08 Financial Statements Royal HZPC Group B.V.

These annual accounts have been prepared for a reporting period of one year. The financial year of the company runs from 1 July up to and including 30 June of the following year.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Title 9, Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code. The financial statements were prepared on 29 October 2024. The applied accounting policies are based on the historical cost convention.

The financial information of the company is included in the consolidated annual accounts. For this reason, in accordance with Section 402, Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code, the separate profit and loss account of the company exclusively states the share of the result of participating interests after tax and the general result after tax. 

The management team is constantly assessing the relevant information and risks in order to take the appropriate measures, if necessary. The management has learned, in recent years, that Royal HZPC Group B.V. is a very resilient company. We can weather the storms and keep pace with a market that is constantly changing. One of HZPC’s biggest strengths is that we are not based on one continent but are a potato breeder and trading house operating on a global scale. Although instability is facing Europe and some of the Middle East, there are numerous opportunities in growth markets such as India, China and Africa. We are also expanding in America.

The financing that is available to us is enough to accommodate future, regular fluctuations and disruptions. The management team constantly monitors developments in turnover and costs in order to maintain an overview of liquidity developments. Analyses are also carried out on a regular basis so that additional measures can be taken in good time. On the basis of the management analyses, the current results and the company’s financing position, the annual accounts have been drafted on the basis of an assumption of continuity. On the basis of the realised forecasts in September 2024, we expect to be compliant with the bank’s covenants until at least October 2025.

The financing agreement runs until 6 March 2027 with an option of extending it twice by 1 year.

An asset is recognised in the balance sheet when it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the cost of the asset can be reliably determined. A liability is recognised in the balance sheet when it is expected to result in an outflow from the entity of resources embodying economic benefits and the amount of the obligation can be determined with sufficient reliability.

Income is recognised in the profit and loss account when an increase in future economic potential related to an increase in an asset or a decrease of a liability has arisen, the size of which can be reliably determined. Expenses are recorded when a decrease in the economic potential related to a decrease in an asset or an increase of a liability has arisen, the size of which can be determined with sufficient reliability.

If a transaction results in a transfer of all or virtually all future economic benefits and all or virtually all risks relating to assets or liabilities to a third party, the asset or liability is no longer included in the balance sheet. Assets and liabilities are not included in the balance sheet from the date upon which economic benefits are not probable and/or cannot be determined with sufficient reliability.

Revenues and expenses are allocated to the period to which they relate. Revenues are recorded when the company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the seed potatoes and ware potatoes to the buyer.

Licences are considered as income when third parties have exercised the right to use the company’s assets.

The annual accounts are presented in euros, the company’s functional currency. All financial information is rounded in euros to the nearest thousand unless otherwise indicated.

The preparation of the annual accounts requires the management to form opinions and to make estimates and assumptions that influence the application of principles and the reported values of assets and liabilities and of income and expenditure. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and the underlying assumptions are constantly assessed. Revisions of estimates are included in the period in which the estimate is revised and in future periods for which the revision has consequences.

The accounting policy on trade receivables is, in the opinion of the management, the most critical for the purpose of presenting the financial position and requires estimates and assumptions related to customer credit risk, which is dependent on the customer, the geographic region and economic circumstances.

The consolidated annual accounts include the financial data of the company and its group companies. Group companies are legal entities and companies in which dominant control is exercised. This will include financial instruments that carry potential voting rights if they have economic substance.

For an overview of the consolidated group companies, please refer to the Table of participating interests (page 68).

Newly acquired participating interests are included in the consolidation from the point in time at which a controlling interest can be exercised. Participating interests which have been disposed of are included in the consolidation up to the point in time when this interest ended. Joint ventures are not consolidated but valued at net asset value.

The consolidated annual accounts include the financial data of the company and its group companies. Group companies are legal entities and companies in which dominant control is exercised. This will include financial instruments that carry potential voting rights if they have economic substance.

For an overview of the consolidated group companies, please refer to the Table of participating interests (page 68).

Newly acquired participating interests are included in the consolidation from the point in time at which a controlling interest can be exercised. Participating interests which have been disposed of are included in the consolidation up to the point in time when this interest ended. Joint ventures are not consolidated but valued at net asset value.

Transactions denominated in foreign currency are converted into the relevant functional currency of the group companies at the exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are converted at the balance sheet date into the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing on that date.

