Transition to IFRS

Alkane Energy PLC 17 September 2007 Alkane Energy plc Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards Contents Introduction. Summary. Key Changes. Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS: Group Balance Sheet at 1 January 2006 Group Income Statement at 30 June 2006 Group Balance Sheet at 30 June 2006 Group Income Statement at 31 December 2006 Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2006 Group Accounting Policies. Introduction This document provides details of the changes to Alkane Energy plc consolidated reported results arising from the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'). The Group's first full year results under IFRS will be for the year ending 31 December 2007 with comparative results for 2006 restated to IFRS where applicable. This document provides a narrative explanation and reconciliations between IFRS and previously reported financial information under UK GAAP as at 1 January 2006, 30 June 2006 and 31 December 2006. The Group has reviewed and made changes to its accounting policies as required by IFRS1. The Group's revised accounting policies are set out later in this statement. Summary The main impacts of IFRS on the Group's reported results are shown below: • An increase in Profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2006 of £35,000 - the result of acquired goodwill no longer being amortised offset by the cost of employee benefits. • Net assets at 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 have decreased by £198,000 and £151,000 respectively, mainly arising from the recognition of obligations in respect of employee benefits. Key Changes Employee benefits (IAS19) Short-term employee benefits IAS19 provides separate rules for the recognition of the expense/liability related to short-term employee benefits. From the date of transition we have accrued for the cost of all short term employee benefits. Because these expenses are now recognised in full, the associated deferred tax liability has been reversed. January December 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 Accrual for short-term employee benefits (240) (289) Reversal of deferred tax liability 42 49 ________ ________ Decrease in net assets (198) (240) ________ ________ Property, Plant and Equipment (IAS16) IAS 16 uses the 'component approach' to depreciation of assets and requires the separate depreciation of each part of an item of Property, Plant and Equipment that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item. The Group has previously classified all assets associated with our Green Energy Parks under the single heading 'Gas Properties'. These have been depreciated based on the utilisation of estimated gas reserves. To comply with IAS16 we have carried out a detailed review of our Gas Properties and identified items that will be reclassified as Property, Plant and Equipment. These assets will be depreciated over their useful lives, assessed as 15 years. As a result of this review, assets with a net book value of £2,867,000 at 31 December 2006 have been reclassified from Gas Properties to Property Plant and Equipment (31 December 2005: net book value of £2,563,000). The remaining assets within Gas Properties will continue to be depreciated based on gas reserves. These assets will in future be called 'Gas Assets'. January December 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 Decrease Gas Assets (reclassified as Property, Plant & Equipment) (2,563) (2,867) Increase Property, Plant and Equipment (reclassified Gas Assets) 2,563 2,867 ________ ________ Effect on net assets - - ________ ________ Business combinations (IFRS3) Under UK GAAP, the Group amortised goodwill over its estimated useful economic life. IFRS 3 requires that goodwill is not amortised but is subject to an annual impairment review. As required by IFRS 1 an impairment test was carried out at the date of transition to IFRS. An impairment adjustment of £8,000 was identified in respect of goodwill arising on the acquisition of Pro2 Services. The adjustment to the Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2006 of £89,000 reverses the amortisation of goodwill charged in that year under UK GAAP (£97,000) and reflects the subsequent impairment of goodwill relating to Pro2 Services (£8,000). Minority interests Minority interests were disclosed separately from equity in the UK GAAP balance sheet. Under IFRS minority interests have been reclassified and presented as part of equity. The reduction in net assets resulting from IFRS adjustments that is attributable to minority interests amounts to £79,000 as at 1 January 2006 and £93,000 as at 31 December 2006. First time adoption (IFRS1) In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 1 ' First-time Adoption of International Financial reporting Standards', the Group is subject to a number of voluntary and mandatory exemptions from full restatement to the requirements of IFRS, which have been applied as follows: • The Group has not elected to use fair value as deemed cost for Property, Plant and Equipment at the date of transition and will continue to recognise assets at historic cost less accumulated depreciation, less accumulated impairments. • The Group has taken advantage of the exemption from the application of IFRS 3 for business combinations that occurred before the transition date. • The Group has taken advantage of the exemption from the application of IFRS 2 to share options granted before 7 November 2002, or to share options that vested before the transition date. • The Group has set cumulative translation differences to zero at the transition date. Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS Reconciliation of the Group Balance Sheet under UK GAAP to the Group Balance Sheet under IFRS as at 1 January 2006. IFRS Adjustments Employee Property, Sub-total Benefits Plant & IFRS Equipment adjustments IAS 19 IAS 16 UK GAAP IFRS £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Group Balance Sheet Non-current assets Intangible assets - goodwill 764 - - - 764 - other intangible assets 29 - - - 29 Property, plant & equipment 5,706 - 2,563 2,563 8,269 Gas Assets 4,997 - (2,563) (2,563) 2,434 Investments accounted for using the - - - - - equity method Other investments - - - - - Derivative financial instruments - - - - - Non-current assets 11,496 - - - 11,496 Current assets Inventories 3,427 - - - 3,427 Trade and other receivables 6,661 - - - 6,661 Other financial assets 164 - - - 164 Cash and short-term deposits 2,090 - - - 2,090 12,342 - - - 12,342 Total assets 23,838 - - - 23,838 Current liabilities Trade and other payables (7,092) (240) - (240) (7,332) Financial liabilities (1,514) - - - (1,514) Income tax payable (137) - - - (137) Provisions (14) - - - (14) (8,757) (240) - (240) (8,997) Non-current liabilities Other payables (106) - - - (106) Financial liabilities (2,870) - - - (2,870) Deferred tax liabilities (42) 42 - 42 - Provisions (1,588) - - - (1,588) (4,606) 42 - 42 (4,564) Total liabilities (13,363) (198) - (198) (13,561) Net assets 10,475 (198) - (198) 10,277 Equity Share capital 456 - - - 456 Share premium 33,189 - - - 33,189 Other reserves 56 - - - 56 Retained losses (24,443) (119) - (119) (24,562) Group shareholders' equity 9,258 (119) - (119) 9,139 Minority interests 1,217 (79) - (79) 1,138 Total equity 10,475 (198) - (198) 10,277 Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS Reconciliation of the Group Income Statement under UK GAAP to the Group Income Statement under IFRS as at 30 June 2006. IFRS Adjustments Employee Business Sub-total Benefits combinations IFRS IAS 19 IFRS 3 adjustments UK GAAP IFRS £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Group Income Statement Revenue 8,435 - - - 8,435 Cost of sales (5,877) - - - (5,877) Gross Profit 2,558 - - - 2,558 Administrative expenses (3,853) (26) 49 23 (3,830) Other operating income 167 - - - 167 Profit on sale of fixed assets - - - - - Profit on Sale of licence - - - - - Impairment of Goodwill - - - - - Operating Profit/(Loss) (1,128) (26) 49 23 (1,105) Finance income 65 - - - 65 Finance costs (214) - - - (214) (149) - - - (149) Profit/(Loss) before tax (1,277) (26) 49 23 (1,254) Tax (expense) / credit 98 4 - 4 102 Profit/(Loss) for the year (1,179) (22) 49 27 (1,152) Profit/(Loss) for the year attributable to: Equity holders of the parent (520) (13) 49 36 (484) Minority interest (659) (9) - (9) (668) (1,179) (22) 49 27 (1,152) Loss per ordinary share - basic and (0.57p) (0.53p) diluted Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS Reconciliation of the Group Balance Sheet under UK GAAP to the Group Balance Sheet under IFRS as at 30 June 2006. IFRS Adjustments Employee Property, Business Sub-total Benefits Plant & Combinations IFRS Equipment adjustments IAS 19 IAS 16 IFRS 3 UK GAAP IFRS £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Group Balance Sheet Non-current assets Intangible assets - goodwill 715 - - 49 49 764 - other intangible assets 26 - - - - 26 Property, plant & equipment 3,449 - 2,490 - 2,490 5,939 Gas Assets 5,388 - (2,490) - (2,490) 2,898 Investments accounted for using the - - - - - - equity method Other investments - - - - - - Derivative financial instruments - - - - - - Non-current assets 9,578 - - 49 49 9,627 Current assets Inventories 7,020 - - - - 7,020 Trade and other receivables 5,797 - - - - 5,797 Other financial assets 505 - - - - 505 Cash and short-term deposits 1,071 - - - - 1,071 14,393 - - - - 14,393 Total assets 23,971 - - 49 49 24,020 Current liabilities Trade and other payables (8,323) (267) - - (267) (8,590) Financial liabilities (1,517) - - - - (1,517) Income tax payable (119) - - - - (119) Provisions (1) - - - - (1) (9,960) (267) - - (267) (10,227) Non-current liabilities Other payables (66) - - - - (66) Financial liabilities (2,925) - - - - (2,925) Deferred tax liabilities (46) 46 - - 46 - Provisions (1,587) - - - - (1,587) (4,624) 46 - - 46 (4,578) Total liabilities (14,584) (221) - - (221) (14,805) Net assets 9,387 (221) - 49 (172) 9,215 Equity Share capital 457 - - - - 457 Share premium 33,207 - - - - 33,207 Other reserves 110 - - - - 110 Retained losses (24,953) (133) - 49 (84) (25,037) Group shareholders' equity 8,821 (133) - 49 (84) 8,737 Minority interests 566 (88) - - (88) 478 Total equity 9,387 (221) - 49 (172) 9,215 Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS Reconciliation of the Group Income Statement under UK GAAP to the Group Income Statement under IFRS as at 31 December 2006. IFRS Adjustments Employee Business Sub-total Benefits combinations IFRS IAS 19 IFRS 3 adjustments