Annreport2006

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annual report


006

“At Brantano stores you will always find the shoes you love”

The Belgian Group Brantano aims to achieve a leadership position in shoe distribution in Europe. It intends to do this with a single concept and under the Brantano name. Brantano wants to be the reference in shoes for the entire family in the mid-market segment. To do this, it sells a wide range of ladies’, men’s and children’s shoes, sports shoes and accessories at the best value for money. Brantano was listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange on 16 June 1997.


Core figures(1) for the group

Core figures of the consolidated profit and loss account(2) IFRS 2006

IFRS 2005

IFRS 2004

Turnover Gross margin

As per 31.12 in € million

295.2 151.0

304.1 152.9

322.6 158.3

303.8 146.3

299.4 138.6

As a % of turnover

51,2%

50.3%

49.1%

48.2%

46.3%

9.7

19.1

As a % of turnover

3,3%

6.3%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Operating profit (EBIT)

35.9

18.8

19.9

15.9

3.0

12,2%

6.2%

6.2%

5.2%

1.0% 0.0%

Recurring operating profit (EBIT)

As a % of turnover

2003

2002

Recurring operating cash flow (EBITDA)

19,6

28.2

As a % of turnover

6,6%

9.3%

0.0%

0.0%

Operating cash flow (EBITDA)

46,1

28.2

31.2

24.9

21.5

15,6%

9.3%

9.7%

8.2%

7.2%

As a % of turnover

Financial result As a % of turnover

-2.2

-2.2

-3.4

-5.1

-2.7

-0,8%

-0.7%

-1.1%

-1.7%

-0.9%

Pre tax result of continued activities As a % of turnover

33.7

16.6

16.5

11.7

0.2

11,4%

5.5%

5.1%

3.8%

0.1%

Post tax result of continued activities

29.2

10.5

9.6

5.7

0.3

As a % of turnover

9,9%

3.5%

3.0%

1.9%

0.1%

Post tax result of non-continued activities As a % of turnover

Net result after taxes As a % of turnover

0.3

-3.4

-6.2

0.0

0.0

0,1%

-1.1%

-1.9%

0.0%

0.0%

29.5

7.1

3.4

5.7

0.3

10.0%

2.3%

1.1%

1.9%

0.1%

IFRS 2006

IFRS 2005

IFRS 2004

83.1 54.4 146.0 88.4 33.9 -1.2 108.4 107.2

56.7 65.0 146.0 98.9 33.8 35.2 134.6 169.8

52.4 65.4 152.8 103.6 38.2 44.5 134.0 178.5

IFRS 2006

IFRS 2005

IFRS 2004

10.3 10.2 13.8 29.1 1.5 1.1 38.0 2,852,040

2.5 3.7 7.0 19.9 1.3 1.0 47.2 2,852,040

1.2 3.3 7.3 18.4 1.2 0.9 47.0 2,852,040

IFRS 2006

IFRS 2005

IFRS 2004

41.8% 38.4% -1.4% 56.9% 0.0

19.3% 18.6% 62.1% 38.8% 1.2

18.2% 18.1% 85.0% 34.3% 1.4

IFRS 2006

IFRS 2005

IFRS 2004

285 2,945 13.6

280 3,066 11.5

318 3,376 6.4

Cores figures of the consolidated balance sheet and financial structure As per 31.12 in € million Capital & reserves (bookvalue) Fixed assets Total assets Capital employed Working capital Net financial debt Market capitalisation Enterprise value

2003 51.9 79.4 169.6 115.7 36.3 53.9 82.7 136.6

2002 52.1 108.9 187.8 150.5 41.5 89.5 61.5 151.0

Consolidated financial core figures per share As per 31,12 in € Net result after tax Post tax result of continued activities Cash flow after tax Capital & reserves (bookvalue) Gross dividend Net dividend Closing price Total number of shares

2003 2.0 2.0 5.7 18.2 1.0 0.8 29.0 2,852,040

2002 0.1 0.1 6.8 18.3 1.0 0.8 21.6 2,852,040

Profitability and solvency ratios As per 31.12 Return on equity Return on capital employed Net financial debt / capital & reserves Capital & reserves / total assets Net financial debt / EBITDA

2003 13.7% 12.0% 104.0% 30.6% 2.2

2002 1.7% 2.0% 172.0% 27.7% 4.2

Consolidated operational core figures As per 31.12 Number of stores Number of employees (in capita) Investments (in EUR million)

(1)

For definitions of various core figures; see glassary on page 96.

(2)

The extraordinary result 2002-2003 is not presented separately in the consolidated profit and loss account.

2003 313 3,308 10.1

2002 295 3,209 21.5


Turnover

Gross Margin

(in E million)

322.6

325.0

(as a % of turnover)

52.0%

51.2% 295.0

304.1

303.8

299.4

295.2

50.3%

50.0%

265.0

49.1%

49.0%

48.2% 235.0

47.0%

2002

2003

2004

Operating cash flow (EBITDA)

2005

2006

46.3% 2002

2003

Operating result (EBIT)

(in E million)

50.0

2004

2005

2006

(in E million)

35.9

36.0

46.1 40.0

24.0

31.2

30.0

21.5

0.0

2002

2003

18.8

2004

2005

12.0

28.2

24.9 20.0

19.9 15.9

2004

2005

Result after tax from continued operations

2006

3.0

2002

2003

Net financiel debt

(in E million)

29.2

30.0

2006

(in E million)

1.2

0 -25.0

20.0

-35.2

-50.0

-53.9

10.5

9.6

10.0

-75.0

5.7 0.3

0.0

-100.0

2002

2003

Number of stores

-44.5

2004

2005

2006

-89.5 2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

(cumul)

360

242

240

120

0

11

16

20

1987

1988

1989

51

60

66

74

81

35

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

99

103

1996

1997

156

166

1998

1999

2000

271

2001

295

313

318

2002

2003

2004

280

285

2005

2006


Table of Content

Key figures of the Group

Cover

Table of Content

1

Message from the Chairman

2

The Brantano Group

4

Strategy Profile Legal structure Human Resources Policy Corporate Governance

4 5 14 16 18

Report of the Board of Directors

30

30 34 39

Operating Report 2006 Financial Report 2006 Outlook 2007

Information for shareholders

40

Financial information

45

Consolidated annual accounts Annual Accounts Brantano NV

46 73

General information about the Brantano Group

87

List of stores

90

Glossary

92

Useful information

Cover

annual report 2006

BRANTANO


MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN


In 2006, the Brantano Group generated revenues of EUR 295.2 million and a recurrent operating result of EUR 9.7 million. As a result of poor weather, namely cold weather at the start of the summer season and warm weather during the entire winter season, there was a fall in revenues of 1.5% in existing stores in Belgium. In the United Kingdom revenues in existing stores fell by 7.0% due to the negative influence of the weather and difficult market conditions; and a change in our sales’ strategy which places emphasis on generating higher quality turnover. The gross margin improved in 2006 and rose from 50.3% of revenues in 2005 to 51.2% in 2006. In both Belgium (including Luxemburg) and in the United Kingdom costs have also risen. In the United Kingdom in particular, store rents and rental increased as a result of the large number of five-yearly rent reviews. In 2006, we generated significant capital gains by selling real estate assets in Belgium (Lede in June and our participation in Brimmo NV in December) and thanks to store management in the United Kingdom (where we transferred the rental rights of Leamington and Oxford back to the owner). All the stores sold as well as the distribution centre in Belgium were rented back again. To this end long-term rental contracts were concluded with the new owner. In 2006, we opened seven stores and closed five stores in the United Kingdom, and in the Middle East three stores were opened. In Belgium one store was opened and the store located in Lokeren burned down. As at 31/12/2006 our Group thus had 125 stores in Belgium (including Luxemburg), 147 stores in the United Kingdom, which, including the 13 franchising stores in the Middle East, bringing the total to 285. In 2006, the organisation structure of the Group was changed into a more centrally steered organisation in order to be able to operate with greater flexibility. Taking into account our operating results and the non-recurrent profit, the Board of Directors will propose to the General Meeting that the gross dividend is increased from EUR 1.35 per share to EUR 1.50 per share. In 2006, the reference shareholders of Brantano announced that they were examining several options regarding the potential refinancing of their participations in the company’s capital. This process is still ongoing. Seven openings are planned for 2007. For 2007, we foresee annual revenues of between EUR 300 million and EUR 310 million and, taking into account increased marketing costs in the United Kingdom and additional rental costs in Belgium, the Group is striving for a recurrent operating result (so without taking into account other operating revenues from store management) of between EUR 5 million and EUR 7 million. In 2007, the Group will continue to work on repositioning Brantano as a national retailer in the British market. Major budgets are being allocated to the running of national marketing campaigns in Belgium and in the UK. The focus in both countries remains on higher quality revenue growth, and thus growth of the gross margin in percentage terms. In Belgium, the Group intends to reinforce its position as market leader. The investment budget for 2007 amounts to EUR 9.0 million. EUR 2.1 million thereof will be allocated to the opening of new stores and EUR 5.0 million will be used for the renovation of existing stores. Over the short-term our expansion plans will be focused on the United Kingdom. In addition we will continue to seek to expand into other European countries over the somewhat longer term. The commitment and dedication of our employees is one of the most important reasons that our customers choose Brantano and that our suppliers place their trust in our Group. Our employees make the real difference for our company, our customers and the communities we are active in. On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank them for their efforts. I would also like to thank our customers, suppliers and shareholders for placing their trust in our Group. Sobradis NV Chairman of the Board of Directors

represented by Joris Brantegem Permanent representative

annual report 2006

BRANTANO


the brantano group

Strategy Vision In Brantano stores you will always find the shoes you love.

Mission Brantano intends to hold a leadership position in the distribution of shoes in Europe while remaining independent and profitable. It intends to do this with a single concept and under the Brantano name.

Goals At Brantano the customer is at the forefront. We give the customer value for money and in addition we strive to make it pleasant for the customer to shop at Brantano. In order to achieve this, Brantano adapts and innovates constantly and succeeds in surprising customers time and time again. As a shoe retailer, Brantano aims to be the shoe specialist par excellence. It thus sells an extremely wide range of fashionable, high quality shoes for the entire family, sports shoes and accessories such as handbags, sportswear, socks and maintenance products. In addition, Brantano intends to honour its responsibilities towards its other stakeholders. It does this by: • Maximising shareholder value. • Motivating employees with fair remuneration and a pleasant working environment, but also by way of recognition and by giving them the opportunity to develop their individual talent within the context of the Group’s strategy. • Honouring its social responsibilities as an organisation within the community.

Strategic orientation The Group will base its further development on the following strategic orientations: 1. Further growth and expansion of market share in existing countries through an increase in the number of sale points and further segmentation. 2. International expansion in Europe by setting up a proprietary distribution network and via alliances and selective acquisitions. 3. Increased revenue per store thanks to more active sales management in the stores, renovation of current store design and an individual approach to the customer. 4. Constant improvement and fine-tuning of the procurement strategy, primarily focused on quality, choice and exclusivity of products, as well as on greater inventory rotation. 5. Further increase in name recognition thanks to international advertising campaigns and an increased market share thanks to traffic-generating communications as well as more regionally oriented marketing. 6. Greater automation of the distribution of goods with a view to achieving just-in-time-in-the-right-place delivery.

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Profile Buying shoes at Brantano: something to suit everyone So many people, so many shoes Brantano intends to be the reference in shoes for the whole family. That means that the right shoe has to be available in the store for all members of the family and for all occasions. To achieve this, an extremely wide range of ladies’, men’s, youth and sports shoes are on offer. Each department has a broad range: from traditional shoes to sporty shoes to shoes that follow current fashion to the trendiest of collections. In addition to shoes, sports apparel, handbags, belts, jewellery, suitcases, maintenance products and such are on offer. The accessories form a whole with the shoes selection and vary according to the season and various fashion themes. An average Brantano store has 15,000 pairs of shoes and 3,000 models on offer.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO


Ladies

The large variety of articles in our ladies’ department guarantees that the fashion-conscious woman can always find the pair she wants at the right value for money. The collection always ranges from traditional models to basic shoes and trendier models. The shoe collection is completed with accompanying accessories. The ladies’ collection is the largest collection.

Men

The men’s department also has a broad range of different models so that all requirements and wishes in terms of style, functionality, quality and price can be met.

Youth

The youth collection includes a broad range of shoes that reflect the latest international trends in terms of sports and fashion. The youth collection is aimed at both boys and girls.

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Sports

The sports’ department has a large collection able to tempt both the fanatic and the occasional sportsman of all ages. In addition to the functional sports’ shoes such as running, basketball and football shoes, the collection also includes sporty leisure shoes.

Children

Within the children’s collection the focus is mostly on functionality and fun. Given that a good fit is crucial for children’s shoes, Brantano staff are trained to help our young customers. The collection includes both comfortable baby shoes and sturdy and fashionable shoes for boys and girls between 1 and 12 year old.

Textiles and accessories

A Brantano store also carries an extensive collection of sports’ apparel such as tracksuits, swimwear, T-shirts, sweaters, shorts and socks. The range of accessories is completed by suitcases, jewellery, belts, handbags, wallets, umbrellas and maintenance products.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO


Positioning and best value for money Brantano positions itself in the mid-market segment. In this segment there is a strong trend towards a more fashionable collection and demand for continuous renewal during the season. From a customer-centric point of view, correct price setting is essential. Brantano thus applies the principle of the best value for money. The more expensive shoes are always of better quality than the less expensive ones. This means that the customer can always make a choice according to his or her budget with the best quality. All shoes must meet specific minimum quality requirements. Brantano thus does not offer extremely cheap shoes, nor any shoes from the expensive luxury segment. The price of a pair of Brantano shoes varies between EUR 25 and EUR 125 on average.

Always something new Given that fashion is increasingly a determining factor in the choice of shoes, collections follow each other in increasingly rapid succession. Customers expect to find the newest trends in the Brantano stores every time they visit. Consequently Brantano introduces new models in its stores throughout the season. Thanks to spreading procurement over time and the continuous renewal of collections the offering in the stores changes constantly, which convinces customers to shop at Brantano. An average of 2,500 new articles are launched each season.

A mix of in-house and international brands Brantano strives to offer an optimal mix of own brands and international brands. With the exception of sports’ shoes, approximately 75% of the total range is brands developed in-house or models and own brands from suppliers that deliver exclusively to Brantano. The remaining 25% is international brands. The opposite is true of sports shoes (75% international brands and 25% own brands). Brantano’s own brands include: Shoe Connection, Emilio Luca X, Caravelle, Mono Due, No Stress, Jouralle, Feet Street, Stone Creek, Grosvenor, Northwood, Mel & Co, B.L.O.X., M&E, Osaga, … The company also offers international brands such as: Clarks, Hush Puppies, Ecco, Esprit, Mexx, Columbia, Wrangler, Bluehaven, Kickers, Nike, Adidas, Rucanor, Reebok, Fila, ...

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

Location and layout of the stores: crucially important Attractive stores Brantano strives to provide its customers with a pleasant shopping experience. This requires: • Commercially attractive locations • Pleasantly designed stores • Attractive product presentation Commercially attractive locations

Brantano stores are always located near to medium-sized and large cities. They are located on the periphery and always offer adequate parking space. Brantano mainly opts for locations next to other stores with large floor space or in shopping centres, which results in increased drawing power. Pleasantly designed stores

The layout of the stores and the presentation of the products are based on the one hand on the easy shopping principle and on the other hand the fun the customer wants to experience when buying a pair of shoes. The various departments are thus very logically positioned and clearly labelled. A good layout gives customers inspiration and ideas. In an average Brantano store 30% of the total surface area is allocated to the ladies’ department. The men’s, youth and sports departments each take up about 20% while sports’ apparel, bags, maintenance products and other accessories take up 10% of the total surface area.


Attractive product presentation

Store management

The shoes are presented by size and with the shoebox, so that the customer can easily see what Brantano has on offer in his or her size. This immediately gives the customer a view on the selection in his shoe size, which makes choosing the right pair simpler and more pleasant.

Every year, the Group opens many new stores in well-researched locations. Existing stores are continuously checked to determine whether relocation would enable increased revenue and profitability.

Thanks to the fact that both shoes are on offer the customer can try on the various pairs and take to the till the ones (s)he has selected. Specially designed presentation tables are used to display the latest fashion trends and put special offers and promotions in the spotlight.

International store concept The stores in the various countries all have the same pleasant, contemporary and functional design. Customers can immediately find their way in every store, as the stores are all laid out in the same way and products are presented in the same way.

The indexation of rental prices, the matter of socio-economic licenses and the changing drawing power of commercial locations and retail parks is closely monitored. In this way Brantano can proactively take advantage of developments within the real estate market in Belgium, the United Kingdom and Luxembourg. At the end of 2006 Brantano owned 2 stores in Belgium; the remaining stores are rented on the basis of long-term rental contracts.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO


Purchasing and stock management: the backbone of the Brantano concept Purchasing The success of the Brantano concept starts with purchasing the right products. In order to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments within the shoe world the buying staff of the various departments visit various shoe trade fairs, fashion shows and boutiques all over the world. When compiling the collection the buyers’ focus is completely on our customers. The buyers always take into account who the customers are, what their tastes are, what they’re looking for and how we can best offer it to them. The buyers are our product experts. They build up collections from international models, develop collections with our own brands and determine the correct selection of materials and finishes. The buyers closely follow trends in clothing, accessories and lifestyle in general in order to fit the shoes with the trends in that sector. Materials, textiles, colours and accessories chosen for with the new clothing collections are also immediately integrated into the compiling of the collections for the next season. The buying team works closely together with the merchandising team. On the basis of detailed sales data the merchandisers work out the optimal mix for the collection, the right quantities to order for every article and calculate the appropriate delivery date. To ensure that Brantano can adapt to new trends, developments and the weather, only 80% of a new season’s collection is bought in advance. On the basis of the analysis of detailed sales data further purchasing is done in the course of the season and new articles are ordered. Given the significant differences in consumer tastes in the various countries purchasing is organised per country, with the exception of sports’ shoes and sports’ textiles. The Group nonetheless realises major economies of scale given that the number of suppliers was significantly reduced and the countries buy an increasingly larger portion of the collection from the same manufacturers. Although models usually differ, volumes, purchases prices and terms and conditions of sale are discussed collectively. The increasing purchasing power of the Group thus improves margins and makes it possible to set competitive sales prices.

Stock management In a retail company, stock is the most important asset and the right products have to be delivered to the stores at the right time in the right quantities. This is why Brantano has always invested heavily in monitoring and managing stocks. Both the stock management system and the distribution system hinge on information technology that has been developed in-house and is continually being optimised. The stock management system follows every product via the barcode from the purchase order up to – and even after – the time it is sold. Every night, the sales figures from each store are sent via the computerised cash desk by modem to the central computer in each country and processed. On the basis of this data, the restocking of the stores can begin the following day. The transfer system is another important application in our distribution system. If there is no more stock available in the central warehouse to restock stores, the computer proposes stock movements based on historical data. A product that sells less well in certain sales outlets is transferred to a store where it will sell more quickly. This product can then be sold at the full price instead of being marked down in an end-of-season sale.

Integrated stock management system Brantano is working together with IBM and i2 on an integrated stock management system. This system will enable the further optimisation of product range planning, stock management and the flow of goods to the stores. The principle is that purchasing and sales of shoes are determined on the basis of automatically generated data on sales per store, division, product and measurement, supplemented with statistically supported planning proposals. This will enable the Brantano Group to improve its margins and stimulate sales by responding more quickly to booked and expected sales.

Logistics Given that smooth logistics processes and a flexible goods flow are crucial for a retail company, the distribution centres are equipped with a state-ofthe-art sorting system which facilitates automatic dispatching to the various stores. The stores are restocked twice each week on average.

