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Registration Number C 88974
Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021
Contents
Statement of Compliance with the Principles of Good Corporate Governance
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Statements of Financial Position
Statements of Changes in Equity
Notes to the Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
The directors present their report and the audited financial statements of Best Deal Properties Holding p.l.c ("the Company") and the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (together, "the Group") for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Business Review
The Company: The Company's profit after taxation for the year amounted to €434,047 (2020: €415,997). The Company's income consisted of loan interest received from Best Deal Developments Limited and interim dividends received from Elite Developments Limited which were sufficient to cover the administration expenses and bond interest.
As at 31 December 2021, the Company's total assets amounted to €19,610,070 (2020: €21,742,252) and net assets amounted to €4,402,637 (2020: €3,968,590). Net current liabilities amounted to €348,528 (2020: €472,916). The non-current assets of the Company include an amount of €15,135,118 (2020: €19,038,966) as financial asset which comprises of the loan provided to the subsidiary company Best Deal Developments Limited. Non-current assets also include an amount of €3,365,446 (2020: €875,432) in a sinking fund reserve held by the trustee. The Company has investments in its subsidiaries of €640,000 (2020: €640,000). The current assets of the Company mainly consist of amounts due from subsidiaries of €322,989 (2020: €1,061,369) as well as prepayments of €25,290 (2020: €17,499). Current liabilities amounted to €711,661 (2020: €1,551,819). These consist of the bank loan amounting to €660,000 (2020: €1,445,000) that will be repaid in full by end of 2022 and other payables amounting to €51,661 (2020: €43,431). The company's non-current liabilities are the Secured Bonds 2024 amounting to €13,295,772 (2020: €15,021,843) and shareholder's loan of €1,200,000 (2020: €1,200,000).
The Group: During the year under review, the Group had four developments in progress, in Mellieha, Zabbar, Pembroke and Mqabba. As at the end of the financial year, the construction of Mellieha was 90% completed whilst Zabbar and Pembroke were 100% completed in shell form. Finishings of all these three projects were in progress with Mellieha 3%, Zabbar 65% and Pembroke 50% completed. The Group started selling apartments and garages from Zabbar in 2020 and continued in the current year. The Group also started selling apartments and garages from the Pembroke development in the current year. The remaining development in Mqabba was 100% completed both as to construction and finishes by March 2021 and the sales from this project started in 2021. A few units remain in stock from this project which are planned to be sold in 2022.
The profit on the Group's activities for the year after taxation amounted to €2,764,516 (2020: Profit of €762,326). The profit was mainly generated from PJCE Developments Limited which sold the majority of the units from the Mqabba development in 2021 and also from Best Deal Developments Ltd which continued selling the units from Zabbar development as well as units from Pembroke development.
As at 31 December 2021, the Group's total assets amounted to €24,561,293 (2020: €27,453,293) and net assets amounted to €6,892,400 (2020: €4,127,884). Net current assets amounted to €17,870,290 (2020: €19,319,027). The main current assets of the Group consist of the properties held for development and resale with a value of €19,625,795 (2020: €25,681,953) and cash and cash equivalents of €246,662 (2020: €462,055). The main current liabilities consisted of deposits from clients on promise of sales agreements amounting to €940,324 (2020: €1,584,335) as well as accruals and payables to contractors of €1,564,157 (2020: €1,924,172). The Group had current bank borrowings of €660,000 (2020: €3,487,816). The bank borrowings will be paid from the sales proceeds of the Zabbar project. Non-current liabilities totalled €14,495,772 (2020: €16,221,843) made up of the Secured Bonds 2024 amounting to €13,295,772 (2020: €15,021,843) and €1,200,000 (2020: €1,200,000) shareholder's loan.
Dividends
The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Group is subject to the general market and economic risks that may have a significant impact on the development projects, their timely completion and budgetary constraints. These include factors such as the state of the local property market, inflation and fluctuations in interest rates, property prices and other economic and social factors affecting demand for real estate in general.
Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to credit, interest and liquidity risk. An explanation of these risks and how the Group manages these risks is found in Note 26 to these financial statements.
Fu ture developments
Covid-19 The directors are continually assessing the developing situation with respect to the Coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the business. Notwithstanding the difficulties posed from the outbreak of COVID-19, the Group continued to operate profitably and will continue to operate in line with the current business plan.
Events after the end of the reporting period
Russian-Ukraine conflict Towards the end of February 2022, the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine set in motion a chain of diplomatic efforts and other major geopolitical events which led a number of western nations, including the EU institution and the United States government, to impose a number of sanctions on Russia and Belarus. These current sanctions in place include several restrictive measures of a direct financial nature that are having a significant direct impact on the broad economy of the invading nations.
The consequences of these restrictive measures are however also expected to have a significant impact on the economies of the countries implementing such trade restrictions, with a spill-over on the world economy, as uncertainty and market volatility remain high across all industries with increasing tensions and rhetoric on both sides. The cost of doing business is undoubtedly set to rise further, following the initial Covid shocks on the global economy seen in the last couple of years, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Covid-related measures continue to rock global supply chains. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have indicated that the resulting impact of the conflict to global growth and recovery from Covid effects will be significant. As the price of oil and gas shift upwards due to the war, transport and other procurement costs required for business will also increase. Due to the nature and decisiveness of these restrictive measures, the economic impact globally is expected to be long-lasting, even in the eventuality that the conflict ceases in the immediate future.