UK GAAP IFRS £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Group Income Statement Revenue 27,319 - - - 27,319 Cost of sales (18,981) - - - (18,981) Gross Profit 8,338 - - - 8,338 Administrative expenses (7,564) (54) 97 43 (7,521) Other operating income 343 - - - 343 Profit on sale of fixed assets (3) - - - (3) Profit on Sale of licence 350 - - - 350 Impairment of Goodwill - - (8) (8) (8) Operating Profit/(Loss) 1,464 (54) 89 35 1,499 Finance income 124 - - - 124 Finance costs (440) - - - (440) (316) - - - (316) Profit/(Loss) before tax 1,148 (54) 89 35 1,183 Tax (expense) / credit (66) 8 - 8 (58) Profit/(Loss) for the year 1,082 (46) 89 43 1,125 Profit/(Loss) for the year attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 1,015 (30) 89 59 1,074 Minority interest 67 (16) - (16) 51 1,082 (46) 89 43 1,125 Earnings per ordinary share - basic 1.11p 1.17p Earnings per ordinary share - diluted 1.09p 1.15p Reconciliation of previously reported financial statements under UK GAAP to IFRS Reconciliation of the Group Balance Sheet under UK GAAP to the Group Balance Sheet under IFRS as at 31 December 2006. IFRS Adjustments Employee Property, Business Sub-total Benefits Plant & Combinations IFRS Equipment adjustments IAS 19 IAS 16 IFRS 3 UK GAAP IFRS £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Group Balance Sheet Non-current assets Intangible assets - goodwill 667 - - 89 89 756 - other intangible assets 18 - - - - 18 Property, plant & equipment 3,576 - 2,867 - 2,867 6,443 Gas Assets 6,241 - (2,867) - (2,867) 3,374 Investments accounted for using the equity - - - - - - method Other investments 3 - - - - 3 Derivative financial instruments - - - - - - Non-current assets 10,505 - - 89 89 10,594 Current assets Inventories 6,631 - - - - 6,631 Trade and other receivables 7,768 - - - - 7,768 Other financial assets 512 - - - - 512 Cash and short-term deposits 946 - - - - 946 15,857 - - - - 15,857 Total assets 26,362 - - 89 89 26,451 Current liabilities Trade and other payables (9,092) (289) - - (289) (9,381) Financial liabilities (1,084) - - - - (1,084) Income tax payable (80) - - - - (80) Provisions (4) - - - - (4) (10,260) (289) - - (289) (10,549) Non-current liabilities Other payables (43) - - - - (43) Financial liabilities (2,939) - - - - (2,939) Deferred tax liabilities (49) 49 - - 49 - Provisions (1,550) - - - - (1,550) (4,581) 49 - - 49 (4,532) Total liabilities (14,841) (240) - - (240) (15,081) Net assets 11,521 (240) - 89 (151) 11,370 Equity Share capital 459 - - - - 459 Share premium 33,234 - - - - 33,234 Other reserves 81 - - - - 81 Retained losses (23,514) (147) - 89 (58) (23,572) Group shareholders' equity 10,260 (147) - 89 (58) 10,202 Minority interests 1,261 (93) - - (93) 1,168 Total equity 11,521 (240) - 89 (151) 11,370 GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation The Group's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as they apply to the financial statements of the Group, and applied in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing financial statements for the Group. The Group financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£000) except where otherwise indicated. Basis of consolidation The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Alkane Energy plc and the entities that it controls (its subsidiaries) drawn up to 31 December each year. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The financial statements of subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are prepared for the same reporting year as the parent company and are based on consistent accounting policies. All inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from them, are eliminated. Minority interests represent the portion of profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group and is presented separately within equity in the consolidated balance sheet, separately from parent shareholders' equity. Interests in associates The Group's interests in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method the investment is carried in the balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group's share of net assets of the associate, less distributions received and less any impairment in value of individual investments. The Group income statement reflects the share of the associate's results after tax. The Group statement of recognised income and expense reflects the Group's share of any income and expense recognised by the associate outside profit and loss. Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of an associate, representing the excess of the cost of the investment compared to the Group's share of the net fair value of the associate's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, is included in the carrying amount of the associate and is not amortised. To the extent that the net fair value of the associate's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is greater than the cost of the investment, a gain is recognised and added to Group's share of the associate's profit or loss in the period in which the investment is acquired. Financial statements of associates are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. Where necessary adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies used into line with those of the Group; to take