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Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c.

Report & Consolidated Financial Statements

31 December 2023

 

 

 

Company registration number: C 37513

 

Contents

 

Directors’ report

Statement by the directors on the financial statements and other information included in the annual report

Directors’ statement of compliance with the Code of Principles Of Good Corporate Governance

Other disclosures in terms of capital markets rules

Remuneration statement

Statements of total comprehensive income

Statements of financial position

Statements of changes in equity

Statements of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

Independent auditor’s report

 

Directors’ report

 

The directors present their report together with the audited financial statements of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c. (the ‘Company’) and the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023. The Group comprises the Company, its two subsidiaries, Palm City Ltd and Palm Waterfront Ltd, and its associate, Medina Tower Joint Stock Company for Real Estate Investment and Development.

 

Principal activities

 

The Company was incorporated as a private limited liability company on 12 December 2005 as Mediterranean Investments Holding Limited and was, on 6 November 2007, converted into a public limited liability company. The principal activities of the Group are to directly or indirectly acquire, develop and operate real estate projects in Libya and invest in any related trade or business venture.

 

Review of the business

 

Throughout the year under review, enquiries at Palm City Ltd, the only operational asset of the Group, continued to be received, with a number of clients committing to lease agreements. The oil and gas sector continued to be the primary clientele closely followed by the diplomatic and consular corps.  This was helped in no small part by the presence of associated industry stakeholders within the Company’s existing portfolio as well as prolonged relative stability in the country. During the year, Palm City Ltd generated €27.4 million revenue at an average rate of €9,309 and with an average occupancy of 55.4%.

 

Management continues to deal with increased interest and remains in touch with potential client leads in an effort to understand their requirements. Measures are constantly taken in order to keep the property in pristine condition, allowing Palm City Ltd to be able to accommodate clients as soon as leases are concluded.

 

The improved performance at Palm City Ltd level contributed to improve the Group’s performance and cash flow. From operating activities, the Group generated €18.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. At a financing level, this enabled the Group to repay shareholders loans and €7.0 million in dividends. Excess liquidity was also invested in short-term securities.

 

During the year under review, the Group successfully issued a €20.0 million five-year bond at a coupon rate of 5.85%. The proceeds of which were utilised to redeem the €20.0 million 5.5% bond which matured during the year.

 

Results

 

IAS 40 requires that the value of the Group’s properties as at the reporting date be tested for impairment. In view of the uncertain political situation in Libya, such a test would necessarily need to take into account a number of alternative scenarios. The valuation arrived at, was a result of specific premiums being applied including country risk, property risk and projection risk premium. The resultant valuation in 2023 reflected an increase in the carrying value of €6.0 million, which the directors prudently opted not to recognise in this financial year, notwithstanding the stable performance of the Group.

 

Given the nature of the leases, which are in their majority medium and long term, and the fact that the Group’s clientele have significant vested interests in Libya, the business continued to be resilient despite the political situation remaining unpredictable. With a closing occupancy of 57.9% in December 2023, Palm City Ltd registered its highest occupancy since May 2019.

 

The Group’s total revenue of €27.4 million for 2023 was 9.8% higher than 2022’s revenue of €25.0 million, with such increase being achieved by both higher average rates and higher occupancy levels. Operating and other expenses for the year under review were retained at relatively low levels so that the increase in revenue was reflected in a higher operating profit, which for the year amounted to €19.4 million (2022 - €17.5 million).

 

Finance costs continue to decrease year on year due to the repayment of loans.

 

The Group registered a consolidated profit after tax of €12.6 million compared to €10.8 million in 2022.

 

At parent company level, since the parent company measures the investment in Palm City Ltd at fair value through other comprehensive income, a resulting gain on fair value was reported in other comprehensive income, which primarily reflects the net profit for the year of the subsidiary. 

 

As at the end of 2023, the Group’s assets amounted to €309.1 million, up from €306.0 million as at the end of 2022. This is the result of the profits for the year reflected partly in an increase in current assets, notably cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables, and a decrease in total liabilities.

 

Total liabilities continue to decrease as a result of improved cash flows. Shareholders loans were settled in full as well as €7.0 million in dividends. During the year, the €20.0 million 5.5% bond matured and was repaid through the issue of a new 5-year bond at a 5.85% coupon rate. As a result of this, there is a notable shift between current and non-current liabilities as all bonds in issue are currently classified as non-current liabilities. The overall effect of this is that at 31 December 2023, the Group is reporting a positive working capital of €1.6 million.

 

Directors

 

The following have served as directors of the Company:

 

Mr Alfred Pisani (Chairman)

Mr Alfred Camilleri

Mr. Mario P. Galea

Mr Joseph Pisani

Mr Ahmad B.A.A.A. Wahedi

Mr Ahmed Yousri Ahmed Noureldin Helmy

Ms Khadija Oubala (appointed 9 April 2024)

Mr Faisal Jamil S. Alessa (resigned 9 April 2024)

 

In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the present directors remain in office.

 

Disclosure of information to the auditor

 

At the date of making this report the directors confirm the following:

 

-

As far as each director is aware, there is no relevant information needed by the independent auditor in connection with preparing the audit report of which the independent auditor is unaware, and

-

Each director has taken all steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant information needed by the independent auditor in connection with preparing the audit report and to establish that the independent auditor is aware of that information.

 

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

 

The Companies Act, Cap. 386 requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the Group and the Company for that year.  In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 

-

adopt the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company will continue in business;

-

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

-

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

-

account for income and charges relating to the accounting period on an accruals basis;

-

value separately the components of asset and liability items; and

-

report comparative figures corresponding to those of the preceding accounting period.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act, Cap. 386.  This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation 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 Group and the Company and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

The financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2023 are included in the Annual Report 2023, which is made available on the Company’s website.  The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Annual Report on the website in view of their responsibility for the controls over, and the security of the website.  Access to information published on the Company’s website is available in other countries and jurisdictions, where legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from requirements or practice in Malta.

 

Auditor

 

The auditor, Grant Thornton has intimated its willingness to continue in office and a resolution proposing its reappointment will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 25 April 2024 by Joseph Pisani (Director) and Ahmad B.A.A.A. Wahedi (Director) as per the Directors’ Declaration on ESEF Annual Financial Report submitted in conjunction with the Annual Financial Report.

 

Registered office:

22, Europa Centre,

Floriana, FRN 1400,

Malta

 

Statement by the directors on the financial statements and other information included in the annual report

 

Pursuant to Capital Markets Rule 5.68, we, the undersigned, declare that to the best of our knowledge, the financial statements included in the Annual Report, and prepared in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company and the Group, and that this report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and position of the Group and the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

 

Signed on behalf of the board of directors on 25 April 2024 by Joseph Pisani (Director) and Ahmad B.A.A.A. Wahedi (Director) as per the Directors’ Declaration on ESEF Annual Financial Report submitted in conjunction with the Annual Financial Report.

 

Directors’ statement of compliance with the Code of Principles Of Good Corporate Governance

 

Listed companies are subject to The Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance (the “Code”). The adoption of the Code is not mandatory, but listed companies are required under the Capital Markets Rules issued by the Malta Financial Services Authority (‘MFSA’) to include a Statement of Compliance with the Code in their Annual Report, accompanied by a report of the independent auditor.

 

The board of directors (the “directors” or the “board”) of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c. (“MIH” or the “Company”) restate their support for the Code and note that the adoption of the Code has resulted in positive effects to the Company.

 

The board considers that during the reporting period, the Company has been in compliance with the Code to the extent that was considered adequate with the size and operations of the Company. Instances of divergence from the Code are disclosed and explained below.

 

A.        COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE

 

Principles 1 and 4:   The board

 

The board of directors is entrusted with the overall direction and management of the Company, including the establishment of strategies for future development, and the approval of any proposed acquisitions by the Company in pursuing its investment strategies.

 

Its responsibilities also involve the oversight of the Company’s internal control procedures and financial performance, and the review of business risks facing the Company, ensuring that these are adequately identified, evaluated, managed and minimised. All the directors have access to independent professional advice at the expense of the Company, should they so require.

 

Further to the relevant section in Appendix 5.1 to the Capital Markets Rules, the directors acknowledge that they are stewards of the Company’s assets and their behaviour is focused on working with management to enhance value to the shareholders.

 

The board is composed of persons who are fit and proper to direct the business of the Company with the shareholders as the owners of the Company.

 

All directors are required to:

 

Exercise prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed to achieve continued prosperity to the Company;

Be accountable for all actions or non-actions arising from discussion and actions taken by them or their delegates;

Determine the Company’s strategic aims and the organisational structure;

Regularly review management performance and ensure that the Company has the appropriate mix of financial and human resources to meet its objectives and improve the economic and commercial prosperity of the Company;

Acquire a broad knowledge of the business of the Company;

Be aware of and be conversant with the statutory and regulatory requirements connected to the business of the Company;

Allocate sufficient time to perform their responsibilities; and

Regularly attend meetings of the board.

 

In terms of Capital Markets Rules 5.117 – 5.134, the board has established an audit committee to monitor the Company’s present and future operations, threats and risks in the external environment and current and future strengths and weaknesses.  The audit committee ensures that the Company has the appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure that the Company and its employees maintain the highest standards of corporate conduct, including compliance with applicable laws, regulations, business and ethical standards.  The audit committee has a direct link to the board and is represented by the chairman of the audit committee in all board meetings.

 

Principle 2:   Chairman and Chief Executive

 

The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are carried out respectively by Mr Alfred Pisani and Mr Reuben Xuereb.

 

In terms of Principle 3.1, which calls for the appointment of a senior independent director, the board has appointed Mr Mario P. Galea as the indicated senior independent director.

 

The chairman is responsible to:

 

Lead the board and set its agenda;

Ensure that the directors of the board receive precise, timely and objective information so that they can take sound decisions and effectively monitor the performance of the Company;

Ensure effective communication with shareholders; and

Encourage active engagement by all members of the board for discussion of complex or contentious issues.

 

Principle 3:   Composition of the board

 

The board of directors consists of one executive director and six non-executive directors.   Three directors are appointed by each of the two major shareholders, that is CPHCL Company Limited of Malta (“CPHCL”) and National Real Estate Company of Kuwait (“NREC”) and are officers of these two companies. The other is an independent director jointly appointed by the two major shareholders.   The present mix of executive directors, non-executive directors and independent director is considered to create a healthy balance and serves to unite all shareholders’ interests, whilst providing direction to the Company’s management to help maintain a sustainable organisation.

 

The non-executive directors constitute a majority on the board and their main functions are to monitor the operations of the executive directors and their performance as well as to analyse any investment opportunities that are proposed by the executive directors. In addition, the non-executive directors have the role of acting as an important check on the possible conflicts of interest of the executive directors, which may exist as a result of their dual role as executive directors of the Company and their role as officers of MIH’s 50% shareholder, CPHCL.

 

For the purpose of Capital Markets Rules 5.118 and 5.119, Mr Mario P. Galea and Mr Ahmed Yousri Ahmed Noureldin Helmy are the non-executive directors who are considered independent.  The board believes that the independence of its directors is not compromised because of long service or the provision of any other service to the Group.  Each director is mindful of maintaining independence, professionalism and integrity in carrying out his duties, responsibilities and providing judgement as a director of the Company.