The Group is not expected to be negatively impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since the Group's trading and sales are all locally based. However, management together with the directors, continue to actively monitor all developments taking place internationally in order to take any action that might be necessary in the eventuality that developments in the conflict start to impact the company’s turnover and business activity.
The company is nevertheless expected to be negatively impacted in the short to medium term as costs are expected to rise generally throughout the economies and the industries in which it operates; and specifically for costs pertaining to subcontractors.
Directors The following have served as directors of the company during the year under review : Christopher Attard Pierre Bartolo James Bullock Mario P Galea Marlene Seychell Erskine Vella David Basile Robert Buttigieg
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Companies Act (Cap. 386),
enacted in
The directors are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and of the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act, (Cap. 386). This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining such internal controls as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Shareholder register information pursuant to Capital Markets Rule 5.64
Structure of Capital The Company has an authorised share capital of 3,500,000 Ordinary Shares of ten Euro cents (€0.10) each and issued and fully paid up share capital of 3,125,000 Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of ten Euro cents (€0.10) each. The Company has five shareholders each holding 20% of the share capital namely: Christopher Attard Erskine Vella Pierre Bartolo RCJ Investments Limited C Developments Limited
All Ordinary Shares are entitled to attend and vote at General meetings, whereupon each Ordinary Share shall be entitled to one vote. The Ordinary Shares in the Company shall rank pari passu for all intents and purposes at law. There are currently no different classes of Ordinary Shares in the Company and accordingly all Ordinary Shares have the same rights, voting rights and entitlements in connection with any distribution whether of dividends or capital. There are no restrictions in the transfer of shares.
Subject to the Maltese Companies Act (Cap. 386), the Company may purchase its own equity securities.
Appointment and removal of Directors Every shareholder owning a minimum of 15% of the ordinary shares of the Company shall be entitled to appoint one director for each and every 15% of the ordinary share capital owned by such shareholder and such shareholder may remove, withdraw or replace such directors at any time provided such shareholders still owns a minimum of 15% of the ordinary issued share capital of the company. Shareholders may appoint up to three directors and may remove such directors appointed by means of an Ordinary Resolution. An election of directors shall take place every year and all directors, except managing directors, shall retire from office every three years, but shall be eligible for re-election. The company may by way of Ordinary Resolution, of which special notice has been given, remove any Director before the expiration of his period of office.
Remuneration of Directors The directors received €353,140 (2020: €352,775) in aggregate for services rendered during the year 31 December 2021. It is the shareholders of the Company in General Meeting who shall determine the maximum annual aggregate remuneration of the directors. The directors are all employed by the company and have a service contract.
Powers of Directors The powers and duties of the directors are outlined in the Company’s Articles of Association.
Contracts with Board Members and Employees The Company has no contract with any of its directors that includes a severance payment clause. Mr. Robert Buttigieg is employed by the Company as a compliance officer.
General Meetings The Company shall in each year hold a General Meeting as its Annual General Meeting in addition to any other meetings in that year. All general meetings other than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings. The Directors may convene an extraordinary general meeting whenever they think fit. If at any time there are not sufficient Directors capable of acting to form a quorum for a meeting of the Directors, any two members of the company may convene an Extraordinary General Meeting in the same manner, as nearly possible, as that in which meetings may be convened by the directors. All shareholders shall be entitled to receive notice of, participate in and vote at general meetings provided that such shareholders are registered on the day falling thirty days immediately preceding the date set for the general meeting
A General Meeting of the Company shall be called by not less than 21 days notice in writing. The notice shall be exclusive of the day on which it is served or deemed to be served and of the day for which it was given and shall specify the place, the day and the hour of the meeting, and in case of special business, the general nature of that business, and shall be accompanied by a statement regarding the effect and scope of any proposed resolution in respect of such special business.
No disclosures are being made pursuant to Capital Markets Rules 5.64.4, 5.64.5, 5.64.6. 5.64.7 and 5.64.10 since these are not applicable.
Auditors
RSM Malta, have intimated their willingness to continue in office. A proposal to reappoint RSM Malta as auditors of the Company and of the Group will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
Statement by Directors on the Financial Statements and Other Information included in the report
In pursuant to Capital Markets Rule 5.68 and Prospects MTF Rules, the directors declare that to the best of their knowledge:
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 25 April 2022 by Christopher Attard (Director) and Pierre Bartolo (Director) as per the Directors' Declaration on ESEF Annual Financial Report submitted in conjunction with the Annual Financial Report.
Statement of Compliance with the Principles of Good Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors of the Company acknowledges that although the Code does not dictate or prescribe mandatory rules, compliance with the principles of good corporate governance recommended is in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and other stakeholders. The Board considers compliance with the Code to be an integral part of operations so as to ensure transparency and responsible corporate governance which will in turn yield a positive reputation for the Company. Effective measures have been taken to ensure compliance to these principles and for the implementation of the Code as detailed hereunder. Principle One - The BoardThe directors report that for the financial period under review, the directors have provided the necessary leadership in the overall direction of the Company and have performed their responsibilities for the efficient and smooth running of the Company with honesty, competence and integrity. The Board is composed of members who are competent and proper to direct the business of the Company with honesty, competence and integrity. All the members of the Board are fully aware of, and conversant with, the statutory and regulatory requirements connected to the business of the Company. The Board is accountable for its performance and that of its delegates to shareholders and other relevant stakeholders.
