Annual Report • May 31, 2019
Annual Report
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Pantheon International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Pantheon International Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2019
Pantheon International Plc ("PIP" or the "Company") is a listed FTSE 250 private equity investment trust, overseen by an independent Board of Directors and managed by Pantheon, one of the leading private equity investment managers globally.
| Strategic Report | 1 | Governance | 66 |
|---|---|---|---|
| What We Offer Our Investors | 1 | Board of Directors | 68 |
| Key Performance Indicators | 8 | The Directors' Report | 70 |
| Chairman's Statement | 10 | Statement on Corporate Governance | 76 |
| Our Business Model | 14 | Audit Committee Report | 82 |
| Our Strategy | 16 | Directors' Remuneration Report | 84 |
| Our Investment Policy | 19 | Directors' Responsibility Statement | 88 |
| Principal Risks and Uncertainties | 20 | Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Pantheon International Plc |
89 |
| Manager's Review | 24 | Financial Statements | 94 |
| How Private Equity Managers Add Value | 26 | Income Statement | 96 |
| Manager's Market Review | 28 | Statement of Changes in Equity | 97 |
| Performance | 32 | Balance Sheet | 98 |
| Sector Themes | 34 | Cash Flow Statement | 99 |
| Managing Our Business Responsibly | 40 | Notes to the Financial Statements | 100 |
| Distributions | 44 | ||
| Calls | 51 | Other Information | 118 |
| New Commitments | 52 | AIFMD Disclosures | 120 |
| Buyout Analysis | 57 | Notice of Annual General Meeting | 122 |
| Undrawn Commitments | 58 | Alternative Performance Measures | 127 |
| Finance and Share Buybacks | 59 | Glossary of Terms | 129 |
| Other Information | 60 | Directors and Advisers | 131 |
| Key Pantheon Personnel Supporting PIP | 64 |
This report contains terminology that may be unfamiliar to some readers. The Glossary on pages 129 to 130 provides definitions for frequently used terms.

First Watch, see p42 Adyen, see p46 Sivantos, see p48

Renaissance Learning, see p55 Mitchell International, see p56



Outperformance through an actively managed private equity portfolio
As at the end of the full year period, PIP's share price has outperformed the FTSE All Share Total Return Index and MSCI World Total Return Index (Sterling) over one, three, five and ten years, as well as since inception.
| Annualised performance | Since | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yr | 3 yrs | 5 yrs | 10 yrs | inception | |
| NAV per share | 14.7% | 16.8% | 14.9% | 11.2% | 11.9% |
| Ordinary share price | 10.7% | 19.6% | 14.3% | 18.9% | 11.5% |
| FTSE All Share, TR | -3.2% | 8.7% | 5.3% | 9.6% | 7.7% |
| MSCI World, TR (Sterling) | 2.5% | 13.8% | 11.8% | 13.0% | 7.8% |
| Share price outperformance (annualised) | |||||
| Versus FTSE All Share, TR | +13.9% | +10.9% | +9.0% | +9.3% | +3.8% |
| Versus MSCI World, TR (Sterling) | +8.2% | +5.8% | +2.5% | +5.9% | +3.7% |
We offer a simple and differentiated entry point to the impressive returns that private equity can provide
We aim to deliver attractive and consistent returns to shareholders through actively managed private equity investments.
Since its inception in 1987, PIP's investment strategy has focused on backing managers that create sustainable value in underlying companies. This has contributed to a consistent outperformance of PIP's share price over public market indices.
| 14.7% | NAV per share growth in the year |
£1.5bn | Net asset value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.7% | Share price increase in the year |
£1.2bn | Market capitalisation |
| 11.9% | Average annual NAV growth since 1987 |
1.22% | AIC ongoing charges1 |
PIP is the longest established private equity fund-of-funds on the London Stock Exchange.

TheCompany's issued share capital consisted of 54,089,447 ordinary shares as at 31 May 2019.

PIP has generated average annual NAV growth of 11.9% since inception and 14.9% over the last five years, significantly outperforming the benchmark public market indices over these time periods. The five-year cumulative total shareholder return was +95% at 31 May 2019.
Sir Laurie Magnus Chairman
Pantheon's scale, experience and deep relationships with private equity managers are essential to creating value
Pantheon's more than 35 years' experience as a private equity investor and the deep relationships built up by its global investment team, many of whom have been with the firm for over 20 years, provide PIP with an outstanding base of expertise to secure investments with the best managers and their underlying portfolio companies.

1 As at 1 July 2019.
The way in which Pantheon invests using primary, secondary and co-investment strategies offers a flexible and powerful means of accessing private equity-backed companies.

For more information on the three ways we invest, see pages 14 to 15


Our manager relationships are the result of the tireless work of our global investment team who are able to use their extensive networks and access to privileged information to tap into the exciting deal flow that we continue to see in our pipeline for PIP.
Andrew Lebus Partner
Since PIP's inception, we have been able to generate excellent returns while structuring our portfolio to minimise the risks typically associated with private equity investments. Our established portfolio of assets has been carefully selected, based on the strengths of our appointed managers, actively monitored and diversified to reduce specific timing, regional and sector risks, and managed to maximise growth and liquidity over time.
Flexible approach to portfolio construction increases potentialfor outperformance.

Weighted towards the more developed private equity markets in theUSA and Europe while Asia and EM provide access to faster-growing economies.

Well diversified across differentinvestment stages with a particularfocus on small/mid-market buyout and growth funds.

Maturity profile is managed to enhance performance while maintaining a cash-generative portfolio.

| co-investments | Of which | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 and later | 14% | 6% |
| 2017 | 13% | 8% |
| 2016 | 16% | 8% |
| 2015 | 17% | 7% |
| 2014 | 6% | 2% |
| 2013 | 4% | 2% |
| 2012 | 5% | 0% |
| 2011 | 4% | 0% |
| 2010 | 1% | 0% |
| 2009 | 2% | 0% |
| 2008 | 7% | 0% |
| 2007 | 7% | 0% |
| 2006 and earlier 4% | 0% |
1 Fund investment type, region, stage and maturity charts are based upon underlying fund valuations and account for 100% of PIP's overall portfolio value.
The charts exclude the portion of the reference portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
2 EM: Emerging Markets.
3 Global category contains funds with no target allocation to any particular region equal to or exceeding 60%.
In an environment characterised by an abundance of capital, high valuations and the rising popularity of passive investment strategies, private equity is underincreasing pressure to demonstrate its ability to produce returns in excess ofthose generated by the broader public markets.
| Operational improvements |
Generating top line growth and margin expansion by developing new products, geographic expansion, enhanced sales force effectiveness, process optimisation and the use oftechnology |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital expenditure | Providing the financialresources to support business growth objectives | ||
| Transforming strategy |
Increasing the market value of a company by adopting a new business model, repositioning a business within its sector, diversifying its markets and implementing a credible growth strategy |
||
| Strengthening management |
Making new hires and adding industry specialists who bring fresh perspectives and the expertise that can drive the business furtherforward Membership of Board and Advisory Committees Effective alignment ofincentives |
||
| Accretive mergers and acquisitions |
Growing scale, increasing sales and operational capabilities, improving a company's position within an industry and releasing synergies to unlock growth Target company sourcing, due diligence and integration |
||
| Active management of capital structures |
Determining the optimal debt/equity mix based on factors such as market conditions and cash flow profile Using banking and debtrelationships developed across the private equity manager's platform |
||
| Facilitating a high value exit |
Facilitating a high value exit ofthe business through a competitive sales process Well-timed exits optimise investmentreturns |
||
| Superior Revenue Growth |
EBITDA Margin Improvement |
Valuation Multiple Expansion |
Optimal Financial Structuring |
| What it is | How we have performed | |
|---|---|---|
| PERFORMANCE 5-year cumulative total shareholder return 95.2% |
Total shareholder return demonstrates the return to investors, after taking into account share price movements (capital growth) and, if applicable, any dividends paid during the period. |
95.2% 100% 80% 71.2% 60% 40% 20% 10.7% 0% 1 year 3 years (cum) 5 years (cum) |
| NAV per share growth during the year 14.7%* |
Net asset value ("NAV") per share reflects the attributable value of a shareholder's holding in PIP. The provision of consistent long-term NAV per share growth is central to our strategy. NAV per share growth in any period is shown net of all costs associated with running the Company. |
20% 16.9% 14.7% 15% 10.3% 10% 5% 0% 11M to 12M to 12M to 31 May 2017 31 May 2018 31 May 2019 |
| Portfolio investment return 12.9%* |
Portfolio investment return measures the total movement in the valuation of the underlying funds and companies comprising PIP's portfolio expressed as a percentage of the opening portfolio value, before taking foreign exchange effects and other expenses into account. |
20% 16.2% 15.4% 15% 12.9% 10% 5% 0% 11M to 12M to 12M to 31 May 2017 31 May 2018 31 May 2019 |
| LIQUIDITY Net portfolio cash flow £170m* |
Net portfolio cash flow is equal to fund distributions less capital calls to finance investments, and reflects the Company's capacity to finance calls from existing investment commitments. PIP manages its maturity profile through a mix of primaries, secondaries and co-investments to ensure that its portfolio remains cash-generative at the same time as maximising the potential for growth. |
£250m £211m £194m £200m £170m £150m £100m £50m £0m 11M to 12M to 12M to 31 May 2017 31 May 2018 31 May 2019 |
| Undrawn coverage ratio 90%* |
The undrawn coverage ratio is the ratio of available financing and 10% of private equity assets to undrawn commitments. The undrawn coverage ratio is an indicator of the Company's ability to meet outstanding commitments, even in the event of a market downturn. Under the terms of its current loan facilities, PIP can continue to make new undrawn commitments unless and until the undrawn coverage ratio falls below 33%. |
110% 101% 99% 100% 90% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 11M to 12M to 12M to 31 May 2017 31 May 2018 31 May 2019 |
* Exclude valuation gains and/or cash flows associated with the Asset Linked Note.
1 Excludes the portion of the reference portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
| PIP's ordinary shares had a closing price of 2,225.0p at the year end. Discount to NAV was 19.7% as at the year end. |
Maximise shareholder returns through long-term capital growth. Promote better market liquidity by building demand for the Company's shares. |
Rate of NAV growth relative to listed markets. Trading volumes for the Company's shares. Share price discount to NAV. |
|---|---|---|
| NAV per share increased by 355.8p to 2,770.6p during the year. Strong performance further enhanced by the impact of foreign exchange movements. |
Investing flexibly with top-tier private equity managers to maximise long-term capital growth. Containing costs and risks by constructing a well-diversified portfolio in a cost-efficient manner. |
Valuationsprovided by private equitymanagers. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Ongoing charges relative to NAV growth and private equity peer group. Potential for tax leakage from investments. Effect of financing (cash drag) on performance. |
| Strong performance in the underlying portfolio. PIP continues to benefit from good earnings growth in its underlying portfolio and from the favourable exit environment. |
Maximise shareholder returns through long-term capital growth. |
Performance relative to listed markets and private equity peer group. Valuationsprovided by private equitymanagers. |
| PIP's portfolio generated £277m of distributions versus £107m of calls. The Company made new commitments of £341m during the year, £165m of which was drawn at the time of purchase. PIP's portfolio has a weighted average fund age of 5.2 years.1 |
Maximise long-term capital growth through ongoing portfolio renewal while controlling financing risk. |
Relationship between outstanding commitments and NAV. Portfolio maturity and distribution rates by vintage. Commitment rate to new investment opportunities. |
| The current level of commitments is consistent with PIP's conservative approach to balance sheet management. In line with historical experience, the Company expects undrawn commitments to be funded over a period of several years. |
Flexibility in portfolio construction, allowing the Company to select a mix of primary, secondary and co-investments, and vary investment pace, to achieve long-term capital growth. |
Relative weighting of primary, secondary and co-investments in the portfolio. Level of undrawn commitments relative to gross assets. Trend in distribution rates. Ability to access debt markets on favourable terms. |
Link to our strategic objectives See pages 16 to 18
Examples of related factors that we monitor

| 11.9% | Average annual NAV growth since inception |
|---|---|
| 14.7% | NAV per share growth in the year |
| 10.7% | Share price growth in the year |
| £1,499m | Net asset value |
| £170m | Portfolio net cash flow |
PIP has continued its 32-yearrecord of growth this year, with net assets reaching £1.5bn and a market capitalisation of £1.2bn. Your Board is confident that the strategy it has agreed with Pantheon, the Manager, provides shareholders with access to a high quality portfolio of private equity assets with more opportunities for growth than a conventional investmentfund focused primarily on listed securities.
During the 12 months to 31 May 2019, PIP's NAV per share increased by 14.7% to 2,770.6p and net assets increased from £1,307m to £1,499m. The NAV growth (stated net of movements in the Asset Linked Note)reflected the strong performance from the underlying portfolio with investment gains (+11.8%), share buybacks (+0.3p) and foreign exchange effects (+4.5%) materially exceeding expenses and taxes (-1.6%). During the 12 months to 31 May 2019, PIP's share price rose by approximately 11%. The share price increase and PIP's NAV growth outperformed the MSCI World index by +12.2% and +8.2% respectively during the same period.
Despite theCompany's positive performance, the discount on the shares has remained disappointingly wide and was 19.7% at the end ofthe financial year. The Board remains frustrated by the continuing share price discount as it believes thatthis does not reflecttheCompany's track record both on a medium and long-term basis. PIP has generated average annual NAV growth of 11.9% since inception and 14.9% overthe last five years, significantly outperforming the benchmark public market indices overthese time periods. The five-year cumulative total
shareholderreturn, which measures the return to investors aftertaking into account share price movements, was +95% at 31 May 2019. The Board is committed to narrowing the share price discount and, to this end, has agreed a more intensive marketing plan with the Manager's dedicated investorrelations team with the aim of extending theCompany's reach to potential new buyers and boosting demand for its shares.
PIP's investment strategy is to maintain a healthy mix of all stages in its portfolio, with an emphasis on the buyout and growth stages and a particularfocus on the mid-market, which offers attractive prospects forlong-term value creation and multiple routes to exit. Buyout and growth represent more than half of PIP's portfolio and the small/mid buyout and growth segments performed strongly during the period. This resulted from a combination of factors including the strong exits achieved by some of our managers, successful bolt-on acquisition activity and good organic growth in the underlying businesses. A number of company-specific events adversely impacted returns in the large buyout portfolio while the negative performance in special situations (consisting of energy, distressed and mezzanine funds) was primarily due to headwinds experienced in the energy sector. Venture, which is a relatively small part of PIP's portfolio, contributed positively to performance during the period.
During the period, PIP generated £277m of distributions attributable to shareholders, equivalent to 24% ofthe opening attributable portfolio. In a generally supportive exit environment, secondary buyouts and sales to corporate buyers remained the most significant sources of exits. Calls from existing commitments to private equity funds during the period amounted to £107m, equivalent to 24% of opening undrawn commitments.Overall, PIP generated a net cash inflow of £170m during the period before taking account of new investments.
PIP has been through a number of cycles during its 32 year history. It backs managers who themselves have experience of managing assets through times of uncertainty, have demonstrated a selective approach to the use of debt and who are able to take advantage of market dislocations by identifying those defensive and exciting high-growth businesses with compelling potential over the long term.
PIP made 59 new investments during the year, amounting to £340.7min commitments, of which £164.7m was drawn at the time of purchase. These investments comprised £159.8m committed to 20 primaries, £104.9m committed to 13 secondaries and £76m committed to 26 co-investments. Since the period end, PIP has committed a further £7.3m to two investments.
The issuance ofthe ALN has allowed the Company significantly to reduce the weighted average age ofits fund and co-investment commitments and the evidence ofthis is clear when the average age of 5.2 years at 31 May 2019 is compared to the average age of 6.7 years at the year end in May 2017. The maturity profile ofthe portfolio is designed to allow PIP to remain cash-generative and an active investor well placed to refresh its investment participations through the cycle.
During the period, the Company bought back 25,000sharesforcancellation.PIPwillcontinue its policy of opportunistically purchasing its own shares forinvestment purposes.
An increasing number of businesses are turning to the private equity markets globally not only as a source of capital, but also with an expectation of benefitting from the strategic and operationalexpertisethatis offeredtothembywell-establishedprivate equitymanagers.Selectingthebestmanagers anddealsiscriticaltoPIP'ssuccessin generatinggoodlong-termrelative performance,particularlyatatimewhenentry priceshavebeeninflatedby thehighvalues prevailinggenerally forallequityassets.PIP's approach to achieving its strategic goal of long-term capital growth is to construct a diversified, global portfolio of high quality
assets that can benefitfrom the specialised expertise of managers experienced in adding value to investments, which are sourced via Pantheon's well-established platform and its deep managerrelationships that span several decades.
Careful consideration of environmental, social and governance ("ESG")issues is a key priority for many investors when deploying capital. The Board is satisfied that Pantheon takes these responsibilities seriously, investing with diligence, integrity and conviction on behalf of PIP, and that the processes employed by Pantheon, both in terms ofthe detailed due diligence conducted at the pre-investment stage as well as the ongoing monitoring once an investment has been made, are robust. The Board also recognises Pantheon's inclusive, progressive culture which is reflected across its entire global workforce where creative investment thinking is encouraged and developed. The Board remains confident that the Manager's approach and its ability to use its extensive network and access to privileged information enables it to source compelling investment opportunities for PIP.
PIP's balance sheet is managed to ensure that theCompany can finance its undrawn commitments,whichare themselves carefully controlled relative to its assets and available liquidity. This disciplined approach enables theCompany to be well positioned to withstand periods of volatility and to take advantage of any compelling investment opportunitiesthatmayariseduringadownturn.
The unlisted Asset Linked Note ("ALN") was issued with an initial principal value of £200m inOctober 2017 and is due to mature in August 2027. Repayment ofthe ALN is only made out ofthe cash distributions that have been received from a reference portfolio of olderinvestment assets, mainly dating from 2006 and earlier. PIP has made total ALN payments of £122m since it was issued and, as at 31 May 2019, the residual ALN was valued at £94m. The issuance ofthe ALN has contributed 0.5% to shareholderreturns during the year.
In June 2018, PIP announced that it had agreed a new £175m multi-currency revolving creditfacility to replace the £150m loan facility agreement that was due to expire in November 2018. The facility, denominated as toUS\$163m and €60m, will expire in June 2022 and has an option to extend, by agreement, the maturity date by another year. As at 31 May 2019, PIP held net available cash of £141m and the undrawn facility was equivalent to £182m, giving the Company total liquid resources of £323m. With undrawn commitments of £521m as at 31 May 2019, PIP's undrawn commitment cover, which measures the sum of PIP's undrawn commitments against its available
financing and the value ofits private equity portfolio, was comfortable at 3.4 times.
Grant Thornton has been the Company's auditor since 1987. PIP's Audit Committee, taking account ofthe regulations forthe length of auditortenure, carried out an external audit tender process during the second half ofthe financial year. The Audit Committee has recommended to the Board that Ernst & Young LLP ("EY"), whose audit team has extensive experience in auditing investment trusts, should be appointed to replaceGrant Thornton as the independent external Auditor ofthe Company. I would like, on behalf ofthe Board, to thankGrant Thornton fortheir audit work and assistance to the Audit Committee and the Board over many years.
The Board regularly reviews its composition, taking into account the need to refresh its membership and diversity whilst ensuring that there is the necessary degree of continuity in recognition ofthe long-term
nature of many of PIP's investments and its relationships with many ofits underlying managers.
Ian Barby, who became aDirectorin 2005, has indicated that he wishes to retire no later than at theCompany's AGM in 2020. Ian has been an outstanding Chairman ofthe Audit Committee since July 2005 and has recently led the selection process to appoint EY as theCompany's auditors ( in succession to Grant Thornton)forthe current financial year ending 31 May 2020. The Board considers it important that Ian remains in post during the transition of auditresponsibility to EY over the nextfew months before leaving the Board and being succeeded as Chairman ofthe Audit Committee byDavid Melvin, aChartered Accountant, who has been on PIP'sBoard andAuditCommittee since 2015.
Rhoddy Swire, who has been aDirector since theCompany's inception in 1987, will be retiring from the Board at the forthcoming AGM. He was instrumental in the foundation of PIP and has been a major contributor towards its transformation from a small investment trust with net assets ofjust £12m to a FTSE 250 company with net assets of over £1.5 billion today. Rhoddy's long history

The above chart reconciles the opening and closing NAV per share for the year to 31 May 2019.
1 Figures are stated net of movements associated with the ALN share of the reference portfolio.
2 Taxes relate to withholding taxes on investment distributions.
Strategic Report Manager's Review Governance Financial Statements Other Information 13
with theCompany and in-depth familiarity with theCompany's investment portfolio and its managers is notreadily replaceable, particularly in relation to the older vintage investment positions. The Board therefore expects, after he retires as aDirector, to retain access toRhoddy through theManager at no cost to theCompany whereby it can request his advice specifically in relation to issues concerning the investment portfolio.
Since the period end, the Board has conducted a formal search to complement the skills ofthe Board and add to its diversity. It has announced today that Mary Ann Sieghart will be appointed to the Board upon conclusion ofthe forthcoming AGM on 30October. Mary Ann has spent most of her career as a journalist and broadcaster working for prestigiousUK broadsheet publications and the BBC. She brings significant experience through serving on the boards of otherinvestment trusts.
My fellow Directors and I are delighted that Mary Ann has agreed to join the Board and look forward to welcoming herin the coming months. Rhoddy leaves the Board with our warmest thanks and best wishes.
The geopolitical tensions seen in 2018 have continued and there are signs of an economic slowdown in many parts ofthe world. While private equity is not immune to the effects ofthis, PIP's flexible investment approach– by investing directly in primary and secondary deals and in companies through co-investments – means that it can respond effectively to market conditions. PIP has been through a number of cycles during its 32 year history. It backs managers whothemselveshaveexperienceofmanaging assets through times of uncertainty, have demonstrated a selective approach to the useofdebtandwhoareable totakeadvantage of market dislocations by identifying those defensiveandexcitinghigh-growthbusinesses with compelling potential overthe long term.
The private equitymarketis growing strongly, but the barriers to entry remain high forthose seeking to invest with the top tier managers who have proven track records of generating high quality and sustainable returns from their assets. The Board believes that PIP is continuing to benefitfrom its ability to identify and secure access to suchmanagers
through Pantheon's global investment team of over 80 professionals with their long-standing relationships, collaborative and inclusive culture and extensive experience of private equity investing.
The Board is confident that this, coupled with PIP's conservatively managed balance sheet and its disciplined, selective investment approach, leavestheCompanywell-positioned to deliver healthy returns for shareholders overthe long term.
The Strategic Report, comprising pages 1 to 23, has been approved and signed on behalf ofthe Board.
Chairman 6 August 2019


Deals are originated via Pantheon's well-established platform
equity managers.
selected managers.
Within our diversified portfolio, we back the best managers globally that are able to identify and create value in growing companies
Cash generated when those companies are sold is returned to PIP and redeployed into new investment opportunities

PIP invests in private equity funds and co-invests (alongside selected private equity managers) directly into private companies worldwide.
An investment in PIP offers shareholders exposure to a growing market worth c.\$4tn* globally where the best private equity managers might otherwise be inaccessible to shareholders.
We aim to deliver attractive and consistent returns to shareholders overthe long term, and atrelatively low risk.
Through Pantheon, we have an opportunity to invest with many ofthe best private equity managers globally based on the trust and experience built up overthe more than 35 years during which Pantheon has been making investments.
It is our aim to bring the strong credentials of private equity and its track record of outperforming public markets to a wider set of investors.
It is our mission to generate sustainably high investmentreturns through a well-managed, institutional grade portfolio built by investing with the best managers globally.
PIP's manager, Pantheon, has a well-established platform built on three strategic pillars ofinvestment: primary, secondary and co-investments, with each offering their own merits (see diagram, left).
We believe that by combining the three ways of accessing private equity investments, we are able to:
Private equity managers take controlling or influential positions in companies where they believe they can create value with a view to exiting their position at a multiple to their original investment. As portfolio companies are sold by the managers, PIP's share ofthe cash that is generated from those sales is deployed into new investment opportunities.
For more information on the commitments that PIP has made during the year, see pages 52 to 56
* Preqin April 2019.
For 32 years, PIP has been able to adapt quickly and effectively to changing market conditions. This flexible and proactive approach means that PIP is well placed to continue to deliver on its strategic objectives. PIP has outperformed its benchmark indices on a 1, 3, 5 and 10 year basis and since the Company's inception in 1987.
Pantheon has a strong culture of collaborative and inclusive teamwork and diversity, as well as a long history of investing its clients' capitalresponsibly.
With investments in theUSA, Europe, Asia and Emerging Markets, PIP provides a carefully constructed, broad-based portfolio forinvestors. The presence of Pantheon's dedicated investment team of 841 people in six offices around the world means that they are on the ground locally, working with their extensive networks ofrelationships with private equity managers and taking advantage of proprietary information flows and access to opportunities. These relationships enable Pantheon to source and respond quickly to the best deal flow in those regions.
PIPis offered the opportunity to participate in the fullrange of private equity investments thatPantheon sources, and itinvests
alongside otherPantheonmanaged funds into third party funds and underlying companies ratherthan as a feederinto Pantheon's otherinvestment vehicles. TheBoard believes thatthis offers several benefits toPIPand its shareholders, including:
For more information on PIP's strategic objectives, see pages 16 to 18
The independent Board ofDirectors is responsible for ensuring that PIP is managed in a way that achieves the best outcome for its shareholders. As part ofthis, it monitors the Manager's investment strategy to ensure that it is relevant, adheres to theCompany's investment policy, and is constructed around seeking the best performing assets worldwide that can generate above average returns overthe long term.
At the start of each year, PIP's investment strategy is considered by the Board together with the Manager. Throughout the year, there is an ongoing dialogue between the Board and the Manager who reports regularly to the Board on progress. In addition, the manager highlights any obstacles or changes in market conditions which may impact the Company's ability to achieve its strategic goals. In cases where this may occur, the Manager will propose solutions for which it will seek the support ofthe Board. Equally, the Board maintains the flexibility to propose amendments to the strategy as it deems necessary.

