
Hong Kong
   
100
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Middle East) Limited 
   
Cyprus
   
75
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (M) Sdn Bhd 
   
Malaysia
   
100
%
 
*
 
Knowles Surveying Services Limited 
   
Hong Kong
   
90
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Thailand) Ltd 
   
Thailand
   
100
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (B) Sdn Bhd 
   
Brunei
   
100
%
 
*
 
Knowles Consultancy Services Inc. 
   
Canada
   
60
%
 
*
 
Knowles North America Holdings Inc. 
   
Canada
   
100
%
 
*
 
1226545 Ontario Limited 
   
Canada
   
65
%
 
*
 
Baker, Bertrand, Chasse & Goguen Claim Services Limited 
   
Canada
   
65
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Egypt) Limited 
   
Egypt
   
75
%
 
*
 
J R Knowles (USA) LLC 
   
USA
   
60
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Australian Holdings) Pty Limited 
   
Australia
   
90
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (Australia) Pty Limited 
   
Australia
   
90
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles (NSW) Pty Limited 
   
Australia
   
90
%
 
*
 
James R. Knowles Lawyers Pty Limited 
   
Australia
   
90
%
 
*
 
Knowles Adjusters Ireland Limited 
   
Eire
   
90
%
 
*
 
                     
Associated undertakings: 
                   
                     
Knowles Video Services Limited 
   
Scotland
   
50
%
 
*
 

* Not directly owned by James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC.

The above companies are principally involved in construction contracts consultancy and have all been included in the consolidation. The companies are all owned in the proportions stated either by James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC or by James R. Knowles (Worldwide) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales which is itself a wholly owned subsidiary of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC.

Of the above companies, Knowles Legal Limited, Knowles Legal Services Limited, Knowles Platinum Limited, Knowles Project Services Limited, Consortium James R. Knowles Limited, James R. Knowles (NSW) Pty Limited and Knowles Video Services Limited did not trade during the year.
 
35


James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes

12 Stocks

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Work in progress 
   
849
   
931
 
Books held for re-sale 
   
54
   
46
 
               
     
903
   
977
 
 
13 Debtors

   
2005
Restated
(Note 28)
 
2004
Restated
(Note 28)
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Amounts falling due within one year   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
           
Trade debtors 
   
7,326
   
6,838
 
Other debtors 
   
424
   
682
 
Deferred tax asset (note 17) 
   
534
   
261
 
Prepayments and accrued income 
   
801
   
970
 
               
     
9,085
   
8,751
 

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

   
2005
Restated
Note 28  
 
 2004
Restated
Note 28
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Bank overdrafts 
   
2,063
   
2,159
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
   
88
   
77
 
Bank loans 
   
433
   
480
 
Trade creditors 
   
1,625
   
1,725
 
Other creditors including taxation and social security: 
             
Corporation tax 
   
17
   
(31
)
Other taxes and social security 
   
1,789
   
1,382
 
Other creditors 
   
319
   
443
 
Accruals and deferred income 
   
1,966
   
2,006
 
Proposed dividend: 
             
Minority interests  
   
78
   
41
 
               
     
8,378
   
8,282
 

The bank loans and overdrafts are secured by a floating charge on other assets of certain Group companies.

15 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Other loans  
   
416
   
673
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
   
60
   
110
 
               
     
476
   
783
 
               
Bank loans are repayable as follows: 
             
     
2005
   
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
Within one year 
   
433
   
480
 
Between one and two years 
   
334
   
371
 
Between two and five years 
   
82
   
302
 
               
Total outstanding 
   
849
   
1,153
 
 
36


James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes

15 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)

   
2005
 
2004
 
Details of loans wholly repayable within 5 years:  
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.53%. * 
   
-
   
8
 
 
             
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.39% * 
   
58
   
138
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.91% * 
   
2
   
17
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.93% * 
   
8
   
42
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.21% * 
   
6
   
21
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.21% * 
   
4
   
13
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.69% * 
   
8
   
15
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 6.69% * 
   
39
   
78
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 13.18% * 
   
14
   
27
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.63% * 
   
20
   
35
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.09% * 
   
40
   
63
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.35% * 
   
73
   
105
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% * 
   
72
   
-
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% * 
   
38
   
-
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at fixed rate of 7.8% * 
   
29
   
-
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 6.00%*  
   
83
   
152
 
 
             
Bank loan repayable by bi-annual instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 5.56%*  
   
163
   
202
 
               
Bank loan repayable by monthly instalments. Interest charged at a variable rate of 5.75%*  
   
192
   
237
 
               
     
849
   
1,153
 

* These loans are secured by fixed charges on the relevant equipment being financed.
 
