TIDMWBN
RNS Number : 9519H
Woburn Energy PLC
07 June 2011
For immediate release 7 June 2011
Woburn Energy Plc
("Woburn Energy" or the "Company")
Audited Results for the year ended 31 December 2010
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Woburn Energy (AIM: WBN) announces its audited results for the
year ended 31 December 2010. The Report and Accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2010, including the Notice of Annual General
Meeting and Form of Proxy, are being posted to shareholders
shortly. The Annual General Meeting of Woburn Energy will be held
at the offices of Maclay Murray & Spens LLP at 9.00 a.m. on 30
June 2011.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
As reported in previous annual reports, Woburn reviewed its
asset portfolio in 2009 and implemented a new strategy for growth,
with the support of its largest shareholder. This involved Woburn
looking at new onshore and shallow offshore, oil or gas
opportunities within its current geographic areas of activity
together with those proven oil basins where it has existing
experience or influence. In particular, Europe, Africa, the Middle
East and Central Asia were identified as primary target areas. In
these areas any assets acquired would be generally non-operated but
Woburn remains convinced that in the long-run it needs to build a
technical team in London and establish operational
capabilities.
Initially Woburn has been seeking to acquire production to
create immediate cash flow and profits but we are also actively
examining development and appraisal opportunities for longer-term
growth and upside for the Company. In addition suitable high-class
exploration opportunities that fit with our planned portfolio of
producing and development assets which can be identified will be
considered.
In 2009, Woburn undertook comprehensive evaluations of a number
of opportunities, two of which were considered sufficiently viable
to warrant full technical, legal and financial due diligence. These
were onshore UK production, appraisal and exploration opportunities
which both generated encouraging results. Unfortunately, one was
withdrawn from sale at the sales and purchase agreement stage and
negotiations on the other could not be concluded to the
satisfaction of Woburn.
As part of this process and as reported by the Company in
November last year, Cetus Investment Resources Inc provided the
Company with additional funding to finance, inter alia, due
diligence and professional costs on potential new projects which
the Company was reviewing.
During 2010 the Company evaluated a number of substantial
production and exploration opportunities in Europe and Central
Asia. Considerable effort and funds were expended on progressing
these opportunities but frustratingly we were unable to complete
due to events beyond our control.
In particular, the Company investigated the potential
acquisition from Woburn's largest shareholder of its minority
working interests in the Mirpur Khas and Khipro (MKK) Concessions
in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. These assets comprised onshore
oil and gas production and development interests that were operated
by BP. Woburn undertook significant technical, financial and legal
due diligence (including the generation of a CPR) on the MKK
Concessions. However, the potential acquisition had to be deferred
due to the uncertainty created by BP's announcement in June 2010
that it intended to sell its Pakistan interests (including the MKK
Concessions) and the Board considered that it could not proceed
with this project until the new operator had been identified and
assumed control.
In December 2010, BP announced that it had conditionally sold
its Pakistan interests, including its interest in the MKK
Concessions, to United Energy Group Limited, a Hong Kong listed oil
and gas group. However, the acquisition by United Energy Group
Limited was itself delayed due, inter alia, to a legal dispute
between BP and the minority working interest owners in the MKK
Concessions in respect of their pre-emption rights. Accordingly,
given the third party delays and legal proceedings in Pakistan that
were of uncertain duration, the Board reluctantly decided to
terminate the MKK Concessions project at that time.
The Board has therefore begun to review alternative potential
projects that meet our strategic objectives for the ongoing
development of the Company and has identified several targets for
in-depth investigation. At the time a new portfolio of assets is
assembled and announced, we also intend to restructure and
strengthen the Board of Directors to provide a clear mandate for
the growth of the Company.
Colombia
On Las Quinchas, Woburn has completed all its obligations under
the farm-in contract signed with the operator, Kappa Resources
Colombia ("Kappa"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Rubiales
Energy Corp, in April 2005 in which it agreed to fund certain
exploration drilling activities in order to earn a right to obtain,
subject to approval, a 50% interest in the Contract. In early 2008,
Woburn transferred its interests in the Las Quinchas Association
Contract to Las Quinchas Resource Corp. ("LQRC"), in which Woburn
holds a 51% interest. Woburn has, therefore, a 25.5% working
interest in the Las Quinchas Association Contract.
The Acacia Este-1 well has remained in long-term production
testing since November 2008. Initially production rose to 122 BOPD
and then settled back to around 24 BOPD with no increase in water.
Currently, Acacia Este-1 is producing approximately once a week and
then only up to 25 BOPD.
Fifty percent of the remaining acreage in the Las Quinchas
Association Contract was proposed for relinquishment in 2009.
Subject to approval by Ecopetrol, which has yet to be received, the
Joint Venture retained 25,000 Hectares around Acacia Este, Arce,
Baul and Bukhara whilst relinquishing the less prospective and more
risky sections in the NE of the Contract area. A further and final
relinquishment was due in the summer of 2010 at which point all
areas outside of producing fields or protected areas are due to be
returned to the government. The Joint Venture is looking to retain
the area around Acacia Este, Arce and Baul at a minimum. This
retained area is a 5km protection zone around the defined
commercial areas (Arce, Acacia Este and Baul, with the latter areas
subject to approval by Ecopetrol) that are under long term
production. If Ecopetrol asks for more work on Baul, the current
phase could be extended by an additional year.
Acacia Este is a structurally complex, heavy oil field with
substantial quantities of oil in place but with uncertain
recoverability due to compartmentalisation. The operator of the
field, Pacific Rubiales Energy, has substantial experience of heavy
oil developments and is currently producing over 100,000 BOPD from
their Rubiales heavy oil field in the Llanos Basin in Colombia.
Their knowledge and technical strengths therefore bodes well for
the long-term future of the Las Quinchas Association contract.
However, currently the costs of ongoing production operations in
Las Quinchas are not sustainable for a single asset company and
much work/investment will be required to resolve the technical
issues of producing from Acacia Este in a commercially viable
manner.
Woburn has recognised that it could be some time before there is
any further progress on developing the Acacia Este field and
therefore has decided that the existing invested funds could be
better utilised on assets that would have a more immediate impact
on the Company's financial condition and potential growth. It
therefore is seeking a buyer for its interests in the Las Quinchas
Association Contract or in LQRC.
North Sea
The Company had a 15% interest in Block 49/8c, in the Southern
North Sea, operated by Wintershall Noordzee, which contains the
undeveloped and currently uneconomic Monterey gas field. On 1
October 2010, this licence was relinquished back to DECC by the
Partners after they failed to find any party interested in
acquiring or farming into the asset. The relinquishment also
included abandonment of the 49/8c-4 well which was completed on 18
April 2010.
Finance
This Annual Report provide details relating to the financial
position of the Company and in particular in the "Going concern:
principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company" section in
the Directors' Report, and Note 3.2 to the Financial Statements. In
the absence of funds from the sale of the Colombian interests or
from other sources, the Company remains reliant on the ongoing
financial support of its controlling 86% shareholder, Cetus, to
meet its expected net operating costs from now to 30 June 2012. The
Company intends to meet payment of unpaid operator billings, which
were $4,580,365 at the year-end, from the sale of part or all of
LQRC's Colombian assets.
Cetus has supported the Company since it acquired control in
early 2009 and, as previously announced, provided an unsecured
facility of up to GBP650,000 in November 2010 (the "Facility").
Cetus has confirmed that GBP200,000 of the Facility remains undrawn
and available (provided the balance is drawn before the end of June
2011) and furthermore that it will not, before 30 June 2012,
require repayment of the amounts drawn under the Facility unless
and until the Company is able to do so.
The consolidated balance sheet at the end of 2010 includes a
total of $7,951,889 for intangible assets, being solely the Group's
Colombian exploration and evaluation interests described above. As
set out in Note 3.19 of the Financial Statements ("Critical
accounting judgements and estimates"), the Board has carefully
considered the factors relating to the book carrying value and the
inherent uncertainties. On the basis of the information presently
available to them they have concluded that no impairment is
currently required.
While regrettable that events beyond the control of the Group
have prevented the Company from completing a transforming
transaction since my last report, shareholders should be in no
doubt that the Board and its major shareholder are fully committed
to restoring the Company's financial position and prospects. The
Company is seeking a longer term solution to its ongoing cash and
cash flow needs and is working hard to achieve its objectives of
building a substantial exploration and production company.
Arif Kemal
Chairman
For further information, please contact:
Woburn Energy Plc Tel: +44 (0)20 7380 4609
Dr John Cubitt, Managing Director www.woburnenergy.com
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396
Adviser)
Michael Cornish
A copy of this announcement is available from the Company's
website, www.woburnenergy.com.