The Manager and the Board consider how PIP can most profitably deploy capital in the prevailing investment environment. In addition, the Board also reviews individual investments that exceed exposure limits, which are set at appropriate levels (and below the hard limits in the Company's investment policy)to reflect a diversified approach. At times, the Manager may make recommendations to the Board and seek approvalfor certain investments thatfall outside of any limits expressed in the agreed strategic approach, but which the Manager believes to be a good investment opportunity for PIP. The Board maintains its independence at all times and robustly challenges such recommendations to ensure that they are in the best interests of shareholders.
This year, the Board assessed progress against the more detailed strategic review held in 2018 which explored how theCompany's historically strong NAV performance could be built upon and improved. In addition, the Board also focused on PIP's marketing and investorrelations activities, considering new initiatives that could help to increase PIP's exposure and reach potential new investors in the Company. It is the Board's view that a relentless focus on optimising investment performance is critical in attracting demand fortheCompany's shares and this, supported by the comprehensive marketing plan that has been agreed with the Board, could then lead to a narrowing ofthe discount at which the shares currently trade. The main conclusions ofthe Board's assessment are outlined as follows.
As Manager of PIP, Pantheon focuses on selecting the best private equity managers and the companies they back worldwide and thoughtfully constructing and maintaining a mature portfolio that has exposure to different parts ofthe investment life cycle. PIP's portfolio is carefully diversified by manager, investment type, stage, geography, fund age (vintage) and sector.One ofthe key advantages ofthis approach is that itreduces the risk of any individual underperforming company orfund having a disproportionately material adverse effect on theCompany's overall performance.
This year, the Board has agreed with the Managerthat theCompany will continue to maintain its diversified approach, recognising that its increased focus on portfolio construction, as explained below, may materially reduce the number ofthird party managers and companies to which the portfolio is principally exposed. The Board also confirmed it is satisfied that the Manager should continue to exercise slightly more flexibility in the types and size ofinvestments that it makes; this is discussed in more detail below.
The Board believes that this approach gives shareholders the best of both worlds: manageable risk in theCompany's portfolio by remaining diversified, while at the same time increasing the potential for outperformance. The improved transparency of PIP's underlying portfolio, and increased investment flexibility, should create a clearerlink between the strongest performing companies in the portfolio and the potential to boost NAV growth in the future.
TheCompany has traditionally emphasised secondaries as PIP makes new investments. Secondary investments offer very attractive characteristics as highlighted in the Business Model on pages 14 and 15, however as part ofthe strategic review conducted in 2018, it was recognised that certain secondary opportunities may not always be the best fitfor PIP's portfolio.
There is a recent tendency in the market for some secondary opportunities to be dominated by older assets, defined as those in funds which are 10 years or older at the time of purchase. Although those assets often generate good levels of cash, extensive analysis has shown that the rate of value increase tends to be lowerthan that offered by younger assets and therefore can be a drag on overall performance. The issuance ofthe ALN at the end of 2017 has allowed PIP actively to de-emphasise the olderfunds in PIP's portfolio and tilt it towards younger funds which the Board believe will perform better as a whole relative to the portfolio prior to the ALN issue. As PIP seeks to maximise capital growth and avoid older assets becoming over-weighted in the portfolio, it was agreed by the Board that theCompany would benefitfrom Pantheon's greater control over allocation, giving it the ability to put capital to work in primary and co-investment opportunities as well as secondaries where they represented a more compelling investment proposition. While secondaries should continue to represent a significant portion of PIP's portfolio, it is recognised that overtime these three different investment types may take on more equal weightings.
The benefits ofthis approach are clear: Pantheon can remain highly selective and disciplined when assessing deal flow while at the same time reducing the risk of PIP being excluded from exciting opportunities due to investment constraints.
The Board recognises that on occasion, the discounts at which theCompany's shares trade may make them an attractive investment proposition for PIP when considered alongside other new investment opportunities. The Managerreports to the Board on a regular basis on the investment market conditions and on those occasions, the Board may authorise theCompany to buy back a specified amount ofits own shares.
PIP's portfolio is diversified by stage, which ranges across venture, late stage growth, small/mid and large/mega buyout opportunities, as well as those classified as special situations. While theCompany's strategy is to maintain a healthy mix of all stages, Pantheon favours growth and buyoutfunds with a particularfocus on the mid-market. The mid-market offers distinct characteristics, when compared with large deals, such as:
While late stage growth opportunities remain attractive, it is our view that the return profile of early stage venture can often be too protracted to be suitable for PIP's portfolio. Therefore any investment activity by PIP in early stage venture funds is focused on investing with top tier venture managers, mainly through primary fund investments, who are able to spot innovative opportunities with the potential to generate significant outperformance. While special situations includes funds with unique characteristics offering potentialfor outperformance, it is the Board's intention that special situations investments will be only a small minority of the overall portfolio.
The Board is committed to offering investors a global portfolio with investments in the USA, Europe, Asia and Emerging Markets. It takes an active approach towards the weightings ofthose geographies in response to market conditions but supports the majority ofthe Company's capital being invested in theUSA and Europe where the private equity markets are well-established and have been resilient.
The Board relies on Pantheon's investment teams around the world that are on the ground locally, to take advantage of proprietary information flows and access to opportunities through their extensive networks ofrelationships. The Board is confident that these relationships enable Pantheon to source and respond quickly to the best deal flow in those regions to optimise risk-adjusted performance.
It is our objective to seek managers globally that are able to take a thematic approach and focus on high growth sectors, many of which may not be fully represented by the public markets. In addition, Pantheon has a deliberate strategy oftargeting sectors experiencing dislocation as well as niches where underlying growth is less correlated to GDP growth. Recent examples ofthis have been technology, education and healthcare.
The Board believes that its oversight of the Manager's activities while at the same time allowing Pantheon the flexibility that it needs to make the appropriate investment decisions on theCompany's behalf, ensures that PIP is able to deliver on its strategic objectives for shareholders overthe long term.
TheCompany has no employees and the Board consists entirely of Non-Executive Directors. At the end ofthe period under review, the Board was comprised of six maleDirectors and one femaleDirector.
Upon conclusion ofthe forthcoming AnnualGeneral Meeting, Mr Rhoddy Swire will step down from the Board. Since the period end, the Company has announced that a new femaleDirector will be appointed to the Board on 30October 2019.
As an investmenttrust,PIPhas no directimpact on the community orthe environment. However,Pantheon is carefulthrough its due diligence and ongoing monitoring processes to encourage a sustainably positive impact of ourinvestments, with a view to generating consistently high returns over the long term.Pantheon's commitment to leading the practice ofresponsible investmentfor many years meantit was one ofthe first signatories to theUN's Principles forResponsible Investmentin 2007.Pantheon continues to explore ways in which it can promote accountability for Environmental, Social andGovernance ("ESG") ethics through its investment process and the managers thatit backs.
For more information on Pantheon's approach to responsible investment, see pages 40 to 43
TheCompany's policy is to make unquoted investments. It does so by subscribing to investments in new private equity funds ("Primary Investment"), buying secondary interests in existing private equity funds ("Secondary Investment"), and acquiring direct holdings in unquoted companies ("Co-investments"), usually either where a vendoris seeking to sell a combined portfolio offund interests and direct holdings or where there is a private equity manager, well known to theCompany's Manager, investing on substantially the same terms.
TheCompany may from time to time hold quoted investments as a consequence of such investments being distributed to the Company from its fund investments as the result of an investment in an unquoted company becoming quoted. In addition, theCompany may invest in private equity funds which are quoted. TheCompany will not otherwise normally invest in quoted securities, although itreserves the right to do so should this be deemed to be in the interests ofthe Company.
TheCompany may invest in any type of financial instrument, including equity and non-equity shares, debt securities, subscription and conversion rights and options in relation to such shares and securities and interests in partnerships and limited partnerships and otherforms of collective investment schemes. Investments in funds and companies may be made either directly orindirectly, through one or more holding, special purpose orinvestment vehicles in which one or more co-investors may also have an interest.
TheCompany employs a policy of over-commitment. This means that the Company may commit more than its available uninvested assets to investments in private equity funds on the basis that such commitments can be metfrom anticipated future cash flows to the Company and through the use of borrowings and capital raisings where necessary.
TheCompany's policy is to adopt a global investment approach. TheCompany's strategy is to mitigate investmentrisk through diversification ofits underlying portfolio by geography, sector and investment stage. Since the Company's assets are invested globally on the basis, primarily, ofthe merits ofindividual investment opportunities, the Company does not adopt maximum or minimum exposures to specific geographic regions, industry sectors orthe investment stage of underlying investments.
In addition, theCompany adopts the following limitations forthe purpose of diversifying investmentrisk:
TheCompany may invest in funds and other vehicles established and managed or advised by Pantheon or any Pantheon affiliate. In determining the diversification ofits portfolio and applying the manager diversification requirementreferred to above, theCompany looks through vehicles established and managed or advised by Pantheon or any Pantheon affiliate.
TheCompany may enterinto derivatives transactions forthe purposes of efficient portfolio management and hedging (for example, hedging interestrate, currency or market exposures).
Surplus cash ofthe Company may be invested in fixed interest securities, bank deposits or other similar securities.
TheCompany may borrow to make investments and typically uses its borrowing facilities to manage its cash flows flexibly, enabling theCompany to make investments as and when suitable opportunities arise and to meet calls in relation to existing investments without having to retain significant cash balances for such purposes. UndertheCompany's articles of association, theCompany's borrowings may not at any time exceed 100% ofthe Company's net asset value. Typically, the Company does not expect its gearing to exceed 30% of gross assets. However, gearing may exceed this in the event that,for example, theCompany's future cash flows alter.
TheCompany may invest in private equity funds, unquoted companies or special purpose orinvestment holding vehicles which are geared by loan facilities that rank ahead ofthe Company's investment. TheCompany does not adoptrestrictions on the extent to which it is exposed to gearing in funds or companies in which it invests.
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The Board, through delegation to the Audit Committee, has undertaken a robust assessment and review of the principal risks facing PIP, together with a review of any new risks that may have arisen during the year to 31 May 2019, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. A summary of the risk management and internal control processes can be found in the Statement on Corporate Governance on pages 80 and 81.
The total available financing as at 31 May 2019 stood at £323m, comprising £141m in net available cash balances and a £182m undrawn revolving credit facility. Total available financing along with the private equity portfolio exceeded outstanding commitments
During the year, PIP has invested within strategic limits for vintage year, geography and stage allocations, as well as within concentration limits for individual managers, funds and
The Company's flexible investment strategy has resulted in a portfolio with a healthy mix of likely exit horizons.
Strong realisation activity during the year, with distributions of £277m and a distribution rate equivalent to 24% of opening
The Company had no gearing at a vehicle level as at the end of
Foreign exchange had a positive impact on performance during
Taxes had a minimal effect on overall NAV performance in the year.
Approximately 50% of new commitments made in the year were
funded at the time of acquisition.
by a factor of 3.4 times.
the current financial year.
positions.
| Type and Description of Risk | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Insufficient liquid resources to meet outstanding | Investment losses and reputational damage arising from the |
| commitments to private equity funds | inability to meet capital call obligations. |
| Lack of suitable investment opportunities to meet strategic diversification objectives |
Change in risk profile as a result of manager, fund or company exposures that are materially different from the Company's intended strategy. |
| Private equity investments are long term in nature and | Potential decline in realisation activity which may impact portfolio |
| it may be some years before they can be realised | performance. |
| Investments in unquoted companies carry a higher degree of risk relative to investments in quoted securities |
Illiquidity of underlying assets may have an adverse impact on realisations and portfolio performance. |
| Gearing, whether at the vehicle (PIP), fund or company level, could cause the magnification of gains and losses in the asset value of the Company |
Potential impact on performance and liquidity, especially in the event of a market downturn. |
| Non-sterling investments expose the Company | Unhedged foreign exchange rate movements could impact NAV |
| to fluctuations in currency exchange rates | total returns. |
| Changes in the Company's tax status or in tax | Failure to understand tax risks when investing or divesting could |
| legislation and practice | lead to tax exposure or financial loss. |
| Possibility that another investor in a fund is unable | Counterparty defaults can have unintended consequences on the |
| or unwilling to meet future capital calls | remaining investors' obligations and investment exposure. |
| PIP has a mature portfolio that is naturally cash generative. In the event that cash balances and cash distributions are insufficient to cover capital calls, PIP has the ability to draw funds from a credit facility. The Board manages the Company so that undrawn commitments remain at an acceptable level relative to its portfolio assets and available financing. The Board conducts a comprehensive review of the Company's cash flow model on a regular basis. |
The total available financing as at 31 May 2019 stood at £323m, comprising £141m in net available cash balances and a £182m undrawn revolving credit facility. Total available financing along with the private equity portfolio exceeded outstanding commitments by a factor of 3.4 times. |
|---|---|
| Pantheon has put in place a dedicated investment management process designed to achieve the Board's intended investment strategy. TheBoard regularly reviews investment and financialreports to monitorthe effectiveness oftheManager's investment processes. |
During the year, PIP has invested within strategic limits for vintage year, geography and stage allocations, as well as within concentration limits for individual managers, funds and companies. |
| PIP pursues a flexible investment strategy, combining secondary investments which typically have shorter exit horizons, with co-investments and primary commitments. |
The Company's flexible investment strategy has resulted in a portfolio with a healthy mix of likely exit horizons. |
| As part of its investment process, Pantheon assesses the approach of its managers to company illiquidity as well as projected exit outcomes. |
Strong realisation activity during the year, with distributions of £277m and a distribution rate equivalent to 24% of opening portfolio assets. |
| PIP's Articles of Association and Investment Policy impose limits on the amount of gearing that theCompany can take on. The principal covenant of the loan facility ensures that the Company is limited to a maximum gearing (excluding the ALN) of 34% of adjusted gross asset value (excluding the ALN). The Board conducts regular reviews of the balance sheet and long-term cash flow projections. |
The Company had no gearing at a vehicle level as at the end of the current financial year. |
| The Manager monitors the Company's underlying foreign currency exposure. As part ofits investment process,theManagertakes currency denominations into accountwhen assessing the risk/return profile of a specific investment. Multi-currency credit facility is a natural hedge for currency fluctuations relating to outstanding commitments. |
Foreign exchange had a positive impact on performance during the year. |
| Pantheon's investment process incorporates an assessment of tax. TheManagerreviews the appropriateness of an investment's legal structure tominimise the potentialtax impact on theCompany. |
Taxes had a minimal effect on overall NAV performance in the year. |
| PIP invests in high quality funds alongside institutional private equity investors. A considerable proportion of PIP's investments are in funded positions. |
Approximately 50% of new commitments made in the year were funded at the time of acquisition. |
Investment risk
Insufficient liquid resources to meet outstanding
Lack of suitable investment opportunities to meet
Private equity investments are long term in nature and it may be some years before they can be realised
Investments in unquoted companies carry a higher degree of risk relative to investments in
Gearing, whether at the vehicle (PIP), fund or company level, could cause the magnification of gains and losses in the asset value of the Company
Non-sterling investments expose the Company to fluctuations in currency exchange rates
Changes in the Company's tax status or in tax
Possibility that another investor in a fund is unable
or unwilling to meet future capital calls
legislation and practice
commitments to private equity funds
strategic diversification objectives
quoted securities
Type and Description of Risk Potential Impact Risk Management Outcome for the Year
Investment losses and reputational damage arising from the
Change in risk profile as a result of manager, fund or company exposures that are materially different from the Company's
Potential decline in realisation activity which may impact portfolio
Illiquidity of underlying assets may have an adverse impact on
Potential impact on performance and liquidity, especially in the
Unhedged foreign exchange rate movements could impact NAV
Failure to understand tax risks when investing or divesting could
Counterparty defaults can have unintended consequences on the remaining investors' obligations and investment exposure.
lead to tax exposure or financial loss.
realisations and portfolio performance.
event of a market downturn.
inability to meet capital call obligations.
intended strategy.
performance.
total returns.
| Type and Description of Risk | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Market factors such as interest rates, inflation and equity market performance, can affect the value of investments |
Impact of general economic conditions on underlying fund and company valuations, exit opportunities and the availability of credit. |
| Reliance on the accuracy of information provided by General Partners when valuing investments |
Risk of errors in financial statements and NAV reporting. |
| PIP relies on the services of Pantheon as its Manager and other third party service providers |
Business disruption should the services of Pantheon and other third party suppliers cease to be available to the Company. |
| High dependency on effective information technology systems to support key business functions and the safeguarding of sensitive information |
Significant disruption to IT systems may result in financial losses, the inability to perform business critical functions, regulatory censure, legal liability and reputational damage. |
| Uncertainty around the Brexit process will have consequences for the Company |
Market and currency volatility may adversely impact returns. The Company's ability to market its shares to European investors may also be at risk. |
TheCompany currently conducts its affairs so that its shares can be recommended by independent financial advisers to retail private investors in accordance with the FCA's rules in relation to non-mainstream investment products.
The shares are excluded from the FCA's restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products because they are shares in aUK-listed investment trust.
Pursuant to provisionC.2.2 oftheUKCorporateGovernanceCode 2016, the Board has assessed the viability oftheCompany over a three year period from 31 May 2019. It has chosen this period as it falls within the Board's strategic planning horizon. TheCompany
invests in an internationally diversified portfolio of private equity assets, both through funds and by co-investing directly into companies alongside selected private equity managers. The Company invests significantly in the private equity secondaries market as this allows theCompany to maintain a more mature portfolio profile that is naturally cash-generative in any particular year.
PIP continued to maintain a diversified approach to portfolio
Quoted asset exposure was below 10% as at 31 May 2019.
The Board has approved the continuing appointment of the Manager and other service providers following an assessment of
Pantheon has opened an office in Dublin, with Pantheon Ireland authorised to conduct regulated activities within the EU on behalf of Pantheon, ensuring that Brexit will have a minimal impact on
their respective performance during the year.
No material issues to report for the year.
Pantheon's ability to operate in Europe.
No material misstatements concerning the valuation and existence
of investments during the year.
Commitments to new funds are restricted relative to theCompany's assets and its available liquid financialresources so as to maintain a reasonable expectation of being able to finance the calls, which arise from such commitments, out of cash flow that is generated internally. In addition, the Company has put in place a revolving creditfacility to ensure that it is in a position to finance such calls in the event that distributions received from investments in the period are insufficient to finance calls. The Board reviews the Company's financing arrangements at least quarterly to ensure that theCompany is in a
| Potential Impact | Risk Management | Outcome for the Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact of general economic conditions on underlying fund and company valuations, exit opportunities and the availability of credit. |
Pantheon's investment process incorporates an assessment of marketrisk. |
PIP continued to maintain a diversified approach to portfolio construction. |
| Active management ofinvestments to ensure diversification by geography, stage, vintage and sector. |
Quoted asset exposure was below 10% as at 31 May 2019. | |
| Risk of errors in financial statements and NAV reporting. | Thevaluationofinvestmentsisbasedonperiodicallyaudited valuationsthatareprovidedbytheprivateequitymanagers. |
No material misstatements concerning the valuation and existence of investments during the year. |
| Pantheon carries out a formal valuation process involving monthly reviews of valuations, the verification of auditreports and a review of any potential adjustments required to ensure reasonable valuations in accordance to fair market value principles underGAAP. |
||
| Business disruption should the services of Pantheon and other third party suppliers cease to be available to the Company. |
The Board keeps the services ofthe Manager and third party suppliers under continualreview. The Management Agreement is subject to a notice period of two years, giving the Board adequate time to make alternative arrangements in the event that the services of Pantheon cease to be available. |
The Board has approved the continuing appointment of the Manager and other service providers following an assessment of their respective performance during the year. |
| Significant disruption to IT systems may result in financial losses, the inability to perform business critical functions, regulatory censure, legal liability and reputational damage. |
Pantheon has a comprehensive set of policies, standards and procedures related to information technology. Ongoing investment and training to improve the reliability and resilience of Pantheon's information technology processes and systems. |
No material issues to report for the year. |
| Market and currency volatility may adversely impact returns. The Company's ability to market its shares to European investors may also be at risk. |
Pantheon has been monitoring policy developments and reviewing aspects oftheCompany's business thatrely on pan-EUarrangements. |
Pantheon has opened an office in Dublin, with Pantheon Ireland authorised to conduct regulated activities within the EU on behalf of Pantheon, ensuring that Brexit will have a minimal impact on Pantheon's ability to operate in Europe. |
strong position to finance all outstanding commitments on existing investments as well as being able to finance new investments.
Non-investment risk
In reviewing the Company's viability, the Board has considered the Company's position with reference to its business model, its business objectives, the principalrisks and uncertainties as detailed on pages 20 to 23 ofthis report and ofits present and expected financial position. In addition, the Board has also considered the Company's conservative approach to balance sheet management, which allows it to take advantage of significant investment opportunities, and the appropriateness oftheCompany's current investment objectives in the prevailing investment market and environment. The Board regularly reviews the prospects forthe Company's portfolio and the opportunities for new investment under a range of potential scenarios to ensure it can expect to be able to continue to finance its activities forthe medium-term future.
Based on its review, the Board has a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over a three year period.
On behalf ofthe Board Sir Laurie Magnus
6 August 2019
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Private equity is the term used for privately negotiated investments typically made in non-public companies. It covers a range of stages of a business's life, from start-ups to well-established firms. It is an attractive asset class for a broad range of investors as it can boost the performance of their investment portfolios and provide differentiated returns.
For the most part, capital in the industry is managed in non-listed structures, typically limited partnerships. Investors wishing to invest directly in a private equity fund are often expected to lock up their capital for at least ten years and many private equity firms only accept high minimum commitments to their funds from selected investors.
However, by buying shares in a listed private equity investment trust such as PIP, investors can gain ready access to private equity opportunities. For the price of one share, investors can participate in a managed, globally diversified private equity portfolio. Investors can also benefit from the administrative simplicity and liquidity obtained from being able to buy and sell shares trading on a recognised stock exchange. In addition, the capital gains that arise are retained within an investment trust structure, and are not subject to corporation tax.
How private equity managers add value
Andrew Lebus and Helen Steers, Partners at Pantheon, discuss the private equity market, Pantheon's activities in the past year and their expectations for the year ahead.

PIP's regional and sector exposure can be increased or decreased as appropriate in response to market conditions.
Helen Steers Partner



The best managers operate with long-term investment horizons, looking for high quality companies that are often in niche sectors and demonstrate real growth potential.
Andrew Lebus Partner
With an estimated value of just under \$4tn1 in 2018, the global private equity market seems to be achieving scale. What have been the key developments in the past year?
The private equity market is expanding strongly, but when we consider its size relative to the assets under management of some of the largest global investors, in traditional asset classes, there seems to be further room for growth. HS
Those of us working in private equity tend to think of it as a mainstream asset class, however over a third of institutional investors still do not allocate to private equity.
Of those investors that do allocate to private equity, many are planning to increase their exposure. Fundraising remains robust – with \$461bn2 raised in 2018 – albeit at a slightly lower level than in the previous year. Investment activity also remains robust, keeping pace with funds raised, and exits continue to generate strong cash flow.
At Pantheon, we have had another busy 12 months working with the best managers globally to source attractive investments for PIP's portfolio. These manager relationships are not formed overnight, they are the result of the tireless work of our global investment team of over 80 professionals who are able to use their extensive networks, built up over many years, and their access to privileged information to tap into the exciting deal flow that we continue to see in our pipeline. AL
1 Source: Preqin April 2019, data as at June 2018.
2 Source: Preqin, April 2019.
There is an estimated \$1.2tn3 of private equity "dry powder" (capital raised and available to invest but not yet deployed) globally and many private equity investors are paying relatively high prices for assets. How is Pantheon ensuring that PIP is not overpaying for assets?
During the almost 30 years that I have been in private equity, including 15 years at Pantheon, there have often been concerns about "too much capital chasing too few deals". While it is true that the amount of dry powder is high, it is important that we put this into context and compare it with capital deployment. New investment appears to be keeping pace with fundraising, resulting in a ratio of deal activity to dry powder that has been steady over the past few years. HS
In addition, dry powder tends to be concentrated in the mega buyout segment of the market. At Pantheon we are more focused on the mid-market, where we frequently see greater growth potential in the underlying businesses and with more routes to exit. Our mid-market managers, or General Partners ("GPs"), may choose to sell assets to these larger managers, who can then take those businesses forward into their next stages of development.
Undeniably, valuations continue to be high but we think that this is true of all equity investments. Our managers are responding to this and mitigating valuation multiples by employing buy-and-build strategies, where smaller accretive acquisitions can be completed. Managers will also implement operational improvements to maximise the growth potential in the investee businesses, entering into more complex transactions, for which many strategic buyers may not have the required expertise or resources, and by specialising in sector and deal types where private equity involvement can really boost the potential of those businesses. AL
Amidst the growing geopolitical tensions, especially between the USA and China, and uncertainty affecting many investment decisions, to what degree is PIP exposed to businesses that could bear the brunt of such disruption?
Asia (and Emerging Markets) represent a smaller part of PIP's portfolio, compared to the USA and Europe, and for the past decade Pantheon's investment focus in China has been on domestic consumption. There is negligible exposure in PIP's portfolio to companies that could be directly impacted by the US-China trade dispute, however there is no doubt that sentiment is starting to weigh on business and consumer spending through the erosion of confidence. How this plays out will very much depend on the length and intensity of the trade war and its outcome. This applies not only to China and the USA, but also to other economies through their roles in the global supply chain. AL
Closer to home for PIP, as it is a pound sterling-quoted stock, is the continued uncertainty around Brexit in the UK and the question of how and when the UK will leave the European Union. While Pantheon and our managers are taking a careful approach to deploying capital in the UK, it continues to be a relatively attractive jurisdiction from a private equity perspective, which is focused on long-term investment. Having said that, the UK only represents around 8% of PIP's total underlying portfolio.
This highlights the importance of how PIP invests – PIP's regional and sector exposure can be increased or decreased as appropriate in response to market conditions. But even in regions or sectors where there is pressure, our managers are still able to spot compelling opportunities and take advantage of market dislocations where there are attractive growth prospects over the long term. HS
We still see the most opportunities in the USA, which has the deepest and most established private equity market, and we expect that to continue. In Europe, many of the managers that Pantheon backs are regional or pan-European managers who are able to deploy capital in different countries as economic events unfold during an investment period. AL
It is likely that the US economy has been buoyed by the changes in tax allowances, which has bolstered investment there. It appears that the emerging economies, particularly China, India and Korea, have been the main drivers behind global economic growth in recent years so any decline there will contribute to a downturn. In its more than 30-year history, PIP has been through multiple cycles, and we believe that the strength of PIP's balance sheet, with the careful control of its undrawn commitments and liquidity ratio, means that it is well positioned to withstand a downturn. AL
Also, we are backing managers who themselves have been through a HS
number of cycles and have experience of managing assets in less favourable conditions. Let's not forget that one of the key characteristics of private equity is that our managers are not under any pressure to sell their assets and indeed they may choose not to sell if they do not believe that the timing is right for a particular business. A key part of Pantheon's due diligence process is assessing how a manager has performed in previous downturns so that we are able to build up a picture of how they might respond and perform in the future.
From all my time in private equity, of which 25 years have been at Pantheon, I have seen how our managers are able to adapt and be flexible. As they are out of the public eye, our managers have the space and time to respond to events and implement changes to grow businesses over the long term. We believe that this is one of the reasons why companies are choosing to stay private for longer before listing on public markets. AL
I think that the pressures being experienced in the retail sector are well documented and so we are staying away from consumer discretionary businesses that are excessively exposed to the economic cycle. Instead, we prefer defensive sectors, such as healthcare and education, that offer growth via innovation or demographics rather than being correlated to GDP. AL
Technology disruption can be seen as a threat but it is also an opportunity. Many managers are recognising that there are overlaps between technology and other sectors, and are not only establishing technology verticals but also using technology horizontally within their existing platforms. They are driving innovation and using advanced data analytics to optimise operations and launch new products. Pantheon is alert to the opportunities that this presents for value creation in our underlying portfolio companies and we talk about this in more detail on pages 34 and 35. HS
The global secondary market is growing and, with an estimated record \$74bn4 of deal volume in 2018, this trend looks set to continue. As pioneers in this space, how has Pantheon kept up with these developments?
I sit on the Global Secondary Investment Committee at Pantheon and have seen first hand how the secondary market has become a more established channel through which both investors and private equity managers can facilitate liquidity or reshape their portfolios. AL
GP-led transactions – where the GPs themselves are actively involved in finding liquidity for an investor in their fund – are an increasing part of the market and represented 32% of the total secondary volume in 2018, up from 20% in 20144. The types of secondary transactions are evolving and, in addition to traditional secondary deals, now also include restructuring programmes and tenders. Single-asset deals, where GPs carve out individual assets that they do not yet wish to sell, are also increasing. A long-established, experienced secondary market player such as Pantheon is an attractive investor for these kinds of deals and we often work with our managers to shape the deal itself.
Pricing in the secondary market has remained broadly flat with good quality buyout funds, which are Pantheon's focus, tending to trade at around NAV. At Pantheon, we have manager relationships that span decades and through our platform, we are able to identify deals that offer embedded value. Maintaining discipline and selectivity is paramount and we use our in-house expertise to choose our investments carefully. We are actively avoiding early stage venture funds and deals where there is poor alignment with the GP, underperforming assets, a mixed quality GP track record, a lack of visibility around the exit or if the rationale for the secondary transaction is unclear. Instead, we focus on acquiring concentrated positions in more recent (younger than 10 years) vintages where the attributes for outperformance are more pronounced.
I am a long-standing member of the Global Co-investment Committee at Pantheon and have observed that our platform continues to yield significant co-investment opportunities. As with all our investments, we have maintained our disciplined approach and only invest in deals where the targeted business is a good fit for the manager in terms of their sector and geographic expertise. The valuation environment has been aggressive, and our dedicated and experienced co-investment team works continuously with our managers to understand their valuation metrics and challenge them. HS
Pantheon remains an attractive co-investor for several reasons – we do not compete against our managers, we are reliable, and we have the scale and ability to deploy capital quickly and efficiently. In addition, we can also co-underwrite transactions alongside our managers.
We have discussed the high valuations but debt levels have been rising as well. However, there are some mitigating factors to this – the percentage of equity invested into businesses is healthy, there are more covenant-lite structures which allow GPs some flexibility if companies underperform and finally, and perhaps most reassuringly, many of our managers remember the Global Financial Crisis and still have the scars on their backs. Several GPs have in-house debt teams to ensure that they are making the best use of the leverage available to them on attractive terms and, importantly, are disciplined enough to decline the amount of leverage on offer if it isn't appropriate. AL
-3.8% Reduction in number of public companies, per annum
+4.2% Increase in number of
private equity-backed companies, per annum

