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Karnov Group Annual Report 2020
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Annual Report
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Annual Report 2020
KARNOV
GROUP
Contents
Karnov Group today 3
CEO has the floor 6
Full-year overview 8
Karnov Group 9
Home markets and segments 14
Karnov Group enters Norway 17
The Karnov share 18
Corporate Governance Report 20
Sustainability Report 34
Board of Directors' Report 46
Financial statements 54
Notes 63
Quarterly overview 97
The Board of Directors and CEO of Karnov Group AB (publ) corporate identity number 559016-9016 presents the Annual Report and consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2020. The notes are an integrated part of these annual accounts and consolidated financial statements. The Annual Report is published in Swedish and English. In case of any differences between the English version and the Swedish original text, the Swedish version shall prevail.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Karnov Group today
Karnov Group is a leading provider of mission critical information in the areas of legal, tax and accounting, and environmental, health and safety in Denmark and Sweden. The Group has entered Norway in 2021. Under a strong portfolio of brands including Karnov, Norstedts Juridik, Notisum, Legal Cross Border, Forlaget Andersen, LEXNordics and DIBkunnskap, Karnov Group delivers knowledge and insights, to more than 80,000 users – every day.
PARTNER IN INFORMATION
- Karnov Group was founded in Copenhagen in 1924 on one person’s belief that access to the law is the foundation of every great society and our legacy dates back to 1867.
- Over time, the Company has evolved from a traditional publishing business to a digital information provider.
- Karnov Group’s products are largely digital, including subscription-based online solutions for law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates and the public sector including courts, universities, public authorities and municipalities.
- Karnov Group also publishes and sells printed books and journals and hosts legal training courses.
- Karnov Group’s mission is to be an indispensable partner for all legal, tax and accounting professionals and enable its users to make better decisions, faster by delivering the highest quality of content within a state-of-the-art user experience to support their workflow efficiency.
- Karnov Group continuously adds more value through development of new verticals and investments in adjacent companies with technologies helping professionals in taking better decisions, faster.
Better decisions, faster
Find what you need, trust what you find and do it quickly.
| 80,000+
Users | 1,500+
Specialists | >280
Number of employees |
| --- | --- | --- |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
2020 in numbers
During 2020, Karnov Group delivered a solid financial performance, with organic growth and an improved adjusted EBITA margin in line with the medium-term financial target. Sales continued to be driven by strong performance in the online market while the non-subscription-based offline sales declined due to normal market trend and a negative impact from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic is estimated to have impacted the top-line growth negatively with 1-2 percentage points in 2020. Due to a strong cash conversion, the Board proposes an increased dividend of 1.00 SEK per share.
771
Net Sales, SEKm
37.4%
Adjusted EBITA margin
1.9
Leverage ratio
124%
Cash conversion
2020 IN NUMBERS*
> Net sales increased by 2% to SEK 771 m (757) with organic growth of 2.1% (4.0). Sales were driven by the Company's continued strong performance in the online market. The Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on top-line growth of approximately 1-2 percentage points.
> EBITA amounted to SEK 276 m (206) and the EBITA margin was 35.8% (27.2).
> Adjusted for items affecting comparability EBITA increased to SEK 288 m (279) and the adjusted EBITA margin to 37.4% (36.8).
> Net result for the period was SEK 100 m (3).
> Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK 1.02 (0.03).
> The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.00 per share.
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 |
| Organic growth, % | 2.1% | 4.0% |
| EBITA | 275,955 | 205,975 |
| EBITA margin, % | 35.8% | 27.2% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 288,158 | 278,630 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 37.4% | 36.8% |
| Net result for the period | 100,004 | 3,480 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 378,991 | 137,276 |
| Cash conversion, % | 124.0% | 88.6% |
| Average number of employees | 246 | 252 |
For more information see Financial definitions on page 103 and Note 36 on page 96 for calculations of Alternative Performance Measures.
*DBkunnskap AS was consolidated in the Group on 5 January 2021 and is not included in the 2020 financial statements.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Main activities 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
TECHNOLOGY BOLT-ON INVESTMENT IN ANTE APS
JANUARY 2020
Ante
Karnov Group wants to continue establishing a broad technology portfolio that creates increased relevance and efficiency for professionals working with legal information. In January 2020, we invested in a minority stake in Ante ApS, which is specialised in categorisation and AI based search, mainly within case law.
NEW VERTICAL ACQUISITION IN LEXNORDICS AB
MARCH 2020
LEX247
Karnov Group's growth strategy includes broadening our offerings through developing products in adjacencies and new verticals. In March 2020, we established LEXNordics AB, where Karnov Group has 60% of the shares, with the aim of accelerating sales of the LEX247 legal practice management solution in the Nordic region. The LEX247 solution represents a way for us of delivering even more value to our customers.
MARKET EXPANSION INVESTMENT IN KARNOV GROUP NORWAY AS
MARCH 2020
NEW VERTICAL ACQUISITION IN DIBKUNNSKAP AS
DECEMBER 2020
DIBKUNNSKAP
Karnov Group seeks to grow geographically. In March 2020, we acquired 40% of the shares in Karnov Group Norway AS. Karnov Group Norway AS will provide digital subscription-based legal services to the Norwegian market and is based in Oslo. The legal research solution will be based on a platform collaboration with Lovdata, a leading Norwegian legal information solution provider. The product is expected be launched in the second half of 2021.
dib
Karnov Group strategy is to carry out selective and value accretive acquisitions. In December 2020, we signed the agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in the market leading Norwegian knowledge workflow solutions supplier DIBkunnskap AS. The transaction was closed on 5 January 2021. The transaction further strengthens Karnov Group's position as a leading supplier in Scandinavia.
CEO has the floor
2020 has been a special year for all of us. I am very proud of how Karnov Group and all its employees, authors and experts have handled the Covid-19 pandemic, helping our customers serve our society. We have worked as one team and one company executing our strategy, despite working on a distance for most of the year. With four new investments conducted in 2020, we have continued to broaden our offerings as the leading provider of legal information in Denmark and Sweden.
An eventful 2020
When entering 2020, few could foresee that the Covid-19 pandemic would have such an impact on society, and our daily lives. Overnight, governments decided to lock-down and all companies had to make adjustments. We acted swiftly, with employees starting to work from home and by making our legal training courses virtual. Our rapid transformation to handle the pandemic has been appreciated by our customers. Karnov Group has throughout the pandemic adhered to recommendations and regulations communicated from the authorities, and we will of course continue doing so.
When looking back at the past year, I feel happy about our performance. Our employees have shown extreme determination working from home. Our authors have made a tremendous effort in making commentaries to new laws and regulations. Despite these circumstances, we have been able to keep updating our platforms with new content to the benefit of our users, and also launched specific platform sections dedicated to Covid-19 regulations and legislation which have supported our customers in their assistance to the society to handle the pandemic. Thank you all for your contributions.
Investments to develop our offerings in Denmark and Sweden
Karnov Group is an important part of the legal systems in Denmark and Sweden. Combining public and proprietary content, Karnov Group enables users to make better decisions, faster – every day. Our position gives us a great responsibility. Professionals depend on our services in their daily work and we therefore stay on our toes in our ambition of being a thought-leader in the legal field, investing in new features and products.
During the year, we have continued making improvements to the JUNO platform in Sweden. With the improvements now implemented, we are on a good stand, and we will continue adding more value to JUNO. In Denmark, we have in 2020 launched new products; our new online library, our improved preparatory work and our case preparation tool are products that help our users in being more efficient. The new products form a basis where we can add more value and content to our users and continue growing our business. We have also soft launched our new updated platform at the end of the year, which has an improved technology base and user experience.
Execution of growth strategy
We have executed on our growth strategy during 2020, with four strategic investments that we believe in:
- Ante ApS, with its technology platform that creates increased relevance and efficiency for professionals working with legal information.
- LEXNordics AB, being an exciting way for us to get even closer to both current and future customers in the Nordics. Since the establishment, we have made good progress and made a footprint in the market and we will continue in our ambition to gain additional market share.
- Karnov Group Norway AS is a minority investment in the Norwegian market that will provide digital subscription-based legal services. They are progressing well and are currently preparing to launch their offering to the market in the second half of 2021.
- DIBkunnskap AS expands our market presence in Norway, being a market leading Norwegian knowledge workflow solutions supplier for the tax and accounting market. The acquisition fits perfectly into Karnov Group and it allows us to both continue our growth journey in a new vertical in Norway, while also allowing for expansion into Sweden. We also expect new product launches which will further drive growth going forward.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
CEO has the floor (cont.)
Growth on top-line and improved adjusted EBITA margin
We have three medium-term financial targets for the Group;
- An annual organic net sales growth of 3-5 percent;
- An increased adjusted EBITA margin; and
- A ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA LTM of no more than 3.0.
During 2020, we have continued to grow organically, with an organic growth of 2.1 percent. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the top-line growth negatively with approximately 1-2 percentage points. We have continued our strive for operational excellence and are content with improving our adjusted EBITA margin. Due to our strong cash flow generation, we are also well below our net debt target.
The cash generation has allowed the Board to propose a dividend of SEK 1.00 per share. This corresponds to 38 percent of the PPA adjusted net profit, in line with our dividend policy which is to distribute 30 – 50 percent of the PPA-net profit.
Summarising words
On 10 May 2021 I will hand over the baton to Pontus Bodelsson, who will take the company into its next phase. I have had fantastic years at Karnov Group. I am so proud and honoured of to have led the company with support from competent, engaged and highly motivated employees. It has been a great journey from which I will bring many memories. I want to end this CEO letter by thanking all employees for the past years, and also thank our authors, experts and customers who all are key elements in Karnov Group being the leading provider of mission critical information solutions in Denmark and Sweden. I also want to thank all shareholders for your interest in Karnov Group and our Board of Directors for a great partnership during these years. Thank you.
Copenhagen 30 March 2021
Flemming Breinholt
President and CEO
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Full-year overview
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income statement | ||||
| Net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 | 715,342 | 451,718 |
| EBITDA | 321,431 | 251,292 | 209,491 | 179,754 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 41.7% | 33.2% | 29.3% | 39.8% |
| EBITA | 275,955 | 205,975 | 182,760 | 168,902 |
| EBITA margin, % | 35.8% | 27.2% | 25.5% | 37.4% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 288,158 | 278,630 | 261,639 | 184,279 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 37.4% | 36.8% | 36.6% | 40.8% |
| EBIT | 131,042 | 80,181 | 62,682 | 113,631 |
| EBIT, margin % | 17.0% | 10.6% | 8.8% | 25.2% |
| Net financial items | -10,467 | -69,984 | -97,898 | -86,300 |
| Net result | 100,004 | 3,480 | -46,807 | 11,068 |
| Balance sheet | ||||
| Non-current assets | 2,951,649 | 3,049,208 | 2,964,993 | 2,148,503 |
| Current assets | 737,134 | 349,449 | 427,587 | 250,960 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 552,921 | 52,008 | 201,797 | 93,879 |
| Equity | 1,550,840 | 1,526,769 | 625,209 | 705,212 |
| Non-current liabilities | 1,479,931 | 1,117,107 | 1,858,791 | 1,151,649 |
| Current liabilities | 658,012 | 754,781 | 908,580 | 542,602 |
| Total assets | 3,688,783 | 3,398,657 | 3,392,580 | 2,399,463 |
| Cash flow | ||||
| Cash flow from operating activities | 378,991 | 137,276 | 185,733 | 94,788 |
| Cash flow from Investing activities | -112,348 | -270,815 | -735,127 | -111,009 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | 235,454 | -19,226 | 659,723 | -18,444 |
| Cash flow for the period | 502,097 | -152,765 | 110,329 | -34,666 |
| Key ratios | ||||
| Net working capital | 79,122 | -405,332 | -480,993 | -291,642 |
| Return on total capital, % | 3.6% | 2.4% | 1.8% | 4.7% |
| Equity / asset ratio, % | 42.0% | 44.9% | 18.4% | 29.4% |
| Cash conversion, % | 124.0% | 88.6% | 106.8% | 80.1% |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 861,309 | 1,528,747 | 950,294 |
| Share data | ||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 97,670,567 | 84,434,095 | 44,724,680 | 44,724,680 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares adjusted for the effect of dilution | 98,095,914 | 84,859,442 | 44,724,680 | 44,724,680 |
| Earnings per share, basic, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 | -1.14 | 0.16 |
| Earnings per share, after dilution, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 | -1.14 | 0.16 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Karnov Group
Introduction to Karnov
Karnov is a leading provider of information products and services in the areas of legal, tax and accounting and environmental, health and safety in Denmark and Sweden.
Karnov’s products are largely digital, including subscription-based online solutions for law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates and the public sector (including courts, libraries, universities, public authorities and municipalities). Karnov also publishes and sells printed books and journals as well as hosts legal training courses. Karnov offers its services under its strong portfolio of brands, including Karnov, Norstedts Juridik, Notisum, Legal Cross Border, Forlaget Andersen, LEXNordics and DIBkunnskap.
Karnov’s vision and mission is to be an indispensable partner for all legal, tax and accounting professionals and enable its users to make better decisions, faster. The is accomplished by Karnov Group delivering the highest quality of content with a state-of-the-art user experience in order to support the users’ workflow efficiency.
Karnov’s online platforms contained a growing number of more than 700,000 linked documents, including, among other things, public data sources such as legislation, preparatory works and court cases, supplemented by more than 250,000 annotations and in-depth commentaries and analysis prepared by expert authors. These number grow every year, with new commentaries, articles and news. By integrating public legal content with legal experts’ analysis in the form of commentaries and annotations, Karnov provides a legal information system to more than 80,000 users.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
History
Karnov Group was founded on one person's belief that access to the law is the foundation of every great society and Karnov's legacy dates back to 1867 when Ugeskrift for Retsvæsen ("UfR") was published for the first time. Over time Karnov Group has evolved from a traditional publishing company to a digital information provider. The following list presents an overview of important events in the development of Karnov Group's business.
>>1867: The first legal periodical (UfR), a weekly case law overview describing the most important rulings of the higher courts was launched in Denmark. Karnov Group acquired UfR from Gads Forlag in 1994.
>>1924: Karnov Group was founded in Copenhagen. Magnus Karnov published the first edition of collected laws with the ambition of making legal information more accessible.
>>1948: The fourth edition of Magnus Karnov's code of laws was published and renamed Karnovs Lovsamling, a name that is still used today.
>>1979: Karnov Sweden was established.
>>2000: Karnov online was launched in order to allow professionals in Denmark and Sweden to do legal research online.
>>2012: Karnov Group acquired VJS, a Swedish continued legal education business.
>> 2013: Karnov Group acquired Magnus Informatik from Wolters Kluwer, strengthening the presence in the accounting market in Denmark.
>>2016: Karnov acquired Notisum AB.
>>2017: Karnov acquired the Danish publisher and course provider Forlaget Andersen A/S and invested in the legal tech start-up Legal Cross Border ApS.
>>2018: Karnov Group acquired Norstedts Juridik AB from Wolters Kluwer. Norstedts Juridik is a leading publisher of legal information in Sweden. Karnov Group also invested in the legal tech start-up BELLA Intelligence ApS. Further, Karnov Group's tax and accounting packages were relaunched in Denmark.
>>2019: Karnov Group was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker "KAR" and launched the new platform JUNO on the Swedish market. Karnov Sweden moved into the office of Norstedts Juridik. Further, Karnov invested in the legal tech startup ProcurementLink ApS.
>>2020: Karnov Group invested in Ante ApS, a Danish technology provider specialised in search algorithms and broadened its offerings with the new vertical legal practice management solutions through new the company LEXNordics AB. Karnov Group also expanded geographically to Norway with the minority investment in Karnov Group Norway AS, who will provide a legal platform, and broadened its offering in Norway via acquisition of DIBkunnskap AS, a market leading provider of digital workflow tools for tax and accounting.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Vision, mission and strategic objectives
Karnov's overall vision is to enable the users of its products and services to make better decisions, faster. Karnov aims to promote its expert authors and expand its role as an authority, strengthening the foundation for justice in society.
Karnov's mission is to be an indispensable partner for all legal, tax and accounting professionals in Denmark and Sweden and
Karnov aims to set the standards for how such practitioners access the law and manage their practices more efficiently. Karnov's overall strategic objectives include delivering the highest quality of content, providing a state-of-the-art user experience and supporting workflow efficiency.
Karnov's business concept
Customer needs
The work of knowledge professionals, such as legal professionals, auditors, tax advisors, other consultants, academics, judges and public officials, is driven by a need for accuracy, reliability and quality. In their daily work, these professionals need to continuously access and use information that is relevant for their professions in order to provide their services. As an example, in order to advice a client on a legal problem, a lawyer needs to gain understanding of the relevant subject area. In order to do so, the lawyer needs access to high quality content from sources such as laws, regulations, preparatory works, case law, commentaries to legislation and legal literature – some of which are subject to change and development. With an increasing speed of change and expanding regulation, coming from different regulatory bodies on different hierarchical levels, the knowledge professionals use information tools to orientate in this environment.
Karnov's value proposition
Karnov's value proposition involves three main objectives:
- Deliver the highest quality of content
- Provide a state-of-the-art user experience
- Support workflow efficiency
Karnov aims to achieve its main objectives and create value for its customers based on a solid understanding of the complexity of the customers' businesses and operations. With a constant focus on striving to deliver the highest level of quality, Karnov has a broad product offering of online and offline information and workflow services that aim to deliver value to Karnov's customers in three different contexts:
- Learning: Karnov strives to deliver online and offline solutions that are tailored for specific learning areas, both in the academic context and for practitioners' continuous learning. Karnov's publication businesses in Denmark and Sweden have delivered content for students and practitioners for more than 100 years.
- Researching: Whether it is finding case law that supports an argument or understanding the reasoning behind the amendment of a certain law, Karnov, supported by authored content, aims to provide the insight needed. As at December 31, 2020, Karnov had contracts with more than 1,500 legal experts available to contribute authored content.
- Knowing: Through its solutions in workflow management and current awareness, Karnov aims to provide the tools for efficient and reliable processes and decisions. Karnov's workflow management offerings cover, among other things, compliance management of environment, health and safety regulations, workflow tools for complex tax and accounting matters and various solutions for keeping professionals up-to-date on new regulation and case law.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Growth strategy
Karnov’s growth strategy is built on its key strengths and its vision of enabling its customers to make better decisions, faster. The strategy is supported by Karnov’s existing network of experts, data sources, customers and partners. These are the core elements in Karnov’s history and future, in which Karnov has invested over decades. The growth strategy includes a number of strategic initiatives and enablers aiming to allow Karnov to expand its core offering in Denmark and Sweden as well as grow in adjacent verticals and expand geographically in the future.