into account fair values assigned at the date of acquisition, and to reflect impairment losses where appropriate. Adjustments are also made in the Group's financial statements to eliminate the Group's share of unrealised gains and losses on transactions between the Group and its associates. Foreign currencies (a) Company Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in sterling by applying the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the income statement. (b) Group The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated to sterling by applying the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the year. The resulting exchange differences arising on the retranslation of the opening net investment in foreign subsidiaries are taken directly to equity. Intangible assets Business combinations are accounted for under IFRS 3 using the purchase method. Any excess of the cost of the business combination over the Group's interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised in the balance sheet as goodwill and is not amortised. To the extent that the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is greater than the cost of the investment, a gain is recognised immediately in the income statement. Goodwill recognised as an asset as at 31 December 2005 is recorded at its carrying value under UK GAAP and is not amortised. Any goodwill asset arising on the acquisition of equity accounted entities is included within the cost of those entities. The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed annually and also whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The purchase costs of licences are capitalised as intangible assets and amortised over their useful economic life of 5 years. The net book value is transferred to tangible fixed assets - gas assets once development of sites has commenced. The carrying value of licences is reviewed annually and also whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Gas assets Gas assets are the exploration and evaluation assets that lead to the extraction of gas that is sold to third parties or used by the Group to generate electricity that is then sold to third parties. Gas assets are stated at cost net of depletion and accumulated impairment losses. Expenditure on gas assets is accounted for under IFRS 6. The Group has adopted the successful efforts method of accounting for gas assets. Under this method, research and appraisal costs for projects in each licence area are capitalised pending determination of success in that licence area in terms of the discovery of commercial gas reserves. At the point where success within a licence area can be assessed the capitalised costs are depleted using a unit of production method, commencing at the start of commercial production. Commercial reserves used in the unit of production calculations are proven and probable gas reserves. The directors calculate the reserves estimates by reference to mine records of void space and coal methane content, together with an assessment of rising mine water. The capitalised costs for licence areas determined to be unsuccessful are written off in the period in which the determination is made. The effects of changes in estimated costs or other factors affecting unit of production calculations for depreciation are dealt with prospectively over the estimated remaining commercial reserves of each licence area. The carrying values of gas assets are reviewed for impairment annually and also when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of gas assets is the greater of net selling price and value in use. In assessing value in use the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assumptions of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the aggregate amount paid or expended during construction and includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Borrowing costs attributable to assets under construction are recognised as an expense as incurred. Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment at rates calculated to write down the cost, less estimated residual value based on prices prevailing at the balance sheet date over its expected useful life as follows: Motor vehicles - over 5 years straight line Long leasehold land - over the lease term Plant & machinery - over 5 to 15 years reducing balance/straight line Fixtures & fittings - over 3 to 10 years reducing balance/straight line The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment annually and also when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Leasing and hire purchase commitments Assets held under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset are passed to the Group, and hire purchase contracts are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated over their useful lives. A corresponding liability is recognised for the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the reduction of the lease liability and finance charges in the income statement so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Sale and finance leaseback arrangements The Group has entered into certain sale and finance leaseback transactions whereby the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets concerned have not been substantially transferred to the lessor. In