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Total outstanding 
   
177
   
311
 
Interest attributable to future years 
   
(29
)
 
(124
)
               
     
148
   
187
 
               
The maturity of obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts is as follows: 
             
     
2005
 
 
2004
 
   
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
               
Within one year 
   
88
   
77
 
In the second to fifth years 
   
60
   
110
 
               
     
148
   
187
 

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured by retention of title to the relevant equipment.

16 Provisions for liabilities and charges

   
Onerous
leases
 
 
 
£ 000
 
       
At beginning of the year  
   
(30
)
Charged to the profit and loss for the year 
   
(147
)
         
At end of the year 
   
(177
)
 
37

James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
17 Deferred Tax

The elements of deferred taxation are as follows:

   
2005
Restated
(Note 28)  
 
2004
Restated
(Note 28)  
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Difference between accumulated depreciation and 
             
amortisation and capital allowances 
   
184
   
76
 
Other timing differences 
   
57
   
39
 
Tax losses 
   
293
   
146
 
               
Deferred tax asset (note 13) 
   
534
   
261
 

38

James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
18 Called up share capital

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Authorised
         
26,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each 
   
1,300
   
1,300
 
               
Allotted, called up and fully paid 
             
19,921,853 ordinary shares of 5p each (2004 : 19,921,853 ordinary shares) 
   
996
   
996
 

19 Reserves

 
 
Share
premium
account
 
Merger
reserve
 
Profit and loss
account
Restated
(Note 28)
 
Group
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
               
At beginning of the year 
   
3,026
   
199
   
92
 
Foreign exchange 
   
-
   
-
   
147
 
Retained loss for the year 
   
-
   
-
   
(302
)
                     
At end of the year  
   
3,026
   
199
   
(63
)

The cumulative total of goodwill written off against reserves in respect of acquisitions prior to 1 August 1998 when FRS 10: Goodwill and intangible assets was adopted amounts to £1,057,000 (2004: £1,057,000) of which £1,019,000 was taken to the merger reserve and the remaining £38,000 was taken to the profit and loss reserve.

20 Commitments

(i) Capital commitments at the end of the financial year, for which no provision has been made, are as follows:

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£000
 
£000
 
           
Contracted 
   
-
   
194
 

(ii) Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

   
2005
 
 2004
 
   
Land &
 
 
 
Land &
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings
 
Other
 
Buildings
 
Other
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Operating leases which expire: 
                     
 Within one year
   
11
   
-
   
32
   
-
 
 In the second to fifth years inclusive
   
361
   
325
   
127
   
327
 
 Over five years
   
223
   
-
   
517
   
-
 
                           
                           
     
595
   
325
   
676
   
327
 
 
39

James R Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes

21 Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
Restated
(Note 28)
 
Restated
(Note 28)
 
   
 
 
Note 28  
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Operating profit 
   
221
   
594
 
Depreciation charge 
   
664
   
511
 
Amortisation charge 
   
26
   
26
 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 
   
14
   
-
 
Decrease/(increase) in stocks 
   
74
   
(28
)
Increase in debtors 
   
(52
)
 
(49
)
Increase in creditors 
   
75
   
307
 
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 
   
147
   
(79
)
Foreign exchange differences* 
   
161
   
(309
)
               
Net cash inflow from operating activities 
   
1,330
   
973
 


The cash effect of exceptional operating items is £206,000 (2004: £Nil).