Adding value through data-driven features and tools
Karnov’s core offering is to offer proprietary and value-added data. Karnov has successfully launched workflow tools, such as the Tax Guide in 2015, and has today over 500 templates or guides with commentaries. Karnov plans to continue to introduce data as a strategic asset and further develop its product offering to help customers become more efficient.
Expand the product offering through innovation
To further leverage its core capabilities, Karnov intends to introduce additional service levels and feature packages on top of its existing offering. Karnov intends to do so by developing internal capabilities and through partnerships.
Expand into adjacencies and verticals
Karnov considers expanding the content on its core online platform to include new legal areas as well as further expanding the offering to new customer groups. Opportunities to expand within new customer groups include targeting further verticals within municipalities, such as health care, social insurance, financial markets, taxes and tariffs, gambling policy, as well as further areas within regulatory compliance.
Geographical expansion
Karnov intends to leverage its position in home markets and pursue geographic expansion for future growth. Geographic expansion opportunities include delivering Karnov’s core online platform in additional countries as well as international expansion of Karnov’s jurisdiction-independent services. Karnov aims to target countries with a local language (i.e. the official majority language in one or only a few countries) and in which Karnov has the possibility to aim for a broad and strong market position and deliver a full set up of Karnov’s ecosystem of products and services. Such countries include, for example, countries in the Nordics and the Baltics. Furthermore, Karnov sees possibilities for future growth from international expansion of jurisdiction-independent services.
Accelerated growth through acquisitions
Karnov has developed a structured process to identify, evaluate and integrate strategic acquisitions that establish market presence in new geographical markets and customer segments as well as strengthen Karnov’s value proposition to existing customers. Karnov’s potential strategic acquisition targets can be categorised into three types: market entry acquisitions, vertical expansion acquisitions and technology bolt-on acquisitions.
>> Market entry acquisitions, such as the acquisition of a leading core legal information system provider in a new geography, aim to acquire strong market positions in new markets where organic entry is unfeasible due to a high need for localised proprietary content.
>> Vertical expansion acquisitions aim to expand Karnov’s product offering into new verticals or strengthen existing offerings by integrating vertical content providers on to Karnov’s platform.
>> Technology bolt-on acquisitions, such as acquisitions of automation tool providers, aim to strengthen Karnov’s value proposition to existing customers through improved workflow efficiency and platform functionality.
Financial objectives and dividend policy
The Board of Directors of Karnov Group has adopted three financial targets for the Company's development together with a dividend policy. When adopting the financial targets, the Board of Directors has specifically considered the underlying market development, the effects of the integration of Norstedts Juridik and the effect from the ongoing shift from offline to online services. The Board of Directors assesses that there is a reasonable basis to assume that the sales growth over the medium term (3-5 years) will be in the upper end of the financial target range, and in the shorter term (1-3 years) be at the lower end of the financial target range
Net sales growth
| Objective | Outcome 2020 | In-line with objective |
|---|---|---|
| Achieve an annual organic growth of between 3–5 % in the medium term, supplemented by selective acquisitions. | +2 % | (The Covid-19 pandemic impacted top-line growth negatively with approximately 1-2 percentage points) |
Adjusted EBITA margin
| Objective | Outcome 2020 | In-line with objective |
|---|---|---|
| Increase margins in the medium term. | +60 bps | ☑ |
Capital structure
| Objective | Outcome 2020 | In-line with objective |
|---|---|---|
| Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA of no more than 3.0. This level may temporarily be exceeded, for example following acquisitions. | 1.9 | ☑ |
Dividend policy
| Objective | Outcome 2020 | In-line with objective |
|---|---|---|
| Karnov Group’s objective is to distribute 30–50 % of the purchase price allocation (PPA) adjusted net profit. Proposals on dividends shall take Karnov Group’s investment opportunities and financial position into consideration. | 38 % | ☑ |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Home markets and segments
Introduction
Karnov operates in the online and offline professional information products and services markets, which encompasses, among other things, online information database services, printed information sources, legal practice management software and legal training courses. The products and services are generally offered to law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates in a wide range of industries and the public sector, including courts, libraries, universities and other public authorities and municipalities.
Current addressable market
Karnov's currently addressable market consists of the total potential for Karnov's current online and offline products and services in Denmark and Sweden (the "Currently Addressable Market").¹) According to a market study conducted in 2018 by an independent consultant agency ("the Market Study"), the Currently Addressable Market amounted to approximately SEK 1,500 m in 2017 (approximately SEK 1,000 m online and approximately SEK 500 m offline) and the market was expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 2.4 percent during 2018–2021. The expected total CAGR of 2.4 percent consists of an expected growth for online products and services of 4.0 percent and an expected decline of 1.1 percent for offline products and services (within offline products and services, the market for printed products is expected to decline with a CAGR of 2.4 percent, while other services have an expected growth of 0.8 percent during the period). At the date of this Annual Report, Karnov Group still finds the data relevant. The Currently Addressable Market development by geography and by product and service type presented in the Market Study is illustrated in the charts below.
Danish market overview
Swedish market overview
1) The Currently Addressable Market is defined as addressable on the basis of being within Karnov's current capabilities, customer base and geographic reach as well as utilising the existing core online platform. However, some development of content and localisation of the core online platform would be required to serve the entire addressable market.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Market opportunity
According to the Market Study, Karnov can expand its total market opportunity. Expansion can be achieved through development of the Karnov's offering, new innovations both within the areas of knowledge and/or information where legal capacity and juridical specificity is high as well as through establishment of new processes and services making the work of professionals more efficient.
Karnov works in close collaboration with its experts and see a demand for service levels and feature packages on top of its core platform, helping the professionals in their work. These features can include advanced search algorithms, smart contracts and e-learning. Karnov will either develop these verticals on its own or seek to acquire relevant technology.
According to the Market Study, Karnov is well positioned for expansions through acquisitions into adjacent markets such as Finland, Norway and the Baltics. In 2020, Karnov expanded into Norway via a minority investment in Karnov Group Norway AS and the acquisition of DIBkunnskap AS.
Market development by geography (MSEK)
Source: Market Study.
Market development by product (MSEK)
Source: Market Study.
Key growth drivers in a competitive landscape
Karnov Group is actively following its different markets to stay relevant. The Market Study has identified certain qualities that customers in the Currently Addressable Market value. Such identified qualities include:
>> Locally adapted annotations and commentary not only to recent legislation, but also to legislation going back many years.
>> Access to a wide range of publicly recognised experts that can contribute authored content within several areas of law.
>> Strong brands with deep-rooted legacies that bestow a trusted seal of quality.
>> Sophisticated search functionality and workflow tools that are user friendly and tailored to the needs of the customers.
Customer needs
The Market Study identifies the following trends that drive customer needs for information products and services.
>> Increased complexity of legal work: The large volume of legislation, regulation and case law is increasingly burdensome for any individual lawyer to comprehend and manage. This means that lawyers require efficient information services and decisions support tools to enable them to keep up-to-date with the latest data as well as consider and analyse the large volume of information that exist and is relevant for their work.
>> Specialisation: Clients of major law firms often demand specialisation, which impacts law firms' procurement buying decisions and drives expenditures on products and services that facilitate an in-depth understanding of the law.
>> Increased focus on efficiency: Clients of major law firms tend to demand an increased focus on efficiency from their lawyers, and legal information services are a tool to enable lawyers to work more efficiently by increasing the speed and quality of research and legal advice.
>> Technology adoption and acceptance: There is a generational shift in the use of IT and online products and services in law firms. Younger lawyers tend to use more digital information resources and software tools and different functions of such offerings than older lawyers do, and this drive spending on online products and services with high functionality.
>> Frequency of legislative change: Changes in legislation drive demand for up-to-date information and commentaries and annotations to the legislation. The rate of change is expected to continue at a similar rate during 2018-2021.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Local CEOs of Karnov Group Denmark A/S and Norstedts Juridik AB
"I joined as new CEO of Karnov Group Denmark in April 2020. During the year, we have focused on developing new features for our online legal research platform and delivering new products related to legal research, such as our online library. The Covid-19 pandemic reinforced our strategic path of providing top quality online tools, and I am very satisfied with the market response from our customers and with our employees' efforts. We are thrilled to launch our improved research platform in early 2021. The improved platform caters for continuous future developments and help our customers in making even better decisions, faster."
Niels Munk Hansen, CEO Karnov Group Denmark A/S
"Since assuming my role as new CEO of Norstedts Juridik in May 2020, my ambition has been to identify the key elements that will drive our organisation forward. I am satisfied with the development in our offering for municipalities, and have also seen great progress in our business development. I am also pleased with the market response to our JUNO updates. We continuously strive to improve our processes and services, and look forward bringing more tools and features to the market in the future, ensuring efficiency and certainty for all our professionals."
Alexandra Åquist, CEO Norstedts Juridik AB
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Karnov Group enters Norway
Norway a third market for Karnov Group
Karnov Group believes that access to the law is the foundation to every democratic society. Karnov Group has over 150 years of experience and an author network of over 1,500 experts in Denmark and Sweden. Our ambition is to be thought leader in the legal system in Scandinavia. We intend to leverage our position in our home markets, and in the second half of 2021 our minority investment Karnov Group Norway AS will launch core legal services in Norway through a platform collaboration with Lovdata.
Legal commentaries requested by the customers
The work of knowledge professionals, such as lawyers, auditors, tax advisors and government officials, is driven by a need for accuracy, reliability and quality. Karnov Group’s network of authors gathers the finest legal minds in Scandinavia. As legislation constantly changes and practice continues to evolve, legal experts need guidance in their daily work to understand how to interpret the law. With their specialist knowledge and affirmed status in the legal community, Karnov Group’s specialists and authors add a unique and second-to-none value for all legal professionals.
*Source: Market research, 2019 • Management assessment
The next step for Karnov Group Norway AS
Karnov Group Norway AS is currently preparing the launch of its Norwegian offering. A local management team is established, based in Oslo, and a network of well-renowned authors and legal experts has been contracted. Currently, commentaries are being written on the most commonly used Norwegian laws.
Karnov Group Norway AS is expected to launch its offering in the second half of 2021. You can already now have a preview of its offering here: https://www.karnovgroup.no/karnov-group-norway-preview
Karnov Group has acquired DIBkunnskap AS, the market leader in digital workflow tools for tax and accounting in Norway
In December 2020, Karnov Group entered an agreement to acquire DIBkunnskap AS, and the transaction was completed in January 2021.
DIBkunnskap is a market leader amongst accounting and auditing firms as well as large enterprises and provides knowledge and workflow solutions on the Norwegian market, with a strong focus on creating efficiencies in the workflows of professionals. The company was established in 1995 and has its offices in Lysaker, close to Oslo. The company is widely used among tax and accounting professionals and its services is widely appreciated for making daily tasks more efficient.
The transaction is entirely in line with our strategy to carry out selective and value accretive acquisitions. This acquisition allows us to continue our growth in a new vertical in Norway, while also allowing for expansion into Sweden as well as strengthening existing product vertical in Denmark.
Market opportunity in Norway
The total addressable market in Norway for our core legal services and tax and accounting offering is expected to be approximately SEK 650 m, and the market is expected to grow the coming period of time, with online products expected to grow and offline products expected to decline.
Karnov Group Norway AS’s legal offering will be based on a platform collaboration with Lovdata, which is the most widely used platform for legal information on the Norwegian market. Karnov Group Norway AS will offer the Norwegian market a product with focus on commentaries and annotations and EU material.
DIBkunnskap will continue to leverage on its strong position in Norway, and leverage on Karnov Group distribution channels and capacity to drive market expansion. We also expect new product launches from DIBkunnskap, which will further drive growth.
Moreover, DIBkunnskap has international ambitions and plan for expansion in additional countries over the coming years.
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Annual Report 2020
The Karnov share
Karnov's share is listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm Midcap under the symbol KAR. The offering price in the IPO was SEK 43. First day of trading was 11 April 2019. During 2020, the average trading volume was approx. SEK 5.0 m (15.6), with the highest trading price of SEK 62 (55) and the lowest price of SEK 42 (38.8).
SHARES BY OWNER CATEGORY
- Foreign institutions (63,92%)
- Swedish institutions (18,59%)
- Others (9,27%)
- Board and Management (6,61%)
- Swedish retail investors (1,61%)
SHARES BY COUNTRY
- USA (34,59%)
- Sweden (19,89%)
- Others (15,84%)
- Great Britain (14,43%)
- Denmark (10,28%)
- Norway (4,97%)
SHARE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
| 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings per share, diluted (SEK) | 1.02 | 0.03 |
| Proposed dividend per share (SEK) | 1.00 | 0.45 |
| Share turnover^{1)} | 25% | 62%^{2)} |
LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS
| NAME | NO. OF SHARES | VOTES (%) | CAPITAL (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayne Anderson Rudnick | 9,735,740 | 9.97 | 9.93 |
| M&G Investment Management | 5,168,176 | 5.29 | 5.27 |
| Janus Henderson Investors | 5,031,238 | 5.15 | 5.13 |
| Lazard Asset Management | 4,942,181 | 5.04 | 5.02 |
| Fourth AP Fund | 4,770,479 | 4.88 | 4.86 |
| KIRKBI Invest A/S | 4,600,000 | 4.71 | 4.69 |
| Swedbank Robur Funds | 3,805,220 | 3.89 | 3.88 |
| Columbia Threadneedle | 3,316,550 | 3.39 | 3.38 |
| Board and Senior Executives | 6,454,987 | 6.61 | 6.58 |
| Others | 50,271,343 | 51.45 | 51.25 |
| Total | 98,095,914 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
©KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Share capital
As per 31 December 2020, the share capital in Karnov Group AB (publ) was SEK 1,509,168, divided between 97,670,567 ordinary shares and 425,347 shares of series C, both with a nominal value of SEK 0.015385. Each ordinary share entitles the holder to one (1) vote at general meetings, and each share of series C entitles the holder one-tenth (1/10) vote at general meetings. Ordinary shares are entitled to dividend, while shares of series C are not entitled to dividend.
During 2020, two issues of shares of series C have been conducted in order to secure Karnov's obligations under its share-related incentive programs LTIP 2019 and LTIP 2020.
On 5 January 2021, the Company issued 178,675 ordinary shares of series A, entitled to dividend, in connection with the acquisition of DIBkunnskap AS.
Shareholders
The number of known shareholders as per 31 December 2020, was 1,387 according to the record kept by Euroclear, which is close to 70 percent more than at the end of 2019. The ten largest shareholders controlled 48 percent of the Company's shares. North American ownership accounted for approx. 34 percent of the Company's shares and Swedish ownership accounted for approx. 20 percent of the Company's shares. The Board of Directors and Senior Executives owned privately and via companies approx. 6.6 percent of the shares.
Trading in the share
During 2020, the total trading volume was 24.2 million shares, worth SEK 1.3 billion. The average trading volume per day was approx. SEK 5.0 m. The highest trading price was SEK 62 on 14 April 2020 and the lowest price was SEK 42.4 on 26 March 2020. The closing price on 30 December 2020 was SEK 59.5, giving a total market capitalisation of approx. SEK 5.8 billion. This is an increase of 12 percent compared to 30 December 2019 and an increase of 38 percent compared to the offering price in the listing.
Annual General Meeting
The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held on 5 May 2021. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the AGM will be held without the physical presence of shareholders, representatives and third parties. Shareholders are able to exercise their voting rights only by post before the meeting. Voting can be done digitally through a form for postal voting available on our website, where also the notice to convene the AGM can be found: www.karnovgroup.com/en/general-meeting.
SHARE PRICE DEVELOPMENT AND NUMBER OF TRADED SHARES IN 2020
19
Corporate Governance Report
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Corporate Governance Report
Karnov Group AB (publ) is a Swedish limited liability company domiciled in Stockholm, Sweden. Karnov Group AB (publ) was listed at Nasdaq Stockholm in April 2019 and has since applied The Swedish Corporate Governance Code ("the Code"). For 2020, the Company reports no deviations from the Code.
Corporate Governance within Karnov Group
The Corporate Governance within Karnov Group is mainly based upon Swedish legislation, e.g. the Swedish Companies Act, as well as the articles of association and internal rules, including policies and instructions. Companies whose shares are listed on a regulated market in Sweden shall also be compliant with the Code. The Code sets a higher standard for good corporate governance than the minimum standard of the Swedish Companies Act and other rules. Companies are not required to comply with all rules in the Code. Alternative solutions which are deemed more suitable for the relevant company's specific circumstances can be chosen, provided that any such deviations and the chosen alternative solutions are described, and the reasons therefore are explained.
General meetings
General
According to the Swedish Companies Act, the general meeting is the ultimate decision-making body of the Company. At the general meeting, the shareholders exercise their voting rights on key issues, such as the adoption of income statements and statements of financial position, appropriation of the Company's results, discharge from liability of members of the Board of Directors and the CEO, election of members of the Board of Directors and auditors and remuneration to the Board of Directors and the auditors.
The annual general meeting must be held within six (6) months from the end of the financial year. In addition to the annual general meeting, extraordinary general meetings may be convened. According to the articles of association, general meetings are convened by publication of the notice convening the meeting in the Official Swedish Gazette (Sw. Post- och Inrikes Tidningar) and on the Company's website. The Company shall also advertise in Dagens Industri that notice has been made.
Right to attend general meetings
Shareholders who wish to participate in a general meeting must be included in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB ("Euroclear") on the day falling five weekdays (Saturdays included) prior to the meeting, and notify Karnov Group of their participation no later than on the date stipulated in the notice convening the meeting. In addition to notifying the Company, shareholders whose shares are nominee registered through a bank or other nominee must request that their shares be temporarily registered in their own names in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear in order to be entitled to participate in the general meeting. Shareholders should inform their nominees well in advance of the record date. Shareholders may attend general meetings in person or by proxy and may be accompanied by not more than two advisors.
Shareholder initiatives
Shareholders who wish to have a matter brought before the general meeting must submit a written request to the Board of Directors. The matter shall be addressed at the general meeting, provided that the request was received by the Board of Directors no later than one (1) week prior to the earliest date pursuant to
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Annual Report 2020
the Swedish Companies Act on which notice to attend the general meeting may be issued or after that date, but in due time for the matter to be included in the notice to attend the general meeting.