Dr John Cubitt (a Director of the Company) has been involved in
the oil and gas production industry for more than 29 years. Dr John
Cubitt is a registered Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and has a BSc
and PhD in geology. He has compiled, read and approved the
technical disclosure as it relates to Woburn Energy Plc in this
announcement.
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The Directors present their report together with the audited
financial statements of the Company and the Group for the year
ended 31 December 2010 (prior period: 18 months to 31 December
2009).
Principal activity
The Company is registered in England and Wales. The Company is
part of a Group whose principal activity is oil and gas exploration
and production. The Group operates through Woburn Energy Plc, a
company traded on AIM, a Market operated by the London Stock
Exchange, together with Woburn's 51% owned subsidiary undertaking,
Las Quinchas Resource Corporation ("LQRC").
Review of the business and future prospects
The Group's results for the year and financial position at 31
December 2010 and a review of the activities for the year and
future prospects is contained in the Chairman's Statement.
Due to the early stage of the development and the financial
condition of the Group, the Directors do not consider it meaningful
to consider a detailed review of the key performance indicators in
respect of the year under review. Critical non-financial KPIs, at
this stage, are the adherence to licence commitments and the
availability of funding to meet those commitments and working
capital requirements.
Going concern: principal risks and uncertainties facing the
Company
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company at the
present time are related to its financial condition, the price of
world oil, the identification and funding of international
production and development projects in the oil and gas industry and
obtaining investment funds to meet it liabilities as they fall due
and to pursue corporate or asset acquisitions.
During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Group made a loss of
$3,248,204 (2009: $4,483,256). At the year-end date, the Group had
net assets of $3,870,124 (2009: $7,118,328), the principal asset
being $7,951,889 of unevaluated exploration and evaluation assets.
Of these net assets $1,759,534 (2009: $4,228,017) was attributable
to equity shareholders and $2,110,590 (2009: $2,890,311) to the 49%
minority interest in Las Quinchas Resources Corp. Net current
liabilities were $3,874,538 (2009: net current assets
$379,133).
The Group had $1,360,698 of cash as at 31 December 2010 (2009:
$2,216,678) and had trade and other payables due within one year
outstanding of $5,357,810 (2009: $2,751,190). The Group's expected
net operating outflows for the year ending 31 December 2011, before
drawings under the Cetus Loan (Note 14 (a)) and before payment of
any unpaid operator billings (Note 14(b)), is $1,350,000 (2009:
$1,860,000). As at 3 June 2011 the Group had $216,000 of cash with
future expected net operating outflows to 30 June 2012, before
drawings under the Cetus Loan (Note 14 (a)) and before payment of
any unpaid operator billings (Note 14 (b)), of $1,700,000. In view
of the financial condition of the Company and the Group, the Board
continues to review its options, in particular the urgent need for
future finance.
The Group is not currently earning significant revenues and
therefore is not profitable because it is still in the exploration
phase of its business. The Group is therefore reliant on the future
support from its existing shareholders or its ability to raise
funds in the open market or from the sale of assets in order to be
able to meet its obligations and planned expenditures in the
foreseeable future.
The Directors intend to meet payment of unpaid operator billings
(Note 14 (b)) from the sale of part or all of LQRC's E&E assets
(Note 23). The Group's majority shareholder has confirmed that it
will continue to provide financial support for the foreseeable
future and to at least 30 June 2012 of at least up to the expected
operating costs, if required, and not to seek repayment of its loan
(Note 14 (a) and Note 23) where this would prejudice the ability of
the Company to meet its liabilities, other than unpaid operator
billings, as they fall due. The Directors therefore believe that
the Group will therefore have appropriate levels of financing and
that the Group will have sufficient cash to fund its activities and
to continue its operations for the foreseeable future and for the
Group to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and for
at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of these
financial statements. The financial statements have, therefore,
been prepared on the going concern basis.
Further risks and uncertainties have been identified regarding
the technical appraisal of the Group's Colombian heavy oil assets
in the Acacia Este and Arce fields of the Las Quinchas Association
Contract area. Principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group
in this Contract Area include, but are not limited to:
-- Inability to sell part or all of these assets or the 51%
shareholding in LQRC, to farm-out or to achieve a part or full
realisation of the book value.
-- Default on the interest due to late or unpaid billings or
failure of Woburn and/or its partner to advance sufficient
funds.
-- Market price of oil and gas and foreign exchange rates which
are affected by numerous factors beyond the Group's control but
could have a material effect on the financial condition and value
of its future reserves.
-- No assurance that oil and gas will be discovered and if it
is, that it is not economically viable to be recovered.
-- Delays in commissioning of appraisal and development projects
may result in the Group's projected target dates for production
being delayed or further capital expenditure required.
-- Reliance on facilities operated by others over which the
Group has no control.
-- Operations may be disrupted by a variety of risks and hazards
which are beyond the control of the Group, including environmental
hazards, accidents, technical failures, and inclement or hazardous
weather conditions.
-- Future exploration and development and/or acquisition of new
properties may be dependent upon the Group's ability to obtain
suitable financing and at reasonable terms.
-- The Group competes with other companies in the search for oil
and gas and other interests as well as for the recruitment and
retention of qualified employees.
Results and dividends
The Group results for the year ended 31 December 2010 are set
out in the financial statements (prior period: 18 months to 31
December 2009). The Group made a loss for the period of $3,248,204
for the year ended 31 December 2010 (2009: loss $4,483,256), of
which $2,468,483 of the loss was attributable to the equity holders
of the Group (2009: loss $3,160,630) and $779,721 of the loss was
attributable to the 49% minority interest in LQRC (2009:
$1,322,626). The Directors cannot recommend a dividend for the year
ended 31 December 2010 (2009: $ Nil).
Group structure and share capital
Details of the share capital are set out in Note 17 to the
financial statements.
Directors
The following Directors held office during the year:
K Ahmed
A B Baldry
J M Cubitt
H A Hashwani
R B Kanga
A Kemal
Employees' health and safety
It is the policy of the Group to consider the health and welfare
of employees by maintaining a safe place and system of work as
required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
Significant shareholders
Pursuant to the Companies Act 2006 the Company has been notified
of major shareholdings. In accordance with "Disclosure and
Transparency Rules", issued by the Financial Services Authority,
the interests in the Company's Ordinary Shares as at 6 June 2011 of
its major shareholders were as follows:
Number of Ordinary % of Issued
Shares Share Capital
---------------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Cetus Investment Resources
Inc ("Cetus") 200,000,000 86.15%
No other individual or organisation holds more than 3% of the
Company's Ordinary Shares.
Environment
The Group's exploration activities within the United Kingdom and
Colombia are subject to the relevant environment protection acts of
each country. While at 31 December 2010 the Group is not an
operator of any exploration projects, it closely monitors
activities of the operators to ensure to the best of its knowledge
there is no potential for any such breach. There have been no known
convictions in relation to breaches of these acts recorded against
the Group during the reporting period.
Use of financial instruments
The Group's financial risk management objectives are to minimise
debt, to fund exploration activity through equity financing and to
ensure sufficient working capital for the Group's overhead and
capital expenditure commitments. This is achieved by prudent
financial management and careful management of the Group's cash
balances, both short and long term.
Information to shareholders - Website
In compliance with AIM Rule 26, the Company has its own website
(www.woburnenergy.com) for the purposes of improving information
flow to shareholders as well as to potential investors. Internal
controls
The Board is responsible for identifying and evaluating the
major business risks faced by the Group and for determining and
monitoring the appropriate course of action to manage these
risks.
Creditor payment policy and practice
The Group agrees terms of contracts when orders are placed and
on entering exploration joint ventures. It is the Group's policy
that payments to suppliers are made in accordance with those terms
and conditions agreed between the Group and its suppliers,
providing that all trading terms and conditions have been complied
with.
Political and charitable contributions
There were no political or charitable contributions made by the
Group during the year ended 31 December 2010.
Subsequent events
Significant events after the year end are set out in Note 23 of
the financial statements.
Corporate Governance
Although AIM listed companies are not required to report on the
Combined Code, the Directors are committed to proper standards of
corporate governance and will continue to keep procedures under
review.
The Board
The Board is responsible to the shareholders for the leadership
and control of the Company. Meetings are conducted when important
matters or issues require discussion. Circular resolutions of the
Directors are undertaken on minor issues. In addition, the Managing
Director keeps all members of the Board appraised on a regular
basis. Directors also meet regularly on an informal basis to
discuss various matters relating to the Group's activities,
objectives and to ensure Corporate Governance is maintained.
The Board considers and monitors all matters as are specifically
vested to it under the Company's Articles of Association ("the
Articles"). The Company's management provides formal and
transparent procedures to appoint or re-elect Board Members.