22 Analysis of cash flows for headings netted in the cash flow statement

Returns on investments and servicing of finance
 
 

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Interest received 
   
-
   
50
 
Interest paid 
   
(118
)
 
(157
)
Interest element of finance leases 
   
(62
)
 
(31
)
Minority dividends paid 
   
(201
)
 
(309
)
               
     
(381
)
 
(447
)
               
Capital expenditure and financial investment 
             
     
2005
   
2004
 
   
 
£ 000 
 
 
£ 000
 
               
Purchase of tangible fixed assets 
   
(582
)
 
(431
)
Sale of tangible fixed assets 
   
-
   
28
 
               
     
(582
)
 
(403
)
               
Financing 
             
     
2005
   
2004
 
   
 
£ 000
 
 
£ 000
 
(Repayment)/inception of loans 
   
(304
)
 
155
 
Capital element of finance lease rental payments 
   
(39
)
 
(142
)
               
     
(343
)
 
13
 

23 Reconciliation of net cash inflow to movement in net debt

   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Decrease in cash in the year 
   
(199
)
 
(644
)
Cash inflow/(outflow) from increase/(decrease) in debt and lease financing 
   
343
   
(13
)
               
     
144
   
(657
)
Net debt at 31 July 2004 
   
(1,443
)
 
(786
)
               
Net debt at 31 July 2005 
   
(1,299
)
 
(1,443
)

24 Analysis of net debt

   
At 31
 
 
 
Non cash
 
At 31
 
 
 
July 2004
 
Cash flow
 
changes
 
July 2005
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Cash at bank and in hand 
   
2,056
   
(295
)
 
-
   
1,761
 
Overdraft 
   
(2,159
)
 
96
   
-
   
(2,063
)
     
(103
)
 
(199
)
 
-
   
(302
)
                           
Debt due after one year 
   
(673
)
 
(112
)
 
369
   
(416
)
Debt due within one year 
   
(480
)
 
416
   
(369
)
 
(433
)
Finance leases 
   
(187
)
 
39
   
-
   
(148
)
                           
     
(1,443
)
 
144
   
-
   
(1,299
)

40

 
James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC

Notes
 
25 Reconciliations of movement in shareholders' funds
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
   
Restated
 
Restated
 
   
(Note 28)
 
(Note 28)
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
   
(302
)
 
55
 
Dividends
   
-
   
(159
)
Retained loss for the financial year
   
(302
)
 
(104
)
Foreign exchange movements
   
147
   
(342
)
Net movement in shareholders' funds
   
(155
)
 
(446
)
               
Opening shareholders' funds - equity
   
4,313
   
4,759
 
               
Closing shareholders' funds - equity
   
4,158
   
4,313
 

26 Financial Instruments and risk management
 
The Group finances its operations through a mixture of equity finance, retained profits, bank borrowings and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The Group's borrowings relate mainly to its working capital requirements. These borrowings take the form of bank overdraft facilities. The Group's short-term working capital requirements fluctuate significantly throughout the year because of seasonal factors, tax, bonus and dividend payments. In these circumstances the directors do not feel that it is appropriate to borrow at a fixed rate of interest. At the year-end, 82% (2004: 79%) of the Group's borrowings were at floating rates.
 
However, most fixed asset purchases are financed by fixed rate borrowings in the form of finance leases, hire purchase contracts and long-term loans. Off-balance sheet fixed assets are financed by fixed rate operating leases. The term of the borrowings is matched to the length of the useful life of the assets. At the year end, 18% (2004: 21%) of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rates of interest.

It is, and has been throughout the period under review, the Group's policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.
 
As permitted by FRS 13: Derivatives and other financial instruments: disclosures, short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from the following analyses.
 
The interest rate profile of the Group's financial liabilities as at 31 July 2005 was:
 
a)

   
 
 
Floating rate
 
Fixed rate
 
 
 
Total
 
financial liabilities
 
financial liabilities
 
Currency
 
 £ 000
 
 £ 000
 
 £ 000
 
                   
Sterling
   
2,310
   
1,751
   
559
 
Hong Kong Dollar
   
83
   
83
   
-
 
Canadian Dollar
   
192
   
192
   
-
 
US Dollar
   
212
   
212
   
-
 
Dirhams
   
263
   
263
   
-
 
                     
     
3,060
   
2,501
   
559
 
 
b)

       
Fixed rate financial liabilities
 
Currency
 
 
Weighted average
interest rate
%
 
Weighted average
period for which
rate is fixed
 
                     
Sterling
         
7.58
   
2 years
 
 
The floating rate financial liabilities comprise bank overdraft and bank loan facilities that bear interest at rates based on clearing bank and finance house base rates.