 

The board considers that none of the independent directors of the Company:

 

Are or have been employed in any capacity by the Company;

Have or have had, over the past three years, a significant business relationship with the Company;

Have received or receives significant additional remuneration from the Company in addition to its director’s fee;

Have close family ties with any of the Company’s executive directors or senior employees; and

Have been within the last three years an engagement partner or a member of the audit team or past external auditor of the Company.

 

Each of the directors hereby declares that he undertakes to:           

 

Maintain in all circumstances his independence of analysis, decision and action;

Not to seek or accept any unreasonable advantages that could be considered as compromising his independence; and

Clearly express his opposition in the event that he finds that a decision of the board may harm the Company.

 

The board also believes that the independence of its directors is not compromised because of long service or the provision of any other service to the Corinthia Group.  Each director is mindful of maintaining independence, professionalism and integrity in carrying out his duties, responsibilities and providing judgement as a director of the Company.

 

The board is made up as follows:

 

Executive directors

Date of first appointment

Mr Alfred Pisani – Chairman

12 December 2005

 

 

Non-executive directors

Date of first appointment

Mr Faisal Jamil S. Alessa

24 June 2009 resigned 9 April 2024

Mr Mario P. Galea

15 January 2014

Mr Joseph Pisani

12 June 2015

Mr Alfred Camilleri

4 August 2022

Mr Ahmad B.A.A.A. Wahedi

14 March 2018

Mr Ahmed Yousri Ahmed Noureldin Helmy

14 March 2018

Ms Khadija Oubala

9 April 2024

 

 

Company secretary

Date of first appointment

Mr Stephen Bajada

18 April 2012 resigned 22 February 2024

Ms Krystle Ellul

22 February 2024

   

In accordance with the Articles of Association, the directors are appointed for an indefinite period.

 

Principle 5:   Board meetings

 

During the year under review, the board of directors met four times to discuss the operations and strategy of the Company.

 

The number of board meetings attended by the directors for the year under review is as follows:

 

Mr Alfred Pisani

3 times

Mr Alfred Camilleri

4 times

Mr Joseph Pisani

4 times

Mr Ahmad B.A.A.A. Wahedi

4 times

Mr Ahmed Yousri Ahmed Noureldin Helmy

4 times

Mr Faisal Jamil S. Alessa

0 times

Mr Mario P. Galea

4 times

 

Principle 6:   Information and professional development

 

The Company ensures that it provides directors with relevant information to enable them to effectively contribute to board decisions.  The Company is committed to provide adequate and detailed induction training to directors who are newly appointed to the board.  The Company pledged to make available to the directors all training and advice as required.

 

Principle 8:   Committees

 

Audit committee

 

The audit committee’s primary objective is to assist the board in fulfilling its supervisory responsibilities over the financial reporting processes, financial policies and internal control structure as well as the risk management of the Company. The audit committee is made up of non-executive directors and reports directly to the board of directors. The audit committee oversees the conduct of the internal and external audit and acts to facilitate communication between the board, management and, upon the direct request of the audit committee, the internal audit team and the external auditors.

 

During the year under review, the audit committee met four times. The internal and external auditors were invited to attend these meetings.

 

During the year under review, Mr Mario P. Galea served as Chairman. Mr Joseph M. Pisani and Mr Ahmed Yousri Ahmed Noureldin Helmy served as members whilst Mr Stephen Bajada acted as secretary to the committee.

 

The board, in terms of Capital Markets Rules 5.118, has indicated Mr Mario P. Galea as the independent non-executive member of the audit committee who is considered to be competent in accounting and/or auditing in view of his considerable experience at a senior level in the audit and advisory field. 

 

The audit committee is also responsible for the overview of the internal audit function. The role of the internal auditor is to carry out systematic risk-based reviews and appraisals of the operations of the Company (as well as of its subsidiary) for the purpose of advising management and the board, through the audit committee, on the efficiency and effectiveness of management policies, practices and internal controls. The function is expected to promote the application of best practices within the organisation.

 

The directors are fully aware that the close association of the Company with CPHCL and its other subsidiaries is central to the attainment by the Company of its investment objectives and implementation of its strategies. The audit committee ensures that transactions entered into between related parties are carried out on an arm’s length basis and are for the benefit of the Company, and that the Company, and its subsidiaries, accurately report all related party transactions in the notes to the financial statements.

 

In the year under review, the audit committee oversaw the implementation of the necessary measures to ensure compliance in terms of the Market Abuse Directive and Regulations.  The board approved the new terms of reference of the audit committee, bringing them in line with both the changes in the Capital Markets Rules, as well as best international practice.

 

Pursuant to Articles 16 and 17 of Title III of the provisions of the Statutory Audit Regulations, the audit committee has been entrusted with overseeing the process of appointment of the statutory auditors or audit firms.

 

Principle 9:   Relations with shareholders and with the market

 

The Company is highly committed to having an open and communicative relationship with its bondholders and investors.  In this respect, over and above the statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the Annual General Meeting, the publication of interim and annual financial statements, the Company seeks to address the diverse information needs of its bondholders and investors by providing the market with regular, timely, accurate, comparable and comprehensive information.

 

Principle 10:   Institutional shareholders

 

The Company ensures that it is constantly in close touch with its principal institutional investors.  The Company is aware that institutional investors who are mainly bondholders have the knowledge and expertise to analyse market information and make their independent and objective conclusions of the information available.

 

Institutional investors are expected to give due weight to relevant factors drawn to their attention when evaluating the Company’s governance arrangements in particular those relating to board structure and composition and departure from the Code of Corporate Governance.

 

Principle 11:   Conflicts of interest

 

The directors are fully aware of their obligations regarding dealings in securities of the Company as required by the Capital Markets Rules in force during the year.  Moreover, they are notified of blackout periods, prior to the issue of the Company’s interim and annual financial information, during which they may not trade in the Company’s bonds.

 

None of the other directors of the Company have any interest in the shares of the Company or the Company’s subsidiaries or investees or any disclosable interest in any contracts or arrangements either subsisting at the end of the last financial year or entered into during this financial year.

 

Principle 12: Corporate social responsibility

 

The Company understands that it has an obligation towards society at large to put into practice sound principles of Corporate Social Responsibility. This responsibility is carried out by its Maltese shareholder, CPHCL and by its subsidiary, Palm City Ltd.

 

B.         NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE

 

Principle 7:   Evaluation of the board’s performance

 

Under the present circumstances, the 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 always under the scrutiny of the shareholders.

 

Principle 8:   Nomination Committee

 

The board does not consider it necessary to appoint a nomination committee. Appointments to the board of directors are determined by the shareholders of the Company in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Principle 8:   Remuneration Committee

 

The board of directors considers that the size and operation of the Company does not warrant the setting up of a remuneration committee. Given that the Company does not have any employees of its own, and any remuneration to the board of directors is determined by the shareholders in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, it is not considered necessary for the Company to maintain a remuneration committee.

 

Other disclosures in terms of capital markets rules

Statement by the directors pursuant to Capital Markets Rule 5.70.1

 

Contracts of significance

 

Loan agreement with Palm Waterfront Ltd

The Company has advanced amounts to its subsidiary, Palm Waterfront Ltd. The terms of the relevant agreement are set out in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Build – Operate – Transfer agreements

Palm City Ltd is party to a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement wherein it was engaged by CPHCL Company Limited (CPHCL – holder of legal title to the Janzour land) to finalise the construction of the project in accordance with the specifications agreed upon by both parties.  All costs and expenses related to the completion of the project, construction and development shall be borne by Palm City Ltd.  In return Palm City Ltd will operate the project for its own benefit for a specific period of 65 years.  Upon expiry of this 65 year term, Palm City is bound to transfer the operation back to CPHCL. The Company and CPHCL Company Limited have applied to the competent authorities in Libya, for approval of the assignment of the 99-year lease (which expires on 4 July 2105), from CPHCL to Palm City Ltd. Both parties have agreed that upon such approval being granted, the Build-Operate-Transfer agreement will be terminated.

 

On 5 December 2013, Palm Waterfront Ltd entered into a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement with CPHCL. The arrangement gives Palm Waterfront Ltd the right to develop a site located in Shuhada Sidi Abuljalil, Janzour in Libya. It also gives it the right to construct, implement, manage and operate the project to be developed on said site at its discretion. The term of the Build-Operate-Transfer agreement is for a period of 80 years from date of signing of said agreement.

 

Pursuant to Capital Markets Rule 5.70.2

 

Company secretary and registered office

 

Krystle Ellul

22 Europa Centre, Floriana FRN 1400, Malta

Telephone (+356) 21 233 141

 

Remuneration statement

 

Remuneration of directors

 

The total remuneration of the directors of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to €45,000.

 

The above amount represents fixed remuneration. There are no variable remuneration considerations nor share options .

 

Statements of total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

Notes

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

5, 6

27,441,380

24,996,297

256,551

244,334

Operating expenses

 

(5,613,980)

(5,085,332)

-

-

Gross profit

 

21,827,400

19,910,965

256,551

244,334

Other income

 

33,246

-

-

-

Administrative expenses

 

(2,200,295)

(2,099,620)

(771,401)

(723,859)

Marketing expenses

 

(248,729)

(313,655)

(245,095)

(312,708)

Operating profit (loss)

 

19,411,622

17,497,690

(759,945)

(792,233)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance income

8

731,311

-

3,037,911

3,791,427

Finance costs

8

(4,377,800)

(4,695,128)

(3,740,666)

(4,107,602)

Share in loss of investment accounted for using the equity method

 

(24,871)

(50,498)

-

-

Profit (loss) before tax

9

15,740,262

12,752,064

(1,462,700)

(1,108,408)

Tax (expense) income

 

 

 

 

 

-   Current tax

10

(3,428,597)

(2,196,929)

-

-

-   Deferred tax

10

261,199

195,577

261,199

192,911

Profit (loss) for the year

 

12,572,864

10,750,712

(1,201,501)

(915,497)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

 

 

Fair value through other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

-      current year gains

 

-

-

13,778,781

11,670,476

Difference on exchange

 

(213,755)

111,623

(213,755)

111,623

Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income (loss)

10, 23

74,815

(39,068)

(4,822,573)

(4,084,666)

Other comprehensive (loss) income for the year, net of tax

 

(138,940)

72,555

8,742,453

7,697,433

Total comprehensive income for the year

 

12,433,924

10,823,267

7,540,952

6,781,936

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted)

11

0.26

0.22

(0.03)

(0.02)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of financial position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

Notes

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

2,258

2,258

-

-

Property, plant and equipment

12

10,166,938

10,426,379

1,838

2,949

Investment property

13

272,567,609

272,567,609

-

-

Investment accounted for using the equity method

14

7,845,472

8,084,098

-

-

Investments in subsidiaries

15

-

-

203,827,691

190,024,039

Investment in associate

14

-

-

7,845,472

8,084,098

Total non-current assets

 

290,582,277

291,080,344

211,675,001

198,111,086

Current

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

17

1,600,441

1,521,062

-

-

Trade and other receivables

18

8,459,799

5,920,709

49,335,469

65,684,516

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

979,075

-

979,075

-

Cash and cash equivalents

19

7,469,970

6,891,963

1,862,340

695,472

Tax recoverable

 

-

555,828

-

555,828

Total current assets

 

18,509,285

14,889,562

52,176,884

66,935,816

Total assets

 

309,091,562

305,969,906

263,851,885

265,046,902

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

20

48,002,000

48,002,000

48,002,000

48,002,000

Other components of equity

 

(4,801,730)

(4,662,790)

68,097,100

59,354,647

Retained earnings

 

162,707,438

156,134,574

45,116,715

52,318,216

Total equity

 

205,907,708

199,473,784

161,215,815

159,674,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

21

60,245,262

40,535,041

60,245,262

40,535,041

Shareholders’ loan

22

-

5,203,300

-

5,203,300

Deferred tax liability

23

21,143,116

21,479,129

39,991,802

35,430,428

Taxation

 

1,719,964

1,478,453

-

-

Security deposits

 

3,130,194

2,062,117

-

-

Total non-current liabilities

 

86,238,536

70,758,040

100,237,064

81,168,769

Current

 

 

 

 

 

Bank and other borrowings

 

-

3,946

-

-

Bonds

21

-

19,910,050

-

19,910,050

Trade and other payables

24

14,091,628

13,513,606

2,399,006

4,293,220

Taxation

 

2,853,690

2,310,480

-

-

Total Current Liabilities

 

16,945,318

35,738,082

2,399,006

24,203,270

Total liabilities

 

103,183,854

106,496,122

102,636,070

105,372,039

Total equity and liabilities

 

309,091,562

305,969,906

263,851,885

265,046,902

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 25 April 2024.  The financial statements were signed on its behalf by Joseph Pisani (Director) and Ahmed B.A.A.A. Wahedi (Director) as per the Directors’ Declaration on ESEF Annual Financial Report submitted in conjunction with the Annual Financial Report.