The fluctuations in currency exchange rates that occur during the conversion and processing are recorded in the period in which they occur with the exception of the fluctuations in exchange rates on monetary items that  form part of the net investment in a foreign operation. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency that are stated at historical cost are converted into euros at the prevailing exchange rates on the transaction date. Fluctuations that occur in the foreign currency rates during conversion are recorded as expenditure in the profit and loss account.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are converted into euros at the prevailing exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Income and expenses of foreign operations are converted into euros at the exchange rate applying on the transaction date.

Currency translation differences are recognised in the translation differences reserve. On disposal of business operations abroad, the relevant cumulative amount of translation differences recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement as part of the result on disposal.

Financial instruments include primary financial instruments such as receivables, securities and payables, as well as financial derivatives.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when contractual rights or obligations arise in respect of that instrument. A financial instrument is derecognised if a transaction results in all or substantially all rights to economic benefits and all or substantially all risks relating to the position being transferred to a third party. Financial instruments (and individual components of financial instruments) are presented in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the substance of the contractual terms. Presentation is made on the basis of individual components of financial instruments as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity.

Financial and non-financial contracts may contain arrangements that meet the definition of derivatives. Such an arrangement is separated from the primary contract and accounted for as a derivative if its economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the primary contract, a separate instrument with the same terms would meet the definition of a derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Embedded financial instruments that are not separated from the host contract are accounted for in accordance with the host contract.

Derivatives separated from the host contract are measured, in accordance with the accounting policy for derivatives to which no cost price hedge accounting is applied, at cost or lower fair value.

Financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value, with (dis)premium and directly attributable transaction costs included in the initial recognition. However, if financial instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss on subsequent measurement, directly attributable transaction costs are recognised directly in profit or loss on initial measurement.

After initial recognition, financial instruments are measured as described below.

The company uses 2 interest rate caps to hedge the risk of an increase in interest paid on bank credit.

The company applies cost hedge accounting based on individual documentation per interest rate cap. The interest rate cap is valued at cost and amortised over the term of the interest rate cap against interest expense.

At each balance sheet date, it is determined whether ineffectiveness exists or has occurred. If and to the extent that the ineffectiveness results in a loss on a cumulative basis on the balance sheet date, the ineffectiveness is recognised under interest expense in the income statement.

If the company has acquired or is contracted to acquire financial instruments for the purpose of selling the instrument in the short term, it forms part of the trading book and after initial recognition, is valued at fair value and changes in the fair value are recorded in the profit and loss account.

Loans and other receivables are valued at amortised cost after initial recognition on the basis of the effective interest method, less impairment losses.

Long-term and current liabilities and other financial obligations are carried at amortised cost on the basis of the effective interest method.

The repayment obligations for the coming year with respect to long-term debts shall be included under short-term debts.

A financial asset or a group of financial assets, is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. A financial asset is deemed to be impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset that have had a negative impact on the estimated future cash flows of that asset, and which can be reliably estimated.

Objective evidence that financial assets are subject to impairment includes non-compliance with payment obligations or payment default by a debtor, restructuring of an amount payable to the company under conditions that otherwise would not have been considered by the company, indications that a debtor or issuer is approaching bankruptcy, or the disappearance of an active market for a security.

In addition, subjective and objective indicators of an impairment would be considered. Examples include the loss of active markets in the case of financial assets with a market listing, a reduction in the creditworthiness of the other party, i.e. the legal person or debtor of the issued instrument, or a reduction in the fair value of a financial asset to beneath the cost price or the amortised cost.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset valued at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its book value and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. Losses are recorded in the profit and loss account. Interest on a particular asset subject to impairment will continue to be accounted for via addition of interest from the asset with the original effective interest of the asset.

When, in a subsequent period, the amount of an impairment loss decreases, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss (up to the amount of the original cost).

A financial asset and a financial liability are offset when the entity has a legally enforceable right to set off the financial asset and financial liability and the company has the firm intention to settle the balance on a net basis, or to settle the asset and the liability simultaneously.

If there is a transfer of a financial asset that does not qualify for de-recognition in the balance sheet, the transferred asset and the associated liability are not offset. 