The Company has a structure that ensures a mix of executive and non-executive directors and that enables the Board to have direct information about the Company's performance and business activities. All directors have access to independent professional advice, at the expense of the Company, should they so require. Principle Two - Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerThe Company has no employees and neither a Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors is responsible for the management of the Company.
The Chairman exercises independent judgement and is responsible to lead the Board and set its agenda, whilst also ensuring that the directors receive precise, timely and objective information so that they can take sound decisions and effectively monitor the performance of the Company. The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring effective communication with the shareholders and encouraging active engagement by all members of the Board for discussion of complex or contentious issues.
Principle Three - Composition of the BoardThe Board is composed of executive and non-executive directors who have the knowledge and experience in the property development sector finance and governance to be able to oversee operations, take strategic decisions and engage in key projects for the Company and the Group as a whole.
The Articles of Association of the Company clearly set out the procedures to be followed in the appointment of directors. The Board of the Company who served during the period under review was as follows:
Directors Christopher Attard Executive Director Pierre Bartolo Executive Director David Basile Executive Director James Bullock Non-Executive Director Mario P Galea Non-Executive Director Marlene Seychell Non-Executive Director Erskine Vella Executive Director Robert Buttigieg Executive Director
Company Secretary Dr Stephanie Shaw
Principle Four - Responsibilities of the BoardThe Board acknowledges its statutory mandate to conduct the administration and management of the Company. The Board, in fulfilling this mandate and discharging its duty of stewardship of the Company, assumes responsibility for the Company’s strategy and decisions with respect to the issue, servicing and redemption of its bonds in issue, and for monitoring that its operations are in conformity with its commitments towards bondholders, shareholders, and all relevant laws and regulations. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the Company establishes and operates effective internal control and management information systems and that it communicates effectively with the market.
The Board is ultimately responsible for the Company’s system of internal controls and for reviewing its effectiveness. The Directors are aware that internal control systems are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against normal business risks.
During the financial year under review the Company operated a system of internal controls which provided reasonable assurance of effective and efficient operations covering all controls, including financial and operational controls and compliance with laws and regulations. Processes are in place for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks facing the Company.
Risk Identification The Board, with the assistance of the management team, is responsible for the identification and evaluation of key risks applicable to the areas of business in which the Group is involved. These risks are assessed on a continual basis
Information and communication Periodic strategic reviews which include consideration of long-term financial projections and the evaluation of business alternatives are regularly convened by the Board. An annual budget is prepared and performance against this plan is actively monitored and reported to the Board.
Principle Five - Board meetingsThe directors meet regularly to dispatch the business of the Board. The Directors are notified of forthcoming meetings by the Company Secretary with the issue of an agenda and supporting board papers, which are circulated in advance of the meeting. Minutes are prepared during Board meetings recording faithfully attendance, and resolutions taken at the meeting. These minutes are subsequently circulated to all directors as soon as practicable after the meeting. The Chairman ensures that all relevant issues are on the agenda supported by all available information, whilst encouraging the presentation of views pertinent to the subject matter and giving all directors every opportunity to contribute to relevant issues on the agenda. The agenda on the Board seeks to achieve a balance between long-term strategic and short-term performance issues.
The Board met 5 times during the period under review. The number of board meetings attended by the directors during the year under review is as follows:
Principle Six - Information and Professional DevelopmentEach director is made aware of the Company’s on-going obligations in terms of the Companies Act, Capital Markets Rules and the Prospects MTF Rules. The Company ensures that it provides directors with relevant information to enable them to effectively contribute to board decisions.
Principle Seven - Evaluation of the Board's performanceThe Board does not consider it necessary to appoint a committee to carry out a performance evaluation of its role, as the Board’s performance is evaluated on an ongoing basis by, and is subject to the constant scrutiny of, the Board itself, the Company’s shareholders, the market and the Capital Markets Rules by which the Issuer is regulated as a listed company in relation to the Secured Bonds, and the Prospects MTF Rules by which the Issuer is regulated as a company admitted on Prospects MTF in relation to the admission of the Ordinary Shares.
Principle Eight - CommitteesIn view of the size and type of operation of the Company, the Board does not consider the Company to require the setting up of a remuneration committee, and the Board itself carries out the functions of the remuneration committee. The Board has established a fixed remuneration for directors which is not performance related and this has been approved by the shareholders. The Board confirms that there have been no changes in the Company's remuneration policy during the period under review and the Company does not intend to effect any changes in its remuneration policy for the following financial year.
In view of the size and type of operation of the Company, the Board does not consider the Company to require the setting up of a nomination committee.