 

Statements of changes in equity

 

Group

 

 

 

 

 

 Share capital

Other components of equity

Retained earnings

Total equity

 

        €

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2022

48,002,000

(4,735,345)

145,383,862

188,650,517

Total recognised income for the year

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year

-

-

10,750,712

10,750,712

Other comprehensive income

-

72,555

-

72,555

Total comprehensive income for the year

-

72,555

10,750,712

10,823,267

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2022

48,002,000

(4,662,790)

156,134,574

199,473,784

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2023

48,002,000

(4,662,790)

156,134,574

199,473,784

Total recognised income for the year

 

 

 

 

Profit for the year

-

-

12,572,864

12,572,864

Other comprehensive loss

-

(138,940)

-

(138,940)

Total comprehensive (loss) income for the year

-

(138,940)

12,572,864

12,433,924

Transactions with owners

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid (see Note 20)

-

-

(6,000,000)

(6,000,000)

Balance at 31 December 2023

48,002,000

(4,801,730)

162,707,438

205,907,708

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

 

 

 Share capital

Other components of equity

Retained earnings

Total equity

 

        €

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2022

48,002,000

        51,657,214

    53,233,713

152,892,927

Total recognised income for the year

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year

-

-

(915,497)

(915,497)

Other comprehensive income

-

7,697,433

-

7,697,433

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

-

7,697,433

(915,497)

6,781,936

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2022

48,002,000

59,354,647

52,318,216

159,674,863

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January 2023

48,002,000

59,354,647

52,318,216

159,674,863

Total recognised income for the year

 

 

 

 

Loss for the year

-

-

(1,201,501)

(1,201,501)

Other comprehensive income

-

8,742,453

-

8,742,453

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

-

8,742,453

(1,201,501)

7,540,952

Transactions with owners

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid (see Note 20)

-

-

(6,000,000)

(6,000,000)

Balance at 31 December 2023

48,002,000

68,097,100

45,116,715

161,215,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of cash flows

 

 

Group

Company

 

Notes

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Profit (loss) before tax

 

15,740,262

12,752,064

(1,462,700)

(1,108,408)

Adjustments

25

4,680,391

4,549,579

703,866

317,285

Net changes in working capital

25

130,784

1,632,891

18,728,542

15,786,156

Tax paid

 

(2,643,876)

(1,273,168)

-

-

Tax refunded

 

555,828

464,139

555,828

464,139

Net cash generated from operating activities

 

18,463,389

18,125,505

18,525,536

15,459,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment

 

(158,646)

(183,437)

-

(2,908)

Payments to acquire financial assets

 

(975,915)

-

(975,915)

-

Interest received

 

2,204

-

2,204

-

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,132,357)

(183,437)

(973,711)

(2,908)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(7,000,000)

(2,000,000)

(7,000,000)

(2,000,000)

Proceeds from issue of bond

 

19,578,265

29,499,345

19,578,265

29,499,345

Repayment of bonds

 

(20,000,000)

(40,000,000)

(20,000,000)

(40,000,000)

Repayment of other borrowings

 

-

(5,000,000)

-

-

Repayment of shareholders loans

 

(5,203,300)

-

(5,203,300)

-

Interest paid

 

(3,768,594)

(4,230,008)

(3,759,984)

(4,030,008)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(16,393,629)

(21,730,663)

(16,385,019)

(16,530,663)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

937,403

(3,788,595)

1,166,806

(1,074,399)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

6,888,017

10,882,420

695,472

1,770,068

Cash and cash equivalents before effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 

7,825,420

7,093,825

1,862,278

695,669

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 

(355,450)

(205,808)

62

(197)

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

19

7,469,970

6,888,017

1,862,340

695,472

 

 

 

Notes to the financial statements

1       Nature of operations

 

The Group’s principal activity is to directly or indirectly acquire and develop real estate opportunities in Libya and invest in any related trade or business venture.

 

The Company’s principal activity is to act as a holding company and its revenue is derived from management fees and dividends.

 

 

2       General information and statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

 

Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c. (‘MIH’ or the ‘Company’) is a public limited liability company and is incorporated and   domiciled in Malta .  The address of the Company's registered office is 22, Europa Centre, Floriana FRN 1400, Malta. The Company is 50% owned by CPHCL Company Limited of 22, Europa Centre, Floriana, FRN 1400, 40% owned by National Real Estate Company of Plot 00014A, Block 8, Floor 58, Building Al-Hamra Tower-Alhamar Real Estate Co. Al Shuhada Street, Sharq, Kuwait, and 10% owned by Libya Projects General Trading and Contracting Co. of Plot 000014, Block 4, Floor 2, Building Al Watiya United Real Estate Co, Jaber Al Mabrouk Street, Sharq, Kuwait.

 

The financial statements of the Group and the Company have been prepared in accor­dance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the European Union, and in accordance with the Companies Act, Cap. 386.

 

The financial statements are presented in euro (€), which is also the functional currency of the Group and its subsidiaries. Amounts are rounded to the nearest euro unless otherwise stated.

 

3    New or revised standards or interpretations

 

3.1 New standards adopted as at 1 January 2023

 

Some accounting pronouncements which have become effective from 1 January 2023 and have therefore been adopted do not have a significant impact on the Group and Company’s financial results or position.

 

Other standards and amendments that are effective for the first time in 2023 and could be applicable to the Group and Company are:

 

• Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments

to IAS 12)

• Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2)

• Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8)

• International Tax Reform—Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12)

 

These amendments do not have a significant impact on these financial statements and therefore no disclosures have been made.

 

3.2 Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the Group and Company

 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, several new, but not yet effective, standards and amendments to existing standards, and interpretations have been published by the IASB and IFRIC. None of these standards or amendments to existing standards have been adopted early by the Group and Company and no interpretations have been issued that are applicable and need to be taken into consideration by the Group and Company.

 

Other standards and amendments that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the Group and Company include:

 

• Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)

• Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)

• Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7)

• Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1)

• Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21)

 

These amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on the financial statements in the period of initial application and therefore no disclosures have been made.

 

Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted for the first period beginning on or after the effective date of the pronouncement. New standards, amendments and interpretations not adopted in the current year have not been disclosed as they are not expected to have a material impact on the Group and Company’s financial statements.

 

4       Material accounting policies

 

An entity should disclose its material accounting policies. Accounting policies are material and must be disclosed if they can be reasonably expected to influence the decisions of users of the financial statements.

 

The Group and Company’s management has concluded that the disclosure of the material accounting policies below are appropriate.

 

4.1    Overall considerations

 

The consolidated and separate financial statements have been prepared using the significant accounting policies and measurement bases summarised below. The accounting policies have been consistently applied by the Group and the Company and are consistent with those in previous years.

 

4.2    Presentation of financial statements

 

The consolidated and separate financial statements are presented in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised 2007).  The Group and the Company have elected to present the ‘statement of total comprehensive income’ in one statement.

 

4.3    Basis of consolidation

 

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the parent company and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 December 2023. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has power to control the financial and operating policies. MIH obtains and exercises control through voting rights. All subsidiaries have a reporting date of 31 December.

 

Intra-group balances, transactions and unrealised gains and losses on transactions between the group companies are eliminated. Where unrealised losses on intra-group asset sales are reversed on consolidation, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment from the Group perspective. Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group.

 

Profit or loss and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are recognised from the effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable.

 

Non-controlling interests represent the portion of a subsidiary’s profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group. The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owner of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial statements of the following companies comprising the Group.

 

Company

Nature of business

% ownership

 

 

 

Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c.

Holding company

 

 

 

 

Palm City Ltd

Owns, operates and rents a residential compound

100%

 

 

 

Palm Waterfront Ltd

Invest, develop and operate real estate projects

99.9%

 

4.4    Revenue

 

Revenue is mainly derived from leasing out the investment property owned by the subsidiary, and the sales generated from the food and beverage outlets within the Palm City residential complex.

To determine whether to recognise revenue, the Group follows a 5-step process:

 

1.       Identifying the contract with a customer

2.       Identifying the performance obligations

3.       Determining the transaction price

4.       Allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations

5.       Recognising revenue when/as performance obligation(s) are satisfied.

 

The Group often enters into transactions involving a range of products and services.  In all cases, the total transaction price for a contract is allocated amongst the various performance obligations based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The transaction price for a contract excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

 

Revenue is recognised either at a point in time or over time, when (or as) the Group satisfies performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services to its customers.

 

The Group recognises deferred income for consideration received in respect of unsatisfied performance obligations and reports these amounts as other liabilities in the statement of financial position. Similarly, if the Group satisfies a performance obligation before it receives the consideration, the Group recognises either a contract asset or a receivable in its statement of financial position, depending on whether something other than the passage of time is required before the consideration is due.

 

4.5     Investments in associate

 

Associates are those entities over which the Group is able to exert significant influence but which are neither subsidiaries nor joint ventures. Investments in associate are initially recognised at cost and subsequently accounted for using the equity method. Any goodwill or fair value adjustment attributable to the Group’s share in the associate is not recognised separately and is included in the amount recognised as investment in associates.

 

The carrying amount of the investments in associate is increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the associate. These changes include subsequent depreciation, amortisation or impairment of the fair value adjustment of assets and liabilities.

 

Unrealised gains and losses on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in those entities. Where unrealised losses are eliminated, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment.

 

Amounts reported in the financial statements of associates have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies of the Group.

 

4.6     Foreign currency translation

 

Functional and presentation currency

 

The separate and consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, which is also the functional currency of the parent company.

 

Foreign currency transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the respective Group entity, using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions (spot exchange rate). Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the remeasurement of monetary items denominated in foreign currency at year-end exchange rates are recognised in profit or loss.