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BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Communications: the engine driving name recognition A range of communication channels Brantano works continuously to build up the image of the brand name by carrying out marketing campaigns centred on the product. Four pillars form the basis of these campaigns: • Broad choice • Quality • Fashion • Brands (e.g., Adidas, Nike, Clarks, Hush Puppies, etc.) To gain recognition and attract new and existing customers, a mix of various media are used: radio, leaflets, advertisements in magazines and newspapers, TV, billboards, and the internet. The marketing strategy is streamlined at an international level, which ensures that the value and content of the “Brantano” brand is the same everywhere and that the Brantano image and the Brantano name are consequently developed in a consistent manner in Belgium, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. In order to adapt to local customers, marketing which is geared more to the short-term – and therefore traffic generating and more promotionally oriented – is worked out from country to country. But the broad outlines that apply to the Group as a whole are also implemented for marketing campaigns that are conducted at regional level: the campaigns must be young and dynamic, have a humorous touch and be directed towards the whole family. These national campaigns are completely integrated into the international marketing strategy. The advertisements are a means to invite customers to visit our stores in an attractive and informative manner. We strive to make the campaigns inviting and surprising.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

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Staff: the direct link with our customers At Brantano, the customer should be allowed to take his/her time to make his/her choice without being disturbed by pushy salespeople; that is why the stores work according to the self-service concept. If the customers require assistance, store staff is completely at their disposal. It is therefore important for employees to have a good understanding of what Brantano represents. After all, they are Brantano’s face to the outside world and must therefore communicate the Brantano concept and values externally. Consequently Brantano employees are carefully selected and afterwards thoroughly trained.

Stores: “happy shopping experience” The stores play an important role in building the Group’s image. Improving the happy shopping experience is always in the forefront. Everything is done to ensure that the stores always look contemporary and attractive. This is achieved by carrying out major modernisation on a regular basis (refurbishing programme) as well as smaller renovations (such as new carpet, lighting, modified shelving, etc.) and by making use of all sorts of in-store communication in the stores.

Internet In addition to dissemination of more general and financial information, the internet is used to announce and support marketing campaigns. Furthermore, the websites of Brantano in Belgium and in the United Kingdom also have a webshop with photos and detailed information on more than 15,000 pairs of shoes. In Luxembourg Brantano issues an online catalogue. The webshop has been active in Belgium since October 2001. In the United Kingdom the webshop was launched in March 2007.

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BRANTANO

annual report 2006


annual report 2006

BRANTANO

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de groep brantano

Legal structure

1

Brantano NV The company Brantano NV is the parent company of the Group and owns directly and indirectly 100 %² of the shares of the other Group companies. In addition Brantano NV sells shoes and related articles in Belgium via a network of stores under the trading name “Brantano”. On 31st December 2006 the company operated 117 points of sale in Belgium.

Brantano Luxembourg SA Brantano Luxembourg SA is the Luxembourg subsidiary of the Group. It was established in May 1996 to give shape to expansion in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On 31st December 2006 it had 4 stores.

Muys NV Muys NV is a company active in the shoe retail sector. It was acquired by the Group in January 1996 and has 3 points of sale under the name “Muys Shoes & Fashion” and 1 point of sale under the name “Estilogie”, all of which are located in East Flanders. It operates within its own niche market with its own profile.

Brantano UK Ltd Brantano UK Ltd is the English subsidiary of the Group. This company was set up following the takeover of Shoe City Ltd on 31 January 1998. On 31st December 2006 it operated 147 shops in the United Kingdom under the “Brantano” name. The activities of the 13 franchising stores in the Middle East are also directed by Brantano UK Ltd.

Brantano Asia Ltd Brantano Asia Ltd was founded on 7th April 2006. Brantano Asia Ltd manages the relationships with suppliers in the Far East, in particular as regards order follow-up, quality control, design input and prospecting.

Brantano Beheer BV – Brantano Nederland BV Brantano Beheer BV and Brantano Nederland BV are the Group’s Dutch subsidiaries. They operated the points of sale in the Netherlands, which were sold in 2005. Currently the brand strategy for the Group is steered and managed primarily by Brantano Nederland BV.

1. Situation on 31/12/2006 2. Rounded up

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annual report 2006


NV

100%

brantano luxembourg

100%

Muys

SA

NV

40% 60%

brantano UK

100%

brantano Asia LTD

100%

brantano beheer bv

LTD

100%

brantano Nederland bv

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

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Staff policy The statement that our employees are the Group’s most important asset is a factor that is integrated throughout the company and which can be found in each detail of the large and small links in our retail process. The motivation and professional expertise of our staff is extremely important for the company’s future. Recruitment is already very selective in the initial hiring process. An applicant cannot proceed to a second stage in the recruitment process without basic skills such as internal entrepreneurship, customer focus and flexibility. Continuous work on enhancing skills also occurs during our staff’s careers in the company. These training courses are aimed at various aspects: the product, safety, customer friendliness, complaint handling, sales techniques, IT applications, management training, etc. It is extremely important for store staff to have optimum knowledge of all the collections, which is the only way that they can offer customers excellent service. This is why the Group buyers communicate their knowledge of collection details, the trends for the upcoming seasons and technical aspects of the various products carefully and enthusiastically to the rest of the organisation. Not only product and specialist knowledge but also the employees’ positive ‘state of mind’ is a priority for the company. The Group is convinced that developing motivated, well-trained employees will increase the organisation’s quality and power. Creating and maintaining a pleasant working environment, in which employees can give the best of themselves and where they also have the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions, is crucially important for employee motivation and also benefits the company. This is how Brantano has grown from a family business into an internationally structured company with a corporate culture founded on the flexibility and enthusiasm of all the staff. Brantano has a decidedly positive social climate.

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BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Trend for staff numbers

Breakdown of staff according to place of employment

At the end of December 2006 Brantano had 2,945 employees (or 1,655 converted into full-time equivalents).

Of the total staff 88.6% works in the stores and 4.3% in the distribution centres. Finally, 7.1% of the total staff works at headquarters.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Employees

3,209

3,308

3,376

3,066

2,945

Full-time equivalents

1,902

1,888

1,955

1,799

1,655

Brantano as a social employer Brantano NV in Belgium has had a Workers Council and a Health and Safety Committee since May 2004, and a trade union delegation since July 2004. Brantano UK has had a “Brantano Consultation Forum� including employer and employee representatives since 2005.

Geographic breakdown In the United Kingdom more staff work part-time than in Belgium. Given the flexible fiscal and social legislation in the United Kingdom, working hours can be more efficiently adapted to employee expectations and sales.

Employees

% of total Full-time equivalents

% of total

Belux

UK

Total

852

2.093

2.945

28,9%

71,1%

757

898

45,7%

54,3%

1.655

The difference in full-time equivalents between Belux and the UK is mainly explained by the fact that the stores in the United Kingdom are open 7 days a week.

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de groep brantano

Corporate Governance The complete Corporate Governance Charter can be found on our website www.brantano.com in the “Investor Relations� section.

General The Belgian Corporate Governance Code came into force on 1 January 2005. This Code is primarily aimed at companies incorporated under Belgian law whose securities are traded on a regulated market (listed companies). Brantano NV, a public limited company was listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange on 16 June 1997, and is now listed on Euronext Brussels. Since its Initial Public Offering (IPO), Brantano has attached great importance to ensuring a transparent governance and management structure. This is shown by, among other things, the appointment of independent directors and the drafting of internal regulations. Brantano therefore decided to make appropriate use of the opportunity created by the introduction of the Code to coordinate and fine-tune its existing corporate governance procedures that are included in the Brantano Governance Charter. The intention was to amalgamate the applicable rules and codes of conduct into a single document, in order to provide more transparency for external stakeholders and to make it easier to apply the rules within the Company. It is evident that the rules contained in this Charter should be seen as complementary to the relevant Belgian legislation. Brantano endeavours to comply with all nine principles cited in the Code: (1) The Company has a clear governance structure (2) The Company has an effective and efficient Board of Directors that makes decisions in the Company’s interests (3) All directors are required to demonstrate integrity and commitment (4) The Company has a rigorous, transparent procedure for the appointment and appraisal of the Board of Directors and its members (5) The Board of Directors sets up special committees (6) The Company establishes a clear structure for executive management (7) The Company remunerates directors and executives fairly and responsibly (8) The Company respects the rights of all shareholders and encourages their active involvement (9) The Company ensures adequate disclosure of its Corporate Governance

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The “Brantano Governance Charter” is supplemented by a number of appendices that form an integral part of it: - Internal Regulations of the Board of Directors - Internal Regulations of the Audit Committee - Internal Regulations of the Remuneration Committee - Internal Regulations of the Strategic Committee - Internal Regulations of the Executive Committee - Protocol to Prevent Insider Trading - The Charter of Ethics - Departures from the Code The “Brantano Governance Charter” was approved by the Board of Directors on 13 December 2005 and came into effect on 1 January 2006. The updated version was approved by the Board of Directors on 13 February 2007.

Departures from the Code The Board of Directors has deemed that it can sometimes be justified for the Company not to follow certain provisions of the Code. In this instance the Brantano Group deviates from the following provisions: - Establishment of an Appointments Committee - Composition of the Remuneration Committee

Establishment of an Appointments Committee The Board of Directors has not established an Appointments Committee. The Board of Directors has decided that the competency to make recommendations and proposals for the appointment and evaluation of directions and the remuneration policy for non-executive directors will come within the remit of the full Board of Directors.

Composition of the Rumeration Committee The Board of Directors has decided that, from the point of view of continuity, a Remuneration Committee consisting of two directors representing the reference shareholders and one independent director, all of them non-executive directors, is well-placed to evaluate the management and to make proposals.

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General Meeting of Shareholders The Annual General Meeting is held at the registered office on the second Wednesday of May at 2 pm. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened whenever the Company’s interests require such and must be convened whenever the shareholders whose combined holdings represent one fifth of the subscribed capital request this. The convening notices for the General Meeting of Shareholders state the agenda and are issued in accordance with the Belgian Companies Code.

Management and supervision Board of Directors Directors who represent the reference shareholders: • Sobradis NV, chairman and director, represented by Joris BRANTEGEM, permanent representative • Elba NV, vice-chairman and director, represented by Luc GEUTEN, permanent representative • Mitiska NV, director, represented by Ginko BVBA, represented by Cedric OLBRECHTS, permanent representative • Fortis Private Equity NV, director, represented by Brigitte BOONE, permanent representative Directors who are involved in the day-to-day management and are also a member of the Executive Committee: • Advimo NV, managing director, represented by Kurt MOONS, permanent representative Independent directors: • Jan SUYKENS, director • Jean-Louis DUPLAT, director • Bvba Theo Peeters, director, represented by Theo PEETERS, permanent representative

Executive Committee • Advimo NV, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, represented by Kurt MOONS, permanent representative • Stefaan VAN WEYENBERGH, Chief Retail Operations Officer • Peter DE SMEDT, Chief Marketing and Property Officer • Caroline LIDDON, Chief Buying Officer • Roel DE KEYZER, Chief Merchandising Officer • Christine VERMEERSCH, Chief Finance Officer

Auditor • BVCV Grant Thonton, Lippens and Rabaey, Belgian Member Firm of Grant Thornton International, represented by Stefaan RABAEY

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Board of Directors The Board of Directors is the highest decision-making body in the Company and is empowered to undertake any actions that are necessary or useful for the achievement of the Company’s objectives, with the exception of those reserved by law for the General Meeting. The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a Strategic Committee. These committees perform an advisory role. Final decision-making authority remains with the Board of Directors. The committees report to the Board of Directors after each meeting. The Board of Directors has delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to the Chief Executive Officer, assisted by the Executive Committee.

Composition of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors must have at least three members, who do not have to be shareholders. The Board of Directors currently comprises eight members. At least half of the members of the Board of Directors must be non-executive directors. At least three directors have to be independent. There is no age limit set for members of the Board of Directors. The directors who represent the reference shareholders and the independent directors have taken on directors’ mandates and/or are members of the executive committee in various other companies: • Joris Brantegem is also a director of different companies and holding companies in which Sobradis has invested. • Luc Geuten is also the managing director of Mitiska and director in various companies in which Mitiska holds a stake. He is also a director of Innogenetics, Axa Belgium, VPK Packaging, Retail Estates and Compagnie Het Zoute. • Cédric Olbrechts is also the managing director of Mitiska and represents Mitiska Ventures on the board of directors of different companies of the Mitiska group, such as Retail Partners, AS Adventure group, Cap Nord and Net Fund Europe. • Brigitte Boone is also a director of various companies in the Fortis Private Equity Group, such as Fortis Private Equity Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Asia as well as of various companies internationally in the Fortis Group. Furthermore, she is the director of a number of Fortis Private Equity’s participating interests, such as Studio 100, Outside Broadcast, Velleman group, Riva, Gemma Frisius-Fonds, Retail Partners, Fun and AS Adventure. She has also been appointed as a director of the non-profit associations IMEC and IBBT as the representative of the Flemish Government. • Jan Suykens is also a member of the executive committee of Ackermans & Van Haaren and a director in various companies in the Ackermans & Van Haaren Group, such as DEME, Sofinim, Leasinvest, Bank Delen/Bank van Breda and Oleon. • Jean-Louis Duplat is also a member of the advisory board at Bencis (Dutch-Belgian venture capitalist), director of Omega-Pharma, chairman of the board of directors of the unit trust Aedificia, director and chairman of the audit committee of the hospital group Chirec, senior advisor at Ernst & Young, chairman of Portolani and member of the proxy voting committee of Dexia asset management. • Theo Peeters is also Chairman of Uitgeverij Lannoo and a Director of Eik and SN Airholding.

Appointments of the Board of Directors All of the Board of Directors terms of office run upto the General Meeting of 2009. The reappointment of all directors was approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 May 2006. The members of the Board of Directors are appointed for a period of a maximum of three years in each case. However, as long as the General Meeting has not filled the vacancy for whatever reason, a director whose mandate has expired remains in office. Resigning directors can be reappointed. The General Meeting of Shareholders can dismiss a director at any time. A majority of the directors is appointed from among the candidates proposed by Brafin SAK, a trust company under Dutch law, with a registered office at Oosthoutlaan 4, 2215 ZJ Voorhout, the Netherlands, as long as the latter holds at least forty percent of the company shares directly or indirectly.

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Competences of the Board of Directors In addition to the competences stipulated by law and the articles of association the Board of Directors has the following tasks (non-limiting list): - The Company’s general policy: The Board of Directors decides on the Company’s vision, mission, business concept and strategy, its willingness to take risks, its values and the main policy lines. - The Board of Directors ensures that the required financial and human resources are available to enable the Company to achieve its objectives. - The Board of Directors determines the structure of the Company’s Executive Committee. - The Board of Directors is responsible for the quality and completeness of the financial reports published. - The Board of Directors approves all long-term commitments that fall outside the scope of the day-to-day management. - The Board of Directors monitors the existence and operation of the internal control system, including adequate identification and risk management. - The Board of Directors is responsible for the Company’s Corporate Governance structure and compliance with the provisions of the Code.

Operation of the Board of Directors In principle, the Board of Directors meets six times a year at intervals determined at the beginning of the year. In addition, the Board of Directors meets whenever this is considered useful or necessary for the effective operation of the Board of Directors. In 2006 the Board of Directors met 15 times. The directors receive the dates, location and agenda of each meeting and any useful information in advance. The agenda principally includes the figures (e.g., budgets, audited interim and annual figures, five-year plan, etc.) per country and for the Group. To allow the Board of Directors to access all the information they require to supervise the day-to-day management, the members of the Board of Directors receive the Group’s operational figures each month. The Board of Directors can only deliberate validly if at least half of its members are present or represented. The decisions of the Board of Directors are taken by a majority of cast votes. General rules of conduct have been issued for the members of the Board of Directors and these are included in the “Brantano Governance Charter” on the website www.brantano.com under the section “Investor Relations”.

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Special committees formed by the Board of Directors In order to perform its responsibilities and tasks effectively, the Board of Directors has set up specialised Committees to analyse specific issues and advise the Board of Directors on those issues. The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its supervisory responsibilities in respect of control in the broadest sense. The Audit Committee is entrusted with the development of a long-term audit programme covering all of the Company’s business activities and is in particular entrusted with the following: - Financial reporting - Internal control and risk management - Internal Audit - External Audit The Audit Committee met twice during 2006. Chairman:

• BVBA Theo Peeters, director, represented by Theo PEETERS, permanent representative

Members:

• BVBA Theo Peeters, director, represented by Theo PEETERS, permanent representative • Jean-Louis DUPLAT, director • Fortis Private Equity NV, director, represented by Brigitte BOONE, permanent representative

Secretary:

• Christine VERMEERSCH, Chief Financial Officer

The Remuneration Committee formulates recommendations to the Board of Directors: - in connection with appointments of members of the Executive Committee - in relation to the Company’s remuneration policy - in relation to remuneration of members of the Executive Committee The Remuneration Committee met once during 2006. Chairman:

• Sobradis NV, chairman, represented by Joris BRANTEGEM, permanent representative

Members:

• Sobradis NV, chairman, represented by Joris BRANTEGEM, permanent representative • Elba NV, vice-chairman and director, represented by Luc GEUTEN, permanent representative • Jan SUYKENS, director

Secretary:

• Advimo NV, managing director, represented by Kurt MOONS, permanent representative

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The Strategic Committee formulates recommendations to the Board of Directors relating to the Company’s strategy. The Strategic Committee: - evaluates the Company’s mission, vision and strategy at least once a year and makes relevant recommendations to the Board of Directors - assesses all important changes proposed by the Executive Committee or the Chief Executive Officer which affect one of the above fields and makes relevant recommendations to the Board of Directors - discusses the five year plans before these are proposed to the Board of Directors, and makes relevant recommendations. The Strategic Committee met three times in 2006. Chairman:

• Elba NV, vice-chairman and director, represented by Luc GEUTEN, permanent representative

Members:

• Elba NV, vice-chairman and director, represented by Luc GEUTEN, permanent representative • Sobradis NV, chairman, represented by Joris BRANTEGEM, permanent representative • Advimo NV, managing director, represented by Kurt MOONS, permanent representative

Secretary:

• Advimo NV, managing director, represented by Kurt MOONS, permanent representative

Corporate organisation Within the context of its internationalisation the Brantano Group has drawn up a management structure in the form of a centrally governed organisation starting from the specialisation of the members of management and their functional field, which is frequently cross-border. This means that the strategy is implemented faster and more flexibly in the different countries via the knowledge, experience and insight of the members of management into all facets of the Brantano concept. An international management function with a more country-oriented responsibility, which always has a central reporting line, was only selected for certain commercial departments where the local input is highly important. The management structure includes the Executive Committee and the International Management Team.

Executive Committee The members of the Executive Committee are appointed by and can at all times be dismissed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer and comprises the functional officers (the Chief Retail Operations Officer, Chief Marketing and Property Officer, Chief Buying Officer, Chief Merchandise Officer and the Chief Finance Officer.) The Chief Executive Officer, supported by the Executive Committee (EC), is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the Company. The EC is the body where decisions are taken that provide for the implementation of strategic decisions made by the Board of Directors, which are cross-border in scope, and the main purpose of which is economies of scale and uniformity. In meetings of the EC, the members shall always give priority to the Group’s interests. The members of the EC will always attend and participate actively in EC discussions with an open mind, constructively and with the required creativity and commitment.