Annual General Meeting
The Notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 30 June
2011 is set out at the end of this Annual Report, together with the
Form of Proxy. Resolutions 1 to 5 are ordinary resolutions and 6 to
7 are special resolutions.
Resolutions 1 and 4 deal with the approval, inter alia, of the
Financial Statements and the reappointment of the auditors. The
Articles provide for the re-election of all Directors at regular
intervals and K Ahmed and J Cubitt will offer themselves for
re-election in Resolutions 2 and 3 respectively.
Resolution 5 and 6 concern the granting of authority to the
Directors to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to
subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the
Company up to an aggregate nominal amount of GBP1,250,000 and to be
empowered to allot equity securities, including treasury shares,
thereby allowing the Board to more easily conclude commercial
opportunities as appropriate.
Resolution 7 deals with the adoption of new Articles of
Association in line with the necessary changes following on from
the Companies Act 2006.
The Directors unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of
all the proposed resolutions as they intend to do in respect of
their own beneficial holdings.
Remuneration Report
Introduction
Woburn Energy, as an AIM listed company rather than a fully
listed company, is not required to comply with Directors'
Remuneration Report Regulations but it is committed to the highest
standards of Governance.
Remuneration Committee
The purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to make
recommendations to the Board on an overall remuneration policy for
Executive Directors in order to attract, retain and motivate high
quality executives capable of achieving the Company's objectives.
The Company's Remuneration Committee currently comprises H Hashwani
(Chairman), A Kemal and R Kanga.
Remuneration packages
Remuneration packages currently consist of base salaries,
benefits and a pension contribution for John Cubitt. There are no
performance related bonuses, long term incentive awards or health
benefits.
Remuneration policy
Woburn Energy has undertaken to review the packages of the
Directors in the coming year and in particular the alignment
between the interests of shareholders and executives.
Directors' remuneration and service contracts
There are no service contracts with the Directors other than an
employment contract between J Cubitt and Woburn Energy Plc. Under
this service contract J Cubitt was paid an annual salary of
GBP123,600 plus a pension contribution by the Company of GBP18,000
in 2010 and his employment was subject to a 30 days' termination
period.
Directors' interests
The beneficial interests in the Company's shares of the
Directors and their families were as follows:
At 31 December
2010 & 6 June At 31 December
2011 2009
Ordinary shares Ordinary shares
of 1p each of 1p each
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
K Ahmed - -
A B Baldry 72,222 72,222
J M Cubitt 244,149 244,149
H A Hashwani - -
R B Kanga - -
A Kemal - -
None of the Directors had any interests in the share capital of
any of the Company's subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2010 or
31 December 2009.
K Ahmed, H Hashwani, R Kanga and A Kemal are Directors appointed
by Cetus Investment Resources Inc., which owns 86.15% of the
Company's shares, and which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zaver
Petroleum International Inc ("Zaver"), itself a wholly-owned
subsidiary of United Paramount Holding Corp. H Hashwani is
beneficially interested in the entire issued share capital of
United Paramount Holding Corp. Zaver's principal asset is its 55%
interest in Ocean Pakistan Limited ("OPL") (formerly Orient
Petroleum International Inc). R Kanga is a Director of OPL.
Directors' remuneration
Remuneration of Directors was as follows:
Fees/basic 2010** 2009**
salary* Pension contributions* Total Total
$ $ $ $
------------------- ----------- ----------------------- -------- --------
Executive
J M Cubitt 170,653 58,827 229,480 351,451
P J Kitson
(up to 03.02.09) n.a. n.a. n.a. 48,144
Non-Executive
A B Baldry 62,000 - 62,000 90,939
----------- ----------------------- -------- --------
Total 232,653 58,827 291,480 490,534
=========== ======================= ======== ========
*Adjusted for amounts paid to personal pension scheme via salary
sacrifice and for benefits ** 12 months to 31 December 2010, 18
months to 31 December 2009
There were no contracts existing during or at the end of the
year in which a Director was or is materially interested, save as
set out in the Related Parties Note 21 in the financial statements.
Directors' remuneration shown comprises all of the fees, salaries
and other benefits and emoluments paid to Directors. Pension
contributions were to a privately administered pension plan in
respect of J Cubitt, who was a Director of the Company during the
year. The Group does not operate a pension scheme for any Director
or employee. All other directors in the periods waived their rights
to Directors' Fees.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for maintaining an
appropriate relationship with the Group's external auditors and for
monitoring the Group's internal financial controls and the audit
process. Its duties also include approving the Group's accounting
policies and reviewing the interim and the annual financial
statements before submission to the Board. It aids the Board in
seeking to ensure that the financial and non-financial information
supplied to shareholders presents a balanced assessment of the
Group's position.
The Audit Committee reviews the objectivity and independence of
the external auditors and also considers the scope of their work
and fees paid for audit and non-audit services. The Audit Committee
has unrestricted access to the Group's documents and information,
as well as to employees of the Group and the external auditors.
Members of the Committee may, in pursuit of their duties, take
independent professional advice on any matters at the Group's
expense. The Committee Chairman reports the outcome of meetings to
the Board.
The members of the Audit Committee who held office during the
year and at the date of this report are K Ahmed (Chairman), T
Baldry and R Kanga. Membership of the Audit Committee is determined
by the Board, from amongst the Directors of the Group. Its terms of
reference are set by the Board and are modelled closely on the
provisions of the Combined Code.
Acquisition of new projects
Prior to acquiring new projects, the Company initially evaluates
both the political and legal risk associated with the country in
which the project is located. If either of these are considered too
much of a concern, no further evaluation is undertaken. The Board,
as a whole, has elected at this point in the Company's history, not
to seek projects located in basins which do not have significant
hydrocarbon systems. Final sign-off on new acquisitions is only
taken following technical evaluation of the available data.
Initially, areas are evaluated by senior in-house staff, technical
consultants, and where warranted, by expert international
consulting groups. The Managing Director, who is technically
trained, then reviews all information and presents to the full
Board for approval. In addition, no formal agreements contracting
the Company to a project area are signed without advice from legal
and other advisers.
Changes in share capital
Details of movements in share capital during the year are set
out in Note 17 to these financial statements.
Statement of responsibilities of those charged with
governance
The Directors are responsible for preparing the financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union
("IFRS").
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial
statements for each financial period which give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group and of
the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these
financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them
consistently;
-- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;
-- state whether applicable accounting standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the financial statements; and
-- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business.
The Directors confirm that the financial statements comply with
the above requirements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting
records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Company and of the Group and enable them
to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies
Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of
the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity
of the corporate and financial information on the Company's
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ
from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as each of the Directors at the time of approval of the
report are aware there is no relevant audit information of which
the Company's auditors are unaware and the Directors have taken all
steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are
aware of that information.
Auditors
In accordance with Section 489 of the Companies Act 2006,
Resolution 4 in the Notice of AGM proposes that UHY Hacker Young
LLP be re-appointed as auditors of the Company and that the
Directors be authorised to fix their remuneration.
On behalf of the Board
J Cubitt
Managing Director
6 June 2011
DIRECTORS' BIOGRAPHIES
Arif Kemal (69)
Chairman, Non-Executive Director
Arif Kemal has over 48 years' experience in exploration,
production and management of oil and gas resources. He has a BSc
Hons in Geology and an MSc in Petroleum Geology and attended a
post-graduate training course in Petroleum Engineering at the
Institute Francais du Petrole, France. Mr Kemal is a member of the
Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Association of
Petroleum Geologists and the Houston Geological Society.
Mr Kemal is a member of the Company's Remuneration
Committee.
Dr John Malcolm Cubitt CGeol (61)
Managing Director
John Cubitt has more than 30 years' commercial experience in the
exploration and production industry, following a period in academic
research and graduate/post-graduate education in the UK and USA. He
is a registered Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and has a BSc and PhD
in geology. His experience has included asset evaluation and
project management, as well as board level strategic and
operational direction.
Kamran Ahmed (48)
Non-Executive Director
Kamran Ahmed is a graduate of Ithaca College, Cornel University,
with 26 years' experience in banking and oil and gas. He has worked
with multinational financial institutions and oil and gas
companies, including Shell, Mobil, Bankers Equity and Merrill
Lynch. In 2002 he joined Orient Petroleum International Inc and is
now based in the UK as Director of Orient Petroleum (UK) Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of OPII.
Mr Ahmed is the Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee.
Antony Brian Baldry (60)
Deputy Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director
Tony Baldry is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Banbury
(North Oxfordshire). He has been an MP for over 20 years and held
various ministerial posts between 1990 and 1997. These include
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Energy
where, alongside John Wakeham, he oversaw the privatisation of the
UK electricity industry.