The intangible fixed assets are valued against acquisition price or production price with reductions applied due to cumulative depreciations and impairment losses. The outlays following initial recording of an intangible fixed asset that has been purchased or produced are added to the acquisition or production price if it is probable that the outlays will lead to an increase in the future economic benefits and the outlays and the allocation to the asset can be reliably determined. If the conditions cannot be met, the outlays are recorded as costs in the profit and loss account.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the company’s interest in the net realisable value of the assets acquired (including transaction costs directly related to the acquisition) and the 'conditional' liabilities assumed at the transfer date, less cumulative amortisation and impairment losses.

Goodwill paid upon the acquisition of foreign group companies and subsidiaries is converted at the exchange rates on the date of the transaction. The capitalized goodwill is amortised on a linear basis over an estimated economic useful life of five years. Internally generated goodwill is not capitalised.

The amortisation rate for goodwill is 20%.

Development costs are capitalised to the extent that they relate to projects deemed commercially viable (software). The development of an intangible asset is deemed commercially viable if it is technically feasible to complete the asset, the company intends to complete the asset and then use it or sell it (including the availability of adequate technical, financial and other means of achieving this), the company has the ability to use or sell it actively, it is likely to generate future economic benefits and the expenditures during the development can be reliably determined.

The amortisation rate for development costs is 10.0% - 33.33%.

Development costs are valued at production cost, less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. The manufacturing price mainly comprises cost of hiring consultants and the employee's salary costs. The capitalised costs are depreciated after the completion of the development phase (actively ready for commissioning) over the estimated useful life, which is 3 to 7 years. Depreciation takes place according to the linear method. The costs for development and other costs for research have been fully charged to the result in the period in which they are incurred. For the part of the capitalised development costs not yet written off, a legal reserve is created.

Land and buildings, machines and other fixed operating assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost consists of the price of acquisition or manufacture, plus other costs that are necessary to get the assets to their location and condition for their intended use The cost of self-constructed assets includes the purchase cost of materials and consumables and other costs that can be directly attributed to the manufacturing.

Investment subsidies are deducted from the cost price of the assets to which the subsidies relate.

Depreciation is calculated as a percentage of the purchase value in accordance with the linear method on the basis of the economic lifespan while taking residual value into account. Depreciation does not take place on land and assets in progress. Depreciation starts at the moment that an asset is available for the intended use and it ends at the time at which use is discontinued or its disposal.

Participating interests where significant influence is exercised over the business and financial policy are valued according to the equity method on the basis of net asset value. If valuation on the basis of the net asset value cannot take place as the information necessary for this cannot be obtained, the participation is valued according to the visible shareholders' equity.

In assessing whether the company has significant influence over the business and financial policies of a participating interest, all facts and circumstances and contractual relationships, including potential voting rights, are taken into account.

Participating interests where the company exercises joint control along with other participants, such as in joint ventures, are valued in the same way.

The net asset value is calculated on the basis of the company’s accounting policies. If the participating legal entity transfers an asset or a liability to a participation that is valued according to the equity method, the profit or loss resulting from this transfer is recorded pro-rata on the basis of the relative interest that third parties have in the participations (proportional determination of results). A loss that results from the transfer of current assets or a particular reduction in value of fixed assets is recorded completely. Results on transactions involving transfer of assets and liabilities between the Company and its participating interests and mutually between participating interests are eliminated to the extent that these cannot be regarded as having been realised.

Participations with a negative net asset value are valued at zero and a share in the profit of the participation in later years is only recorded if and to the extent that the cumulative share that has not been recorded is entered in the loss. However, if the company fully or partially guarantees the debts of the relevant participating interest, or it has the constructive obligation to enable the participating interest to pay its debts (for its share therein), then a provision is recognised accordingly to the amount of the estimated payments by the company on behalf of the participating interest. This provision is recognised primarily to the debit of the receivables on the respective participating interest and for the remainder, is presented under provisions.

Participations over which no meaningful control is exercised are valued on the basis of the acquisition price or lower recoverable value. If the situation involves a firm intention to sell, valuation occurs against the possible lower expected sale value. Results from transactions with and between associates valued at acquisition cost are recognised in full unless they are substantially unrealised. Dividends from participations which are valued on the basis of the acquisition price are recorded in the period in which they are declared as income from participations. Any profit or loss is recorded under financial income or expenses.