Audit Committee The Company has an audit committee whose primary objective is to assist the Board of the Company in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities over the financial reporting processes, financial policies and internal control structure. The Audit Committee oversees the conduct of the external audit and acts to facilitate communication between the Board, management and the external auditors. The internal and external auditors are invited to attend the Audit Committee meetings. The Audit Committee reports directly to the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee will always be composed of not fewer than three members, all of whom shall be non-executive directors of the Company. The quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Audit Committee will be the majority of members appointed at the Committee, present in person. The Committee shall be chaired by an independent, non-executive director and the Chairperson of the Board shall not be the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
In the case of an equality of votes during a meeting of the Board of Directors or Audit Committee, the Chairperson thereof shall have a casting vote. However, where the Chairperson is him/herself conflicted, the consideration of the relevant matter (in respect of which an interest has been declared) shall be chaired by another independent non-executive director or member (as the case may be), who shall also have a casting vote.
The terms of reference of the Audit Committee include, inter alia, its support to the Board of the Company in its responsibilities in dealing with issues of risk management, control and governance and associated assurance. The Board has set formal terms that establish its composition, role and function, the parameters of its remit as well as the basis for the processes that it is required to comply with. The Audit Committee is a sub-committee of the Board and is directly responsible and accountable to the Board. The Board reserves the right to change these terms of reference from time to time with the prior notification of the Exchange.
Briefly, the Committee is expected to deal with and advise the Board on the following matters on a Group-wide basis: (a) its monitoring responsibility over the financial reporting processes, financial policies and internal control structures; (b) monitoring the performance of the entity or entities borrowing funds (the subsidiaries) from the Company; (c) maintaining communications on such matters between the Board, management and the independent auditors; (d) facilitating the independence of the external audit process and addressing issues arising from the audit process; and (e) preserving the Group’s assets by understanding the risk environment and determining how to deal with those risks.
In addition, the Audit Committee also has the role and function of scrutinising and evaluating any proposed transaction a priori to be entered into by the Company and a related party, to ensure that the execution of any such transaction is at arm’s length and on a commercial basis and ultimately in the best interests of the Company. Additionally, the Audit Committee has, pursuant to the relative terms of reference, been granted express powers to review the financial position of the Group and all other entities comprising the Group shall submit to the Audit Committee quarterly accounts, as well as quarterly comparisons of actuals against projections.
The Audit committee oversees the financial reporting of the Company and ensures the process takes place in a timely manner. The Committee is free to question any information that may seem unclear. It has the role and function of scrutinising and evaluating any proposed transaction to be entered into by the Company and a related party, to ensure that the execution of such transaction is at arm's length and on a commercial basis and ultimately in the best interests of the Company.
The Committee is made up entirely of non-executive Directors, all of whom are independent, and who are appointed for a period of three years. Mario P. Galea, an independent Director of the Company, acts as Chairman, whilst James Bullock and Marlene Seychell act as members of the Audit Committee. In compliance with the Prospects MTF Rules, Mario P. Galea is considered to be the member competent in accounting and/ or auditing matters. During the period under review, the Audit Committee has held five meetings. All members were present in all these meetings.
Principle Nine and Ten - Relations with Bondholders and with the Market and Institutional ShareholdersPursuant to the Company’s statutory obligations in terms of the Companies Act (Cap. 386) enacted in Malta, Prospects MTF Rules and the Capital Markets Rules issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority, the Annual Report and Financial Statements, the election of directors and approval of directors’ fees, the appointment of the auditors and the authorisation of the directors to set the auditors’ fees, and other special business, are proposed and approved at the Company’s Annual General Meeting.
The Company is also committed to having an open and communicative relationship with bondholders and shareholders. The Company issues Company Announcements to keep the market informed of Group developments. Principle Eleven - Conflicts of InterestDirectors should always act in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders and investors. Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest must be immediately declared by a Director to the other members of the Board and to the Audit Committee who decide on whether such a conflict exists. The Audit Committee has the task to ensure that any potential conflicts of interest are resolved in the best interests of the Company. Directors are informed and reminded of their obligations on dealing in securities of the Company within the parameters of law, the Capital Markets Rules and Prospects MTF Rules. During the financial year under review, any private interests or duties unrelated to the Company were disclosed by the directors and it has been ensured that these do not place any of them in conflict with any interests in, or duties towards, the Company.
Principle Twelve - Corporate Social ResponsibilityThe Company remains committed to adhere to sound Principles of Corporate Social Responsibility in its management practices, and is committed to enhance the quality of life of all stakeholders of the Company and the Group. The Company remains committed to being a responsible company and making positive contributions to society and the environment. The Group is committeed to play a leading and effective role in Malta's sustainable development also by ensuring that all developments are equipped with the best energy efficient solutions.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 25 April 2022 by Christopher Attard (Director) and Pierre Bartolo (Director) as per the Directors' Declaration on ESEF Annual Financial Report submitted in conjunction with the Annual Financial Report.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General Information
Best
Deal Properties
Holding p.l.c
("the Company")
is a
The principal activity of the Company is to act as a holding company and to provide financing to its subsidiaries. The Group is involved in the development of property for sale.
The Company has no individual who owns or controls, through direct or indirect ownership of shares, voting rights or ownership interests more than twenty-five per cent (25%) and no individual ultimately controls the Company via other means. The executive directors through their position of senior managing officials within the Company are considered as the ultimate controlling parties.