 

Non-monetary items are not retranslated at year-end and are measured at historical cost (translated using the exchange rates at the transaction date), except for non-monetary items measured at fair value which are translated using the exchange rates at the date when fair value was determined.

 

4.7     Borrowing costs

 

Borrowing costs primarily comprise interest on the Group’s borrowings. Borrowing costs incurred on specific fixed asset projects prior to their commissioning are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation is based on the average rate of interest on bank borrowings. All other borrowing costs are amortised on an effective interest basis over the life of the loan facility agreement.

 

4.8   Property, plant and equipment

 

All items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at acquisition cost including any costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to the location and condition necessary for them to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. They are subsequently measured at acquisition cost or manufacturing cost less subsequent depreciation and impairment losses.

 

Depreciation is calculated, using the straight-line method, to write off the cost or valuation of assets over their estimated useful lives on the following bases:

 

-         Computer equipment           

-         Computer software

-         Office furniture and equipment

-         Motor vehicles

-         Tools

-         Machinery and equipment

 

%

25

20

25

25

33

25

 

4.9   Investment property

 

Investment property is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation and is accounted for using the fair value model.

 

Investment property is revalued annually and is included in the statement of financial position at its fair value. This is determined by the directors based either on management’s estimates of expected future cash flows or market values. When based on management’s estimates of future cash flows, the value of the property is determined by applying a suitable discount rate.

 

Any gain or loss resulting from either a change in the fair value or the sale of an investment property is immediately recognised in profit or loss within ‘fair value gain on investment property’.

 

Rental income and operating expenses from investment property are reported within ‘revenue’ and ‘operating expenses’.

 

4.10   Leased assets

 

The Group as a lessee

 

The Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a lease. A lease is defined as ‘a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration’. To apply this definition, the Group assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations which are whether:

 

the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being identified at the time the asset is made available to the Group;

the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the period of use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract;

the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use.  The Group assesses whether it has the right to direct ‘how and for what purpose’ the asset is used throughout the period of use.

 

Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee

 

At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the statement of financial position. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease payments made in advance of the commencement date (net of any incentives received).

 

The Group depreciates the right-of-use asset on a straight-line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such indicators exist.

 

At lease commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), variable payments based on an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee and payments arising from options reasonably certain to be exercised.

 

Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced by lease payments that are allocated between repayments of principal and finance costs.

 

The lease liability is remeasured to reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in in-substance fixed payments. When the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.

 

On the statement of financial position, right-of-use asset has been included in property, plant and equipment and lease liabilities disclosed separately.

 

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases or for leases of low value assets. Payments made under such leases are expensed on a straight-line basis.

 

The Group as a lessor

 

As a lessor, the Group classifies its leases as either operating or finance leases.

The Group assessed whether it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Those assets that do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards are classified as operating leases.

Rental income is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in revenue due to its operating nature.

4.11  Impairment testing of tangible and intangible assets

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows (cash-generating units).  As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating unit level. 

 

All individual assets or cash-generating units are tested 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 asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. To determine the value in use, the Group’s management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable interest rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.  Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect their respective risk profiles as assessed by the Group’s management.

 

Impairment losses are recognised in the profit or loss. Impairment losses for cash-generating units are charged pro rata to the assets in the cash-generating unit.  All assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist.  An impairment charge that has been recognised is reversed if the cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

 

4.12   Investment in subsidiaries

 

Investment in subsidiaries is included in the Company’s financial statements at fair value (refer to note 4.13).

 

4.13   Financial instruments

 

Recognition and derecognition

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group and the Company become a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.

 

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset and all substantial risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires.

 

Classification and initial measurement of financial assets

 

Except for those trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component and are measured at the transaction price in accordance with IFRS 15, all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction costs (where applicable).

 

Financial assets are classified into the following categories:

• amortised cost

• fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

• fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

 

In the periods presented, the Group and the Company do not have any financial assets categorised at FVTPL.

 

The classification is determined by both:

• the entity’s business model for managing the financial asset; and

• the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

 

All income and expenses relating to financial assets that are recognised in profit or loss are presented within ‘finance costs’ or ‘finance income’, except for impairment of trade receivables which is presented in ‘administrative expenses’.

 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets

 

Financial assets at amortised cost

 

Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the following conditions (and are not designated as FVTPL):

 

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows; and

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.  The Group’s and the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and trade and most other receivables fall into this category of financial instruments.

 

Financial assets at FVOCI

 

The Group and the Company accounts for financial assets at FVOCI if the assets meet the following conditions:

 

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold to collect the associated cash flows and sell; and

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

The Company made the irrevocable election to account for the investment in subsidiaries and associate at FVOCI.

 

Any gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income will be recycled upon derecognition of the asset.

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

IFRS 9’s impairment requirements use more forward-looking information to recognise expected credit losses – the ‘expected credit loss (ECL) model’.  Instruments within the scope of the new requirements included FVOCI, trade receivables and contract assets recognised and measured under IFRS 15.

 

Recognition of credit losses is no longer dependent on the Group and Company first identifying a credit loss event. Instead the Group and Company consider a broader range of information when assessing credit risk and measuring expected credit losses, including past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the future cash flows of the instrument.

 

In applying this forward-looking approach, a distinction is made between:

 

financial instruments that have not deteriorated significantly in credit quality since initial recognition or that have low credit risk (‘Stage 1’), and

financial instruments that have deteriorated significantly in credit quality since initial recognition and whose credit risk is not low (‘Stage 2’).

 

‘Stage 3’ would cover financial assets that have objective evidence of impairment at the reporting date.

 

‘12-month ECL are recognised for the first category while ‘lifetime ECL’ are recognised for the second category.

 

Measurement of the ECL is determined by a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses over the expected life of the financial instrument.

 

Trade and other receivables

 

The Group and Company make use of a simplified approach in accounting for trade and other receivables as well as contract assets and record the loss allowance as lifetime expected credit losses. These are the expected shortfalls in contractual cash flows, considering the potential for default at any point during the life of the financial instrument. In calculating, the Group and Company use their historical experience, external indicators and forward-looking information to calculate the expected credit losses using a provision matrix.

 

The Group and Company assess impairment of trade receivables on a collective basis as they possess shared credit risk characteristics.  Refer to note 27.1 for a detailed analysis of how the impairment requirements of IFRS 9 are applied.

 

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities

 

The Group’s and the Company’s financial liabilities include bank and other borrowings, bonds and most trade and other payables.

 

Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, and, where applicable, adjusted for transaction costs unless the Group and Company designates a financial liability at FVTPL.

 

Subsequently, financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method except for derivatives and financial liabilities designated at FVTPL, which are carried subsequently at fair value with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss (other than derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedging instruments).

 

All interest-related charges and, if applicable, changes in an instrument’s fair value that are reported in profit or loss are included within ‘finance costs’ or ‘finance income’.

 

4.14  Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any applicable selling expenses.

 

The cost of inventories is based on the weighted average principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. 

 

4.15  Income taxes

 

Tax expense recognised in profit or loss comprises the sum of deferred tax and current tax not recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income or equity.

 

Current income tax assets and/or liabilities comprise those obligations to, or claims from, fiscal authorities relating to the current or prior reporting periods, that are unpaid at the reporting date. Current tax is payable on taxable profit, which differs from profit or loss in the financial statements. Calculation of current tax is based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

 

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, or on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures is not provided if reversal of these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated, without discounting, at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax liabilities are always provided for in full.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be able to be utilised against future taxable income.  Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

 

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax income or expense in profit or loss, except where they relate to items that are recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income or equity (such as the revaluation of land) in which case the related deferred tax is also recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income or equity respectively.

 

4.16  Cash and cash equivalents

 

For the purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits, net of bank balance overdrawn. In the statement of financial position, the bank balance overdrawn is included within bank and other borrowings in current liabilities.

 

4.17  Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

 

Provisions are recognised when present obligations as a result of a past event will probably lead to an outflow of economic resources from the Group and Company and amounts can be estimated reliably. Timing or amount of the outflow may still be uncertain. A present obligation arises from the presence of a legal or constructive commitment that has resulted from past events. Restructuring provisions are recognised only if a detailed formal plan for the restructuring has been developed and implemented, or management has at least announced the plan's main features to those affected by it. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

 

Provisions are measured at the estimated expenditure required to settle the present obligation, based on the most reliable evidence available at the reporting date, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the present obligation. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole.  Where the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted to their present values.

 

Any reimbursement that the Group and the Company can be virtually certain to collect from a third party with respect to the obligation is recognised as a separate asset. However, this asset may not exceed the amount of the related provision.

 

All provisions are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.

 

In those cases where the possible outflow of economic resources as a result of present obligations is consi­dered improbable or remote, no liability is recognised.

 

4.18  Significant management judgement in applying accounting policies and estimation uncertainty

 

When preparing the financial statements, management undertakes a number of judgements, estimates and assumptions about the recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

 

The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal actual results.  The estimates, assumptions and management judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are described below.

 

The fair value of investment property is determined by using valuation techniques.  Further details of the judgements and assumptions made are disclosed in note 13.

 

This note highlights information about the fair value estimation of the investment property.

 

In the opinion of the directors, the accounting estimates and judgements made in the course of preparing these financial statements are, with the exception of those described hereunder, not difficult, subjective or complex to a degree which would warrant their description as critical in terms of the requirements of IAS 1.

 

(a)   Income taxes

 

In order to establish the taxation provisions, management exercises significant judgement in view of the fact that the Group and the Company operate in various jurisdictions and as a result there are diverse transactions for which the ultimate tax determination is somewhat uncertain.  In the event that the amount of actual tax due differs from the original amounts provided for, such variances will have an impact on the taxation charges for future periods.

 

(b)  Impairment of trade and other receivables

 

 

The Group applies the simplified model of recognising lifetime expected credit losses for all trade receivables.  In measuring the expected credit losses, the trade receivables are assessed on a collective basis as they possess shared credit characteristics.  They have been grouped according to the past due dates and geographical location.  The Group has concluded that the expected credit losses for trade receivables is not material (see note 18).

 

 

(c) Useful lives of depreciable assets

 

 

Management reviews the useful lives of depreciable assets at each reporting date, based on the expected utility of the assets to the Group and Company.  The carrying amounts are analysed in note 12.  Actual results, however, may vary due to technical obsolescence, particularly relating to software and IT equipment.

 

(d) Inventories

 

Management estimates the net realisable values of inventories, taking into account the most reliable evidence available at each reporting date. The future realisation of these inventories may be affected by expiry, obsolescence, future technology or other market-driven changes that may reduce future selling prices.

 

(e) Recognition of contract revenue over time or at a point in time

 

For some of the Group’s contracts with customers significant judgement is required to assess whether control of the related performance obligation(s) transfers to the customer over time or at a point in time in accordance with IFRS 15. Specifically, for contracts that involve developing a customer-specific asset with no alternative use to the company, judgement is needed to determine whether the company is entitled to payment for its performance throughout the contract period if the customer sought to cancel the contract. This relates mainly to residential and commercial leases which represent €26,514,400 (2022: €23,774,009) of the company’s revenue. The company assesses it has a right to payment for its performance throughout the contract period and recognises revenue over time.

For other revenue sources, the company assessed that the performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time.