For the valuation of other financial fixed assets, reference is made to the principles under deferred taxes and financial instruments. Other securities are valued at amortised cost. 

For tangible and intangible fixed assets an assessment is made as of each balance sheet date as to whether there are indications that these assets are subject to impairment. If there are such indications, then the recoverable value of the asset is estimated. The recoverable value is the higher of the value in use and the net realisable value.

If it is not possible to determine the recoverable value of an individual asset, then the recoverable value of the cash flow generating unit to which the asset belongs is estimated.

If the book value of an asset (or a cash flow generating unit) is higher than the recoverable value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the book value and the recoverable value. In the event of an impairment loss of a cash flow generating unit, the loss is first allocated to goodwill that has been allocated to the cash flow generating unit. Any remaining loss is allocated to the other assets of the unit in proportion to their carrying values.

In addition an assessment is made on each balance sheet date whether there is any indication that an impairment loss that was recorded in previous years has decreased. If there is such indication, then the recoverable value of the related asset (or cash flow generating unit) is estimated. Reversal of an impairment loss that was recorded in the past only takes place in the event of a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable value since the recording of the last impairment loss. In such case, the book value of the asset (or cash flow generating unit) is increased up to the amount of the estimated recoverable value, but not higher than the carrying value that would have applied (after depreciation) if no impairment loss had been recorded in prior years for the asset (or cash flow generating unit).

An impairment loss for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period. Contrary to what is stated before, at each reporting date the recoverable amount is assessed for the following assets (irrespective of whether there is any indicator of an impairment):

• intangible assets that have not been put into use yet;
• intangible assets that are amortised over a useful life of more than 20 years (counting from the moment of initial operation/use).

The recovery of an exceptional devaluation loss for a cash flow generating unit must be attributed to the book value of the assets, i.e. not goodwill, on a pro rata basis, based on the book value of the unit’s assets.

Losses are recorded in the profit and loss account. Interest on a particular asset subject to impairment will continue to be accounted for via addition of interest from the asset with the original effective interest of the asset.

Fixed assets available for sale are stated at the lower of their book value and net realisable value.

Inventories are valued at cost or lower realisable value. The cost price is made up of the acquisition price or production price with the addition of other costs connected with keeping the inventories at their present level and in their present condition. The realisable value is based on the most reliable estimate of the amount that the inventories are expected to yield.

Raw materials and consumables (packaging materials and components) are valued at the lower of cost price – determined in accordance with the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle – and market value.

Inventories of finished product and mini-tubers which have been grown by the company itself, is valued at manufacturing price based on costs that are directly attributable to manufacturing. The main part of this is personnel expenses.

The valuation of stocks includes possible impairments that arise on the balance sheet date.

The accounting policies applied for the valuation of trade and other receivables and securities are described under the heading ‘Financial instruments’. The valuation of all individually significant receivables is assessed on an individual basis whether there are objective indications of impairment. For individually immaterial receivables, this assessment is made on an individual basis.

Cash and cash equivalents are valued on the basis of nominal value. If cash and cash equivalents are not freely available, this is taken into account during the valuation. Cash and cash equivalents in foreign currency are converted into the reporting currency on the balance sheet date at the exchange rate applying on that date. Reference is made to the pricing principles for foreign currency.

Financial instruments that are designated as equity instruments by virtue of the economic reality are presented under shareholders’ equity. Payments to holders of these instruments are deducted from the shareholders’ equity as part of the profit distribution.

Financial instruments that are designated as a financial liability by virtue of the economic reality are presented under liabilities Interest, dividends, income and expenditure with respect to these financial instruments are recorded in the profit and loss as financial income or expense.

A provision is recorded in the balance sheet if the following applies:

• a legally enforceable or constructive obligation, arising from a past event;
• whereby a reliable estimate can be made;
• it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation.

If all or part of the payments that are necessary to settle a provision are likely to be fully or partially compensated by a third party upon settlement of the provision, then the compensation amount is presented separately as an asset.

A provision for pension and for long service is included for the obligations based on pension administration regulations or similar commitments. The long-service provision is the provision for future long-service awards. The provision is recognised for the present value of the future long-service awards, which is calculated on the basis of the commitments made, the likelihood of the staff concerned remaining with the company, and their age.