These financial statements include the results of the Company and of its subsidiaries, together with those of the Company, for the year ended 31 December 2021.
2. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied throughout the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance and basis of measurement
Basis of consolidation These consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial performance, cash flows and financial position of the Company and of its subsidiaries. The Group is made up of the entities as listed in note 12. Subsidiaries are companies over which the Group has control either directly or indirectly. Control is defined as the right or exposure to variable returns and the ability to affect those returns through power over an investee. The subsidiaries and the Company are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between companies within the Group are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment of the asset transferred. The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies of the Group.
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. A change in ownership interest, without the loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction, where the difference between the consideration transferred and the book value of the share of the non-controlling interest acquired is recognised directly in equity attributable to the parent.
Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of the subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated statement of changes in equity of the Group.
When the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the assets including goodwill, liabilities and non-controlling interest in the subsidiary and other related component in equity. The Group recognises the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any investment retained together with any gain or loss in profit or loss. Any interest retained is measured at fair value when control is lost.
New or revised standards, interpretations and amendments adopted The Company and the Group adopted several new or revised standards, interpretations and amendments issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the IFRS Interpretations Committee and endorsed by the EU. The adoption of these new or revised standards, interpretations and amendments did not have a material impact on these financial statements.
New or revised standards, interpretations and amendments issued but not yet effective At the end of the reporting period, certain new standards, interpretations or amendments thereto, were in issue and endorsed by the EU, but not yet effective for the current financial period. There have been no instances of early adoption of standards, interpretations or amendments ahead of their effective date. The directors anticipate that the adoption of the new standards, interpretations or amendments thereto, will not have a material impact on the financial statements upon initial application.
Business combinations The Group applies the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations. The consideration transferred by the Group to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
The Group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of whether they have been previously recognised in the acquiree's financial statements prior to the acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values.
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the company's share of net identifiable assets acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of any cash generating unit include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to that cash generating unit disposed. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing.
Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses to date. Cost includes expenditure directly attributable to the acquisition of the items as well as transfers from equity of any gains/losses on qualifying cashflow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is provided on all items of property, plant and equipment, except freehold land and assets under construction, at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Plant, machinery and equipment - 20% Straight Line
Gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by reference to their carrying amount and are taken into account in determining operating profit. The residual values and useful lives of the assets are reviewed and adjusted as appropriate, at each balance sheet date. The carrying amount of an asset is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the carrying amount of the asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Subsequent costs are included in the carrying amount of the asset or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Investment in subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Company controls another entity.
An investor determines whether it is a parent by assessing whether it controls one or more investees. An investor considers all relevant facts and circumstances when assessing whether it controls an investee. An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.
An investor controls an investee if, and only if, the investor has all of the following elements: power over the investee, i.e. the investor has existing rights that give it the ability to direct the relevant activities (the activities that significantly affect the investee's returns); exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns.
Investment in subsidiaries are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration given, including acquisition costs and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Impairment of non-financial assets Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value of the asset less costs to sell and the value in use. Impairment losses are immediately recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.
Impairment of financial assets The company assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology depends on the credit risk of the counterparty whereby for accounts where the credit risk is low and there is no significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the company recognises expected credit losses that are possible within the next 12 months, while expected credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure are recognised when there is a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition.
The company's main financial assets that are subject to expected credit loss assessment comprise of cash and cash equivalents and amounts owed by related and group companies.
Trade and other receivables Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade receivables are recognised initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional unless they contain significant financing components, when they are recognised at fair value. The Company holds the trade receivables with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and therefore measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Other receivables consist of deposits and guarantees paid by the Company in the ordinary course of business which are refundable within one year. The Company measures other receivables at amortised cost.
Inventories and work in progress Inventories and work in progress represents the properties held for construction and sale. The cost of the work in progress includes the purchase of the land on which the development for sale will be constructed including all related direct purchase costs such as duty and professional fees. Cost also includes the development costs such as demolition, excavation and construction together with all the directly attributable costs to finish the property and bringing it to the condition necessary for it to be sold. The cost of the inventories and work in progress also include the borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction and finishing of the development for resale.
The developed property held for resale is included in the financial statements at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
Taxation Income tax on profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. When it relates to items recognised directly to equity, income tax is recognised as part of the other comprehensive income and in equity.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the Statement of Financial Position date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets and liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profits, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the Statement of Financial Position date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the unused tax losses and credits can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Finance costs Finance costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction and finishing of the development for resale are included as part of the cost of the inventories and work in progress. Other finance costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
Share capital Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Revenue Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and can be reliably measured. The company recognises revenue as follows:
Property related income Property sales are recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the property being sold are effectively transferred to the buyer. This is generally considered to occur at the later of the contract of sale and the date when all the Company's obligations relating to the property are completed and the possession of the property can be transferred in the manner stipulated by the contract of sale.
Amounts received in respect of sales that have not yet been recognised in the financial statements due to the fact that the significant risks and rewards of ownership still rest with the Company, are treated as payments received in advance and are reported with current liabilities.