Nomination committee
Pursuant to the Code, Swedish companies whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market in Sweden are to have a nomination committee. The Annual General Meeting on May 5, 2020 resolved to adopt the below instruction for the nomination committee, which shall apply until further notice.
Instruction for the nomination committee of Karnov
The Nomination Committee shall be composed of the representatives of the three largest shareholders (or group of shareholders) in terms of voting rights listed in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB as of the last business day of August, and the chairman of the Board of Directors, who will also convene the first meeting of the Nomination Committee.
Board members may be members of the Nomination Committee but may not constitute a majority thereof. If more than one Board member is a member of the Nomination Committee, no more than one of those members may be dependent of a major shareholder of the Company.
The member representing the largest shareholder in terms of voting rights shall be appointed chairman of the Nomination Committee. Members of the Board of Directors may not be the chairman of the Nomination Committee. If the member representing the largest shareholder in terms of voting rights is a Board member, the Nomination Committee shall appoint another member as chairman.
In the event that a member leaves the Nomination Committee prior to the work of the committee having been completed, a representative from the same shareholder (or group of shareholders) may replace the leaving member, if deemed necessary by the Nomination Committee. In the event that a shareholder (or group of shareholders) represented in the Nomination Committee has reduced its holding of shares in the Company, the representative from such shareholder (or group of shareholders) may resign and, if deemed appropriate by the Nomination Committee, a representative from the shareholder next in line in terms of size may be provided an opportunity to enter. If the shareholding in the Company is otherwise significantly changed before the Nomination Committee's work has been completed, a change in the composition of the Nomination Committee may take place, in such way that the Nomination Committee deems appropriate. Changes in the composition of the Nomination Committee shall be made public as soon as possible.
The composition of the Nomination Committee is to be announced no later than six months before the AGM.
The Nomination Committee is tasked with, ahead of the AGM, submitting proposals for a) chairman of the AGM, b) directors' fees and other compensation for committee work, c) election of directors, d) election of the chairman of the Board of Directors, e)
election of the auditor and auditor's fees, f) changes in the instructions for the Nomination Committee, if applicable, and g) other matters that according to the Swedish Corporate Governance Code, are to be handled by the Nomination committee.
In its evaluation of the Board of Directors' appraisal, and in its proposal, the Nomination Committee shall consider that the Board of Directors is to have a composition appropriate to the Company's operations, phase of development and other relevant circumstances. The Board members elected by the general meeting are collectively to exhibit diversity and breadth of qualifications, experience and background. The Nomination Committee is to strive for gender balance on the Board of Directors of the Company.
Remuneration shall not to be paid to the members of the Nomination Committee. The Company is to pay any necessary expenses that the Nomination Committee may incur in its work.
The term of office for the Nomination Committee ends when the composition of the following Nomination Committee has been announced.
Nomination committee for the Annual General Meeting in 2021
- Michael Oliveros, Director of Global Equities, M&G Investments, U.K.;
- Thomas Ehlin, Corporate Governance, Fourth National Pension Fund, Sweden;
- Ulrik Grönvall, Corporate Governance, Swedbank Robur, Sweden; and
- Magnus Mandersson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Karnov Group AB (publ).
The Board of Directors
Composition and independence
Members of the Board of Directors are normally appointed by the annual general meeting for the period until the end of the next annual general meeting. According to the Company's articles of association, the general meeting shall appoint no less than three (3) and no more than ten (10) board members. Pursuant to the Code, the Chairman of the Board shall be appointed at the general meeting. No more than one board member elected by the general meeting may be a member of the executive management of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company. The majority of the board members elected by the general meeting are to be independent of the Company and its executive management. At least two (2) of the board members who are independent of the Company and its executive management shall also be independent in relation to the Company's major shareholders. See "Board of Directors, Senior Executives and Auditor" on page 29 for an account of the board members' independence in relation to the Company, its executive management and its major shareholders.
Responsibilities of the Board
The Board of Directors is the Company's second-highest decision-making body after the general meeting. The duties of the Board of Directors are primarily set forth in the Swedish Companies Act,
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Annual Report 2020
the Company's articles of association and the Code. In addition, the work of the Board of Directors is guided by the instructions from the general meeting as well as the rules of procedure of the Board of Directors. The rules of procedure of the Board of Directors govern the division of work within the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also adopts instructions for the committees of the Board of Directors, an instruction for the CEO and an instruction for the financial reporting to the Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for the organisation and the management of the Company's matters, which, among other things, entails a responsibility for outlining overall, long-term strategies and objectives, budgets and business plans, establishing guidelines to ensure that the operations create value in the long term, reviewing and establishing the accounts, making decisions on issues regarding investments and sales, capital structure and distribution policy, developing and adopting material policies, ensuring that control systems exist for monitoring that policies and guidelines are followed, ensuring that there are systems for monitoring and controlling the operations and risks, significant changes in the organisation and operations, appointing the CEO and, in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the general meeting, setting remuneration and other terms of employment benefits for the CEO and other senior executives.
Work of the Board
The chairman of the Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Directors' work is carried out efficiently and that the Board of Directors fulfils its obligations. The Board of Directors meet according to an annual predetermined schedule. In addition to ordinary board meetings, board meetings may be convened where the chairman considers it to be necessary or a board member or the CEO so requests. During 2020, the Board held eight (8) board meetings, excluding meetings by correspondence (per capsulam). Prior to each ordinary Board meeting, Board members receive a written agenda, based on the Board's established rules of procedure, and a complete set of documents for information and decision-making. Recurring items include the Company's financial results, the market situation, investments and adoption of the financial statements. Reports from the audit and remuneration committees are also regularly addressed. CEO Flemming Breinholt presents items for discussion at the meetings and attends all board meetings together with CFO Dora Brink Clausen, except during the annual performance review of their work. Erik Berggren serves as Board secretary. Other senior executives participate as presenters on specific issues. The company's external auditor meets the Board at least once per year without management participation.
Evaluation of the Board
On an annual basis, the Board shall evaluate its formalities and way of working to ensure that the Board work is well functioning. The evaluation includes strategy and where the Board shall focus and identification of areas where the Board needs additional competence. The evaluation also includes whether the Board composition is appropriate. The Nomination Committee is using the evaluation in its work.
The Chairman of the Board initiates and leads the evaluation of the Board. Evaluation tools include detailed questionnaires and discussions. Early in 2021, the Board members responded to a written questionnaire covering the Board work in general as well as the work of the respective committees. The results from the evaluations were presented to the Board and were thoroughly discussed. The Nomination Committee was informed of the results of the Board work evaluation.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors has established an audit committee. Pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act, the members of the audit committee may not be employed of the Company and at least one (1) member must have accounting or auditing qualification. The audit committee currently consists of four members: Lone Møller Olsen (Chairman of the Audit Committee), Ulf Bonnevier, Magnus Mandersson and Salla Vainio. The audit committee's main tasks are to:
a) monitor the Company's financial reporting and provide recommendations and proposals to ensure the reliability of the reporting;
b) in respect of the financial reporting, monitor the effectiveness of the Company's internal control, internal audit, and risk management;
c) keep itself informed about the external audit of the annual report for the Company and the Group as well as regarding the conclusions of the Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors' quality controls;
d) inform the Board of the result of the external audit and the way in which the external audit contributed to the reliability of the financial reporting, as well as the function filled by the audit committee;
e) review and monitor the impartiality and independence of the external auditor and, in conjunction therewith, pay special attention to whether the external auditor provides the Company with services other than auditing services; and
f) assist the nomination committee in conjunction with its preparation of proposals to the general meeting's resolution regarding election of external auditor.
During 2020, the Audit Committee held five (5) meetings at which minutes were taken. Discussions and decisions at all meetings of the Audit Committee have been reported to the Board of Directors.
Remuneration committee
The Board of Directors has established a remuneration committee. Pursuant to the Code, the Chairman of the Board may be the chairman of the remuneration committee, but the other members of the remuneration committee are to be independent of the Company and its executive management. The remuneration committee currently consists of three members: Magnus Mandersson (Chairman of the Remuneration
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Annual Report 2020
Committee), Ulf Bonnevier and Salla Vainio. All members of the remuneration committee are independent in relation to the Company and its executive management. The remuneration committee's main tasks are to:
a) prepare the Board's decisions on issues concerning principles for remuneration, remunerations and other terms of employment for the executive management;
b) monitor and evaluate programmes for variable remuneration, both ongoing and those that have ended during the year, for the executive management;
c) monitor and evaluate the application of the guidelines for remuneration of the executive management that the annual
general meeting is legally obliged to establish, as well as the current remuneration structures and levels in the Company;
d) prepare and submit to the Board a report on the monitoring and evaluation to be carried out under the items (b) to (c) above; and
e) if the Company implements an incentive program for the employees of the Company, ensure that the incentive program is annually evaluated.
During 2020, the Remunerations Committee held two (2) meetings at which minutes were taken. Discussions and decisions at all meetings of the Remunerations Committee have been reported to the Board of Directors.
Attendance in Board or Committee meetings
The following table presents each member of the Board of Directors' attendance in meetings in 2020.
| Board Meetings | Audit Committee | Remuneration Committee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnus Mandersson | 8/8 | 5/5 | 2/2 |
| Ulf Bonnevier | 8/8 | 5/5 | 2/2 |
| Lone Møller Olsen | 8/8 | 5/5 | - |
| Mark Redwood | 8/8 | - | - |
| Salla Vainio (was elected in connection with AGM on 5 May 2020) | 5/8 | 1/5^{1)} | - |
1) Salla Vainio was elected to the Audit Committee in November 2020.
Remuneration to the Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2020 resolved on the following remuneration to the members of the Board of Directors until the Annual General Meeting 2021.
| (TSEK) | Board fee | Audit Committee fee | Remuneration Committee fee | Total 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnus Mandersson | 575 | 50 | 100 | 725 |
| Ulf Bonnevier | 315 | 50 | 35 | 400 |
| Lone Møller Olsen | 315 | 150 | - | 465 |
| Mark Redwood | 315 | - | - | 315 |
| Salla Vainio | 315 | 50 | 35 | 400 |
| Total | 1,835 | 300 | 170 | 2,305 |
The CEO and other senior executives
Responsibilities and work of the senior executives
The CEO is subordinated to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Company in accordance with the instructions from the Board of Directors. The division of work between the Board of Directors and the CEO is set out in the rules of procedure for the Board of Directors and the instructions for the CEO. The CEO is responsible
for providing the Board of Directors with information and the necessary documentation for decision making. The CEO leads the work of the senior executives and makes decisions after consulting its members. Further, the CEO reports at meetings of the Board of Directors and assures that members of the Board of Directors regularly receive the information required to follow the Company's and the Group's financial position, results, liquidity and development. The CEO and the other senior executives are
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Annual Report 2020
presented in "Board of Directors, Senior Executives and Auditor" on page 31 in this Annual Report.
Evaluation of the CEO
On an annual basis, the Board shall evaluate the CEO to ensure that the Company is being operated in the best way possible. The evaluation focuses on whether the CEO has accomplished the stated objectives, how the co-operation with the Board of Directors has worked and the general development of the Company. No Senior Executive is present when the Board is evaluating the leadership of the Company.
The Board has conducted an evaluation in 2020. The results from the evaluations were presented to the CEO and were thoroughly discussed. Further, Karnov also conducts internal engagement reports on half-year basis, where the employees have the possibility to evaluate both the CEO as well as the Senior Executives in elected areas.
Current employment terms for the CEO and the other senior executives
The CEO is entitled to an annual fixed salary of TSEK 2,985 and pension benefits in accordance with Karnov's prevailing pension policy. Provided that certain financial targets set by the Board of Directors are met, the CEO may also receive a bonus. The target bonus is an amount corresponding to 50 percent of the annual fixed salary. Pursuant to the current guidelines for remuneration to the senior executives, the bonus shall not exceed 100 percent of the fixed annual salary. For the CEO, a notice period of 12 months applies in case of termination by Karnov and 6 months in case of termination by the CEO. For the other senior executives, the notice period is up to nine (9) months in case of termination by Karnov and up to four (4) months in case of termination by the senior executive.
Guidelines for remuneration to the senior executives
The Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2020 resolved on guidelines for executive remuneration. The guidelines encompass salary and other remuneration for the Company's CEO and other senior executives. The guidelines also encompass remuneration to Board members insofar as they receive remuneration in addition to Board fees for services relating to a position covered by these guidelines. The guidelines shall apply to remuneration agreed, and amendments to remuneration already agreed, after adoption of the guidelines at the AGM 2020. These guidelines do not apply to any remuneration resolved by general meeting.
The guidelines promotion of the Company's business strategy, long-term interests and sustainability
A prerequisite for the successful implementation of the Company's business strategy and safeguarding of its long-term interests, including its sustainability, is that the Company is able to recruit and retain qualified personnel. To this end, it is necessary that the Company offers competitive remuneration. These guidelines enable the Company to offer the executive management a competitive total remuneration. For information about the Company's business model and strategy, see the Company's website (www.karnovgroup.com/).
A Long-term share-related incentive plan in form of a share saving program has been implemented in the Company. The plan has been resolved by a general meeting and is therefore excluded from these guidelines. The long-term share-related incentive plan resolved on the AGM 2020 is excluded for the same reason. Unlike the program resolved by the extraordinary general meeting 2019, the proposed plan is directed only to two additional senior executives. The proposed plan follows otherwise similar principles as the long-term incentive program resolved by the extraordinary general meeting 2019. The plans include among others the CEO and other senior executives in the group. For more information regarding these incentive plans, including the criteria which the outcome depends on, please see https://www.karnovgroup.com/en/incentive-program/.
Types of remuneration
Remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment shall be adequate to enable the Company and the group to retain and recruit skilled senior executives at a reasonable cost. The remuneration to senior executives may consist of fixed remuneration, variable remuneration, pension, other benefits and severance payment and it shall be based on principles of performance, competitiveness and fairness. The general meeting can also, irrespective of these guidelines, resolve on, among other things, share-related or share price-related remuneration.
Fixed remuneration
Each senior executive shall be offered a fixed remuneration in line with market conditions and based on the senior executive's responsibility, expertise and performance.
Variable remuneration
Variable remuneration may comprise annual variable cash salary and long-term variable pay in the form of cash. Variable remuneration shall be subject to the fulfilment of defined and measurable targets. 60 per cent of the variable remuneration is based on financial performance decided by the Board of Directors based on the Company's financial targets, 20 per cent of the variable remuneration is based on non-financial performance activities decided by Board of Directors to achieve the financial targets and 20 per cent of the variable remuneration is based on individual targets contributing to the overall targets of the Company. This creates incentives to promote the Company's business strategy, long-term interests and sustainability.
The satisfaction of criteria for awarding variable cash remuneration shall be measured over a period of one year. The variable cash remuneration for the CEO may amount to not more than 100 percent of the total fixed annual salary and the variable cash remuneration for the other senior executives may amount to not more than 75 percent of the total fixed annual salary. Variable cash remuneration shall not qualify for pension benefits unless otherwise provided by mandatory collective agreement provisions.
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Annual Report 2020
To which extent the criteria for awarding variable cash remuneration has been satisfied shall be evaluated/determined when the measurement period has ended. The remuneration committee is responsible for the evaluation so far as it concerns variable remuneration to the CEO. For variable cash remuneration to other executives, the CEO is responsible for the evaluation. For financial objectives, the evaluation shall be based on the latest financial information made public by the Company.
In special cases, agreements may be reached on remuneration of a non-recurring nature, provided such remuneration does not exceed an amount corresponding to the individual's total fixed annual salary and maximum variable cash salary, and is not paid more than once per year and per individual.
Pension
Agreements regarding pensions shall, where applicable, be premium based and designed in accordance with the level and practice applicable in the country in which the senior executive is employed. The CEO shall receive pension premiums of 10 percent of the total fixed annual salary. Other senior executives shall receive pension premiums of no more than 35 percent of the total fixed annual salary.
Other benefits
Other benefits, such as a Company car, preventive care, health care and health insurance, may be paid in accordance with customary market terms. The other benefits shall amount to not more than 10 percent of total fixed annual salary.
Termination of employment
Fixed remuneration during notice periods and severance payment, including payments for any restrictions on competition, shall in aggregate not exceed an amount equivalent to the fixed remuneration for 12 months for the CEO and no more than 12 months for other senior executives. No severance pay shall be paid in the case of termination by the employee.
Salary and employment conditions for employees
In the preparation of the Board of Directors' proposal for these remuneration guidelines, salary and employment conditions for employees of the Company have been taken into account by including information on the employees' total income, the components of the remuneration and increase and growth rate over time, in the remuneration committee's and the Board of Directors' basis of decision when evaluating whether the guidelines and the limitations set out herein are reasonable.
The decision-making process to determine, review and implement the guidelines
The Board of Directors has established a remuneration committee. The committee's tasks include preparing the Board of Directors' decision to propose guidelines for executive remuneration. The Board of Directors shall prepare a proposal for new guidelines at least every fourth year and submit it to the AGM. The guidelines shall be in force until new guidelines are adopted by the general meeting. The remuneration committee shall also monitor and evaluate programs for variable remuneration for the executive management, the application of the guidelines for executive remuneration as well as the current remuneration structures and compensation levels in the Company. The members of the remuneration committee are independent of the Company and its executive management. The CEO and other members of the executive management do not participate in the Board of Directors' processing of and resolutions regarding remuneration-related matters in so far as they are affected by such matters.
Derogation from the guidelines
The Board of Directors may temporarily resolve to derogate from the guidelines, in whole or in part, if in a specific case there is special cause for the derogation and a derogation is necessary to serve the Company's long-term interests, including its sustainability, or to ensure the Company's financial viability. As set out above, the remuneration committee's tasks include preparing the Board of Directors' resolutions in remuneration-related matters. This includes any resolutions to derogate from the guidelines.
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7 and the Remuneration Report 2020, available on https://www.karnovgroup.com/en/general-meeting-2021/.