There are no financial liabilities on which no interest is paid.

Liquidity risk

As regards liquidity, the Group's working capital borrowing facilities are reviewed by its lenders on an annual or semi-annual basis.
 
The Group has no financial assets other than short-term debtors and cash at bank.
 
 
41

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
26 Financial Instruments and risk management (continued)
 
Foreign currency risk
 
The Group's U.K. subsidiaries price their export sales in sterling and hence there is no foreign currency risk on these transactions.
 
The Group has overseas subsidiaries and branches in: Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Egypt, U.A.E., Canada, USA and Australia. The revenues and expenses are mainly denominated in local currencies. The Group's sterling balance sheet is exposed to potential foreign currency losses on translation of the net assets of these overseas subsidiaries. However, the Group's policy is to maximise dividend payments and cash repatriation from these subsidiaries and branches to the holding company. The Directors do not consider it would be appropriate to borrow in matching foreign currencies to hedge against these translation risks as, in many cases, the net assets of these overseas operations are small and in addition taking on additional borrowings would create an unnecessary interest rate risk.
 
Fair values
 
The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities approximate to their fair value.
 
27 Related party transactions
 
The Group's Chief Executive, Mr Brian Quinn, has a 10% holding in Knowles Consultancy Services Inc. Following the declaration of a dividend by this company during the year, £14,000 (2004: £28,000) was due to Mr Quinn, of which £Nil (2004: £10,000) remains unpaid at the Balance Sheet date.
 
28  Post balance sheet events and restatement
 
During the course of 2006 it was identified that the Group had begun to make employment gratuities payments to employees working in the U.A.E. These amounts had been accruing over a number of years but had not previously been recognised in the historical financial statements of the Group. Accordingly these US GAAS financial statements have been restated to reflect these liabilities as follows:

   
Gross
 
Tax
 
Net
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Effect on net income and retained earnings
                   
For the year ended 31 July 2003 and earlier (being the effect on reserves at 1 August 2003)
   
101
   
30
   
71
 
Charged in the year ending 31 July 2004
   
29
   
9
   
20
 
Amount provided as at 31 July 2004
   
130
   
39
   
91
 
Charged in the year ending 31 July 2005
   
59
   
18
   
41
 
                     
Cumulative effect on retained earnings and amount provided as at 31 July 2005
   
189
   
57
   
132
 

The charge to income was made through the Staff Costs line item in the profit and loss account and the year end provision is included in the Accrual and Deferred Income line item. The deferred tax asset has been recognised on the amounts provided.  This has reduced the basic and diluted EPS by 0.1 pence in both years.
 
As at 31 July 2005 a number of claims were outstanding where the likelihood of settlement was remote and any potential settlement could not be estimated with reasonable certainty. However a number of these have progress during 2006 to such an extent that management have booked a provision of £250,000 in the year ended 31 July 2006. These financial statements have not been restated for this amount.
 
On 31 August 2006 an offer from Hill S.A., a company incorporated in Luxembourg, to purchase the whole of the company's share capital became unconditional. Any shareholdings where the offer to purchase had not been accepted were to be acquired under the provisions of Section 429 of the Company's Act 1985.
 
The ultimate parent undertaking is Hill International Inc., a company incorporated in the United States of America. Since acquisition Hill International Inc is the Group's ultimate controlling party, prior to 31 August 2006 and throughout the years ended 31 July 2005 and 2006, the Group was controlled by J R Knowles, a director.
 
29 Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). The principal differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP are presented below together with explanations that affect total shareholders’ equity and net income as at and for the 2 years ended 31 July 2005.

This US GAAP information provides a reconciliation between earnings available for shareholders under UK GAAP and net income under US GAAP and between shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP and shareholders’ equity under US GAAP respectively.
 