Finance income Finance income comprises interest income recognised on financial assets. Interest income is recognised as it accrued in profit or loss, using the effective interest method.
Dividend Income Dividend income is recognised when it is received or when the right to receive payment is established.
Fair value measurement When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and assumes that the transaction will take place either: in the principal market; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market.
Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming they act in their economic best interests. For non-financial assts, the fair value measurement is based on its highest and best use. Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, are used, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified into three levels, using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. Classifications are reviewed at each reporting date and transfers between levels are determined based on a reassessment of the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
For recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements, external values may be used when internal expertise is either not available or when the valuation is deemed to be significant. External valuers are selected based on market knowledge and reputation. Where there is a significant change in fair value of an asset of liability from one period to another, an analysis is undertaken, which includes a verification of the major inputs applied in the latest valuation and a comparison, where applicable, with external sources of data.
Related parties Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or corporate entities.
Borrowings Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost, any difference between the proceeds and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the Statement of Financial Position date.
Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are carried at cost which is the fair value of the consideration to be paid in the future for goods and services, whether or not billed to the Company. Due to their short-term nature, these are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted.
Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the Statement of Financial Position at face value. For the purposes of the Statement of cash flow, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, net of bank overdrafts. In the Statement of Financial Position, bank overdrafts are included as borrowings under current liabilities.
Capital Disclosures The Company and Group’s objectives when managing capital are:
The Company and Group set the amount of capital in proportion to risk. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.
The Company monitors capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings (as shown in the statement of financial position) less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as equity (as shown in the statement of financial position). The Company maintains its level of capital by reference to its financial obligations and commitments arising from operational requirements in relation to the development projects as well as to enable the honouring of all other liabilities including bond interest.
2. Significant judgments and critical estimation uncertainties
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the EU requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The Directors have considered the development, selection and disclosure of the Company’s and Group’s critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Judgement has been exercised in considering the impacts that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had, or may have, on the Company and the Group based on known information. This consideration extends to the nature of the Company’s and Group’s operations. As at the reporting date, the Directors have assessed that there is neither any significant impact upon the financial statements nor any significant uncertainties with respect to events or conditions that may cast doubt upon the Company's or the Group's ability to continue as a going concern.
In the opinion of the Company’s directors, except for the matter described above, the accounting estimates and judgements made in the course of preparing these financial statements are not difficult, subjective or complex to a degree which would warrant their disclosure in terms of the requirements of IAS 1.
4. Revenue
5. Investment Income
6. Finance income
7. Finance costs
Bond interest In the consolidated financial statements of the Group, the amount of bond interest payable is classified as a direct development cost in view that it is directly related to the financing of the properties purchased for development and resale. In terms of IAS 23 the interest is being capitalised as part of inventory, and then expensed as a direct cost when the properties are sold. The bond interest capitalised as part of the development cost amounts to €652,911 (2020: €675,002).
8. Profit for the year
9. Taxation
a) Taxation is provided for at the rate of 35% for company profits, except for certain bank interest receivable which is taxed at 15% and sales of property which are taxed 5% as a Final Witholding Tax.
b) The accounting /(credit) for the year are reconciled as follows:
c) The asset for deferred tax is analysed as follows:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the income tax relates to the same fiscal authority.
Provision was made for deferred tax for all temporary differences on the basis of the balance sheet liability method using a principal tax rate of 35%.
10. Goodwill
11. Property, plant and equipment
12. Investment in subsidiaries
Note The additions during the financial year ended 31 December 2020 represent an investment in share capital of €200,000 in PJCE Properties Limited and a capital contribution of €200,000 in Best Deal Developments Limited
Details of the acquisition of the subsidiaries are as follows:
The following summarizes the financial position and performance of the Company's subsidiaries as at and for the period ended 31 December 2021.
13. Financial assets at amortised cost
Loan to subsidiary - Non-current Amounts are unsecured, bear interest at 7% per annum and are repayable by the end of the year 2024.
14. Other non-current assets
Sinking fund reserve These amounts represent the funds held by the Security Trustee under trust in a local bank account and are so held to meet the redemption of the secured bonds on the redemption date or to re-purchase the secured bonds in the market.
15. Inventories
16. Trade & other receivables: Current
Amounts owed by subsidiaries These amounts are unsecured, interest-free and repayable within one year.
Amounts owed by other related parties Amounts are unsecured, interest-free and repayable upon demand.
17. Current Income Tax Assets / (Liabilities)
18. Notes to the Statement of cash flows
Cash & cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents included in the statement of cash flows comprise the following statement of financial position amounts:
19. Share capital
20. Other equity
This amount represents an amount owed to the shareholders of the Company. These shareholders' loans have no fixed redemption date, do not carry a right to any interest and are repayable only at the sole discretion of the Company.
21. Basic earnings per share
22. Trade and other payables
23. Borrowings
Amounts owed to related companies Amounts owed to related companies were unsecured, interest-free and repayable upon demand.
Bank borrowings: Current Current bank borrowings consist of €660,000 which will be repaid by 2022 from sales proceeds of Zabbar project. These loans are secured by a charge over the fixed assets of Best Deal Developments Limited. The loan bears interest at 2.5% per annum. This loan was obtained in 2020 through the MDB COVID-19 Guarantee Scheme.