We have also observed an increasingly complex environment for our GPs, including changing investor dynamics, greater regulation affecting operational strategies, and more detailed reporting and transparency requirements. This is why Pantheon's ability to assess the risks as well as the opportunities as part of its detailed due diligence process is so important. In my roles on the European Investment, International Investment and Co-investment Committees at Pantheon, I see most of the deals that Pantheon is sourcing for PIP and I often say that assessing those deals is both an art and a science. It's not just about the numbers – although they matter of course – but of equal importance is understanding the mechanics of how a manager operates and whether they have the right people, strategy and tools in place to be able to respond quickly to events and deliver good performance in the future. HS
Sometimes private equity is portrayed in a negative light and it is true that there have been some high-profile cases of things going wrong. However, it is important to understand that the best managers operate with long-term investment horizons, looking for high quality companies that are often in niche sectors and demonstrate real growth potential. They focus on creating value in their investee businesses through hands-on operational and strategic support and there is a real alignment of interest between the investors, private equity manager and a company's management with everyone crystallising equity value at the same time once the value creation plan has been achieved. AL
In addition, there seems to be a belief that environmental, social and governance factors are not considered in private equity investment. This couldn't be further from the truth and our colleagues Alex Scott and Jie Gong discuss this in more detail on pages 40 and 41. HS
As I said at the beginning, the private equity market is growing but still has much further to go. This presents a wealth of opportunities for an established, long-term investor such as Pantheon. Even if entry prices for private equity investments remain high, we believe that there will be greater recognition of the role of private equity in stimulating growth, transforming businesses and providing attractive returns. The corollary of expanding private markets is the shrinkage that we are seeing in public markets, which is illustrated in the above chart. Investors are finding that private markets are providing access to faster growing, younger and more innovative companies. HS
We will continue to focus on building a diversified portfolio for PIP, which we are able to achieve flexibly through our three pillars of investment – primaries, secondaries and co-investments – that we believe is capable of delivering healthy returns and of continuing to outperform benchmark public market indices over the long term. AL




Disruptive technology is changing the way private equity does business. Our investment strategies are evolving while there are many opportunities for our managers to source new types of deals and use technology to add value to our portfolio companies.
| Media & Telecoms | Digital media, data services and cloud-based solutions |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | FinTech, including digital payments and mobile investment/ trading services |
| Healthcare | Healthcare software, telemedicine, health analytics |
| Manufacturing | Industry 4.0, IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things) |
| Aerospace & Defence | Augmented reality, advanced robotics, Big Data and analytics |
| Consumer & Retail | E-commerce, digital targeting and social media engagement |

Sandaya is an operator of premium family campsites in Europe
Apax Partners, a Paris-headquartered mid-market buyout fund manager, invested in Sandaya in 2016 and saw an opportunity to increase the proportion of revenue derived from e-commerce, which was low relative to its competitors. By helping the company build its internal technology expertise, enhance its digital marketing efforts, launch a new web and mobile site, and improve its customer feedback system, Sandaya was able to:


Actify Data Labs delivers business solutions using advanced data analytics, algorithms and augmented intelligence

Actify Data Labs was initially established in 2018 as a data analytics platform catering purely to the portfolio companies of True North, a mid-market buyout manager based in India. True North identified the platform's greater potential and with their backing, Actify was able to:

AbacusNext is a leading Technologyas-a-Service provider primarily serving
the legal and accounting professions
Providence Strategic Growth, a US growth fund manager, invested in Abacus in 2016. At the time, the company was focused on providing practice management software for the legal profession. Under private equity ownership, Abacus was able to:
Pantheon assesses deals across many sectors and has seen interesting opportunities in information technology and healthcare as well as attractive deal dynamics in certain energy and financial sector transactions and areas in the consumer sector. Investing in, or alongside, managers who have the expertise to identify and capitalise on shifting sector trends gives PIP access to the most promising segments within these sectors. The industry reclassification2 of certain media companies globally from Consumer to Communication Services contributed to the reduction in exposure to the Consumer sector in PIP's portfolio during the year.

| 1 | Information Technology | 24% |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Healthcare | 18% |
| 3 | Consumer | 16% |
| 4 | Financials | 12% |
| 5 | Industrials | 9% |
| 6 | Energy | 9% |
| 7 | Communication Services | 7% |
| 8 | Others | 5% |

1 The company sector chart is based upon underlying company valuations as at 31 March 2019 and account for over 98% of PIP's overall portfolio value.
2 Industry reclassification undertaken by the Global Industry Classification Standard ("GICS").
Healthcare 18%
Ageing populations and growing middle classes are shifting healthcare needs
PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES

Operator of retirement homes

Provider of behavioural health services
Increasing use of advanced diagnostics and specialty pharmaceuticals to treat chronic conditions PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES
Pharmaceutical company focused on oncology and rare diseases

Manufacturer of antibodies for the diagnostics industry
Reliance on technology to manage healthcare workflows
PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES

Provider of clinical and financial software solutions for the healthcare industry
Provider of healthcare account administration software and services


| Information Technology 1 |
24% |
|---|---|
| Healthcare 2 |
18% |
| Consumer 3 |
16% |
| Financials 4 |
12% |
| Industrials 5 |
9% |
| Energy 6 |
9% |
| Communication services 7 |
7% |
| Others 8 |
5% |
Consolidation in the insurance brokerage market
PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES

Property and casualty insurance broker
Wholesale life and health insurance broker
Surge in challenger banks that offer niche products to underserved markets
PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES

Specialist lending and savings bank
Specialist mortgage bank

PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES
Technology playing a greater role in the provision of new financial products
accepting digital payments Provider of digital banking
Provider of high quality solutions for making and
services
| Technology-led innovations improve productivity and reduce costs PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES |
|
|---|---|
| Provider of site management and maintenance services for wireless communication towers |
|
| Provider of technology enabled logistics services |
|
| Use of specialised outsourcers for non-core processes PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES |
|
| Provider of personnel placement services in Germany |
|
| Provider of digital marketing services in the USA |

Alex Scott and Jie Gong, Partners at Pantheon, discuss Pantheon's approach to responsible investment and how environmental, social and governance ("ESG") factors are incorporated in PIP's portfolio.

Joined 2013, 22 years of private equity experience. Jie is a member of Pantheon's Asia Regional Investment Committee and the Global Co-investment Committee. She is also a member of Pantheon's ESG Committee and the Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
AS For us, the principles of responsible investing are upheld in all of our investment activities. It goes beyond just the 'avoiding harm' type of negative screening and incorporates ESG-based risk mitigation as well as value creation opportunities, which benefit all stakeholders of our portfolio companies. Our objective is to seek competitive risk-adjusted financial returns, and we believe that embracing ESG in our investment approach helps support that objective. While Pantheon is not an impact investor, which seeks environmental and social impact in all investments, there are a number of companies in PIP's portfolio which generate such benefits as part of their business positioning. An example of this is First Watch, a US-based investment in PIP's portfolio, which is a large award-winning restaurant chain that uses its purchasing power to bring tangible benefits to its suppliers and helps them to invest in the communities in which they operate. This is discussed in more detail on pages 42 and 43.

Joined 2005, 22 years of private equity experience. Alex is a senior member of Pantheon's European investment team, a member of the European Investment Committee and the ESG Committee, having led Pantheon's ESG initiatives and industry engagement since 2015.
JG Responsible investing is entirely consistent with Pantheon's fiduciary role as a steward of our clients' capital. We have an in-house ESG Committee – comprised of senior individuals from investment, risk and investor relations teams – which sets Pantheon's ESG strategy and policy, and provides feedback across the business and to external stakeholders. We have valued the ESG framework as an investment frame of reference from very early on: we were one of the first private equity signatories of the United Nationssupported Principles for Responsible Investment ("PRI").
JG The scope of ESG has widened, which is a reflection of the increasingly complex environment due to technological advances, industry evolution and social changes. For example, customer data protection has quickly risen to be one of the top items in the 'social' category of the ESG
lexicon today compared with the relative obscurity of the concept ten years ago. Also, ESG incorporation is developing more 'teeth'. It has gone beyond just being investment policies and practices, it is now also about measurement. The recent developments in the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") standards and the Task Force on Climaterelated Financial Disclosure ("TCFD") both have measurable metrics as the ultimate goal. As the saying goes: what gets measured, gets managed.
AS Yes, ESG ranking is an integral part of our entire investment assessment and due diligence process. For our fund investments, each manager or 'GP' is rated green, amber or red based on a variety of factors. Those ranked amber or red are typically lacking in some critical aspect of ESG, for example not having a formal ESG policy in place, no ESG reporting mechanism, or no designated senior person overseeing ESG incorporation. Not having a green rating does not indicate a lack of intention to incorporate ESG or a shortage of the fiduciary mindset. Rather, most often it is a function of a manager being recently formed or with constrained team bandwidth and therefore not having had the time or resources to put in place its policies, or not having seen the benefit of ESG reporting. As time passes, most managers migrate to the green rating. Among the 20 primary commitments made by PIP during the period, only two have not yet received the green rating.
JG Many GPs have found our engagement through the ESG rating process to be valuable. We have introduced them to the
tools available on the PRI website, the SASB Sustainability Map, and other useful resources. Pantheon is a signatory to the Global Investor Statement on Climate Change, which was facilitated by the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative Climate Change Working Group, and we seek to ensure that our managers are aware of the risks of climate change in their investment selection process and that they act in accordance with the relevant climate change regulations. Since we incorporated climate change into our ESG due diligence questionnaire, several GPs have learned what the climate change risks actually are! For example, LYFE Capital, one of the Asian managers in the PIP portfolio, expressed appreciation for our climate change training at their office recently and have since included climate change risk assessment in their due diligence process. Assisting our GPs on their ESG journey is a part of how we add value as an investor.
AS RepRisk, which is a third party service that was fully integrated into Pantheon's pre- and post-monitoring processes in 2017, has dramatically extended our monitoring reach. We have excellent coverage and receive live alerts and news flow on issues affecting the underlying portfolio companies, including those held by PIP. We log any incidents and follow up on issues that we regard as material with the relevant manager to further understand more about the background, assess the accuracy and reporting of the incident and to find out how the manager plans to address the issue or what steps might already have been taken. As a result, we are better informed and can challenge our managers when we need to, making it more of a two-way dialogue. Often, we hear that we are the only investor of our type to have contacted the GP, which we think reflects how Pantheon is taking the lead in this regard. During the period, incidents in companies accounting for around just 1% of PIP's NAV required follow up with the relevant GP, and in all the cases, we were satisfied that the correct action had been taken where necessary.
JG Both awareness and adoption of ESG principles have been improving steadily but the uptake of ESG practices remains somewhat uneven. To remedy this, we have been very active in promoting the integration of ESG in a number of different ways. We work with various private equity trade associations to advocate ESG through organising and speaking at seminars and workshops. In addition, we have contributed to the development of a number of UNPRI ESG guidelines, and those created by the Institutional Limited Partners Association ("ILPA") and some regional organisations, which are important tools to empower ESG incorporation and promote standardisation of practices. We also set up a biennial ESG Award of Excellence in Asia, the first of its kind in the region, through our role at the Hong Kong Private Equity and Venture Capital Association. Alongside other advocates, our efforts are making a difference in raising the ESG standards of our industry.
Turning to employee diversity and inclusion, it could be said that private equity still faces some challenges in terms of gender diversity. However, Pantheon has won awards for its approach and is recognised as an industry leader for promoting gender equality within its own workforce. What is the secret to your success?
JG Diversity has always been part of Pantheon's DNA. The spirit of inclusion is characteristic of Pantheon's culture of openness and respect. I sit on our Global Diversity Committee, which coordinates Pantheon's initiatives to drive forward our practices and policies, and the firm is also a Signatory to the UK Government's Women in Finance Charter, which commits us to a
pre-set target of gender diversity. We believe that we were the first private equity firm to publish its gender diversity data, which demonstrates the transparent approach that we take to the conduct of our business, and as at 1 January 2019 our workforce was split almost equally between males and females, and over 40% of our Global Heads of Departments are female. In addition, Helen Steers, a Partner at Pantheon, is one of the co-founders of Level 20 (www.level20.org) whose aim is to inspire women to join and succeed in private equity.
Of course, diversity is not just about gender and we strive to ensure that our workforce is ethnically diverse and reflects the global nature of our business. We also support Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, a non-profit organisation focused on this issue, in a variety of ways.
AS The UK's Modern Slavery Act requires Pantheon to report annually on the steps we take to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our business or supply chains. Pantheon's ESG policy is already aligned with a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery and trafficking, and both the policy and the Modern Slavery Statement can be found on Pantheon's website (www.pantheon.com).
JG At Pantheon, we are constantly assessing and developing our approach to ESG to ensure that we stay ahead. It is our strong view that incorporating ESG into our investment and business processes is not only the right practice for our planet and people, it is also good for business and has a positive impact on our ability to create value in PIP's portfolio.



There's growing evidence that consumers look for companies that integrate social and environmental factors into their business plan, and the way we look at it, it's just good business to do those things.
Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch
375 No. of restaurants across 32 US states
\$1m Total donations made to Share Our Strength's "No Kid Hungry" campaign
First Watch Restaurants is the largest and fastest growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the USA. The company was founded 35 years ago in Pacific Grove, California, and has won many customer, industry and local awards for its healthy and innovative menu.
First Watch partners with organisations with a clear social mission, while harnessing its normal business and purchasing practices to benefit quality suppliers that invest in their own communities.

Advent was attracted to First Watch because it is a healthorientated restaurant concept focused on breakfast, a growing segment of the restaurant market. The company has strong customer loyalty and a scalable business, with significant whitespace for new restaurants.
In conducting due diligence on the investment, Advent identified the opportunity to develop a more formal corporate social responsibility programme and more strongly communicate existing sustainability initiatives. Post-investment, this has translated into the development of the Project Sunrise initiative and more robust programmes related to data security and food safety.
In 2017, PIP committed to Advent International Global Private Equity VIII which then invested in First Watch. PIP places importance on Pantheon's commitment to incorporating ESG factors in its investment and decision-making processes, and its ability to monitor the policies and progress of managers and their underlying portfolio companies.
PIP received more than 1,5001 distributions in the year, with many reflecting realisations at significant uplifts to carrying value. PIP's mature portfolio should continue to generate significant distributions.
PIP received £277m in proceeds from PIP's portfolio in the year to 31 May 2019 equivalent to 24%2 of opening private equity assets. The USA accounted for the majority of PIP's distributions, where market conditions supported a good level of exits, particularly from buyouts.


| Large/mega buyout | 34% |
|---|---|
| Small/mid buyout | 33% |
| Growth | 23% |
| Venture | 6% |
| Special situations | 4% |
Strong quarterly distribution rates reflect the maturity of PIP's portfolio.
Distribution rate equals distributions in the period (annualised) divided by opening portfolio value.

With a weighted average fund maturity of 5.2 years3, PIP's portfolio should continue to generate significant levels of cash.

1 This figure looks through feeders and funds-of-funds.
2 Including distributions attributable to the Asset Linked Note, the distribution rate for the year was 25%.
3 Calculation for weighted average age excludes the portion of the reference portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note. Fund age refers to the year in which a fund make its first call or in the case of a co-investment, the year in which the co-investment was made.
The average cost multiple of the sample was 3.3 times, highlighting value creation over the course of an investment.

The value-weighted average uplift in the year was 36%, consistent with our view that realisations can be significantly incremental to returns.
The method used to calculate the average uplift has been changed in this period to compare the value at exit with the value twelve months, rather than the value six months, prior to exit. The reason for this change is that six month prior valuations now more commonly reflect the value implied by an impending realisation event and may not give a true reflection of the uplift achieved through exit, particularly for co-investments which represent a growing proportion of realisation activity.
The portfolio benefited from strong realisation activity, particularly in the information technology and consumer sectors.
Secondary buyouts and trade sales represented the most significant source of exit activity during the year. The data in the sample provide coverage for 100% (for exit realisations by sector) and 89% (for exit realisations by type) of proceeds from exit realisations received during the period.
1 See page 128 of the Alternative Performance Measures section for sample calculations and disclosures.

Healthcare 7% Energy 5% Others 5%
EXIT REALISATIONS BY SECTOR EXIT REALISATIONS BY TYPE



In the end, it wasn't the size of the round or the valuation that brought us together, but our mutual ambition to build a global payments business that was truly transformational. The Adyen team had a real clarity of purpose from day one, and the role of everyone around the table was to make sure that we stayed focused, and didn't get distracted by too many new features or off-strategy opportunities. It's the only way we stood a chance of having a material impact on the \$23 trillion payments industry.
4bn No. of transactions processed annually
60%+ Increase in share price since its IPO
Jan Hammer, Index Ventures
Adyen is a technology company that aims to redefine the payments industry.
The firm's multi-channel (card, online, mobile) technology removes friction for both shoppers and merchants, reduces settlement time and provides valuable data insights to merchants.
Key clients include Uber, Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, Etsy, Vodafone, Sephora, Tory Burch, L'Oréal, Nike, Skype, Dropbox and Booking.com

Since its founding in 1996, Index Ventures has worked with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the USA and Europe. Adyen, which is run by a founder-led management team that actively fosters innovation, is no exception.
The team at Index Ventures saw the potential for Adyen to disrupt the traditional payment services landscape with its globally integrated platform. The company is well-positioned to take advantage of the growth in the global payments market, underpinned by the increasing globalisation of commerce, changing shopping behaviours and the rise of electronic and mobile commerce.
Pantheon's relationship with Index Ventures extends back to 2004, when Pantheon invested on behalf of its clients in Index's flagship Venture funds, and subsequently into the firm's Growth funds. PIP is invested in Adyen through different Index funds, all of which have been access constrained. Pantheon is a member of the Advisory Board of every Index Ventures fund.
Index Ventures invested €68m in Adyen to support the company at different stages of its growth and in doing so, helped position Adyen to become one of Europe's largest, and most successful, technology initial public offerings.




Both Widex and Sivantos have been at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Together, WS Audiology has abundant resources to create excellent products and further accelerate innovation with creative, high-tech and easy-to-use products and services, broadening the choice for hearing aid users.
Thomas Ebeling, Chairman of the Board of Directors of WS Audiology
€100m Annual budget for
15% Share of global hearing aid market
research and development
Sivantos is one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in Singapore, the company offers a diverse portfolio of technologically advanced products under brands such as Signia, Audio Services and Rexton.
In May 2018, Sivantos merged with Widex to form WS Audiology. The merger created a top-three hearing aid contender globally, with a comprehensive, multi-channel sales and distribution platform in more than 125 markets.
Founded in 1994, EQT invests in companies where there is an opportunity to effect growth through the consistent application of an industrial approach and access to specialist expertise.
In Sivantos, EQT saw an opportunity to invest in an operationally astute business with healthy growth prospects, limited cyclicality, high barriers to entry and a strong standing in emerging markets.
Pantheon and PIP have a long-standing relationship with EQT, having invested in a series of EQT funds through primaries and secondaries. In 2015, PIP also co-invested £3.0m in Sivantos alongside EQT.
EQT invested €542m in Sivantos to support product and channel innovation, geographic expansion and growth through strategic acquisitions.
| TOP LINE GROWTH | Above market growth through new technology platforms | |
|---|---|---|
| +57% | Successfully developed add-ons acquisitions (e.g. audibene, TruHearing) | |
| OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS | Realised cost savings by executing management's Full Potential Plan, with the support | |
| +5% | of EQT and its industrial advisors | |
| STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING | Positioned as a leading digital player through innovative products/services and acquisitions | |
| +52% | Strong footprint in emerging markets | |
| DEBT PAYDOWN -14% |
Optimised capital structure and invested in M&A |
| Rank | Company | Country | Sector | Description | Company Distributions (£m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | StandardAero | USA | Industrials | Aftermarket repair services provider | 17.3 |
| 2 | Recorded Books | USA | Consumer | Publisher of audio books and other digital content | 13.7 |
| 3 | Adyen | Netherlands | Information Technology | Global payment company | 12.5 |
| 4 | Confidential | USA | Information Technology | Emergency services software company | 11.7 |
| 5 | Sivantos | Singapore | Healthcare | Manufacturer of hearing aids | 10.7 |
| 6 | Spotify | Luxembourg | Information Technology | On-demand digital music streaming service provider | 7.9 |
| 7 | Alliant Insurance | USA | Financials | Insurance brokerage company | 7.7 |
| 8 | Farfetch | United Kingdom | Consumer | Clothing, accessories and beauty online retailer | 7.5 |
| 9 | GlobalTranz | USA | Information Technology | Logistics services provider | 6.2 |
| 10 | Confidential | USA | Information Technology | Provider of employee health engagement software solutions | 6.1 |
| 11 | NIBC Bank | Netherlands | Financials | Financial services company | 5.8 |
| 12 | Confidential | USA | Information Technology | Open-source software development company | 5.5 |
| 13 | Adaptive Insights | USA | Information Technology | Provider of business budgeting software | 4.1 |
| 14 | Rollon | Italy | Industrials | Industrial machinery company | 4.1 |
| 15 | Nexi | Italy | Financials | Payment and securities services provider | 4.0 |
| 16 | Pret A Manger | United Kingdom | Consumer | Retailer of sandwiches, soups and drinks | 3.3 |
| 17 | Sundance | USA | Consumer | Fashion and accessories retailer | 3.3 |
| 18 | Cognita | United Kingdom | Consumer | Global private school group | 3.1 |
| 19 | Confidential | Luxembourg | Consumer | Platform for the acquisition of higher education assets | 2.9 |
| 20 | FleetPride | USA | Industrials | Heavy-duty truck and trailer parts distributor | 2.6 |
| 21 | Ambea | Sweden | Healthcare | Healthcare services provider | 2.5 |
| 22 | Eze Software | USA | Information Technology | Investment management software company | 2.4 |
| 23 | Orchid Orthopedic Solutions | USA | Healthcare | Manufacturer of surgical implants | 2.4 |
| 24 | Acrisure | USA | Financials | Property and personal insurance provider | 2.3 |
| 25 | United Group | Netherlands | Communication Services | Media company | 2.3 |
| 26 | BMC Software | USA | Information Technology | Provider of digital information technology solutions | 2.3 |
| 27 | Springs Window Fashions | USA | Consumer | Provider of commercial window treatment services | 2.3 |
| 28 | Deutsche Fachpflege | Germany | Healthcare | Provider of non-clinical intensive care services | 2.2 |
| 29 | OSY Technologies | Israel | Information Technology | Cybersecurity services provider | 2.2 |
| 30 | Cabot Credit Management | United Kingdom | Financials | Provider of credit management services | 2.1 |
| 31 | Paris Presents | USA | Consumer | Manufacturer of branded beauty accessories | 2.1 |
| 32 | Active Minerals | USA | Materials | Provider of mineral products for industrial use | 2.0 |
| 33 | Advanced Traffic Solutions | USA | Information Technology | Developer of traffic management software solutions | 1.9 |
| 34 | Apollo Education | USA | Consumer | Testing education provider | 1.9 |
| 35 | Warranty Group | USA | Financials | Payment processing company | 1.9 |
| 36 | eFront | France | Information Technology | Web-based integrated capability solutions provider | 1.9 |
| 37 | Xiaomi | China | Information Technology | Consumer electronics company | 1.8 |
| 38 | Humanetics | USA | Information Technology | Manufacturer of computer crash test models | 1.7 |
| 39 | LBX Pharmacy | China | Consumer | Pharmacy chain | 1.7 |
| 40 | Acturis | United Kingdom | Information Technology | Insurance software company | 1.7 |
| 41 | Confidential | USA | Financials | Provider of insurance, warranty and support services | 1.7 |
| 42 | Bonne Terre | United Kingdom | Consumer | Online gaming company | 1.6 |
| 43 | Aimbridge Hospitality | USA | Financials | Hotel operator | 1.6 |
| 44 | Profi Rom | Romania | Consumer | Convenience store chain | 1.6 |
| 45 | Verimatrix | USA | Information Technology | Provider of content security solutions for pay-TV networks | 1.6 |
| 46 | Pluralsight | USA | Consumer | Provider of programming software | 1.6 |
| 47 | Cargus International | Romania | Industrials | Provider of courier and freight services | 1.6 |
| 48 | Confidential | France | Communication Services | Broadband service provider | 1.6 |
| 49 | Saxo Bank | Denmark | Financials | Bank and online trading company | 1.5 |
| 50 | Smartsheet | USA | Information Technology | Provider of online project management software | 1.5 |
| TOTAL | 197.5 | ||||
| Coverage of total distributions | 71% | ||||
Calls during the year were used to finance investments in businesses such as healthcare facilities, application software developers, insurance brokers and education services companies.
PIP paid £107m to finance calls on undrawn commitments during the year.
The calls were predominantly made by managers in the buyout and growth segments.

| Europe | 29% |
|---|---|
| Asia and EM | 12% |
| Global | 7% |

| Small/mid buyout | 38% |
|---|---|
| Large/mega buyout | 28% |
| Growth | 22% |
| Special situations | 11% |
| Venture | 1% |
A large proportion of calls were for investments made in the healthcare, information technology, consumer and financial sectors.


| Healthcare | 19% |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | 19% |
| Consumer | 16% |
| Financials | 13% |
| Industrials | 12% |
| Energy | 9% |
| Telecom Services | 6% |
| Materials | 3% |
| Others | 3% |

Quarterly call rate1
The average annualised call rate for the year to 31 May 2019 was 24%.
Through PIP's access to an active pipeline of high quality deal flow, it committed £341m to 59 new investments during the year. Of the total commitment made, £165m was drawn at the time of purchase.
The majority of commitments made in the year were to US and European private equity opportunities.

The majority of new commitments made in the year were in the buyout segment, with particular emphasis on small and medium buyouts.

New commitment during the year reflect the attractiveness of opportunities across the spectrum of PIP's investment activity.
Primaries and co-investments, which accounted for over two thirds of total commitments during the year offer exposure to current vintages. Secondary investments made during the period were mostly in 2015 and later funds, consistent with PIP's strategy of focusing on recent vintage investments while reducing its weighting to older tail-end funds.