The principle differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP for the consolidated financial statements of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC can be summarised as follows:

   
2005
 
2004
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
Stockholders equity per UK GAAP
   
4,462
   
4,541
 
Adjustments to goodwill (Note A)
   
(221
)
 
(247
) 
Amortisation on reinstated goodwill (Note A)
   
(48
)
 
(48
)
Recogintion of intangible assets on business combinations (Note A)
   
1,399
   
1,399
 
Amortisation of intangibles (Note A) 
   (900
) 
   (746
) 
Deferred tax liabilities on business combinations (Note A)
   
(47
)
 
(47
)
Adjustment in respect of development costs (Note B)
   
(173
)
 
(212
)
Adjustment in respect of leases (Note C)
   
(35
)
 
(43
)
Minority interest dividend unpaid at balance sheet date (Note E)
    78     41  
Taxation effect of all adjustments (Note D)
   
(5
)
 
20
 
               
Stockholders equity per US GAAP
   
4,510
   
4,658 
 
 
42

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
29 Reconsiliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (continued)
 
Under US GAAP the effect on the profit and loss account would be as follows:

   
2005
 
2004
 
   
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
             
(Loss)/income on ordinary activities before minority interests
   
(14
)
 
281
 
Amortisation on reinstated goodwill (Note A)
   
26
   
26
 
Amortisation of intangibles (Note A)
   
(154
)
 
(168
)
Adjustment in respect of development costs (Note B)
   
39
   
(212
)
Adjustment in respect of leases (Note C)
   
8
   
(13
)
Taxation effect of all adjustments (Note D)
   
(25
)
 
52
 
               
Net income under US GAAP
   
(120
)
 
(34
)
 
As a consequence of their restatement the earnings per share would decrease by 0.5 pence in 2005 and 1.6 pence in 2004.
 
Under US GAAP the only effect on the cash flow would be within the note 'Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities':
 

Under US GAAP, the cash flow statement would be presented as follows:
         
           
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
£ 000
 
£ 000
 
           
Cash flow from operating activities
   
1,107
   
770
 
Cash flow from investing
   
(201
)
 
(886
)
Cash flow from financing
   
564
   
410
 
               
     
1,470
   
294
 
               
               
The Statement of Goup cash flow is prepared in accordance with UK FRS No 1 (Revised 1996) - Cash Flow Statements, the objective of which is similar to that set out in the US Standard SFAS No. 95 - Statements of Cash Flows. The two statements differ, however, in their definitions of cash and their presentation of the main constituents of the cash flow
                 
The definition of cash in the UK standard is limited to cash plus depostits less overdrafts/borrowings repayable on demand without penalty. In the US, the definition in SFAS No. 95 excludes overdrafts but is widened to include cash equivalents comprising short-term highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturities that they present insignificant risk of changes in value.

 
43

James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC
 
Notes
 
29. Reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (continued)
 
a) Intangible assets and goodwill

In the consolidated financial statements, goodwill arising on acquisitions made prior to January 1998 accounted for under the purchase method, has been eliminated against shareholders’ equity, in accordance with UK GAAP. Under the requirements of UK Financial Reporting Standard 10 ‘Goodwill and intangible assets’, goodwill on acquisitions made after 1 January 1998 is capitalised and amortised over its estimated useful life, which is generally presumed not to exceed 20 years. UK GAAP requires that on subsequent disposal or termination of a previously acquired business, any goodwill previously taken directly to shareholders equity is charged in the income statement against the profit or loss on disposal or termination.
 
Under US GAAP, SFAS 142 ‘Goodwill and other intangible assets’ is applicable for accounting periods starting after 15 December 2001. This states that goodwill should be held on the balance sheet, it should not be amortised, but considered for impairment on an annual basis. Prior to this date, goodwill was amortised. For the purposes of US GAAP, the Group adopted Financial Accounting Standard 142 ‘Goodwill and other intangible assets’ in the year end 31 July 2003 and from this date, goodwill which arise would not be amortised but reviewed for impairment.

Under US GAAP, separately identified intangible assets arising on acquisitions, would be capitalised and amortised over their useful economic lives. Under UK GAAP, these assets are included in goodwill.

Impairment of goodwill: Under UK GAAP, goodwill is reviewed for potential impairment where there is an indicator that impairment may have occurred. The impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of goodwill for each income-generating unit (IGU) with the higher of the net realisable value and value in use. Under US GAAP, goodwill impairment reviews are also conducted when an indicator of impairment exists, in addition to an annual impairment test required by FAS142. The impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit with its fair value. Where the carrying value, including any separately identifiable intangible assets, is greater than the fair value, the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. Where reporting units identified under US GAAP differ from IGUs identified under UK GAAP, a reconciling item may arise.