Related party borrowings These relate to a loan of €1,200,000 which is unsecured and bears interest of 6.667% per annum. The rights of the lender in respect of this loan is subordinated to the rights of the bondholders of the Company with regards to the issue of €16,000,000 4.25% Secured Bonds 2024 and accordingly any payment of the loan shall be in all respects conditional on their being certainty that dues to bondholders are secured.
Bonds issued Best Deal Properties Holding p.l.c issued 160,000 bonds with a face value of €100 each, for an aggregate amount of €16 million. The bonds have an interest of 4.25% per annum, payable annually in arrears on 12 December. The nominal value of the secured bonds is repayable in full upon maturity on 12 December 2024. The bonds are guaranteed by Best Deal Developments Limited, which has bound itself jointly and severally liable for the payment of the bonds and interest thereon. The bonds are measured at the amount of the bond issue of €16 million net of the bond issue costs which are being amortised over the lifetime of the bonds, as follows:
In line with Section 5.8 of the Company's Prospectus dated 3 December 2018, the company may at any time purchase back the secured bonds in the open market or otherwise at any price. During the financial year ended 31 December 2021, the company repurchased a total of €1,792,800 of its 4.25% secured bonds 2024 from its bondholders through the funds held in the sinking fund account. As at 31 December 2021 a balance of €3,365,446 was held in the sinking fund reserve to re-purchase further bonds in the future.
24. Events after the end of the reporting period
Russian-Ukraine conflict Towards the end of February 2022, the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine set in motion a chain of diplomatic efforts and other major geopolitical events which led a number of western nations, including the EU institution and the United States government, to impose a number of sanctions on Russia and Belarus. These current sanctions in place include several restrictive measures of a direct financial nature that are having a significant direct impact on the broad economy of the invading nations.
The consequences of these restrictive measures are however also expected to have a significant impact on the economies of the countries implementing such trade restrictions, with a spill-over on the world economy, as uncertainty and market volatility remain high across all industries with increasing tensions and rhetoric on both sides. The cost of doing business is undoubtedly set to rise further, following the initial Covid shocks on the global economy seen in the last couple of years, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Covid-related measures continue to rock global supply chains. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have indicated that the resulting impact of the conflict to global growth and recovery from Covid effects will be significant. As the price of oil and gas shift upwards due to the war, transport and other procurement costs required for business will also increase. Due to the nature and decisiveness of these restrictive measures, the economic impact globally is expected to be long-lasting, even in the eventuality that the conflict ceases in the immediate future.
The Group is not expected to be negatively impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since the Group's trading and sales are all locally based. However, management together with the directors, continue to actively monitor all developments taking place internationally in order to take any action that might be necessary in the eventuality that developments in the conflict start to impact the company's turnover and business activity.
The company is nevertheless expected to be negatively impacted in the short to medium term as costs are expected to rise generally throughout the economies and the industries in which it operates; and specifically for costs pertaining to subcontractors.
25. Related party transactions
26. Financial Risk Management
At year end, the Group's main financial assets on the statement of financial position is comprised of cash at banks, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and accrued income) and amounts due to related companies. There were no off-balance sheet financial assets.
At year end, the Group's main financial liabilities on the statement of financial position is comprised of trade and other payables (excluding accruals), and borrowings. There were no off-balance sheet financial liabilities except as disclosed in note 23 to these financial statements.
Exposure to credit, liquidity and interest-rate risk arise from the Group's activities.
Timing of cash flows The presentation of the financial assets and liabilities listed above under the current and non-current headings within the statement of financial position is intended to indicate the timing in which the cash flows will arise.
Capital risk management The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern and comply with the requirements of the prospectus issued in relation to the bonds while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 23 and equity attributable to equity holders, comprising issued share capital, share premium, other equity and retained earnings as disclosed in note 19 & 20 to these financial statements and in the statement of changes in equity.
Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group or the Company. Financial assets which potentially subject the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist principally to cash at banks, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and accrued income) and financial assets at amortised cost as disclosed in the statement of financial position and in the related notes. The Group does not hold any collateral.
The credit risk relating to cash at bank is considered to be low in view of the management's policy of placing it with reputable financial institutions.
Trade and other receivables are mainly due from related companies. Credit risk in this respect is deemed by the directors to be limited since they are confident that related companies will generate enough future cash flows from their operations.
Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation.
The directors monitor the liquidity risk by reviewing the expected cash flows and matching of the cash inflows and cash outflows arising from the business. The following table analyses the undiscounted contractual cash flows arising from the Group's financial liabilities
Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.
The Group's interest rate risk arises from the bank overdraft which is subject to varying interest rates according to revisions to the bank's base rate. Interest rate on the bonds payable and related party borrowings is fixed (where applicable), while the other fianancial liabilities are interest-free, thus, interest rate risk does not apply to these financial instruments.
27. Fair value measurement
The Group measures fair value using the fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date;
Level 2: Valuation techniques based on observable input, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). This category includes instruments valued using; quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are considered less than active; or other valuation techniques where all significant inputs are directly observable from market data; and
Level 3: Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs. This category includes all instruments where the valuation technique includes inputs not based on observable data and unobservable inputs have a significant effect on the instruments valuation. This category includes instruments that are valued based on quoted market prices for similar instruments where significant unobservable adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments.