Remuneration to senior executives
The following table presents the remuneration paid to the senior executives in 2020. For further information, please refer to note
| (TSEK) | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | 2,985 | 1,609 | 298 | 4,892 |
| Other senior executives | 12,025 | 3,822 | 1,790 | 17,637 |
| Total | 15,010 | 5,431 | 2,088 | 22,529 |
Long-term incentive programs to senior executives and other employees
The Extraordinary General Meeting on April 10, 2019 decided to resolve to implement a long-term incentive program in the form of a share saving program. The purpose of the incentive program is to encourage a broad ownership amongst the Company's employees, facilitate recruitment, maintain competent employees, increase the alignment of interest between the employees and the Company's shareholders and increase motivation to reach or exceed the Company's financial targets. A total of 151 permanent employees in Karnov are participating in the share saving program. The participants are divided into five different categories depending on position. Participants who retain the Savings Shares during the program's vesting period of at least three years and also remain employed by Karnov throughout the whole vesting period will at the end of the period be eligible for free additional ordinary shares ("Performance Shares"). For participants in category 1-4, the allotment of Performance Shares is subject to the satisfaction of certain performance criteria related to the total shareholder return, organic growth and organic adjusted EBITA growth, as defined in the extraordinary general meeting's resolution, during 2019-2021. Full allotment of Performance Shares would mean that the total number of shares under the program amount to no more than 425 347 ordinary shares, corresponding to approximately 0.4 percent of the total number of shares outstanding in the Company.
Internal control
General
Karnov has established an internal control system aimed at achieving an efficient organisation that meets the targets set by the Board of Directors. This system includes work to ensure that Karnov's operations are conducted correctly and efficiently, that laws and regulations are complied with and that financial reporting is accurate and reliable and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Karnov has chosen to structure internal control work in accordance with the so-called COSO framework, which includes the following elements: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication as well as monitoring and follow-up.
Control environment
Karnov's control environment is based on the distribution of work among the Board of Directors, the committees, the CEO and the CFO and the corporate values on which the Board of Directors and the Group management communicate and base their work. In order to maintain and develop a well-functioning control environment, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and to ensure compliance within the entire Group with Karnov's desired business practices, the Board of Directors, as the ultimately responsible body, has established a number of basic documents relevant to risk management and the internal control which consists of operational control documents, policies, procedures and instructions. Among these documents are the rules of procedure for the Board of Directors, the instructions for the committees of the Board of Directors, the instructions for the CEO, the instructions for financial reporting, the code of conduct, the communication policy and the insider policy.
Policies, routine descriptions and instructions are distributed to all relevant employees of Karnov through Karnov's intranet. Karnov's employees are obliged to comply with the code of conduct, the communication policy and insider policy, and employees regularly perform relevant tests to ensure they are aware of the content of relevant policies, routine descriptions and instructions.
Risk assessment
Karnov has established a risk assessment procedure, meaning Karnov conducts annual risk analysis and risk assessments, which are followed-up and reported quarterly. Based on this procedure, risks are identified and categorised according to the following four areas:
- Strategic risks
- Operational risks
- Compliance risks
- Financial risks
Karnov's objective with the risk analysis is to identify the most significant risks that may prevent Karnov from achieving its targets or realising its strategy. The objective is further to evaluate these risks based on the probability that they will arise in the future and to what extent the risks may affect Karnov's targets if they were to occur. Individual risks are assigned a so-
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
called risk owner. The risk owner has a mandate and responsibility to ensure actions and controls are established and implemented. The risk owner is also responsible for monitoring, follow-up and reporting of changes in Karnov's risk exposure to identified risks. Identified risks are reported quarterly by the CFO to the audit committee and the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors evaluates Karnov's risk management system, including risk assessments, and shall annually submit a description in which the most important elements of Karnov's internal control and risk management are examined in detail. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that significant risks are managed and that controls that counteract identified risks are implemented.
Control activities
Karnov has established a risk management process that includes a number of key controls of matters that must be in place and function in the risk management processes. The control requirement is an important tool that enables the Board of Directors to lead and to evaluate information from Group management and to take responsibility for identified risks. Karnov focuses on documenting and evaluating the major risks related to financial reporting to ensure that Karnov's reporting is accurate and reliable.
In 2020, Karnov has implemented a third party GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) tool to manage and control, in an efficient and automated way, self-assessments on a quarterly basis.
Information and communication
The Board of Directors of Karnov has adopted an insider policy and a communication policy governing Karnov's management and communication of inside information and other information. The insider policy is intended to reduce the risks of insider dealing and other unlawful behaviour and to facilitate Karnov's compliance with applicable rules regarding the handling of inside information. In addition, Karnov has established procedures for the handling of information and restriction of the dissemination of information. The communication policy describes Karnov's overall focus on communication matters. Karnov's communication shall be characterised by long-term perspective and trust, reliability as well as proactivity, speed and transparency. The communication shall be accurate, relevant and comprehensive in accordance with Nasdaq Stockholm's rule book for issuers.
Investor Relations function
The purpose of Karnov's investor relations function is to build a long-term knowledge of and trust in Karnov's operations and value creation, whilst ensuring that Karnov complies with applicable regulations. Karnov's investor relations function handles regular contacts with shareholders, analysts, investors, financial journalists, Nasdaq Stockholm, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and other capital market participants and coordinates general meetings, analyst meetings and capital market presentations. The Investor Relations Specialist is responsible for this function, reporting to the CFO.
Monitoring and follow-up
A self-assessment of internal control requirement effectiveness shall annually be performed and followed-up quarterly and facilitated by the CISO. The CISO must present the self-assessment report for the Group Information Security Board. The CFO is responsible for presenting the result to the audit committee and the Board of Directors. Karnov has a group-wide monitoring process by which the entities and functions shall follow up the effectiveness of controls and report back to the CISO.
External audit
The auditor shall review Karnov Group's financial report and accounting, as well as the management of the Board of Directors and the CEO. Since the Company is a parent company, the auditor shall also review the consolidated accounts and the Group companies' relations to each other. The audit of Karnov's financial reports and accounts as well as the management by the Board of Directors and the CEO is conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Following each financial year, the auditor shall submit an auditor report and a consolidated auditor report to the annual general meeting. Karnov's auditor is PwC. Aleksander Lyckow is the auditor in charge. For more information about the auditor, see "Board of Directors, senior executives and auditor—Auditor". In 2020, the total remuneration to Karnov's auditor was TSEK 2,856 (3,450), of which TSEK 2,066 (2,689) related to the Company. Of the total audit remuneration, TSEK 1,643 (995) is related to other audit services.
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Annual Report 2020
Board of Directors, Senior Executives and Auditor
Board of Directors
According to Karnov's articles of association, the Board of Directors shall consist of three to ten members. The Board of Directors currently consists of six members, appointed for the period until the close of the annual general meeting 2021. The section below presents the members of the Board of Directors, their position, the year of their initial election, whether or not they are considered to be independent in relation to the Company, its executive management and its major shareholders as well as their shareholding in Karnov.
Magnus Mandersson
Chairman of the Board since 2018.
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit Committee.
Born: 1959
Principal education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Lund University.
Other current positions: Chairman of Tampnet AS. Board member of Albert Immo Holding S.à.r.l., PMM Advisors S.A. and Interogo Foundation (supervisory council, Beirat). Senior Independent Director of Helios Towers Africa Plc.
Previous positions: Chairman of Next Biometrics Group ASA, Doro AB and Red Bee Media Sweden AB. Board member of Lund University. Executive vice president of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
Own and closely associated holdings: 100,000 shares.
Independence pursuant to the Code: Independent in relation to Karnov and its executive management as well as Karnov's major shareholders.
Lone Møller Olsen
Board member since 2018.
Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Born: 1958
Principal education: Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Copenhagen Business School. State authorized public accountant/Chartered accountant, Danish Ministry of Business Affairs.
Other current positions: Board member of Tryg A/S, Jetpak AB, KNI A/S, Investeringsforeningen Bankinvest, Kapitalforeningen Bankinvest Vælger, Kapitalforeningen Pensionsdanmark EMD, Kapitalforeningen BI Private Equity, Kapitalforeningen Bankinvest Select, Investeringsforeningen Bankinvest Engros and Investeringsforeningen BI. Executive officer of LMO 5265 ApS.
Previous positions: Partner at Deloitte Denmark.
Own and closely associated holdings: 6,976 shares.
Independence pursuant to the Code: Independent in relation to Karnov and its executive management as well as Karnov's major shareholders.
Salla Vainio
Board member since 2020.
Member of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
Born: 1969
Principal education: Master of Science in Economics, Helsinki School of Economics.
Other current positions: CEO of Marketing Clinic, Board member of QPR Software and Directors' Institute Finland.
Previous positions: CEO of Fondia, Chairman of the Board of Motiva and Board member of Motiva.
Own and closely associated holdings: -
Independence pursuant to the Code: Independent in relation to Karnov and its executive management as well as Karnov's major shareholders.
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Annual Report 2020
Ulf Bonnevier
Board member since 2018.
Member of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
Born: 1964
Principal education: Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting, Uppsala University. Leadership training (IFL), Stockholm School of Economics.
Other current positions: CFO of Tampnet AS.
Previous positions: CFO and Executive Vice President of Humana AB. Country Director of Ipsos. CFO Western Europe of Synovate. CEO of Wolters Kluwer Scandinavia.
Own and closely associated holdings: 12,000 shares
Independence pursuant to the Code: Independent in relation to Karnov and its executive management as well as Karnov's major shareholders.
Mark Redwood
Board member since 2011.
Born: 1960
Principal education: Bachelor of Arts (Econ) Hons First class degree in Economics and Accounting, University of Manchester.
Other current positions: Chairman of Delio Ltd and Spektrix Ltd.
Previous positions: Chairman of Achilles Holdco Ltd, SSP Topco Ltd and BGPH Holdings Ltd. Board member of CR7 Services Ltd, Barracuda FX Ltd, CashFlows Europe Ltd, Reuters Ltd, Reuters Transaction Services Ltd and Tradeweb Markets LLC.
Own and closely associated holdings: 2,068,064 shares.
Independence pursuant to the Code: Independent in relation to Karnov and its executive management as well as Karnov's major shareholders.
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Annual Report 2020
Senior Executives
The group management currently consists of eight persons. The section below presents the senior executives, their position, the year each person became a senior executive and their shareholdings in Karnov Group.
Flemming Breinholt
Group CEO since 2014.
Own and closely associated holdings: 2,368,049 shares.
Niels Munk Hansen
CEO of Karnov Group Denmark since 2020.
Own and closely associated holdings: 4,651 shares.
Charlotte Arup
Group CHRO since 2017.
Own and closely associated holdings: 4,651 shares.
Dora Brink Clausen
Group CFO since 2014.
Own and closely associated holdings: 1,184,078 shares.
Jesper Kingo Christensen
Group Chief Technology Officer since 2018.
Own and closely associated holdings: 4,650 shares.
Magnus Svernlöv
Executive Manager for the Stand-alone companies since 2019.
Own and closely associated holdings: 120,821 shares.
Alexandra Åquist
CEO of Norstedts Juridik since 2020.
Own and closely associated holdings: 4,651 shares.
Anne Nørvang Hansen
Group Content Strategy since 2012.
Own and closely associated holdings: 576,396 shares.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Additional information regarding the Board members and Senior Executives
All Board members and senior executives can be reached at Karnov's address: Warfvinges väg 39, SE 112 51 Stockholm, Sweden. There are no family ties between any of the Board members and/or the senior executives. There are no conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest between the Board members' and Senior Executives' duties to Karnov and their private interests or other duties. However, some Board members and senior executives hold shares in Karnov. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any Board member or Senior Executive was elected or appointed to his or her current position. During the past five years, none of the Board members or Senior Executives have
(i) been convicted for fraudulent offences,
(ii) been involved in or represented a company which has been declared bankrupt or filed for compulsory liquidation or been subject to receivership,
(iii) been the subject of official public incrimination or sanctions (or accused of such actions) by statutory regulatory authorities (including designated professional bodies) or
(iv) been disqualified by a court from acting as a member of the administrative, management or supervisory body of a company or from acting in the management or conduct the affairs of a company.
Auditor
The annual general meeting on 5 May 2020 re-elected PricewaterhouseCoopers AB, corporate registration number 556067-4276, as auditor for the period until the close of the annual general meeting 2021. Aleksander Lyckow has been the auditor in charge since 2015. Aleksander Lyckow is an authorised public accountant and member of FAR (the Institute for the Accountancy Profession in Sweden). PwC's address is c/o PricewaterhouseCoopers AB, SE-113 97 Stockholm, Sweden.
32
Auditor’s Report on the Corporate Governance Statement
This is a literal translation of the Swedish original report
To the annual meeting of the shareholders in Karnov Group AB (publ.), corp. id. No. 559016-9016.
Engagement and responsibility
It is the board of directors who is responsible for the corporate governance statement for the financial year 2020-01-01 - 2020-12-31 on pages 20-32 and that it has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
The scope of the audit
Our examination has been conducted in accordance with FAR’s auditing standard RevU 16 The auditor’s examination of the corporate governance statement. This means that our examination of the corporate governance statement is different and substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. We believe that the examination has provided us with sufficient basis for our opinions.
Opinions
A corporate governance statement has been prepared. Disclosures in accordance with chapter 6 section 6 the second paragraph points 2-6 the Annual Accounts Act and chapter 7 section 31 the second paragraph the same law are consistent with the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts and are in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
Stockholm, 30 March 2021
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Aleksander Lyckow
Authorized Public Accountant
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Sustainability Report
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
33
Sustainability Report
For Karnov, sustainability means creating long-term value in a responsible manner for the Group and its stakeholders. Karnov creates value by combining expertise with new technology in an increasingly digitalised world, strengthening the foundation for justice in our society.
About the sustainability report
Karnov’s sustainability report relates to the fiscal year 2020. The sustainability report covers the parent company Karnov Group AB (publ) (reg. no. 559016-9016) and covers all entities consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of Karnov Group for the same period, which are specified in Note 15 of the Annual Report. The sustainability report is prepared in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 6 and 7 of the Annual Accounts Act. No significant changes have taken place in the application of accounting principles or the scope of the reporting compared with last year.
The Board of Directors of Karnov Group AB has, when signing the Annual Report, also approved the sustainability report.
How Karnov creates value
Karnov is a leading provider of online and offline information products and services in the areas of legal, tax and accounting and environmental, health and safety in Denmark and Sweden. Karnov’s overall vision is to enable the users of our products and services to make better decisions, faster. Karnov aims to promote our experts and expand our role as an authority, strengthening the foundation for justice in society.
The work of knowledge professionals, such as legal practitioners, auditors, tax advisors, other consultants, academics, judges and public officials, is driven by a need for accuracy, reliability and quality. In their daily work, they need to continuously access and use information that is relevant for their professions in order to provide their services. With the increasing pace of change and expanding legal material, coming from different regulatory bodies at different hierarchical levels, knowledge professionals have a growing need for access to tools to help them navigate in this environment.
Karnov aims to create value based on a solid understanding of the complexity of our customers’ businesses. Media-independent and with a constant focus on striving to deliver the highest level of quality, Karnov has a broad offering of information and workflow services that support the three different contexts:
- Learning: Karnov strives to deliver online and offline solutions that are tailored for specific learning areas, both in the academic context and for practitioners’ continuous learning. Karnov’s publication businesses in Denmark and Sweden have delivered content for students and practitioners for more than 100 years.
- Researching: Whether it is finding case law that supports an argument or understanding the reasoning behind the amendment of a certain law, Karnov aims to provide the insight needed. Karnov has contracts with a network of over 1,500 legal experts available to contribute with authored content.
- Knowing: Through its workflow management solutions and current awareness, Karnov aims to provide the tools for efficient and reliable processes and decisions. Karnov’s workflow management offerings cover, among other things, compliance management of environment, health and safety regulations, workflow tools for complex tax and accounting matters and various solutions for keeping professionals up to date on new regulations and case law.
Karnov’s value proposition involves three main strategic objectives aimed at customer excellence:
- Deliver the highest quality of content
- Provide a state-of-the-art user experience
- Support workflow efficiency
Karnov’s products are largely digital, including subscription-based online solutions for law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates and the public sector, for example, universities, public authorities and municipalities. Karnov also publishes and sells books and journals and hosts legal training courses. By integrating public legal content with legal experts’ commentaries and analysis Karnov provides a legal information system to more than 80,000 users.
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Annual Report 2020
Karnov's contribution to UN's global sustainability goals
To create a sustainable society, world leaders committed themselves to achieving 17 global targets by 2030. The goals cover a broad range of areas, both social and environmental, and achieving them requires collaboration among civil society, politicians, scientists and industry. Karnov wishes to actively
contribute to the target areas in which it has the power to influence. The goals we consider most relevant to our operations are presented below together with a description of how Karnov's initiatives help to achieve these goals.
| Goal | Sub-goal | Karnov's work |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. | Karnov is committed to providing and promoting equal opportunities throughout all aspects of employment including recruitment and promotion. We offer an inclusive workplace regardless of sex, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religious belief. Our framework for ensuring this includes the Code of Conduct and an equality and diversity section in our personnel handbook. | |
| 8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors. | Through the development of accurate, reliable and high-quality content combined with innovative technology and process tools, Karnov supports the work of knowledge professionals, such as legal practitioners, auditors, tax advisors, other consultants, academics, judges and governmental officials. Further, Karnov spreads knowledge to the groups above using its proprietary report “The Future Lawyer Survey”, which is presented later in this report. | |
| 16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | ||
| 16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. | Karnov aims to contribute to raising legal standards and thereby strengthen the foundation for justice in our society. The core of Karnov's work is to make the true pillar of democracy - the law - accessible, sharable and debatable - enabling our customers to make better decisions, faster. Media-independent and with a constant focus on delivering the highest level of quality, Karnov has a broad offering of information and workflow solutions that support different usage needs. In 2020, Karnov contributed by keeping relevant information on the Covid-19 pandemic publicly available on its platform, which is presented later in this report. |
Governance and implemented framework
Karnov's Board of Directors has the overall responsibility for questions relating to sustainable business. The CEO is responsible for execution of the Board's decisions and strategies. Within the Group Management team, Karnov's Group CHRO has the overall responsibility for sustainability work. All Karnov's employees have a responsibility to actively contribute to the Group's sustainability efforts in their areas of responsibility, and each manager is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance.
Karnov has established policy documents and guidelines as well as Group collaboration functions with specific areas in focus, ensuring attention and progress. The policies are annually revised and approved by the respective policy owner.