accordance with IAS 17 the assets subject to these sale and finance leaseback transactions have been retained on the Group's balance sheet and the proceeds of sale are included within creditors as obligations under sale and finance leaseback. Lease payments are apportioned between the reduction of the lease liability and finance charges in the income statement so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Provisions A provision is recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the income statement less any reimbursement. A specific provision is made for the restoration of gas properties. The directors estimate the date of closure and cost of restoration for each site. A discount factor is applied to the expected costs in order to arrive at the present value reflected in the provision. The unwinding of discount is treated as an administrative expense in the income statement. Financial assets Financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes party to the contracts that give rise to them and are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; loans and receivables; held-to-maturity investments; or as available-for-sale financial assets, as appropriate. The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost refers to the purchase price on a first-in, first-out basis. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal. Trade and other receivables Trade receivables are recognised and carried at the lower of their original invoiced value and the recoverable amount. Where the time value of money is material, receivables are carried at amortised cost. Provision is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to recover balances in full. Balances are written off when the probability of recovery is assessed as being remote. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and short-term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at banks and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Interest bearing loans and borrowings Obligations for loans and borrowings are recognised when the Group becomes party to the related contracts and are measured initially at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses arising on the repurchase, settlement or otherwise cancellation of liabilities are recognised respectively in finance revenue or finance cost. Income taxes Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity; otherwise income tax is recognised in the income statement. Deferred taxation Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions: • where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss; • in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and • deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Pensions The Group operates two defined contribution pension schemes. The Company and a subsidiary undertaking Alkane Energy UK Limited operate a scheme covering all employees of those companies; and the subsidiary undertaking Pro2 Anlagentechnik GmbH operates a scheme for the benefit of three directors of that company. Contributions are charged to the income statement in the period in which they become payable. Revenue recognition Revenue comprises the contracted sales value of energy, goods and other services supplied to customers during the year and is measured at the fair value of consideration received, excluding VAT and other sales taxes or duty. The following criteria must be met before revenue is recognised: (a) The sale of energy is measured at the contractual value of metered units supplied during the year. Where applicable, the contractual value includes a premium for climate change levy exemption; (b) Sale of goods is recognised when the substantial risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, usually when the customer has signed for acceptance of the goods; (c) Other services are recognised when the service has been performed. Borrowing costs Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. Share options The Company has share option schemes under which options to subscribe for the Company's shares have been granted to employees. For those share options where it is applicable there is included within the financial statements a provision for the national insurance costs arising on the exercise of the share options. Share-based payments The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date at which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions). No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance conditions are satisfied. At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management's best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions, the number of equity instruments which will eventually vest, or in the case of an instrument subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity. Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original award term continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative. Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense in the income statement. The Group has taken advantage of the exemption in IFRS 1 in respect of equity-settled awards so as to apply IFRS 2 only to those equity-settled awards granted after 7 November 2002 that had not vested before 1 January 2006. 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