As as result of the above a difference has arisen whereby goodwill which arose on acquisition has been reinstated to its original value and subsequently an element of this has been reclassified as an intangible asset. This intangible asset will be amortised over a period of 8 years from the date of acquisition with an anual impairment review.
 
b) Development costs

During the year, the Group capitalised time costs in creating a Partnering Contract and Toolkit and related website. The Group recognised these costs as an asset, as they met the criteria of SSAP 13 . The costs were capitalised and included within work in progress under UK GAAP.

Under US GAAP, guidance on the recognition of development costs is provided in EITF 00-2 ‘Accounting for website development costs’ and FAS-2 accounting for research and development costs. 

Following a review of the US criteria, differences between UK and US GAAP were noted. These largely relate to internal staff costs capitalised in the preparation of the contract.
 
c) Leases

The Group has several operating leases which have incentives attached in the form of rent free periods.

Under UK GAAP the operating lease charges are recognised on a systematic basis up to the period of the first break clause.

Under US GAAP (FAS 13 ‘Accounting for Leases’) operating lease charges are recognised on a straight line basis over the entire lease term. A difference has therefore arisen over the period that the lease incentive is recognized over.

d) Deferred tax
 
Following the implementation in the UK of FRS19 ‘Deferred tax’, both US GAAP and UK GAAP now provide for deferred taxation on a full liability basis. The Group provides for deferred taxation in respect of timing differences, subject to certain exceptions between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and for tax purposes. Timing differences are recognised, include accelerated capital allowances, unrelieved tax losses and short term timing differences.

Under US GAAP, deferred taxation would be computed on all differences between the tax bases and book values of assets and liabilities which will result in taxable or tax deductible amounts arising in future years. This differs from the UK GAAP where deferred tax is recognized by reference to the income statement charge as opposed to the tax base of the assets and liabilities.

US GAAP requires provision for revaluation gains, fair value adjustments similar to revaluations arising on the acquisition of a business, latent rolled over gains and the retained earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not permanently reinvested. These are not normally provided for under UK GAAP.

Deferred taxation assets under UK GAAP and US GAAP are recognised only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realised.
 
e) Dividends
 
Under US GAAP final ordinary dividends are provided for in the year in respect of which they are proposed by the Board or approved by the shareholders. Under US GAAP, dividends would not be provided for until the year in which they are declared.
 
44


CONTENTS

   
Page
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements Introduction (Unaudited)
 
46
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
 
47
     
Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
 
48
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the nine months ended July 1, 2005 (Unaudited)
 
49
     
Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Nine Month Combined Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
 
49
     
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 (Unaudited)
 
50
     
Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Twelve Month Combined Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
 
50
 
 
45

 
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
Introduction
(Unaudited)
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented herein gives effect to the purchase of James R. Knowles (Holdings) PLC (“Knowles”), by Hill International, Inc. (“Hill” or “the Company”) effective September 1, 2006.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data at July 1, 2006 combines the historical condensed consolidated balance sheet of Hill as of July 1, 2006, and Knowles' balance sheet as of July 31, 2006. The pro forma adjustments to the balance sheet assume that the acquisition of Knowles was consummated at the end of the period being presented.
 
The unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of operations data being presented for the nine months ended July 1, 2006 combines the historical condensed consolidated statements of operations of Hill for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and Knowles’ statement of operations for the nine months ended July 31, 2006. The pro forma adjustments to the condensed combined pro forma statement of operations assume that the acquisition of Knowles was consummated on January 1, 2006.
 
The unaudited condensed combined pro forma statement of operations data being presented for the year ended December 31, 2005 combines the historical condensed consolidated statements of operations of Hill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 and Knowles’ statement of operations for the twelve months ended January 31, 2006. The pro forma adjustments to the condensed combined pro forma statement of operations assume that the acquisition of Knowles was consummated on January 1, 2005.
 
The pro forma adjustments to the unaudited condensed combined statement of operations give effect to events which are directly attributable to the transactions, factually supportable and expected to have a continuing impact.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are intended for information purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the future financial position or future results of operations of the combined company, or of the financial position or results of operations of the combined company that would have actually occurred had the acquisitions taken place as of the date or for the periods presented.
 