A practising barrister, Tony is also a director of a number of
public and private companies. Tony has a wealth of experience of
giving strategic and financial advice to growing companies across a
range of sectors, including natural resources.
Mr Baldry is a member of the Company's Audit Committee.
Hasan Ali Hashwani (33)
Non-Executive Director
Hasan Hashwani has over 12 years' international experience in
the oil and gas industry. He has held various management positions
and is currently a director and President of OPII and serves on the
board of several other private companies. Mr Hashwani studied
business administration at the University of Phoenix and attended
business and management courses at Columbia and Rice Universities
in the US, as well as the Young Managers Programme at INSEAD,
France.
Mr Hashwani is the Chairman of the Company's Remuneration
Committee.
Rustom Bejon Kanga FCA (56)
Non-Executive Director
Rustom Kanga has over 27 years' diverse experience in business
and commerce. He has been involved in the upstream oil and gas
industry since 1996 and has valuable experience in starting new
ventures, acquisitions, divestitures and financing. He is a Fellow
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and
serves on the board of several private companies.
Mr Kanga is a member of the Company's Remuneration Committee and
its Audit Committee.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF WOBURN ENERGY PLC
We have audited the Group and Parent Company financial
statements of Woburn Energy plc for the year ended 31 December 2010
(the "financial statements"), which comprise the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Parent
Company Statements of Financial Position, the Consolidated and
Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated
and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows, together with the
related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been
applied in their preparation is applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union and, as regards the Parent Company financial statements, as
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act
2006.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body,
in accordance with part 3 of Chapter 16 of the Companies Act 2006.
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in
an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to
anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body,
for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have
formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully under 'Statement of Responsibilities of
those charged with Governance' the directors are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the Group's affairs.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in
accordance with relevant law and International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply
with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB) Ethical Standards for
auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements
is provided on the APB's web-site at
www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
- the financial statements give a true and fair view of the
state of the Group's and the Parent Company's affairs as at 31
December 2010 and of the Group's loss for the year then ended;
- the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union; and
- the Parent Company financial statements have been properly
prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted by the European Union and as applied in
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
- the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Emphasis of matter - Going concern
In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not
qualified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made
in note 3.2 to the financial statements concerning the Group's and
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Group
incurred a loss of $3,248,204 during the year ended 31 December
2010 and is still incurring losses. Along with similar sized
exploration companies, the Company raises finance for its
activities in discrete tranches. As discussed in note 3.2 the
Company will need to raise further funds in order to meet its
budgeted operating costs for the next year. These conditions, along
with other matters discussed in note 3.2, indicate the existence of
a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the
Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The
financial statements do not include the adjustments that would
result if the Group and Company were unable to continue as a going
concern.
Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
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.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in
our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received
from branches not visited by us; or
- the parent company financial statements are not in agreement
with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by
law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we
require for our audit.
Colin Wright (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of UHY Hacker Young LLP
Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor
Quadrant House
4 Thomas More Square
London E1W 1YW
6 June 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Year ended 18 months ended
31 December 2010 31 December 2009
Notes $ $
Revenue 4 308,506 182,045
Operating expenses (1,594,596) (1,550,115)
__________ __________
Gross loss (1,286,090) (1,368,070)
__________ __________
Administrative expenses
before impairment of assets (2,178,090) (1,535,388)
Impairment of exploration
assets 11 - (650,044)
__________ ___________
Total administrative expenses (2,178,090) (2,185,432)
__________ ___________
Group operating loss 5 (3,464,180) (3,553,502)
Bank interest receivable 264 1,185
Interest payable 14(b) (270,051) -
__________ ___________
Loss before taxation (3,733,967) (3,552,317)
Taxation 6 - -
__________ ___________
Loss for the period from
continuing operations (3,733,967) (3,552,317)
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) for the period
from discontinued
operations 7 485,763 (930,939)
__________ ___________
Loss for the period (3,248,204) (4,483,256)
Other comprehensive income - -
__________ ___________
Total comprehensive loss for
the period (3,248,204) (4,483,256)
___________ ___________
Total comprehensive loss
attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent
Company (2,468,483) (3,160,630)
Minority interest 18 (779,721) (1,322,626)
__________ ___________
(3,248,204) (4,483,256)
___________ ___________
Loss per share (cents):
Continuing operations
Basic & diluted 8 (1.27) (1.77)
___________ ___________
Loss per share (cents):
Discontinued and continuing
operations
Basic & diluted 8 (1.06) (2.07)
___________ ___________
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2010
Notes 31 December 2010 31 December 2009
$ $ $ $
ASSETS
Non-current
assets
Intangible
assets 11 7,951,889 11,692,754
Current assets
Receivables 13 122,574 913,645
Cash and cash
equivalents 19 1,360,698 2,216,678
__________ __________
1,483,272 3,130,323
__________ __________
Total Assets 9,435,161 14,823,077
LIABILITIES
Current
liabilities
Trade and other
payables 14 (5,357,810) (2,751,190)
Non-current
liabilities
Borrowings 15 - (4,274,000)
Provision for
decommissioning 16 (207,227) (679,559)
__________ __________
(207,227) (4,953,559)
__________ __________
Total
Liabilities (5,565,037) (7,704,749)
__________ __________
Net Assets 3,870,124 7,118,328
__________ __________
EQUITY
Capital and
reserves
Share capital 17 13,596,651 13,596,651
Share premium 17,815,055 17,815,055
Share-based
payments
reserve - 190,800
Retained losses (29,652,172) (27,374,489)
__________ __________
Shareholders'
Funds 1,759,534 4,228,017
Minority
interests 18 2,110,590 2,890,311
__________ __________
3,870,124 7,118,328
__________ __________
These financial statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 6 June 2011 and signed on its behalf by:
Director - J Cubitt
Company Registration Number: 04128401
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2010
Notes 31 December 2010 31 December 2009
$ $ $ $
ASSETS
Non-current
assets
Investments in
subsidiaries 12 4,163,283 4,168,283
Intangible
assets 11 - 4,274,000
__________ __________
4,163,283 8,442,283
Current assets
Receivables 13 73,591 219,066
Cash and cash
equivalents 80,265 1,320,644
__________ __________
153,856 1,539,710
__________ __________
Total Assets 4,317,139 9,981,993
LIABILITIES
Current
liabilities
Trade and other
payables 14 (851,438) (81,898)
Non-current
liabilities
Borrowings 15 - (4,274,000)
Provision for
decommissioning 16 - (537,460)
__________ __________
- (4,811,460)
__________ __________
Total
Liabilities (851,438) (4,893,358)
__________ __________
Net Assets 3,465,701 5,088,635
__________ __________
EQUITY
Capital and
reserves
attributable to
equity holders
Share capital 17 13,596,651 13,596,651
Share premium 17,815,055 17,815,055
Share-based
payments
reserve - 190,800
Retained losses (27,946,004) (26,513,871)
__________ __________
Total Equity 3,465,702 5,088,635
__________ __________
These financial statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 6 June 2011 and signed on its behalf by:
Director - J Cubitt
Company Registration Number: 04128401
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Share-based
Share Share Payments Retained Minority Total
Capital Premium Reserve Losses Total Interest Equity
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Balance at
1 July
2008 10,738,490 17,815,055 268,440 (24,291,499) 4,530,486 521,272 5,051,758
Share
issues
less
costs 2,858,161 - - - 2,858,161 - 2,858,161
Loss for
2009 - - - (3,160,630) (3,160,630) (1,322,626) (4,483,256)
Disposal of
minority
interest - - - - - 39,647 39,647
Minority's
interest
in share
capital of
subsidiary - - - - - 3,652,018 3,652,018
Transfer on
expiry of
warrants - - (77,640) 77,640 - - -
------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at
31
December
2009 13,596,651 17,815,055 190,800 (27,374,489) 4,228,017 2,890,311 7,118,328
Loss for
2010 - - - (2,468,483) (2,468,483) (779,721) (3,248,204)
Transfer on
expiry of
warrants
(Note 17) - - (190,800) 190,800 - - -
------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at
31
December
2010 13,596,651 17,815,055 - (29,652,172) 1,759,534 2,110,590 3,870,124
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Share-based
Share Share Payments Retained
Capital Premium Reserve Losses Total
$ $ $ $ $
Balance at
1 July
2008 10,738,490 17,815,055 268,440 (22,862,757) 5,959,228
Share
issues
less
costs 2,858,161 - - - 2,858,161
Transfer
on expiry
of
warrants - - (77,640) 77,640 -
Loss for
2009 - - - (3,728,754) (3,728,754)
Balance at
31
December
2009 13,596,651 17,815,055 190,800 (26,513,871) 5,088,635