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International Management Team The International Management Team comprises: - International Retail Operations Director UK - International Retail Operations Director BELUX - International Marketing Director - International Property Director - International Supply Chain Director - International Buying Director UK - International Buying Director BELUX - International Merchandising Director UK - International Merchandising Director BELUX - International IT Director - International Finance Director - International Human Resources Director

From left to right and from top to bottom: - Kris De Moor (International IT Director) - Nico Bondroit (International Merchandising Director BELUX) - Anick den Hollander (International Retail Operations Director BELUX) - Stefaan Van Weyenbergh (Chief Retail Operations Officer) - Simon Cook (International Buying Director UK) - Ian Sheppard (International Supply Chain Director) - Terry Boot (International Property Director) - Caroline Liddon (Chief Buying Officer)

- - - - - - -

Kirsti Bircher (International Merchandising Director UK) Karen Staton (International Retail Operations Director UK) Peter de Smedt (Chief Marketing and Property Officer) Christine Vermeersch (Chief Finance Officer) Kurt Moons (Chief Executive Officer) Kristien Vanhaverbeke (International Buying Director BELUX) Roel De Keyzer (Chief Merchandising Officer)

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Remuneration and other details The total amount of payments allocated in 2006 to all directors of Brantano for their service as members of the Board of Directors and/ or one of the Committees, excluding the remuneration of the CEO, is € 902,800. No directors’ fees were issued. The payment made to the independent directors for attending meetings of the Board of Directors and respective committees of which the parties were members, was € 24,000 for Mr Jan Suykens, € 24,000 for Mr Jean-Louis Duplat and € 26,000 for BVBA Theo Peeters. The total amount of remuneration for the last closed financial year awarded to the Executive Committee, including the CEO, amounts to € 1,779,558. All payments to members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee concern the total cost as this was borne by the Brantano Group in 2006. The members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee have a total of 316,334 Brantano NV shares and 45,500 options in hand. No unusual transactions occurred in the past and current financial year. The Company did not grant any loans to members of the Executive Committee, the International Management Team and the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that the above information relating to payment and other benefits gives an adequate picture of the costs to the governance and management of Brantano. The remuneration of the statutory auditor and the other people with whom the auditor works in carrying out its audit at Brantano NV and its related companies amounted to € 164,085 for 2006. Payments to the statutory auditor and other people with whom he works for special assignments amounted to € 89,088. This related to taxation advice and support in the area of IFRS, the sale of the Brimmo participating interest and intervention regarding a possible refinancing of the capital.

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Policy relating the appropriation of the result The Board of Directors operates a dividend policy that takes account of: • a fair payment to the shareholders in comparison with other companies listed on Euronext Brussels. • reserving adequate free cash flow for the Group’s own development. The Board of Directors proposes to issue a dividend of € 4,361,040 for the 2006 financial year, subject to approval of the distribution of profits by the General Meeting on 9 May 2007. In this case it represents € 1.50 gross per share (which is € 1.125 net per share), an increase of over 10% compared with the dividend in 2005. This dividend will be payable from 25 May 2007 on presentation of coupon number 10 at KBC, Fortis Bank and Petercam branch counters.

Charter of Ethics As a professional, international and listed company, Brantano wishes to deal with all of its stakeholders in an ethical and carefully considered way. The Board of Directors and management wishes to extend this approach to all of our external and internal relations. This is why the Board of Directors approved our “Charter of Ethics” on 18 October 2000 following a proposal by the Executive Committee. The Charter of Ethics is part of the Group Corporate Governance Charter. To achieve the goals described in its strategy, Brantano commits itself to act ethically and responsibly at all times to its customers, employees, business partners, society and shareholders.

Code of Professional Ethics “We strongly believe that, apart from honesty, integrity and fairness, the following ethical responsibilities are indispensable key factors for profitable business and successful “corporate governance”:

Responsibility to our customers • To attract present and future customers by supplying a wide range of quality products and tailor-made services in response to their needs and which contribute to their wellbeing when price, safety and the environment are concerned. • To provide our customers with correct, accurate and relevant information. • To compete in an ethically justified way ethically in the customer’s interest without secret agreements or collaboration with other shoe retailers. To comply with the applicable competition laws. To refrain from blackening a competitor’s reputation or the products he sells.

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Responsibility to our employees • To trust and respect our co-workers in all individual and human aspects and recognise their merits. To appraise and reward the contributions and accomplishments of each individual person at specified times. • To promote equal opportunities. To support a training and development policy that creates a fair and optimal use of human potential. • To offer the opportunity of job involvement and participation in order to increase motivation and commitment. To maintain an open, positive communication structure. • To ensure effective health and safety conditions and education at work, thus contributing to continuous improvement in performance. • To provide competent and exemplary management that is guided by the professional ethics stated in the charter, and management that helps our employees to accomplish their duties optimally by means of the necessary support, information and supervision.

Responsibility to our business partners • To establish long-term trading relationships with our business partners that are driven by mutual benefits and fair business dealings. • To reject any business partner that seriously violates the ethics and values stated in this Charter and to cancel existing contracts.

Responsibility to society • To manage and control the business with all the required care to guarantee the continuity of our Group in the future and lasting employment for our employees. • To comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which a Brantano structure is set up. • To prioritise commonly accepted social values and public health & safety considerations. To respect the environment and natural resources in our business decisions.

Responsibility to our shareholders • To continuously enhance the Group’s profitability and to generate a fair return. • To secure our shareholders’ investments and assets and optimise allocation of resources through an efficient internal control structure at all levels of management. • To provide suitable “corporate governance” within the legal limits. To report on the Group’s activities responsibly with transparent facts and figures that provide a faithful overview of our results”.

Commitment The Charter of Ethics was ratified by the Board of Directors and communicated to all Brantano staff members. The Executive Committee fully supports the Charter. The ultimate responsibility for supervising compliance with this Charter lies with senior management. However, each manager is obliged to ensure that the Code of Conduct is respected in his or her department. The Brantano Group undertakes to implement an internal audit to prevent violations of the above-mentioned principles of the Charter. As it is, Brantano has developed strict procedures for all transactions and compliance with these is regularly checked. If a breach of the Code of Conduct is observed, this is reported to senior management and the internal auditors. A proven violation of the Code will inevitably lead to disciplinary measures by line management. The disciplinary measures and redress procedures have been explained clearly to all staff. Brantano encourages all its staff to report any form of unethical behaviour. A confidential, discreet ombudsman has been appointed for this purpose in each facility. The employee can count on protection during the subsequent independent, objective investigation. The Code of Ethics has been set out for our employees as 15 rules of ethical conduct.

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Report of the Board of Directors

Operating report 2006 Store openings At the end of 2006, Brantano had 285 stores. Of these, 280 outlets operated under the Brantano name, three under the Muys name, one under the Estilogie name and one under the Schoencircus name.

Brantano

Belgium

Luxembourg

UK

Middle East

Total

116

4

147

13

280

Muys

3

3

Estilogie

1

1

Schoencircus

1

1

Total

121

4

147

13

285

The shoe market The total market for shoe sales remains quite stable over the years. However, fashion is becoming increasingly important. At the end of 2006, the Brantano stores (excluding Muys) had a market share of 10.7% of shoe sales in Belgium (source: GFK). Brantano therefore remains the market leader. The major competitors are Euro Shoe Unie (Shoe Discount, Shoes in the Box, Avance, Primo), Torfs and Berca. The other major players include supermarkets such as Makro and Carrefour. At the end of 2006, Brantano had a market share of 1.7% in the UK (source: TNS Fashion Track). If shoe distributors alone are considered, Brantano ranks number two after C&J Clark. In the UK it is mainly clothing retailers and supermarkets such as Next, New Look, Asda and Tesco that are advancing. Other successful players include Marks & Spencer, Stylo Barrat and Stead & Simpson.

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Turnover per category according to sales value (percentage):

New management structure

In terms of sales value, ladies’ shoes represent the largest proportion of sales, followed by men’s shoes, sports’ shoes and youth shoes. Accessories include bags and maintenance products.

textiles = 4%

ACCESSORIES = 5%

To implement the Group’s international strategy and to achieve its operating goals, a new management structure was designed in November 2006. The new centrally organised structure starts from the management executives’ specialisation in their respective functional fields, and frequently extends beyond country borders. This means that the strategy is realised more quickly and flexibly in the various countries thanks to the management’s knowledge, experience and insight into all facets of the Brantano concept. An international management function with more country-oriented responsibility was chosen for commercial departments, where local input is crucially important, although a central reporting line always exists.

SPORT = 16% ladies = 36%

The new management structure includes the Executive Committee and the International Management Team.

YOUTH = 17%

MEN = 21%

Updating of existing stores in Belgium and the United Kingdom A programme to update all stores was launched in 2004. In this context, 14 stores were converted in Belgium in 2006. All of the stores will be refurbished by 2009. All outlets were changed over to the same concept in the United Kingdom in 2006. This is part of the repositioning of Brantano as a mid-market player and preceded the start of a new marketing campaign for 2007. With its presentation of shoes by size and car parks just outside, Brantano has focused so far on purely functional buyers, so-called ‘run’ customers. The ‘fun’ element is also being introduced with the refurbishing of the stores. A more spacious-looking store as a result of removing the ceiling and the use of industrial-style lamps, lower racks and special presentation and lighting should make the shopping experience more pleasant. A wider range of accessories has also been provided for customers.

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Belgium and Luxembourg Operational growth In Belgium (including Luxembourg) the commercial strategy pursued by Brantano as the market leader is mainly aimed at increasing turnover and profitability in existing stores. As the existing store network covers almost the entire country, new stores are only being opened selectively in Belgium. The turnover in Belgium (including Luxembourg) was € 136.3 million in 2006. Due to the poor weather, turnover was down by 2.1% compared with 2005 (€ 139.2 million). Negative growth of 1.5% was recorded in the existing stores (like-for-like stores). One store was opened and one closed due to fire in 2006. As a result, Brantano has 121 outlets in Belgium and four stores in Luxembourg at the end of 2006.

Old Shoes Collection Campaign Brantano held its old shoes collection campaign in Belgium during the first weekend of March 2006. Customers were invited to bring as many old shoes as possible to one of the Belgian branches via the slogan “Make a nice gesture with an old pair”. This call was answered on a massive scale by customers and no fewer than 716,488 pairs of old shoes were brought in. As a result Brantano was able to support the “Stichting tegen Kanker” (Foundation against Cancer) and the “Kinderkankerfonds” (Children’s Cancer Fund) by € 189,886. This is the seventh year in a row that Brantano organised an initiative of this type. The “Stichting tegen Kanker” and “Kinderkankerfonds” are completely independent and can allocate the funds to projects that they choose. This campaign was also repeated in March 2007 with the slogan: “An old shoe can do wonders”. This campaign received a gold medal from the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) during the selection of the best promotional marketing campaigns in Europe. This prestigious prize is awarded on the basis of innovation, creativity, relevance to the market and result.

Sale of property At the end of June 2006, the Group Brantano sold the ownership of its store in Lede. At the end of December 2006, it sold its property subsidiary Brimmo, which owned 19 premises located in Belgium and the distribution centre in Erembodegem, Belgium. The trend in the property market and the interest in property in general as well as the conditions that Brantano was able to obtain in particular offered Brantano the opportunity to undertake this global property transaction. Brantano remains the tenant of the premises and has secured its commercial interests by concluding leases for 27 years subject to market compliant conditions. The transaction was undertaken at a global yield for Retail Estates NV of 6.62%. A capital gain of € 23.5 million was realised on these sales.

Marketing Brantano entered into partnership with a new marketing agency, Flexus, in 2006. As the market leader, Brantano also wishes to have its position expressed more strongly through its marketing. The marketing campaigns in 2007 will reflect a focus on fashion and the fashion-conscious customer.

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United Kingdom Operational growth A lot of hard work was done on repositioning Brantano as a midmarket player in the United Kingdom in 2006. The necessary preparations were made in all the crucial retailing fields (i.e., product, store layout, staff) to ensure readiness for the launch of the national marketing campaign in 2007. The new 2007 collections were purchased from a fashion perspective, all of the stores were converted and standardised and a range of training courses were organised for the store staff so that the customer can be given better service. Turnover in existing stores

In the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) turnover of â‚Ź 158.9 million was realised in 2006, compared with â‚Ź 164.9 million in 2005. The total turnover was down by 3.7%. Expressed in pounds sterling, the total turnover fell by 4.0% and like-for-like by 7.0%. This negative growth is the result of the negative influence of the weather and difficult market conditions and the change in commercial strategy, where the emphasis is being placed on achieving more qualitative turnover. New stores

Seven stores were opened and five closed in 2006. This means that Brantano has 147 stores in the United Kingdom.

Sale of rent contracts In the United Kingdom, rent agreements are subject to rent reviews every 5 years. The rent is not indexed annually, but is adapted to reflect market rental prices at the time of the 5-yearly rent review. The market rent is determined by the highest rent paid at that time in the relevant retail park. This can have a significant negative influence on the profitability of a store given that rent sometimes rises very substantially due to the review. However, it can also offer attractive opportunities. The owner is sometimes prepared to pay an exceptionally high price to free up a location so that it can be rented to a new tenant who is willing to pay a higher rent, which then acts as a point of comparison for the other tenants during the next rent review. In this context Brantano transferred the rental rights to stores located in Leamington and Oxford back to the owner in 2006. A capital gain of â‚Ź 5.7 million was made on these transactions.

Important events after 31st December There were no important events after 31st December 2006.

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Financial report 2006 Income statement In million € Turnover

FY 2005

Variation in million €

Variation in %

295.2

304.1

(9.0)

(2.9%)

(2.0)

(1.3%)

17.1

90.8%

(9.5)

(49.4%)

17.9

63.5%

(8.6)

(30.4%)

0.0

2.0%

17.1

102.6%

18.7

178.0%

3.7

107.3%

22.4

315.3%

Gross margin

151.0

152.9

% of turnover

51.2%

50.3%

35.9

18.8

12.2%

6.2%

Operating result (EBIT) % of turnover

Recurring operating result (REBIT)

9.7

19.1

% of turnover

3.3%

6.3%

Operating cash flow (EBITDA)

46.1

28.2

15.6%

9.3%

% of turnover

Recurring operating cash flow (REBITDA)

19.6

28.2

% of turnover

6.6%

9.3%

Financial result

-2.2

-2.2

% of turnover

-0.8%

-0.7%

33.7

16.6

11.4%

5.5%

Pre-tax result on continued activities % of turnover

Post-tax result on continued activities

29.2

10.5

% of turnover

9.9%

3.5%

0.3

-3.4

0.1%

-1.1%

Post-tax result on discontinued activities % of turnover

Net result after taxes % of turnover

Turnover During the 2006 financial year, the Brantano Group achieved a turnover of € 295.2 million, which represents a fall of 2.9% compared with the € 304.1 million that it achieved in 2005. Without exchange rate effects, turnover was down by 3.1%. In the total group revenue of EUR 295.2 million, Belgium (including Luxembourg) accounts for EUR 136.3 million and the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) represents EUR 158.9 million. The turnover in Belgium (including Luxembourg) is therefore equal to 46.2% of the group total and the turnover for the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) 53.8%.

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FY 2006

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29.5

7.1

10.0%

2.3%


Development of the distribution of turnover per country

(as a % of total turnover)

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Belux

46.2%

45.8%

41.2%

43.4%

43.6%

UK

53.8%

54.2%

51.1%

47.7%

44.3%

The Netherlands

5.1%

5.9%

9.4%

Denmark

2.6%

3.0%

2.7%

100,0%

100,0%

100,0%

Total

100,0%

100,0%

The turnover in Belgium (including Luxembourg) was equal to € 136.3 million. In comparison with 2005 (€ 139.2 million) turnover was down by 2.1%. Negative growth of 1.5 % was recorded in the existing stores (like-for-like stores). One store was opened in 2006 and one outlet was closed due to fire.

Development of turnover

In the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) turnover of € 158.9 million was recorded over the four quarters of 2006 compared with € 164.9 million in 2005. Total turnover fell by 3.7%. Expressed in pounds sterling total turnover was down by 4.0% and like-for-like turnover by 7.0%.

Gross margin The gross margin in the 2006 financial year was equal to € 151.0 million and comprised 51.2% of total turnover. In 2005 the gross margin was equal to € 152.9 million or 50.3% of turnover.

322.6

325,0

295,0

(in € million)

299.4

303.8

2002

2003

304.1 295.2

265,0

235,0

2004

Development of the gross margin

2006

(as a % of total turnover)

52,0%

51.2% 50.3%

50,0%

The significant improvement in the percentage gross margin was achieved thanks to a continuing focus on this margin during the purchasing process and stock management, on the one hand, and through the implementation of the new commercial strategy in the United Kingdom where discount sales were made later in the season and less deeply, on the other hand.

2005

49.1%

49,0%

48.2% 47,0%

46.3% 2002

2003

2004

annual report 2006

2005

2006

BRANTANO

35


Operating result (EBIT) – Recurrent operating result (REBIT) The operating result was € 35.9 million over the 12 months of 2006. The operating result in 2006 was influenced by € 29.1 million through other operating yields from the sale of real estate and store management. In the United Kingdom the rental rights of two stores (i.e., Leamington in the first half of 2006 and Oxford in December 2006) were transferred back to the owner. The ownership of the Lede (Belgium) outlet was sold in the first half of 2006 and the Group realised a significant capital gain from the sale of its participating interest in Brimmo NV. Operating costs rose both in Belgium and the United Kingdom in 2006. There was a major rise in store rent and rental charges in the United Kingdom due to a large number of five-year rent reviews. The operating result in 2006 was negatively influenced by € 2.1 million in restructuring costs. Brantano adapted its organisational structure at the end of 2006 to a more centrally directed organisation so the Group can work more flexibly, and it bore store closure costs.

In compliance with IFRS, marketing costs of € 0.85 million that were incurred at the end of 2006 for the national marketing campaign that was launched in March 2007 were included in the 2006 operating result. While taking account of these non-recurrent yields and expenses the Group achieved a recurrent operating result (REBIT) of € 9.7 million. As a result the proposed recurrent operating profit of € 8.8 million (or € 11 million including the € 2.2 million in non-recurrent yields earned in the first half of 2006) was reached.

Development of the operating result

(in € million)

35.9

36,0

24,0

19.9

18.8

2004

2005

15.9 12,0

0,0

3.0

2002

Operating cash flow (EBITDA) – Recurrent Operating cash flow (REBITDA)

2003

Development of the operating cash flow

2006

(in € million)

50,0

An operating cash flow (EBITDA) of € 46.1 million was realised over the four quarters of 2006, compared with € 28.2 million during the 2005 financial year. Without taking into account the non-recurrent yields and costs, the recurrent operating cash flow (REBITDA) is € 19.6 million.

46.1 40,0

31.2

30,0

20,0

21.5

2002

Calculation of operating cash flow

36

28,2

24.9

2003

2004

2005

2006

(in € million)

2006

2005

2004

Operating result (EBIT)

35.9

18.8

19.9

Depreciation

10.2

9.4

11.3

Operating cash flow (EBITDA)

46.1

28.2

31.2

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Financial result A financial result of - € 2.2 million was realised during the four quarters of 2006, which is equal to the financial result of the previous year.

Post-tax result on continued activities The result from continued activities over 2006 is € 29.2 million compared with € 10.5 million in 2005.

Result from discontinued activities The result from discontinued activities is € 0.3 million at the end of 2006. This positive result is the consequence of the release of provisions that were established at the expense of previous financial years.

Balance sheet Assets Assets (in millions of €) 2006

2005

Fixed assets

54.4

65.0

Current assets

90.9

80.0

Stocks

60.7

55.7

Other current assets

17.5

10.5

Liquidities

12.7

13.9

0.6

1.0

146.0

146.0

Assets from discontinued activities

Total assets Investments

In 2006, Brantano invested € 13.6 million. Of this € 3.0 million was used for the opening of new stores, € 8.6 million for investments in existing stores and € 2.0 million for IT and other investment. Development of investments:

(in € million)

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Purchase of lands and buildings

0.1

1.1

0.5

1.7

6.3

Investment in new openings and reconversion of existing stores

11.5

7.8

4.9

6.2

11.7

IT, vehicles and other investments

2.0

2.6

1.0

2.2

3.5

13.6

11.5

6.4

10.1

21.5

Total

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

37


Liabilities Liabilities (in millions of €) 2006

2005

83.1

56.7

Non-current liabilities

18.3

46.3

Current liabilities

44.1

42.1

0.0

9.7

Capital and reserves

Non-current liabilities falling due during the year Current liabilities

0.0

0.1

Trade debts

23.7

14.8

Debts relating to taxation. remuneration and social security

8.3

7.9

Other short-term liabilities

12.2

9.6

0.5

1.0

146.0

146.0

Liabilities from non-continued activities

Total liabilities

Capital and reserves

In 2006, the capital and reserves rose from € 56.7 million to € 83.1 million. On 31st December 2006, the capital and reserves are equal to 56.9% of the balance sheet total.