These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, including the accompanying notes, of Knowles which are attached, and of Hill, included in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the notes thereto included in the Definitive Proxy Statement filed on June 6, 2006.
 
46

 
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
July 1, 2006
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro Forma Adjustments
 
 
 
Hill
 
Knowles
 
Debits
 
Notes (1)
 
Credits
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
25,151
 
$
2,913
         
$
13,964
   
(2)
$
14,100
 
Restricted cash
   
1,361
                       
1,361
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
39,522
   
15,229
                   
54,751
 
Accounts receivable - related party
   
244
                       
244
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
2,491
   
-
   
    
       
  
       
2,491
 
Total Current Assets
   
68,769
   
18,142
   
-
       
13,964
       
72,947
 
 
                             
Property and equipment, net
   
3,355
   
2,104
   
267
   
(3)
 
178
   
(3)
 
5,548
 
Cash- restricted
   
3,820
                       
3,820
 
Retainage receivable, net
   
1,145
                       
1,145
 
Cost in excess of assets net acquired
   
1,359
   
1,564
   
15,190
   
(4)
 
1,564
   
(5)
 
16,549
 
                               
Deferred tax assets, net
   
263
   
-
                   
263
 
Investment in affiliate
   
325
                       
325
 
Other assets
   
607
         
 
       
    
       
607
 
Total Assets
 
$
79,643
 
$
21,810
 
$
15,457
     
$
15,706
     
$
101,204
 
 
                             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
                             
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                             
Due to Bank
 
$
290
 
$
18,936
                   
19,226
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
545
   
-
                   
545
 
Current portion of capital lease obligations
   
121
   
-
                   
121
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
24,307
   
-
                   
24,307
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
2,308
                       
2,308
 
Income tax payable
   
2,785
   
-
                   
2,785
 
Other current liabilties
   
7,714
   
-
   
    
       
  
       
7,714
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
38,070
   
18,936
   
-
       
-
       
57,006
 
 
                             
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
   
965
   
732
                   
1,697
 
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities
   
4
   
-
                   
4
 
Retainage payable
   
1,044
                       
1,044
 
Other liabilities
   
1,962
   
1,429
   
  
       
463
   
(3)
 
3,855
 
Total Liabilities
   
42,045
   
21,098
   
 
       
463
       
63,606
 
 
                             
Commitments and Contingencies
                             
 
                             
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                             
Common stock
   
2
   
1,974
   
1,974
   
(6)
         
2
 
Paid in capital
   
35,537
   
6,211
   
6,211
   
(6)
         
35,537
 
Retained earnings
   
8,562
   
(7,473
)
 
374
   
(3)
 
7,847
   
(6)
 
8,562
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(64
)
 
-
   
 
       
-
   
(6)
 
(64
)
 
   
44,037
   
712
   
8,559
       
7,847
       
44,037
 
Less treasury stock, at cost
   
(2,574
)
                     
(2,574
)
Less shares held in escrow
   
(3,865
)
 
 
   
  
       
   
       
(3,865
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
37,598
   
712
   
8,559
       
7,847
       
37,598
 
Total Liabilities and
                             
Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
79,643
 
$
21,810
 
$
8,559
     
$
8,310
     
$
101,204
 
 
47

 
NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
JULY 1, 2006
(Unaudited)

(1)  
Reflects the acquisition by Hill at the end of the period being presented.
   
(2)  
Reflects the acquisition of Knowles common stock for cash of $13,017 and the payment of certain other direct acquisition costs.
   
(3)  
Reflects the recording of a liability for conditional asset retirement costs associated with the future expiration of certain real estate operating leases in which Knowles if the lessee, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 47, Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations and the recording of the related leasehold improvements, depreciation of such leasehold improvements, and the cumulative effect of the accretion of the liability and depreciation of the leasehold improvements on the retained earnings of Knowles.
   
(4)  
Reflects the recording as intangible assets the excess of the purchase price of the common stock and the other direct costs incurred by Hill over the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction.
   
(5)  
Reflects the elimination of Knowles’ intangible assets.
   