Transfer
on expiry
of
warrants
(Note
17) - - (190,800) 190,800 -
Loss for
2010 - - - (1,622,933) (1,622,933)
Balance at
31
December
2010 13,596,651 17,815,055 - (27,946,004) 3,465,702
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Year ended 18 months ended
31 December 31 December
2010 2009
$ $
Cash flows from operating activities
Group operating loss from continuing
operations (3,464,180) (3,553,502)
Group operating loss from discontinued
operations - (987,824)
Adjustment for items not requiring an
outlay of funds:
Impairment of exploration assets -
continuing operations - 650,044
Impairment of exploration assets -
discontinuing operations 4,274,000 1,209,198
Write-back of loan - discontinuing
operations (4,274,000) -
Unwinding of discount on
abandonment provision 13,940 -
Foreign exchange differences 7,018 1,067,513
___________ ___________
Operating loss before changes in working
capital (3,443,222) (1,614,571)
Decrease/(increase) in receivables 791,091 (125,506)
Increase in trade and other
payables 1,535,584 1,474,518
___________ ___________
Net cash used in operating activities (1,116,547) (265,559)
___________ ___________
Investing activities
Funds used for exploration and
evaluation (7,841) (4,058,314)
Interest received 264 1,185
Cash disposed with subsidiary - (2,237)
Abandonment costs paid (43,856) -
___________ ___________
Net cash used in investing activities (51,433) (4,059,366)
___________ ___________
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares - 2,858,161
Proceeds from minorities for issue of
ordinary shares - 3,652,018
Loan from controlling shareholder 312,000 -
___________ ___________
Net cash from financing activities 312,000 6,510,179
___________ ___________
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents (855,980) 2,185,254
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 2,216,678 31,424
___________ ___________
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 1,360,698 2,216,678
___________ ___________
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010
Year ended 18 months ended
31 December 31 December
2010 2009
$ $
Cash flows from operating activities
Company operating loss (2,108,960) (3,648,289)
Adjustment for items not requiring an
outlay of funds:
Impairment of loans/capital due from
subsidiary undertakings 243,790 69,684
Impairment of exploration assets - 157,389
Loss on disposal of subsidiary
undertakings - 1,040,813
Foreign exchange adjustments on
translations - 986,267
Impairment of exploration assets -
discontinuing operations 4,274,000 -
Write-back of loan - discontinuing
operations (4,274,000) -
___________ ___________
Operating loss before changes in working
capital (1,865,170) (1,394,136)
(Increase)/decrease in receivables (44,023) 154,502
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other
payables 457,540 (231,678)
___________ ___________
Net cash used in operating activities (1,451,653) (1,471,312)
___________ ___________
Investing activities
Loans granted to subsidiary undertakings (49,293) -
Funds used for exploration and
evaluation (7,841) (83,226)
Funds used for abandonment (43,856) -
Interest received 264 1,185
___________ ___________
Net cash used in investing activities (100,726) (82,041)
___________ ___________
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares - 2,858,161
Loan from controlling shareholder 312,000 -
___________ ___________
Net cash from financing activities 312,000 2,858,161
___________ ___________
(Decrease/)increase in cash and cash
equivalents (1,240,379) 1,304,808
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 1,320,644 15,836
___________ ___________
Cash and cash equivalents and borrowings
at end of period 80,265 1,320,644
___________ ___________
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010 1. Authorisation of
financial statements
Woburn Energy Plc is a public limited company incorporated in
England and Wales whose shares are traded on AIM, a market operated
by the London Stock Exchange. The principal activities of the
Company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") are exploration for, and
development of, oil and gas.
The Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2010 (comparatives: 18 months ended 31 December 2009) were
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 6 June 2011 and
the balance sheets were signed on the Board's behalf by J
Cubitt.
2. Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
The Company's and Group's financial statements for the year
ended 31 December 2010 have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and IFRIC
(International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee)
interpretations as adopted by the European Union and with those
parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting
under IFRS.
3. Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of
these financial statements are set out below. These policies have
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless
otherwise stated below.
3.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis,
under the historical cost convention and in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the
European Union, including IFRS6 'Exploration for and Evaluation of
Mineral Resources' and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
The Parent Company's financial statements have also been prepared
in accordance with IFRS and the Companies Act 2006.
3.2 Going concern
During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Group made a loss of
$3,248,204 (2009: $4,483,256). At the year-end date, the Group had
net assets of $3,870,124 (2009: $7,118,328), the principal asset
being $7,951,889 of unevaluated exploration and evaluation assets.
Of these net assets $1,759,534 (2009: $4,228,017) was attributable
to equity shareholders and $2,110,590 (2009: $2,890,311) to the 49%
minority interest in Las Quinchas Resources Corp. Net current
liabilities were $3,874,538 (2009: net current assets
$379,133).
The Group had $1,360,698 of cash as at 31 December 2010 (2009:
$2,216,678) and had trade and other payables due within one year
outstanding of $5,357,810 (2009: $2,751,190). The Group's expected
net operating outflows for the year ending 31 December 2011, before
drawings under the Cetus Loan (Note 14 (a)) and before payment of
any unpaid operator billings (Note 14(b)), is $1,350,000 (2009:
$1,860,000). As at 3 June 2011 the Group had $216,000 of cash with
future expected net operating outflows to 30 June 2012, before
drawings under the Cetus Loan (Note 14 (a)) and before payment of
any unpaid operator billings (Note 14 (b)), of $1,700,000. In view
of the financial condition of the Company and the Group, the Board
continues to review its options, in particular the urgent need for
future finance.
The Group is not currently earning significant revenues and
therefore is not profitable because it is still in the exploration
phase of its business. The Group is therefore reliant on the future
support from its existing shareholders or its ability to raise
funds in the open market or from the sale of assets in order to be
able to meet its obligations and planned expenditures in the
foreseeable future.
The Directors intend to meet payment of unpaid operator billings
(Note 14 (b)) from the sale of part or all of LQRC's E&E assets
(Note 23). The Group's majority shareholder has confirmed that it
will continue to provide financial support for the foreseeable
future and to at least 30 June 2012 of at least up to the expected
operating costs, if required, and not to seek repayment of its loan
(Note 14 (a) and Note 23) where this would prejudice the ability of
the Company to meet its liabilities, other than unpaid operator
billings, as they fall due. The Directors therefore believe that
the Group will therefore have appropriate levels of financing and
that the Group will have sufficient cash to fund its activities and
to continue its operations for the foreseeable future and for the
Group to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and for
at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of these
financial statements. The financial statements have, therefore,
been prepared on the going concern basis.
3.3 Adoption of new and revised International Financial
Reporting Standards
IFRS8 "Operating Segments" has been adopted in these financial
statements and is discussed in note 4 below. IAS1 "Presentation of
Financial Statements" has been adopted which makes certain changes
to the format and titles of primary financial statements: it is
concerned with presentation only and it does not have any impact on
the results or net assets of the Group or Company. No other new
IFRS standards, amendments or interpretations became effective in
2010 which had a material effect on these financial statements.
At the date of approval of these financial statements, the
following IFRS Standards and Interpretations, which have not been
applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet
effective. These new Standards, Amendments and Interpretations are
effective for accounting periods beginning on or after the dates
shown below:
Standard Description Effective
Date
--------- ------------------------------------------- ------------
IAS 32 Amendment -Classification of Right Issues 1 Feb 2010
IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with 1 July 2010
Equity Instruments
IFRS 1 Amendment - First Time Adoption of IFRS 1 July 2010
IAS 24 Revised - Related Party Disclosures 1 January
2011
IFRIC 14 Amendment - IAS 19 Limited on a Defined 1 January
Benefit Asset 2011
IFRS 7 Amendment - Transfer of Financial Assets 1 July 2011
IAS 12 Deferred Tax Recovery of Underlying Assets 1 January
2012
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January
2013
3.4 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts
of the Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared by using
the principles of acquisition accounting ("the purchase method")
which includes the results of the subsidiaries from their date of
acquisition. Intra-group sales, profits and balances are eliminated
fully on consolidation.
3.5 Goodwill
Goodwill is the difference between the amount paid on the
acquisition of the subsidiary undertakings and the aggregate fair
value of their separable net assets - of which oil and gas
exploration expenditure is the primary asset. Goodwill is
capitalised as an intangible fixed asset and in accordance with
IFRS3 'Business Combinations' is not amortised but tested for
impairment annually and when there are any indications that its
carrying value is not recoverable. As such, goodwill is stated at
cost less any provision for impairment in value. If a subsidiary
undertaking is subsequently sold, goodwill arising on acquisition
is taken into account in determining the profit and loss on
sale.