In addition to the sustainability governance framework described below, the Group also has an overall corporate governance policy as well as risk assessment and internal control procedures.
| Policy | Aim | Ownership | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code of conduct | Serves as the foundation for Karnov's corporate values and ethical commitment and describes the core principles of the Group's business conduct and integrity including business ethics. It is intended to provide guidance regarding what behaviour is expected from each employee in their daily work and what can be expected from the Group as an employer. It is also essential for customers and business partners to always feel confident that Karnov not only complies with legal requirements but also meets high ethical and professional standards. Authors and suppliers shall pay due attention to the Code. | Group HR | Signed by all employees, authors and customers. Senior personnel such as supervisors and managers have the extended responsibility to engage in ethical issues and translate the Code and other associated governing policies into local rules and procedures. |
| Equality policy, Diversity and equality section in personnel handbook | Using information, Karnov shall increase awareness of equality issues and strive for an open attitude and equal treatment throughout the organisation. | Group HR | Employee survey conducted twice a year through external supplier. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Policy | Aim | Ownership | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whistleblower function | Good relationships, a healthy working environment and exemplary business ethics are crucial to the long-term success of Karnov. It is important for us to identify corruption, irregularities or fraudulent acts that can seriously damage the business or negatively impact our employees, and that such incidents are investigated at as early a stage as possible. For this reason, we have set up a whistleblower function. Karnov has implemented an external setup to ensure anonymity and has established a Group Ethics Committee to guarantee impartial action. | Group CISO | Any information from whistleblowers is handled by an external and independent party before being presented to the Group Ethics Committee. |
| Communication policy and social media guidelines | Provides all employees at Karnov with a set of shared guidelines for internal and external communication including social media and crisis communication. It also describes the division of responsibilities and the spokesperson structure for media contacts. | Group CEO | The policy is reviewed and reported annually, with control routines in place and reported quarterly. |
| Information security policy | Sets out that Karnov should embed security in the Group’s daily work and monitor compliance to protect our customers, Karnov as a company, our brand, our employees and our business against interruptions and outages, as well as reducing risk and loss by preventing and managing unwanted incidents and breaches. | Group CISO | Control effectiveness objectives defined in 2020. Information Security Board implemented with regularly scheduled meetings. |
| Business Continuity Plan | The purpose of this plan is to provide executive management, all staff and other relevant stakeholders with an assurance that the Company is prepared for and able to take actions to restore the most business-critical processes, functions and systems in the case of a disaster in an efficient way. | Group CEO | If invoked, all important decisions and events should be logged in accordance with the plan. |
| Privacy policy | The policy sets out how the Group processes and protects personal data. The policy also focuses on compliance initiatives conducted to ensure compliance with applicable data protection legislation at all times. | Group CEO | Data protection officer (DPO service) and internal Data protection manager (DPM) appointed. |
Stakeholder engagement
The key to sustainability work that contributes to long-term value creation is to understand the surrounding world and stakeholders' expectations. Karnov continuously engages in dialogue with various stakeholder Groups throughout the year. Such engagement provides an insight into the external environment's expectations of Karnov's operations, which offers important guidance for establishing the Group's priorities and activities in relation to various sustainability issues. Below, we present the dialogue with our most important stakeholders, our key information channels, areas discussed and the contribution to Karnov's value creation.
| Stakeholder group | Channel | Areas discussed and value creation |
|---|---|---|
| Customers | • Regular NPS (Net Promoter Score) surveys | |
| • Ongoing dialogue in sales and marketing | ||
| • Events and awards | ||
| • Advisory boards | • Identifying customer needs | |
| • Trends in the industry | ||
| • Innovation and technological development | ||
| • Legislative developments and the consequences for our customers' daily work (interpretation and best practice) | ||
| Authors/Specialists | • Regular NPS (Net Promoter Score) surveys | |
| • Ongoing dialogue | ||
| • Events | ||
| • Advisory boards | • Providing platforms for specialists to promote their knowledge | |
| • Foster brand and product loyalty | ||
| • Transparency in product and brand development | ||
| Employees | • Intranet collaboration tool | |
| • Health & Safety Committee | ||
| • All-employee meetings | ||
| • Regular employee survey performed twice a year | ||
| • Yearly development discussions | ||
| • Ongoing monthly one-on-one dialogue | ||
| • Collaboration with unions and local union branches in Sweden | • Healthy work environment | |
| • The Company's development, targets and strategies | ||
| • Information sharing and transparency contributing to a strong internal culture and brand | ||
| • Competence and training | ||
| • Safeguarding diversity and equality | ||
| • Terms, agreements, organisational changes, development | ||
| Students | • Collaboration with universities | |
| • Internship and employment of students | ||
| • “Railgirls” – a society of young developers hosted by Karnov | ||
| • Advisory board of students | ||
| • Sponsorships to students | ||
| • Awards | ||
| • Kaius – a social channel for law students in Denmark | • Introducing student edition of Karnov as platform for learning, researching and knowing | |
| • Education in Karnov's platform to students | ||
| • Corporate and legal branding as well as employer branding | ||
| Legal industry | • Events such as Elevate Legal in Scandinavia and SMV Forum in Denmark (some events cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) | |
| • The future lawyer survey | • Trends and needs | |
| • Promoting Karnov Group as a front-runner contributing to legal standards | ||
| Media and the public | • Press releases | |
| • Interviews | ||
| • Websites and social media | • Transparency | |
| • Understanding of Karnov's services and operations | ||
| Owners | • Annual general meetings and contact with the Board | |
| • Investor meetings | • Strategies and long-term financial sustainability | |
| • Stability, development, quality and customer satisfaction |
Business sustainability 2020
Numbers within brackets is comparing figures for the fiscal year 2019.
NUMBER OF REPORTED AND INVESTIGATED CASES OF SUSPECTED BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
0 (0)
CUSTOMER CONTRACTS EXTENDED (%)
97% (97%)
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Materiality analysis, risk assessment and road map
Prior to preparing the sustainability report, Group Management performed an internal materiality analysis. The analysis was also based on the ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders. The materiality analysis helps Karnov understand the sustainability areas that are of greatest importance for the business. The results of the analysis thus provide important guidance for the sustainability efforts and also help to establish the focus of the Group's reporting. Potential risk areas and management of identified risks are described below together with the performance indicators that Karnov finds most relevant to the Group's operations.
Since 2016, Karnov has an established annual risk assessment process for the Group. By identifying the risks that may have the greatest impact on our ability to conduct business, and which can probably occur in relation to the activities conducted, Karnov can work preventively with management of these risks. Going forward, we aim to incorporate the sustainability risk areas within this risk assessment process. We also intend, in dialogue with our key stakeholders, to perform a more extensive and structured materiality analysis. In Sweden, at Norstedts Juridik, we have established a Sustainability Council with responsibility for coordinating and developing a road map for more systematic sustainability work to be implemented by managers in charge of different operational areas.
Sustainability related risk areas and risk management and outcome in 2020
| Risk | Potential risk area | Management of the risk |
|---|---|---|
| SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND EMPLOYEES | ||
| Ability to attract and retain competence | Access to competent employees and expertise is critical to Karnov’s business in order to deliver high quality content and solutions. The competence, commitment and relationship with our employees and authors/specialists are critical factors in ensuring that our customers are satisfied with our different products and solutions. If Karnov’s employees are unhappy or are no longer committed, there is a risk they will resign or go on sick leave. If the Karnov brand is damaged, there is also a risk that it will become more difficult for Karnov to retain and attract new employees and specialists. | Karnov aims to create an attractive and healthy workplace. We continuously seek and promote the development of a strong culture where the customer comes first, ultimately contributing to a strong brand. Assessment of the company’s ability to maintain a healthy workplace with satisfied employees and attraction, development and retention in focus, is based on employee satisfaction surveys, exit interviews, analysis of employee turnover, absence and sick leave. Karnov has continued to work on developing its employee offering. Karnov’s Code of Conduct and personnel handbook govern a healthy work environment for our employees. A key component of the integration process of Norstedts Juridik has been to conduct regular pulse checks. Karnov also focuses on maintaining a strong author base across our markets by continuous dialogue, networking events and attractive remuneration terms. Karnov continually measures author satisfaction through an author-specific Net Promotor Score survey (willingness to recommend Karnov as a publisher of your work). |
| Discrimination and lack of gender equality | Discrimination on the basis of gender, age, ethnic origin, religious belief and sexual orientation is unlawful and any shortcomings in this regard may result in reputational damage, a less favourable workplace environment with reduced productivity as a consequence, difficulties to recruit and retain personnel, as well as claims for damages. | Karnov prohibits discrimination and harassment. No one should suffer discrimination or harassment connected with gender, cross-gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other religious belief, functional impairment, sexual orientation and age. This is clearly stated in Karnov’s Code of Conduct and in the diversity and equality section of the personnel handbook. We firmly believe that treating each other with respect and dignity ensures a healthy and productive work environment. The Company has routines in place regarding how discrimination and harassment at the workplace are to be handled. |
| Management of pandemics | Health and well-being among employees are two key factors in Karnov’s business in order to deliver high quality content and solutions. In a pandemic, there is risk that employees are unhappy and need support, and there is risk that they will go on sick leave. Further, there is risk that employees when working from home have worse workstations ergonomically, with which a risk of injuries follows. | During the Covid-19 pandemic, Karnov has strictly adhered to the regulations and recommendations from the authorities in Sweden and Denmark. Employees have worked mainly from home, and the office spaces have been adjusted so employees have been able to keep sufficient distance. Employees have the opportunity for all the work tools to also be installed at home. During the pandemic, regular pulse checks have been made. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Risk | Potential risk area | Management of the risk |
|---|---|---|
| RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS | ||
| Karnov perceives no obvious risks of violations of human rights as a consequence of our business. Karnov does not conduct any business in countries identified as high-risk countries. | Karnov’s Code of Conduct is partially based on the principle of human rights established by the UN and must be complied with by all employees. | |
| ANTI-CORRUPTION | ||
| Karnov has zero tolerance for bribery and corruption. This is clearly stated in Karnov’s Code of Conduct. The risk of corrupt behaviour is relatively limited and arises primarily in connection with purchasing and sales. | Good relationships, a healthy working environment and exemplary business ethics are crucial to the long-term success of Karnov. It is important for us to identify corruption, irregularities or fraudulent acts that can seriously damage the business or negatively impact our employees, and that such incidents are investigated at as early a stage as possible. A whistleblowing function has been set up to make it simpler for those who wish to provide information about irregularities that conflict with applicable laws, ethical and moral principles, or Karnov policies. Karnov has implemented an external setup to ensure anonymity and has established a Group Ethics Committee to guarantee impartial action. Karnov’s Code of Conduct also covers bribery and corruption and the Code is communicated to and signed by all employees. | |
| ENVIRONMENT | ||
| Buildings, transport and printing | Environmental risks are primarily related to the buildings in which Karnov operates and business travel. According to the Swedish Environmental Code (“Miljöbalken”) operators are responsible for any pollution or other environmental damage and for remediation. There are also risks related to climate change, such as higher risk of floods, land collapses, landslides, erosion and heat-waves. | Being a service company, the environmental impact from Karnov’s operations is limited. Karnov actively works to reduce the Group’s direct environmental impacts, for example usage of raw materials such as paper and energy. We continually seek to improve our environmental performance by aspiring towards good industry practice in terms of environmentally friendly procedures, standards, business relations, and technology. To reduce our emissions, we travel only when absolutely necessary and strive to always communicate digitally, via the Internet, to minimise our use of paper, printing, and transport. Printing of books and publications is managed by suppliers and environmentally friendly paper is used. In 2020, we have changed to a green energy supplier for our Copenhagen offices, and only allow electric cars for the management of Norstedts Juridik. We have also implemented the possibility to choose a green pension fund for employees of Norstedts Juridik. |
| Other risks | We have identified no other significant sustainability risks. For other risks, see the Risk and risk management section on page 50 and Note 3. |
Information security and integrity 2020
Numbers within brackets is comparing figures for the fiscal year 2019.
| REPORTED CASES OF VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS | REPORTED CASES OF MISCONDUCT |
|---|---|
| 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
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Annual Report 2020
6
SOMMER
FEDERATION
Our Karnov
STEP HANIE PEREZ – BUSINESS FLEXIBILITY PRODUCT MANAGER
Located in: Copenhagen, Denmark
"I have been part of the Karnov team for almost three years now and it often feels like I have landed the dream job. I work as a Product Manager, and along with my team, I work on delivering amazing experiences to our customers developing Karnov's digital products. We focus very much on customer feedback and data to make our decisions when it comes to product development. I feel like Karnov gives me the chance to grow in my role as Product Manager, and that I am growing into becoming the Product Manager, I always wanted to be."
SELCUK ÜNLÜ – PRODUCT OWNER (TRAINING)
Located in: Stockholm, Sweden
"I joined Norstedts Juridik ten years ago, starting my career as a legal news editor. Since more than five years, I am responsible for our legal training courses. As you can understand, 2020 has been a special year, where we have done almost all training courses virtually. Thanks to a strong team effort, we managed to do the transition swiftly and smoothly, with great customer feedback. With our important role in the society, it's important that we keep developing our offerings and keep listening to what the market demands."
MÅNS FORNANDER – HEAD OF NOTISUM AB
Located in: Malmö, Sweden
"I am the Head of Notisum AB, which is a SaaS product specialised in the field of EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) and legal compliance, providing law monitoring, legal registers, and compliance checks. Our market is growing, with increasing market demand, due to a global EHS focus and clear requirements in the ISO suite of Management Systems. We have been part of Karnov Group since 2016, which has given us the possibility of scaling our business, and we are well-positioned with talented employees to grow the coming years, including an initiated market entrance in Europe."
YUKI HERDIS HANSEN – LEGAL PRODUCT OWNER
Located in: Copenhagen, Denmark
"My job in Karnov is to make sure that any update or change to our existing legal product always meets our users' high expectations. It is especially rewarding when we receive positive feedback from our users, telling us that our solution has helped them in their daily work. That gives me purpose and renewed energy, so that I can go on and start working on the next new idea. In my role, I am fortunate to get to work closely with many talented and inspiring colleagues. I see this cross-organizational collaboration as the key to Karnov's success. I am proud to be a Karnovian and excited to see what the future brings for our company."
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Annual Report 2020
ⅢKARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Short-term incentive program for employees
Karnov has established a short-term incentive program based on employees' personal performance targets as well as targets for Karnov's financial performance. The incentive program is thus based on an individual assessment and the total sum of Karnov's financial targets. All employees, except for student assistants, consultants (contractors), interns, office trainees and employees working on commission, are eligible for the incentive program, which is paid in cash annually.
The objective of the short-term incentive program is creating an incentive in developing Karnov's business among the Company's employees.
Social sustainability 2020
Numbers within brackets is comparing figures for the fiscal year 2019.
| AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES (FTEs) | NATIONALITIES EMPLOYED |
|---|---|
| 246 (252) | 29 (19) |
| WOMEN WITHIN THE GROUP | WOMEN WITH STAFF RESPONSIBILITY |
| 53% (50%) | 44% (45%) |
| WOMEN IN GROUP MANAGEMENT | EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION |
| 50% (37.5%) | 8.2 (7.8) |
| SHORT-TERM SICK LEAVE | LONG-TERM SICK LEAVE |
| 1.0% (1.6%) | 0.9% (1.3%) |
| NUMBER OF FLIGHTS | EMPLOYEES ATTENDING TRAINING |
| 225 (1,686) | 42% (41%) |
| WORK-RELATED INJURIES | INCIDENTS OF DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT |
| 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
42
The Future Lawyer Survey 2020
The world is changing fast which effects many industries. Well know business models and work processes are transforming due to the rise of new technology, globalisation and other macro trends. The digital revolution has changed the way we communicate and therefore also our culture and behaviour.
Karnov Group has the ambition of being a though leader in the legal field in Scandinavia. With our strong market position, we want to raise awareness and bring inspiration to legal professionals and lawyer firms on an industry in transition.
Our annual report "The Future Lawyer Survey", is showing the demands, fears and expectations on the legal profession. The 2020 survey was answered by 3,548 Swedish and Danish lawyers, making it the largest of its kind. This year's report focused on three themes: transformation, innovation and motivation. This year's report also brings inspiration from external parties that connects to the theme of the report.
The Future Lawyer Survey shows that a clear majority of the respondents perceive the industry as conservative and that several factors make it necessary to adapt to a new reality. This new reality can be defined by two major trends; first, general trends such as technical advances and innovation, globalisation and increased demands on transparency as well as commercial value, and secondly a shift in attitude towards work and work-life balance in the younger generations. The figures behind the key conclusions in the report the Future Lawyer Survey:
Transformation
- 93% of the lawyers believe that technical competences need to increase among lawyers.
-
The areas lawyers believe will impact the industry the most is i) work-life balance (61%), ii) legal tech (60%) and
-
iii) the increasingly complex society with an increased need of legal services (53%).
- 63% of the respondents believe that current business models are challenged by new types of services.
- 63% of the respondents believe that the industry is conservative and lack in being able to think outside the box.
Organisational culture
- 59% of the respondents believe their employer is falling behind of areas such as equality and diversity.
- 78% of the women working in the legal area assess that it is harder for women than men to reach senior positions.
- 67% of the younger legal professionals assess it is there is a need to increase the diversity among senior executives.
- Creativity and innovation is assessed determining for future development.
Employer of the future
- The most important factors for motivation among the respondents are interesting cases (55%) and work-life balance (55%)
- Work-life balance (71%), salary levels with benefits (55%) and the possibility to make an impact (41%) are the three most rewarded perks to attract the lawyers of the future.
- There is a clear difference between younger and elder lawyers, where 66% of the younger lawyers prioritise work-life balance while only 35% of the elder group (50+ years) do so.
- 80% of the younger lawyers are attracted to prestigious law firms.
Full survey
Even if the development is moving more rapidly in other areas, the legal industry is impacted by the transformation. To read the full report, please download it from Karnov Group Denmark's (Danish) or Norstedts Juridik's (Swedish) respective websites:
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
19 YEARS. JUSTICE 2019
Karnov Group's Covid-19 platform sections
The Covid-19 virus has spread globally and has a major impact on all societies. The legislation is changing so fast that it is difficult for legal professionals to keep up. Karnov Group is a leading provider of information in the field of law and has the industry's most complete legal database, along with Scandinavia's greatest network of legal experts.
During 2020, we have seen extensive search on issues related to the corona pandemic. This applies both to lawyers, accountants and auditors. When professionals are helping businesses adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic, Karnov Group's legal content is the tool. Our authors have made a tremendous effort in making commentaries on the new legislation, having worked rapidly and with certainty.
The Covid-19 crisis is serious and the information we collect and process is of great importance to companies. We want to help ensure that as many people as possible have the updated and commented information so that they can be included in their decision basis. In light of the situation that is currently affecting us all, Karnov Group decided to make selected laws related to the pandemic, as well as notes from our specialists, available to all, during the spring 2020. This was done by making special Covid-19 sections on our platforms in Denmark and Sweden.
Content on the Covid-19 sections
- Law and orders related to the corona pandemic, with notes and annotations from Karnov Group's experts;
- News related to the Covid-19 pandemic; and
- Recommendations from the authorities.