See also the accounting principles wages and salaries and note 11 to the consolidated balance sheet.

The valuation of current liabilities is explained under the heading ‘Financial instruments’.

Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns and allowances, trade discounts and volume rebates. 

Revenue from the sale of potatoes is processed in the profit and loss account when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the payment due is probable, the associated costs and possible return of the potatoes can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing involvement with the potatoes.

The transfer of risks and benefits varies according to the conditions of the relevant sales contract.

Revenue from the rendering of services is recorded in the net turnover at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable following deduction of concessions and reductions. These revenues are recorded in the profit and loss account when the revenue amount can be determined in a reliable manner, collection of the related compensation to be received is probable, the extent to which the services have been performed on the balance sheet date can be determined reliably, and the costs already incurred and (possibly) yet to be incurred to complete the service can be determined reliably.

Licences are paid when third parties have exercised the right to use the company’s assets, such as varieties developed by the company. If the group acts on behalf of varieties developed by third parties, the net operating income is included after the deduction of the payments to these third parties as the Company does not bear the customer credit risk on these licences. Turnover is recorded if the scope of the payment to be received can be reliably determined and the collection of it is probable.

Government grants are initially recorded in the balance sheet as deferred income when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and there will be full compliance with the conditions associated with them. Grants that offset incurred costs are recorded as income in the profit and loss account on a systematic basis in the same period in which the costs are incurred. Government grants to offset the costs of an asset are deducted from the cost price of the asset and therefore systematically recorded in the profit and loss account over the useful life of the asset.

This concerns costs that are directly attributable to net turnover such as cost of trade goods, services, transport, loading and packaging.

Personnel remuneration is recorded as an expense in the profit and loss account in the period in which the services are provided and, to the extent not already paid, recorded as a liability on the balance sheet. If the amounts already paid exceed the compensation payable, the excess is recorded as a current asset to the extent that there will be reimbursed by the staff or by set-off against future payments by the company. 

An expected compensation due to profit sharing and bonus payments are recognized when the obligation to pay that fee has arisen can be made on or before the balance sheet date and a reliable estimate of the liabilities.

For rewards with building rights, profit sharing and bonuses of the projected costs are taken into account during the service. A liability is recorded on the balance sheet date.

The recognised obligation relates to the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date. The best estimate is based on contractual agreements with employees (collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts). Additions to and releases of liabilities are charged or credited to the profit and loss account.

The pension commitments are placed with a pension fund. The scheme is financed under the Dutch pension system via contributions to an industry pension fund.

The pension obligations are valued according to the ‘obligation to the pension provider approach’. In this approach, the premium payable to the pension provider is accounted for as a liability in the profit and loss account. Based on the implementation agreement, it is assessed whether and, if so, what obligations exist in addition to the payment of the annual pension payable to the pension provider on the balance sheet date.

These additional obligations, including any obligations arising from the pension provider's recovery plans, result in charges for the group and are recorded in the balance sheet in a provision. The recorded liability relates to the best estimate of the amounts required to settle it by the balance sheet date. If the effect of the time value of money is material, the liability is valued at the present value. Discounting takes place on the basis of interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds. Additions to, and releases of, liabilities are charged or credited to the profit and loss account. At the end of the financial year 2023/2024 there were no pension claims and no liabilities for the group in addition to the payment of the annual pension payable to the pension provider.

The accrual of pension entitlements is always financed by means of (as a minimum) cost-cutting premium payments in the relevant calendar year. The pension scheme is a middleman scheme for both active and inactive participants (deferred pensioners and pensioners) – conditional supplement. The supplement depends on the investment return.

The annual pension entitlement accrual is 1.78% (2023: 1.58%)of the pensionable salary based on gross salary minus a EUR 15,816 deductible (2023: EUR 15,202). The pensionable salary is capped at EUR 71,628 (2023: EUR 66,956).

The annual contribution payable by the employer is 100% of pensionable salary. The amount of the contribution is determined annually by the board of the industry pension fund on the basis of the coverage ratio and expected returns.

The coverage ratio of the relevant industry pension fund as of June 30, 2024, according to the fund's statement, is 120%. On based on the implementing regulations, in the event of a deficit in the fund, the group has no obligation to pay additional contributions other than through higher future contributions.

In addition to the basic pension plan, there is also a surplus pension plan based on a defined contribution plan.