Development of net financial debt

((in € million)

0

1.2 -25,0

Net financial debt -35.2

On 31st December 2006, the net financial debt has been fully cut back and Brantano has a positive cash position of € 1.2 million. On 31st December 2005, the net financial debt was € 35.2 million. The gearing ratio, the ratio between the net financial debt and capital and reserves is –1.4% on 31 December 2006 compared with 62.1% in 2005.

-50,0

-44.5 -53.9

-75,0

-100,0

-89.5 2002

38

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

2003

2004

2005

2006


Prospects for 2007 Turnover The Group predicts a consolidated annual turnover of € 300 to € 310 million for 2007.

Store openings 7 openings are planned in 2007.

Investments The investment budget for 2007 amounts to € 9.0 million, of which € 2.1 million will be allocated to opening new shops and € 5.0 million to refurbishing existing shops.

Recurrent operating result (REBIT) The Group will continue to work on repositioning Brantano as a national retailer in the British market in 2007. Substantial budgets are being released for national marketing campaigns in 2007. The focus is being kept on more qualitative turnover growth. The Group wishes to reinforce its position as the market leader in Belgium. The Group predicts annual turnover of € 300 to 310 million in 2007. And while taking into account the increased marketing costs in the United Kingdom and additional rental costs in Belgium, it is endeavouring to achieve a recurrent operating result (without taking into account the other income from store management) of € 5 to 7 million.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

39


Information for shareholders

The Brantano share General information

Shareholder structure

Brantano shares are quoted on the Euronext Brussels futures market (continuous segment) under the code BRAP (ISIN code: BE0003697118).

The shareholder structure is as follows:

The Reuters symbol for the Brantano share is BRAN.BR, while the Bloomberg symbol is BRAP BB. Finally, on Datastream Brantano’s symbol is B:BRA.

(1)

Sobradis NV is the patrimony company associated with Joris Brantegem’s family (son of the Group’s founder).

(2)

Mitiska NV is a holding company that operates in specialist retailing in Europe and is controlled by Luc Geuten.

(3)

Retail Partners is a holding company that is 50.5% controlled by Mitiska NV and 49.5% by Fortis bank NV.

(4)

Brafin SAK is a trust office under Dutch law in which Sobradis NV, Mitiska NV and Retail Partners BV have placed the larger part of their interest in Brantano.

The shares are registered or bearer, in denominations of 1, 10 or 100. The shareholder can have his bearer shares converted to registered shares on request and vice versa. The transfer of ownership of registered shares occurs by notifying the company by sending the share certificate to the registered office of Brantano NV. Brantano NV has signed a membership application for the Euroclear Belgium Dematerialisation services whereby the company has undertaken to adopt every measure required by the Rules and Dematerialisation laws (including an amendment of the articles of association before 01/01/2008, stating that no new bearer securities can be issued from this date on).

Evolution of the number of shares In May 1997, Brantano opened its capital to public participation through a combined offer for sale of 40% of its shares, i.e. 1,110,600 shares out of a total of 2,776,500 shares. A capital increase of € 4.8 million, represented by 64,540 shares, was implemented on 18 April 2000. The exercise of 11,000 warrants in September 2001 brought the total number of shares to 2,852,040. The exercise of 55,320 warrants on 24 January 2007 brought the total number of shares to 2,907,360.

Allocated options The total number of lawfully exercisable options is 45,500 on 31/12/2006. As options are concerned, a possible exercise does not cause any dilution.

Shares held by Brantano NV At the end of 2006, Brantano NV holds 45,500 of its own shares. These were purchased to cover the options.

40

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

Brafin SAK and Mitiska NV, both companies linked to Brantano NV, jointly hold an interest of 53.74% in Brantano NV. Sobradis NV also has a direct interest of 2.86% in the company. The percentage of freely negotiable shares (free float) is therefore 43.40%.


fortis bank

mitiska

NV

NV (2)

49,50%

sobradis

NV (1)

Retail partners BV (3) 50,50% 69,12%

Brafin

6,29% sak (4)

3,10%

27,78% 47,45%

free float 2,86%

NV

43,40%

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

41


Stock market data Price development The price of the Brantano share closed at € 35.99 on 26 March 2007. This represents a fall of 34% over 15 months compared with the share price at the end of 2005 (€ 54.65). Brantano was floated on the stock market at a price of € 28.00 in May 1997.

60,00

40

50,00

35 30

40,00

25

30,00

20

20,00

15 10

10,00

5

01/2002

12/2002

Brantano-share

12/2003

12/2004

12/2005

12/2006

Volume

Data per share since 2002 as of 31 December 2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

103.5

106.63

113.12

106.54

104.99

Result from continued operations

10.24

3.68

3.35

1.99

0.12

Cash flow

13.80

6.97

7.31

5.65

6.81

Gross dividend

1.50

1.35

1.20

1.00

1.00

Net dividend

1.13

1.02

0.90

0.75

0.75

Book value

29.14

19.89

18.36

18.19

18.26

Highest closing price

54.90

51.00

46.99

30.98

54.95

Lowest closing price

35.60

42.50

27.98

15.05

21.20

Closing price on 31 December

38.00

47.20

46.99

29.00

21.55

Turnover per share

The figures up to and including 2003 were compiled in accordance with BE-GAAP and the figures from 2004 have been compiled under IFRS.

Most important stock market ratios on the basis of the closing price on 31 December 2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.3

0.2

Price/profit

3.7

12.8

14.0

14.6

179.6

Price/cash flow

2.8

6.8

6.4

5.1

3.2

Price/book value

1.3

2.4

2.6

1.6

1.2

3.9%

2.9%

2.6%

3.4%

4.6%

Price/turnover

Dividend yield

The figures up to and including 2003 were compiled in accordance with BE-GAAP and the figures from 2004 have been compiled under IFRS.

42

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

volume (in e thousands)

Closing rate Brantano share (in e)

Development of the Brantano share over the past 5 years


Dividend The Board of Directors will propose to issue a gross dividend of € 4,361,040 or € 1.50 per share (€ 1.125 net) to the General Meeting of Shareholders on 9 May 2007. This dividend will be payable from 25 May 2007 onwards, on presentation of coupon number 10 at KBC, Fortis Bank and Petercam branch counters.

Investor relations Shareholders and investors who wish to obtain the annual report, press releases or other information about Brantano can contact:

Christine Vermeersch CFO Tel.: +32 (0) 53.85.00.00 e-mail: brantano@brantano.com

The electronic version of the annual report, extracts from the annual report, press releases, the share price, financial presentations and other Brantano Group data can also be found on the website http://www.brantano.com. This information is available in Dutch, French and English.

Financial agenda General Meeting of Shareholders

9 May 2007

Q1 2007 trading update

10 May 2007

Publication of turnover for H1 2007

16 July 2007

Publication of results H1 2007

23 August 2007

Q3 2007 trading update

15 November 2007

Publication of turnover in 2007

15 January 2008

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

43


44

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


financial information

Consolidated Annual Accounts Consolidated Balance Sheet

46

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

46

Consolidated Income Statement

48

Cash Flow Statement

49

Explanation of the Consolidated Annual Accounts

50

Commentary on the Consolidated Annual Accounts

70

Consolidated Auditor’s Report

72

Brantano nv Annual Accounts Abbreviated Balance Sheet after Profit Allocation

73

Abbreviated Income Statement

74

Appropriation of Results

74

Valuation Rules

75

Commentary on the Statutory Annual Accounts for Brantano nv

76

Capital Situation

77

Warrant plan

79

Statutory report of the Board of Directors

80

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

45


Consolidated annual accounts Consolidated balance sheet Assets (in â‚Ź 000)

Notes

31-12-2006

Non-current assets

31-12-2005 54.438

65.025

6

2,847

2,847

7

51,445

62,093

Land and buildings

3,481

21,019

Plant, machinery and equipment

7,190

7,084

94

210

40,680

33,433

0

347

146

86

90,923

80,013

Intangible fixed assets Consolidation differences

Tangible fixed assets

Furniture and vehicles Other tangible fixed assets Assets under construction

Other non-current assets

8

Current assets Inventories

9

60,722

55,668

Other current assets

10

17,470

10,490

Cash

11

12,730

13,856

Assets from discontinued operations

12

596

1,003

145,957

146,042

TOTAL ASSETS

Consolidated statement of changes in equity Share Capital (in â‚Ź 000) Balance 1 January 2005

3,821

Other reserves

Share premium account

Retained earnings

5,195

48,235

Translation differences (4,312)

Share-based payments 319

(887)

TOTAL

52,372

Result from continued operations

10,507

10,507

Result from discontinued operations

(3,413)

(3,413)

Dividend

(3,422)

(3,422)

New stock option plan

155

Change in treasury shares

Balance 31 December 2005

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

155 (855)

Change in translation differences

46

Treasury shares

1,373

3,821

5,195

51,906

(2,939)

(855) 1,373

474

(1,742)

56,716


Liabilities (in € 000)

Notes

Shareholders’ equity

13

31-12-2006

31-12-2005 83,096

56,716

Capital

3,821

3,821

Share premium account

5,195

5,195

Retained earnings

77,512

51,906

Other reserves

(1,365)

(2,464)

Treasury shares

(2,067)

(1,742)

18,285

46,264

Non-current liabilities Long-term interest bearing loans and borrowings

14

11,973

39,453

Deferred tax liabilities

15

5,805

5,858

Long-term provisions

16

507

954

44,112

42.089

Current instalments of interest bearing loans and borrowings

0

9,734

Interest bearing short-term debt

0

73

23,680

14,849

Current liabilities

Trade payables Amount payable regarding taxes, remuneration and social security

18

8,269

7,852

Other current liabilities

19

12,164

9,582

Liabilities from discontinued operations

21

464

972

145,957

146,042

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Consolidated statement of changes in equity Share Capital (in € 000) Balance 1 January 2006

3,821

Other reserves

Share premium account

Retained earnings

5,195

51,906

Result from continued operations Result from discontinued operations Dividend

Translation differences (2,939)

Share-based payments 474

Treasury shares (1,742)

56,716

29,207

29,207

250

250

(3,850)

(3,850)

New stock option plan

0

Change in treasury shares

(326)

Change in translation differences

Balance 31 December 2006

TOTAL

1,099

3,821

5,195

77,512

(1,839)

(326) 1,099

474

(2,067)

annual report 2006

83,096

BRANTANO

47


Consolidated income statement Income statement (in € 000)

Notes

31-12-2006 295,157

304,122

295,157

304,122

Cost of sales

(144,176)

(151,186)

OPERATING INCOME

181,769

154,876

TURNOVER Turnover

22

Gross margin

23

150,980

152,937

Other operating income

24

30,789

1,940

(105,113)

(97,768)

(105,113)

(97,768)

76,656

57,108

(30,591)

(28,930)

46,066

28,178

OPERATING CHARGES Store costs

OPERATING CASH FLOW STORES OVERHEADS OPERATING CASH FLOW BEFORE TAX Financial income

25

347

324

Financial charges

25

(2,590)

(2,523)

CASH FLOW BEFORE TAX

43,822

25,978

Depreciation

(10,150)

(9,358)

RESULT BEFORE TAX

33,672

16,620

Taxes

26

(4,465)

(6,113)

RESULT FROM CONTINUED OPERATIONS

27

29,207

10,507

RESULT FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

28

250

(3,413)

29,457

7,093

NET RESULT FOR THE PERIOD

2006 Earnings per share

48

31-12-2005

2005

Number of shares

29

31-12-2006

31-12-2005

Basic

2.808.378

2.819.646

10.49

2.52

Diluted

2.875.048

2.887.816

10.25

2.46

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Cash Flow Statement (in â‚Ź 000)

31-12-2006

31-12-2005

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT Cash flow from operating activities Consolidated net result per Group share

29,457

7,093

Depreciation on set-up costs, consolidation differences, tangibles an intangible fixed assets

10,150

10,102

Depreciation on inventories and receivables

626

(1,438)

Addition to / take-back and expenditure of deferred taxes and tax deferrals

(53)

157

Addition to / take-back and expenditure of provisions for risks and costs

(447)

45

Changes in working capital requirements

(705)

5,804

39,029

21,764

* Set-up costs

-

-

* Goodwill

-

-

* Land and buildings

(1,072)

(1,803)

* Installations, machinery and equipment

(1,855)

(1,965)

(10)

(46)

(10,628)

(7,327)

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash flow from investing activities Acquisitions of tangible, intangible or financial fixed assets

* Furniture and vehicles * Other tangible fixed assets * Assets under construction

(347)

* Financial fixed assets Transfers of tangible, intangible of financial fixed assets * Set-up costs, tangible and intangible fixed assets

14,541

2,511

Translation differences of tangible and intangible fixed assets

(539)

(734)

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

437

(9,711)

-

-

(326)

(855)

Cash flow from financing activities Increase in capital Evolution treasury shares Evolution share-based payments Movements of debts of more than 1 year Movements of debts of more than 1 year that fall due in this financial year Credit institutions Movement of translation differences Dividend paid out

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES NET MOVEMENT OF CASH INVESTMENTS AND LIQUIDITIES

155 (27,480)

(8,482)

(9,734)

(402)

(73)

(342)

1,099

1,373

(3,850)

(3,422)

(40,364)

(11,975)

(898)

77

12,730

13,856

227

(638)

13,856

13,140

(898)

77

Movement of cash investments and liquidities Sum of cash investments and liquidities at the end of financial year on continued operations Movement of cash position on discounted operations Sum of cash investments and liquidities at the beginning of financial year on continued operations

NET MOVEMENT OF CASH INVESTMENTS AND LIQUIDITIES

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

49


Explanation of the Consolidated Annual Accounts 1. Statement of Compliance The Brantano Group is a company that is established in Belgium. The consolidation of the Brantano Group encompasses the annual accounts of the following companies: Brantano NV, Muys NV, Brantano Luxembourg SA, Brantano UK Ltd, Brantano Beheer BV, Brantano Nederland BV and Brantano Asia Ltd. The changes to the consolidation circle in respect of 31st December 2005 relate to the sale of shares in the real estate subsidiary Brimmo NV to the Belgian closed end property investment company Retail Estates NV, the liquidation of Brantano SA and the establishment of Brantano Asia Ltd. This company looks after relationships with suppliers in the Far East, more specifically relating to order-tracking, quality control, design input and prospecting. All of the companies are consolidated integrally.

2. General information The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with the standards and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) of the IASB that apply on the balance sheet date. The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros applying the historical cost principle, with the exception of the proposal of the financial derivatives which are valued at market value. The consolidated financial statements for 2006 (including the comparative figures for 2005) were approved by the Board of Directors on 13th February 2007.

3. Valuation Rules 3.1. Consolidation criteria

The consolidated financial statements are produced from the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, as compiled at the end of the financial year. Subsidiaries are entities over which the parent company exercises control. Control is understood here as the parent company being in a position to determine directly or indirectly the financial and operating policies of an enterprise directly or indirectly in order to obtain benefits from its activities. The consolidation is undertaken on a full consolidation basis, undertaking the necessary eliminations. The full consolidation method consists of taking over in full the assets, liabilities, expenses and income of the consolidated enterprises. Minority interests, including those in the net income for the financial year, are mentioned under separate balance sheet and income statement headings. 3.2.

Translation of foreign currency

The balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into euros at the closing exchange rate on the last day of the financial year. These subsidiaries’ income statements are translated using the average daily rate, i.e., the average of the rates for each working day of the year on the exchange market for the currencies in question. Differences arising from the use of the average daily rate for the results and the year-end closing rate for the balance sheet, are recognised in the equity heading “translation differences�. 3.3. Consolidation goodwill

Positive consolidation differences resulting from the acquisition of a new participation express the difference between the acquisition price and the underlying net asset value of the new participation at the time of acquisition. Consolidation goodwill is not amortised, but is reviewed at every balance sheet date for any indications of impairment. Where such indications exist, a test is carried out to determine whether an impairment loss should be recognised. 3.4.

Intangible assets other than positive consolidation goodwill

Formation expenses and trade mark registration costs are charged to the income statement as and when incurred. The costs of other intangible assets are capitalized and amortised on a straight-line basis over five years. Goodwill arising from mergers is not amortised, but is reviewed at every balance sheet date for any indications of impairment. Where such indications exist, a test is carried out to determine whether an impairment loss should be recognised.

50

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


3.5.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost. Ancillary costs and interest on any related bridging financing are capitalized. Tangible fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, in accordance with their useful economic life, as from entry into service. The following depreciation percentages are applied when closing annual financial statements:

Heading

Straight-line

Buildings

3,33%

Fixtures and fittings

5% & 10%

Installations and machinery

20%

Cars

20%

Furniture

20%

At every closing date, the net carrying value is reviewed in order to estimate whether the net carrying value is higher than the market value. Where the net carrying value exceeds the estimated market value, the asset in question is written down to its market value. 3.6.

Stocks

Raw materials, consumables and goods for resale are valued at cost using the FIFO method. The purchase price is increased by the purchase costs including customs, carriage, transport and distribution costs. All discounts (including financial discounts) are attributed to stock. If the cost price is higher than the net realisable value, the valuation is adjusted to the lower net realisable value. The net realisable value is equal to the estimated normal sale price, less estimated sale-related costs. Goods older than 36 months are fully depreciated. 3.7.

Amounts receivable

Amounts receivable are carried at their nominal value. Where a collection risk exists, a valuation allowance is recognised. Valuation allowances are applied whenever the realisation value of the accounts receivable is, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, lower than the carrying value, and as soon as repayment at due date is uncertain. 3.8.

Short-term investments and cash at bank and in hand

Short-term investments and cash at bank and in hand are carried at their current value. All profits and losses resulting from such revaluation are taken into the income statement. 3.9.