Secondary investments allow the Company to access funds at a stage when the assets are generating cash distributions.
The private equity secondary market has grown significantly over the last ten years, both in scale and complexity. Despite strong competition, PIP continues to originate compelling opportunities derived from Pantheon's global platform and its expertise in executing complex secondary transactions over which it may have proprietary access. Over the last 12 months, in addition to traditional secondary transactions, PIP has participated in preferred capital investments and deals that involved single asset investments with significant upside potential.
£105m committed to 13 secondary transactions during the year.
| Commitments | Funded | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region | Stage | Description | £m | %2 |
| USA | Growth | Portfolio of four US growth funds | 19.2 | 95% |
| Europe | Small/mid | UK mid-market buyout fund | 13.2 | 61% |
| USA | Small/mid | Secondary acquisition of a minority interest in an ophthalmology company | 13.0 | 100% |
| Europe | Special sits | European special situations fund | 12.5 | 89% |
| USA | Special sits | Secondary investment in a US oil and gas producer | 12.1 | 100% |
Investing in primary funds allows PIP to gain exposure to top tier, well recognised managers as well as to smaller niche funds that might not typically be traded on the secondary market. Our focus remains on investing with high quality managers who have the proven ability to drive value at the underlying company level, and generate strong returns across market cycles. In addition, we target funds with market leading specialisms in high growth sectors such as healthcare and information technology.
| £160m |
|---|
| committed to 20 |
| primaries during the year. |
| Commitments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | Stage | Description | £m |
| Advent Global Private Equity IX USD | Large/mega | Global large buyout fund | 23.8 |
| Searchlight Capital III | Special sits | Global special situations fund | 20.5 |
| Altor Fund V | Small/mid | European mid-market buyout fund focused on the Nordic region | 19.4 |
| ECI 11 | Small/mid | Mid-market growth buyout fund focused on the UK | 15.0 |
| Growth Fund3 | Growth | North American fund targeting growth-stage technology companies | 11.0 |
1 Funds acquired in secondary transactions are not named due to non-disclosure agreements.
2 Funding level does not include deferred payments.
3 Confidential.
PIP's co-investment programme benefits from Pantheon's extensive primary investment platform which has enabled PIP to participate in proprietary mid-market deals that would otherwise be difficult to access. PIP invests alongside managers who have the sector expertise to source and acquire attractively priced assets and build value through operational enhancements, organic growth and buy-and-build strategies.
The healthcare, information technology and financials sectors in the USA in particular, offered compelling investment opportunities.
£76m committed to 26 co-investments during the year.

| USA | 67% |
|---|---|
| Europe | 12% |
| Asia and EM | 18% |
| Global | 3% |


£1.3m Co-investment
£3.5m
Co-investment

£2.2m Co-investment

£2.5m Co-investment

Renaissance Learning offers cloud-based assessment, teaching and learning solutions to pre-K to 12 customers. Its products are found in c.45,000 schools in the USA today and are sold into more than 90 countries.
PIP is a long-standing investor in Francisco Partners, having made primary commitments to its funds dating back to 2005. By investing in Renaissance Learning alongside Francisco Partners, PIP is well-positioned to capitalise on the growth of education technology, a core area of focus for this manager.
90+ Countries of operation


Mitchell International is a leading provider of claims software and technology-enabled workflow solutions to the property and casualty insurance industry.
PIP invested in Mitchell International alongside Stone Point Capital, a financial services-focused manager that has a track record of completing and successfully exiting prior investments in the insurance and workers' compensation space.
300 Insurance providers supported by Mitchell International's technology platform
Accounting standards require private equity managers to value their portfolios at fair value. Public market movements can be reflected in valuations.
PIP's sample-weighted average enterprise value/EBITDA was 11.9 times, compared to 8.1 times and 10.4 times for the FTSE All-Share and MSCI World indices respectively.
PIP invests proportionately more in high growth sectors, such as technology and healthcare than quoted markets, and these sectors trade at a premium to other sectors.
PIP's sample valuation multiple of 11.9 times can be considered in the context of its growth relative to the MSCI World Index.
Weighted average revenue and EBITDA growth for the sample buyout companies in PIP's portfolio continued to exceed growth rates seen amongst companies that constitute the MSCI World Index.
Strong top-line performance, disciplined cost control, good earnings growth, together with an efficient use of capital, underpin the investment thesis of many private equity managers.



Venture, growth and buyout investments have differing leverage characteristics.
Average debt multiples for small/medium buyout investments, which represent the largest segment of PIP's buyout portfolio, are typically lower than debt levels in the large/mega buyout segment.
1 See page 128 of the Alternative Performance Measures section for sample calculations and disclosures.

PIP's undrawn commitments1 enable the Company to participate in future investments in underlying companies as private equity managers build their portfolios
PIP's undrawn commitments to investments increased to £521m as at 31 May 2019 from £440m as at 31 May 2018. The Company paid calls of £107m and added £176m of undrawn commitments associated with new investments made in the year. Foreign exchange effects and fund terminations accounted for the remainder of the movement.
The USA and Europe have the largest undrawn commitments, reflecting the Company's investment emphasis on more developed private equity markets. Commitments to Asia and other regions provide access to faster-growing economies.

PIP's undrawn commitments are diversified by stage, with an emphasis on small and mid-market buyout managers.

Approximately 22% of PIP's undrawn commitments are in vintage 2013 or older funds, where drawdowns may naturally occur at a slower pace. It is likely that a portion of these commitments will not be drawn. The rise in more recent vintages reflects PIP's recent primary commitment activity.
| 2019 | 19% | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 24% | |
| 2017 | 13% | |
| 2016 | 12% | |
| 2015 | 8% | |
| 2014 | 2% | |
| 2013 | 2% | |
| 2012 | 2% | |
| 2009-2011 | 2% | |
| 2008 | 4% | |
| 2007 | 6% | |
| 2006 and earlier | 6% |
1 Capital committed to funds that to date remains undrawn.
2 Includes undrawn commitments attributable to the reference portfolio underlying the Asset Linked Note.
Efficient balance sheet management supports PIP's investment strategy
At 31 May 2019, PIP had net available cash1 balances of £141m. In addition to these cash balances, PIP can also finance investments out of its multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement ("Loan Facility") which was renewed in June 2018. The Loan Facility is due to expire in June 2022 and comprises facilities of \$163m and €60m which, using exchange rates at 31 May 2019, amounted to a sterling equivalent of £182m.
At 31 May 2019, the Loan Facility remained fully undrawn.
As part of the share consolidation effected on 31 October 2017, PIP issued an Asset Linked Note ("ALN") with an initial principal amount of £200m to the noteholder. Repayments under the ALN are made quarterly in arrears and are linked to the ALN share (approximately 75%) of the net cash flow from a reference portfolio which is comprised of interests held by PIP in over 300 of its oldest private equity funds, substantially 2006 and earlier vintages. PIP retains the net cash flow relating to the remaining c.25% of the reference portfolio.
The ALN is unlisted and subordinated to PIP's existing Loan Facility (and any refinancing), and is not transferable, other than to an affiliate of the noteholder. The ALN is expected to mature on 31 August 2027, at which point the Company will make the final repayment under the ALN. PIP has made total repayments of £122m since it was issued and as at 31 May 2019, the ALN was valued at £94m. For more information on the ALN, refer to page 110.
At 31 May 2019, the Company had £323m of available financing, comprising its net available cash balance and Loan Facility less the current portion payable under the ALN. The sum of PIP's available financing and private equity portfolio provide 3.4 times cover relative to undrawn commitments. Generally, when a fund is past its investment period, which is typically between five and six years, it cannot make any new investments and only draws capital to fund follow-on investments into existing portfolio companies, or to pay expenses. As a result, the rate of capital calls by these older funds tends to slow dramatically. Approximately 22% of the Company's undrawn commitments are in fund vintages that are older than six years.
In the year to 31 May 2019, PIP bought back 25,000 ordinary shares at a discount of 18% to the NAV per share as at 31 May 2018 NAV, resulting in a total uplift to NAV per share of 0.3p.
The discounts at which the Company's shares trade from time to time may make buybacks an attractive investment opportunity relative to other potential new investment commitments.

1 The available cash and loan figure excludes the current portion payable under the Asset Linked Note, which amounted to £2.1m as at 31 May 2019.
| Rank | Manager | Region2 | Stage | % of PIP's total private equity asset value1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providence Equity Partners | USA | Buyout, Growth | 6.2% |
| 2 | Venture Fund3 | USA | Venture | 4.0% |
| 3 | Essex Woodlands | USA | Growth | 3.7% |
| 4 | Baring Private Equity Asia | Asia & EM | Growth | 2.9% |
| 5 | Energy Minerals Group | USA | Special situations | 2.8% |
| 6 | Ares Management | USA | Buyout | 2.7% |
| 7 | Apax Partners SA | Europe | Buyout | 2.5% |
| 8 | NMS Management | USA | Buyout | 2.4% |
| 9 | Warburg Pincus Capital | Global | Growth | 2.3% |
| 10 | IK Investment Partners | Europe | Buyout | 2.2% |
| 11 | Texas Pacific Group | USA | Buyout | 1.9% |
| 12 | Quantum Energy Partners | USA | Special situations | 1.6% |
| 13 | Growth Fund3 | Europe | Growth | 1.6% |
| 14 | J.C. Flowers & Co | USA | Buyout | 1.6% |
| 15 | Mid-Europa Partners | Europe | Buyout | 1.5% |
| 16 | Calera Capital | USA | Buyout | 1.4% |
| 17 | Hellman & Friedman | USA | Buyout | 1.3% |
| 18 | ABRY Partners | USA | Buyout | 1.3% |
| 19 | HIG Capital | USA | Buyout | 1.2% |
| 20 | First Reserve Corporation | USA | Special situations | 1.2% |
| 21 | Veritas Capital | USA | Buyout | 1.2% |
| 22 | Yorktown Partners | USA | Special situations | 1.1% |
| 23 | Gemini Capital | Europe | Venture | 1.1% |
| 24 | IVF Advisors | Asia & EM | Buyout | 1.0% |
| 25 | Growth Fund3 | USA | Growth | 1.0% |
| 26 | Lee Equity Partners | USA | Growth | 1.0% |
| 27 | Francisco Partners Management | USA | Buyout | 1.0% |
| 28 | Buyout Fund3 | USA | Buyout | 0.9% |
| 29 | Searchlight Capital Partners | Global | Special situations | 0.9% |
| 30 | Marguerite | Europe | Special situations | 0.9% |
| 31 | LYFE Capital | Asia & EM | Growth | 0.9% |
| 32 | Avenue Broadway Partners | Europe | Buyout | 0.9% |
| 33 | Altor Capital | Europe | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 34 | Altas Partners | USA | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 35 | Advent International | Global | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 36 | Parthenon Capital | USA | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 37 | Abris Capital | Europe | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 38 | The Vistria Group | USA | Buyout | 0.8% |
| 39 | Equistone Partners | Europe | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 40 | ECI Partners | Europe | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 41 | ABS Capital | USA | Growth | 0.7% |
| 42 | Shamrock Capital Advisors | USA | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 43 | TPG Asia | Asia & EM | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 44 | Lyceum Capital | Europe | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 45 | Chequers Partenaires | Europe | Buyout | 0.7% |
| 46 | CHAMP Private Equity | Asia & EM | Buyout | 0.6% |
| 47 | Apollo Advisors | USA | Buyout | 0.6% |
| 48 | Oak HC/FT Associates | USA | Growth | 0.5% |
| 49 | 1901 Partners | USA | Special situations | 0.5% |
| 50 | The Banc Funds Company | USA | Growth | 0.5% |
| COVERAGE OF PIP'S PRIVATE EQUITY ASSET VALUE1 | 70.6% |
Percentages look through feeders and funds-of-funds and excludes the portion of the reference portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
Refers to the regional exposure of funds.
Confidential.
| Company | Country | Sector | % of PIP's NAV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EUSA Pharma2 | United Kingdom | Healthcare | 2.7% |
| 2 | Energy Company2,4 | USA | Energy | 1.4% |
| 3 | Abacus Data Systems | USA | Information Technology | 1.2% |
| 4 | Dermatology Company4 | USA | Healthcare | 1.1% |
| 5 | Ophthalmology Company4 | USA | Healthcare | 1.1% |
| 6 | Insurance Company4 | USA | Financials | 0.9% |
| 7 | LBX Pharmacy3 | China | Consumer | 0.9% |
| 8 | Software Company2,4 | USA | Information Technology | 0.8% |
| 9 | Vistra Group2 | Hong Kong | Financials | 0.8% |
| 10 | Permian Resources2 | USA | Energy | 0.8% |
| 11 | Apollo Education2 | USA | Consumer | 0.7% |
| 12 | Atria Convergence Technologies2 | India | Communication Services | 0.7% |
| 13 | Education Services Company4 | Luxembourg | Consumer | 0.7% |
| 14 | Adyen3 | Netherlands | Information Technology | 0.6% |
| 15 | Vertical Bridge2 | USA | Communication Services | 0.6% |
| 16 | Centric Group2 | USA | Consumer | 0.6% |
| 17 | ZeniMax Media | USA | Communication Services | 0.6% |
| 18 | ALM Media2 | USA | Communication Services | 0.6% |
| 19 | National Veterinary Associates | USA | Consumer | 0.6% |
| 20 | Nexi2,3 | Italy | Financials | 0.6% |
| 21 | Melita2 | Malta | Communication Services | 0.6% |
| 22 | Kyobo Life Insurance | South Korea | Financials | 0.6% |
| 23 | GE Capital Services India2 | India | Financials | 0.6% |
| 24 | Salad Signature2 | Belgium | Consumer | 0.5% |
| 25 | Arnott Industries2 | USA | Consumer | 0.5% |
| 26 | Groupe Inseec2 | France | Consumer | 0.5% |
| 27 | Communications Company2,4 | France | Communication Services | 0.5% |
| 28 | Colisée2 | France | Healthcare | 0.5% |
| 29 | Capital Vision Services | USA | Healthcare | 0.5% |
| 30 | Profi Rom2 | Romania | Consumer | 0.4% |
| 31 | Mobilitie2 | USA | Industrials | 0.4% |
| 32 | Navitas | USA | Energy | 0.4% |
| 33 | Nord Anglia2 | Hong Kong | Consumer | 0.4% |
| 34 | Confie Seguros2 | USA | Financials | 0.4% |
| 35 | Ministry Brands2 | USA | Information Technology | 0.4% |
| 36 | NIBC Bank | Netherlands | Financials | 0.4% |
| 37 | CIPRES2 | France | Financials | 0.4% |
| 38 | RightPoint Consulting2 | USA | Industrials | 0.4% |
| 39 | Jfrog | Israel | Information Technology | 0.4% |
| 40 | Hoffmaster Group | USA | Consumer | 0.4% |
| 41 | Acuon Capital | South Korea | Financials | 0.4% |
| 42 | OWP Butendiek | Germany | Utilities | 0.4% |
| 43 | Thomson Reuters Intellectual Property3 | USA | Information Technology | 0.3% |
| 44 | Engencap Holding | Mexico | Financials | 0.3% |
| 45 | Shawbrook2 | United Kingdom | Financials | 0.3% |
| 46 | Southern Dental2 | USA | Healthcare | 0.3% |
| 47 | HUB International2 | USA | Financials | 0.3% |
| 48 | CallRail2 | USA | Information Technology | 0.3% |
| 49 | Alion Science and Technology2 | USA | Industrials | 0.3% |
| 50 | Affinity Education Group2 | Australia | Consumer | 0.3% |
| COVERAGE OF PIP'S PRIVATE EQUITY ASSET VALUE | 30.4% |
The largest 50 companies table is based upon underlying company valuations at 31 December 2018 adjusted for known call and distributions to 31 May 2019, and includes the portion of the reference portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
Co-investments/directs. Listed companies.
Confidential.
Portfolio concentration by manager2



Exposure is equivalent to the sum of the NAV and undrawn commitments.
Excludes the portion of the portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
Includes the portion of the portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
| NAV1,2 (£m) |
NAV per share2 (pence) |
Ordinary share price (pence) |
Private equity portfolio (£m) |
Outstanding commitments (£m) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 May 2019 | 1,499 | 2,770.6 | 2,225.0 | 1,450 | 521 |
| Financial year3 | |||||
| 2018 | 1,307 | 2,414.9 | 2,010.0 | 1,275 | 440 |
| 2017 | 1,388 | 2,189.9 | 1,793.0 | 1,224 | 445 |
| 2016 | 1,187 | 1,873.6 | 1,285.0 | 1,072 | 382 |
| 2015 | 1,000 | 1,532.4 | 1,272.0 | 862 | 256 |
| 2014 | 902 | 1,364.2 | 1,150.0 | 815 | 176 |
| 2013 | 903 | 1,331.9 | 1,042.0 | 826 | 195 |
| 2012 | 845 | 1,193.5 | 725.5 | 800 | 191 |
| 2011 | 733 | 1,104.1 | 714.0 | 810 | 243 |
| 2010 | 637 | 958.7 | 486.0 | 763 | 331 |
| 2009 | 514 | 773.6 | 295.3 | 648 | 428 |
| 2008 | 736 | 1,108.7 | 750.0 | 806 | 641 |
| 2007 | 610 | 919.2 | 917.5 | 527 | 528 |
| 2006 | 441 | 796.8 | 726.5 | 372 | 365 |
| 2005 | 382 | 657.9 | 650.5 | 315 | 245 |
| 2004 | 245 | 572.5 | 463.0 | 233 | 137 |
| 2003 | 221 | 546.8 | 447.0 | 237 | 158 |
| 2002 | 196 | 541.6 | 486.5 | 175 | 138 |
| 2001 | 206 | 669.1 | 574.0 | 201 | 138 |
| 2000 | 161 | 599.9 | 457.5 | 140 | 77 |
| 1999 | 146 | 405.6 | 302.5 | 78 | 45 |
| 1998 | 131 | 368.6 | 294.5 | 79 | 50 |
| 1997 | 117 | 328.4 | 270.0 | 73 | 47 |
| 1996 | 106 | 302.5 | 225.0 | 48 | 25 |
| 1995 | 87 | 255.1 | 207.5 | 33 | 8 |
| 1994 | 47 | 239.6 | 176.5 | 42 | 7 |
| 1993 | 31 | 195.5 | 172.5 | 28 | 1 |
| 1992 | 21 | 139.7 | 93.5 | 28 | 0 |
| 1991 | 21 | 129.1 | 86.5 | 31 | 1 |
| 1990 | 20 | 126.7 | 80.5 | 32 | 2 |
| 1989 | 17 | 120.9 | 95.0 | 25 | 2 |
| 1988 | 12 | 102.5 | 75.0 | 2 | 0 |
Includes participating loan notes in issue between 2000 and 2004.
Historical NAV and NAV per share figures disclosed in the table above relate to adjusted NAV and adjusted NAV per share where applicable.
In April 2017, PIP changed its accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 May of each year. Figures for 2017 cover the 11 months to 31 May 2017.

PIP and Secondary Investment. Partner
Joined 1994; 34 years of private equity experience. Andrew is a senior member of Pantheon's investment team. He is responsible for managing the activities of PIP and is a member of the Asia Regional and Secondary Investment Committees. Andrew, who spent eight years in Hong Kong managing Pantheon's Asian investment programme, also participates in determining Asian investment strategy and overseeing the selection and monitoring of investments. Prior to joining Pantheon, Andrew worked in corporate finance, with special emphasis on the private equity market, at Crédit Lyonnais Securities, and its affiliate Castleforth. Andrew is based in London.
2
PIP and European Primary Investment. Partner
Joined 2004; 30 years of private equity experience. Helen is Head of Pantheon's European Investment Team. She chairs the European Investment Committee, and is a member of the International Investment Committee and the Co-investment Committee. Prior to joining Pantheon, Helen held senior positions at Russell Investments in Paris and at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in Montréal. Helen is a past Chair and member of the Council (Board) of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA). She has also served as a Board member of Invest Europe and is a co-founder and Board member of Level 20. Helen is based in London.
3 Tanu Chita
Principal
Joined 2004; 15 years of private equity experience. Tanu is a senior member of Pantheon's European investment team and has responsibility for managing the investment activity for PIP. Tanu, who spent four years in Pantheon's San Francisco office, also has responsibility for the origination and execution of secondary investments. Tanu joined Pantheon from Deutsche Bank AG, where he worked as an M&A advisor in the investment banking division. Tanu is based in London.
Head of Investor Relations for PIP
Joined 2016; Vicki is Head of Investor Relations for PIP. She is also a member of the UK Investor Relations Society Policy Committee. Vicki has over 10 years of investor relations and communications experience with publicly listed companies. Prior to joining Pantheon, she held senior roles at FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies as well as at a Dutch-listed investment trust. Vicki is based in London.
Senior Finance Manager for PIP
Joined 2014; 10 years of private equity experience. Maria is responsible for portfolio analysis, performance monitoring, internal/ external reporting, and investor relations for PIP. Prior to joining Pantheon, Maria worked in mergers and acquisitions at Credit Suisse and corporate finance advisory at Oakley Capital. Maria is based in London.
European Primary Investment. Partner
Joined 2005; 22 years of private equity experience. Alex is a senior member of Pantheon's European investment team, a member of the European Investment Committee and the ESG Committee, having led Pantheon's ESG initiatives and industry engagement since 2015. Prior to joining Pantheon, Alex worked for the West Midlands Pension Fund. Alex is based in London.

Joined 2013; 22 years of private equity experience. Jie is a member of Pantheon's Asia Regional Investment Committee, Global Co-investment Committee and Global ESG, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Jie joined Pantheon from Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners' private equity fund-of-funds group, where she was Head of Asia, and before that she worked at JP Morgan in leverage finance. Jie is Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HKVCA) and serves on its board. She is also a committee member of UNPRI Investment Private Equity Advisory Committee. Jie is based in Hong Kong.
Joined 2007; 25 years of private equity experience. Dennis is Chair of the Co-investment Committee and the Global Secondary Investment Committee and is a member of Pantheon's Partnership Board, the US Regional Investment Committee and the International Investment Committee. Prior to Pantheon, Dennis was the head of the US Partnership Team at Adams Street Partners, where he was responsible for primary and secondary fund investments. Previously, he held several investment banking and principal investing positions with Bank of America and Continental Bank. Dennis is based in San Francisco and Chicago.
Joined 2001; 18 years of private equity experience. Matt is Co-Head of Pantheon's global secondary business and is a member of the Global Secondary Investment Committee and the International Investment Committee. Matt focuses on secondary deal origination, analysis, structuring, execution and management of investments. He also participates in fund monitoring, firm marketing and client reporting. Prior to joining Pantheon, Matt was an Assistant Economist at HM Treasury and also worked on private equity policy areas as part of the Myners Review team. Matt is based in London.
Secondary Investment. Co-head of the Global Secondaries Group. Partner
Joined in 2007; 25 years of private equity experience. Rudy leads Pantheon's secondaries presence in the USA and is a member of the Global Secondary Investment Committee and the International Investment Committee. His focus is on secondary deal origination, analysis, structuring, execution and management of investments. Prior to joining Pantheon, he was a partner at Coller Capital and worked at Thomas H. Lee Putnam Ventures, Merrill Lynch and Skadden Arps. Rudy is based in New York.
Joined 2001; 23 years of private equity experience. Elly is a Partner in Pantheon's secondary investment team; and is a member of the firm's Global Secondary Investment Committee, the International Investment Committee and the Emerging Markets Investment Committee. Before joining Pantheon, Elly was an Investment Manager at CDC, an emerging markets private equity fund manager. Prior to CDC he worked for Accenture and then PricewaterhouseCoopers on a wide range of international consulting and corporate finance advisory assignments. Elly is based in London.
US Primary Investment. Partner
Joined in 2002; 23 years of private equity experience. Susan is a Partner, a member of Pantheon's Partnership Board, Head of the US Primary Investment Team and is responsible for business development for the institutional market. Prior to joining Pantheon, Susan was a principal at Capital Z Partners in Asia, and a director within Russell Investments' private equity group.
Chief Investment Officer and Asian Investment. Partner
Joined 2001; 23 years of private equity experience. Chris is Head of Investment and a member of both Pantheon's Partnership Board and International Investment Committee. Chris joined Pantheon from HSBC Hong Kong, where he was involved both in strategic acquisitions and the design and implementation of internal operating procedures. Chris was also a senior investment analyst for Brierley Investments Ltd in Hong Kong and New Zealand, and before that worked in a deal advisory capacity for CS First Boston (NZ) and as an economist for the National Bank of New Zealand and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Chris is based in Hong Kong.
Managing Partner
Joined 2003; 22 years of private equity experience. Paul is Pantheon's Managing Partner and is a member of the Partnership Board. Paul joined Pantheon from Lehman Brothers Private Equity Group, where he was Investment Director. Previously, he worked for Lehman Brothers Investment Bank in New York and London on M&A and corporate finance advisory services and, prior to that, was a management consultant for PA Consulting. Paul is based in London.
| Board of Directors | 68 |
|---|---|
| The Directors' Report | 70 |
| Statement on Corporate Governance | 76 |
| Audit Committee Report | 82 |
| Directors' Remuneration Report | 84 |
| Directors' Responsibility Statement | 88 |
| Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Pantheon International Plc |
89 |
Adding value to a diversified, international portfolio of assets.