(f) Fair value of investment property

 

At each reporting date the investment property is revalued by the directors based either on management’s estimates of expected future cash flows or market values.  The Group has not recognised a fair value uplift to the investment property during the year under review.  When based on management’s estimates of expected future cash flows the value of each property is determined by applying a suitable discount rate.

 

The Group’s investment property is situated in Libya which is still experiencing prolonged political uncertainty.

 

The estimated fair values were arrived at using projected cash flows from the operation of the investment property. On the basis of the valuation carried out by the directors, no uplift was recognised in these financial statements. The uncertainty which is still prevailing in Libya and the significant judgements surrounding the valuation of the investment property situated in that country render the valuation of any uplift of the property extremely difficult and judgemental (see Note 13). 

 

4.19  Segment reporting

 

 

The standard requires a ‘management approach’ under which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes.  The chief operating maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Group board of directors.

 

 

An operating segment is a group of assets and operations engaged in providing services that are subject to risks and returns that are different from that of other segments.  The operating segments can be classified as investment property rental, income from food and beverages and others.

 

 

The Group is engaged in the ownership and leasing of its investment property. The Group’s country of domicile is Malta and the operation is in Libya.

 

 

The board of directors assesses performance based on the measure of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).

 

 

The Group is not required to report a measure of total assets and liabilities for each reportable segment since such amounts are not regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker.  However, in accordance with IFRS 8, non-current assets (other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets) are divided into geographical areas in note 5.

 

5       Segment reporting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

Libya

Libya

 

 

 

Revenue (note 1)

 

 

Investment property rental

26,514,400

23,774,009

Income from food and beverages operations

458,825

435,340

Other

468,155

786,948

 

27,441,380

24,996,297

 

 

 

EBITDA

20,519,351

18,594,295

Depreciation

(343,369)

(300,104)

Segment operating profit

20,175,982

18,294,191

 

 

 

Non-current assets (note 2)

273,719,339

274,017,668

 

 

 

 

During the year, €14,377,291 or 52% (2022: €13,099,529 or 52%) of the Group’s revenues depended on four (2022: four) single customers in the investment property rental segment.

 

Note 1: Revenue comprises amounts attributable to Libya, amounting to €4,399,551 (2022 adjusted: €4,505,913), United States of America, amounting to €3,923,625 (2022: €2,916,267), Italy €2,622,747 (2022: €2,283,503), other European countries €13,884,858 (2022: €13,078,602) and other foreign countries amounting to €2,610,599 (2022: €2,212,012).

 

Note 2: All non-current assets are located in Libya.

 

6       Revenue

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from management fees

-

-

256,551

244,334

Income from residential leases

25,519,304

22,782,169

-

-

Income from commercial leases

995,096

991,840

-

-

Income from food and beverage operations

458,825

435,340

-

-

Administration fees

732

787

-

-

Water, electricity, internet and telephone

 

 

-

-

recharges

150,718

393,608

-

-

Miscellaneous income

316,705

392,553

-

-

 

27,441,380

24,996,297

256,551

244,334

 

7       Staff costs     

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wages and salaries

2,008,430

1,869,015

-

-

Directors’ fees and remuneration

272,327

264,740

45,000

-

Social security costs

100,866

75,627

-

-

 

2,381,623

2,209,382

45,000

-

 

 

 

 

 

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year was:

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

No.

No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

73

67

Administrative

 

 

31

30

 

 

 

104

97

 

 

 

 

 

During the years presented, the Company did not have any employees.

 

8      Finance income and finance costs

 

Finance income and finance costs may be analysed as follows:

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charged on loan to subsidiary company

-

-

3,032,485

3,791,624

Other interest received on short-term securities

2,204

-

2,204

-

Gain on investment

3,160

-

3,160

-

Difference on exchange

725,947

-

62

(197)

Finance income

731,311

-

3,037,911

3,791,427

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on bonds

3,364,361

3,553,403

3,364,361

3,553,403

Interest charged on loan from shareholders

154,399

278,972

154,399

278,972

Bank interest and other charges

8,610

21,191

-

-

Interest on other loans

-

24,378

-

-

Difference on exchange

628,524

541,957

-

-

Amortisation of bond issue costs

221,906

275,227

221,906

275,227

Finance costs

4,377,800

4,695,128

3,740,666

4,107,602

 

9      Profit (loss) before tax

 

The profit (loss) before tax is stated after charging:

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

344,479

301,214

1,111

1,110

Auditor’s remuneration

 

 

 

 

-         Annual statutory audit

30,600

28,875

11,100

10,500

 

10      Tax (expense) income

 

The relationship between the expected tax (expense) income based on the effective tax rate of the Group and the Company and the actual tax (expense) income recognised in the statements of total comprehensive income can be reconciled as follows:

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit (loss) before tax

15,740,262

12,752,064

(1,462,700)

(1,108,408)

Tax rate

35%

35%

35%

35%

Expected tax (expense) income

(5,509,092)

(4,463,222)

511,945

387,943

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment for non-deductible expenses

(429,329)

(330,847)

(250,746)

(195,032)

Adjustment for income not subject to tax

6,199,620

4,989,646

-

-

Unrelieved foreign tax

(3,428,597)

(2,196,929)

-

-

Actual tax (expense) income, net

(3,167,398)

(2,001,352)

261,199

192,911

 

 

 

 

 

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

Current tax

(3,428,597)

(2,196,929)

-

-

Deferred tax on unabsorbed capital

 

 

 

 

allowances and unused tax losses

261,199

195,577

261,199

192,911

Tax (expense) income

(3,167,398)

(2,001,352)

261,199

192,911

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax income (expense), recognised

 

 

 

 

directly in other comprehensive income

74,815

(39,068)

(4,822,573)

(4,084,666)

 

See note 23 for information on the Group’s and Company’s deferred tax liability.

 

11      Earnings per share

 

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares (2023 and 2022: 48,002,000) outstanding during the year. There was no dilution of share capital during the reporting periods presented.

 

12     Property, plant and equipment

 

The Group and Company’s property, plant and equipment and their carrying amounts can be analysed as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Asset in the course of construction

Computer equipment

Computer software

Motor vehicles

Office furniture and equipment

Tools

Machinery and equipment

Right of use asset

Total

 

Gross carrying amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2022

 8,943,688

 331,419

 217,350

 219,901

 541,675

 120,050

 478,070

 399,761

 11,251,914

Additions

31,941

13,315

-

82,639

4,486

3,319

1,052,109

-

1,187,809

Disposals

-

-

-

(13,399)

-

-

-

-

(13,399)

At 31 December 2022

8,975,629

344,734

217,350

289,141

546,161

123,369

1,530,179

399,761

12,426,324

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2022

 -

 261,069

 217,350

 169,317

 533,587

 120,050

 387,898

 22,859

     1,712,130

Depreciation for the year

-

29,279

-

40,633

5,344

109

218,234

7,615

301,214

Release on disposal

-

-

-

(13,399)

-

-

-

-

(13,399)

At 31 December 2022

-

290,348

217,350

196,551

538,931

120,159

606,132

30,474

1,999,945

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount at 31 December 2022

8,975,629

54,386

-

92,590

7,230

3,210

924,047

369,287

10,426,379

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2023

8,975,629

344,734

217,350

289,141

546,161

123,369

1,530,179

399,761

12,426,324

Additions

39,998

14,159

75,168

-

26,887

2,434

-

-

158,646

Disposals

-

-

-

-

(409)

-

(73,199)

-

(73,608)

At 31 December 2023

9,015,627

358,893

292,518

289,141

572,639

125,803

1,456,980

399,761

12,511,362

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2023

-

290,348

217,350

196,551

538,931

120,159

606,132

30,474

1,999,945

Depreciation for the year

-

27,415

3,800

30,799

5,811

1,447

267,594

7,613

344,479

At 31 December 2023

-

317,763

221,150

227,350

544,742

121,606

873,726

38,087

2,344,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount at 31 December 2023

9,015,627

41,130

71,368

61,791

27,897

4,197

583,254

361,674

10,166,938

 

Company

 

Computer equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount

 

 

At 1 January 2022

 

7,567

Additions

 

2,908

At 31 December 2022

 

10,475

Depreciation

 

 

At 1 January 2022

 

6,416

Depreciation for the year

 

1,110

At 31 December 2022

 

7,526

Carrying amount at 31 December 2022

 

2,949

 

Gross carrying amount

 

 

At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023

 

10,475

Depreciation

 

 

At 1 January 2023

 

7,526

Depreciation for the year

 

1,111

At 31 December 2023

 

8,637

Carrying amount at 31 December 2023

 

1,838

 

 

 

 

The Group’s property, plant and equipment comprises an asset that is being constructed on land located in Shuhada Sidi Abuljalil, Janzour in Libya. This land is earmarked for development for residential units, tourism, leisure and restaurant facilities by one of the subsidiaries, Palm Waterfront Ltd. Costs directly associated with the development of the land have also been included.

 

The right to construct the asset was acquired by means of a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with CPHCL Company Limited was signed on 5 December 2013. The arrangement gives Palm Waterfront Ltd the right to develop the site, construct, implement, manage and operate the project at its discretion. The term of the BOT agreement is for a period of 80 years from date of signing of said agreement.

 

13      Investment property

 

Group

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount as at 1 January and 31 December

272,567,609

272,567,609

 

 

 

Investment property includes the Palm City Residences in Janzour, Libya, which is held to earn rentals and for capital appreciation. Due to the lack of comparable properties in the market, the determination of fair value cannot be objectively established on the basis of current active market prices.  Therefore, the fair value is determined on the basis of the discounted value of future earnings expected from the operation of the property.

 

Rental income for 2023 amounting to €26,514,400 (2022: €23,774,009) is included within ‘Revenue’. No contingent rents were recognised. Direct operating expenses of €5,613,980 (2022: €5,085,332) were reported within ‘Operating expenses’.

The fair value of the investment property was determined by discounting the forecast future cash flows generated by Palm City Residences for the remaining period of 48 years of the Build-Operate-Transfer agreement signed between CPHCL Company Limited and Palm City Ltd in 2007. A valuation exercise was carried out by the directors to determine the fair value of the investment property, and a composite pre-tax discount rate of 9.6% (2022: 13.14%) in real terms was applied to the projected cash flows.

The operating performance of the asset has remained relatively stable when compared to last year. 

The valuation arrived at when using all the above inputs, combined with the projected income streams amounts to €278,586,000 (2022: €274,352,000).  This figure is €6,018,000 higher than the carrying value of the investment property as at the end of the reporting period.

If the discount rate varies by 100 basis points, the fair value of the investment property would fluctuate by €23.5 million and €42.4 million (2022: €19.9 million and €27.4 million), respectively.

There are no material contractual obligations pertaining to investment property at the end of the reporting periods presented, except for repairs and maintenance expenses incurred in the normal running of the operation.

Leasing arrangements for residential units at the end of the reporting periods presented are as follows:

 

2023

2022

 

%

%

 

 

 

Within 1 year

18

17

1-5 years

82

83

 

100

100

 

 

14    Other investments

 

 

14.1 Investment accounted for using the equity method

 

 

Group

 

 

 

In the Group financial statements, the investment in Medina Towers Joint Stock Company for Real Estate Investments and Development (‘MTJSC’) is accounted for using the equity method.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares in associate company (unquoted)

 

 

 

7,845,472

8,084,098

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.2 Investment in associate

 

Company

 

 

In the Company financial statements, the investment in MTJSC is shown as financial asset at FVOCI. The fair value has been derived based on the latest financial information available.