Data from the Danish section
- Close to 1,000 documents added from March 2020 – March 2021 (laws, regulations, case law, articles and EU regulations)
- 35,000 related documents also made available for the users through the site
Data from the Swedish section
- Over 300 documents added from March 2020 – March 2021 (laws, regulations, case law, articles and EU regulations)
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Annual Report 2020
Auditor’s Report on the Statutory Sustainability Report
This is a literal translation of the Swedish original report.
To the annual meeting of the shareholders in Karnov Group AB (publ.), corp. id. No. 559016-9016.
Engagement and responsibility
It is the board of directors who is responsible for the statutory sustainability report for the year 2020 on pages 34–44 and that it has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
The scope of the audit
Our examination has been conducted in accordance with FAR’s auditing standard RevR 12 The auditor’s opinion regarding the statutory sustainability report. This means that our examination of the statutory sustainability report is substantially different and less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. We believe that the examination has provided us with sufficient basis for our opinion.
Opinion
A statutory sustainability report has been prepared.
Stockholm, 30 March 2021
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Aleksander Lyckow
Authorized Public Accountant
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Board of Directors’ Report
46
Board of Directors' Report
The Board of Directors and CEO of Karnov Group AB, corporate identity number 559016-9016, hereby present the annual report and consolidated financial statements for the 2020 financial year. Unless otherwise stated, amounts are reported in thousands of Swedish kronor (SEK). Terms such as "Karnov," "the company," "the Group," refer in all cases to the parent company, Karnov Group AB, and its subsidiaries.
BUSINESS
Karnov is a leading provider of online and offline professional information products and services in the areas of legal, tax and accounting and environmental, health and safety in Denmark and Sweden. Karnov has a broad offering of online and offline information and workflow products and services that aim to deliver value to Karnov's customers based on a solid understanding of the complexity of its customers' businesses. Karnov's products are largely digital, including subscription-based online solutions for law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates and the public sector including, courts, universities, public authorities and municipalities. Karnov also publishes and sells offline books and journals and hosts legal training courses.
Karnov is in 2020 organised into two geographical financial reporting segments: Denmark and Sweden. In 2020, Denmark represented 54 percent and Sweden 46 percent of Karnov's net sales, respectively.
Revenue model
Karnov's online offering consists of subscription-based products and services, whereas the offline offering consists of both subscription based and non-subscription based products and services.
In 2020, 86 (85) percent of Karnov's net sales came from subscriptions paid annually in advance.
Market
In 2020 Karnov's operations were in the legal and tax professional markets in Denmark and Sweden. These markets encompass, among other things, online information database services, printed information sources, legal practice management software and legal training courses. The products and services are generally offered to law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates in a wide range of industries and the public sector, including courts, libraries, universities and other public authorities and municipalities.
Karnov's product offerings are, with a few variations, similar in Denmark and Sweden. The functionality of Karnov's core online platform is essentially the same in both countries but, as an example, tax and accounting packages are only being offered in Denmark and physical legal training courses are only being offered in Sweden. Given that Denmark and Sweden have separate legal systems and the languages are different, the content of the product offering is unique in each of the two countries.
Objectives and growth strategy
Karnov's value proposition involves three overall objectives:
- Deliver the highest quality of content
- Provide a state-of-the-art user experience
- Support workflow efficiency
Karnov's growth strategy includes a number of strategic initiatives and enablers aiming to allow Karnov to expand its core offerings on the current markets as well as grow in adjacent verticals and expand geographically in the future. The growth strategy is built on Karnov's key strengths and the vision to enable its customers to make better decisions, faster. The strategy is supported by Karnov's existing base of experts, data sources, customers and partners. These are the core elements in Karnov's history and future, in which Karnov has invested over decades.
Group structure
Karnov Group AB (publ) is the Group's parent company and owns 100 percent of the shares in the holding company KARN Holdco AB which in turn owns 100% of the shares in the holding companies Karnov Group Holdco DK ApS and Karnov AB. The Danish holding company owns 100 percent of the Danish operating companies Karnov Group Denmark A/S and Forlaget Andersen A/S, as well as 78.7 percent of shares in LCB ApS. Further the Danish holding company has invested in 40 percent of the shares in BELLA Intelligence ApS, 49 percent of the shares in ProcurementLink ApS and 25 percent of the shares in Ante ApS. The Swedish holding company owns 100 percent of the shares in the operating companies Norstedts Juridik AB and Notisum AB and 60 percent of the shares in LEXNordics AB. Further Karnov Group Holding AB owns 40 percent of the shares in Karnov Group Norway AS and as of January 5, 2021 also 100 percent of the shares in DIBkunnskap AS in Norway. Karnov Group Sweden AB and Norstedts Juridik AB were merged as of January 3, 2020 with Norstedts Juridik as continuing company. For more information, see Note 15.
Significant events in 2020
> Investment in Ante ApS, Danish legal tech start-up.
In January 2020, Karnov Group acquired 25% of the shares in Ante ApS. The company is specialised in categorisation and AI based search, mainly within case law. Their technology platform complements ours and will enable us to jointly develop and market high quality solutions for the legal information market.
> Investment in LEXNordics AB, Swedish provider of the legal practice management solution LEX247.
In March 2020, we established LEXNordics AB, where Karnov Group has 60% of the shares, with the aim of accelerating sales of the LEX247 legal practice management solution in the Nordic region. The LEX247 solution represents a way for us of delivering even more value to our customers.
> Investment in Karnov Group Norway AS, Norwegian core legal services in collaboration with Lovdata.
In March 2020, Karnov Group acquired 40% of the shares in Karnov Group Norway AS. Karnov Group Norway AS will provide digital subscription-based legal services to
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
the Norwegian market. The company's offerings are expected to be launched in the second half of 2021.
> Investment in DIBkunnskap AS, Norwegian digital workflow tool provider.
In December 2020, Karnov Group signed the agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in the market leading Norwegian knowledge workflow solutions supplier DIBkunnskap AS. The transaction was closed on 5 January 2021. The transaction further strengthens Karnov Group's position as a leading supplier of legal knowledge management solutions in Scandinavia. DIBkunnskap AS will be consolidated in Karnov Group in 2021.
> Additional investing in ProcurementLink ApS
In June 2020, Karnov Group acquired additional shares in the Danish legal tech start-up company ProcurementLink ApS. Karnov Group now owns 49% of the shares in the company.
THE GROUP'S FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 | 2% |
| Organic growth, % | 2.1% | 4.0% | |
| EBITA | 275,955 | 205,975 | 34% |
| EBITA margin, % | 35.8% | 27.2% | |
| Adjusted EBITA | 288,158 | 278,630 | 3% |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 37.4% | 36.8% |
Net sales
Net sales increased by 2 percent to SEK 771 m (757). Organic growth was 2.1 percent and currency effects had a negative impact on net sales of 0.4 percent and acquired growth accounts for 0.2 percent.
Earnings
EBITA amounted to SEK 276 m (206) and the EBITA margin was 35.8 (27.2) percent. Adjusted for items affecting comparability, adjusted EBITA increased by 3.4 percent to SEK 288 m (279) and the adjusted EBITA margin was 37.4 percent (36.8). Items affecting comparability amounted to a total of SEK 12 m (73) and were mainly related to acquisition costs and restructuring costs.
EBITA and adjusted EBITA improvements were driven by higher net sales, good cost control and lower items affecting comparability.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased by SEK 51 m to SEK 131 m (80). Operating profit was impacted by a cost of SEK 5 m (19) related to a write down of the value of one of the Group's products. The write down is due to revenues being below expectations for the product. Due to the accounting principles the cost of SEK 5 m (19) is recognised in the profit and loss in other operational expenses and a finance income from the related earn-out liability which was reduced by SEK 5 m (13). This adjustment of the liability is included in the financial items and not in the operating profit result. The effect on net profit is SEK 0 m (-6).
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation amounted to SEK -190 m (-171). The higher amortisation was driven by investments in intangible assets from finalised development projects related to the integration of Norstedts Juridik and development of new offerings.
During the fourth quarter an impairment testing was undertaken on the Group's cash-generating units, defined as Denmark and Sweden. None of the cash-generating units had a book value exceeding its recoverable amount, and therefore no goodwill impairment has been recorded in 2020.
Net financial items and profit before and after tax
Net financial items amounted to SEK -10 m (-70). Net financial items were affected by currency differences of SEK 9 m (-16) mainly related to long term loans in DKK.
Profit before income tax was SEK 121 m (3). The income tax was SEK 21 m (0).
Net result for the period was positive and amounted to SEK 100 m (3).
Cashflow and investments
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 379 m (137). The overall development in the cash flow was in line with expectations due to seasonal invoicing fluctuations, mainly relating to trade receivables.
Cash conversion
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBITDA | 333,634 | 323,947 |
| Adjusted cash flow from operating activities | 413,762 | 286,883 |
| Cash conversion, % | 124.0% | 88.6% |
Total investments amounted to SEK -112 m (-271), mainly from acquisitions and investments in intangible assets.
The Group's investments in intangible and tangible fixed assets amounted to SEK -80 m (-121).
Financial position
Net Debt
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Total borrowings | 1,196,087 | 913,317 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 861,309 |
| Leverage ratio | 1.9 | 2.7 |
| Equity | 1,550,840 | 1,526,769 |
| Equity ratio, % | 42.0% | 44.9% |
Net debt was SEK 643 m (861) at the end of the period. The leverage, defined as net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA, was 1.9 (2.7).
Equity amounted to SEK 1,551 m (1,527) and the equity ratio was 42.0 (44.9) percent.
Cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 552 m (52). The Group had unutilized credit lines of SEK 247 m (525).
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Annual Report 2020
THE BUSINESS SEGMENTS' PERFORMANCE
Denmark
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 419,207 | 420,656 | 0% |
| Organic growth, % | 0.5% | 2.7% | |
| EBITA | 165,782 | 123,515 | 34% |
| EBITA margin, % | 39.5% | 29.4% | |
| Adjusted EBITA | 167,491 | 165,189 | 1% |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 40.0% | 39.3% |
Net sales
Net sales decreased by 0.3 percent to SEK 419 m (421), of which organic growth was 0.5 percent and currency effects accounted for -0.8 percent.
The organic growth was according to expectations and mainly driven by upselling to existing customers.
Earnings
EBITA amounted to SEK 166 m (124) and EBITA margin amounted to 39.5 (29.4) percent. Adjusted EBITA was SEK 167 m (165) and the adjusted EBITA margin was 40.0 percent (39.3).
Operating profit (EBIT) for the full year was SEK 105 m (65).
Sweden
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | Δ% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 352,209 | 336,431 | 5% |
| Organic growth, % | 4.2% | 5.6% | |
| EBITA | 110,173 | 82,461 | 34% |
| EBITA margin, % | 31.3% | 24.5% | |
| Adjusted EBITA | 120,667 | 113,441 | 6% |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 34.3% | 33.7% |
Net sales
Net sales increased by 4.7 percent to SEK 352 m (336) whereof 0.5 percent (0.0) was acquired growth. The main driver was the online business, partially offset by the expected decline in the offline business due the ordinary market trend and Covid-19 impact.
Earnings
EBITA amounted to SEK 110 m (82) and the EBITA margin was 31.3 (24.5) percent. Adjusted for items affecting comparability, adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 121 m (113) and the adjusted EBITA margin was 34.3 (33.7) percent. Items affecting comparability mainly related to acquisition costs and restructuring costs.
EBITA and adjusted EBITA with the respective margins were driven by higher net sales and good cost control while higher depreciation and amortisation had a negative impact.
Operating profit (EBIT) amounted to SEK 27 m (15).
Denmark net sales, SEKm
Denmark adjusted EBITA, SEKm and margin, %
Sweden net sales, SEKm
Denmark adjusted EBITA, SEKm and margin, %
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
OTHER GROUP INFORMATION
Seasonal variations
Typically, a significant proportion of Karnov's online contracts are renewed and invoiced during the fourth quarter, impacting cash flow during the fourth and first quarters. Online net sales are accrued according to the terms of the agreement and therefore are not exposed to any seasonality. Offline net sales are exposed to seasonality where the first quarter is significantly stronger, driven by a higher share of book sales early in the year.
Employees
The average number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) decreased by 2.4 percent to 246 (252) at the end of the year, of which 136 in Denmark and 109 in Sweden. 51 (50) percent of the workforce was female and 49 (50) percent was male.
Karnov aims to create an attractive workplace where employment and attracting competence are key focus areas. Karnov seeks to inspire and support the development of a culture defined by a one-team-one-company where the customer comes first, and efficient collaboration is being promoted. The HR strategy is aimed at ensuring that Karnov attracts and retains talent and inspires to high performance with high motivation, ultimately contributing to a strong brand.
Environmental impact and sustainability
Karnov's Code of Conduct is the basis for how all employees shall relate to environmental concerns. Karnov strives to protect the environment as far as technologically possible and economically feasible. The objective is to minimise Karnov's environmental footprint and continuously develop the environmental initiatives, with focus on the areas deemed as the most important: purchasing, distribution and transportation, energy and water usage, and waste management.
For Karnov, sustainability is closely connected with how the company creates long-term value for its stakeholders and acts as a quality player and an attractive employer. Karnov considers this work to be about by combining expertise with new technology in an increasingly digitized world, strengthening the foundation for justice in the society. The work is based on Karnov's core values. Karnov has further developed and adopted new policies in the areas of Code of Conduct, IT, information security and data integrity and also implemented a whistleblower function. Karnov's Sustainability Report can be found on page 34-44.
Share capital and ownership
Karnov Group's share was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm on 11 April 2019, Mid Cap segment, under the ticker KAR. On 18 November 2020 the issue and repurchase of 46,510 shares of series C were carried out in order to secure the Company's obligations under its share-related incentive program LTIP 2020 for employees. On 31 December 2020, the registered share capital amounted to SEK 1,509,168 and the total number of shares and votes in Karnov Group AB (publ) amounts to 98,095,914 shares and 97,713,101.7 votes. Each share has a quotient value of approximately SEK 0.015385. The total number of shares consists of 97,670,567 ordinary shares, which carry one vote per share, and 425,347 shares of series C, which carry one-tenth of a vote per share. All shares have been issued in accordance with Swedish law and are denominated in SEK. A detailed description of changes in the share capital is available on the Company's website, www.karnovgroup.com/en/share-capital-development/.
On 31 December 2020, the Company had 1,387 known shareholders. The four largest shareholders with 5% or more of the shares outstanding in Karnov Group AB (publ) were Kayne Anderson Rudnick, M&G Investment Management, Janus Henderson Investors and Lazard Asset Management.
| Shareholders with >5 % of equity | No of shares | Equity % |
|---|---|---|
| Kayne Anderson Rudnick | 9,735,740 | 9.9 |
| M&G Investment Management | 5,168,176 | 5.3 |
| Janus Henderson Investors | 5,031,238 | 5.1 |
| Lazard Asset Management | 4,942,181 | 5.0 |
| Total | 29,477,335 | 25.4 |
| Other shareholders | 68,618,579 | 74.7 |
| Total numbers of shares | 98,095,914 | 100.0 |
The parent company
The parent company's registered office is in Stockholm. The Parent Company's main business consists of managing shares in subsidiaries and is primarily focused on strategic development, economic control, corporate governance issues, and the work of the board of directors.
Net sales for the year amounted to SEK 0 m (0). Operating profit amounted to SEK -29 m (-36) and profit for the period was -11 (-20).
Guidelines for remuneration to senior executives
The CEO is entitled to an annual fixed salary of TSEK 2,985 and pension benefits in accordance with Karnov's prevailing pension policy. The target for the CEO's variable remuneration corresponds to an amount equal to 50 percent of the annual fixed salary and is determined based on financial targets that are set by the Board of directors each year. Pursuant to the current guidelines for remuneration to the senior management, the variable remuneration shall not exceed 100 percent of the annual fixed salary. For the CEO, a notice period of 12 months applies in case of termination by the Company and 6 months in case of termination by the CEO.
For the other senior executives, the notice period is up to nine months in case of termination by the Company and up to four months in case of termination by the senior executive.
Guidelines for remuneration to the senior executives was adopted by the AGM on May 5, 2020.
Outlook for the coming financial year
Karnov issues no financial forecasts regarding its future growth. Karnov has a strong position in an attractive and growing segment of professional information services in Denmark and Sweden. These markets are characterised by stable customers in both the private and public sector facing an increasingly complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment, leading to a growing need for high qualitative content supporting workflow efficiency. Karnov has a resilient business model since the customer base is diverse with low churn and the subscriptions-based invoicing generates strong cash flows and predictable revenue streams.
In these times when the Covid-19 pandemic is spreading, Karnov is still following the situation. Karnov currently assesses that the financial performance is negatively impacted by 1-2 percentage points on top-line growth. Please see note 3 for further information.
Karnov believes that the combination of its extensive database built over 150 years, value-adding content, investments in product development, strong brand legacy and online platform is key to enabling its customers to make better decisions, faster.
Appropriation of profit
The Board of directors of Karnov proposes that the Group's and the Parent Company's income statements and balance sheets be presented for adoption to the annual general meeting to be held on May 5, 2021. The Board of directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.00 per share. The proposed dividend of total SEK 97,670,567 corresponds to 5.1 percent of the non-restricted equity on the balance sheet date.
On January 5, 2021, the Company issued 178,675 ordinary shares of series A, entitled to dividend. Including these shares, the total dividend to be paid amounts to SEK 97,849,242, which corresponds to 5.1 percent of the non-restricted equity.
The dividend is to be paid to shareholders who are included in the Company's shareholder record, kept by Euroclear Sweden AB, on May 7, 2021. Payment is made in Swedish kronor (SEK).
Non-restricted equity in the parent company at the disposal of the Annual General Meeting;
| SEK | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Share premium | 2,062,363,000 |
| Retained earnings | -117,248,000 |
| Net result | -11,107,968 |
| Total carried forward | 1,934,007,032 |
The Board proposes that the profits be appropriated as follows:
| Proposed dividend | -97,670,567 |
|---|---|
| Amount carried forward | 1,836,336,465 |
The Board considers that the determination of the profit allocation will not prevent the Company from fulfilling its commitments in the short or long term. Nor will it affect the implementation of the necessary investments. The proposed profit allocation can thus be defended with regard to what is stated in Swedish Companies Act, Chapter 17, article 3, sections 2-3. (Caution rule).