2
A B C D



5
A B C D
A B C D


Chairman
Appointed to the Board on 22 November 2011. Appointed as Chairman on 23 November 2016. Sir Laurie Magnus has over 35 years of investment banking experience, primarily in corporate finance, initially at Samuel Montagu & Co Limited (subsequently HSBC Investment Bank) and then successively at Phoenix Securities, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Credit Suisse First Boston and Lexicon Partners (latterly as Chairman). He is currently Chairman of JP Morgan Multi-Asset Trust plc and a Non-Executive Director of both Fidelity Japan Trust plc and Aggregated Micropower Holdings plc. Sir Laurie Magnus is a senior adviser at Evercore Partners. In the not-for-profit space, he is Chairman of both The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England ("Historic England"), and Windsor Leadership Trust, and a trustee of the English Heritage Trust and Allchurches Trust. A B C D
Senior Independent Director
Appointed to the Board on 22 November 2011. Ms Nicklin is an investment and financial services professional with 25 years of experience in executive roles at Goldman Sachs and Alliance Bernstein in the USA, Australia and the UK. She has also worked in the social impact private equity sector with Bridges Ventures and the Global Impact Investing Network. Susannah is a Senior Independent Director of City of London Investment Group PLC, Non-Executive Director of Amati VCT 2, a Non-Executive Director of the North American Income Trust plc and a Director of Baronsmead Venture Trust plc. She is a CFA charterholder and member of STEP. A B C D
Audit Committee Chairman
Appointed to the Board on 28 April 2005. Mr Barby practised as a barrister before joining Warburg Investment Management Ltd as a Director and becoming a Vice Chairman of Mercury Asset Management plc. He was latterly a Managing Director of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers with responsibility for its investment trust division. Ian is currently Non-Executive Chairman of Schroders Income Growth Fund plc. He is also a Director of The Fitzwilliam Museum Development Trust.
Appointed to the Board on 7 August 1987. Mr Swire is Pantheon's founder and has been a Director of Pantheon International Plc since its listing in 1987. In 1981 Mr Swire joined GT Management Ltd to oversee and manage unquoted investments and subsequently led the buyout from GT Management Ltd to form Pantheon. He was until 12 October 2011 a Director of Pantheon Ventures Limited, a parent undertaking of Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP, and is a Director of a number of Pantheon funds. He is Chairman of Music Marketing Services Limited. He is the former Chairman of the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust and a former Director of Ceravision Limited, The China Navigation Company Limited, Lewmar Marine plc and Lindsell Train Investment Trust PLC.
Appointed to the Board on 23 February 2015. Mr Melvin is an investment and financial services professional with 30 years' experience in investment banking and private equity. He is currently a Senior Adviser at Cenkos Securities plc, a UK-listed institutional stockbroking firm and a Senior Adviser of CITIC CLSA Securities, a CITIC Securities Company. Up to 2014, Mr Melvin was a Partner at TDR Capital, a European private equity firm, where he was a Member of the Investment Committee and Head of Investor Relations. Prior to that, he spent 24 years at Merrill Lynch, where he held a number of leadership positions, including Global Co-Head of Financial Sponsors and Chairman of EMEA Financial Sponsors and Leverage Finance. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
A B C D
Appointed to the Board on 23 November 2016. Mr Burgess has over 20 years' experience within private equity, following eight years with the Boston Consulting Group in Paris and London, where he became a Partner. Subsequently, he held senior roles with F&C Ventures Ltd and Candover Investments plc before co-founding BC Partners (formerly Baring Capital Investors Ltd) in 1986 where he was a Managing Partner until 2005. While at BC Partners, he held directorships of a variety of companies across the UK and Continental Europe. Since 2005, he has remained actively involved in private equity as well as increasing his investment interests in the public markets. Mr Burgess is a Governor of The Royal Academy of Music and was a Director of the Business Growth Fund Plc. A B C D
Appointed to the Board on 23 November 2016. Mr Singer is an investment and financial services professional with over 30 years' experience in private equity. Mr Singer spent over 20 years with Advent International plc as co-founder, member of the Global Executive Committee and, until 2012, Chairman of European operations. He was Managing Director and founder of Granville Europe plc, one of the first pan-European private equity funds. In addition, he was Chairman of the European Venture Capital Association. Mr Singer is involved with several organisations within the arts and education sectors; he is a Trustee of The National Gallery, London, Chairman of City of London Sinfonia, chairs the Advisory Board of the New College of Humanities and is an Honorary Fellow, and is on the Development Committee of Trinity College, Oxford.
A B C D
The Directors are pleased to present their report, together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2019.
The Directors of PIP were in office during the whole of the year ended 31 May 2019. The names and full biographies of the Directors can be found on page 69. As at 31 May 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company comprised six male Directors and one female Director.
With the exception of Rhoddy Swire, all Directors will retire and stand for re-election at the Company's Annual General Meeting ("AGM") in October 2019. Mr Swire will be retiring from the Board at the AGM. Further details regarding the retirement, selection and appointment of Directors, including the Company's position on diversity, can be found on page 76.
The rules concerning the appointment and replacement of Directors are set out in the Company's Articles of Association and are discussed on page 78. There are no agreements between the Company and its Directors concerning any compensation for their loss of office.
The rights attaching to the Company's shares are set out in the Company's Articles of Association. Further details can be found in Note 14 of the financial statements.
During the year, the Company purchased 25,000 ordinary shares for cancellation (with a nominal value of £16,750) at a total cost of £499,729. This represented 0.05% of the issued share capital at 31 May 2019. Since 31 May 2019, the Company has not purchased any further shares.
No shares were issued during the year.
As at 31 May 2019 and as at the date of this Report, the Company had shares in issue as shown in the table below, all of which were
listed on the official list maintained by the FCA and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange. No shares were held in treasury at the year end.
The Company's ordinary shares are freely transferable. However, the Directors may refuse to register a transfer of shares held in certificated form which are not fully paid unless the instrument of transfer is (i) lodged, duly stamped at the Company's registered office, accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) and such other evidence (if any) as the Directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer and (ii) not in favour of more than four persons jointly. The Directors may decline to register a transfer of an uncertificated share in the circumstances set out in the Uncertified Securities Regulations 2001 and where, in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the uncertificated share is to be transferred exceeds four. If the Directors decline to register a transfer, they are required to send notice of the refusal to the transferee within two months, giving reasons for their decision.
Unless the Directors determine otherwise, a holder of ordinary shares will cease to be entitled to attend or vote at general meetings of the Company or on any poll if he/she fails to comply with a request by the Company to provide details of any interest held by any person in his/her ordinary shares within 14 days of the request being made. Additionally, if the shares represent at least 0.25%, any dividends payable in respect of the shares will be withheld by the Company and no transfers of any of the shares held in certified form will be registered unless the shareholder is not him/herself in default as regards supplying the information required (and the Directors
are satisfied that no person in default as regards supplying such information is interested in any of the shares the subject of the transfer) or unless the transfer arises as a result of the acceptance of a takeover offer or a sale made through a recognised investment exchange (or any other stock exchange outside the United Kingdom on which the Company's shares are normally traded) or is a transfer which the Directors are satisfied is made in consequence of a sale of the entire beneficial interest in the shares to a person who is unconnected with the shareholder and with any other person appearing interested in the shares.
The Company's Articles of Association contain additional provisions enabling the Directors to take certain steps where ordinary shares are or may be owned, or rights attaching to such shares may be exercised, by persons in circumstances which the Directors determine would give rise to a regulatory burden under certain US securities, investment and pension laws and regulations.
Save as described above, there are no restrictions concerning the transfer of securities in the Company or on voting rights; no special rights with regard to control attached to securities; no agreements between holders of securities regarding their transfer known to the Company; and no agreements which the Company is party to that might affect its control following a successful takeover bid.
Amendment of the Company's Articles of Association and the giving of authority to issue or buy back the Company's shares requires an appropriate resolution to be passed by shareholders. Proposals for the renewal of the Board's current authorities to issue and buy back shares are detailed on pages 74 and 75.
| SHARE CAPITAL AND VOTING RIGHTS AT 31 MAY 2019 | Number of shares in issue |
Voting rights attached to each share |
Number of shares held in treasury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary shares of £0.67 each | 54,089,447 | 1 | – |
| Total voting rights | 54,089,447 | – | – |
No final dividend is being recommended.
The Company has received written approval from HM Revenue & Customs ("HMRC") as an authorised investment trust under Sections 1158/1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. The Directors are of the opinion that the Company has conducted its affairs in compliance with such approval and intends to continue doing so.
The principal financial risks and the Company's policies for managing these risks are set out in Note 19 to the financial statements.
The Company entered into a management agreement with the Company's investment manager, Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP ("Pantheon Ventures") on 22 July 2014, under which Pantheon Ventures was appointed as the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM") on the terms of and subject to the conditions of a new investment management agreement (the "Management Agreement") between the Company and Pantheon Ventures. Pantheon Ventures, which is part of the Pantheon Group, has been approved as an AIFM by the FCA.
The Pantheon Group is one of the world's foremost private equity fund investors and has acted as Manager to the Company since the Company's inception in 1987.
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. ("AMG"), alongside senior members of the Pantheon team, acquired the Pantheon Group in 2010. The ownership structure, with Pantheon senior management owning a meaningful share of the equity in the business, provides a framework for long-term succession and enables Pantheon management to continue to direct the firm's day-to-day operations. AMG is a global asset management company with equity investments in leading boutique investment management firms.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, Pantheon Ventures has been appointed as the sole and exclusive discretionary manager of all the assets of the Company and to provide certain additional services in connection with the management and administration of the Company's affairs, including monitoring the performance of, and giving instructions on behalf of the Company to, other service providers to the Company.
The Manager is entitled to a monthly management fee at an annual rate of (i) 1.5% on the value of the Company's investment assets up to £150 million and (ii) 1% on the value of such assets in excess of £150 million. In addition, the Manager is entitled to a monthly commitment fee of 0.5% per annum on the aggregate amount committed (but unpaid) in respect of investments, up to a maximum amount equal to the total value of the Company's investment assets. The arrangements in respect of the management fee and notice period are materially unchanged.
The Manager is entitled to a performance fee from the Company in respect of each 12-month calendar period. No performance fee is payable in respect of the year ended
31 May 2019 (period ended 31 May 2018: £nil). Further detail as to how the performance fee is calculated is set out below.
The Company entered into a Supplemental Agreement with Pantheon Ventures on 18 April 2017 to align the Management Agreement with the change to the Company's accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 May of each year.
The performance fee payable in respect of each such calculation period is 5% of the amount by which the net asset value at the end of such period exceeds 110% of the applicable "high-water mark", i.e., the net asset value at the end of the previous calculation period in respect of which a performance fee was payable, compounded annually at 10% for each subsequent completed calculation period up to the start of the calculation period for which the fee is being calculated. For the calculation year ended 31 May 2019, the notional performance fee hurdle is a net asset value per share of 3,454.52p.
The performance fee is calculated so as to ignore the effect on performance of any performance fee payable in respect of the period for which the fee is being calculated or of any increase or decrease in the net assets of the Company resulting from any issue, redemption or purchase of any shares or other securities, the sale of any treasury shares or the issue or cancellation of any subscription or conversion rights for any shares or other securities and any other reduction in the Company's share capital or any distribution to shareholders.
The value of investments in, and outstanding commitments to, investment funds managed or advised by the Pantheon Group ("Pantheon Funds") are excluded in calculating the monthly management fee and the commitment fee. In addition, the Manager has agreed that the total fees (including performance fees) payable by Pantheon Funds to members of the Pantheon Group and attributable to the Company's investments in Pantheon Funds shall be less than the total fees (excluding the performance fee) that the Company would have been charged under the Management Agreement had it invested directly in all of the underlying investments of the relevant Pantheon Funds instead of through the relevant Pantheon Funds.
The Management Agreement is capable of being terminated (without penalty to the Company) by either party giving two years' notice in writing. It is capable of being terminated by the Company (without penalty to the Company) immediately if, among other things, the Manager materially breaches its obligations (and cannot or does not remedy the breach) or goes into liquidation, and on six months' notice if there is a change of control of the Manager or if certain "key man" provisions are triggered. The Manager has the benefit of an indemnity from the Company in respect of liabilities arising out of the proper performance by the Manager of its duties and compliance with instructions given to it by the Board and an exclusion of liability save to the extent of any negligence, fraud, wilful default or breach of duty.
Pantheon Ventures sources, evaluates and manages investments on the Company's behalf, allocating investments to the Company, in accordance with Pantheon's investment allocation policy, that are in line with the strategy agreed with the Board and the Company's investment objective and policy.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Company is entitled to participate in allocations made by the
Pantheon Group under its secondary investment programme, in accordance with the allocation basis agreed from time to time between the Company and the Manager.
An alternative basis for the allocation to the Company of secondary investment opportunities may be applied by Pantheon in the context of a successor fund to Pantheon Global Secondary Fund VI. In the event of Pantheon and the Company being unable to agree any such alternative allocation basis, Pantheon will cease to be entitled to any performance fee for calculation periods following that in which the alternative allocation basis takes effect and the Company will be entitled to terminate the Management Agreement (without penalty to the Company) on six months' notice.
The Board keeps the performance of the Manager under continual review, and the Management Engagement Committee carries out an annual review of the Manager's performance and the terms of the Management Agreement. The ongoing review of the Manager includes activities and performance over the course of the year and review against the Company's peer group. The Board is of the opinion that it is in the interests of shareholders as a whole to continue the appointment.
The reasons for this view are that the investment performance is satisfactory and the Manager is well placed to continue to manage the assets of the Company according to the Company's strategy.
Administrative, accounting and company secretarial services are provided by Link Alternative Fund Administrators Limited. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by 12 months' written notice.
The Board has also appointed BNP Paribas Securities Services to act as the Company's Depositary (as required by the AIFM Directive) (the "Depositary") subject to the terms and conditions of a Depositary Agreement entered into between the Company, the AIFM and the Depositary. BNP Paribas Securities Services have also been appointed as Custodian.
Related party transactions are disclosed in Note 20 to the financial statements.
The Company's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, including its financial position, are set out in the Strategic Report and Manager's Review.
At each Board meeting, the Directors review the Company's latest management accounts and other financial information. Its commitments to private equity investments are reviewed, together with its financial resources, including cash held and the Company's borrowing capability. One-year cash flow scenarios are also presented to each meeting and discussed.
After due consideration of the Balance Sheet, activities of the Company, its assets, liabilities, commitments and financial resources, the Directors have concluded that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the approval of the financial statements. For this reason, they consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
The Board consists solely of non-executive Directors and no one individual has unfettered powers of decision. The Board has put in place levels of corporate governance which it believes are appropriate for an investment trust and to enable the Company to comply with the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (the "AIC Code") published in July 2016. The Board's compliance with the AIC Code is detailed in the Statement on Corporate Governance.
The Company's Statement on Corporate Governance is set out on pages 76 to 81.
As at 31 May 2019, the Company had received notification of the following disclosable interests in the voting rights of the Company:
| SHAREHOLDERS | Number of shares held |
% of total voting rights |
|---|---|---|
| Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited | 4,410,228 | 8.15 |
| Old Mutual plc | 3,804,126 | 7.03 |
| Esperides S.A. Sicav-SIF | 3,110,144 | 5.75 |
| East Riding of Yorkshire Council | 2,540,000 | 4.70 |
| APG Asset Management N.V. | 2,400,000 | 4.44 |
| Investec Wealth & Investment Limited | 2,365,111 | 4.37 |
| Private Syndicate Pty Ltd | 2,032,173 | 3.76 |
| Brewin Dolphin Limited | 1,864,446 | 3.45 |
No changes in substantial shareholdings have been notified to the Company between 31 May 2019 and the date of this report.
The Company has no greenhouse gas emissions to report from its operations, nor does it have responsibility for any other emissions producing sources under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013, (including those within PIP's underlying investment portfolio).
Listing Rule 9.8.4 requires the Company to include certain information in a single identifiable section of the Annual Report or a cross reference table indicating where the information is set out. The Directors confirm that there are no disclosures to be made in this regard.
The Company's next AGM will be held at 10.30am on 30 October 2019 at The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH. The notice convening the meeting (the "Notice of AGM") accompanies this Report and is set out on pages 122 to 126.
At the AGM, shareholders are being asked to vote on various items of business that are routinely considered at the Company's annual general meetings. These are the receipt and adoption of the Strategic Report, Directors' Report and Auditor's Report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2019; the receipt and approval of the Directors' Remuneration Report; the re-election of Directors; the
appointment of the Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP; the authorisation of the Audit Committee to determine the remuneration of the Auditor; the granting of authorities in relation to the allotment of shares; the disapplication of pre-emption rights; the purchase by the Company of its own shares; and the approval of the holding of general meetings (other than AGMs) on not less than 14 clear days' notice.
Resolutions 1 to 12 to be proposed at the AGM will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and resolutions 13 to 15 as special resolutions.
In accordance with the directors' remuneration reporting regime, which came into effect on 1 October 2013, shareholders have an annual advisory vote on the report on Directors' remuneration and a binding vote, to be held every three years, on the remuneration policy of the Directors. A binding ordinary resolution approving the Directors' Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 22 November 2017. The shareholders will be requested to vote on the receipt and approval of the Directors' Remuneration Report as set out on pages 84 to 87.
An explanation of the resolutions relating to the re-election of Directors and the recommendation of the Nomination Committee as to voting in this regard are set out in the Statement on Corporate Governance on pages 78 and 80.
The authorities given to the Directors at the AGM held on 31 October 2018 to allot shares and to grant rights to subscribe for, or convert securities into, shares, and to allot equity securities (and sell shares held as treasury shares) for cash, otherwise than in accordance with statutory pre-emption rights (which require that, when new shares are issued, or treasury shares are sold, for cash, the shares are first offered to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings of shares), will expire at the forthcoming AGM. No shares have been issued during the year under the existing authorities.
Resolution 12 set out in the notice of AGM, proposes an ordinary resolution, which will, if passed, authorise the Directors for a period of 15 months from the date on which the Resolution is passed (or until the following AGM, if earlier) to allot ordinary shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for or convert a security into such shares and will replace the current authority granted to Directors at last year's AGM.
The authority conferred by Resolution 12, if passed, will permit the Company to allot up to £12,079,976.49 in ordinary share capital, being one-third of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at the date of this Report.
As at the date of this report, the Company does not hold any ordinary shares as treasury shares.
Resolution 13 set out in the notice of AGM, proposes a special resolution, which will, if passed, authorise the Directors for a period of 15 months from the date on which the Resolution is passed (or until the following AGM, if earlier) to allot equity securities for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by Resolution 12 as described above and to sell for cash ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury shares, otherwise than by way of a pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders. Equity securities for this purpose means ordinary shares in the Company and rights to subscribe for or convert a security into such shares. This authority will replace the current authority granted to Directors at last year's AGM.
Resolution 13, if passed, will have the effect of disapplying the statutory pre-emption rights referred to above in relation to (i) the allotment of new equity securities up to the maximum amount of share capital permitted by Resolution 12 and the sale from treasury of ordinary shares where such securities or shares are offered to ordinary shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings of ordinary shares, except where exclusions are necessary or desirable to deal with fractional entitlements, regulatory requirements and/ or legal or practical issues; and (ii) the grant of subscription and conversion rights in relation to, and the allotment (including the sale from treasury) of, up to £1,811,996.47 in aggregate nominal amount of ordinary share capital (being 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at the date of this Report), at a price per share not less than the most recently calculated net asset value per share at the time of issue (or sale) of such shares.
The maximum amount in respect of which the statutory pre-emption rights are disapplied under Resolution 13 (other than in relation to sub-paragraph (i) above) represents 5% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this Report.
The Directors intend to use the authorities to be conferred by Resolutions 12 and 13 to facilitate future issues (and sales from treasury) of ordinary shares (at or above the prevailing net asset value per share at the time of issue (or sale), where the shares to be issued or sold are not offered to ordinary shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings), to raise funds for investment by the Company in accordance with its investment policy, as and when required from time to time.
At last year's AGM, the Directors were authorised to make market purchases of up to 14.99% of the Company's ordinary shares, amounting to 8,111,755 ordinary shares. During the year, the Company bought back ordinary shares under this authority.
Resolution 14 set out in the notice of AGM proposes a special resolution which will, if passed, renew this authority by authorising the Company for a period of 18 months (or until the following AGM, if earlier) to make market purchases of up to 14.99% of the ordinary shares in issue as at the date upon which the resolution is passed, representing 8,108,008 ordinary shares as at the date of this Report. The maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid by the Company in relation to any such purchase is the higher of (i) 5% above the average of the market values of shares of the relevant class for the five business days before the purchase and (ii) the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current bid on the London Stock Exchange. The minimum price which may be paid is £0.67 per share.
As at the date of this Report, there are no outstanding warrants or options to subscribe for shares in the Company.
The Directors believe that the discount to net asset value at which ordinary shares trade in the market may, from time to time, present an attractive investment opportunity relative to new investment commitments. In such circumstances, the Directors may cause the Company to undertake targeted buybacks of ordinary shares instead of, or in addition to, new investments as a means of utilising cash generated from the Company's portfolio.
Any buyback would only be undertaken in circumstances where the Directors believe that it would increase the net asset value per share.
The Company will consider holding any of its own shares which it purchases pursuant to the authority to be conferred by Resolution 14, if passed, as treasury shares rather than cancelling them, if the Directors determine in connection with any such purchase that it would be advantageous for the Company to do so.
Resolution 15 set out in the notice of AGM, proposes a special resolution, which will, if passed, renew the approval of 14 clear days as the minimum period of notice for all general meetings of the Company (other than annual general meetings). The approval will be effective until the Company's next AGM, when it is intended that renewal will be sought. The Directors will only call general meetings on 14 clear days' notice where they consider it to be in the best interests of shareholders to do so, and should such a meeting be called, the Company will offer facilities for all shareholders to vote by electronic means.
Shareholders will not receive a hard copy form of proxy for the 2019 AGM in the post. Instead, they will be able to vote electronically via www.signalshares.com; or, if shares are held in CREST, a proxy may be appointed via the CREST system. Further information regarding how to submit your proxy votes and the latest date for receipt of proxies by the Company's Registrar, Link Asset Services, are set out in the Notes to the Notice of AGM on pages 124 to 126.
The Directors consider that all the resolutions to be proposed at the AGM are in the best interests of the Company and its members as a whole. The Directors unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of all the resolutions to be proposed, as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings.
The notice of AGM and full details of all resolutions can be found on pages 122 to 126.
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of the Report of the Directors confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's Auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all reasonable steps that he or she ought to have taken as a Director to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's Auditor is aware of that information.
Grant Thornton UK LLP ("Grant Thornton") has been the Auditor of the Company since the inception of the Company in 1987. During the year, an audit tender has been carried out and the Board, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, is recommending that Ernst & Young LLP be appointed as the Auditor. Information about the tender process can be found in the Audit Committee Report on page 83. As a result, Grant Thornton will not be seeking re-appointment at the forthcoming AGM. A copy of their statement of the circumstances of their ceasing to hold office is enclosed with this Annual Report.
The Directors' Report has been approved by the Board.
On behalf of the Board
Sir Laurie Magnus Chairman
6 August 2019
The Company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and the Directors are accountable to shareholders for the governance of the Company's affairs.
The Board of PIP has considered the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance ("AIC Code"), by reference to the AIC Corporate Governance Guide for Investment Companies ("AIC Guide") published in July 2016. The AIC Code, as explained by the AIC Guide, addresses all the principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code published in April 2016 ("UK Code"), as well as setting out additional principles and recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance to investment trusts. The Board considers that reporting against the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code, and by reference to the AIC Guide (which incorporates the UK Code), provides better information to shareholders.
The Financial Reporting Council ("FRC"), the UK's independent regulator for corporate reporting and governance, responsible for the UK Code, has endorsed the AIC Code and the AIC Guide. The terms of the FRC's endorsement mean that AIC Members who report against the AIC Code and the AIC Guide meet fully their obligations under the UK Code and the related disclosure requirements contained in the Listing Rules.
A copy of the AIC Code and the AIC Guide can be obtained via the AIC website, www.theaic.co.uk. A copy of the UK Code can be obtained at www.frc.org.uk.
The Company has complied with the recommendations of the AIC Code and the relevant provisions of the UK Code, to the extent that they are relevant to the Company's business, throughout the year ended 31 May 2019.
The UK Code includes provisions relating to:
For the reasons set out in the AIC Guide, the Board considers these provisions are not relevant to the position of the Company, being an externally managed investment company. The Company has therefore not reported further in respect of these provisions.