 

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares in associate company (unquoted)

 

 

7,845,472

8,084,098

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The below table sets out the financial information of the associate.

 

Associate company

Percentage holding in ordinary shares

Nature of business

Capital and reserves 31.12.2023

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

Medina Tower Joint Stock Company

25

Property development

31,381,890

for Real Estate Investment and

Development (MTJSC)

Suite 107, Tower 2, Level 10

Tripoli Towers, Tripoli, Libya

 

 

 

(LYD165,222,516)

 

Summarised financial information for MTJSC is as follows:

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Total assets

35,021,598

36,072,873

Total liabilities

(3,639,708)

(3,736,480)

Loss for the year

(117,364)

(219,800)

 

A reconciliation of the above summarised financial information to the carrying amount of the investment is set out below:

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Total net assets

31,381,890

32,336,393

Proportion of ownership held by group

25%

25%

Carrying amount of investment

7,845,472

8,084,098

 

 

15    Investments in subsidiaries

 

 

Company

 

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

Notes

 

 

Shares in subsidiary companies (unquoted)

 

15.1

 

196,827,691

183,024,039

 

Loans to subsidiary company

 

15.2

 

7,000,000

7,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

203,827,691

190,024,039

 

 

15.1   Shares in subsidiary companies (unquoted)

 

Subsidiary company

Percentage holding in ordinary shares

Nature of business

Palm City Ltd

100%

Property development

22, Europa Centre, Floriana, FRN 1400, Malta

Palm Waterfront Ltd

99.90%

Property development

22, Europa Centre, John Lopez Street, Floriana, FRN 1400,  Malta

 

Shares in subsidiary company are being shown at fair value based on the latest available financial statements.

 

15.2  Loan to subsidiary company

 

The loan to Palm Waterfront Ltd is unsecured, interest free and has no fixed date of repayment. The carrying amount of the loans is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

16     Leases

 

The Group as a lessee

 

The Group has leases for the right to operate the Palm City Residences and motor vehicles.

 

On 2 October 2007, CPHCL Company Limited entered into a BOT agreement with Palm City Ltd effective from 6 July 2006. The arrangement, which gives Palm City Ltd the right to operate the Palm City Residences in Janzour, Libya for a period of 65 years, contains a lease element which is classified as an operating lease. The payment for the operating lease element has been estimated at €494,827 on the basis of the original lease granted by the Government of Libya to CPHCL Company Limited, and is classified as a lease prepayment. At 1 January 2019, the remaining lease prepayment amounting to €384,516 was classified as right-of-use asset under property, plant and equipment (Note 12).

 

The Group as a lessor

 

The Group leases out investment properties under operating leases pertaining to Palm City Residences (see Note 13).

 

17      Inventories

 

Inventories comprise mainly of food and beverage stocks used by the food and beverage department, together with stock of electrical materials and spare parts used by the maintenance and technical department of Palm City Ltd.

 

Group

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Food and beverage stocks

24,439

22,607

Electrical materials and spare parts

1,592,863

1,515,316

Less: Provision for obsolescence

(16,861)

(16,861)

Total inventories

1,600,441

1,521,062

 

 

 

 

In 2023, a total of €141,953 (2022: €138,283) of inventories was included in profit and loss as an expense.

 

18    Trade and other receivables

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

 

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables, gross

7,498,141

5,371,633

-

-

 

 

Allowance for ECL

(206,630)

(683,323)

-

-

 

 

Trade receivables

7,291,511

4,688,310

-

-

 

 

Amount due by subsidiary

-

-

48,788,585

61,521,693

 

 

Amounts due by other related companies

325,133

288,451

305,092

262,888

 

 

Accrued income

84,116

180,465

3,636

3,792,240

 

 

Financial assets

7,700,760

5,157,226

49,097,313

65,576,821

 

 

Advance payments to creditors

50,912

281,901

-

-

 

 

VAT refundable

339,141

200,607

234,826

105,974

 

 

Deposits

96,978

96,978

-

-

 

 

Other prepayments

233,388

221,830

-

-

 

 

Other receivables

38,620

(37,833)

3,330

1,721

 

 

Non-financial assets

759,039

763,483

238,156

107,695

 

 

Total trade and other receivables

8,459,799

5,920,709

49,335,469

65,684,516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All amounts are short-term. The net carrying value of trade and other receivables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

The amounts due by subsidiaries and other related companies are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

 

All of the Group’s trade and other receivables have been reviewed for indicators of impairment. Certain trade receivables were found to be impaired and a provision was recorded accordingly. The impaired trade receivables were with respect to rent receivable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

Balance 1 January

683,323

683,323

 

 

Reversal of provision for ECL

(565,669)

-

 

 

Provision for ECL

88,976

-

 

 

Balance 31 December

206,630

683,323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group continuously monitors defaults of customers and other counterparties and incorporates this information into its credit risk controls. The Group’s policy is to deal only with creditworthy counterparties.

 

An analysis of unimpaired trade receivables that are past due is given in note 27.1.

 

19    Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include the following components:

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

Cash at bank and in hand:

 

 

 

 

-       Euro

5,926,786

3,887,204

1,825,662

658,061

-       Libyan dinar

1,503,996

2,957,474

-

-

-       US dollar

28,738

37,046

26,228

27,172

-       Pound sterling

10,450

10,239

10,450

10,239

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position

7,469,970

6,891,963

1,862,340

695,472

 

 

 

 

 

Bank balance overdrawn

-

(3,946)

-

-

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cashflows

7,469,970

6,888,017

1,862,340

695,472

 

The Group has a bank deposit amounting to €1,876,111 (2022: €1,409,119) which is specifically designated for security deposits from lessees. This is not available for general use by the Group.

 

20    Equity

 

Share Capital

 

The share capital of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c. consists of fully paid ordinary ‘A’ shares and ‘B’ shares with a par value of €1 each. All shares are equally eligible to receive dividends and the repayment of capital and represent one vote at the shareholders’ meeting of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c.

 

 

 

Group and Company

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares authorised

 

 

 

 

50,000,000 ordinary ‘A’ shares of €1 each

 

 

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000 ordinary ‘B’ shares of €1 each

 

 

50,000,000

50,000,000

 

 

 

100,000,000

100,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued and fully paid

 

 

 

 

24,001,000 ordinary ‘A’ shares of €1 each

 

 

24,001,000

24,001,000

24,001,000 ordinary ‘B’ shares of €1 each

 

 

24,001,000

24,001,000

 

 

 

48,002,000

48,002,000

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

 

Group and Company

Reconciliation of dividends proposed and paid during the years presented:

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance unpaid as at 1 January

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

3,000,000

Declared during the year

 

 

 

 

6,000,000

-

Paid during the year

 

 

 

 

(7,000,000)

(2,000,000)

Balance at 31 December

 

 

 

 

-

1,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interim dividend was declared on 31 August 2023.

 

21   Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

Notes

Interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bond VIII

21.1

5.50%

 

-

19,910,050

-

19,910,050

Bond IX

21.2

6%

 

11,000,000

10,990,970

11,000,000

10,990,970

Bond X

21.3

5.25%

 

29,636,045

29,544,071

29,636,045

29,544,071

Bond XI

21.4

5.85%

 

19,609,217

-

19,609,217

-

 

 

 

 

60,245,262

60,445,091

60,245,262

60,445,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprising:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

-

19,910,050

-

19,910,050

Non-current

 

 

 

60,245,262

40,535,041

60,245,262

40,535,041

 

 

 

 

60,245,262

60,445,091

60,245,262

60,445,091

 

In 2020, the Company issued a €20.0 million 5.5% bond maturing in 2023 (Bond VIII), and an €11.0 million

unlisted 6% bond maturing in 2025 (Bond IX).

 

In 2022, the Company issued a €30.0 million 5.25% bond maturing in 2027 (Bond X).

 

During the year under review, the Company redeemed Bond VIII and issued a €20.0 million 5.85% bond maturing in 2028 (Bond XI).

 

All of the bonds constitute general, direct, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the issuer and will rank pari passu, without any priority or preference, with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.  Redemption of the bonds shall be made at the face value of the bonds. The Company also reserves the right to purchase from the market at any time after issue, bonds for cancellation.

 

The carrying amount of bonds issued by the Company is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

21.1    Bond VIII

 

Group

Company

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2022

19,910,050

19,910,050

Amortisation of transaction costs

89,950

89,950

Redemption of bond

(20,000,000)

(20,000,000)

Balance at 31 December 2023

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transaction costs in connection with the Bond VIII issue were expensed in the year under review.

 

21.2    Bond IX

 

Group

Company

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2022

10,990,970

10,990,970

Amortisation of transaction costs

9,030

9,030

Balance at 31 December 2023

11,000,000

11,000,000

 

 

 

Transaction costs in connection with the Bond IX issue were expensed in the year under review.

 

21.3    Bond X

 

Group

 Company

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2022

29,544,071

29,544,071

Amortisation of transaction costs

91,974

91,974

Balance at 31 December 2023

29,636,045

29,636,045

 

 

 

Transaction costs in connection with the Bond X issue were expensed in the year under review.

21.4    Bond XI

 

Group

 Company

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issue

19,578,265

19,578,265

Amortisation of transaction costs

30,952

30,952

Balance at 31 December 2023

19,609,217

19,609,217

 

 

 

Transaction costs in connection with the Bond X issue were expensed in the year under review.

22    Shareholders’ loan

 

The loan from shareholders was repaid during the year under review. In the previous year, it bore interest at 5% per annum.

 

 23    Deferred tax liability

 

Group

 Deferred tax arising from temporary differences can be summarised as follows:

 

 

2023

2022

 

Non-current assets

 

 

Investment property

25,858,540

25,858,540

Unused tax losses and unabsorbed capital allowances

(454,359)

(193,160)

Other temporary differences

-

(4,186,251)

 

21,143,116

21,479,129

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

The movement can be analysed as follows:

 

 

Movement for the year

336,014

156,509

 

 

 

Recognised directly in equity:

 

 

Deferred tax relating to difference on exchange

74,815

(39,068)

 

 

 

Recognised in profit or loss:

 

 

Deferred tax on unabsorbed capital allowances and unused tax losses

261,199

192,911

Deferred tax on other temporary differences

-

2,666

 

336,014

156,509

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

Investment in subsidiaries and associate

41,669,024

36,846,451

 

 

 

Unused tax losses and unabsorbed capital allowances

(454,359)

(193,160)

Other temporary differences

(1,222,863)

(1,222,863)

 

39,991,802

35,430,428

 

 

 

 

2023

2022

 

The movement can be analysed as follows:

 

 

Movement for the year

(4,561,374)

(3,891,755)

 

 

 

Recognised directly in equity

 

 

Deferred tax on gain on fair value of investment in subsidiaries and associate

(4,822,573)

(4,084,666)

 

 

 

Recognised in profit or loss

 

 

Deferred tax on unabsorbed capital allowances and unused tax losses

261,199

192,911

 

(4,561,374)

(3,891,755)

 

 

 

See note 10 for information on the Group’s and the Company’s tax (expense) income.