3.6 Oil and Gas Exploration and Evaluation Expenditure
All exploration and evaluation costs incurred or acquired on the
acquisition of a subsidiary are accumulated in respect of each
identifiable project area. These costs, which are classified as
intangible assets are only carried forward to the extent that they
are expected to be recouped through the successful development of
the areas or where activities in the area have not yet reached a
stage which permits reasonable assessment of the existence of
economically recoverable reserves (successful efforts). Pre
licence/project costs are written off immediately. Other costs are
written off unless commercial reserves have been established or the
determination process has not been completed. Thus accumulated
costs in relation to an abandoned area are written off in full
against profit in the year in which the decision to abandon the
area is made.
When production commences the accumulated costs for the relevant
area of interest are transferred from intangible assets to tangible
assets as 'Developed Oil and Gas Assets' and amortised over the
life of the area according to the rate of depletion of the
economically recoverable costs.
3.7 Impairment of Oil and Gas Exploration and Evaluation
Expenditure and Related Goodwill
The carrying value of unevaluated areas and the related goodwill
is assessed on at least an annual basis or when there has been an
indication that impairment in value may have occurred. The
impairment of unevaluated prospects is assessed based on the
Directors' intention with regard to future exploration and
development of individual significant areas and the ability to
obtain funds to finance such exploration and development.
3.8 Impairment of Developed Oil and Gas Assets
When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of any developed oil and gas assets included within
tangible assets may not be recoverable from future net revenues
from oil and gas reserves attributable to that asset, a comparison
between the net book value of the asset and the discounted future
cash flows from estimated recoverable oil and gas reserves is
undertaken. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the
recoverable amount, the asset is written down to its recoverable
amount and the write off being charged as amortisation in the
income statement
3.9 Amortisation of Developed Oil and Gas Assets
Developed oil and gas assets will be amortised on a unit of
production basis using the ratio of oil and gas production in the
year to the estimated quantity of commercial reserves at the end of
the year plus production in the year. Changes in estimates of
commercial reserves or future development costs are dealt with
prospectively.
3.10 Decommissioning costs
Where a material liability for the removal of production
facilities and site restoration at the end of the field life
exists, a provision for decommissioning is recognised. The amount
recognised is the present value of estimated future expenditure
determined in accordance with local conditions and requirements. An
asset of an amount equivalent to the provision is also created and
depreciated on a unit of production basis. Changes in estimates are
recognised prospectively, with corresponding adjustments to the
provision and the associated asset.
3.11 Investments
The Parent Company's investments in subsidiary undertakings are
stated at cost less provision for impairment in the Company's
balance sheet.
3.12 Share based payments
The Company made share-based payments to certain Directors and
advisers by way of issue of share options. The fair value of these
payments is calculated by the Company using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The expense is recognised on a straight line
basis over the year from the date of award to the date of vesting,
based on the Company's best estimate of shares that will eventually
vest.
3.13 Foreign currency translation
(i) Functional and presentational currency
Items included in the Group's financial statements are measured
using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
Group operates ("the functional currency"). The Company's
functional currency is considered to be the US Dollar. The
effective exchange rate at 31 December 2010 GBP1 = $1.55 (31
December 2009 GBP1= $1.5986).
(ii) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the
settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year
end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.
Transactions in the accounts of individual Group companies are
recorded at the rate of exchange ruling on the date of the
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated at the rates ruling at the balance sheet
date. All differences are taken to the income statement.
3.14 Deferred taxation
Deferred income taxes are provided in full, using the liability
method, for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases
of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the
financial statements. Deferred income taxes are determined using
tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted and are
expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is
realised or the related deferred income tax liability is
settled.
The principal temporary differences arise from depreciation or
amortisation charged on assets and tax losses carried forward.
Deferred tax assets relating to the carry forward of unused tax
losses are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future
taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax
losses can be utilised.
3.15 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the balance sheet at
cost and comprise cash in hand, cash at bank, deposits held at call
with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are
included within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance
sheet. For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash
equivalents also include the bank overdrafts.
3.16 Receivables
Receivables are carried at original invoice amount less
provision made for impairment of these receivables. A provision for
impairment of receivables is established when there is objective
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due
according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of
the provision is the difference between the assets' carrying amount
and the recoverable amount. Provisions for impairment of
receivables are included in the income statement.
3.17 Payables
Payables are recognised initially at fair values and
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method.
3.18 Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs
directly attributable to the increase of new shares or options are
shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.
3.19 Critical accounting judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
International Financial Reporting Standards requires the use of
accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during
the reporting year. Although these estimates are based on
management's best knowledge of current events and actions, actual
results ultimately may differ from those estimates. IFRS also
require management to exercise its judgement in the process of
applying the Group's accounting policies.
The prime areas involving a higher degree of judgement or
complexity, where assumptions and estimates are significant to the
financial statements, are as follows:
Impairment of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure
("E&E")
The future recoverability of capitalised exploration and
evaluation expenditure is dependent on a number of factors,
including i) likely commerciality of assets, ii) future revenues
and costs pertaining and the discount rate to be applied for the
purpose of deriving a recoverable value, and iii) the
recoverability of the E&E asset through sale. Factors which
could impact the future recoverability include the level of proved,
probable and inferred resources, future technological changes which
could impact the cost of drilling and extraction, future legal
changes (including changes to environmental restoration
obligations) and changes to commodity prices.
To the extent that capitalised exploration evaluation
expenditure is determined not to be recoverable in the future, this
will reduce profits and net assets in the period in which this
determination is made.
4. Segmental reporting
IFRS8 "Operating Segments" requires operating segments to be
identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the
Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision
Maker ("CODM"). By contrast the standard which it replaced, IAS
"Segmental Reporting", required business and geographical segments
to be identified on a risks and rewards approach. The business
segmental reporting bases set out below for the Group for 2009 are
consistent with those which are reported to the CODM in 2010.
LQRC* North Sea Corporate Total
2010 $ $ $ $
Losses
Revenue 308,506 - - 308,506
Operating expenses (1,594,596) - - (1,594,596)
__________ __________ __________ __________
Gross loss (1,286,090) - - (1,286,090)
Administrative costs (182,418) - (1,995,672) (2,178,090)
Net interest (270,051) - 264 (269,787)
Profit from
discontinued
operations - 485,763 - 485,763
__________ __________ __________ __________
Loss for the period (1,738,559) 485,763 (1,995,408) (3,248,204)
Minority interest 779,721 - - 779,721
__________ __________ __________ __________
(Loss)/profit for
the period: equity
holders (958,838) 485,763 (1,995,408) (2,468,483)
Assets and
liabilities ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
Segment assets:
Non-current assets 7,951,889 - - 7,951,889
Current assets 1,328,725 - 154,547 1,483,272
Segment liabilities:
Current liabilities (4,586,673) - (771,137) (5,357,810)
Non-current
liabilities (207,227) - - (207,227)
Minority interest (2,110,590) - - (2,110,590)
__________ __________ __________ __________
Equity holders share
of total net assets 2,376,124 - (616,590) 1,759,534
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
* Las Quinchas Resource Corporation ("LQRC") (Note 12). Minority
Interest owns 49% of LQRC in both periods (Note 18). Administrative
costs include management fees relating to LQRC charged directly to
the Company by the Minority Interest.
LQRC** North Sea Corporate Total
2009 $ $ $ $
Losses
Revenue 182,045 - - 182,405
Operating (1,550,115) - - (1,550,115)
expenses __________ __________ __________ __________
Gross loss (1,368,070) - - (1,368,070)
Administrative
costs (244,678) - (1,290,710) (1,535,388)
Impairment of
exploration
assets (189,081) (157,389) (303,574) (650,044)
Net interest - - 1,185 1,185
Loss from
discontinued
operations (930,939) - - (930,939)
__________ __________ __________ __________
Loss for the
period (2,732,768) (157,389) (1,593,099) (4,483,256)
1,322,626 - - 1,322,626
Minority interest __________ __________ __________ __________
Loss for the
period: equity (1,410,142) (157,389) (1,593,099) (3,160,630)
holders ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
Assets and
liabilities
Segment assets:
Non-current
assets 7,418,754 4,274,000 - 11,692,754
Current assets 1,576,213 - 1554,110 3,130,323
Segment
liabilities:
Current
liabilities (2,627,595) - (123,595) (2,751,190)
Non-current
liabilities (142,099) (4,811,460) - (4,953,559)
Minority interest (2,890,311) - - (2,890,311)
__________ __________ __________ __________
Equity holders 3,334,962 (537,460) (1,430,515) 4,228,017
share of total ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
net assets
** includes Alhucema Resource Corporation sold on 1 August 2009
for a consideration of $Nil.