The Board notes the publication of the revised AIC Code in February 2019, which is applicable to the Company for the financial year ending 31 May 2020. The Board is considering the new requirements and will report further on these in next year's Annual Report.
The Viability Statement can be found on page 22.
The Board consists of seven non-executive Directors and the Company has no employees. The Board is responsible for all matters of direction and control of the Company and no one individual has unfettered powers of decision.
The Board seeks to ensure that it has the appropriate balance of skills, experience, ages and length of service amongst its members. The Directors possess a wide range of business and financial expertise relevant to the direction of the Company, and consider themselves as committing sufficient time to the Company's affairs.
Brief biographical details of the Directors, including details of their other directorships and significant commitments, can be found on page 69.
The appointment of a new Director is always made on the basis of a candidate's merits and the skills/experience identified by the Board as being desirable to complement those of the existing Directors. The Board acknowledges the benefits of greater diversity, including gender diversity, and the Board remains committed to ensuring that the Company's Directors bring a wide range of skills, knowledge, experience, backgrounds and perspectives. A formal process exists for the selection of new Directors to the Company and the level of remuneration of the Directors has been set in order to attract individuals of a calibre appropriate to the future development of the Company.
A formal induction process has been established for new Directors which involves the provision of a full induction pack containing relevant information about the Company. On appointment to the Board, Directors are fully briefed as to their responsibilities and are given the opportunity to talk to the relevant executive members of the Manager throughout their terms in office.
The terms and conditions of the appointment of the non-executive Directors are set out in letters of appointment, copies of which are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company and will be available at the AGM. None of the Directors has a contract of service with the Company.
As noted in the Chairman's Statement, Mary Ann Sieghart will be joining the Board of PIP on 30 October 2019.
The Directors of the Company meet at regular Board meetings and additional meetings, either in person or by telephone, are arranged as necessary. Seven scheduled meetings were held during the year to 31 May 2019. Directors' attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year was as follows:
| Scheduled Board meetings |
Audit Committee meetings |
Management Engagement Committee meetings |
Nomination Committee meetings |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number entitled to attend |
Number attended |
Number entitled to attend |
Number attended |
Number entitled to attend |
Number attended |
Number entitled to attend |
Number attended |
|
| Sir Laurie Magnus | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| S.E. Nicklin | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| I.C.S. Barby | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| R.M. Swire | 7 | 4* | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1** | 1** |
| D.L. Melvin | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| J. D. Burgess | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| J. B.H.C.A Singer | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
* Mr Swire was unable to attend all Board meetings due to his responsibilities as High Sheriff of Shropshire.
** By invitation.
During the year, in order to review the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, its Committees and individual Directors, including the independence of each Director, an external performance evaluation was carried out by BoardAlpha Limited ("BoardAlpha"). BoardAlpha is independent of the Company and its Directors, and does not have any other connection with the Company. BoardAlpha met each Director of the Company to assess the performance of the individual Directors, the Chairman and the Board as a whole, and to assess the effectiveness of the Board's Committees. The evaluation was also intended to analyse the focus of Board meetings and to assess whether any additional information might be required to facilitate Board discussions. A formal report was issued by BoardAlpha in April 2019 which concluded that the Board functions well. A number of suggestions in the report are being followed up by the Board, including to address its own succession planning and diversity and to work more closely with the Manager to promote the Company's merits to prospective investors.
As a result of the evaluation, the Board is satisfied that all the current Directors contribute effectively, and have the skills and experience relevant to the leadership and direction of the Company.
The Board has formalised arrangements under which the Directors, in the furtherance of their duties, may take independent professional advice at the Company's expense. The Company has arranged a Directors' and Officers' Liability insurance policy which includes cover for legal expenses.
The Company's Articles of Association take advantage of statutory provisions to indemnify the Directors against certain liabilities owed to third parties even where such liability arises from conduct amounting to negligence or breach of duty or of trust. In addition, under the terms of appointment of each Director, the Company has agreed, subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by statute and by the Company's Articles of Association, to
indemnify each Director against all costs, expenses, losses and liabilities incurred in execution of his/her office as Director or otherwise in relation to such office. Save for such indemnity provisions in the Company's Articles of Association and in the Directors' terms of appointment, there are no qualifying third party indemnity provisions in force.
The Board appointed Sir Laurie Magnus as Chairman of the Company at the conclusion of the Company's AGM in 2016. Sir Laurie Magnus is deemed by his fellow independent Board members to be independent. He considers himself to have sufficient time to commit to the Company's affairs. He has no significant commitments other than those disclosed in his biography on page 69.
Ms Susannah Nicklin was appointed Senior Independent Director of the Company at the conclusion of the Company's AGM in 2016. She provides a channel for any shareholder concerns regarding the Chairman and leads the Chairman's annual performance evaluation.
In accordance with the Listing Rules that apply to closed-ended investment entities, and taking into consideration the AIC Code, the Board has reviewed the status of its individual Directors and the Board as a whole.
Sir Laurie Magnus, Ms Nicklin, Mr Melvin, Mr Singer and Mr Burgess are considered to be independent in both character and judgement.
Mr Barby was first elected in 2005. The Board considers that the independence in character and judgement of Mr Barby is not compromised by his length of service but, on the contrary, is strengthened by his continuity and experience. Therefore, the Board deems Mr Barby to be independent.
Until 12 October 2011, Mr Swire was a director of Pantheon Ventures Limited, a parent undertaking of Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP, the Company's Manager, and was formerly a director and Senior Partner of Pantheon Holdings Limited. He is currently a director of a number of funds managed by the Pantheon Group. He is therefore not considered to be independent under the terms of the AIC Code, however, the Board believes that his skills and experience are a valuable asset. As noted within the Chairman's Statement on page 12, Mr Swire will be retiring from the Board at the forthcoming AGM.
Accordingly, six of the seven Board members are considered by the Board to be independent and thus the majority of the Board comprises independent non-executive Directors.
Following the Company's inclusion in the FTSE 250 Index and in accordance with the AIC Code, the Board has decided that all of the Directors will be subject to annual re-election at each AGM. Accordingly, resolutions to re-elect all Directors with the exception of Mr Swire are contained within the Notice of AGM on page 122.
The Nomination Committee has reviewed the performance of each Director retiring at the forthcoming AGM. Following a formal performance evaluation, the Nomination Committee members recommend that shareholders vote for the re-election of each of these Directors as they believe that their performance continues to be effective, that they demonstrate commitment to their roles as non-executive Directors of the Company and that they have actively contributed during meetings throughout the year.
Before voting, shareholders are requested to note that, in the opinion of the other members of the Nomination Committee, each of the retiring Directors has many years' relevant experience of UK private equity and the investment trust industry which is of great value to the Company and its Board.
The Board is responsible for the determination and implementation of the Company's investment policy and for monitoring compliance with the Company's objectives. At each Board meeting, the Directors follow a formal agenda to review the Company's investments and all other important issues, such as asset allocation, gearing policy, corporate strategic issues, cash management, peer group performance, marketing and shareholder relations, investment outlook, revenue forecasts and outlook, to ensure that control is maintained over the Company's affairs. The Board regularly considers its overall strategy and monitors the share price and level of discount.
The Board is responsible for the investment policy and strategic and operational decisions of the Company and for ensuring that the Company is run in accordance with all regulatory and statutory requirements. These procedures have been formalised in a schedule of matters reserved for decision by the full Board, which has been adopted for all meetings. These matters include:
The management of the Company's assets is delegated to Pantheon. At each Board meeting, a representative of Pantheon is in attendance to present verbal and written reports covering its activity, the portfolio and investment performance over the preceding period. Ongoing communication with the Board is maintained between formal meetings. The Manager ensures that Directors have timely access to all relevant management, financial and regulatory information to enable informed decisions to be made and contacts the Board as required for specific guidance on particular issues. Pantheon has discretion to manage the assets of the Company in accordance with the Company's investment objectives and policies, subject to certain additional investment restrictions (which may be amended by the Company from time to time with the consent of the Manager). The additional investment restrictions currently imposed on the Manager are as follows:
the aggregate of the gross asset value of the Company and the aggregate outstanding investment commitments of the Company at the time the investment is made;
The Manager has also agreed that it will obtain the prior approval of the Board in relation to any primary investment in a new fund which is made otherwise than on a pro-rata basis with other Pantheon clients investing in the same fund and in relation to any investment in a vehicle managed by a member of the Pantheon Group, other than holding, special purpose and feeder vehicles where no fee is charged by the Pantheon Group.
The Board determines the parameters of investment strategy and risk management policies within which the Manager can exercise judgement and sets the investment and risk management strategies in relation to currency exposure. The Company Secretary and Manager prepare briefing notes for Board consideration on matters of relevance, for example changes to the Company's economic and financial environment, statutory and regulatory changes and corporate governance best practice.
The Company has delegated the exercise of its voting rights to the Manager. Pantheon has a policy of advising its clients to vote on all corporate actions in relation to investments and does this on behalf of
the Company. Pantheon consults with the Directors of the Company in the case of any corporate action where either there is a conflict of interest between PIP and other Pantheon clients, or where for any reason the proposed voting is inconsistent with the advice given to Pantheon's other clients.
The Articles of Association permit the Board to consider and, if it sees fit, to authorise situations where a Director has an interest that conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the interests of the Company. There is in place a formal system for the Board to consider authorising such conflicts, whereby the Directors who have no interest in the matter decide whether to authorise the conflict and any conditions to be attached to such authorisations. The process in place for authorising potential conflict of interest has operated effectively during the year.
The Directors are able to impose limits or conditions when giving authorisation if they think this is appropriate in the circumstances. A register of potential conflicts is maintained by the Company Secretary and is reviewed at each Board meeting, to ensure that any authorised conflicts remain appropriate. Directors are required to confirm at these meetings whether there has been any change to their position.
The Directors must also comply with the statutory rules requiring company directors to declare any interest in an actual or proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company.
The above process for authorising potential conflicts of interest has operated effectively during the year.
The Board has appointed a number of Committees, as set out below, to which certain Board functions have been delegated. Each of these Committees has formal written terms of reference which
clearly define their responsibilities and these can be inspected at the registered office of the Company and viewed on the Company's website (www.piplc.com).
The Audit Committee comprises the whole Board with the exception of Mr Swire. Mr Barby, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is a qualified barrister with wide experience of the investment management industry and of the investment trust sector. It is felt by the Committee that he is sufficiently qualified for the position of Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Sir Laurie Magnus has over 35 years of investment banking experience and it is considered appropriate for the Chairman of the Company to be a member of the Audit Committee as he provides a valuable contribution to the deliberations of the Committee.
Mr Melvin is also a qualified Chartered Accountant and contributes his knowledge and experience to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee met on three occasions during the year ended 31 May 2019. It is intended that the Committee will continue to meet at least three times a year, to review the Half-Yearly Report, to review the year-end valuation of investments and to approve the Company's Annual Report and Accounts.
The Report of the Audit Committee can be found on pages 82 to 83. The Chairman of the Audit Committee will be present at the AGM to answer any questions relating to the financial statements.
The Management Engagement Committee comprises all the independent non-executive Directors and is chaired by Sir Laurie Magnus. The Management Engagement Committee met on one occasion during the year under review.
The Board keeps the performance of the Manager under continual review. In addition, in accordance with the requirements of the AIC Code, the Management Engagement Committee reviews the performance of the Manager's obligations under the Management Agreement and considers the need for any variation to the terms of this Agreement on an annual basis. The Management Engagement Committee then makes a recommendation to the Board about the continuing appointment of the Manager under the terms of the Management Agreement.
The Management Engagement Committee also reviews annually the performance of the Company Secretary, the Custodian, the Depository and the Registrar and any matters concerning their respective agreements with the Company.
The Nomination Committee comprises all independent non-executive Directors and is chaired by Sir Laurie Magnus except when considering chairman succession. Mr Swire stepped down as a member of the Committee on 26 July 2018.
The role of the Nomination Committee is to undertake the formal process of reviewing the balance, effectiveness and diversity of the Board and considers succession planning, identifying the skills and expertise needed to meet the future challenges and opportunities facing the Company and those individuals who might best provide them. The Nomination Committee, as and when necessary, makes recommendations to the Board with regard to the criteria for future Board appointments and the methods of selection. It also considers and reviews the appointment of a Senior Independent Director, membership of the Board's Committees, and the re-appointment of those Directors standing for re-election at AGMs.
The Nomination Committee is also responsible for assessing the time commitment required for each Board appointment and ensuring that the present incumbents have sufficient time to
undertake them, and for reviewing the Directors' performance appraisal process.
Mr Swire will be retiring as a Director at the forthcoming AGM. The Nomination Committee have discussed the required skills and experience of a new non-executive Director, bearing in mind the balance of skills and diversity on the Board. The Board engaged an external, independent recruitment consultant to assist with the search.
As disclosed within the Chairman's Statement on page 13, PIP has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Sieghart with effect from 30 October 2019.
As the Company has no employees and the Board is composed solely of non-executive Directors, it is not considered necessary to have a Remuneration Committee. It is the responsibility of the Board as a whole to determine and approve Directors' fees, following proper consideration and having regard to the industry generally, the role that individual Directors fulfil in respect of Board and Committee responsibilities, the time committed to the Company's affairs and remuneration levels generally within the investment trust sector. The Chairman's remuneration is decided and approved by the Board under the leadership of the Senior Independent Director.
Detailed information on the remuneration arrangements for the Directors of the Company can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 84 to 87.
The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for the Company's risk management and systems of internal control and for reviewing their effectiveness.
An ongoing process, in accordance with the guidance provided by the FRC on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Finance and Business Reporting has been established for identifying, evaluating and managing risks faced by the Company.
This process, together with key procedures established with a view to providing effective financial control, has been in place throughout the year and up to the date the financial statements were approved. Full details of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Company can be found on pages 20 to 23.
The risk management process and systems of internal control are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve the Company's objectives. It should be recognised that such systems can only provide reasonable, rather than absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.
Regular risk assessments and reviews of internal controls and the Company's risk appetite are undertaken by the Board in the context of the Company's overall investment objective. The Board, through delegation to the Audit Committee, has undertaken a robust assessment and review of the principal risks facing the Company. The review covers the key business, operational, compliance and financial risks facing the Company. In arriving at its judgement of what risks the Company faces, the Board has considered the Company's operations in the light of the following factors:
review into four sections reflecting the nature of the risks being addressed.
The sections are as follows:
Given the nature of the Company's activities and the fact that most functions are sub-contracted, the Directors have obtained information from key third party suppliers regarding the controls operated by them. To enable the Board to make an appropriate risk and control assessment, the information and assurances sought from third parties include the following:
There were no significant matters of concern identified in the Board's review of the internal controls of its third party suppliers.
The key procedures which have been established to provide effective internal financial controls are as follows:
The Company does not have an internal audit function. All of the Company's management functions are delegated to independent third parties whose controls are reviewed by the Board. It is therefore felt that there is no need for the Company to have an internal audit function. This need is reviewed periodically.
In accordance with guidance issued to directors of listed companies, the Directors have carried out a review of the effectiveness of the various systems of internal controls as operated by the Company's main service providers during the year and found there to be no matters of concern.
The Board has direct access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, Link Alternative Fund Administrators Limited, who is responsible for ensuring that Board and Committee procedures are followed and that applicable regulations are complied with.
The Company Secretary is also responsible to the Board for ensuring timely delivery of information and reports and for ensuring that statutory obligations of the Company are met.
Communication with shareholders is given a high priority by the Board and the Manager, and all Directors are available to enter into dialogue with shareholders. All shareholders are encouraged to attend and vote at the AGM, during which the Board and the Manager are available to discuss issues affecting the Company and shareholders have the opportunity to address questions to the Manager, the Board and the Chairmen of the Board's Committees. At each AGM, a presentation is made by the Manager to all shareholders present.
There is regular dialogue with institutional shareholders and a structured programme of shareholder presentations by the Manager to institutional investors takes place following publication of the annual and half-yearly results. A detailed list of the Company's shareholders is reviewed at each Board meeting.
The annual and half-yearly reports of the Company are prepared by the Board and its advisers to present a full and readily understandable review of the Company's performance.
Copies are dispatched to shareholders by mail or electronically as requested and are also available on the Company's website: www.piplc.com. The Company always responds to letters from shareholders. Shareholders wishing to communicate directly with the Board should contact the Company Secretary at the registered office shown on page 131, who will arrange for the relevant Board member to contact them.
On behalf of the Board
Sir Laurie Magnus Chairman 6 August 2019
The Audit Committee comprises myself, as Chairman, and the entire Board, with the exception of Mr Swire.
Further details about the composition of the Audit Committee are set out on page 69.
Audit Committee members consider that, individually and collectively, they are each independent and appropriately experienced to fulfil the role required within the sector in which the Company operates. The constitution and performance of the Audit Committee is reviewed on a regular basis.
I intend to retire as a Director of the Company no later than the PIP AGM in 2020 and the Board has selected David Melvin to succeed me as Audit Committee Chairman.
Clearly defined Terms of Reference have been established by the Board. The primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee are:
The Audit Committee also reviews the Manager's whistleblowing procedures.
The Audit Committee has direct access to the Company's Auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP ("Grant Thornton"), and representatives of Grant Thornton attend each Audit Committee meeting.
We met on three occasions during the year ended 31 May 2019. At those meetings, the Audit Committee has:
The principal issues considered by the Committee were:
Discussions have been held with the Manager about the valuation process, ownership of assets and the systems in place at Pantheon to ensure the accuracy of the valuation of the Company's portfolio.
The Audit Committee has received reassurances about the robustness of the Manager's valuation system from Pantheon.
As an investor in private equity, the Company had outstanding commitments to fund investments. Approximately 20% of these uncalled commitments relate to funds that are outside their investment periods and it is likely that a portion of these will not be drawn. During the year, the Manager undertook a detailed process to review and reconcile the undrawn commitments, and the results were discussed with the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee received assurances from Pantheon about the systems and controls in place to track the undrawn commitments as part of the valuation entry process.
The Manager and Administrator have reported to the Committee to confirm continuing compliance with the requirements for maintaining investment trust status. The position is also discussed with the Auditor as part of the audit process.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and updated, where appropriate, the Company's risk matrix. This document is reviewed by the Audit Committee every six months. It is satisfied with the extent, frequency and quality of the reporting of the Manager's monitoring to enable the Audit Committee to assess the degree of control of the Company and the effect with which risk is managed and mitigated. The Audit Committee has received reports on internal controls from each of its service providers. No incidents of significant control failings or weaknesses have been identified during the year ended 31 May 2019, within the Company or its third party suppliers.
The Company does not have an internal audit function as most of its day-to-day operations are delegated to third parties, all of whom have their own internal control procedures. The Audit Committee discussed whether it would be appropriate to establish an internal audit function, and agreed that the existing system of monitoring and reporting by third parties remains appropriate and sufficient.
The Audit Committee monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the external audit process for the publication of the Annual Report and makes recommendations to the Board on the re-appointment, remuneration and terms of engagement of the Auditor.
The audit fee incurred for the review of the 2019 annual report and accounts was £55,000 (31 May 2018: £64,000). The Audit Committee continues to monitor the level of audit fees carefully.
The Audit Committee reviews the scope and nature of all proposed non-audit services before engagement, to ensure that the independence and objectivity of the Auditor are safeguarded. The Board's policy is that non-audit services may be carried out by the Company's Auditor unless there is a conflict of interest or someone else is considered to have more relevant experience.
Non-audit services amounting to £36,000 were provided during the year ended 31 May 2019 (31 May 2018: £33,000), relating to the review of the half year and year-end net asset value calculations and the review of the Half-Yearly Report. The ratio of non-audit to audit fees is 65.5%. The Audit Committee believes that it is appropriate for the Company's Auditor to provide these services to the Company.
The Audit Committee has received assurances from the Auditor that its independence is not compromised by the supply of these services.
The Audit Committee meets at least twice a year with the Auditor. The Auditor provides a planning report in advance of the annual audit, a report on the annual audit and a report on their review of the half-year financial statements. The Audit Committee has an opportunity to question and challenge the Auditor in respect of each of these reports. In addition, at least once a year, the Audit Committee has an opportunity to discuss any aspect of the Auditor's work with the Auditor in the absence of the Manager. After each audit, the Audit Committee reviews the audit process and considers its effectiveness.
Grant Thornton has been the independent Auditor of the Company since its inception in 1987. In accordance with the regulations for the length of auditor tenure, in the first half of 2019, the Committee carried out an external audit tender process. Four firms were invited to tender. Following a transparent and competitive tender, including written submissions, presentations and discussions with two candidate firms, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that Ernst & Young LLP, whose audit team had extensive experience in auditing investment trusts, be appointed to replace Grant Thornton as the independent external Auditor of the Company. The Board accepted that recommendation and a resolution to appoint Ernst & Young LLP is included in the Notice of AGM.
The Audit Committee thanks Grant Thornton for their audit work, and assistance to the Committee, over many years.
The Company complied throughout the year ended 31 May 2019 with the provisions of the Statutory Audit Services Order 2014, issued by the Competition and Markets Authority ('CMA Order').
As a result of the work performed, the Audit Committee has concluded that the Annual Report for the year ended 31 May 2019, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy, and has reported on these findings to the Board.
Audit Committee Chairman 6 August 2019
The Board has prepared this report in accordance with the requirements of the Large and Medium Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.
The law requires the Company's Auditor to audit certain of the disclosures provided. Where disclosures have been audited, they are indicated as such. The Auditor's opinion is included in the "Independent Auditor's Report" on pages 89 to 93.
I am pleased to present the Directors' Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 May 2019.
Companies are required to ask shareholders to approve the annual remuneration report, which includes the annual remuneration paid to Directors, each year and to formally approve the
Directors' Remuneration Policy on a three-yearly basis. Any change to the Directors' Remuneration Policy requires shareholder approval. The vote on the Directors' Remuneration Report is, as previously, an advisory vote, whilst the Directors' Remuneration Policy is subject to a binding vote.
A resolution to approve the Remuneration Policy was proposed and approved by shareholders at the AGM of the Company held on 22 November 2017.
A resolution to approve the Remuneration Report will be proposed at the AGM of the Company to be held on 30 October 2019.
The Board consists entirely of non-executive Directors and the Company has no employees. We have not, therefore, reported on those aspects of remuneration that relate to executive directors.
As explained on page 80, it is not considered appropriate for the Company to establish a separate Remuneration Committee. It is therefore the practice for the Board as a whole to consider and approve Directors' remuneration.
During the year ended 31 May 2019, the fees were set at the rate of £55,000 for the Chairman (year to 31 May 2018: £55,000), £44,000 for the Chairman of the Audit Committee (year to 31 May 2018: £44,000) and £33,000 for the other Directors (year to 31 May 2018: £33,000). There has been no increase in Directors fees since 2015.
The Directors who served during the year received the following emoluments:
| Fees | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year to 31 May 2019 £ |
Year to 31 May 2018 £ |
Year to 31 May 2019 £ |
Year to 31 May 2018 £ |
||
| Sir Laurie Magnus (Chairman) | 55,000 | 55,000 | 55,000 | 55,000 | |
| I.C.S. Barby | 44,000 | 44,000 | 44,000 | 44,000 | |
| S.E. Nicklin | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | |
| R.M. Swire | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | |
| D.L. Melvin | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | |
| J. B.H.C.A. Singer | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | |
| J.D. Burgess | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | |
| Total | 264,000 | 264,000 | 264,000 | 264,000 |
No travel expenses or any other expenses were claimed by the Directors from the Company during the year ended 31 May 2019 or as at the date of this Report.
The graph below shows the total return to ordinary shareholders compared to the total shareholder returns of the FTSE All-Share Total Return Index and MSCI World Total Return (Sterling) Index. These indices have been selected as the most relevant, as there is no listed index that is directly comparable to the Company's portfolio.