Equity

Cost of an equity transaction The transaction costs of an equity transaction are recorded as a reduction in equity, net of the related tax benefit. Dividend Dividends are recognised as amounts payable in the period in which they are allotted. Treasury shares Where shares representing the company’s equity are purchased by the company or a subsidiary, the total amount paid, including directly attributable expenses, is deducted, net of taxes, from equity. Any income from the sale of these shares is recorded under equity. 3.10. Long-term provisions

Provisions are set up (i) whenever the group has a legal or de facto obligation as a result of a past event, (ii) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle this obligation and (iii) that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. A provision for reorganisation costs is recorded where the Group has approved a detailed reorganisation plan and has created a valid expectation that the reorganisation will be carried our by beginning to implement the plan or by informing the parties involved of the key features of the same.

annual report 2006

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51


3.11. Interest-bearing debts

Interest-bearing debts are carried at nominal amount excluding all related transaction costs. These latter costs are charged to income over the availability period. 3.12. Lease agreements

Lease agreements where all essential risks and benefits of ownership are transferred to the Group are treated as financial leases. Financial leases are capitalized at the inception of the lease agreement at the lower of the fair value of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related obligations are recorded as long-term or short-term debts depending on their term. The interest portion of the lease is charged to income over the term of the lease. The tangible fixed assets obtained via financial leases are depreciated over their expected economic life as mentioned under ‘tangible fixed assets’. Lease agreements where the lessor substantially retains the risks and benefits attached to ownership of the leased asset are treated as operating leases. For operating leases, lease payments are recognized as an expense in the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease period. The total value of discounts or benefits granted by the lessor is deducted from the lease costs over the life of the lease contract on a straight-line basis. 3.13. Employee benefits

Pension obligations

- Defined contribution plans The contribution paid is immediately recognised in the income statement. - Defined benefit plans The carrying value of the defined pension plans is determined as the present value of the gross liabilities, taking into account unrecognised actuarial gains and losses and the fair value of the fund investments. In accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits’ actuarial profits or losses exceeding more than 10% of the present value of the gross obligations or the fair value of the fund investments spread over the expected average remaining period of service. Share based payments The fair value of share-based remuneration plans (warrants and option plans) are calculated based on the capital mutation method. In accordance with IFRS 2 “Share based payments”, the cost is recognised at the time of allotment. 3.14. Financial derivatives

It is Group policy not to speculate in financial derivatives. Brantano uses foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments to control the impact of foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Such financial instruments are used only to hedge exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Gains and losses are recognised in the same period as the hedging is undertaken and are allotted to the covered assets or liabilities. 3.15. Income tax

The income tax for the financial year is based on the profits and losses of the enterprises in the Group, and is calculated according to local tax rules. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are defined according to the balance method, for all temporary differences between taxation based assets and liabilities and their balance sheet value for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are valued at the tax rates which are expected to apply at the time of realisation of the asset or the settlement of the obligation, based on tax rates and tax laws approved at or after the balance sheet date. A tax asset is recognised in so far as it is probable that a future tax profit will be available with which the non-compensated tax losses and unused tax-offsettable assets can be offset. 3.16. Impairmant of assets

At every balance sheet date a judgement is made as to the existence of evidence of a possible impairment of an asset. Where such evidence exists, a test is undertaken to determine the value in use (the present value of the expected future cash flows) or, if higher, the realisable value. Where this is lower than the carrying value, an impairment is recognised and charged in full against the income statement.

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3.17. Recognition of income

Income is recognised whenever it is probable that the economic benefits will derive to the group and when the income can be reliably valued. Sales to retail customers are recognised at the time of registration of the sale in the store. Otherwise income is recognised whenever the essential risks and benefits of the ownership of the goods have been transferred to the buyer. Income is recognized whenever (i) a convincing proof of agreement exists, (ii) delivery has taken place, (iii) the remuneration is established or can be reliably determined and (iv) collection is likely. 3.18. Earnings per share

The Group calculates ordinary and diluted earnings per share in accordance with IAS 33 “Earnings per share”. The ordinary earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the diluting effect of the outstanding warrants during the period. 3.19. Segment information

The primary basis of segmentation for the Group is geographic, given that the risks and income are to a significant degree dependent on the country of operation. A secondary segmentation basis (“business segment”) is not applicable. The sale of shoes represents over 90% of total sales, making it the only secondary segmentation basis.

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53


4. Consolidation criteria a. Scope of consolidation

The consolidation of the Brantano Group encompasses the annual accounts of the following companies: Brantano nv, Muys nv, Brantano Luxembourg sa, Brantano UK Ltd, Brantano Beheer bv, Brantano Nederland bv and Brantano Asia Ltd. b. Consolidation criteria

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and using the standards and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) of the IASB in force on the balance sheet date. The consolidated financial statements for 2006 comply with all of the IFRS performances and required clarifications applied to all accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2005. The consolidated financial statements are produced from the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries, as drawn up at the end of the financial year. The consolidation is done trough global integration, after making the necessary eliminations. The integral consolidation method consists of taking over the assets, liabilities, expenses and income of the consolidated enterprises in full. Minority interests, including the results of the financial year, are mentioned under separate balance sheet and income statement headings. The consolidated annual accounts are drawn up on the same date as the annual accounts included in the consolidation.

Integrally consolidated subsidiaries

Total number of shares held by the Brantano Group

Total number of shares

Muys NV

Share of the capital

BE 421.798.164

1,552

1,552

100%

LU 16725423

1,250

1,250

100%

10,000,000

10,000,000

100%

8083.99.676.B.01

127,389

127,389

100%

8083.99.676.B.01

400

400

100%

1036799

150

150

100%

Brakelsesteenweg 160, 9406 Ninove, Belgium Brantano Luxembourg SA Route d’Arlon 124, 1150 Luxembourg, Luxembourg Brantano UK Ltd

705316071

Interlink WayWest, Interlink Business Park, LE67 1 LD Bardon Coalville Leistershire - UK Brantano Beheer BV Spoorlaan 438, 5038 CH Tilburg, The Netherlands Brantano Nederland BV Spoorlaan 438, 5038 CH Tilburg, The Netherlands Brantano Asia Ltd 2001 Centrel Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai Hong Kong

c. Changes in the consolidation circle

The changes relative to 31.12.2005 in the consolidation circle concern the sale of shares in the real estate subsidiary Brimmo NV to the Belgian property investment company Retail Estates NV, the liquidation of Brantano SA and the establishment of Brantano Asia Ltd.

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5. Segment reporting The primary segmentation is a geographical segmentation based on the Brantano Group’s internal organisation and management structure and its internal financial reporting system: • Belux • UK • Discontinued activities (NL & DK)

2005 (in € 000) Turnover

BELUX

Discontinued operations

UK

Other

TOTAL

139,160

164,962

304,122

Recurring operating cash flow stores

34,845

22,270

57,116

Assets

74,628

70,411

1,003

Liabilities

68,923

19,334

972

Investments

4,910

Depreciation and amortisation

4,145

146,042 97

89,326

5,013

1.565

11,488

4,927

286

9,358

2006 (in € 000) Turnover

BELUX

Discontinued operations

UK

Other

TOTAL

136,290

158,866

295,157

Recurring operating cash flow stores

33,026

15,817

48,842

Assets

65,399

79,862

596

100

145,957

Liabilities

37,816

24,395

464

187

62,862

Investments

6,401

5,912

1,252

13,565

Depreciation and amortisation

4,490

5,029

631

10,150

The “other” column refers to investments that are managed at group level. Reconciliation of the liabilities segment with the balance sheet total:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Liabilities segment

62,862

89,326

Shareholders’ equity

83,096

56,716

Total liabilities

145,957

146,042

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

55


6. Intangible fixed assets In February 2000 Brantano NV acquired all of the shares in Berca-Lux NV. A merger was then executed. The merger led to a merger goodwill of € 2,786 K that was activated under the intangible fixed assets. The goodwill is mainly justified by the favourable location of the stores and the existing lease contracts. The remaining € 61 K refers to the acquisition of Bootshoe in 2002. The net book value of the goodwill can be analysed as follows:

Goodwill € 000 Opening Purchase value

2,847

Accumulated special reductions in value

Book value on 31 December 2005

2,847

Changes during the year

End Purchase value

2,847

Accumulated special reductions in value

Book value on 31 December 2006

2,847

The book value of the goodwill is assigned to the following cash flow generating units:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Berca-Lux stores

2,786

2,786

Bootshoe stores

61

61

2,847

2,847

TOTAL

The realisation value for cash flow generating units as stated above is determined by an impairment test that is based on a detailed cash flow model. The Discounted Cash Flow analysis uses the future free cash flow forecasts (to be achieved in the following five years in normal circumstances) and discounts these to the current value. The growth rate used represents the average long-term growth rate for the turnover in the cash flow generating units. This is evaluated annually by the Audit Committee. The most important assumptions for the Berca-Lux and Bootshoe stores for Brantano management are stable profit margins, which are determined on the basis of historical data. Brantano is convinced that this is the best possible input for determining the future profit of these well performing stores.

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7. Tangible fixed assets

(in â‚Ź 000)

Gross carrying amount

Plant, machinery and equipment

Land and buildings

Furniture and vehicles

Other tangible assets

Assets under construction

TOTAL

30,390

15,032

2,023

85,019

132,464

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

(10,212)

(8,645)

(1,618)

(52,568)

(73,043)

Carrying amount 1 January 2005

20,179

6,387

405

32,451

0

59,422

32,113

16,678

1,866

90,821

347

141,826

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

(11,095)

(9,595)

(1,656)

(57,388)

Carrying amount 31st December 2005

21,019

7,084

210

33,433

4,861

18,646

1,732

108,492

133,731

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

(1,380)

(11,456)

(1,639)

(67,812)

(82,286)

Carrying amount 31st December 2006

3,481

7,190

94

40.680

Gross carrying amount

Gross carrying amount

(79,734)

347

0

62,093

51,445

The carrying amounts for the plant, machinery, equipment and the other tangible fixed assets, for the periods represented in the consolidated annual accounts on 31st December 2006, are reconciled as follows:

(in â‚Ź 000)

Carrying amount 1 January 2005

Plant, machinery and equipment

Land and buildings

Furniture and vehicles

Other tangible assets

Assets under construction

TOTAAL

20,179

6,387

405

32,451

0

59,422

1,803

1.965

46

7,327

347

11,488

(35)

(119)

(41)

(808)

(1,002)

(1,052)

(1,579)

(200)

(6,371)

(9,203)

8

100

718

827

Movements during the period: - Acquisitions - Disposals (NBV) - Depreciation - Net exchange differences - Transfer - Other changes

Carrying amount 31 December 2005

0 116

330

116

561

21,019

7,084

210

33,433

1,072

1,855

10

10,628

13,565

(15,102)

(2)

(5)

(583)

(15,692)

(1,124)

(1,813)

(122)

(6,652)

(9,711)

6

66

(0)

467

539

347

62,093

Movements during the period: - Acquisitions - Disposals (NBV) - Depreciation - Net exchange differences - Transfer - Other changes

Carrying amount 31 December 2006

(3,040)

3,387

(347)

650

3,481

0 650

7,190

94

40,680

annual report 2006

0

51,445

BRANTANO

57


The tangible fixed assets are valued at their acquisition value and depreciated in accordance with their economic life. IAS 36 “Impairment of assets” prescribes the procedure that an entity must apply so that its assets are carried at no more than their recoverable amount. An asset is carried at more than its recoverable amount if its carrying amount exceeds the amount to be recovered through use or sale of the asset. If this is the case, the asset is described as impaired and the entity needs to recognise an impairment loss. Brantano will perform the impairment test at the end of each year, based upon full year results. This impairment test is carried out on stores from Belgium, Luxembourg and UK. The test includes a comparison of the net book value of the fixtures and fittings of a store with the future performance of a store. To value the recoverable amount of a store, the Discounted Cash Flow method is performed. The DCF analysis uses the future cash flow projections (to be realised in the normal course of business in the next 5 years) and discounts them to a present value. Those future free cash flows are discounted by the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The calculated equity value of the store is compared with the net asset value (carrying amount). Based upon the results of the impairment test performed an impairment of € 116 K was booked in 2006. The accumulated impairments of the tangible fixed assets amount to € 862 K on 31st December 2006. The disposals in 2006 mainly refer to the sale of property in Belgium.

8. Other non-current assets The other non-current assets relate to cash guarantees.

9. Inventories The inventories of Brantano are goods for resale being shoes, shoe care, etc. Raw materials, consumables and goods for resale are valued at cost using the FIFO method. The purchase price is increased by the purchase costs including customs, carriage, transport and distribution costs. All discounts (including financial discounts) are attributed to stock. If the cost price is higher than the net realisable value, the valuation is adjusted to the lower net realisable value. The net realisable value is equal to the estimated normal sale price, less estimated sale-related costs. Goods older than 36 months are fully depreciated.

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Acquisition value

61,717

55,951

Less – write-down

(2,422)

(1,796)

1,427

1,513

60,722

55,668

Prepayments

TOTAL

The change in stocks can mainly be ascribed to a rise in the level of stock at Brantano UK. In 2005, the stock level of Brantano UK was generally too low at the end of December for the budgeted turnover in the first months of the year. The carrying amount of inventories is not pledged as security for liability. The following write-down is included in the cost price of the goods sold.

58

Write-down on 31st December 2005

1,796

Write-down on 31st December 2006

2,422

Movement

(626)

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


10. Other current assets 2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Trade receivables

1,570

865

909

535

14,991

9,090

9,735

8,845

Prepaid rates

2,471

2,247

Prepaid rent and lease charges

6,289

5,631

975

967

5,256

244

17,470

10,490

Other short-term receivables Deferred charges and accrued income Deferred charges

Other

Accrued income

TOTAL The trade receivables mainly relate to franchising receivables.

On 31st December 2005, the remaining short-term receivables mainly comprise a tax receivable (€ 241 K) and a VAT receivable (€ 257 K). In 2006, these other short-term receivables comprise a claim against Brimmo relating to a loan (€ 350 K) from Brantano NV to Brimmo NV on the one hand and on the other a claim against Retail Estates relating to a price correction (€ 322 K) on the sale of the Brimmo shares. The other receivables on 31st December 2006 also include a tax receivable (€ 205 K) and a VAT receivable (€ 7 K). The rise in both tax on property and on prepaid rent is related to significant rises in the rent and rental charges on stores due to a number of large five-yearly rent reviews and the increased number of stores in the United Kingdom. The rise in the income to be posted is mainly ascribable to the transfer price of rental rights to the store in Oxford. Brantano had not been paid yet for this by the owner on 31st December 2006.

11. Cash The cash comprises the following items:

Cash Forward exchange contracts

TOTAL

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000 12,652

13,828

78

28

12,730

13,856

Brantano entered into foreign exchange forward rate agreements in order to secure its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The objective of these contracts is to neutralise the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on the Group’s operating result. The difference between the order exchange rate and the hedged rate results in a cost or a revenue. On 31 December 2005 the market value of the currency forward contracts was € 28 K, while this was € 78 K for 2006.

12. Assets from discontinued operations On 8th December 2004, the decision was made to sell the Dutch stores of Brantano Nederland to AS Watson. As of 17th March 2005, the Board of Directors decided to stop the Danish activities. All the assets and liabilities of Brantano Beheer BV, Brantano Nederland BV and Brantano Denmark respectively are reclassified among the assets and liabilities from discontinued operations.

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BRANTANO

59


On 31st December 2006, the assets from discontinued activities comprise both the assets from discontinued Brantano activities in the Netherlands and Denmark.

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Brantano Netherlands

596

975

Other current assets

180

814

Cash

416

161

Brantano Denmark

(0)

28

Cash

(0)

28

596

1.003

TOTAL

13. Shareholders’ equity Share capital

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Subscribed capital At the end of the previous financial year

3,821

3,821

3,821

3,821

Modifications during the financial year

At the end of the financial year

Ordinary shares I. Movements in the number of shares 1. Number of shares, opening balance 2006

2,852,040

2. Number of shares issued 3. Number of ordinary shares withdrawn or reduced (-) 4. Number of cashed in, converted or reduced preferential shares (-) 5. Other increase (decrease) 6. Number of shares, closing balance 2006

2,852,040

II. Other information 1. Nominal value of shares 2. Number of shares held by the company or related parties

1,600,461

3. Interim dividend paid during the year 4. Diluted warrants

66,670

Share premium

There are no changes in the share premium in 2006. Allocated warrants and stock options

On 31st December 2006, the total number of outstanding warrants was 66,670, which can lead to the creation of the same number of shares. Moreover 38,000 stock options were offered and accepted at the end of December 2004 and 12,500 stock options in December 2005. A possible exercise of the stock options will not lead to any dilution. The total number of lawfully excercisable options is 45,500 at the moment.

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Own shares acquired

During 2006, Brantano acquired 7,490 shares at an average price of € 51.7 per share. The number of shares in Brantano’s hands therefore rises from 38,010 on 31st December 2005 to 45,500 on 31st December 2006. The book value of the own shares is € 2,067 K. On 31st December 2006, the share price was € 38.00. Retained earnings

The change in retained earnings is caused by the net income of 2006 and the dividend declaration by the Annual General Meeting in 2006. According to IFRS valuation rules, the proposed dividend with respect to the year 2006 for payment in 2007, is still included in the retained earnings on 31st December 2006. The board of Directors proposes to pay out a gross dividend of € 4,361 K or € 1.50 per share to the Annual General Meeting on 9th May 2007.

14. Long-term borrowings 2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Non-current long-term interest bearing loans and borrowings

11,973

39,453

Current installments of interest bearing loans and borrowings

9,734

Interest bearing short-term debt

73

TOTAL

11,973

49,260

The following off-balance sheet credit facilities are being used:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Bank garantees Letters of Credit (L/C)

TOTAL

1,367

1,532

432

684

1,798

2,216

Credit lines available:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Syndicated loan - Revolving credit facility - Amortising credit facility Bilateral credit line

TOTAAL

30,000

30,000

0

35.000

3,000

3,000

33,000

68,000

The declining credit line was repaid in full due to the sale of the shares in real estate subsidiary Brimmo at the end of 2006. The cash flow that was realised through the sale of these shares has partly contributed to a further reduction in the Group’s net financial debt burden.

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61


15. Deferred liabilities The deferred taxes refer to temporary differences on the following items:

2006

2005

Deferred tax impact

Deferred tax impact

€ 000

€ 000

Description of differences Non-current assets

3,899

3,463

705

1,451

Inventories

1,538

1,600

Other current assets

(846)

(157)

12

8

1,152

978

1,152

978

50

(34)

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

(63)

25

Other current liabilities

113

(59)

5,805

5,858

Current assets

Cash (forward contracts)

Non-current liabilities Long-term provisions

Current liabilities

TOTAL

16. Long-term provisions

Carrying amount 31 December 2005

Defined Benefit Plan

Early retirement

Litigation and other

Loss making rental contract

TOTAL

€ 000

€ 000

€ 000

€ 000

€ 000

776

37

141

Additional provisions

954 147

Used provisions

(7)

Deposit

(127)

(134)

(469)

Translation difference

Carrying amount 31 December 2006

(469)

7

314

147

30

14

2

9

149

507

Provisions are recognised when Brantano has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable, that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. At the closure of every financial year, the Board of Directors lays down the provisions with care, sincerity and good faith. This is done by analysing all the firm’s accounts and by examining all matters that might give rise to uncovered risks.

62

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Pensions and other employee obligations

The liabilities recognised for pensions and other employee remunerations in the balance sheet consist of the following amounts:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Early retirement Defined benefit plan

TOTAL

30

37

314

776

343

813

Defined benefit plans

The carrying value of the defined pension plans is determined as the present value of the gross liabilities, taking into account unrecognised actuarial gains and losses and the fair value of the fund investments. In accordance with IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits’, actuarial gains and losses exceeding more than 10% of the present value of the gross obligation or the fair value of the fund investments are recognised over the average working lives of the employees participating in the plan. Brantano UK operates a funded benefit scheme for certain employees. The assets of the scheme are administrated by trustees in funds independent of the company. A full actuarial valuation is carried out every 3 years by a qualified independent actuary on a continuing valuation basis. This actuary gives an annual update of the assets and liabilities, the contribution which would appear in the income statement and in the statement of total recognised gains and losses if the full requirements of IAS 19 were applicable in place, in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the transitional arrangements of IAS 19. This valuation shows the market value of the assets and whether the assets are sufficient to cover the benefits that had accrued to members. It also provides the assumptions which have the most significant effect on the result of the valuation. The calculation of the net value of the defined plan (positive or negative) is stated in the valuation reports (triennial actuarial valuation and annual update in accordance with IAS 19). The actuarial profits and losses that may be large and highly fluctuating can be spread over time under IFRS. When measuring its defined benefit liability, a company shall recognise only a portion of its actuarial gains and losses as income or expense if the net cumulative unrecognised actuarial gains and losses at the end of the previous reporting period exceeded the greater of:

(a) 10% of the present value of the defined benefit oblogation at that date or (b) 10% of the fair value of any plan assets at that date.