Financial instruments The carrying amount of cash at bank, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments), trade and other payables (excluding accruals), and other financial liabilities at amortised cost approximate their fair values as at year end in view of the nature of these financial instruments or the relatively short period of time from the year end date to their realisation.
Independent Auditors' Report to the Shareholders
To the Shareholders of Best Deal Properties Holding p.l.c.
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinion
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Best Deal Properties Holding p.l.c. (“the Company”) and the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”), set out on pages 10 - 38, which comprise the statements of financial position as at 31 December 2021, the statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and of the Group as at 31 December 2021, and of their financial performance and their cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU), and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act (Cap. 386).
Our report is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee in accordance with the provision of Article 11 of the EU Regulations No. 537/2014 on specific requirements on statutory audits of public-interest entities.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company and of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements of both the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) and the Accountancy Profession (Code of Ethics for Warrant Holders) Directive issued in terms of the Accountancy Profession Act (Cap. 281) in Malta that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA Code and the Code of Ethics for Warrant Holders in Malta. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that we have not provided non-audit services to the parent company and its subsidiaries. Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Carrying value of Inventories
We identified inventories as a key audit matter due to the significance of the balance to the consolidated financial statements. Inventories consist of properties held for development and sale. The cost of the inventories includes the purchase price of the land, development costs, construction costs, professional fees, borrowing costs and all costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, development, construction and finishing of the properties held for development and sale.
The Group’s inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. At as 31 December 2021, the Group’s properties held for sale and under development amounted to €19,625,795.
Our audit procedures included, amongst others, conducting site visits to observe the development progress, assessing the appropriateness and correctness of the cost allocation to the different units developed and assessing the reasonableness of the carrying value based on the stage of completion, management’s budget and market information.
Other Information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the directors’ report and the statement of compliance with the principles of good corporate governance. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information, and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon except as explicitly stated within the Report on other legal and regulatory requirements.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we have obtained prior to the date of this auditors’ report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Under Article 179(3) of the Companies Act (Cap. 386), we are required to consider whether the information given in the directors’ report is compliant with the disclosure requirements of Article 177 of the same Act.
Based on the work we have performed, in our opinion:
Responsibilities of the Directors and those charged with governance for the Financial Statements
The directors are responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and the requirements of the Companies Act (Cap. 386), and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company and the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company and/or the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process.
Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Report on the Statement of Compliance with the Principles of Good Corporate Governance
The Capital Markets Rules issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority requires the directors to prepare and include in their Report a Statement of Compliance providing explanation of the extent to which they have adopted the Code of Principles of Good Governance and the effective measures that they have taken to ensure compliance throughout the period with those principles. The Capital Markets Rules also require the auditors to report on the Statement of Compliance prepared by the directors.
We read the Statement of Compliance and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements included in the Report. Our responsibilities do not extend to considering whether this statement is consistent with any other information included in the Report.
We are not required to, and we do not, consider whether the Board’s statements on internal control included in the Statement of Compliance cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures. In our opinion, the Statement of Compliance with the Principles of Good Corporate Governance set out on pages 6 – 9 has been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Markets Rules issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority.
Report on compliance with the requirements of the European Single Electronic Format Regulatory Technical Standard (the “ESEF RTS”), by reference to Capital Markets Rule 5.55.6
We have undertaken a reasonable assurance engagement in accordance with the requirements of Directive 6 issued by the Accountancy Board in terms of the Accountancy Profession Act (Cap. 281) - the Accountancy Profession (European Single Electronic Format) Assurance Directive (the “ESEF Directive 6”) on the annual financial report of Best Deal Properties Holding p.l.c. for the year ended 31 December 2021, entirely prepared in a single electronic reporting format.
Responsibilities of the directors
The directors are responsible for the preparation of the annual financial report, including the consolidated financial statements and the relevant mark-up requirements therein, by reference to Capital Markets Rule 5.56A, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF RTS.
Auditors’ responsibilities
Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual financial report, including the consolidated financial statements and the relevant electronic tagging therein comply in all material respects with the ESEF RTS based on the evidence we have obtained. We conducted our reasonable assurance engagement in accordance with the requirements of ESEF Directive 6.
Our procedures included:
We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the annual financial report for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF RTS.
Other matters on which we have to report by exception
We also have responsibilities:
Under the Companies Act, Cap. 386 to report to you if, in our opinion:
We also have responsibilities under the Capital Markets Rules to review the statement made by the directors that the business is a going concern together with supporting assumptions or qualifications as necessary.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Appointment
We were first appointed by the directors as auditors of the Company on 29 July 2019 for the financial period ended 31 December 2019, and we were subsequently reappointed by the shareholders at the Company’s general meeting for the financial years thereafter. The period of uninterrupted engagement as statutory auditors of the Company is three financial periods.
RSM Malta Certified Public Accountants Mdina Road Zebbug ZBG 9015 Malta
Conrad Borg Principal
25 April 2022
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