The table below sets out, in respect of the financial year ended 31 May 2019 and the preceding financial period, the total remuneration paid to Directors, the Management fee and share buybacks and the percentage change between the two periods:
| Year to 31 May 2019 £'000 |
Year to 31 May 2018 £'000 |
Change % |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total remuneration paid to Directors | 264 | 264 | – |
| Management fee | 16,584 | 15,020 | 10.41 |
| Share buybacks | 500 | 3,546 | (85.90) |
There is no requirement under the Company's Articles of Association or the terms of their appointment for Directors to hold shares in the Company.
The interests of the Directors and any persons closely associated in the ordinary shares of the Company are set out below:
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sir L.H. Magnus (Chairman) | 14,324 | 8,000 |
| S.E. Nicklin | 1,106 | 795 |
| I.C.S. Barby | 24,000 | 24,000 |
| D.L. Melvin* | 8,000 | 8,000 |
| R.M. Swire | 83,228 | 83,228 |
| J.D. Burgess | 39,982 | 39,982 |
| J. B.H.C.A. Singer | 39,982 | 39,982 |
* Held jointly with spouse.
There has been no change to the above interests between 31 May 2019 and the date of this report.
The Directors' Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 May 2018 were approved by shareholders at the AGMs held on 22 November 2017 and 31 October 2018 respectively.
The votes cast by proxy were as follows:
| REMUNERATION REPORT | Number of votes |
% of votes cast |
|---|---|---|
| For | 28,033,242 | 99.96 |
| Against | 627 | 0.01 |
| At Chairman's discretion | 8,920 | 0.03 |
| Total votes cast | 28,042,789 | 100.00 |
| Number of votes withheld | 6,586 | – |
| REMUNERATION POLICY | Number of votes |
% of votes cast |
|---|---|---|
| For | 27,329,186 | 99.82 |
| Against | 46,401 | 0.17 |
| At Chairman's discretion | 655 | 0.01 |
| Total votes cast | 27,376,242 | 100.00 |
| Number of votes withheld | 5,561 | – |
As detailed below, the Directors' Remuneration Policy (the "Policy") is put to shareholders' vote at least once every three years and in any year if there is to be a change in the Policy. A resolution to approve the Policy was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 22 November 2017, as stated above, accordingly, the Company's Policy will next be put to shareholders' vote at the Company's 2020 Annual General Meeting.
The Board's policy is that remuneration of non-executive Directors should reflect the experience of the Board as a whole and is determined with reference to comparable organisations and appointments. The level of remuneration has been set in order to attract individuals of a calibre appropriate to the future development of the Company and to reflect the specific circumstances of the Company, the duties and responsibilities of the Directors, and the value and amount of time committed to the Company's affairs.
There are no performance conditions attaching to the remuneration of the Directors as the Board does not believe that this is appropriate for non-executive Directors. The Directors do not receive pension benefits, long-term incentive schemes or share options.
All Directors act in a non-executive capacity and the fees for their services are approved by the whole Board. The fees for the Directors are determined within the limits set out in the Company's Articles of Association, or any greater sum that may be determined by ordinary resolution of the Company.
The Chairman does not participate in any discussions relating to his own fee, which is determined by the other Directors.
Under the Company's Articles of Association, if any Director performs, or undertakes to perform, services which the Board considers go beyond the ordinary duties of a Director, he/she may be paid such special remuneration (whether by way of fixed sum, bonus, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Directors may determine. However, as the Directors do not receive performance related pay, any additional remuneration
would not be based on a percentage of profits.
Directors are entitled to be paid all travelling, hotel or other expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at Director or shareholder meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties as Directors.
None of the Directors have a contract of service with the Company. Each Director has entered into terms of appointment as a non-executive Director of the Company. There has been no other contract or arrangement between the Company and any Director at any time during the year. Under the Articles of Association, each Director shall retire and be subject to re-appointment at the first AGM following appointment, and at least every three years thereafter. After nine years' service, Directors are subject to annual re-appointment. Following the Company's inclusion in the FTSE 250, all Directors are subject to annual re-election at each AGM. There are no agreements between the Company and its Directors concerning compensation for loss of office.
| Expected fees for year to 31 May 2020 £ |
Fees for year to 31 May 2019 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Chairman basic fee | 55,000 | 55,000 |
| Non-executive Director basic fee | 33,000 | 33,000 |
| Audit Committee Chairman additional fee | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| Total aggregate annual fees that can be paid | 350,000 | 350,000 |
No other additional fees are payable for membership of the Board's committees.
Fees for any new Director appointed will be made on the above basis. Fees payable in respect of subsequent years will be determined following an annual review.
Any views expressed by shareholders on the fees being paid to Directors would be taken into consideration by the Board.
The Directors' Remuneration Report was approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:
Sir Laurie Magnus Chairman 6 August 2019
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of each financial year and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report, the Directors' Remuneration Report, the Corporate Governance Statement and the Report of the Audit Committee in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and applicable regulations, including the requirements of the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. The Directors have delegated responsibility to the Investment Manager for the maintenance and integrity of the Company's corporate and financial information included on the Company's website (www.piplc.com). Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Each of the Directors, whose names are listed on page 69, confirms that to the best of their knowledge:
The UK Corporate Governance Code requires Directors to ensure that the annual report and financial statements are fair, balanced and understandable. In order to reach a conclusion on this matter, the Board has requested that the Audit Committee advises on whether it considers that the annual report and financial statements fulfil these requirements. The process by which the Audit Committee has reached these conclusions is set out in its report on pages 82 to 83. As a result, the Board has concluded that the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2019, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.
Signed on behalf of the Board by
Sir Laurie Magnus Chairman 6 August 2019
We have audited the financial statements of Pantheon International Plc (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 May 2019, which comprise the Income Statement, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the 'Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements' section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:
financial statements and the directors' identification of any material uncertainties to the Company's ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those that had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Existence and valuation of unquoted investments measured at fair value through profit or loss
The Company's primary investment objective is to seek to maximise long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of private equity funds, unquoted investments, and directly in private companies. Investments are made as and when opportunities arise, and currently scale globally.
As a consequence of this, the Company has significant exposure to investments, which are the main drivers for maximising capital growth. The investment portfolio has a carrying value of £1,498,588,000, of which unquoted investments of £1,443,935,000 make up 96%.
There is estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of unquoted investments at the year-end measurement date. Fair valuation is determined based on the best information available at the measurement date, which includes valuation statements as at 31 March 2019.
We therefore identified existence and valuation of unquoted investments measured at fair value through profit or loss as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:
The Company's accounting policy on the valuation of investments is shown in note 1d to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 9a. The Audit Committee identified the ownership of investments and the valuation process as a principal issue in its report on page 84, where the Audit Committee also described how it addressed this issue.
Our audit procedures did not identify any material misstatements in relation to the existence or valuation of the Company's unquoted investments.
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in determining the in evaluating the results of that work.
We determined materiality for the audit of the financial statements as a whole to be £29,972,000, which is approximately 2% of the Company's net assets. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because net assets, which are primarily composed of the Company's investment portfolio, is considered to be the key driver of the Company's total return performance.
Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that we determined for the year ended 31 May 2018 to reflect the increase in the Company's net assets in the current year.
We use a different level of materiality, performance materiality, to drive the extent of our testing and this was set at 75% of financial statement materiality.
We also determine a lower level of specific materiality for certain areas such as management fees and directors' remuneration.
We determined the threshold at which we will communicate misstatements to the audit committee to be £1,149,000. In addition, we will communicate misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds.
Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded on a thorough understanding of the Company's business, its environment and risk profile. The day-to-day management of the Company's investment portfolio, the custody of its investments and the maintenance of the Company's accounting records is outsourced to third party service providers. Our audit work, therefore, was focused on:
The objectives of our audit are to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud or error; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud or error; and to respond appropriately to those risks. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK).
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and accounts, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:
In our opinion, the part of the directors' remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in:
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 88, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
We, through Robson Rhodes with whom we merged in 2007, were appointed by the Board at the inception of the Company in 1987. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 31 years.
The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the Company and we remain independent of the Company in conducting our audit.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants London 6 August 2019
| Income Statement | 96 |
|---|---|
| Statement of Changes in Equity | 97 |
| Balance Sheet | 98 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 99 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 100 |
| Year ended 31 May 2019 |
Year ended 31 May 2018 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total* £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total* £'000 |
||
| Gains on investments at fair value through profit or loss** |
9b | – | 204,473 | 204,473 | – | 149,778 | 149,778 | |
| Losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss – ALN** |
13 | (1,229) | (8,815) | (10,044) | (1,083) | (10,083) | (11,166) | |
| Currency gains/(losses) on cash and borrowings |
17 | – | 6,810 | 6,810 | – | (1,929) | (1,929) | |
| Investment income | 2 | 13,222 | – | 13,222 | 15,504 | – | 15,504 | |
| Investment management fees | 3 | (16,584) | – | (16,584) | (15,020) | – | (15,020) | |
| Other expenses | 4 | (5) | (568) | (573) | (296) | (2,974) | (3,270) | |
| Return before financing and taxation | (4,596) | 201,900 | 197,304 | (895) | 134,792 | 133,897 | ||
| Interest payable and similar expenses | 6 | (2,386) | – | (2,386) | (1,950) | – | (1,950) | |
| Return before taxation | (6,982) | 201,900 | 194,918 | (2,845) | 134,792 | 131,947 | ||
| Taxation | 7 | (2,594) | – | (2,594) | (9,170) | – | (9,170) | |
| Return for the year, being total comprehensive income for the year |
(9,576) | 201,900 | 192,324 | (12,015) | 134,792 | 122,777 | ||
| Return per ordinary share | 8 | (17.70)p | 373.17p | 355.47p | (20.72)p | 232.48p | 211.76p |
* The Company does not have any income or expense that is not included in the return for the year therefore the return for the year is also the total comprehensive income for the year. The supplementary revenue and capital columns are prepared under guidance published in the Statement of Recommended Practice ("SORP") issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC").
** Includes currency movements on investments.
All revenue and capital items in the above statement relate to continuing operations.
The total column of the statement represents the Company's Statement of Total Comprehensive Income prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards ("FRS").
No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period.
There were no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the Income Statement.
The Notes on pages 100 to 117 form part of these financial statements.
| Share capital £'000 |
Share premium £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Other capital reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve on investments held £'000 |
Revenue reserve* £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement for the year ended 31 May 2019 |
|||||||
| Opening equity shareholders' funds | 36,257 | 269,535 | 3,308 | 572,278 | 500,079 | (74,693) | 1,306,764 |
| Return for the year | – | – | – | 163,326 | 38,574 | (9,576) | 192,324 |
| Ordinary shares bought back for cancellation |
(17) | – | 17 | (500) | – | – | (500) |
| Closing equity shareholders' funds | 36,240 | 269,535 | 3,325 | 735,104 | 538,653 | (84,269) | 1,498,588 |
| Movement for the year ended 31 May 2018 |
|||||||
| Opening equity shareholders' funds | 22,456 | 283,555 | 3,089 | 645,011 | 496,100 | (62,678) | 1,387,533 |
| Return for the year | – | – | – | 130,813 | 3,979 | (12,015) | 122,777 |
| Ordinary shares bought back for cancellation |
(128) | – | 128 | (3,546) | – | – | (3,546) |
| Redemption of redeemable shares to ALN |
(91) | – | 91 | (200,000) | – | – | (200,000) |
| Bonus issue of deferred shares to redeemable shareholders |
14,020 | (14,020) | – | – | – | – | – |
| Conversion of deferred and redeemable shares to ordinary shares |
(14,232) | – | – | – | – | – | (14,232) |
| Ordinary shares issued following conversion of deferred and redeemable shares as part of the share class consolidation |
14,232 | – | – | – | – | – | 14,232 |
| Closing equity shareholders' funds | 36,257 | 269,535 | 3,308 | 572,278 | 500,079 | (74,693) | 1,306,764 |
* Reserves that are distributable by way of dividends. In addition, the Other Capital Reserve can be used for share buybacks.
The Notes on pages 100 to 117 form part of these financial statements.
| Note | 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | |||
| Investments at fair value | 9a/b | 1,449,634 | 1,274,737 |
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 11 | 3,222 | 3,891 |
| Cash at bank | 142,773 | 162,292 | |
| 145,995 | 166,183 | ||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | |||
| Other creditors | 12 | 4,682 | 19,046 |
| 4,682 | 19,046 | ||
| Net current assets | 141,313 | 147,137 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 1,590,947 | 1,421,874 | |
| Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year | |||
| Asset Linked Loan | 13 | 92,359 | 115,110 |
| 92,359 | 115,110 | ||
| Net assets | 1,498,588 | 1,306,764 | |
| Capital and reserves | |||
| Called-up share capital | 14 | 36,240 | 36,257 |
| Share premium | 15 | 269,535 | 269,535 |
| Capital redemption reserve | 15 | 3,325 | 3,308 |
| Other capital reserve | 15 | 735,104 | 572,278 |
| Capital reserve on investments held | 15 | 538,653 | 500,079 |
| Revenue reserve | 15 | (84,269) | (74,693) |
| Total equity shareholders' funds | 1,498,588 | 1,306,764 | |
| Net asset value per share – ordinary | 16 | 2,770.57p | 2,414.82p |
The Notes on pages 100 to 117 form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Pantheon International Plc on 6 August 2019 and were signed on its behalf by
Sir Laurie Magnus
Chairman
Company No. 2147984
| Note | Year ended 31 May 2019 £'000 |
Year ended 31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Investment income received | 12,818 | 13,619 | |
| Deposit and other interest received | 1,359 | 830 | |
| Investment management fees paid | (16,401) | (14,969) | |
| Secretarial fees paid | (231) | (223) | |
| Depositary fees paid | (191) | (229) | |
| Other cash payments | 405 | (5,857) | |
| Withholding tax deducted | (3,407) | (10,483) | |
| Net cash outflow from operating activities | 17 | (5,648) | (17,312) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Purchases of investments | (285,326) | (254,426) | |
| Disposals of investments | 313,330 | 351,335 | |
| Net cash inflow from investing activities | 28,004 | 96,909 | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||
| ALN repayments | (44,909) | (77,152) | |
| Ordinary shares purchased for cancellation | (500) | (3,546) | |
| Loan commitment and arrangement fees paid | (3,286) | (1,577) | |
| Net cash outflow from financing activities | (48,695) | (82,275) | |
| Decrease in cash in the year | (26,339) | (2,678) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 162,292 | 167,252 | |
| Foreign exchange gains/(losses) | 6,820 | (2,282) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year | 142,773 | 162,292 |
The Notes on pages 100 to 117 form part of these financial statements.
PIP is a listed public limited company incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is detailed on page 131. A summary of the principal accounting policies and measurement bases, all of which have been applied consistently throughout the year, is set out below.
The Company's financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102 as it applies to the financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2019. They have also been prepared on the assumption that approval as an investment trust will continue to be granted. The Company's financial statements are presented in sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£'000) except when indicated otherwise.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost basis of accounting, modified to include the revaluation of certain assets at fair value.
On 18 April 2017, the Board of the Company approved, with immediate effect, a change in the Company's accounting reference date from 30 June to 31 May of each year. The change in accounting reference date and quicker publication of results enables the Company to provide more up-to-date information on its underlying portfolio.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SORP (as amended in November 2014 and updated in January 2017 and February 2018 with consequential amendments) for the financial statements of investment trust companies and venture capital trusts issued by the AIC.
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business, being an investment business.
Given the nature of the Company's assets which comprise predominantly unlisted fund investments, while the Company operates a robust and consistent valuation process, there is significant estimation uncertainty in the underlying fund valuations estimated at a point in time. Accordingly, while the Company considers circumstances where it might be appropriate to apply an override, for instance in response to a market crash, this will be exercised only where it is judged necessary to show a true and fair view. Similarly, while relevant information received after the measurement date is considered, the Directors will only consider an adjustment to the financial statements if it were to have a significant impact. In the view of the Directors, a significant impact would be a movement of greater than 5% of the overall estimate of the value of the investment portfolio made at the measurement date.
The Company has fully adopted sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102. All investments held by the Company are classified as "fair value through profit or loss". As the Company's business is investing in financial assets with a view to profiting from their total return in the form of interest, dividends or increases in fair value, investments are recognised at fair value on initial recognition. The Company manages and evaluates the performance of these investments on a fair value basis in accordance with its investment strategy. For investments actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is generally determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted market bid prices at the close of business at the Balance Sheet date. For investments that are not actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is determined using reliable valuation techniques as described below:
In the case of investments in private equity funds, this is based on the net asset value of those funds ascertained from periodic valuations provided by the managers of the funds and recorded up to the measurement date. Such valuations are necessarily dependent upon the reasonableness of the valuations by the fund managers of the underlying investments. In the absence of contrary information the values are assumed to be reliable. These valuations are reviewed periodically for reasonableness and recorded up to the measurement date. If a class of assets were sold post period end, management would consider the effect, if any, on the investment portfolio.
The Company may acquire secondary interests at either a premium or a discount to the fund manager's valuation. Within the Company's portfolio, those fund holdings purchased at a premium are normally revalued to their stated net asset values at the next reporting date. Those fund holdings purchased at a discount are normally held at cost until the receipt of a valuation from the fund manager in respect of a date after acquisition, when they are revalued to their stated net asset values, unless an adjustment against a specific investment is considered appropriate.
In the case of direct investments in unquoted companies, the initial valuation is based on the transaction price. Where better indications of fair value become available, such as through subsequent issues of capital or dealings between third parties, the valuation is adjusted to reflect the new evidence. This information may include the valuations provided by private equity managers who are also invested in the company. Valuations are reduced where the company's performance is not considered satisfactory.
Private equity funds may contain a proportion of quoted shares from time to time, for example, where the underlying company investments have been taken public but the holdings have not yet been sold. The quoted market holdings at the date of the latest fund accounts are reviewed and compared with the value of those holdings at the period end. If there has been a material movement in the value of these holdings, the valuation is adjusted to reflect this.
The Company may engage in deferred payments transactions. Where the Company engages in deferred payment transactions the Company initially measures the financial liability at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted value is amortised over the life of the transaction and shown as a finance cost in the revenue column in the Income Statement.
As part of the share consolidation effected on 31 October 2017 the Company issued an ALN with an initial principal amount of £200m to the Investor. Payments under the ALN are made quarterly in arrears and are linked to the ALN share (c.75%) of the net cash flows from a reference portfolio which is comprised of interests held by the Company in over 300 of its oldest private equity funds, substantially 2006 and earlier vintages. The Company retains the net cash flows relating to the remaining c.25% of the reference portfolio.
The ALN is held at fair value through profit or loss and therefore movements in fair value are reflected in the Income Statement. Fair value is calculated as the sum of the ALN share of fair value of the reference portfolio plus the ALN share of undistributed net cash flow. The fair value movement is allocated between revenue and capital pro rata to the fair value gains and income generated movements in the reference portfolio.
A pro rata share of the Company's total ongoing charges is allocated to the ALN, reducing each quarterly payment ("the Expense Charge") and deducted from Other Expenses through the revenue account in the Income Statement.
The ALN's share of net cash flow is calculated after withholding taxation suffered. These amounts are deducted from Taxation through the revenue account in the Income Statement.
See Note 13 for further information.
Dividends receivable on quoted equity shares are brought into account on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends receivable on equity shares where no ex-dividend date is quoted are brought into account when the Company's right to receive payment is established. The fixed return on a debt security is recognised on a time apportionment basis so as to reflect the effective interest rate on the security.
Other interest receivable is included on an accruals basis.
Corporation tax payable is based on the taxable profit for the period, The charge for taxation takes into account taxation deferred or accelerated because of timing differences between the treatment of certain items for accounting and taxation purposes. Full provision for deferred taxation is made under the liability method, without discounting, on all timing differences that have arisen but not reversed by the Balance Sheet date.
The tax effect of different items of income/ gain and expenditure/loss is allocated between capital and revenue on the same basis as the particular item to which it relates, using the marginal method.
Dividends receivable are recognised at an amount that may include withholding tax (but excludes other taxes, such as attributable tax credits). Any withholding tax suffered is shown as part of the revenue account tax charge.
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses, including investment management fees, are charged through the revenue account except as follows:
The currency of the Primary Economic Environment in which the Company operates ("the functional currency") is pounds sterling ("sterling"), which is also the presentation currency. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the local currency at actual exchange rates as at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the period end are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at the period end. Any gain or loss arising from a change in exchange rates subsequent to the date of the transaction is included as an exchange gain or loss in the revenue or capital column of the Income Statement depending on whether the gain or loss is of a capital or revenue nature. For non-monetary assets these are covered by fair value adjustments. For details of transactions included in the capital column of the Income Statement please see (J) and (K) below.
The following are accounted for in this reserve:
Capital distributions from investments are accounted for on a reducing cost basis; cash received is first applied to reducing the historical cost of an investment, any gain will be recognised as realised only when the cost has been reduced to nil.
The following are accounted for in this reserve:
Increases and decreases in the value of investments held at the year end and the ALN.
The Manager is entitled to a performance fee from the Company in respect of each 12 calendar month period ending on 31 May in each year and, prior to 31 May 2017, the period of 12 calendar months ending 30 June in each year. The performance fee payable in respect of each such calculation period is 5% of the amount by which the net asset value at the end of such period exceeds 110% of the applicable "high-water mark", i.e. the net asset value at the end of the previous calculation period in respect of which a performance fee was payable, compounded annually at 10% for each subsequent completed calculation period up to the start of the calculation period for which the fee is being calculated. For the calculation period ended 31 May 2019, the notional performance fee hurdle is a net asset value per share of 3,454.52p. The performance fee is calculated using the adjusted net asset value.
The performance fee is calculated so as to ignore the effect on performance of any performance fee payable in respect of the period for which the fee is being calculated or of any increase or decrease in the net assets of the Company resulting from any issue, redemption or purchase of any shares or other securities, the sale of any treasury shares or the issue or cancellation of any subscription or conversion rights for any shares or other securities and any other reduction in the Company's share capital or any distribution to shareholders.
The preparation of financial statements requires the Manager to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the financial reporting date and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Details of any estimates are provided in section (D) of this Note, in the Valuation of Investments policy and also within the Market Price Risk section in Note 19.
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Income from investments | ||
| Investment income | 11,905 | 14,618 |
| 11,905 | 14,618 | |
| Other income | ||
| Interest | 1,320 | 884 |
| Exchange difference on income | (3) | 2 |
| 1,317 | 886 | |
| Total income | 13,222 | 15,504 |
| Total income comprises | ||
| Dividends | 11,905 | 14,618 |
| Bank interest | 1,320 | 884 |
| Exchange difference on income | (3) | 2 |
| 13,222 | 15,504 | |
| Analysis of income from investments | ||
| Unlisted | 11,905 | 14,618 |
| 11,905 | 14,618 | |
| Geographical analysis | ||
| UK | 134 | 803 |
| USA | 7,344 | 9,568 |
| Other overseas | 4,427 | 4,247 |
| 11,905 | 14,618 |
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
||
| Investment management fees | 16,584 | – | 16,584 | 15,020 | – | 15,020 | |
| 16,584 | – | 16,584 | 15,020 | – | 15,020 |
The investment management fee is payable monthly in arrears at the rate set out in the Directors' Report on pages 70 to 75.
During the year, services with a total value of £17,046,000 (year to 31 May 2018: £15,510,000), being £16,584,000 (year to 31 May 2018: £15,020,000) directly from Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP and £462,000 (year to 31 May 2018: £490,000) via Pantheon managed fund investments were purchased by the Company.
The value of investments in and outstanding commitments to, investment funds managed or advised by the Pantheon Group ("Pantheon Funds") are excluded in calculating the monthly management fee and the commitment fee. The value of holdings in investments managed by the Pantheon Group totalled £18,050,000 as at 31 May 2019 (31 May 2018: £24,014,000). In addition, the Manager has agreed that the total fees (including performance fees) payable by Pantheon Funds to members of the Pantheon Group and attributable to the Company's investments in Pantheon Funds shall be less than the total fees (excluding the performance fee) that the Company would have been charged under the Management Agreement had it invested directly in all of the underlying investments of the relevant Pantheon Funds instead of through the relevant Pantheon Funds.
At 31 May 2019, £1,467,000 (31 May 2018: £1,284,000) was owed for investment management fees. No performance fee is payable in respect of the year to 31 May 2019 (31 May 2018: nil). The basis upon which the performance fee is calculated is explained in Note 1(L) and in the Directors' Report on pages 70 to 75.
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
| Secretarial and accountancy services | 239 | – | 239 | 235 | – | 235 |
| Depositary fees | 211 | – | 211 | 221 | – | 221 |
| Fees payable to the Company's Auditor for the audit of the annual financial statements |
55 | – | 55 | 64 | – | 64 |
| Fees payable to the Company's Auditor for | ||||||
| – audit-related assurance services – Half-Yearly report |
9 | – | 9 | 8 | – | 8 |
| – other non-audit services not covered above – net asset value calculations |
27 | – | 27 | 25 | – | 25 |
| Directors' remuneration (see Note 5) | 264 | – | 264 | 264 | – | 264 |
| Employer's National Insurance | 31 | – | 31 | 26 | – | 26 |
| Irrecoverable VAT | 56 | – | 56 | 142 | – | 142 |
| Legal and professional fees | 152 | 570 | 722 | 144 | 972 | 1,116 |
| Printing | 93 | – | 93 | 52 | – | 52 |
| Other* | 326 | – | 326 | 319 | – | 319 |
| ALN issue costs | – | (2) | (2) | – | 2,002 | 2,002 |
| ALN Expense Charge (see Note 1 (E)) | (1,458) | – | (1,458) | (1,204) | – | (1,204) |
| 5 | 568 | 573 | 296 | 2,974 | 3,270 |
The Directors do not consider that the provision of non-audit work to the Company affects the independence of the Auditor.
* See Note 9b for detailed information.
Directors' emoluments comprise Directors' fees. A breakdown is provided in the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 84 to 87.
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Negative bank interest | 25 | 18 |
| Loan commitment and arrangement fees | 2,361 | 1,932 |
| 2,386 | 1,950 |
On 1 June 2018, the Company agreed a new four-year £175m multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement, arranged by Lloyds Bank and NatWest Markets. This replaced the four-year £150m loan facility agreement, with the Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Lloyds Bank plc, which was due to expire in November 2018.
The new £175m four-year loan facility has been redenominated using current exchange rates to \$163.0m and €59.8m. The terms of the new facility are materially the same as those of the previous facility but will expire in June 2022 with an option after one year to extend, by agreement, the maturity date by another year.
Upfront fees of £1.575m are being amortised over the four-year life of the facility. A commitment fee of 0.94% per annum is payable quarterly, in respect of the amounts available for drawdown. Interest payable on any drawn down amount is payable for the duration of the drawdown period.
The new loan facility provides a margin of additional assurance that the Company has the ability to finance its unfunded commitments in the future. At 31 May 2019 and 31 May 2018, the loan facility remained fully undrawn.
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Revenue £'000 |
Capital £'000 |
Total £'000 |
||
| Withholding tax deducted from distributions | 2,594 | – | 2,594 | 9,170 | – | 9,170 |
The tax charge for the year differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (19%). The differences are explained below:
| Net return before tax | (6,982) | 201,900 | 194,918 | (2,845) | 134,792 | 131,947 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theoretical tax at UK corporation tax rate of 19% (31 May 2018: 19%) |
(1,327) | 38,361 | 37,034 | (540) | 25,610 | 25,070 |
| Non-taxable investment, derivative and currency gains |
– | (38,469) | (38,469) | – | (26,175) | (26,175) |
| Effect of expenses in excess of taxable income | – | 108 | 108 | – | 185 | 185 |
| Expenses disallowable for tax purposes | – | – | – | – | 380 | 380 |
| Carry forward management expenses | 1,327 | – | 1,327 | 540 | – | 540 |
| Withholding tax deducted from distributions | (2,594) | – | (2,594) | (9,170) | – | (9,170) |
| (2,594) | – | (2,594) | (9,170) | – | (9,170) | |
The Company is an investment trust and therefore is not subject to tax on capital gains. Deferred tax is not provided on capital gains and losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments because the Company meets (and intends to meet for the foreseeable future) the conditions for approval as an investment trust company.
No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of excess management expenses and expenses in excess of taxable income as they will only be recoverable to the extent that there is sufficient future taxable revenue. As at 31 May 2019, excess management expenses are estimated to be in excess of £180m (31 May 2018: £165m).
At 31 May 2019, the Company had no unprovided deferred tax liabilities (31 May 2018: £nil).
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | Capital | Total | Revenue | Capital | Total | ||
| Return for the financial period in £'000 | (9,576) | 201,900 | 192,324 | (12,015) | 134,792 | 122,777 | |
| Weighted average ordinary shares | 54,104,721 | 57,980,242 | |||||
| Return per share | (17.70)p | 373.17p | 355.47p | (20.72)p | 232.48p | 211.76p |
There are no dilutive effects to earnings per share.
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Book cost brought forward | 764,575 | 729,164 |
| Acquisitions at cost | 284,846 | 251,327 |
| Capital distributions – proceeds | (314,341) | (350,693) |
| Capital distributions – realised gains on sales | 157,003 | 134,777 |
| Book cost at year end | 892,083 | 764,575 |
| Unrealised appreciation of investments | ||
| Unlisted investments | 551,852 | 509,592 |
| Listed investments | 5,699 | 570 |
| Valuation of investments at year end | 1,449,634 | 1,274,737 |
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Sterling | ||
| Unlisted investments | 43,155 | 26,694 |
| 43,155 | 26,694 | |
| US dollar | ||
| Unlisted investments | 1,141,081 | 980,063 |
| Listed investments | 5,698 | 568 |
| 1,146,779 | 980,631 | |
| Euro | ||
| Unlisted investments | 235,188 | 238,925 |
| 235,188 | 238,925 | |
| Other | ||
| Unlisted investments | 24,511 | 28,485 |
| Listed investments | 1 | 2 |
| 24,512 | 28,487 | |
| 1,449,634 | 1,274,737 | |
| Realised gains on sales | 157,003 | 134,777 |
| Amounts previously recognised as unrealised appreciation on those sales | 570 | 1,364 |
| Increase in unrealised appreciation | 46,819 | 13,820 |
| Revaluation of amounts owed in respect of transactions | 81 | (183) |
| Gains on investments | 204,473 | 149,778 |
Further analysis of the investment portfolio is provided in the Manager's Review on pages 24 to 65.
Transaction costs, (incurred at the point of the transaction) incidental to the acquisition of investments totalled £nil (31 May 2018: £nil) and to the disposals of investments totalled £6,000 (31 May 2018: £11,000) for the year. In addition, legal fees incidental to the acquisition of investments totalled £568,000 (31 May 2018: £972,000) and the ALN issue costs totalled (£2,000) being a write back of over-accrued expenses (31 May 2018: £2,002,000) as disclosed in Note 4, have been taken to the capital column in the Income Statement since they are capital in nature.
At the year end, the Company held the following material holdings in the following investments:
| Investment | % ownership | Closing net assets value £m |
|---|---|---|
| Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund IV | 0.9% | 31.7 |
| Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlisted holdings | – | – | 1,443,935 | 1,443,935 |
| Listed holdings | 5,699 | – | – | 5,699 |
| 5,699 | – | 1,443,935 | 1,449,634 |
| Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlisted holdings | – | – | 1,274,167 | 1,274,167 |
| Listed holdings | 570 | – | – | 570 |
| 570 | – | 1,274,167 | 1,274,737 |
| Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Linked Note | – – |
94,449 | 94,449 | |
| – | – | 94,449 | 94,449 |
| Level 1 £'000 |
Level 2 £'000 |
Level 3 £'000 |
Total £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Linked Note | – | – | 131,585 | 131,585 |
| – | – | 131,585 | 131,585 |
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Amounts owed by investment funds | 1,808 | 724 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 1,414 | 3,167 |
| 3,222 | 3,891 |
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investment management fees | 1,467 | 1,284 |
| Amounts owed in respect of transactions | 339 | 478 |
| ALN repayment to the Investor | 2,090 | 16,475 |
| Other creditors and accruals | 786 | 809 |
| 4,682 | 19,046 |
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Opening value of ALN | 131,585 | – |
| Initial principal amount issued | – | 200,000 |
| Repayments of net cashflows received | (44,909) | (77,152) |
| Fair value movements through profit or loss | 10,044 | 11,166 |
| Expense Charge and ALN share of withholding taxes | (2,271) | (2,429) |
| Closing Value of ALN | 94,449 | 131,585 |
| Transfer to creditors due within one year | (2,090) | (16,475) |
| 92,359 | 115,110 |
As part of the share consolidation effected on 31 October 2017, the Company issued an ALN with an initial principal amount of £200m to the Investor. Payments under the ALN are made quarterly in arrears and are linked to the ALN share (c75%) of the net cash flow from a reference portfolio which is comprised of interests held by PIP in over 300 of its oldest private equity funds, substantially 2006 and earlier vintages. PIP retains the net cash flow relating to the remaining c25% of the reference portfolio.
The ALN is held at fair value through profit or loss and therefore movements in fair value are reflected in the Income Statement. The Directors do not believe there to be a material own credit risk, due to the fact that repayments are only due when net cash flow is received from the reference portfolio. Fair value is calculated as the sum of the ALN share of fair value of the reference portfolio plus the ALN share of undistributed net cash flow which is equivalent to the amount which would be required to be repaid had the ALN matured on 31 May 2019. Therefore no fair value movement has occurred during the year as a result of changes to credit risk.
A pro rata share of the Company's Total Ongoing Charges is allocated to the ALN, reducing each quarterly payment ("the Expense Charge") and deducted from Other Expenses in the Income Statement.
The ALN's share of net cash flow is calculated after withholding taxation suffered. These amounts are deducted from Taxation in the Income Statement.
During the year, the Company made repayments totaling £44.9m, representing the ALN share of net cash flow for the year to 28 February 2019. The fair value of the ALN at 31 May 2019 was £94.4m, of which £2.1m represents the net cash flow for the three months to 31 May 2019, due for repayment on 31 August 2019. This amount has therefore been transferred to amounts due within one year (see Note 12).
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shares | £'000 | Shares | £'000 | ||
| Allotted, called-up and fully paid: | |||||
| Ordinary shares of 67p each | |||||
| Opening position | 54,114,447 | 36,257 | 33,062,013 | 22,153 | |
| Issue of shares following conversion | – | – | 21,242,434 | 14,232 | |
| Cancellation of shares | (25,000) | (17) | (128) | ||
| Closing position | 54,089,447 | 36,240 | 54,114,447 | 36,257 | |
| Redeemable shares of 1p each | |||||
| Opening position | – | – | 30,297,534 | 303 | |
| Redemption of shares to ALN | – | – | (9,055,100) | (91) | |
| Conversion to ordinary shares | – | – | (21,242,434) | (212) | |
| Closing position | – | – | – | – | |
| Deferred shares of 66p each | |||||
| Opening position | – | – | – | – | |
| Bonus issue of shares to redeemable shareholders | – | – | 21,242,434 | 14,020 | |
| Conversion to ordinary shares | – | – | (21,242,434) | (14,020) | |
| Closing position | – | – | – | – | |
| Total shares in issue | 54,089,447 | 36,240 | 54,114,447 | 36,257 |
During the year to 31 May 2018, the Company consolidated its ordinary and redeemable share capital into a single class of ordinary shares. The Company also issued an unlisted ALN (see Note 13 for further information).
The reorganisation of the share capital was implemented on 31 October 2017 and consisted of:
During the period 25,000 ordinary shares (31 May 2018: 190,000) were bought back in the market for cancellation. The total consideration paid, including commission and stamp duty, was £500,000 (31 May 2018: £128,000).
Each holder of ordinary shares is entitled, on a show of hands, to one vote and, on a poll, to one vote for each ordinary share held.
| Share premium £'000 |
Capital redemption reserve £'000 |
Other capital reserve £'000 |
Capital reserve on investments held £'000 |
Revenue reserve* £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning of year | 269,535 | 3,308 | 572,278 | 500,079 | (74,693) |
| Net gain on realisation of investments | – | – | 157,003 | – | – |
| Increase in unrealised appreciation | – | – | – | 46,819 | – |
| Losses on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss – ALN |
– | – | – | (8,815) | – |
| Transfer on disposal of investments | – | – | – | 570 | – |
| Revaluation of amounts owed in respect of transactions | – | – | 81 | – | – |
| Exchange differences on currency | – | – | 6,820 | – | – |
| Exchange differences on other capital items | – | – | (10) | – | – |
| Legal and professional expenses charged to capital | – | – | (570) | – | – |
| Other expenses charged to capital | – | – | 2 | – | – |
| Share buybacks | – | 17 | (500) | – | – |
| Revenue return for the year | – | – | – | – | (9,576) |
| End of Year | 269,535 | 3,325 | 735,104 | 538,653 | (84,269) |
* Reserves that are distributable by way of dividends. In addition, the Other Capital Reserve can be used for share buybacks.
| 31 May 2019 | 31 May 2018 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net assets attributable in £'000 | 1,498,588 | 1,306,764 |
| Ordinary shares | 54,089,447 | 54,114,447 |
| Net asset value per share – ordinary | 2,770.57p | 2,414.82p |
The Company had redeemable shares which were converted to ordinary shares on 31 October 2017 and were admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 1 November 2017. As at 31 May 2018 and 2019, there are only ordinary shares in issue.
| 31 May 2019 £'000 |
31 May 2018 £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Return before taxation and finance costs | 197,304 | 133,897 |
| Withholding tax deducted | (2,594) | (9,170) |
| Gains on investments | (204,473) | (149,778) |
| Currency (gains)/losses on cash and borrowings | (6,810) | 1,929 |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | 398 | (31) |
| Decrease/(increase) in other debtors | 2,754 | (2,896) |
| Losses on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 10,044 | 11,166 |
| Expenses and taxation associated with ALN | (2,271) | (2,429) |
| Net cash outflow from operating activities | (5,648) | (17,312) |
At 31 May 2019, there were financial commitments outstanding of £521.0m (31 May 2018: £440.2m) in respect of investments in partly paid shares and interests in private equity funds.
Further detail of the available finance cover is provided in Note 19.
The primary investment objective of the Company is to seek to maximise long-term capital growth for its shareholders by investing in funds specialising in unquoted investments, acquiring unquoted portfolios and participating directly in private placements. Investments are not restricted to a single market but are made when the opportunity arises and on an international basis.
The Company's financial instruments comprise securities and other investments, cash balances and debtors and creditors that arise from its operations, for example sales and purchases awaiting settlement and debtors for accrued income.
The principal risks the Company faces in its portfolio management activities are:
The Company has little exposure to credit risk. The Manager monitors the financial risks affecting the Company on a daily basis and the Directors regularly receive financial information, which is used to identify and monitor risk.
In accordance with FRS 102 an analysis of financial assets and liabilities, which identifies the risk to the Company of holding such items, is given below.
Due to the nature of the Company's investment policy, the largest proportion of the portfolio is invested in unquoted securities, many of which are less readily marketable than, for example, "blue-chip" UK equities. The Directors believe that the Company, as a closed-end fund with no fixed wind-up date, is ideally suited to making long-term investments in instruments with limited marketability. The investments in unquoted securities are monitored by the Board on a regular basis.
There are times when opportunities for the Company to acquire secondary unquoted portfolios of interests or co-investments may be limited due to the cyclical nature of their occurrence. As a result, at times of low investment opportunity, some funds may be held on deposit or invested in gilts and other fixed interest government bonds. It is the nature of investment in private equity that a commitment (see Note 18 for outstanding commitments as at 31 May 2019) to invest will be made and that calls for payments will then be received from the unlisted investee entity. These payments are usually on an ad-hoc basis and may be called at any instance over a number of years. The Company's ability to meet these commitments is dependent upon it receiving cash distributions from its private equity investments and, to the extent these are insufficient, on the availability of financing facilities. In order to cover any shortfalls, the Company entered into a multi-currency revolving credit facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Lloyds Bank plc and comprising facilities of \$139m and €67m of which at 31 May 2018 the sterling equivalent of £nil was drawn down.
On 1 June 2018, the Company agreed a new four-year £175m multi-currency revolving credit facility agreement, arranged by Lloyds Bank and NatWest Markets. This replaces the £150m loan facility agreement which was due to expire in November 2018, of which £nil was drawn down as at 31 May 2019, (see Note 6 for further information).
The principal covenant that applies to the loan facility is that gross borrowings do not exceed 34% of adjusted gross asset value.
Total available financing as at 31 May 2019 stood at £323.0m (31 May 2018: £308.6m), comprising £140.7m (31 May 2018: £145.8m) in available cash balances and £182.3m (31 May 2018: £162.8m) (sterling equivalent) in undrawn bank facilities. The available financing along with the private equity portfolio exceeded the outstanding commitments by 3.4 times (31 May 2018: 3.6 times).
The Company may use gearing to achieve its investment objectives and manage cash flows and uses a multi-currency revolving credit facility for this purpose.
Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at variable rates determined subject to drawdown. Variable rates are defined as LIBOR or EURIBOR + 2.35%, dependent on the currency drawn. The interest rate is then fixed for the duration that the loan is drawn down. At 31 May 2019, there was the sterling equivalent of £nil funds drawn down on the loan facilities (31 May 2018: £nil). A commitment fee of 0.94% per annum is payable in respect of the amounts available under the facility.
The remainder of the Company's portfolio and current assets are not subject to interest rate risks.
Financial assets for 2019 and 2018 consisted of investments, cash and debtors (excluding prepayments). As at 31 May 2019, the interest rate risk and maturity profile of the Company's financial assets was as follows:
| 31 May 2019 | Total £'000 |
No maturity date £'000 |
Matures within 1 year £'000 |
Matures after 1 year £'000 |
Fixed interest average interest rate % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value no interest rate risk financial assets | |||||
| Sterling | 61,807 | 61,807 | – | – | – |
| US dollar | 1,267,221 | 1,267,221 | – | – | – |
| Euro | 238,169 | 238,169 | – | – | – |
| Other | 27,129 | 27,129 | – | – | – |
| 1,594,326 | 1,594,326 | – | – | – |
The interest rate and maturity profile of the Company's financial assets as at 31 May 2018 was as follows:
| 31 May 2018 | Total £'000 |
No maturity date £'000 |
Matures within 1 year £'000 |
Matures after 1 year £'000 |
Fixed interest average interest rate % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value no interest rate risk financial assets | |||||
| Sterling | 58,993 | 58,993 | – | – | – |
| US dollar | 1,109,499 | 1,109,499 | – | – | – |
| Euro | 241,035 | 241,035 | – | – | – |
| Other | 29,347 | 29,347 | – | – | – |
| 1,438,874 | 1,438,874 | – | – | – | |
At 31 May 2019, the Company had drawn the sterling equivalent of £nil (31 May 2018: £nil) of its new four-year committed revolving multi currency credit facility, expiring June 2022, with Lloyds Bank and Natwest Markets. Interest is incurred at a variable rate as agreed at the time of drawdown and is payable at the maturity date of each advance. At the year end, interest of £nil (31 May 2018: £nil) was accruing as the facilities were unutilised.
At 31 May 2019 and 31 May 2018, other than the ALN, all financial liabilities were due within one year and comprised short-term creditors. The ALN is repayable by no later than 31 August 2027.
The method of valuation of the fixed asset investments is described in Note 1(D) on page 100. The nature of the Company's fixed asset investments, with a high proportion of the portfolio invested in unquoted securities, means that the investments are valued by the Directors after due consideration of the most recent available information from the underlying investments.
PIP's portfolio is well diversified by the sectors in which the underlying companies operate. This sectoral diversification helps to minimise the effects of cyclical trends within particular industry segments.
If the investment portfolio fell by 20% from the 31 May 2019 valuation, with all other variables held constant, there would have been a reduction of £289,927,000 (31 May 2018 based on a fall of 20%: £254,958,000) in the return before taxation. An increase of 20% would have increased the return before taxation by an equal and opposite amount.
Since it is the Company's policy to invest in a diverse portfolio of investments based in a number of countries, the Company is exposed to the risk of movement in a number of foreign exchange rates. A geographical analysis of the portfolio and hence its exposure to currency risk is given on page 44 and in Note 9b. Although it is permitted to do so, the Company did not hedge the portfolio against the movement in exchange rates during the financial period.
The investment approach and the Manager's consideration of the associated risk are discussed in further detail in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 23 and the Manager's Review on pages 24 to 65.
The Company settles its transactions from its bank accounts at an agreed rate of exchange at the date on which the bargain was made. As at 31 May 2019, realised exchange losses of £10,000 (31 May 2018: realised exchange gains of £353,000) and realised gains relating to currency of £6,820,000 (31 May 2018: realised losses of £2,282,000) have been taken to the capital reserve.
The Company's exposure to foreign currency excluding private equity investments is shown below. In relation to this exposure, if the sterling/dollar and sterling/euro exchange rate had reduced by 10% from that obtained at 31 May 2019, it would have the effect, with all other variables held constant, of increasing equity shareholders' funds by £11,012,000 (31 May 2018: £13,592,000). If there had been an increase in the sterling/dollar and sterling/euro exchange rate of 10% it would have the effect of decreasing equity shareholders' funds by £13,768,000 (31 May 2018: £12,686,000). The calculations are based on the financial assets and liabilities and the exchange rate as at 31 May 2019 of 1.2597 (31 May 2018: 1.33035) sterling/dollar and 1.1309 (31 May 2018: 1.13945) sterling/euro. The Company's investment currency exposure is disclosed in Note 9b.
An analysis of the Company's exposure excluding investments to foreign currency is given below:
| 31 May 2019 Assets £'000 |
31 May 2019 Liabilities £'000 |
31 May 2018 Assets £'000 |
31 May 2018 Liabilities £'000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US dollar | 118,523 | 638 | 128,812 | 731 |
| Euro | 2,981 | 122 | 2,110 | 118 |
| Swedish krone | 1,597 | – | 95 | – |
| Norwegian krone | 569 | – | 113 | – |
| Australian dollar | 451 | – | 653 | – |
| 124,121 | 760 | 131,783 | 849 |
The Company's equity comprises ordinary shares as described in Note 14. Capital is managed so as to maximise the return to shareholders while maintaining a capital base that allows the Company to operate effectively in the marketplace and sustain future development of the business.
As at 31 May 2019 and 31 May 2018 the Company had bank debt facilities to increase the Company's liquidity. Details of available borrowings at the year end can be found earlier in this Note.
The Company's assets and borrowing levels are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors with reference to the loan covenants.
The Company's capital requirement is reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors.
The amounts paid to the Manager, together with the details of the Investment Management Agreement, are disclosed in Note 3. The existence of an Independent Board of Directors demonstrates that the Company is free to pursue its own financial and operating policies and therefore, under the AIC SORP, the Manager is not considered to be a related party.
The Company's related parties are its Directors. Fees paid to the Company's Board are disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 84 to 87. The Company's National Insurance contribution in relation to Directors' remuneration is disclosed in Note 4.
There are no other identifiable related parties at the period end.
| AIFMD Disclosures | 120 |
|---|---|
| Notice of Annual General Meeting | 122 |
| Alternative Performance Measures | 127 |
| Glossary of Terms | 129 |
| Directors and Advisers | 131 |
A differentiated entry point to a well-established investment platform