5. Group operating loss
The Group's operating loss is stated after charging:
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Impairment of exploration assets (Note
11) - 650,044
Employee costs (Note 10) 502,582 720,351
Rental of properties 136,541 130,418
Foreign exchange losses 45,157 735,026
Auditors' remuneration - audit services 23,250 41,603
- non-audit services 132,469 20,000
___________ ___________
Non-audit fees consist of $6,850 (2009: $10,000) for tax
compliance services, $9,300 (2009: $10,000) for reviewing the
Group's half yearly results and the remainder in relation to a
potential acquisition.
6. Taxation
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Current Tax
UK corporation tax - -
Overseas tax - -
Deferred tax - -
____________ ____________
- -
____________ ____________
The tax charge can be reconciled to the loss for the year as
follows:
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Group loss before tax (3,733,967) (3,552,317)
___________ ___________
Tax at the standard rate of UK corporation
tax of 28%
(2009: 28%) (1,045,511) (994,649)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 2,800 135,276
Abandonment costs paid (12,280) -
Loss from discontinued operations (2,195) -
Temporary timing differences (47,000) -
Effect of differing tax rates (80,000) -
Deferred tax not recognised 1,184,186 859,373
___________ ___________
Total current tax charge - -
___________ ___________
At the year-end date, the Group had unused tax losses of $13.5
million (2009: $10.6 million) available for offset against suitable
future profits. A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in
respect of such losses due to the uncertainty of future profit
streams. The contingent deferred tax asset at 26% is estimated to
be $3.5 million (2009: $3 million).
7. Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations in the year ended 31 December 2010
consist of the relinquishment of Licence P1147 in the North Sea and
in the period to 31 December 2009 consist of the disposal of the
entire issued share capital of Alhucema Resource Corporation for no
consideration. The post-tax loss of the discontinued operations is
classified as a single line on face of the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income.
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Loss from operations (note (a) below) - (987,824)
Impairment of exploration assets -
discontinuing operations (4,274,000) -
Write-back of loan - discontinuing
operations 4,274,000 -
Reduction of provision for decommissioning
(Note 16) 493,604 -
(Loss)/profit on disposal (note (b)
below) (7,841) 56,885
___________ ___________
Profit/(loss) for the period from discontinued
operations 485,763 (930,939)
___________ ___________
a) Loss from operations may be analysed as follows:
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Revenue - -
Operating expenses - (1,164,991)
Other income - 177,167
Finance costs - -
___________ ___________
- (987,824)
___________ ___________
b) (Loss)/profit on disposal of discontinued operations:
The loss on disposal of discontinued operations in the year
ended 31 December 2010 consisted wholly of the book value of the
North Sea licence at the date of its relinquishment on 1 October
2010 net of non-recourse borrowings (Note 11).
8. Loss per share
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Total comprehensive loss attributable
to equity shareholders - Continuing (2,954,246) (2,713,719)
Total comprehensive loss attributable
to equity shareholders - Continuing
and Discontinuing (2,468,483) (3,160,630)
Weighted average number of shares
in issue 232,160,407 152,963,327
___________ ___________
Cents Cents
Basic loss per share - Continuing (1.27) (1.77)
Basic loss per share - Continuing
and Discontinuing (1.06) (2.07)
Basic earnings/(loss) per share -
Discontinuing 0.21 (0.30)
___________ ___________
The diluted loss per share has been calculated using a weighted
average number of shares in issue and to be issued of 232,160,407
(2009: 152,963,327). The diluted loss per share has been kept the
same as the basic loss per share as the conversion of share
warrants decreases the basis loss per share, thus being
anti-dilutive (Note 17).
9. Parent Company income statement
In accordance with the provisions of the Section 408 of the
Companies Act 2006, the Parent Company has not presented an income
statement. The loss for the year ended 31 December 2010 of
$1,622,933 (2009: $3,728,754) has been included in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
10. Employee costs
The employee costs of the Group, including Directors'
remuneration, are as follows:
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Wages, salaries and fees 396,867 634,284
Social security costs 45,263 55,576
Pension costs 70,452 30,491
___________ ___________
512,582 720,351
___________ ___________
The number of employees at 31 December 2010 (including
Directors) was: 6 Directors and 1 staff. (2009: 6 Directors and 2
staff)
The above employee costs include the Company's Directors.
Further details of their remuneration are shown below and in the
Directors' Report:
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Wages, salaries and fees 230,653 411,899
Compensation for loss of office - 48,144
Social security costs 25,816 47,022
Pension contributions 58,827 30,491
___________ ___________
315,296 537,556
___________ ___________
11. Intangible assets
Exploration
and evaluation
Group: assets Goodwill Total
$ $ $
Cost
At 30 June 2008 16,023,143 1,006,794 17,029,937
Additions in 2009 4,058,314 - 4,058,314
Prior period adjustment (996,317) - (996,317)
Disposed of with subsidiary (2,373,710) - (2,373,710)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2009 16,711,430 1,006,794 17,718,224
Additions in 2010 540,976 - 540,976
Discontinued operations
- North Sea (see below) (6,121,951) - (6,121,951)
Loss on discontinued operations
(Note 7) (7,841) - (7,841)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2010 11,122,614 1,006,794 12,129,408
___________ ___________ ___________
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 July 2008 (5,533,144) (1,006,794) (6,539,938)
Disposed of with subsidiary 2,373,710 - 2,373,710
Impairment charge for 2009 (1,859,242) - (1,859,242)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2009 (5,018,676) (1,006,794) (6,025,470)
Discontinued operations
- North Sea 1,847,951 - 1,847,951
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2010 (3,170,725) (1,006,794) (4,177,519)
___________ ___________ ___________
Net book value
At 31 December 2010 7,951,889 - 7,951,889
___________ ___________ ___________
At 30 June 2009 11,692,754 - 11,692,754
___________ ___________ ___________
The net book value of the exploration and evaluation assets can
be analysed in the following geographical areas:
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Europe - 4,274,000
South America 7,951,889 7,418,754
___________ ___________
7,951,889 11,692,754
___________ ___________
Goodwill arose on the acquisition of the Company's subsidiary
undertakings. Goodwill was fully impaired in prior years.
11. Intangible assets (continued)
The amounts for intangible exploration and evaluation
("E&E") assets represent costs incurred in relation to the
Group's licences. These amounts will be written off to the income
statement as exploration expenses unless commercial reserves are
established or the determination process is not completed and there
are no indicators of impairment. The outcome of ongoing exploration
and evaluation, and therefore whether the carrying value of E&E
assets will ultimately be recovered, is inherently uncertain. The
Directors have assessed the value of the Group's oil and gas
exploration and evaluation assets. As discussed in Note 23 the
Company is seeking a buyer for its interests in LQRC or in the Las
Quinchas Association Contract. The Board has carefully considered
the factors relating to the book carrying value of the E&E
asset and the inherent uncertainties. On the basis of the
information presently available to them, they have concluded that
no further impairment to the book value of the E&E asset at the
year end is currently required.
During the year the Directors decided to relinquish the North
Sea Licence P1147 Block 49/8c and fully impaired the E&E asset
by $4,274,000, as above, and recorded a loss on discontinued
operations of $7,841 (Note 7 and above). A related non-recourse
loan of $4,274,000 was written back to the statement of
comprehensive income during the year (Note 15).
Exploration and
Company evaluation assets
$
Cost
At 30 June 2008 7,150,570
Additions in 2009 83,226
Foreign exchange adjustment (1,111,845)
___________
At 31 December 2009 6,121,951
Additions in 2010 7,841
Discontinued operations - North Sea (6,129,792)
___________
At 31 December 2010 -
___________
Amortisation and impairment
At 30 June 2008 (1,690,562)
Impairment charge for 2009 (157,389)
___________
At 31 December 2009 (1,847,951)
Discontinued operations - North Sea 1,847,951
___________
At 31 December 2010 -
___________
Net book value
At 31 December 2010 -
___________
At 31 December 2009 4,274,000
___________
12. Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Shares in
Loans to subsidiary subsidiary
undertakings undertakings Total
$ $ $
Company
Cost
At 30 June 2008 2,747,754 12,923,132 15,670,886
Disposals during 2009 - (1,052,779) (1,052,779)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2009 and
2010 2,747,754 11,870,353 14,618,107
___________ ___________ ___________
Impairment
At 30 June 2008 (2,678,070) (7,702,070) (10,380,140)
Impairment charge for
2009 (69,684) - (69,684)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2009 (2,747,754) (7,702,070) (10,449,824)
Impairment charge for
2010 - (5,000) (5,000)
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2010 (2,747,754) (7,707,070) (10,454,824)
___________ ___________ ___________
Net book values
At 31 December 2010 - 4,163,283 4,163,283
___________ ___________ ___________
At 31 December 2009 - 4,168,283 4,168,283
___________ ___________ ___________
The Company's directly held subsidiary undertakings as at 31
December 2010 are:
Name Ownership Country Main activity
of incorporation
Las Quinchas Resource 51% Barbados Oil and gas
Corporation exploration
Black Rock Oil & Gas 100% Colombia Oil and gas
Sucursal Colombia- exploration
branch (placed into
liquidation on 14
February 2011: Note
23)
The Directors have assessed the carrying value of the subsidiary
company investments and in their opinion no further impairment
provision is currently considered necessary.