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Annual Report 2020
RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Like all businesses, Karnov's operations are associated with risks that may impact the Group's business, earnings and financial position. On a yearly basis, Karnov makes an overall risk assessment in which all risks are graded according to probability and impact. Focus is placed on identifying risks, preventing the occurrence of risks and preparing action plans, which enable mitigation of any damage such risks may cause. The risks are divided into strategic, operational and financial risks. On basis of the analysis above, policies are formed, followed by procedures to ensure that the policies are followed. The risks Karnov has identified as the most material in its operations, and the ways in which these are managed, are described below. For more information about the risk assessment procedure see the Corporate Governance report on page 20.
Significant risk areas and risk management
| Risk | Description | Risk management |
|---|---|---|
| STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL RISKS | ||
| Market changes and competition | Karnov operates in highly competitive markets for legal information services in Denmark and Sweden. These markets and the products and services themselves (both online and offline), may change due to factors beyond Karnov's control, including changes in customer demand, the impact of consolidation, technological changes, legislative and regulatory changes, entry of new competitors, disruptive business models and other factors. There is a risk that new market entrants will disrupt current business models, leading to lower customer demand and financial loss. Karnov could also be required to invest significant amounts to enhance its products and services or partner with other businesses. | Karnov monitors the industry and the competitive landscape in terms of possible partnerships and acquisition candidates. Karnov has a continuous dialogue with its customers and partners. Customer satisfaction is measured on a regular basis through a Net Promotor Score survey. |
| Information security | A significant breakdown or other disruption on an online platform or in an IT systems could affect Karnov's ability to conduct its operations and fulfil its customer commitments. There is also a risk that trade secrets or personal data or other sensitive information about employees or customers, could be used incorrectly or disclosed if Karnov was exposed to security breaches. | A business contingency plan has been adopted to handle disruptions due to unforeseen events. Since Karnov processes a lot of customer and employee data, there is a potential risk that this information may be leaked or lost if the company does not work continuously to ensure a high level of information security, with updated processes, software and IT solutions. An information security policy and guidelines have been implemented which all employees are expected to comply with. An Information Security Board has been established and contributes to high IT security standards and awareness within the Group. Employees have been appointed with responsibility for safeguarding information security. In 2020, Karnov's security controls have been strengthened and the business continuity planning has been tested and improved. We have also conducted information security testing of our VPN network and websites using an independent third party. |
| Acquisitions | Growth through acquisitions, large and small, is part of Karnov's strategy. This entails a risk that Karnov will not identify suitable acquisition targets, that the company will not successfully negotiate acceptable terms, or be able to finance the acquisitions. Even if Karnov finds suitable targets, it may not obtain relevant regulatory approvals such as clearances from competition authorities. Acquisition also entails a risk that Karnov will be exposed to unknown obligations in the acquired company or that the acquisition and integration costs will be higher than expected. In addition, acquisitions of less profitable businesses may have negative impact on Karnov's margins. Integration of acquired entities and organisational changes may also result in key individuals leaving the organisation or loss of customers. | Karnov has an experienced organisation for identifying and making acquisitions in line with its strategy. Over the years, Karnov has established and implemented a structured and systematic acquisition process that requires analysis, documentation and sufficiently approval prior to each acquisition. Karnov also establishes a detailed integration plan for the acquisition decision to reduce the risk of increased integration costs. |
| Technical shortcomings | Any shortcomings in functionality or that cause interruptions in the availability of Karnov's services and solutions, including user errors, may lead to loss of or delayed market acceptance and usage of the company's services and solutions. This may also lead to warranty claims, issuance of customer credits, or refund of prepaid charges for unused services, loss of customers, or reallocation of resources to development and customer service. Finally, such shortcomings may damage Karnov's reputation. | Karnov has defined and enforces a set of IT Security policies, procedures and appropriate security measures. Controls are performed according to the approved annual cycle. A Group major incident process is implemented and together with the establishment of a Group IT Change Board this helps ensure both a controlled IT environment and agile deployment process for customer facing online services. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Risk | Description | Risk management |
|---|---|---|
| Dependence on key personnel and expertise | Karnov is dependent on a variety of expert competencies and key individuals to deliver high quality content and solutions. If Karnov fails to retain senior executives and key personnel and authors/specialists or to recruit highly skilled personnel and author/specialists, this could hamper Karnov's future expansion and brand. | Karnov has a strong focus on attracting, developing, and retaining skilled and dedicated employees. Karnov has continued to work on developing its employee offering including incentive programmes for key personnel and initiatives to develop Karnov's employer brand and appeal as a workplace. Karnov also focuses on maintaining a strong author base across our markets by continuous dialogue, networking events and attractive remuneration terms. Karnov continuously measures employee and author satisfaction. For more information see sustainability risk areas on page 36. |
| Public tenders | Some of Karnov's customers within the public sector in Sweden are required by law to acquire products and services via public procurement. A public procurement and a decision to award a contract won by Karnov may be challenged by other tenderers or potential tenderers even after Karnov has incurred significant expenditures. Such appeal procedures may not only lead to costs and time loss for Karnov but may also lead to a new public procurement process and loss of the awarded contract. Public procurement legislation also provides for the cancellation of public sector contracts awarded in breach of the legislation. | Karnov has an experienced organisation and a structured process for public tenders and continuously monitors changes in the public procurement framework. |
| FINANCIAL RISKS | ||
| Goodwill | Goodwill represents a significant part of Karnov's balance sheet. Depending on the results of operations in the future, Karnov may have to make write-downs of its asset values. | Impairment tests are conducted annually, or, if necessary, more often based on significant events or changes. Karnov monitors relevant circumstances that affect the business and the possible impact these would have on the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets. There was no impairment need at the end of the period based on the impairment test prepared. |
| Liquidity and financing risks | Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that Karnov will be unable to meet its payment obligations. Financing risk is defined as the risk that financing of outstanding loans becomes impossible or costlier. Inadequate access to financing for investments could lead to limited growth opportunities. If Karnov is compelled to change its subscription-based models, it could have an impact on the company's cash flow, and therefore on the company's ability to attract financing. | Karnov manages liquidity risk by maintaining a liquidity reserve (cash, bank balances, and an unutilised portion of existing credit lines). Karnov's finance department seeks to maintain agreements on available lines of credit and conducts ongoing aggregate cash flow forecasts and rolling forecasts to ensure adequate liquidity for the operations. The company strives to raise credit with safe maturities and maintains a high level of transparency with its creditors. The Group finance department analyses compliance with the financial covenants on an ongoing basis. |
| For a description of further financial risks, see note 3. | ||
| Sustainability risks | For a description of sustainability-related risk areas, see pages 39-40. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Financial statements
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 55
Consolidated balance sheet 56
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 57
Consolidated cash flow statement 58
Parent company statement of comprehensive income 59
Parent company balance sheet 60
Parent company statement of changes in equity 61
Parent company cash flow statement 62
Appropriation of profit and signatures 98
Auditor's Report 99
Financial definitions 103
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
| TSEK | Note | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 5 | 771,416 | 757,087 |
| Total revenue | 771,416 | 757,087 | |
| Goods for resale | -131,754 | -135,194 | |
| Employee benefit expenses | 7 | -234,667 | -222,994 |
| Depreciations and amortisations | 11, 14, 32 | -190,389 | -171,111 |
| Other operating expenses | -83,564 | -147,607 | |
| Operating profit | 131,042 | 80,181 | |
| Financial income | 14,503 | 14,425 | |
| Financial expenses | -24,970 | -84,409 | |
| Net financial items | 8 | -10,467 | -69,984 |
| Write down of associated companies | 12 | 0 | -7,102 |
| Profit before income tax | 120,575 | 3,095 | |
| Income tax expense | 9, 24 | -20,571 | 385 |
| Net result | 100,004 | 3,480 | |
| Other comprehensive income: | |||
| Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | -43,352 | 13,989 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 56,652 | 17,468 | |
| Profit for the period is attributable to: | |||
| Owners of Karnov Group AB | 99,903 | 2,621 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 101 | 859 | |
| Net result | 100,004 | 3,480 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the period is attributable to: | |||
| Owners of Karnov Group AB | 56,548 | 16,609 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 104 | 859 | |
| Total comprehensive income | 56,652 | 17,468 | |
| Earnings per share, basic, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 | |
| Earnings per share, after dilution, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Consolidated balance sheet
| TSEK | Note | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS: | |||
| Goodwill | 11 | 1,623,978 | 1,656,311 |
| Other intangible assets | 11 | 1,149,935 | 1,263,117 |
| Right-of-use assets | 32 | 95,545 | 112,477 |
| Property, plant and equipment (PPE) | 14 | 6,280 | 5,434 |
| Investments in associated companies | 12 | 70,347 | 5,778 |
| Loans to associated companies | 3,036 | 2,937 | |
| Deposits | 13 | 2,528 | 2,729 |
| Deferred tax assets | 24 | - | 425 |
| Total non-current assets | 2,951,649 | 3,049,208 | |
| Inventories | 18 | 10,011 | 13,097 |
| Trade receivables | 17 | 148,214 | 209,672 |
| Prepaid expenses | 19 | 7,556 | 8,391 |
| Other receivables | 986 | 14,387 | |
| Tax receivable | 17,446 | 51,894 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 20 | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Total current assets | 737,134 | 349,449 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 3,688,783 | 3,398,657 | |
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES: | |||
| Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the company | |||
| Share capital | 21 | 1,509 | 1,503 |
| Share premium | 2,062,361 | 2,062,361 | |
| Treasury shares | -6 | - | |
| Reserves | -363,675 | -320,320 | |
| Retained earnings including net profit for the year | -156,585 | -217,050 | |
| Total equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders | 1,543,604 | 1,526,494 | |
| Non-controlling interest | 7,236 | 275 | |
| Total equity | 1,550,840 | 1,526,769 | |
| Borrowing from credit institutions | 23 | 1,196,087 | 838,317 |
| Lease liabilities | 32 | 86,539 | 102,783 |
| Deferred tax liability | 24 | 153,239 | 170,551 |
| Provisions | 26 | 5,454 | 5,456 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 12 | 38,612 | - |
| Total non-current liabilities | 1,479,931 | 1,117,107 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | 23 | - | 75,000 |
| Trade payables | 12,395 | 12,477 | |
| Current tax liabilities | 10,595 | 71,860 | |
| Accrued expenses | 28 | 136,585 | 126,239 |
| Prepaid income | 29 | 428,436 | 399,586 |
| Lease liabilities | 32 | 12,842 | 11,622 |
| Other current liabilities | 27 | 57,159 | 57,997 |
| Total current liabilities | 658,012 | 754,781 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 3,688,783 | 3,398,657 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders
| TSEK | Share capital | Share premium | Reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders | Non-controlling interest | Total equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at January 1, 2019 | 688 | 798,472 | 30,532 | -223,017 | 606,675 | 18,534 | 625,209 |
| Net result | - | - | - | 2,621 | 2,621 | 859 | 3,480 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | 13,989 | - | 13,989 | - | 13,989 |
| Total comprehensive income/loss | - | - | 13,989 | 2,621 | 16,610 | 859 | 17,469 |
| Transaction with shareholders in their capacity as owners: | |||||||
| Issue of ordinary shares due conversion of debt | 74 | 209,186 | - | - | 209,260 | - | 209,260 |
| Purchase of shares from non-controlling interest | 102 | 286,378 | -364,841 | - | -78,361 | -19,118 | -97,478 |
| Issue of ordinary shares to new investors | 639 | 768,325 | - | - | 768,964 | - | 768,964 |
| Sharebased payment | - | - | - | 3,346 | 3,346 | 3,346 | |
| Total transaction with shareholders | 815 | 1,263,889 | -364,841 | 3,346 | 903,209 | -19,118 | 884,092 |
| Closing balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,503 | 2,062,361 | -320,320 | -217,050 | 1,526,494 | 275 | 1,526,769 |
Equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders
| TSEK | Share capital | Share premium | Treasury shares | Reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders | Non-controlling interest | Total equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at January 1, 2020 | 1,503 | 2,062,361 | - | -320,320 | -217,050 | 1,526,494 | 275 | 1,526,769 |
| Net result | - | - | - | - | 99,903 | 99,903 | 101 | 100,004 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | -43,355 | - | -43,355 | 3 | -43,352 |
| Total comprehensive income/loss | - | - | - | -43,355 | 99,903 | 56,548 | 104 | 56,652 |
| Transaction with shareholders in their capacity as owners: | ||||||||
| Issue of C-shares | 6 | - | - | - | - | 6 | - | 6 |
| Acquisition of treasury shares | - | - | -6 | - | - | -6 | - | -6 |
| Non-controlling interests share of acquisitions and capital increase | - | - | - | - | - | - | 6,857 | 6,857 |
| Sharebased payment | - | - | - | - | 4,514 | 4,514 | - | 4,514 |
| Dividend paid | - | - | - | - | -43,952 | -43,952 | - | -43,952 |
| Total transaction with shareholders | 6 | - | -6 | - | -39,438 | -39,438 | 6,857 | -32,581 |
| Closing balance at December 31, 2020 | 1,509 | 2,062,361 | -6 | -363,675 | -156,585 | 1,543,604 | 7,236 | 1,550,840 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Consolidated cash flow statement
| TSEK | Note | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Operating profit | 131,042 | 80,181 | |
| Adjustments: | |||
| Non-cash items | 11 | 199,968 | 190,217 |
| Effect of changes in working capital: | |||
| Increase/decrease in inventories | 18 | 3,085 | -1,460 |
| Increase/decrease in receivables | 17 | 75,694 | -43,923 |
| Increase/decrease in trade payables and other payables | 28 | 19,218 | -50,903 |
| Increase/decrease in prepaid income | 29 | 28,850 | 53,091 |
| Interest paid | 8 | -19,156 | -31,878 |
| Income tax paid | 9 | -59,710 | -58,049 |
| Net effect of changes in working capital | 47,981 | -133,122 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 378,991 | 137,276 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Acquisition of participations in associated companies | 12 | -25,466 | -4,282 |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | 33 | -4,245 | -138,940 |
| Loan to associated companies | - | -2,981 | |
| Acquisition of intangible assets | 11 | -79,690 | -120,672 |
| Acquisition of PPE | 14 | -2,947 | -3,940 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -112,348 | -270,815 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Increase/decrease in borrowings | 23 | 294,297 | -59,603 |
| Increase/decrease in lease liabilities | -14,891 | -14,731 | |
| Principal payments on long-term debt | 23 | - | -1,459,831 |
| Increase in long-term debt | 23 | - | 844,200 |
| Transactions with non-controlling interest | - | -97,478 | |
| Dividend paid | -43,952 | - | |
| Proceeds from IPO | - | 768,217 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | 30 | 235,454 | -19,226 |
| Cash flow for the period | 502,097 | -152,765 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 52,008 | 201,797 | |
| Exchange rate differences in cash and cash equivalents | -1,184 | 2,975 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 20 | 552,921 | 52,008 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Parent company statement of comprehensive income
| TSEK | Note | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee benefit expenses | -8,817 | -7,440 | |
| Other operating expenses | -20,810 | -28,948 | |
| Operating profit | -29,627 | -36,388 | |
| Financial income | 18,874 | 25,351 | |
| Financial expenses | -355 | -9,071 | |
| Net financial items | 8 | 18,520 | 16,280 |
| Profit before income tax | -11,108 | -20,108 | |
| Income tax expense | 9 | - | - |
| Net result | -11,108 | -20,108 | |
| Total comprehensive income/loss | -11,108 | -20,108 |
No items accounted for within other comprehensive income.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Parent company balance sheet
| TSEK | Note | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS: | |||
| Receivables from group enterprises | 747,792 | 800,852 | |
| Investments in group enterprises | 15 | 1,149,925 | 1,143,458 |
| Total non-current assets | 1,897,718 | 1,944,310 | |
| Receivables from group enterprises | 206 | - | |
| Other receivables | 1,007 | 8,874 | |
| Current tax receivable | - | 38,306 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 20 | 41,033 | 156 |
| Total current assets | 42,246 | 47,336 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1,939,964 | 1,991,646 | |
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES: | |||
| Restricted equity | |||
| Share capital | 1,509 | 1,503 | |
| Non-restricted equity | |||
| Share premium | 2,062,363 | 2,062,363 | |
| Retained earnings including net profit for the year | -128,356 | -73,752 | |
| Total equity | 1,935,510 | 1,990,114 | |
| Trade payables | 407 | 88 | |
| Trade payables from group companies | - | 11 | |
| Accrued expenses | 3,989 | 1,388 | |
| Other current liabilities | 58 | 45 | |
| Total current liabilities | 4,454 | 1,532 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 1,939,964 | 1,991,646 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Parent company statement of changes in equity
| TSEK | Share capital | Share premium | Reserves | Retained earnings | Total equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at January 1, 2019 | 688 | 798,472 | - | -53,644 | 745,516 |
| Comprehensive income: | |||||
| Net result | - | - | - | -20,108 | -20,108 |
| Total comprehensive income/loss | - | - | - | -20,108 | -20,108 |
| Transaction with shareholders in their capacity as owners: | |||||
| Issue of ordinary shares due conversion of debt | 74 | 209,186 | - | - | 209,260 |
| Purchase of shares from non-controlling interest | 102 | 286,378 | - | - | 286,480 |
| Issue of ordinary shares to new investors | 639 | 768,327 | - | - | 768,966 |
| Total transaction with shareholders | 815 | 1,263,891 | - | 0 | 1,264,706 |
| Closing balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,503 | 2,062,363 | - | -73,752 | 1,990,114 |
| TSEK | Share capital | Share premium | Treasury shares | Retained earnings | Total equity |
| Balance at January 1, 2020 | 1,503 | 2,062,363 | - | -73,752 | 1,990,114 |
| Comprehensive income: | |||||
| Net result | - | - | - | -11,108 | -11,108 |
| Total comprehensive income/loss | - | - | - | -11,108 | -11,108 |
| Transaction with shareholders in their capacity as owners: | |||||
| Issue of C-shares | 6 | - | - | - | 6 |
| Acquisition of treasury shares | - | - | -6 | - | -6 |
| Dividend paid | - | - | - | -43,952 | -43,952 |
| Sharebased payment | - | - | - | 456 | 456 |
| Total transaction with shareholders | 6 | 0 | -6 | -43,496 | -43,496 |
| Closing balance at December 31, 2020 | 1,509 | 2,062,363 | -6 | -128,356 | 1,935,510 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Parent company cash flow statement
| TSEK | Note | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Operating profit | -29,627 | -36,388 | |
| Adjustments: | |||
| Non-cash items | 456 | - | |
| Effect of changes in working capital: | |||
| Increase/decrease in receivables | 7,867 | -28,204 | |
| Increase/decrease in trade payables and other payables | 2,932 | -7,598 | |
| Increase/decrease in intercompany receivables | 33,979 | -602,618 | |
| Increase/decrease in intercompany payables | -11 | -4,218 | |
| Interest received | 18,520 | 25,351 | |
| Income tax recieved | 50,714 | 0 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 84,829 | -653,675 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | -97,478 | ||
| Cash flow from investing activities | - | -97,478 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Principal payments of loan from related parties | - | -17,882 | |
| Dividend paid | -43,952 | - | |
| Proceeds from IPO | - | 768,217 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -43,952 | 750,335 | |
| Cash flow for the period | 40,877 | -818 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 156 | 974 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 20 | 41,033 | 156 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Notes
Note 1. General information
The Karnov Group produces legal, financial and tax information to judicial, fiscal and accounting professionals primarily in Denmark and Sweden. The Group has subsidiaries in two countries, Denmark and Sweden. From January 2021 the Group also has a subsidiary in Norway.