The Company is an alternative investment fund ("AIF") for the purposes of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (Directive 2011/61/EU) ("AIFMD") and the Manager was appointed as its alternative investment fund manager ("AIFM") for the purposes of the AIFMD with effect from 21 July 2014. The Manager is a "full scope" AIFM for the purposes of the AIFMD.
The AIFMD requires certain disclosures to be made in the Annual Report of the Company. Many of these disclosures were already required by the listing rules and/or United Kingdom Accounting Standards and these continue to be presented in other sections of the Annual Report, principally the Strategic Report (pages 1 to 23), the Manager's Review (pages 24 to 65) and the financial statements (pages 94 to 117). This section completes the disclosures required by the AIFMD.
The Company holds no assets subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature.
The total number of staff of the Manager for the period ended 31 May 2019, including staff remunerated by affiliates of the Manager, was approximately 295, of which 14 were senior management or other members of staff whose actions have a material impact on the risk profile of the Company ("Identified Staff").
The total remuneration paid by the Manager and its affiliates to staff of the Manager in respect of the financial year ended 31 May 2019 attributable to work relating to the Company was as follows:
| Twelve months to 31 May 2019 | Twelve months to 31 May 2018 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed £'000 |
Variable £'000 |
Total £'000 |
Fixed £'000 |
Variable £'000 |
Total £'000 |
||
| Senior Management | 538 | 669 | 1,207 | 542 | 674 | 1,216 | |
| Staff | 1,021 | 658 | 1,679 | 1,028 | 662 | 1,690 | |
| Total Staff | 1,560 | 1,327 | 2,887 | 1,570 | 1,336 | 2,906 | |
| Identified Staff | 323 | 461 | 784 | 325 | 464 | 790 |
No carried interest was paid in respect of the Company during the year.
The above disclosures reflect only that element of the individuals' remuneration which is attributable to the activities of the Manager relating to the Company. It is not possible to attribute remuneration paid to individual staff directly to income received from any fund and hence the above figures represent a notional approximation only calculated by reference to the assets under management of the Company as a proportion of the total assets under management of the Pantheon Group.
In determining the remuneration paid to its staff, the Manager takes into account a number of factors including the performance of the company, the Manager, and each individual member of staff. These factors are considered over a multi-year framework and include whether staff have met the Manager's compliance standards. In addition, the Manager seeks to ensure that its remuneration policies and practices align financial incentives for staff with the risks undertaken and results achieved by investors, for example by ensuring that a proportion of the variable income received by Identified Staff is deferred for a period of at least three years.
Full details of the Pantheon Group's remuneration policies and practices for staff (which includes the Manager's staff) can be found at www.pantheon.com.
The AIFMD requires the Manager of the Company to set leverage limits for the Company. For the purposes of the AIFMD, leverage is any method by which the Company's exposure is increased, whether through the borrowing of cash or by the use of derivatives or by any other means. The AIFMD requires leverage to be expressed as a ratio between the Company's exposure and its net asset value and prescribes two methodologies, the gross method and the commitment method (as set out in Commission Delegated Regulation No. 231/2013), for calculating such exposure.
The following leverage limits have been set for the Company:
Using the methodologies prescribed under the AIFMD, the Company's leverage as at 31 May 2019 is shown below:
| Gross method |
Commitment method |
|
|---|---|---|
| Leverage ratio | 97% | 107% |
There have been no changes to the maximum level of leverage which the Manager may employ on behalf of the Company during the financial year to 31 May 2019. There are no collateral or asset reuse arrangements in place.
The principal risks to which the Company is exposed and the approach to managing those risks are set out in the Strategic Report (pages 20 to 23) and also in Note 19 of the financial statements (pages 113 to 117). The investment restrictions which seek to mitigate some of those principal risks in relation to the Company's investment activities are set out in the Investment Policy (page 19) and under "Board Responsibilities and Relationship with the Manager" in the Statement on Corporate Governance (pages 78 and 79). Additionally, the individual counterparty exposure limit for deposits with each of the Company's bank counterparties has been set at £70m or the equivalent in foreign currencies. The Manager's risk management system incorporates regular review of the principal risks facing the Company and the investment restrictions applicable to the Company. The Manager has established appropriate internal control processes to mitigate the risks, including those described in the "Mitigation" column in the "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Strategic Report. These investment restrictions have not been exceeded in the financial year to 31 May 2019.
The AIFMD requires certain information to be made available to investors in the Company before they invest and requires that material changes to this information be disclosed in the Annual Report of the Company. The information required to be disclosed is contained in the document "Information for Investors" which is available on the Company's website at www.piplc.com.
There have been no material changes to this information requiring disclosure.
If you are in any doubt about the action to take, you should consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) without delay. If you have sold or transferred all of your Ordinary Shares of £0.67 each ("Ordinary Shares") in Pantheon International Plc (the "Company") and, as a result, no longer hold any shares in the Company, please send this document as soon as possible to the purchaser or transferee or to the person through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
An explanation of the business proposed to be transacted at the Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") convened by this notice and the Directors' recommendation as to how to vote at the Meeting are set out in the Directors' Report on pages 70 to 75 of this document.
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH on Wednesday, 30 October 2019 at 10:30am to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, of which numbers 1 to 11 will be proposed as ordinary resolutions and numbers 12 to 14 as special resolutions.
the Directors of the Company be and are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Act") to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company, and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company, up to an aggregate nominal amount equal to the sum of £12,079,976.49, provided that this authority shall (unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by the Company in general meeting) expire at the conclusion of the period commencing with the date on which this Resolution is passed and expiring at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company or the date occurring 15 months from the date on which this Resolution is passed, whichever is the earlier (the "Period of Authority"), save that the Company may before the expiry of such authority make an offer or agreement which would or might require shares in the Company to be allotted and/or rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company to be granted after the expiry of the said period and the Directors may allot such shares and/or grant such rights in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred by this Resolution had not expired, and so that the authority hereby given shall be in substitution for all subsisting authorities under Section 551 of the Act.
the Company be and is hereby generally and, subject as hereinafter provided, unconditionally authorised in accordance with Section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Act"), in substitution for all subsisting authorities under Section 701 of the Act, to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693 of the Act) of Ordinary Shares and provided that:
a. the maximum number of Ordinary Shares hereby authorised to be purchased is such number (rounded down to the nearest whole number) as is equal to 14.99% of the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding any Ordinary Shares held by the Company as treasury shares (within the meaning of Section 724(5) of the Act)) as at the date this Resolution is passed;
a general meeting other than an annual general meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice.
Company Secretary 6 August 2019
Registered office: Beaufort House, 51 New North Road, Exeter EX4 4EP
If multiple proxies are appointed, they must not be appointed in respect of the same shares. If a member wishes to appoint more than one proxy, they should log on to www.signalshares.com or contact the Registrar by using the details set out on page 131.
Changes to entries on the Register of Members after the specified time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting or, if adjourned, at the adjourned meeting.
You may request a hard copy form of proxy directly from the Registrar by telephone on 0871 664 0300. To be valid, a Form of Proxy or other instrument appointing a proxy, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed or a certified copy thereof, must be received by post or (during normal business hours only) by hand by the Registrar at Link Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU, no later than 48 hours before the time of the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment of that meeting.
For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the Company's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time, any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that Euroclear does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions.
It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.
circumstances connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance with Section 437 of the Companies Act 2006. The Company may not require the shareholders requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the Companies Act 2006. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a website under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, it must forward the statement to the Company's auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available on the website. The business which may be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting includes any statement that the Company has been required under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.
The Annual Report incorporating this notice of Annual General Meeting, the total number of shares in the Company, the totals of the voting rights that members are entitled to exercise at the Meeting and, if applicable, any members' statements, members' resolutions or members' matters of business received by the Company after the date of this notice will be available on the Company's website: www.piplc.com.
Copies of the letters of appointment of the Chairman and the non-executive Directors of the Company will be available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours on any weekday (weekends and public holidays excluded) from the date of this notice until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting and on the date of the Annual General Meeting at The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH from 10.15am until the conclusion of the Meeting.
Annualised operating costs, excluding performance fees, financing costs, and taxes, as a percentage of the average month-end NAV over the year.
| Page | £'000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment management fees | 96 | 16,584 | |
| Lookthrough charges | 103 | 462 | |
| Other expenses | 96 | 0 | |
| Total expenses | 17,046 | (a) | |
| Average month-end NAV | 1,397,742 | (b) | |
| AIC ongoing charges | 1.22% | (a/b) |
Cash less next ALN repayment (see Note 13).
Sum of available cash and undrawn loan facility.
| At 31 May 2019 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | £m | ||
| Available cash | 98,110 | 141 | (a) |
| Undrawn loan facility | 114 | 182 | (b) |
| Available financing | 323 | (a + b) |
Call to Limited Partners ("LPs") to pay-in a portion of the LP's committed capital when the General Partner ("GP") has identified a new investment for purchase.
| Year ended 31 May 2019 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | £m | ||
| Purchases of investments | 99 | 285 | (a) |
| Recallable distributions | (11) | (b) | |
| Amount drawn for new commitments | (165) | (c) | |
| ALN share of calls | (2) | (d) | |
| Capital calls | 107 | (a + b + c + d) |
Capital calls in the period divided by opening undrawn commitments.
| Year ended 31 May 2019 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | £m | ||
| Capital calls | 107 | (a) | |
| Opening undrawn commitments | 440 | (b) | |
| Capital calls | 24% | (a/b) |
Cash or stock returned to the LPs after the fund has exited from an investment by selling it, or from distributions received before a sale. Excludes such proceeds received relative to the portion of the portfolio attributable to the Asset Linked Note.
| Page | 31 May 2019 £m |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Disposals of investments | 99 | 313 | (a) |
| Investment income received | 99 | 13 | (b) |
| Recallable distributions | (11) | (c) | |
| Withholding tax deducted | 99 | (3) | (d) |
| ALN share of distributions | (35) | (e) | |
| Distributions from PIP's portfolio |
277 | (a + b + c + d + e) |
Distributions for the period divided by opening portfolio value.
| Page | Year ended 31 May 2019 £m |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributions from PIP's portfolio | 277 | (a) | |
| Opening investments at fair value | 98 | 1,275 | (b) |
| ALN share of opening investments | (115) | (c) | |
| Opening portfolio value (excluding the ALN) |
1,160 | (d) = (b + c) |
|
| Distribution rate from PIP's portfolio | 24% | (a/d) |
Ratio of available cash, private equity assets and undrawn loan facility to outstanding commitments.
| Page | 2019 £m |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Available financing | 127 | 323 | (a) |
| Investments at fair value | 98 | 1,450 | (b) |
| Total | 1,773 (c) = (a + b) | ||
| Outstanding commitments | 521 | (d) | |
| Financing cover | 3.4x | (c/d) |
Income and capital distributions received from funds following exit realisations less capital calls made to finance investments or expenses.
| Year ended 31 May 2019 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | £m | ||
| Distributions from PIP's portfolio | 127 | 277 | (a) |
| Capital calls | 127 | (107) | (b) |
| Net portfolio cash flow | 170 | (a + b) |
The sample buyout figures for the 12 months to 31 December 2018 were calculated using all the information available to the Company. The figures are based on unaudited data. MSCI and FTSE data was sourced from Bloomberg.
The revenue and EBITDA figures were based upon the last 12 months to 31 December 2018 or where not available, the closest annual period disclosed, and provide coverage of 59% and 58% (for revenue and EBITDA growth respectively) of PIP's buyout portfolio. Individual company revenue and EBITDA growth figures were capped if in excess of -100% and +100% to avoid distortions from large outliers. Sample data for 2013-2017 is based on the same methodology and provides coverage of 45%-75% of the portfolio in each year.
Enterprise value is defined as equity value plus net debt. The net debt and enterprise value figures were based on underlying valuations as at 31 December 2018, or the closest disclosed period end. The valuation multiple sample covers approximately 54% of PIP's buyout portfolio. The debt multiple sample covers approximately 77% of PIP's buyout portfolio.
The cost multiple data on page 45 is based on a sample that represented approximately 49% by value of PIP's gross distributions for the year to 31 May 2019. The data covers primary investments and co-investments, and is based upon gross cost multiples available at the time of the distribution.
Realisation events are classified as exit realisations when proceeds equate to at least 80% of total investment value and once confirmation of exit realisation is received from the underlying private equity manager. Uplift on full exit compares the value received upon realisation against the investment's carrying value twelve months prior to the transaction taking place. The analysis on page 45 only includes exit realisations that occurred during the period and disregards the impact of any proceeds received outside of the twelve month period covered in the uplift analysis. The data in the sample represents 100% of proceeds from exit realisations and 73% of distributions received during the period.
Annualised operating costs, including financing costs and any performance fees charged by Pantheon but excluding taxes, expressed as a percentage of the average month-end NAV over the year.
| Page | Year ended 31 May 2019 £'000 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment management fees | 96 | 16,584 | |
| Performance fee payable to Pantheon | 0 | ||
| Look-through charges | 103 | 462 | |
| Other expenses | 96 | 0 | |
| Interest payable and similar expenses |
96 | 2,386 | |
| Total expenses and financing costs | 19,432 | (a) | |
| Average month-end NAV | 1,397,742 | (b) | |
| Total ongoing charges | 1.39% | (a/b) |
Ratio of available financing and 10% of private equity assets to undrawn commitments. Under the terms of its loan facility, PIP is required to maintain an undrawn coverage ratio of at least 33%.
| At 31 May 2019 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | £m | ||
| Available financing | 127 | 323 | (a) |
| Investments at fair value (10%) | 98 | 145 | (b) |
| Total liquid resources | 468 (c) = (a + b) | ||
| Undrawn commitments | 521 | (d) | |
| Undrawn coverage ratio | 90% | (c/d) |
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.
Unlisted, subordinated note due to mature in August 2027, the repayment and the performance of which are linked to a reference portfolio consisting of older vintage funds. The holder of the ALN has rights to receive c.75% of net cash flows arising from the reference portfolio prior to the repayment of any outstanding balance in August 2027.
Funds that acquire controlling interests in companies with a view towards later selling those companies or taking them public.
Portion of realised investment gains payable to the GP as a profit share.
Direct shareholding in a company by invitation alongside a private equity fund.
The amount of capital that each limited partner agrees to contribute to the fund when and as called by the GP.
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA.
Funds committed and available for investment that are not yet invested.
A measure of earnings before interest and taxes that exclude non-cash expenses. Valuation methods are commonly based on a comparison of private and public companies' value as a multiple of EBITDA.
The sum of a company's market capitalisation and net debt (equals debt less cash and cash equivalents).
Realisation of an investment usually through trade sale, sale by public offering (including IPO), or sale to a financial buyer.
A pro rata share of the Company's Total Ongoing Charges allocated to the ALN, reducing each quarterly payment. This is deducted from Other Expenses through the Revenue Account of the Income Statement.
Private equity fund that invests in a portfolio of several private equity funds to achieve, compared to a direct investment fund, a broader diversification of risk, including individual manager risk.
Annual fee, typically charged by the GP as a percentage of LP commitments to the fund during the investment period and attenuating thereafter, intended to cover the costs of running and administering a fund.
The entity managing a private equity fund that has been established as a limited partnership, also commonly referred to as the private equity fund manager.
The first offering by a company of its own shares to the public on a regulated stock exchange.
The IRR, a common measure of private equity performance, is calculated as an annualised compounded rate of investment return based on the timing and quantity of cash flows.
Period, typically five years, during which the GP is permitted to make new investments.
Refers to the tendency of private equity funds to experience capital outflows and negative returns in early years, and cash flow distributions and investment gains in later years as portfolio companies mature and are exited.
Institutions or individuals who commit capital to a private equity fund established as a limited partnership. Limited partners are generally protected from legal actions and any losses beyond their original commitment to the fund.
The sale of all remaining assets of a fund prior to its final cessation of operations.
Share price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding.
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.
Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation.
A common measure of private equity performance, MOIC is calculated by dividing the fund's cumulative distributions and residual value by the paid-in capital.
Amount by which the value of assets of a fund exceeds liabilities, reflecting the value of an investor's attributable holding.
Cumulative amount of capital that has been called.
A company that is an investment held by a private equity fund.
Total movement in the valuation of the underlying funds and companies comprising the portfolio, expressed as a percentage of opening portfolio value. Foreign exchange effects and other expenses are excluded from the calculation. The figure excludes returns attributable to the ALN.
Commitments made to private equity funds at the time such funds are formed.
Privately negotiated investments typically made in non-public companies.
As defined under the terms of the Asset Linked Note, a subset of PIP's private equity portfolio assets, substantially comprising the Company's oldest funds (2006 and earlier vintages).
Purchase of existing private equity fund or company interests and commitments from an investor seeking liquidity in such funds or companies.
Occurs when a company's share price is higher (lower) than the net asset value per share.
Undrawn portion of total commitment.
Increase in value received upon exit realisation of an investment relative to its carrying value prior to realisation.
Multiple of earnings (typically EBITDA or net income) or revenue applied in valuing a business enterprise.
Investment in early and development-stage companies, often used to finance technological product and market development.
The year in which a private equity fund makes its first investment.
Average fund age for the portfolio is weighted by the funds' respective closing net asset values. Fund age refers to the year in which a fund makes its first call or in the case of a co-investment, the year in which the co-investment was made.
Sir Laurie Magnus (Chairman) Ian Barby John Burgess David Melvin Susannah Nicklin John Singer Rhoddy Swire
Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP Authorised and regulated by the FCA
10 Finsbury Square 4th Floor London EC2A 1AF
PIP Investor Relations: [email protected] PIP website: www.piplc.com Pantheon website: www.pantheon.com
Link Alternative Fund Administrators Limited Beaufort House 51 New North Road Exeter EX4 4EP
Telephone: 01392 477500
Grant Thornton UK LLP 30 Finsbury Square London EC2A 1AG
Investec Bank plc 30 Gresham Street London EC2V 7QP
BNP Paribas Securities Services 10 Harewood Avenue London NW1 6AA
The Registry 34 Beckenham Road Beckenham Kent BR3 4TU
* Telephone: +44 (0) 371 664 0300 Calls from outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP Condor House, 5-10 St. Paul's Churchyard London EC4M 8AL
The Share Centre Ltd PO Box 2000 Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP21 8ZB
Telephone: 08456 185 130
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.share.com
Shareholders now have the opportunity to be notified by email when the Company's annual reports, half-yearly reports and other formal communications are available on the Company's website, instead of receiving printed copies by post. This has environmental benefits in the reduction of paper, printing, energy and water usage, as well as reducing costs to the Company. If you have not already elected to receive electronic communications from the Company and wish to do so, visit www.signalshares.com. To register, you will need your investor code, which can be found on your share certificate.
Alternatively, you can contact Link's Customer Support Centre, which is available to answer any queries you have in relation to your shareholding:
By phone: call +44 (0) 371 664 0300. Calls from outside the UK will be charged at the applicable international rate. Link is open between 09:00 – 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales).
By email: [email protected]
By post: Link Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.


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10 Finsbury Square 4th Floor London EC2A 1AF United Kingdom
TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 3356 1800
FACSIMILE +44 (0)20 3356 1801
E-MAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.piplc.com
Registered in England number: 2147984
A member of the Association of Investment Companies
PIP is a founding member of

Pantheon International Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019
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