13. Receivables
31 December 2010 31 December 2009
Group Company Group Company
$ $ $ $
Other receivables 87,135 41,077 884,077 189,783
Prepayments 35,439 32,514 29,568 29,283
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
122,574 73,591 913,645 219,066
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
14. Trade and other payables
31 December 2010 31 December 2009
Group Company Group Company
$ $ $ $
Other payables 186,636 126,360 39,964 39,694
Shareholder loan
((a) below) 312,000 312,000 - -
Accruals ((b) below) 4,859,174 413,078 2,711,226 42,204
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
5,357,810 851,438 2,751,190 81,898
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
(a) During 2010, the Company's largest shareholder, Cetus
Investment Resources Inc, made available to the Company an
unsecured, non-interest bearing Loan of up to GBP650,000, of which
GBP200,000 ($312,000) had been drawn at 31 December 2010 (Note
23).
(b) Included in accruals at 31 December 2010 is interest of
$270,051 charged by the operator of the Colombian E&E asset on
unpaid billings (2009: interest charged $Nil). Related unpaid
operator billings at 31 December 2010 were $4,580,365 (2009:
$2,546,786).
15. Borrowings
31 December 2010 31 December 2009
Group Company Group Company
$ $ $ $
Non-current
Non-recourse loan - - 4,274,000 4,274,000
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
Total borrowings - - 4,274,000 4,274,000
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
In September 2006 the Company entered into an arrangement with
Gemini Oil & Gas Fund II, LP ("Gemini"), whereby Gemini is to
fund up to US$4.27 million in respect of the drilling of the
Company's 49/8C-4 well in the Monterey Gas Field in Licence P1147
of the Southern Gas Basin of the North Sea. The loan was been fully
drawn down. The loan was interest free and without recourse in
return for an entitlement for Gemini to receive interest and
principal payments based on the Company's share of future revenues
only from this asset. As set out in Note 11, this Licence was
relinquished in 2010 and the loan thereby lapsed.
16. Provision for decommissioning
The Directors have considered environmental issues and the need
for any necessary provision for the cost of rectifying any
environmental damage, as might be required under local legislation
and the Group's licence obligations. In their view, apart from the
provision for decommissioning of $207,227 in the consolidated
statement of financial position (see below), no further provision
is necessary at 31 December 2010 for any future costs of
decommissioning or any environmental damage.
Group Company
$ $
At 1 July 2008 593,355 593,354
Additions 142,098 -
Foreign exchange
loss (55,894) (55,894)
At 31 December 2009 679,559 537,460
Paid in year (43,856) (43,856)
Reduction of
provision on
relinquishment
(discontinued
operations (Note
7)) (493,604) (493,604)
Change in estimate 44,150 -
Foreign exchange 7,037 -
loss
Unwinding of 13,940 -
discount
--------------------- ---------------------
At 31 December 2010 207,226 -
===================== =====================
17. Share capital and share warrants
31 December 31 December
2010 2009
Group and Company
Number Number
Authorised capital
1,445,235,888 ordinary shares
of 1p each 1,445,235,888 1,445,235,888
___________ ___________
21,031,688 deferred shares of
24p each 21,031,688 21,031,688
___________ ___________
$ $
Allotted, called up and fully
paid
232,160,407 ordinary shares of
1p each 3,501,369 3,501,369
21,031,688 deferred shares of
24p each 10,095,282 10,095,282
___________ ___________
13,596,651 13,596,651
___________ ___________
On 8 August 2010 the 377,018 warrants in issue lapsed and
consequently the balance of $190,800 on the share-based payments
reserve was transferred to retained losses. There are no further
outstanding share options or warrants in issue at 31 December 2010.
The Company's share price ranged between 1.1p and 8.0p during the
period. The closing share price as at 31 December 2010 was 8.0p per
share.
18. Minority interests
Group Group
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Called up share capital 4,000,000 4,000,000
Accumulated losses (1,889,410) (1,109,689)
___________ ___________
2,110,590 2,890,311
___________ ___________
The minority interests at 31 December 2010 represent a 49%
holding by Alange Alberta Inc. in Las Quinchas Resource
Corporation.
19. Financial instruments
Interest rate risk
At 31 December 2010 the Group had US Dollar cash of $1,280,052,
and Pound Sterling cash of GBP51,400. The Company's exposure to
interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument's
value will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest
rates on classes of financial assets and financial liabilities, was
as follows:
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
Floating Floating
interest Non-Interest interest Non-Interest
rate Bearing rate Bearing
$ $ $ $
Financial assets:
Cash at bank* - 1,360,698 2,216,678 -
___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
* Of the cash balance at 31 December 2010, $1,279,742 was held
by LQRC, a 51% owned subsidiary (31 December 2009: $896,365) (Note
23).
Financial liabilities
At 31 December 2010 the Group had no financial liabilities.
Net fair value
The net fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
approximates to their carrying amount as disclosed in the balance
sheet and in the related notes.
Financial risk management
The Directors recognise that this is an area in which they may
need to develop specific policies should the Group become exposed
to further financial risks as the business develops.
Capital risk management
The Group considers capital to be its equity reserves. At the
current stage of the Group's life cycle, the Group's objective in
managing its capital is to ensure funds raised meet the exploration
and other expenditure commitments. The Group ensures it is meeting
its objectives by reviewing its KPIs to ensure its exploration
activities are progressing in line with expectations, controlling
costs and placing unused funds on deposit to conserve resources and
increase returns on surplus cash held.
20. Future exploration expenditure
The Group has no contractual future exploration expenditure
commitments.
21. Related party transactions and compensation of key
management personnel
Key management of the Group is considered to be the Directors of
the Company. There are no transactions with the Directors other
than their remuneration and interests in shares. During the year
ended 31 December 2010 the Company was charged a total of $149,389
for reimbursement of office rent, rates and services by
subsidiaries of United Paramount Holding Corp (Note 22) (2009:
$123,022), of which $76,678 was outstanding at the end of 2010
(2009: $Nil). A further $312,000 was due under the Cetus Loan at 31
December 2010 (2009: $Nil) (Note 14).
The year ended 31 December 2010 includes management fees of
$146,500 payable to the 49% minority interest party in LQRC, Alange
Alberta Inc.
The remuneration of Directors is set out below in aggregate for
each of the categories specified in IAS 24 'Related Party
Disclosures'. Further information about the remuneration of
individual Directors is shown in the Directors' Report and Note
10.
Year ended Period ended
31.12.2010 31.12.2009
$ $
Short-term employee benefits 222,653 411,899
Termination benefits - 48,144
Post-employment benefits 58,827 30,491
___________ ___________
281,480 490,534
___________ ___________
22. Control
The Group is controlled by Cetus Investment Resources Inc which
owns 86.15% of the Company. Cetus Investment Resources Inc is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Zaver Petroleum International Inc which
is itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Paramount Holding
Corp. Mr Hashwani is beneficially interested in the entire issued
share capital of United Paramount Holding Corp and is therefore the
ultimate controlling party.
23. Subsequent events
In January 2011, a further GBP250,000 was drawn by the Company
under the Cetus Loan (Note 14 and 21).
On 14 February 2011, Black Rock Oil & Gas Sucursal Colombia
was placed into liquidation (Note 12).
In February 2011, LQRC remitted cash of $1,279,027 to its
shareholders, of which $652,304 was to the Company.
In view of a number of factors, including those set out in Note
3.2, the Company is seeking a buyer for its interest in LQRC or in
the Las Quinchas Association Contract. The Board has carefully
considered the factors relating to the book carrying value of the
E&E asset (Note 11) and the inherent uncertainties. On the
basis of the information presently available to them they have
concluded that no impairment to the book value of the E&E asset
at the year-end is currently required.
24. Other
The financial information in this announcement has been derived
from the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31
December 2010, which were approved by the Directors on 6 June 2011
and on which the auditors have given an unqualified opinion. The
financial information set out in this announcement does not
constitute statutory accounts. Statutory accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2010 will be delivered to the Registrar of
Companies in accordance with the Companies Act. The financial
information for the 18 months ended 31 December 2009 is derived
from the Company's statutory accounts, which have been delivered to
the Registrar of Companies and on which the auditors gave an
unqualified opinion.
ENDS
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR UGUUGQUPGGQQ
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