(6)  
Reflects the elimination of all components of the historical stockholders’ equity of Knowles.
 
48

 
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Nine months ended September 30, 2006
Dollars in thousands, except per share data
(Unaudited)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro Forma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hill
 
Knowles
 
Adjustments
 
Notes (1)
 
Combined
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
130,156
 
$
40,909
   
(4,255
)
 
(2)
 
$
166,810
 
Reimbursable expenses
   
42,778
   
6,358
   
(556
)
 
(2)
   
48,580
 
Revenue, less reimbursable expenses
   
87,378
   
34,551
   
(3,699
)
     
118,230
 
Direct expenses
   
48,611
   
23,520
   
(1,807
)
 
(2)
   
70,324
 
Gross profit
   
38,767
   
11,031
   
(1,892
)
     
47,906
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
31,317
   
17,568
   
(1,534
)
 
(2)
 
47,357
 
                  6    
(3)
       
Equity in affiliate
   
(533
)
 
-
 
 
 
 
     
(533
)
Operating income (loss)
   
7,983
   
(6,537
)
 
(364
)
     
1,082
 
Interest expense, net
   
345
   
416 
   
(58
)
 
(2)
 
709
 
                 
6
   
(3)
       
Minority interest      13     28    
(13
)
 
(2)
    28  
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
7,625 
   
(6,981
)
 
(299
)
     
345
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,735 
   
634
   
(52
)
 
(2)
 
2,309
 
     
   
             
(8
)
 
(4)
            
Net income (loss)    
5,890
   
(7,615
) 
 
(239
)
         
(1,964
)
                                 
Basic net income (loss) per share
 
$
0.38
             
 
(0.13
)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
15,504
             
$
15,504
 
 
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share
 
$
0.35
             
$
(0.13
)
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
16,931
               
15,504
 
 
NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
 

 
(1)  
Reflects the acquisition by Hill at the beginning of the period presented.
(2)  
Reflects the removal of the one month of Knowles activity reported in Hill's nine month results ended September 30, 2006. 
(3)  
Reflects accretion for a liability for conditional asset retirement costs associated with the future expiration of certain real estate operating leases in which Knowles if the lessee, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 47, Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations and the depreciation of related leasehold improvements.
(4)  
Reflects tax effects of accretion and depreciation adjustments described above.
 
 
49

 
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
Twelve months ended December 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
           
Pro Forma
         
   
Hill
 
Knowles
 
Adjustments
 
Notes (1)
 
Combined
 
                       
Revenue
 
$
112,229
 
$
52,900
             
$
165,129
 
Reimbursable expenses
   
32,121
   
6,848
                    
38,969
 
Revenue, less reimbursable expenses
   
80,108
   
46,052
               
126,160
 
Direct expenses
   
43,276
   
29,753
                  
73,029
 
Gross profit
   
36,832
   
16,299
               
53,131
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
31,861
   
16,878
   
12
   
(2)
 
48,751
 
Equity in affiliate
   
(685
)
 
-
                   
(685
)
Operating income (loss)
   
5,656
   
(579
)
 
(12
)
       
5,065
 
Interest expense, net
   
669
   
399
   
11
   
(2)
 
1,079
 
Minority interest
   
    
   
624
 
 
  
 
          
624
 
Income (loss) before income taxes     4,987    
(1,602
)
 
(23
)
        3,362  
Provision for income taxes
   
1,845
   
95
   
(12
)
 
(3)
 
1,928
 
 Net income (loss)
 
$
3,142
 
$
(1,697
)
 
(11
)
     
$
1,434
 
                                 
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.52
                   
$
0.24
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,030
                   
$
6,030
 
                                 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.44
                   
$
0.20
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
7,195
                     
7,195
 

NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
(Unaudited)

(1)  
Reflects the acquisition by Hill at the beginning of the period presented.
 
(2)  
Reflects accretion for a liability for conditional asset retirement costs associated with the future expiration of certain real estate operating leases in which Knowles if the lessee, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 47, Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations and the depreciation of related leasehold improvements.
   
(3)  
Reflects tax effects of accretion and depreciation adjustments described above.
 
50

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
     
 
 
 
 
Hill International, Inc
 
 
DATE: November 14, 2006
/s/ Irvin E. Richter
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
51