These limits are calculated and applied separately for each defined benefit plan. The portion of actuarial gains and losses to be recognised for each defined benefit plan, as calculated above, is the excess divided by the expected average remaining working lives of the employees participating in that plan. According to the actuarial calculation:

On 31st December 2005:

2005 £ 000

€ 000

Defined Benefit Obligation

3,808

Fair value plan assets

2,935

Deficit in scheme Unrecognized gains / losses Recognized portion actuarial gains / losses

Liability recognized in balance sheet

873 (345) 4

532

annual report 2006

776

BRANTANO

63


On the basis of the actuarial calculation the debt on the balance sheet is € 776 K on 31st December 2005. Brantano adopts the policy of only recognising a portion of the actuarial gains and losses as income or expense if the net cumulative unrecognised actuarial gains and losses at the end of the previous reporting period exceeds the greater of 10% of the present value of the defined benefit obligation at that date and 10% of the fair value of the plan assets at that date. The portion recognised is this excess divided by the expected average remaining working lives of the employees. At the end of 2005 1/19th of the total actuarial losses (€ 4 K) are included in the income statement.

On 31st December 2006:

2006 £ 000

€ 000

Defined Benefit Obligation

4,002

Fair value plan assets

3,745

Deficit in scheme

257

Liability recognised in balance sheet at 31 December 2005

532

One-off payment

(321)

st

Liability recognised in balance sheet at 31 December 2006

211

st

314

Due to a one-off payment of £ 321 K at the start of 2006 in accordance with the pension plan, the deficit remained at the same level as the previous year. Surrender of lease

In December 2000, Brantano UK concluded a lease agreement for the Ashford store for a lease period of 25 years, with a due date on 25th December 2025. This store was closed by Brantano UK during 2003, from the time that a lease agreement was concluded with a third party. However, the tenant was placed in receivership with the result that it repudiated the lease contract and Brantano UK was again legally obliged to pay the rent. According to IFRS 37 a provision must be established to meet the future expected costs under this lease contract. On 31st December 2006 a provision of € 149 K was set aside, which amounts to rent for one year and the related legal costs.

17. Employee remuneration 17.1. Personnel cost

Wages and social security costs

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

(52.080)

(50.141)

Share-based payments

0

(155)

Pensions - Defined benefit plan

0

(35)

(52.080)

(50.330)

TOTAL

An agreement was reached by the Company in the period concerned relating to fiscal and parafiscal regularisation of benefits awarded to management and other employees in the past. The net cost price of this fiscal and parafiscal regularisation by the Company was € 390 K. Due to the agreements reached with the tax authorities it was possible to reach a definitive and final settlement concerning the financial consequences of a number of benefits awarded in the period 2001-2005. The manner of fiscal regularisation applied by management (i.e., regularisation in personal tax) is favourable for the Company, now that the cost price for regularisation in income tax is not borne by the Company. The approach whereby the Company bears the regularisation cost for payments that it granted in the past to its other staff ensures that good relations remain intact. The Board of Directors therefore believes that the decision on fiscal regularisation is justified in the light of the Company’s interest.

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annual report 2006


17.2. Early retirement (see note 16) 17.3. Defined benefit plan (see note 16) 17.4. Share-based payments

On 31 December 2006 Brantano has four share-based payment plans. These payments are part of the Brantano senior management’s remuneration package. The first plan has 11,350 warrants allocated on 18 October 2000. These warrants have an exercise price of € 79.33. The exercisability of the allocated warrants is extended until January 2007. The second plan consists of 56,820 warrants granted on 28 March 2003. The measurement of the transaction is done at grant date and is based on the fair value of the warrants granted and the price paid by the employees. These warrants have an exercise price of € 17.38 and can be exercised in January 2007. Because it consists of European call options (options that can not be exercised before maturity) the Black Scholes model is used and results in a cost to the company of € 750.02. The third one consists of 38,000 stock options offered and accepted at the end of December 2004 with a duration of 8 years. The stock options have an exercise price of € 42.45 and are exercisable in March and September of 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. The cost value of this plan was calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 ‘Share Based payments’ using the binomial model for European stock options. The impact on the balance sheet as per 31st December 2004 results in an option value of € 319 K. The fourth stock option plan was signed at the end of 2005 whereby 12,500 options with a duration of 8 years were granted and accepted by the members participating in the plan. The stock options have a strike price of 46.99. Application of the above mentioned binomial model results in a cost value of € 155 K.

18. Amounts payable regarding taxes, remuneration and social security 2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Taxes

2,839

3,201

Social security

5,430

4,651

8,269

7,852

TOTAL

19. Other current liabilities

Accrued charges and deferred income Accrued charges

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

11,774

9,510

10,130

8,162

Rent and store costs

5,858

6,427

Other

4,272

1,736

1,644

1,348

390

72

12,164

9,582

Deferred income

Other amounts payable TOTAL Accrued charges and deferred income mainly refer to rent and store costs

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

65


20. Lease contracts The lease contracts for the Belux and UK operations are as follows:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Within 1 year

35,971

34,027

1 to 5 years

175,699

171,085

More than 5 years

283,894

307,028

495,564

512,139

TOTAL No future rent indexations or rent reviews are included.

21. Liabilities from discontinued activities This section includes the liabilities of Brantano Nederland bv, Brantano Beheer bv and Brantano Denmark on both 31st December 2005 and 31st December 2006.

Brantano Netherlands Long-term provisions

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000 404

601

117

117

Trade payables

61

82

Amounts payable regarding taxes, remunerations and social security

26

(14)

200

416

60

371

Accrued charges

Brantano Denmark

12

Trade payables Accrued charges

TOTAL

60

360

464

972

22. Turnover During the 2006 financial year, the Brantano Group achieved a turnover of € 295,157 K, which represents a fall of 2.9% compared with the € 304,122 K realised in 2005. Of the total group turnover of € 295,157 K, Belgium (including Luxembourg) accounts for € 136,290 K and the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) represents € 158,866 K. The turnover in Belgium (including Luxembourg) thus accounts for 46.2% of the group total and the turnover for the United Kingdom (including the Middle East) 53.8%.

23. Gross margin The gross margin in the 2006 financial year was equal to € 150,980 K and amounts to 51.2% of total turnover. In 2005, the gross margin was equal to € 152,937 K or 50.3% of turnover.

66

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


24. Other operating income The other operating income mainly comprises:

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Rental income

319

324

30,469

1,616

30,789

1,940

Recharged amounts and compensations

TOTAAL

In 2006, the other operating income was influenced by € 29,134 K by results from the sale of property and store management. In the United Kingdom the rental rights of 2 stores were transferred back to the owner. In the first half of 2006, the ownership of the store in Lede (Belgium) was sold and the Group realised a significant capital gain on the sale of its participating interest Brimmo nv in December 2006.

25. Financial structure

Financial income

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000 347

324

2

30

275

279

69

14

(2,590)

(2,523)

(1,979)

(1,975)

Bank Charges

(398)

(384)

Other

(213)

(164)

Exchange gains Interests Other

Financial charges Interest on loans

Of the total consolidated assets at the end of 2006, 56.9% are financed through capital and reserves compared with 38.8% in 2005. On 31st December 2006 the net financial debt has been completely paid off and Brantano has a positive cash position of € 1,173 K. At the end of 2005, the net financial debt was still € 35,215 K.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

67


26. Income tax expense 2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Current versus deferred income tax Current income taxes

(4,456)

(5,036)

(9)

(1,077)

(4,465)

(6,113)

33,672

16,620

34%

34%

(11,448)

(5,651)

Disallowed expenses for tax purposes

(353)

(248)

Non taxable gain on the sale of shares

7,607

Investments Brantano UK non-qualifying for capital allowances

(301)

Deferred income taxes Income taxes

Taxes related to result before taxes Result for the year before tax Theoretical tax rate Theoretical taxes related to result before taxes

Notional interest Brimmo NV

(216)

31

Share-based payments Other differences

Actual tax expense

(53) (1)

54

(4,465)

(6,113)

27. Result from continued operations The result from continued activities in 2006 is € 29,207 K, or 9.9% of turnover. In 2005, this was equal to € 10,507 K, or 3.5% of turnover.

28. Result from discontinued operations The result from discontinued activities is € 250 K at the end of 2006. This positive result is the result of a release of provisions that were established at the expense of previous financial years.

29. Earnings per share The difference between the weighted average of shares and the diluted weighted average of shares in 2006 is due to the total outstanding warrants of 66,670. 68,170 warrants existed in 2005. Brantano has 2,852,040 shares where the weighted average of shares is 2,808,378 while taking account of the purchase of own shares in 2006. For 2005 the weighted average number of shares was 2,819,646. Brantano paid out a dividend of € 3,850 K in 2006 to shareholders or € 1.35 per share. The Board of Directors proposes to pay out a dividend of € 4,361 K for the 2006 financial year, after approval by the General Meeting of 9 th May 2007. In this case, this represents € 1.50 gross per share, which is a rise of 11% compared with the dividend in 2005.

68

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


2006

2005

Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to shareholders (€ 000)

29,457

7,093

2,808,378

2,819,646

10.49

2.52

29,457

7,093

Weighted average of shares

2,875,048

2,887,816

Basic earnings per share (€)

10.25

2.46

Weighted average number of shares Basic earnings per share (€)

Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to shareholders (€ 000)

30. Transactions with related parties 1. Transactions with subsdiaries

A loan of € 24,000 K with a duration of 15 years beginning on 1st January 2004 exists between the subsidiaries Brantano NV and Muys NV. 2. Transactions with the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee

No transactions occurred with the members of the Board of Directors and the members of the Executive Committee. The Company did not grant any loans to members of the Executive Committee, the International Management Team and the Board of Directors.

31. Rights and obligations not included in the balance sheet 2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

Business collateral offered by the firms included in consolidation or irrevocably promised on their own assets Obligation arising from exchange rate transactions

5,000

25,000

10,691

3,348

32. Financial transactions with Directors and members of the Executive Committee of the consolidated company

Total amount of the remunerations to the directors or members of the Executive Committee of the consolidated company for their work with the consolidated company, its subsidiaries and associated companies, including the amount allocated to the aforementioned directors or members of the Executive Committee for their retirement pensions.

2006

2005

€ 000

€ 000

2,683

annual report 2006

2,947

BRANTANO

69


Commentary on the consolidated annual accounts 1. Results The Group’s consolidated turnover for 2006 is € 295.2 million, which represents a fall of 2.9% compared with the turnover of € 304.1 million attained in 2005. Excluding exchange rate effects, turnover was down by 3.1%. The gross margin for the 2006 financial year was € 151.0 million and is equal to 51.2% of total turnover. In 2005 the gross margin was equal to € 152.9 million or 50.3% of turnover. The significant improvement in the percentage gross margin is a result of the continuing focus on this margin in the purchasing process and during stock management. It is also due to the implementation of the new commercial strategy in the United Kingdom where discount sales are held later in the year and are less deep. In 2006 the operating result was influenced by € 29.1 million by other operating income from the sale of property and store management. In the United Kingdom the lease rights of 2 stores were transferred back to the owner. In the first half of 2006 the ownership of the outlet in Lede (Belgium) was sold and the group realised a significant capital gain in December 2006 on the sale of its participating interest Brimmo NV. Operating costs rose both in Belgium and in the United Kingdom during 2006. There was a major rise in store rent and rental charges in the United Kingdom due to a large number of five-yearly rent reviews. The operating result in 2006 was negatively influenced by € 2.1 million in restructuring costs. On the one hand Brantano adapted its organisational structure at the end of 2006 to a more centrally controlled organisation so that it can work more flexibly and on the other hand it bore the closure costs of stores. € 0.85 million in marketing costs incurred for the national marketing campaign launched in the United Kingdom in March 2007 are included in the operating result for 2006, in accordance with IFRS. While taking into account these non-recurrent incomes and costs, the Group achieved a recurrent operating result (REBIT) of € 9.7 million. An operating cash flow (EBITDA) of € 46.1 million was realised during the four quarters of 2006 compared with € 28.2 million during the 2005 financial year. Without taking into acccount the non-recurrent income and costs, the recurrent operating cash flow (REBITDA) is € 19.6 million. A financial result of - € 2.2 million was realised during the four quarters of 2006, which is equal to the financial result for the previous year. The result from continued operations in 2006 is € 29.2 million, compared with € 10.5 million in 2005. The result from discontinued operations is € 0.3 million at the end of 2006. This positive result is due to the release of provisions established at the expense of previous financial years.

70

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


2. Balance sheet The consolidated balance sheet total in 2006 is down by 0.05% compared with 2005. The most important changes are as follows: On the asset side:

The tangible fixed assets fell by € 10.6 million. This is mainly the result of the fact that the Brimmo participating interest is no longer part of the scope of consolidation. At the end of 2006 the inventories (after depreciation) amounted to € 60.7 million. In comparison with the stock at the end of 2005 (€ 55.7 million) this represents a rise of € 5 million. There was insufficient stock in the United Kingdom at the end of 2005. The stock situation on 31 December 2006 is more optimum for achieving the budgeted turnovers in the first months of the year. The other current assets amounted to € 17.5 million at the end of 2006, which implies a rise of € 7.0 million compared with the other current assets at the end of 2005 (€ 10.5 million). This is mainly the result of an accured income due to the surrender of a store in the United Kingdom (Oxford) to the owner. The assets from discontinued operations fell from € 1.0 million in 2005 to € 0.6 million in 2006. On 31st December 2006 the assets from discontinued operations comprise the remaining assets of Brantano Nederland bv, Brantano Beheer bv and Brantano Denmark. On the liabilities side:

The Group’s equity rose by € 26.4 million due to: The reservation of the group profit (€ 29.5 million), the positive movement of the translation differences of € 1.1 million, the impact of the purchase of own shares for an amount of - € 0.3 million and the dividend payment for 2005 (- € 3.9 million). The long-term liabilities fell by € 28.0 million. The financial debt was reduced by the yield from the sale of the Brimmo stake. The liabilities from discontinued operations fell from € 1.0 million in 2005 to € 0.5 million in 2006. On 31st December 2006 the liabilities from discontinued activities concern the remaining liabilities of Brantano Nederland BV, Brantano Beheer BV and Brantano Denemark.

3. Financial structure At the end of 2006, 56.9% of the total consolidated assets were financed through capital and reserves, compared with 38.8% in 2005. On 31st December 2006 the net financial debt is completely paid off and Brantano has a positive cash position of € 1.2 million. On 31 December 2005 the net financial debt was € 35.2 million. The net financial debt/equity ratio (gearing) is therefore – 1.4 % on 31 December 2006 compared with 62.1% in 2005.

4. Cash flow statement Brantano invested € 13.6 million during 2006. In contrast, the Group realised an incoming cash flow of € 53.6 million through the net cash flow realised from operations (€ 39.0 million) and divestment of fixed assets (€ 14.5 million). A free cash flow of € 40.0 million was therefore realised in 2006.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

71


Statutory Auditor’s Report Statutory auditor’s report to the general meeting of shareholders of BRANTANO NV on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006. In accordance with the legal requirements, we report to you on the performance of the mandate of statutory auditor, which has been entrusted to us. This report contains our opinion on the true and fair view of the consolidated financial statements as well as the required additional statements and information.

Unqualified audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements We have audited the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, which show a balance sheet total of € 145.957.370,25 and a profit for the year of € 29.456.609,46. Management is responsible for the preparation and the fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting principles and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the legal requirements and the Auditing Standards applicable in Belgium, as issued by the Institute of Registered Auditors (Institut des Reviseurs d’Entreprises / Instituut der Bedrijfsrevisoren).. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement, as to whether due to fraud or error. In accordance with the above-mentioned auditing standards, we considered the group’s accounting system, as well as its internal control procedures. We have obtained from management and the company’s officials, the explanations and information necessary for executing our audit procedures. We have examined, on a test basis, the evidence supporting the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We have assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policies (1) and consolidation principles, the reasonableness of the significant accounting estimates made by the company, as well as the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that these procedures provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006 give a true and fair view of the group’s assets and liabilities, its financial position, the results of its operation and cash flow in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

Additional statements The preparation of the consolidated Director’s report and its content are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to supplement our report with the following additional statements and information which do not modify our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements: • The consolidated Director’s report includes the information required by law and is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. We are, however, unable to comment on the description of the principal risks and uncertainties which the consolidated group is facing, and of its financial situation, its foreseeable evolution or the significant influence of certain facts on its future development. We can nevertheless confirm that the matters disclosed do not present any obvious inconsistencies with the information that we became aware of during the performance of our mandate.

Ghent, 22 February 2007 BVCV Grant Thornton, Lippens & Rabaey Auditors Belgian Member Firm of Grant Thornton International represented by Stefaan RABAEY Statutory Auditor

72

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Brantano NV Annual Accounts In compliance with Article 105 of the Companies Code an abbreviated version of the statutory annual accounts of Brantano nv are included in this annual report. The annual report and annual accounts of Brantano nv and the statutory auditor’s report have been deposited and are also available on the website and at the registered office. The statutory auditor has issued an approved unqualified declaration relating to the statutory annual accounts of Brantano nv.