Pension plans that are comparable in design and functioning to the Dutch pension system, having a strict segregation of the responsibilities of the parties involved and risk sharing between the said parties (company, fund and members), are recorded and measured in accordance with Dutch pension plans (see previous section). For these foreign schemes a best estimate of the existing pension liability is made as of the balance sheet date. This estimate is mainly based on annual salary and seniority of employees. This commitment should then be stated on the basis of an actuarial valuation principle generally accepted in the Netherlands.

The Company may enter into financial and operating leases. A lease contract where the risks and rewards associated with ownership of the leased property are transferred substantially or wholly to the lessee, is referred to as a financial lease. All other lease contracts are classified as operational leases.

In classifying leases, the economic reality of the transaction is decisive rather than its legal form. If the Company acts as lessee in an operating lease, then the leased property is not capitalised. Lease payments regarding operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a linear basis over the lease period. 

The company only has operational lease agreements.

Interest income is recorded in the profit and loss account on an accrual basis, using the effective interest rate method. Interest charges and similar charges are accounted for in the period to which they refer.

Corporate income taxes include the tax on profit and deferred tax due and payable for the reporting period. Corporate income tax is recognised in the profit and loss account except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the financial year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to the tax payable in respect of previous years.

If the carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes differ from their values for tax purposes, this results in temporary differences. A provision for deferred tax liabilities is recognised for taxable temporary differences.

For deductible temporary differences, unused loss carry forwards and unused tax credits, a deferred tax asset is recognised, but only in so far as it is probable that taxable profits will be available in the future for offset or compensation. Deferred tax assets are reviewed on each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. For taxable temporary differences related to group companies, foreign branches, associates and interests in joint ventures, a deferred tax asset is recognised unless the company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

For deductible temporary differences regarding group companies, foreign branches, associates and interests in joint ventures, a deferred tax asset is only recognised in so far as it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and that taxable profit will be available to offset the temporary difference. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets is based on the tax consequences following from the manner in which the company expects, at the balance sheet date, to realise or settle its assets, provisions, debts and accrued liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are stated at nominal value.

The share in the result of participating interests consists of the share of the group in the results of these participating interests, determined on the basis of the accounting principles of the group. Gains or losses on transactions involving the transfer of assets and liabilities between the company and its non-consolidated participating interests or between non-consolidated participating interests themselves have not been recorded to the extent that they cannot be regarded as realised. The results of participating interests acquired or sold during the financial year are recorded in the group result from the date of acquisition or until the date of sale respectively.

The cash flow statement has been prepared on the basis of the indirect method. Cash flows in foreign currencies have been converted to euros using the weighted average conversion rates for the relevant periods.

The cash in the cash flow statement consists of the cash and cash equivalents and investments that can be converted into cash without restrictions and without material risk of impairment as a result of the transaction.

Cash flows in foreign currencies have been converted at an estimated weighted average exchange rate for the reporting period/the exchange rate on the date on which the transactions took place. Currency exchange differences are shown separately in the cash flow statement.

Interest income and expenses, dividends received and income taxes are included in the cash flow from operating activities. Dividends paid are included in the cash flow from financing activities.

The acquisition price of the acquired group company is included in the cash flow from investing activities, insofar as payment has been made in cash. The cash available in the acquired group company has been deducted from the purchase price.

Transactions in which no exchange of cash takes place, including financial leases, are not included in the cash flow statement. The payment of the lease installments under the finance lease contract has been classified as an expense from financing activities for the part relating to the redemption and as an expense from operating activities for the part relating to the interest.

Cash flows from financial derivatives that are accounted for as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged balance sheet items. Cash flows from financial derivatives where hedge accounting is no longer applied are classified consistently with the nature of the instrument, from the date on which hedge accounting is discontinued.

Transactions with related parties will be explained if they are not entered into under normal market conditions. The nature and scope of the transaction and other information will be provided for these transactions in order to provide further insights.

Events which provide further information about the actual situation as of the balance date and that appear before the financial statements are being prepared, are recoginsed in the financial statements. Events that provide no information on the actual situation at the balance sheet date are not recognised in the financial statements. When those events are relevent for the economic decisions of users of the financial statements, the nature and the estimated financial effects of the events are disclosed in the financial statements.