 

24    Trade and other payables

 

Trade and other payables recognised in the statements of financial position can be analysed as follows:

 

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

507,812

527,150

17,206

143

Capital creditors

-

25,000

-

-

Amounts owed to shareholder

166,797

922,223

166,797

922,223

Amounts owed to other related companies

364,620

364,328

573

776

Security deposits

596,190

674,889

-

-

Dividend payable

-

1,000,000

-

1,000,000

Accrued expenses

3,091,396

2,422,013

1,686,114

1,687,293

Financial liabilities

4,726,815

5,935,603

1,870,690

3,610,435

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income

8,720,186

6,693,881

-

-

Other payables

644,627

884,122

528,316

682,785

Non-financial liabilities

9,364,813

7,578,003

528,316

682,785

 

 

 

 

 

Total trade and other payables

14,091,628

13,513,606

2,399,006

4,293,220

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts owed to shareholder and other related companies are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.

 

The carrying value of financial liabilities is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value.

 

25     Cash flow adjustments and changes in working capital

 

The following non-cash flow adjustments and adjustments for changes in working capital have been made to profit (loss) before tax to arrive at operating cash flow:

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

344,479

301,214 

1,111

1,110

Interest receivable

(2,204)

(3,034,689)

(3,791,624)

Interest payable

3,527,370

3,877,944 

3,518,761

3,832,375

Amortisation of bond issue costs

221,906

275,227 

221,906

275,227

Difference on exchange

628,462

44,696 

(63)

197

Provision for ECL

88,976

-

-

Reversal of provision for ECL

(565,669)

-

-

-

Bad debts directly written off

341,752

-

-

-

Gain on investment

(3,160)

(3,160)

-

Reclassification from PPE

73,608

-

-

Share in net loss (gain) in investment

24,871

50,498 

-

-

Total adjustments

4,680,391

4,549,579

703,866

317,285 

 

 

 

 

 

Net changes in working capital:

 

 

 

 

Change in trade and other receivables

(2,959,204)

1,018,966

19,381,532

15,130,477

Change in trade and other payables

3,169,367

939,465

(652,990)

655,679

Change in inventories

(79,379)

(325,540)

-

-

Total changes in working capital

130,784

1,632,891

18,728,542

15,786,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26    Related party transactions

 

The Group’s related parties include its associates, key management and others as described below.

 

The Company’s related parties include its subsidiaries, key management and others as described below.

 

Unless otherwise stated, none of the transactions incorporates special terms and conditions and no guarantees were given or received. Outstanding balances are usually settled in cash.

 

26.1    Transactions with related parties

 

Group

Company

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultancy and other services charged to subsidiary

-

-

256,551

244,334

Interest charged by shareholder

154,399

278,972

154,399

278,972

Consultancy and other fees paid to related parties

240,888

213,976

-

-

Services and expenses recharged to related companies

7,524

22,532

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

Balances with related parties are disclosed in notes 14, 15, 18, 22 and 24.

 

27    Financial instrument risk

Risk management objectives and policies

The Group and Company are exposed to various risks through use of financial instruments which result from its operating, investing and financing activities. The Group and Company’s financial assets and liabilities by category are summarised in note 27.4. The main types of risks are credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk.

The Group’s and the Company’s risk management is coordinated at its head office, in close co-operation with the board of directors, and focuses on actively securing the Group’s and the Company’s short to medium-term cash flows by minimising the exposure to financial markets. Long-term financial investments are managed to generate lasting returns. 

The Group and the Company do not actively engage in the trading of financial assets for speculative purposes. The most significant financial risks to which the Group and the Company are exposed are described below.

27.1    Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty fails to discharge an obligation to the Group and the Company. The Group and the Company’s exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recognised at the end of the reporting period, as summarised below:

 

 

 

Group

Company

 

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

Notes

Classes of financial assets - carrying amounts

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to subsidiary company

15

-

-

7,000,000

7,000,000

Trade and other receivables

18

7,700,760

5,157,226

49,097,313

65,576,821

Cash and cash equivalents

19

7,469,970

6,891,963

1,862,340

695,472

 

 

15,170,730

12,049,189

57,959,653

73,272,293

 

The credit risk is managed based on the Group’s and Company’s credit risk management policies and procedures.

 

Bank balances at year end are mainly held with a local financial institution which has a credit rating by an international credit rating agency, Standard & Poor’s of BBB-. Such rating translates into an immaterial expected credit loss. Included in cash and cash equivalents of the Group is an amount of €1,503,996 (2022: €2,957,474) which is held in Libyan banks for which no credit rating is available.

 

The Group continuously monitors defaults and the credit quality of customers and other counterparties, identified either individually or by group, and incorporates this information into its credit risk controls.  The Group’s policy is to deal only with creditworthy counterparties.  The standard credit terms given to customers is 60 days.  The credit terms as negotiated with customers are subject to an internal review process.  The ongoing credit risk is managed through regular review of ageing analysis, together with credit limits per customer.

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers in various industries.

 

Trade receivables

 

The Group applies IFRS 9 simplified model of recognising lifetime ECL for all trade receivables as these items do not have a significant financing component.

 

In measuring the expected credit losses, the trade receivables have been assessed on a collective basis as they possess shared credit risk characteristics.  They have been grouped based on the days past due and also according to the geographical location of customers.

 

Based on the length of time a trade receivable is outstanding, customer’s payment history as well as current and forward-looking information on macroeconomic factors affecting the customer’s ability to pay, management concluded that the credit quality of trade receivables including those that are past due but not impaired to be good. Furthermore, the Group has taken a full provision against old balances due from local government entities, such that the trade debtors primarily consist of government and non-government agencies situated outside of Libya. Over and above this, there is an amount of €8.7 million (2022: €6.7 million) in deferred income and €3.7 million (2022: €2.7 million) held in security deposits. Credit risk for trade receivables is considered low and ECL for trade receivables are not material. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Failure to engage with the Group on an alternative payment arrangement amongst others is considered to be an indicator of no reasonable expectation of recovery.

 

At 31 December, the Group had certain trade receivables that have not been settled by the contractual due date but are not considered to be impaired. The amounts at 31 December, analysed by the length of time past due, are:

 

 

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Not more than 30 days

227,970

687,636

More than 30 days but not more than 120 days

2,782,544

21,381

More than 120 days

2,192,635

1,823,097

Total

5,203,149

2,532,114

 

27.2    Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is that the Group and the Company may be unable to meet their obligations.

 

Management manages the Group’s and the Company’s liquidity needs by carefully monitoring cash flows in day to day business.  Liquidity needs are monitored in various time bands, on a daily and weekly basis, as well as on the basis of rolling 30-day projections.  Long-term liquidity needs for a 6-monthly and yearly period are identified monthly.

 

The Group and the Company maintain cash to meet their liquidity requirements for the short-term.  Funding for long-term liquidity needs is secured by an adequate amount of committed credit facilities.

 

As at 31 December 2023, the Group’s and the Company’s liabilities have contractual maturities (including interest payments where applicable) as summarised below:

 

Group

 

 

 

Current

Non-current

 

within 6

months

6 to 12

months

2 to 5

years

later than

5 years

31 December 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds in issue

-

-

60,245,262

-

Interest on bonds in issue

-

3,405,000

10,065,000

-

Trade and other payables

507,812

2,803,128

-

-

 

507,812

6,208,128

70,310,262

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

Current

Non-current

 

within 6

months

6 to 12

months

2 to 5

years

later than

5 years

31 December 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds in issue

-

-

60,245,262

-

Interest on bonds in issue

-

3,405,000

10,065,000

-

Trade and other payables

17,206

437,608

-

-

 

17,206

3,842,608

70,310,262

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

This compares to the maturity of the Group’s and the Company’s contractual maturities in the previous reporting period as follows:

 

Group

 

Current

Non-current

 

within 6

months

6 to 12

months

2 to 5

years

later than

5 years

31 December 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds in issue

-

19,910,050

40,535,041

-

Interest on bonds in issue

-

3,335,000

7,620,000

-

Bank balance overdrawn

3,946

-

-

-

Trade and other payables

527,150

4,021,939

-

-

Shareholders’ loan

-

-

5,203,300

-

 

531,096

27,266,989

53,358,341

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

 

Current

Non-current

 

within 6

6 to 12

2 to 5

later than

months

Months

years

5 years

31 December 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds in issue

-

19,910,050

40,535,041

-

Interest on bonds in issue

-

3,335,000

7,620,000

-

Trade and other payables

143

2,223,778

-

-

Shareholders’ loan

-

-

5,203,300

-

 

143

25,468,828

53,358,341

-

 

27.3    Market risk

Foreign currency risk

Group

Exposure to currency exchange rates mainly arises from certain transactions and payments denominated in Libyan dinars. Cash inflows and cash outflows in foreign currency are matched at subsidiary level, hence, the Group is only exposed to foreign currency risk as shown below.

 

Foreign currency denominated financial liabilities, translated into euro at the closing rate, are as follows:

 

Short term

Long term

 

LYD

LYD

 

31 December 2023

 

 

Financial assets

5,276,322

-

Financial liabilities

(1,634,215)

-

Total exposure

3,642,107

-

 

 

 

31 December 2022

 

 

Financial assets

5,551,590

-

Financial liabilities

(1,279,144)

-

Total exposure

4,272,446

-

 

 

 

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of the net result for the year in regards to the Group’s financial liabilities and the LYD/euro exchange rate.

 

The following table assumes a +/- 2% change of the LYD/euro exchange rate at year end (2022: 1%). This percentage has been determined based on the average market volatility in exchange rates in the previous 12 months. The sensitivity analysis is based on the Group’s foreign currency financial instruments held at the end of the reporting period.

 

If the euro had strengthened or weakened against the LYD by 2% (2022: 1%), then this would have had the following impact on the net result for the year.

 

 

 

Net result for the year LYD

 

31 December 2023

+ /- 72,842

31 December 2022

+ / - 42,724

 

The analysis above is considered to be representative of the Group’s exposure to currency risk.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Group had no liabilities bearing interest at variable rates at the end of the reporting period under review and therefore is not exposed to any interest rate risk. Interest exposure on its interest-bearing financial assets is considered to be not significant.

 

27.4    Categories of financial assets and liabilities

The carrying amounts presented in the statements of financial position relate to the following categories of assets and liabilities:

   

 

 

Group

Company

 

 

2023

2022

2023

2022

 

Financial assets at FVTPL

Notes

 

-       Shares in subsidiary

       company

15

-

-

196,827,691

183,024,039

 

-       Shares in associate

       company

14

-

-

7,845,472

8,084,098

 

 

 

-

-

204,673,163

191,108,137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets at amortised cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

-       Loans to subsidiary

       companies

15

-

-

7,000,000

7,000,000

 

-       Trade and other

       receivables

18

7,700,760

5,157,226

49,097,313

65,576,821

 

-       Cash and cash equivalents

19

7,469,970

6,891,963

1,862,340

695,472

 

 

 

15,170,730

12,049,189

57,959,653

73,272,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current

 

 

 

 

 

 

-       Bonds

21

60,245,262

40,535,041

60,245,262

40,535,041

 

-       Shareholders’ loan

22

-

5,203,300

-

5,203,300

 

-       Security deposits

 

3,130,194

2,062,117

-

-

 

 

 

63,375,456

47,800,458

60,245,262

45,738,341

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

 

-       Bank and other

       borrowings

 

-

3,946

-

-

 

-       Bonds

21

-

19,910,050

-

19,910,050

 

-       Trade and other payables

24

4,726,815

5,935,603

1,870,690

3,610,435

 

 

 

4,726,815

25,849,599

1,870,690

23,520,485

 

 

See note 4.13 for a description of the accounting policies for each category of financial instruments. The fair values are presented in the related notes. 