Abbreviated Balance Sheet after profit allocation Assets (in € 000) FIXED ASSETS

31.12.2006

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

26,177

29,503

28,745

25

32

49

Tangible fixed assets

14,544

12,813

10,841

Financial fixed assets

11,607

16,658

17,855

CURRENT ASSETS

63,896

69,692

80,187

Amounts receivable after one year

23,270

24,000

24,000

Stocks & orders in execution

22,718

22,497

27,177

Amounts receivable within one year

10,848

18,397

23,804

6,439

4,266

3,648

621

532

1,558

90,072

99,195

108,932

31.12.2006

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

43,769

18,254

19,433

Capital

3,821

3,821

3,821

Issue premiums

5,195

5,195

5,195

Reserves

34,753

9,238

10,417

PROVISIONS AND DEFERRED TAXES

4,486

3,325

1,910

4,470

3,305

1,884

16

20

26

41,817

77,616

87,589

Liabilities of more than one year

16,843

40,883

49,458

Liabilities of less than one year

23,017

35,593

36,826

1,957

1,140

1,305

90,072

99,195

108,932

Intangible fixed assets

Liquidities Deferred charges and accrued income

TOTAL ASSETS

Liabilities (in € 000) CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Provisions for other risks and costs Deferred taxes

LIABILITIES

Accured charges and deferred income

TOTAL LIABILITIES

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

73


Abbreviated Income Statement (in â‚Ź 000)

31.12.2006

Operating income

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

136,575

145,987

148,969

132,527

141,371

144,060

4,048

4,616

4,909

(128,207)

(140,267)

(139,315)

Trading goods, raw and auxiliary materials

69,405

79,807

82,301

Services and other goods

26,076

27,943

25,339

Remuneration, social security charges and pensions

26,860

27,024

26,933

Depreciation and value reductions on tangible and intangible fixed assets

4,096

3,270

4,029

Turnover Other operating income

Operating charges

Increase (+) decrease (-) in amounts written off on stock, orders in execution and trade debtors Increase (+) decrease (-) in provisions for risks and costs

16 1,165

1.420

289

605

803

408

8,368

5,720

9,654

4,149

3,937

7,620

Financial costs

(5,079)

(5,169)

(2,810)

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

7,438

4,488

14,464

Exceptional income

25,355

98

689

(3)

(94)

(11,589)

32,790

4,492

3,564

8

5

7

(2,909)

(1864)

(160)

29,889

2,633

3,411

4

10

12

29,893

2,643

3,423

Other operating charges

Operating result Financial income

Exceptional costs

Profit for the financial year before taxation Transfer from / Transfer to deferred taxes Taxes on the result

Profit for the financial year Deduction/Transfer to tax-free reserves

Profit to be allocated for the financial year

Appropriation of results (in â‚Ź 000)

31.12.2006

Profit balance to be allocated Profit to be allocated from the financial year

Addition/Deduction from capital and reserves To the capital To the reserves

Capital refund

BRANTANO

29,893

annual report 2006

31.12.2004

2,643

3,423

29,893

2,643

3,423

(25,532)

1,207

(1)

0

1,207

25,532

Profit for distribution

74

31.12.2005

1

(4,361)

(3,850)

(3,422)

4,361

3,850

3,422


Valuation Rules The BE-GAAP valuation rules used for the Brantano nv statutory accounts differ from the valuation rules used for the consolidated accounts. The main valuation rules are stated below: 1. Formation costs and intangible fixed assets

The formation costs are depreciated on a linear basis over a 5 year period. The costs linked to the takeover of the business of the new stores and concession rights are included at their value calculated on the basis of the sliding scale method over a 10 year period. The merger goodwill linked to the takeover of NV Berca Lux is amortised over a 9 year period while taking account of the period of the trading lease. 2. Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost. The additional costs are booked at the expense of the income statement. The tangible fixed assets are depreciated according to the sliding scale system. By virtue of the Royal Decree of 28 June 1983, passenger cars, cars for dual use and minibuses do not enjoy the sliding scale system. These vehicles have also been depreciated from this time according to the linear method. As of the 1991 financial year, linear depreciation has been applied to fixed assets whose use is relinquished by the tax-payers that write off fixed assets. The following depreciation percentages were applied at the close of the annual accounts:

Sliding scale Buildings Fixtures and fittings Installations and machinery

Lineair 5%

5% en 10% 20%

Cars

20%

Furniture

20%

3. Financial fixed assets

The shares are booked at their purchase price. They are valued each year separately using the accounting net asset value of the shares, the probable contractual value on sale or in accordance with the criteria that are used when purchasing shares when the stake was acquired at a price that deviates from its book value. Write downs are applied when the estimated value, calculated as explained, proves to be lower than the book value and when, according to the Board of Directors’ view, the reduction in value is lasting, which is justified by the position, profitability and prospects of the stake. The reductions in value are written back when the estimated value is higher than the book value that took account of the reduction in value and provided that the difference is lasting in the view of the Board of Directors. 4. Trading goods

Trading goods are valued at their purchase price (FIFO). The write-downs are applied as follows: • Classic articles (i.e., articles that come into stock regularly): no write-downs were applied except in the case of damage. • Fashion articles: a reduction in value is booked on fashion articles; the reduction in value is calculated on the basis of the season for which the goods were purchased. The calculation is made as follows on the basis of the season:

- Current season (S0): no reduction in value

- Season SO – 1: write-down of 25% on stock value

- Season SO – 2: write-down of 50% on stock value

- Season SO – 3: write-down of 50% on stock value

- Season SO – 4 and earlier: write-down of 100% on stock value

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

75


5. Amounts receivable

The amounts receivable are valued at their nominal value or purchase price. Write-downs are applied if the realisation value is lower than the book value in the opinion of the Board of Directors and when the reduction in value is deemed to be lasting according to the Board of Directors. 6. Liquidities and financial investments

The cash deposits and liquidities are valued at their nominal value. Write-downs are applied to financial investments when the realisation value is lower than the acquisition value on the date of closure. 7. Provisions

The Board of Directors establishes the provisions carefully, sincerely and faithfully at the end of each financial year. 8. Debts

Debts are included at their nominal value. 9. Deferred and accrued items

Deferred and accrued items include costs and income relating to the elapsed or next financial year pro rata. They are booked at their nominal value. 10. Foreign currencies

Liabilities, claims and credits are converted at the closing rate at the end of the financial year. Exchange rate differences and translation differences are included in the income statement. A positive conversion difference from the revaluation at the closing rate is booked to an accrued charges and deferred income account in accordance with the precautionary principle.

Commentary on the Brantano NV statutory annual accounts The previous financial year covers a 12-month financial year. The financial assets have developed as follows since the last statutory closure (on 31.12.05):

(â‚Ź 000)

31.12.05

+

-

31.12.06

Participating interests in associated companies Muys NV

2,261

2,261

31

31

Brantano Luxembourg SA Brimmo NV**

5,211

Brantano UK Ltd

9,072

9,072

-

-

Brantano SA* Brantano Asia Ltd

117

Claims by related companies

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

-

117

-

-

16,574

11,482

* The liquidation of Brantano SA was completed on 29/12/06 ** The shares in Brimmo NV were transferred to Retail Estates NV on 22/12/06.

76

(5,211)


Capital Situation A. Registered capital

Amounts (€)

Number of shares

1. Subscribed capital At the end of the previous financial year

3,821,135

Modifications during the financial year Capital contribution At the end of the financial year

3,821,135

2. Composition of the capital 2.1. Types of share - Shares without a stated nominal value

3,821,135

2,852,040

2.2. Registered or bearer shares - Registered

1,637,855

- Bearer

1,214,185

Capital amount (€)

Number of shares

C. Own shares held by: The company itself

60,961

45,500

D. Obligation to issue shares as the result of the exercise of subscription rights • Number of subscription rights in circulation • Amount of capital to be subscribed

66,670 89,324

• Maximum number of shares to be issued

E. Authorised unsubscribed capital

66,670

382,113

annual report 2006

-

BRANTANO

77


G. Shareholdership structure of the company on the date of the annual close, as it appears from the notifications that the company has received.

Announced figures at the last declaration

Percentage compared with the total number of shares

Percentage relative to the total number of shares and assigned warrants

Number of shares

%

%

Date of last declaration

• Brafin trust office under Dutch law , Oosthoutlaan 4, 2215 ZJ Voorhout The Netherlands

21/02/2005

1,379,451

48.37%

47.24%(1)

• Mitiska NV Pontbeekstraat 2, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

21/02/2005

183,000

6.42%

6.27%(1)

• Brantano NV Kwadelapstraat 2, 9320 Erembodegem

21/02/2005

45,500

1.60%

1.56%(1)

==> Associated companies Brantano NV

21/02/2005

1,585,710

55.60%

54.30%(1)

• Unisel NV Hoogkamerstraat 1, 9100 Sint Niklaas

16/04/2003

87,325

3.06%

3.05%(2)

• Bestinver Gestion, S.G.I.I.C, SA C/Juan de Mena 8, 28014 Madrid - Spain

29/03/2006

298,311

10.46%

10.22%(1)

Based on 2,852,040 shares and 68,170 warrants Based on 2,852,040 shares and 11,850 warrants Please refer to page 41 for an overview of the current situation after the exercise of the warrants. (1)

(2)

Chain of control fortis bank nv 49,50%

sobradis nv

1

retail partners bv

4

mitiska nv

3

50,50%

2

3,10%

69,12% 27,78%

Sobradis, an NV (equivalent to public limited company) with registered office at Wetteren, Serskampsteenweg 52 (2) Retail Partners, a BV (equivalent to private limited company) with registered office at Utrecht (NL), Savannahweg 17 (3) Mitiska, an NV, with registered office at Groot-Bijgaarden, Pontbeekstraat 2 (4) Fortis Bank, an NV, with registered office at Brussels, Warandeberg 3 (5) Brafin SAK, a trust company under Dutch law, with a registered office at Voorhout (NL), Oosthoutlaan 4. (1)

brafin sak

6,27%

5

2,85% 47,24%

Free float

43,64%

brantano nv

78

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


Warrant plan Overview Created warrants

Allocated warrants

Exercisable / Period

Plan II (27.12.1999)

55,530

11,350

11.350 – Jan/2004 but extended to Jan/2007

Plan III (12.02.2001)

56,820

56,820

56,820 – jan/2007

Plan II On 27th December 1999, Brantano NV created uncovered warrants which provide entitlement to registration for 55,530 new warrants, i.e. 2% of the then capital of Brantano NV (plan II). Of these, 11,350 warrants were allocated on 18th October 2000. These warrants have an exercise price of € 79.33. The allocation was made completely in accordance with the goal of the warrant plan. The warrants that were not yet allocated are currently being held by Brantano NV on behalf of the final beneficiaries. The exercise period for the warrants in plan II is 5 years, but was prolonged until January 2007. The 11,350 shares issued were not exercised during January 2007 given that the stock market price on the exercise date was lower than the planned exercise price.

Plan III On 12th February 2001, partly inspired by the low stock market price, Brantano NV created uncovered warrants that provide entitlement to subscribe to 56,820 new shares, i.e. 2% of the current capital of Brantano NV (plan III). These warrants were all allocated on 28/03/2003. They have an exercise price of € 17.38.They were exercised on 24 January 2007 to an amount of 55,320 shares.

annual report 2006

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79


Statutory report of the Board of Directors Ladies and Gentlemen, In accordance with the provisions of Articles 95 and 96 of the Companies Code, the Board of Directors is pleased to report to you on business during the 2006 financial year and to submit the annual accounts closing on 31st December 2006 for your approval. All of the rules concerning the companies legislation and accounting legislation were taken into account in this case.

1. Annual accounts ASSETS

Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Financial fixed assets

25,350.38

0%

14,543,819.52

16 %

11,607,344.12

13 %

Amounts receivable after 1 year

23,270,000.00

26 %

Stocks & orders in execution

22,717,605.87

25 %

Amounts receivable within 1 year

10,847,680.46

12 %

Cash investments

1,729,000.01

2%

Cash and cash equivalents

4,710,261.14

5%

621,375.63

1%

90,072,437.13

100 %

Capital

3,821,135.32

4%

Issue premium

5,194,902.72

6%

34,753,008.96

39 %

Deferred charges and accrued income Total assets

LIABILITIES

Reserves Provisions and deferred taxes

4,485,913.92

5%

Debt maturing in more than 1 year

16,843,461.86

19 %

Debt maturing within 1 year

23,017,291.55

25 %

1,956,722.80

2%

90,072,437.13

100 %

Accrued charges and deferred income Total liabilities

INCOME STATEMENT

Turnover

136,574,698.46

Cost of sales

(128,206,736.70)

Operating result

8,367,961.76

Financial result

(930,451.10)

Extraordinary result

25,352,368.36

Deduction from deferred taxes

7,944.16

Deduction from tax-free reserves

4,090.62

Taxes

(2,908,510.26)

Profit for the financial year

80

BRANTANO

annual report 2006

29,893,403.54


2. Important events that took place after the end of the financial year (Art. 96, 2° of the Companies Code) In a deed executed before the notary Frederic Caudron at Aalst-Erembodegem, on 24/01/07 a capital increase was arranged to exercise warrants by the warrant holders and the capital was raised from € 3,821,135.32 to € 3,895,264.12, subject to the issue of 55,320 new shares without an indication of nominal value, through the contribution of € 961,461.60, including an issue premium of € 887,332.80. The issue premium has been booked in an unavailable account titled ‘issue premium’.

3. Important off balance sheet events No significant off-balance sheet events occurred outside the balance sheet during the financial year.

4. Justification for additional payment to the statutory auditor The board proposes to pay the statutory auditor, the private limited company in the form of a cooperative partnership, Grant Thornton, Lippens & Rabaey, represented by Mr Stefaan Rabaey, € 71,400 for its special assignments. This covers taxation advice and support in the area of IFRS, the sale of the Brimmo participating interest and possible refinancing of the capital.

5. Own shares Due to the authorisation of the General Meeting of 10 th May 2006 to the Board of Directors, the following transactions were performed during the course of the financial year: Shares acquired: Received shares:

Number: Fraction value: Value of the capital: Value of the payments:

7.490 EUR 1,3398 EUR 10.035,10 EUR 387.227,86

On 31st December 2006, the company had 45,500 shares with a fractional value of EUR 1.3398 per share which is EUR 60,960.90 in capital value.

6. Transactions in the context of articles 523 and 524 of the companies code Report by the Board of Directors dated 18th May 2006 relating to the refinancing

Declaration of a conflict of interests in the sense of Article 523 of the Companies Code and determination of a conflict of interests in the sense of Article 524 of the Companies Code. The directors below declare that they have a property interest that conflicts with the decision that is submitted to the Board of Directors: -NV Sobradis, permanently represented by Joris Brantegem; -NV Elba, permanently represented by Luc Geuten; -NV Mitiska, permanently represented by Ginko BVBA, in turn represented by Cédric Olbrechts; -NV Fortis Private Equity, permanently represented by Brigitte Boone; -NV Advimo, permanently represented by Kurt Moons. They declare the following to the Board: “Sobradis NV, Mitiska NV, Fortis Private Equity NV and Advimo NV and its permanent representative are (directly and indirectly) holders of a significant number of shares in the company. They respectively hold 15.97%, 24.22%, 16.16% and 0.14% of the shares. Fortis Private Equity does not participate directly in the company, but does via Retail Partners B.V. Mitiska and Sobradis partially participate directly and partially indirectly (Mitiska via Retail Partners B.V. and Brafin SAK - Sobradis via Brafin SAK). Advimo NV and its permanent representative also have 10,000 options that provide entitlement to the purchase of 10,000 existing shares, and 19,070 warrants that provide entitlement to subscribe for 19,070 new shares to be issued in the company. If these options and warrants are exercised in full, the shares sold or issued to Advimo would represent 1.00% of the total shares in the company. In their abovementioned capacity of (direct and/or indirect) shareholder in the company or holder of options and warrants on shares in the company Sobradis, Mitiska, Fortis Private Equity and Advimo and its permanent representative may claim a substantial portion of the yield from a possible Refinancing.

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For this reason it must be assumed that the decision that forms the subject of agenda point 1, 2 and 3 (i) leads to a conflicting interest in the sense of Article 523 of the Companies Code for Sobradis, Mitiska, Fortis Private Equity and Advimo and its permanent representative and (ii) is related to transactions by the company with companies linked to it (i.e., transactions with Sobradis, Mitiska and Fortis Private Equity), in the sense of Article 524 of the Companies Code.” The Board confirms that the decision to be taken also relates to transactions between Brantano and its directly and indirectly related shareholders. Decision Joris Brantegem (Sobradis), Luc Geuten (Elba), Cédric Olbrechts (Mitiska), Brigitte Boone (Fortis Private Equity) and Kurt Moons (Advimo) leave the meeting. After deliberation, the remaining directors decided the following: • The decision is to be taken on whether and, especially subject to which conditions and circumstances, Brantano shall give access to the advisors of the controlling shareholders to non-public information and to management is subject to the procedure set out in Article 524 of the Companies Code. A committee is therefore formed made up of three independent directors, Jan Suykens, Jean-Louis Duplat and BVBA Theo Peeters, whose permanent representative is Theo Peeters (the “Committee”). This is entrusted with the task of drawing up the advice referred to in Article 524, §2 of the Companies Code after obtaining assistance from an expert of their choice; • In view of the leak in the press, it is in the Company’s interest for the operation to be completed from now on in a structured way and according to the agenda. • Partially in the light of this and in an initial phase, as Petercam’s assignment is exclusively limited to providing advice to the controlling shareholders about the feasibility of the operation, it is given immediate access to the requested information (including the business plan and market studies), as well as to management. Information can be given to Petercam at store level in this phase provided that it remains anonymous. • The Committee is also asked to provide advice about the question of whether and in which circumstances the Company would be prepared to consider bearing half (or another portion) of the costs of the VDD, if a sale does not occur. • The Board wishes Petercam (and possibly other advisors of the controlling shareholders that are not bound by professional secrecy) to genuinely adopt a confidentiality commitment to the company. • Because the Committee will ultimately relate to the conditions and circumstances under which the Company can make information available to candidate purchasers at a later stage, no other measures can be admitted than those outlined above now and until the Board has deliberated and decided on the basis of this advice. In the light of this the Committee is requested to present its advice at the Board meeting on 14 June 2006. The Board does agree that the required offers for the exercise of the VDD shall be requested in the meantime. The other directors joined the meeting again at this point. Report from the Board of Directors dated 26th June 2006 relating to the refinancing

Advice from the Committee of Independent Directors The Committee of Independent Directors explains its viewpoint, as it also appears from the draft advice which all members of the Board are able to inspect. A reference is made to the fact as a result of the applicability of Art. 523 of the Companies Code, members of the Board that are part of the Committee also make the relevant decision. At the request of the Committee Petercam explains its viewpoint relating to the feasibility of the intended transaction, in view of the starting points proposed by the majority shareholders. The importance of the 2006 half year figures are again emphasised in this context. The Committee emphasises that its viewpoint is one of principle but confirms its readiness to deliberate on the matter again as current existing uncertainties are clarified further. The Board duly notes the Committee’s conclusions as stated in this advice and adopts them. The final advice is appended as an enclosure. In view of the Committee’s positive advice and the finalisation of the confidentiality commitment from Petercam to Brantano, the Board confirms that the management can answer the requests from Petercam, Linklaters, and the other advisor appointed by the majority shareholder concerning provision of information about the company and group.

82

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Advice from the Committee of Independent Directors in application of Article 524 of the Companies Code. Conclusion The Committee (assisted by Koen Geens and Marieke Wyckaert, lawyers (Eubelius) as independent experts) has issued its advice on the assumption that the majority shareholders Sobradis Mitsika, Retail Partners and Fortis Private Equity, plan a transaction once the feasibility study entrusted to Petercam is completed positively whereby a financial or industrial candidate purchaser is prepared to purchase 100% of the Company’s shares in a (obligatory or voluntary) public bid, but where Sobradis and Mitiska then return to a controlling structure above the Company. The Committee cannot or does not wish to pronounce on the impact on the Company and its shareholders of such a public offer at this point. The Board of Directors shall issue the advice stipulated by Article 15 of the Royal Decree of 8th November 1989 at a suitable juncture. As the requirements concerning confidentiality, proportionality and effectiveness explained further in this advice are fulfilled, the Committee adopts the view that: (1) the Adopted Provision of Information to Petercam in the feasibility study phase does not cause a disadvantage to the Company and the costs that the Company incurs are negligible: (2) the Planned Provision of Information to candidate purchasers with a view to the above described transaction does not cause any damage to the Company either; (3) given the current transaction structure, there is no reason for the Company to bear any portion of the Vendor Due Diligence costs if these are ultimately borne by the majority shareholders. Report of the Board of Directors dated 18th December 2006

Special assignment for the statutory auditor - Article 523 and 524 of the Companies Code.

Deliberation With regard to this point on the agenda, NV Sobradis, NV Elba, NV Mitiska and NV Advimo announce that they are named directly or indirectly in an anonymous letter and/or the statutory auditor’s report and consequently have a personal direct or indirect property interest that may conflict with the interest of the Company in the sense of Article 523 of the Companies Code. They leave the meeting at this point. A reference is then made to the discussions and decisions by the Board of Directors of 21st August 2006 and 13th November 2006 concerning an anonymous letter that the Company received this year. It referred to a number of irregularities in which the following persons were allegedly involved: • Sobradis NV, Chairman of the Board of Directors, permanently represented by Mr Joris Brantegem (who is also the reference shareholder); • Mitiska NV, Director and reference shareholder, represented by Ginko bvba, which in turn is represented by Cédric OLBRECHTS, permanent representative; • Advimo NV, Director and managing director of the Company, permanently represented by Mr Kurt Moons; A decision was made at the Board of Directors meeting of 13th November 2006 to apply the procedure described in Article 524 of the Companies Code for the decision on the consequences of the allegations against Sobradis NV and Mitiska NV, as these companies can be viewed as linked companies to Brantano NV in the sense of Article 11, 1° of the Companies Code. The Board of Directors has informed the statutory auditor of the application of Article 524 of the Companies Code so that he can form a judgement concerning the accuracy of the data stated in the advice from the Committee and the Board of Directors minutes (in compliance with Article 524 of the Companies Code). The Committee of Independent Directors, made up of Messrs Jan Suykens, Jean-Louis Duplat and BVBA Theo Peeters, represented by Theo Peeters, informs the Board of Directors of the advice that they have drawn up with the assistance of Koen Geens and Philippe Hinnekens from Eubelius as independent experts in accordance with Article 524 of the Companies Code. A copy of this advice is appended to these minutes as appendix 1. The following is stated in the Committee of Independent Directors’ advice as a conclusion: “Given that the statutory auditor’s investigation shows that the allegations in an anonymous letter relating to the Company’s reference shareholders have not been proven and that in its view no (fiscal or parafiscal) regularisation is needed, the Committee deems that no further steps can and have to be taken in the Company’s interest.”

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As to Elba NV (permanently represented by Mr Luc Geuten) and NV Advimo (represented by Mr Kurt Moons), the Board of Directors also notes that the statutory auditor did not note any irregularity during his investigation relating to Elba NV, Mr Luc Geuten, Advimo NV or Mr Kurt Moons or in which Elba NV, Mr Luc Geuten, Advimo NV or Mr Kurt Moons were involved. As a result the Company can and/or does not have to adopt any steps relating to the allegations made against Elba NV, Mr Luc Geuten, Advimo NV and/or Mr Kurt Moons either.

Decision Following a discussion of the above, the Board of Directors decides: (i) to support the motivated and clear advice drawn up in the sense of Article 524 of the Companies Code; (ii) not to adopt any measures relating to the allegations made against Sobradis NV, Mr Joris Van Brantegem and, Mitiska NV; (iii) in view of the statutory auditor’s investigation where no irregularities were found involving Elba NV, Mr Luc Geuten, Advimo NV and/or Mr Kurt Moons, it shall not adopt measures concerning Elba NV, Mr Luc Geuten, Advimo NV and/or Mr Kurt Moons either.

7. Distribution of profits While taking into account the above, we propose to distribute the result as follows: Profit to be appropriated for the financial year

29,893,403.54

Withdrawal from the capital & reserves Withdrawal from the remaining reserves

Profit to be distributed Remuneration of the capital

(4,361,040.00)

Addition to the remaining reserves

25,532,363.54

NIHIL

8. Description of major risks and uncertainties (Art. 96, 1° Companies Code) The Board of Directors holds the view that Brantano NV is not faced with significant risks and uncertainties.

9. information concerning circumstances that can influence the development of the company significantly (Art. 96, 3° of the Companies Code) There were no developments that can influence the development of the Company substantially.

10. Research and development (Art. 96, 4° Companies Code) In view of the nature of the Company, no work was performed in the area of research and development.

11. Financial instruments During the 2006 financial year, Brantano NV used financial instruments to protect itself against interest rate fluctuations and variations in foreign currencies.

12. Capital increases (Art. 608 Companies Code) No capital increases took place during the 2006 financial year.

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13. Existence of Company branches The Company does not have any branches. We request you to approve the annual accounts and to discharge us for the mandate exercised during the past financial year. Finally we thank all our staff, who have made an effort in the past financial year to ensure the company’s further development.

Erembodegem, 13th February 2007 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Statutory Auditors’ Report The Statutory Auditors’ report on the financial statements of Brantano NV is an unqualified audit opinion without any qualification or explanatory paragraph. In the additional statements and information the Statutary Auditor refers to the decisions of the Board of Directors regarding the application of Articles 523 and 524 of the Company Law.

annual report 2006

BRANTANO

85


86

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General information about the Brantano Group 1. General information about the Company 1.1 Identity The Company name is Brantano and its registered office is located at 9320 Erembodegem, Kwadelapstraat 2.

1.2. Creation and duration The company was created under the name “Brantano Purchasing Company” through a deed drawn up before the Notary Christian De Wulf, in Dendermonde, on 29th December 1987, published via an extract in the Annex to the Belgian State Gazette on the following twenty third of January under number 880123-18. The articles of association were repeatedly amended and for the last time on 24th January 2007 through a deed executed before Notary Frederic Caudron in Erembodegem, published via an extract in the Annex to the Belgian State Gazette of the following 14th February 2007 under the number 07026333 (followed by a rectification published in the annexes to the Belgian State Gazette on 13th March 2007, under number 07039277).

1.3. Legislation and legal form Brantano is a public limited company governed by Belgian law.

1.4. Description of the statutory object According to Article three of the coordinated articles of association, the NV “Brantano” has the following object, which is quoted here literally: “Article three: Object

The company has the object, in Belgium and abroad, in its own name and in the name of third parties, on its own account or on behalf of third parties: 1. the retail and wholesale sale of shoes, boots, slippers, fancy leather goods, leather goods, travel articles, artificial leather goods, bags, sports articles, leisure articles, apparel and ready-to-wear articles, as well as the manufacture and production of these; 2. the execution and providing of all kinds of administrative and logistics services, transport and distribution activities of all types, including the collection of debts and general computer services, for both hardware and software; 3. buying, selling, building, rebuilding, managing, leasing and operating fixed and non-fixed assets of all types including commercial letting, leasing and franchising; 4. investing in, subscribing to, permanently taking over, issuing, buying, selling and trading in shares, shares without par value, bonds, certificates, receivables, funds and other liquid assets issued by Belgian or foreign companies whether or not in the form of trading companies, administrative offices, agencies and associations with or without a (semi-) legal status; 5. managing investments and holdings in subsidiaries, fulfilling managerial functions, providing advice, management and other services to or in accordance with the activities which the company performs itself. These services can be provided by virtue of contractual or statutory appointment and in the capacity of outside advisor or body vis-à-vis the client. The company can undertake all industrial, trade, financial, fixed asset and non-fixed asset transactions in Belgium and abroad that can directly or indirectly expand or promote its business. It can acquire all fixed and non-fixed assets even if these are neither directly nor indirectly connected with the company’s object. It can take interests of any manner whatsoever in all associations, business, companies, enterprises or partnerships that aim to achieve the same, a similar or related object or that can promote its business or facilitate the sale of its products or services, and it can cooperate or merge with these.”

1.5. Enterprise number The company’s enterprise number is 0432.980.383, RPR Dendermonde.

1.6. Inspection of the documents named in this annual report The unconsolidated and since 1997 consolidated annual accounts, articles of association, annual reports and other information (as referred to in the Royal Decree of the third of July 1996 regarding obligations for occasional and periodic information and changes to this) that have been published for the shareholders can be obtained free of charge from the Company’s registered office. The unconsolidated and since 1997 consolidated annual accounts and additional reports have been filed with the National Bank of Belgium.

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The articles of association can be obtained from the court registry at the Commercial Court of Dendermonde, Aalst division. The Company’s annual reports will be sent to holders of registered shares on annual basis, as well as to persons who request them. They can also be obtained at the Company’s registered office.

2. General information relating to the capital 2.1. Subscribed capital (article five of the coordinated articles of association) The subscribed capital is € 3,895,264.12 and is represented by 2,907,360 shares with no par value. All of the shares are paid in full.

2.2. Authorised capital (Article 6 b of the coordinated articles of association) For a period of five years from the announcement in the Annexes to the Belgian State Gazette (on 08/06/2002) of the deed amending the articles of association dated 17/05/2002, the Board of Directors is authorised to increase the subscribed capital one or more times by a maximum amount of € 382,113. This competency applies to capital increases which must be subscribed in cash and to increases subscribed in kind. This competency of the Board of Directors also applies to capital increases through the conversion of reserves. The competency of the Board of Directors can be renewed. The General Meeting of Shareholders has drafted a report including justifications for the Board of Directors specifying the circumstances in which the Board of Directors can use the authorised capital and what objectives it should thereby pursue. In the context of the authorised capital, the Board of Directors is competent to cancel or limit the preferential right allocated to the shareholders in the context of the authorised capital in the interest of the Company and subject to respecting the conditions set out in Article 596 of the Companies Code. The Board of Directors is authorised to limit or cancel the preferential right to the benefit of one or more specific persons, even if they are not members of the staff of the Company or its subsidiaries. On the occasion of an increase in the subscribed capital within the limits of the authorised capital, the Board of Directors is competent to request an issue premium. If the Board of Directors decides this, the issue premium must be booked to an unavailable reserves account which can only be reduced or booked out through a decision by the General Meeting of Shareholders taken in the way required for an amendment of the articles of association. If no express authorisation is granted by the General Meeting to the Board of Directors, the authority of the Board of Directors to increase the subscribed capital through a monetary contribution with cancellation or limitation of the preferential right of existing shareholders or by a contribution in kind shall be suspended from the date of notification to the Company by the Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission of a public bid to take over the shares of the Company. This authority will be reinstated immediately after the conclusion of such a takeover bid. The Board of Directors has the competence to amend the Company’s articles of association in accordance with the capital increase decided under its authority.

2.3. Acquisition of own shares (article 12 of the coordinated articles of association) The General Meeting of Shareholders can decide to acquire its own shares or to dispose of these in compliance with Article 620 and following of the Companies Code. The Board of Directors can alienate the Company’s shares listed in the first market of a stock exchange or the official listing of a stock exchange located in an EU Member State without the prior consent of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The General Meeting of 10th May 2006 authorised the Board of Directors to acquire the maximum permitted number of shares by virtue of Article 620 of the Companies Code through purchase or exchange at a price equal to the price at which these shares are noted on a Belgian stock market at the time of purchase or exchange. This authorisation is valid for a period of eighteen months counting from the announcement of this decision in the Annexes of the Belgian State Gazette and can be extended in accordance with Article 620 of the Companies Code.

88

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2.4. Origin and modifications of the capital - The Company was formed through a deed dated 29th December 1987 (Belgian State Gazette 23/01/1988-18) with capital of € 30,986.69 represented by 1,250 shares with no par value, - In a deed dated 10 th December 1991 (Belgian State Gazette 07/01/1992-18) the capital was successively increased by € 618,189.96, € 45,443.67, € 30,986.69, € 1,052,148.05, € 205,393.15 and € 1,487,361.15 respectively, through the absorption of Rimini nv, subject to creating 3,250 shares with no par value, the absorption of Napoli nv, subject to creating 250 shares with no par value, the absorption of Milano nv, subject to creating 167 shares with no par value, through the contribution of the “retail business” activity by Ravenna nv, subject to creating 5,581 shares with no par value, through the incorporation of reserves without creating new shares and through the contribution of cash subject to creating 7,862 shares, with no par value. After these transactions the capital amounted to € 3,470,509.35, represented by 18,360 shares with no par value. - In a deed dated 29th September 1993 (Belgian State Gazette 23/10/1993) the capital was successively increased by € 29,353.77 through the absorption of Barletta nv subject to creating 150 new shares, with no par value, and by € 218,539.76 by incorporating reserves, without the creation of new shares. The capital then amounted to € 3,718,402.87, represented by 18,510 shares. - In a deed dated 23th December 1994 the existing 18,510 shares were divided into categories, whereby the shares numbered 1 to 12,587 inclusive became category A shares and the shares numbered 12,588 to 18,510 inclusive became category B. - In a deed dated 12th May 1997 the categories of shares were abolished and the shares were split with an existing share being exchanged for one hundred and fifty new shares. The capital then amounted to € 3,718,402.87 represented by 2,776,500 shares with no par value. - Following a decision by the Board of Directors on 18th April 2000, the capital was increased from € 3,718,402.87 to € 3,806,397.64, through a contribution in kind subject to the issue of 64,540 new shares, with no par value, issued and subscribed subject to a price of € 73.82 per share, either subject to a global price of € 4,764,692.40, including an issue premium of € 72.46 per share, or subject to a global issue premium of € 4,676,697.64. The issue premium was booked in the blocked “issue premium” account. - In a deed executed on 1st October 2001, a capital increase was arranged by the Managing Director to exercise warrants by the warrant holders and the capital was raised from € 3,806,397.64 to € 3,821,135.32 subject to the issue of 11,000 new shares with no par value, through the contribution of € 388,573.09, including an issue premium of € 373,835.41. The issue premium was booked in a blocked “issue premium” account. - In a deed executed before notary Frederic Caudron at Aalst-Erembodegem, on 24 January 2007, a capital increase was arranged by the Managing Director, the public limited company Advimo, to exercise warrants by the warrant holders and the capital was raised from three million eight hundred and twenty one thousand, one hundred and thirty five euros and thirty two eurocents (€ 3,821,135.32) to three million eight hundred and ninety five thousand, two hundred and sixty four euros and twelve eurocents (€ 3,895,264.12), subject to the issue of fifty five thousand three hundred and twenty (55,320) new shares without no designated nominal value, through the contribution of nine hundred and sixty one thousand four hundred and sixty one euros and sixty eurocents (€ 961,461.60), including an issue premium of eight hundred and eighty seven thousand three hundred and thirty two euros and eight cents (€ 887,332.80). The issue premium was booked to a blocked “issue premium” account.

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List of the shops Belgium Aalst Anderlues Arlon Aywaille Bastogne Beauraing Beringen Beveren Beyne-Heusay Blankenberge Borsbeek Boussu Braine L’Alleud Bree Brugge St-Andries Brugge St-Kruis Champion Couillet Dendermonde Destelbergen Diest Diksmuide Dilbeek Dinant Drogenbos Eeklo Essen Eupen Flawinne Froyennes Gembloux Genappe Genk Gentbrugge (Estilogie) Geraardsbergen Gosselies Grimbergen Halle Hannut Hasselt Heist o/d Berg Herent Herstal Herzele Hoeselt Hofstade (Muys) Houthalen Huy

90

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Ieper Izegem Jemappes Jemeppe S/S Knokke Heist Koksijde Kontich Korbeek-Lo Kuurne La Louvière La Louvière Nord Laken Lede Ledeberg Leuven Libramont Lier Lommel Maasmechelen Maldegem Malmedy Marche-en-Famenne Mariakerke Mechelen Mechelen-Zuid Menen Merksem Messancy Middelkerke Mol Montignies Munkzwalm Namen Nimy Ninove Ninove (Muys) Olen Oostakker Oostkamp Ottignies Oudenaarde Overijse Poperinge Rocourt Roeselare Ronse Schaarbeek Seraing Spa St-Denijs Westrem

St-Gillis Waas St-Joost ten Node (Schoencircus) St-Joris Winge St-Niklaas St-Niklaas (Muys) St-Pietersleeuw St-Truiden Ternat Tienen Tongeren Torhout Turnhout Verviers Vichte Waregem Waremme Wavre Wemmel Wetteren Wevelgem Willebroek Wilrijk Zoersel

Luxembourg Foetz Howald Marnach Strassen

UK Aberdeen Aberystwyth Ashton Under Lyne Aylesbury Ayr Banbury Barrow Basildon Basingstoke Bedford Biggleswade Birchwood Birkenhead Birmingham Blackwood Blyth


Bolton Bournemouth Bridgend Brighton Bristol Avonmeads Bristol Emerson Green Bristol Filton Bromborough Bulwell Burton on Trent Cardiff Carlisle Carmarthen Chelmsford Clydebank Coatbridge Colchester Corby Coventry Crewe Cwmbran Doncaster , Centurion Doncaster, Wheatley Durham Dragon Dumfries Dundee Durham Eastbourne Falkirk Feltham Flint Fort Dunlop Glenrothes Glossop Gloucester Grantham Greenford Grimsby Guiseley Hamilton Harlow Hartlepool Harwich Heanor Holyhead Hull Hessle Hull, Kingswood Ilkeston Inverness Ipswich

Irvine Kidderminster Keighley Llantrisant Leeds Seacroft Leicester Leicester, Beaumont Leys Leyland Lincoln Llanelli Lowestoft Malvern Market Harborough Merthyr Tydfil Milton Keynes Bletchley Newark Newcastle upon Tyne Newport Newport I.O.W. Newton Abbot North Shields Northampton, St James Northampton, Riverside Northwich Norwich Oldbury Oxford Partick Perth Peterborough, Bourges Peterborough, Serpentine Pollockshaw Ponders End Prescot Preston Reading Rhyl Romford Rotherham Rugby Scunthorpe Selby Sheffield, Heeley Sheffield, Parkway Shrewsbury Slough South Ruislip Southampton Southport

Spalding St Helens Stockton on Tees Stoke on Trent Edingburgh Straiton Stratford Strood Sutton in Ashfield Swalwell Swansea morfa Swansea, Cwmdu Swindon Tamworth Telford Thamesmead Thetford Thurrock Truro Uttoxeter Lincoln Valentine Wakefield Walsall Waterlooville Whitehaven Winsford Wisbech Wishaw Worthing Wrexham Yeovil York

Middle East Serafi Mall, Jeddah (KSA) Jarir Mall, Jeddah (KSA) Azizya Mall, Riyadh (KSA) Khurais Mall, Riyadh (KSA) Granada Centre, Riyadh (KSA) Mall of the Emirates, Dubai (UAE) Deira City Centre, Dubai (UAE) City Centre, Ajman (UAE) Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (UAE) Mirdiff Mall, Mirdiff (UAE) Anchor 4, Doha (Qatar) Seef Mall, Manama (Bahrain) The Centre Nwaidrat (Bahrain)

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Glossary Gross margin: Turnover minus the cost of goods sold and write downs on stock.

Operating result (EBIT): Result from continued operations before interest and taxes (EBIT- Earnings Before Interest and Taxes).

Recurring operating result (REBIT): Recurring result from continued operations before interest and taxes (REBIT- Recurring Earnings Before Interest and Taxes).

Cash flow after taxes: Result from continued operations after taxes increased by depreciation, write downs and provisions.

Return on equity: Result from continued operations after taxes divided by the average capital and reserves at the beginning and end of the financial year.

Result from continued operations after taxes: Result from continued operations after taxes.

Capital employed: Sum of the fixed assets and working capital.

Like-for-like turnover: Turnover earned in stores that had been open for at least 12 months on 1st January.

Net dividend: Gross dividend minus withholding tax (25%).

Net financial debt: Financial debt after deduction of liquidities and investments.

Operating cash flow (EBITDA): Operating result plus depreciation (EBITDA - Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation).

Recurring operating cash flow (REBITDA): Recurring operating result plus depreciation (REBITDA – Recurring Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation).

Return on capital employed: Operating result divided by the average capital employed at the start and end of the financial year.

Enterprise value: Sum of the net financial debt and market capitalisation.

Working capital: Current assets minus short-term non-financial debt.

92

BRANTANO

annual report 2006


USEFUL INFORMATION

Registered office:

Brantano NV Kwadelapstraat 2 9320 Erembodegem Telephone: (32) – 53 – 85.00.00 Fax: (32) – 53 – 85 00 20 RPR Dendermonde Company number: BE. 0432.980.383 Email address: brantano@brantano.com Website: http://www. brantano.com

Stock exchange listing:

Euronext Brussels

Annual report:

This report is available in Dutch, French and English. The concordance of the various texts was checked by Brantano nv. It assumes full responsibility for this. The English version is a translation of the French and Dutch annual report. Ce rapport est disponible en Français, Néerlandais et Anglais. Dit verslag is beschikbaar in het Nederlands, het Frans en het Engels.

The annual report can also be found on the website at: http://www.brantano.com

Financial calendar:

09/05/07: 10/05/07 25/05/07: 16/07/07: 23/08/07: 15/11/07: 15/01/08: 07 may 2008 at 14:00:

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Activity report first quarter 2007 Dividend coupon number 10 becomes payable Announcement revenue figures first half-year 2007 Announcement of results first half-year 2007 Activity report third quarter 2007 Announcement revenue figures 2007 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

Addresses, telephone and fax numbers of the subsidiaries Brantano Belgium and Luxembourg

Brantano Group

Kwadelapstraat 2 9320 Erembodegem Tel: +32 (0) 53.65.06.11 Fax: +32 (0) 53.66.50.08

Joseph Cardijnstraat 66 9420 Erpe Mere Belgium Tel: +32 (0) 53.85.00.00 Fax: +32 (0) 53.85.00.20

Brantano UK

Brantano Asia

Interlink Way West Interlink Business Park Bardon Coalville Leistershire LE67 1LD United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0) 870.990.1601 Fax: + 44 (0) 870.990.1602

Rm. 1111, 11/F, Tower 2, Silvercord 30 Canton Road Tsim Shat Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: +853 23757520 Fax +852 23757376


“At Brantano stores you will always find the shoes you love”


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