 

28    Fair value measurement

28.1 Fair value measurement of financial instruments 

The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the Group’s and the Company’s statements of financial position in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.  This hierarchy groups financial assets and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

-     Level 1: based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets;

-     Level 2: based on information other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

-     Level 3: information for the asset that is not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 

The level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant input to the fair value measurement.

 

The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the statements of financial position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

 

31 December 2023

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

 

Financial assets at FVOCI

 

 

 

Investment in associate

-

-

7,845,472

Investment in subsidiary

-

-

196,827,691

 

-

-

204,673,163

 

 

 

 

31 December 2022

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

 

Financial assets at FVOCI

 

 

 

Investment in associate

-

-

8,084,098

Investment in subsidiary

-

-

183,024,039

 

-

-

191,108,137

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement of fair value

The methods and valuation techniques used for the purpose of measuring fair value are as follows:

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Fair value information for these financial assets has been obtained from the latest available financial information. 

 

Level 3 fair value measurements

The reconciliation of the carrying amounts of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income classified within Level 3 is as follows:

 

Company

2023

2022

 

 

 

 

Balance at 1 January

191,108,137

179,326,038

Gain recognised in other comprehensive income

13,589,897

11,832,597

Other movement

(24,871)

(50,498)

Balance at 31 December

204,673,163

191,108,137

 

Changing inputs to the Level 3 valuations to reasonably possible alternative assumptions would not change significantly amounts recognised in profit or loss, total assets or total liabilities or total equity.

 

28.2 Fair value measurement of non-financial assets 

The following table shows the levels within the hierarchy of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

 

 

 

 

31 December 2023

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

 

 

 

Investment property

-

-

272,567,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 December 2022

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

 

 

 

Investment property

-

-

272,567,609

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of the subsidiary’s investment property is estimated based on a valuation exercise carried out by the directors. The significant inputs and assumptions are developed in close consultation with management. The valuation processes and fair value changes are reviewed by the board of directors at each reporting date. During the year under review, the valuation arrived at when using these inputs amounted to €278,586,000 (see note 13).

 

29    Capital management policies and procedures

 

The board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investors’ and creditors’ and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business.  The board of directors monitors the return on capital, which the Group and the Company defines as the profit for the year divided by total equity.

 

The directors seek to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of borrowings and advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position.  The Group and the Company seek to maximise the return on shareholders’ equity and to reduce the incidence of interest expenses. 

 

There were no changes in the Group’s and the Company’s approach to capital management during the year.  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

 

30    Post-reporting date events

 

No adjusting or significant non-adjusting events have occurred between the end of the reporting period and the date of authorisation by the board.

 

 

 

A picture containing logo Description automatically generated

Independent auditor’s report 

To the shareholders of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c.

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Mediterranean Investments Holding plc (the “Company”) and of the Group of which it is the parent, which comprise the statements of financial position as at 31 December 2023, and the statements of total comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and the Group as at 31 December 2023, and of their financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU) , and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act, Cap. 386 (the “Act”).

Our opinion is consistent with our additional report to the audit committee.

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 Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company and the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements of the Accountancy Profession (Code of Ethics for Warrant Holders) Directive issued in terms of the Accountancy Profession Act, Cap. 281 that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Malta. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In conducting our audit, we have remained independent of the Company and the Group and have not provided any of the non-audit services prohibited by article 18A of the Accountancy Profession Act, Cap. 281.  Total remuneration payable to the parent company’s auditors in respect of the audit of the Group’s and Company’s financial statements amounted to €30,600 (2022: €28,875) and €11,100 (2022: €10,500), respectively. Other fees payable to the parent company’s auditors in respect of tax compliance services rendered to the Group and the Company amounted to €3,825 (2022: €3,655) and €1,200 (2022: €1,155), respectively.

 

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 and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. 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.

 

Significant political and economic uncertainty in Libya

Key audit matter

The political situation in Libya, which has remained unstable during the year under review is a cause of significant uncertainty. Given that the Group’s business is entirely conducted in Libya, we placed special focus on the Group’s assets in that country. These comprise the Palm City Residences with a carrying amount of €272.6 million, land under construction owned by Palm Waterfront Ltd with a carrying amount of €9.0 million and a 25% holding in an associate carried at €7.8 million which in turn owns land in Tripoli, Libya earmarked for development.

The directors are continuing to monitor the situation in Libya closely and are taking immediate and appropriate action in the best interests of all stakeholders. Palm City Residences is still fully operational and the directors have confirmed that all the existing signed contracts are still in full force and effect.

However, different scenarios in terms of the future political landscape in Libya are plausible, which scenarios, negative and positive, could significantly influence the business of the Group and the valuation o its assets. 

How the key audit matter was addressed in our audit      

The procedures we have conducted in connection with the valuation of the Group’s Investment Property, which accounts for 88% of the Group’s total assets, are explained in the key audit matter for valuation of investment property of the Group shown below.

We have also evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures made in note 4.18 (f) to these financial statements and in the Director’s report regarding the situation in Libya. We discussed this matter with management and those charged with governance and noted that they were able to provide satisfactory responses to our questions.

The significant uncertainty in Libya may impact the Group’s business in a significant manner. We consider this matter to be of fundamental importance to the users’ understanding of these financial statements.

Valuation of investment property of the Group

Key audit matter

One of the subsidiaries of the Group has a property situated in Zanzour, Libya, held under a 65-year Build, Operate and Transfer agreement. The property consists of a number of individual units within a gated complex. The units were constructed to be leased out under short-term and long-term leases to third parties for use as accommodation. At 31 December 2023 the property is carried at €272.6 million.

Management has conducted an internal valuation of the property as at 31 December 2023. This valuation is based on the projected rental income streams discounted to present value. The underlying assumptions consist of the projected rental rates and occupancy levels of the units and take into consideration contracted rates for units that are leased out.

The valuation of the subsidiary’s investment property is inherently subjective mainly due to the judgemental nature of the factors used in arriving at the value. Moreover, the property is situated in Libya which is still passing through a period of great uncertainty. The significance of the estimates made, the judgement involved and the uncertainty in Libya could result in a material misstatement. Consequently, this warrants specific audit focus.

How the key audit matter was addressed in our audit      

We obtained an understanding of the methodology used by management to arrive at the valuation of the property at 31 December 2023 and tested the arithmetical accuracy of the workings. We also agreed the information in the valuation report to the accounting records.

We engaged our internal specialist resources to review and challenge the valuation methodology and the underlying assumptions.

We attended meetings with management and those charged with governance and noted that they were able to provide satisfactory responses to our questions.

We assessed the adequacy of the disclosures made in Notes 4.18 (f) and 13 of the financial statements including those regarding the key assumptions.

Based on the audit work done we concluded that the carrying amount of the investment property falls within a reasonable range of values.

The significant uncertainty in Libya and the significant judgements surrounding the valuation of the Group’s Investment Property situated in that country render the fair valuation of the property extremely difficult and judgemental. We consider this matter to be of fundamental importance to the users’ understanding of these financial statements because should the assumptions underlying the valuation not materialise the fair value of the investment property which, at 31 December 2023 is carried at €272.6 million would vary significantly.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the (i) Chairman’s Statement, (ii) the Directors’ report, (iii) the Statement by the Directors on the Financial Statement and Other Information included in the Annual Report, (iv) the Directors’ Statement of Compliance with the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance and (v) Other Disclosures in terms of the Capital Markets Rules (amend as required) which we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, but does not include the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information, including the Directors’ report.

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. 

With respect to the Directors’ report, we also considered whether the Directors’ report includes the disclosures required by Article 177 of the Act.

Based on the work we have performed, in our opinion:

 

·            the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements, and

·            the Directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with the Act.

 

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and the Group and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we are required to report if we have identified material misstatements in the Directors’ report and other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of 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 are properly prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Act, 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’s and the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. The directors are responsible for overseeing the Company’s and the Group’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s 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 auditor’s 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.

In terms of article 179A(4) of the Act, the scope of our audit does not include assurance on the future viability if the audited entity or on the efficiency or effectiveness with which the directors have conducted or will conduct the affairs of the entity.

As part of an audit in accordance with the ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

-

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

 

-

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s and Group’s internal control.

 

-

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 

-

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s and Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However future events or conditions may cause the Company or the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

 

-

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

 

-

Obtain sufficient appropriate evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

 

 We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with the relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

 

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefit of such communication.

 

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

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 Report and Consolidated Financial Statements of Mediterranean Investments Holding p.l.c. for the year ended 31 December 2023, entirely prepared in a single electronic reporting format.

Responsibilities of the directors

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the Report and 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.

Our responsibilities

Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements and the relevant electronic tagging therein, complies 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:

-

Obtaining an understanding of the entity's financial reporting process, including the preparation of the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF RTS.

 

-

Obtaining the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements and performing validations to determine whether the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the technical specifications of the ESEF RTS.

 

-

Examining the information in the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements to determine whether all the required taggings therein have been applied and whether, in all material respects, they are in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF RTS.

 

-

We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

 

Opinion

In our opinion, the Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 has been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements of the ESEF RTS.

Report on the statement of compliance with the Principles of Good Corporate Governance

The Capital Markets Rules issued by the MFSA (the “Capital Markets Rules”) require the directors to prepare and include in their Annual Report a Corporate governance statement providing an explanation of the extent to which they have adopted the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance and the effective measures that they have taken to ensure compliance throughout the accounting period with those Principles.

 

The Capital Markets Rules also require us, as the auditor of the Company, to include a report on the Statement of Compliance prepared by the directors.

 

We read the Statement of Compliance with the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance 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 Annual Report. Our responsibilities do not extend to considering whether this statement is consistent with any other information included in the Annual 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 with the Code of Principles of Good Corporate Governance 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 Corporate governance statement has been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Markets Rules.

 

Other matters on which we are required to report by exception

We also have responsibilities

 

·            under the Companies Act, Cap 386 to report to you if, in our opinion:

         adequate accounting records have not been kept, or that returns adequate for our audit have not  been received from branches not visited by us

         the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns

         we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit

         certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made in the financial statements, giving the required particulars in our report.

 

·            in terms of 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 to you in respect of these responsibilities.

 

Auditor tenure

 

We were first appointed as auditors of the Company and the Group when the Company was registered on 12 December 2005 and our first audit was for the period ended 31 December 2006. Our appointment has been renewed annually by shareholders’ resolutions representing a total period of uninterrupted engagement appointment of 17 years. The Company first issued listed securities on the Malta Stock Exchange on 7 November 2007.

 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Mark Bugeja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRANT THORNTON

Certified Public Accountants

Fort Business Centre

Triq L-Intornjatur, Zone 1,

Central Business District,

Birkirkara CBD 1050

Malta

 

25 April 2024