The Parent, Karnov Group AB, reg. no. 559016-9016 is a limited liability company domiciled in Sweden with its registered office in Stockholm. The visiting address of its head office is Warfvinges väg 39, 112 51 Stockholm.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Swedish kronor (TSEK) unless otherwise stated, which is the presentation currency for the Group activities, and the functional currency for the Parent. The consolidated financial statements were authorised for publishing by the Board of Directors on March 30, 2021.
Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for financial assets (derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The consolidated financial statements of the Karnov Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the EU, RFR 1 Supplementary Accounting Regulations for Groups and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act.
The Parent's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with RFR 2, Accounting for Legal Entities, and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. In cases where the Parent applies accounting policies differing from those of the Group, such deviations are explained separately at the end of this note. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the application of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a greater degree of judgement or complexity, or areas in which assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in note 4.
The accounting policies remain unchanged for the consolidated financial statements compared to 2019.
NEW AND AMENDED STANDARDS
We regularly assess the impact of new IFRS standards and interpretations. We implement new IFRS standards and interpretations from their mandatory effective dates at the latest.
The adoption of the new and amended standards has not impacted our consolidated financial statements for 2020.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and the Group has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
The Group applies the acquisition method to account for acquisitions.
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the:
- fair values of the assets transferred
- liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business
- equity interests issued by the Group
- fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, and
- fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquired entity's net identifiable assets.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
The excess of the consideration transferred, amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity, and acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquired entity over the
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the business acquired, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase.
Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity's incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.
Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. Any gains or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance sheet respectively. The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group.
SEGMENT REPORTING
Segments are reported in accordance with the internal Karnov reporting, submitted to the CEO who has been identified as the most senior executive decision maker within Karnov. The heads of the respective segment Sweden and Denmark are responsible for following up the segments' operating income (EBITA), according to the manner in which Karnov reports its consolidated statement of income. This then forms the basis for how the CEO monitors the development and allocates resources etc. The purpose of this standard is to provide information that makes it possible to understand and evaluate the environment in which Karnov operates.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ("the functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Swedish kronor (SEK), which is the Parent Company's functional currency and the Group's presentation currency.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the income statement within "financial income or cost". All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the income statement within "operating profit".
Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency of the Group are translated into the presentation currency as follows: balance sheet items are translated at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date;
income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates), in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions.
All resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. Exchange differences arising are recognised in the comprehensive income.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over to the Group's interest in net fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquire.
Goodwill is not amortised, but it is tested for impairment and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. For impairment testing purposes, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the Cash-Generating units (CGUs), that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The Group has defined a CGU to be aligned with the operating segments; Denmark and Sweden. Each unit or Group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.
Goodwill impairment testing are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. (For further information on impairment testing please refer to note 11).
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Capitalised development costs
The Group has ongoing development activities regarding software products related to the online access to the Group's databases. Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognised as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:
- it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use;
- Management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it;
- there is an ability to use or sell the software product;
- it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits;
- adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software;
- product is available; and the expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be reliably measured.
Directly attributable costs that are capitalised as part of the software product include software development employee costs, costs for consultants and an appropriate portion of relevant overheads.
Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period.
Software development costs recognised as assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives in the range from 3 to 7 years.
Trademarks
Separately acquired trademarks are shown at historical cost. Trademarks acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Trademarks have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of publishing rights over their estimated useful lives of 14 years.
Customer relationships
Separately acquired customer relationships are shown at historical cost. Customer relationships acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Customer relationships have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of customer relationships over their estimated useful lives of 14 years.
LEASES
The Group's leasing arrangements mainly consists of rental agreements for the Group's office locations, car leases and miscellaneous other leases as operating leases. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of terms and conditions. Management exercises significant judgement in determining whether it is reasonably certain that these extension and termination options will be exercised.
Lease assets
Lease assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet at the commencement date of the contract, if it is or contains a lease. Lease assets are recognised at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Cost is defined as the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date. Lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of future payments, using the interest rate implicit in the lease agreement. Lease payments are discounted using the Group's incremental borrowing rate during 2020 adjusted for the functional currencies and length of the lease term, if the interest rate implicit in the lease agreement cannot be determined. Lease payments contain fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payment that depend on an index or a rate as well as payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the terms of the lease warrants that the Group exercises that option.
The lease liability is remeasured if or when the future payment or lease term changes. Any net remeasurement of the lease liability is recognised as an adjustment to the lease asset. If the carrying amount of the lease asset is reduced to zero, the adjustment will be recognised in the income statement.
Additional information
Short-term lease expenses, low-value assets and variable lease payments are classified as operating expenses in the income statement.
Accounting estimates and assumptions
Expired leases
The lease term is the period during which the lease contract is enforceable. If the original expiry date of a lease contract has passed, typically in the case of property leases, but the contract continues without a determined expiry date, the lease term is set for an estimated period during which the lease contract is expected to be enforceable. This estimate is based on Management's judgement and takes into consideration the location of the lease, capitalised leasehold improvements and the experience with similar leases for the specific area.
Extension and termination options
When determining the lease term for lease agreements containing extension and termination options, Management considers circumstances that create a financial incentive to exercise an extension option or not to exercise a termination option. Extension and termination options are only included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that a lease will be extended/terminated.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are recognised at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost is defined as the acquisition price and costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amounts of any replaced parts are derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, which are as follows:
- Improvements on leaseholds; 5 years
- Furniture, fittings and equipment; 3 - 5 years
The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. Property, plant and equipment are written down immediately to their recoverable amounts, if these are lower than their carrying amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within "other operating income" or "other operating expenses" in the income statement.
IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Assets that have an indefinite useful life – for example, goodwill or intangible assets not ready to use – are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, except for goodwill, that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.
INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
Investments in associated companies include all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control. This is generally the case where the Group holds between 20 percent and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investments in associated companies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, after initial recognition at cost. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the acquiree in profit or loss, and the Group's share of fluctuations in other comprehensive income.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group classifies its financial assets and liabilities in the following categories: financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, financial assets at amortised cost and other financial liabilities. The classification depends on the purpose for which the
financial assets or liabilities were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.
Classification
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets and liabilities held for trading. A financial asset or liability is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are included in a hedging relation.
Financial assets measured at amortised cost
Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost. The carrying amount of these assets is adjusted with expected credit losses (see below). Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method and is included in financial income in the income statement. The Group's financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise of trade receivables, other receivables, and cash and cash equivalents.
Other financial liabilities
The borrowings of the Group (including the balance sheet items borrowing from credit institutions and borrowing from related parties) and trade payables are classified as other financial liabilities. Refer to the description of accounting policies below.
Recognition and measurement
Regular purchases and sales of financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the trade-date – the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset or liability. At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset or liability at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset or liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets or liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss. Financial assets are derecognised when the right to receive cash flows from the investment has expired or has been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the commitment in the agreement has been fulfilled or otherwise extinguished.
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at the acquisition date at fair value. Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of 'financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are presented in the income statement within "finance costs" in the period in which they arise.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are recognised at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
The cost of goods for resale comprises the cost of acquisition of the goods. This cost excludes borrowing costs. The inventory mainly consists of books. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. The required provision for obsolescence has been made on the basis of individual assessment.
TRADE RECEIVABLES
Trade receivables are amounts owed by customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. If collection of the outstanding amount is expected in one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets.
On initial recognition, trade receivables are measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables.
To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due.
The expected loss rates are based on a combination of historic payment profiles of sales and management assessment of expected future market conditions.
Historically Karnov Group has experienced relatively small amounts of losses compared to the business activity which is mainly due to the significant part of subscriptions in the business.
Both losses regarding trade receivables and recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recognised within "other operating expenses" in the income statement.
The carrying amount of trade receivables, after any impairment, is presumed to correspond to their fair value, as this item is short-term in nature.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, restricted cash where it is considered most likely that restrictions will be raised within a period of less than 3 months.
SHARE CAPITAL
Ordinary and preference shares are classified as equity.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The formula for calculating earnings per share: earnings per share = (net income for the period - dividend on preference shares)/average number of outstanding common shares.
TRADE PAYABLES
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
On initial recognition, trade payables are measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amount of a trade payable is expected to correspond with the fair value of the trade payable, as this item is of a short-term nature.
BORROWINGS
Borrowings (including borrowing from credit institutions and borrowing from related parties in the balance sheet) are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at acquisition cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.
All borrowing costs (interest expenses, transaction costs and the changes in fair value of the options) are recognised within "finance costs" in the income statement in the period to which they refer. The fair value of borrowings for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at current market interest rates available to the Group for similar financial liabilities.
CURRENT TAX AND DEFERRED INCOME TAX
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except from cases where it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate based on amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business acquisition that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised, or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognised if it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Deferred income tax is based on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and accumulating sick leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognised in respect of employees' services up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liabilities are presented as current employee benefit obligations in the balance sheet.
PENSION OBLIGATIONS
The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan.
However, the Group's defined benefit plan is accounted for as a defined contribution plan, see note 25.
For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expenses when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM (DEFERRED SHARES)
The fair value of deferred shares granted to employees for nil consideration under the share savings program is recognised as an expense over the relevant service period, being the year to which the remuneration relates and the vesting period of the shares. The fair value is measured at the grant date of the shares and is recognised in equity in the share-based payment reserve. The number of shares expected to vest is estimated based on the non-market vesting conditions. The estimates are revised at the end of each reporting period, and adjustments are recognised in profit or loss and the share-based payment reserve. Where shares are forfeited due to a failure by the employee to satisfy the service conditions, any expenses previously recognised in relation to such shares are reversed effective from the date of the forfeiture.
The deferred shares are acquired by the Company and are held as treasury shares until such time as they are vested.
PROVISIONS
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been reliably estimated. The Group's provisions consist of costs to restore leased premises. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the provision. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as interest expense. The greater portion of the Group's provisions is short-term in nature.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognised dependant on the relevant contract with the customer. A customer is a party that has contracted with the Group to obtain goods or services that are an output of the Group's ordinary activities in exchange for consideration. Within the Group there are the following main revenue streams:
Online sales: Subscriptions, Support
Offline sales: Books, Advertisement, Courses
Online sales
Karnov's products are largely digital, including subscription-based online solutions for law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates and the public sector including courts, universities, public authorities and municipalities. The Group offers term-based access to its intellectual property. The contracts are individually priced for each customer based on volume and content of the contract. Differences in prices are recognised in net sales when contracts are invoiced.
Karnov's contract with customers have a binding period of 1-12 months, with the majority being 12-month contracts. Usually, the customer is invoiced the full contractual fee one month prior to the beginning of the contractual period. Upfront payments are recognised as a contract liability (included in balance sheet item prepaid income, see note 30). Revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis over the period which the customer has the right to access the intellectual property.
All contracts with customers are 12 months or less. As permitted under IFRS 15, the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied long-term contracts are therefore not disclosed.
Offline sales
Karnov also publishes and sells printed books and journals and hosts legal training courses. Revenue is recognised when or as control is transferred to the customer. For printed books and journals revenue is recognised at a point in time, when the product is delivered to the customer. Revenue for training courses is recognised over time – as the training services are being rendered.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
No element of financing is deemed present as the sales are made with a credit of up to 30 days. Karnov recognises a receivable when the product is delivered to the customer as this is the point in time where the consideration becomes unconditional because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due. On sale of books the Group grants a 60 day right of return. If conditions for return are met the Group refunds the full invoiced amount after receipt of the returned books. Returned sales are recognised at the time the books are received at Karnov's premises and a credit note is issued. The Group does not recognise a provision in the balance sheet for returned goods as the financial value of returned books on a yearly basis is considered immaterial.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION
Dividend distribution to the Company's shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group's financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company's shareholders. The Board of directors of Karnov proposes that the Group's income statement and balance sheet be presented for adoption to the annual general meeting to be held on May 5, 2021. The Board of directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.00 per share. The proposed dividend SEK 97,670,567 corresponds to 5.1 percent of the non-restricted equity.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES IN THE PARENT COMPANY
The Parent applies RFR 2, Reporting for Legal Entities. This implies that the Parent applies different accounting principles compared to the Group in the following areas.
Format of income statement and balance sheet
The Parent uses the formats specified by the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. This entails that a different presentation compared to the Group is applied principally regarding finance income and costs, statement of total comprehensive income, provisions and statement of changes in equity.
Financial instruments
The Parent Company applies the exception specified in RFR 2, which implies that IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, needs not be applied to legal entities. Instead, a method based on acquisition cost is applied, in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act.
Shares in subsidiaries
Shares in subsidiaries are reported at acquisition cost less any impairment loss. Cost of shares in subsidiaries includes acquisition-related costs and any additional consideration. Dividends received are reported as a financial income in the income statement.
When there is an indication that shares and participations in subsidiaries are impaired, an estimate of the recoverable amount is made. If this is lower than the carrying amount, a write-down is performed. Impairment is recorded within "result from participations in Group companies" in the income statement.
Use of key ratios not defined in IFRS
The Karnov Group's accounts are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Only a few key ratios are defined in IFRS. Karnov is applying certain "Alternative Performance Measures" as further commented on by ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority). Briefly, an alternative performance measure is a financial measurement of historical or future earnings development, financial position or cash flow, not defined or specified in IFRS. To assist Group Management and other stakeholders in their analysis of the Group's performance, Karnov is reporting certain key ratios not defined by IFRS. Group Management believes that this data will facilitate analysis of the Group's performance. This data supplements the IFRS information and does not replace the key ratios defined in IFRS. Karnovs definitions of measurements not defined in IFRS may differ from definitions used by other companies. All of Karnovs definitions are included in the section Financial Definitions on page 104. Key ratio calculations that cannot be checked against items in the statement of income and balance sheet can be found in note 36.
OTHER
Amounts in tables and combined amounts have been rounded off on an individual basis. Minor differences due to this rounding off may, therefore, appear in the totals. Figures commented in the text are presented in TSEK unless otherwise stated. Comparative figures from previous period are presented in brackets.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
69
Note 3. Financial risk management
FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risks (currency risk, fair value interest rate risk and cash flow interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance due to financial risks. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. The main portion of the text in this note describes financial risks at Group level. The financial risks of the Parent Company will be presented at the end of the note.
Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily in respect of Danish kroner (DKK). Foreign exchange risk arises primarily from recognised liabilities (borrowings) and net investments in foreign operations.
Exposure to currency fluctuations is usually specified according to two main categories: transaction exposure and translation exposure.
Transaction exposure
Transaction exposure refers both to the exposure attributable to commercial flows, that is, sales and purchases across international borders, and the exposure from financial flows.
The Group’s operations are, from a currency risk point of view, characterised by sales and purchases being solely performed in local currency in the respective countries, which imply that the transaction exposures from the Group’s commercial flows are very small. The financial policy states, therefore, that currency hedging of commercial flows does not need to be applied.
The Group has borrowings denominated in SEK and DKK. As regards financial flows, the financial policy states that nominal loan amounts shall not be hedged.
Translation exposure
The foreign subsidiaries’ assets, less liabilities, comprise a net investment in foreign currencies which, at consolidation, gives rise to a translation difference. Such translation differences are directly transferred to other comprehensive income. The financial policy states that net investments in foreign currencies shall not be hedged with financial derivatives, among other reasons, to avoid possible unwanted liquidity effects when such derivatives are extended.
At December 31, 2020, the total translation differences recognised in other comprehensive income amounted to TSEK -43,352 (13,989).
Currency exposure
The exchange rate SEK/DKK used for consolidation purposes are:
Closing rate December 31, 2020: 1.3492 (1.39680)
Average rate January-December 2020: 1.4070 (1.40396)
The Group has the following assets in the balance sheet in the currencies SEK, DKK and EUR:
| TSEK | SEK | DKK | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||
| Trade receivables | 81,502 | 66,711 | - |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 344,738 | 208,183 | - |
| Total | 426,240 | 274,894 | - |
| TSEK | SEK | DKK | EUR |
| 2019 | |||
| Trade receivables | 95,165 | 114,507 | - |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 14,784 | 37,224 | - |
| Total | 109,949 | 151,731 | - |
The Group has the following liabilities in the balance sheet in the currencies SEK, DKK and EUR:
| TSEK | SEK | DKK | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | 646,714 | 549,374 | - |
| Trade payables | 5,068 | 7,328 | - |
| Total | 651,781 | 556,701 | - |
| TSEK | SEK | DKK | EUR |
| 2019 | |||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | 420,281 | 418,036 | - |
| Borrowing from related parties | 75,000 | - | - |
| Trade payables | 6,331 | 5,432 | 714 |
| Total | 501,612 | 423,468 | 714 |
The sensitivity analysis shows that a 5% change in the exchange rates would affect the assets by TSEK 18,544 (10,597) and the liabilities by TSEK 37,555 (29,948).
Cash flow and fair value interest rate risks
As the Group has no significant interest-bearing assets, the Group’s income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. The Group’s interest rate risk primarily arises from long-term borrowings.
Borrowings issued at floating rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s borrowings have variable interest rates.
If interest rates on currency-denominated borrowings, at December 31, 2020 had been 10 basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been TSEK 1,958 (5,293) lower/higher, mainly as a result of higher/lower interest expense on floating rate borrowings. See Note 23 for disclosure of the significant terms of borrowings.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
IKARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Credit risk
Credit risk or counter party risk is the risk that the counter party in a financial transaction will not fulfil his obligations on maturity date. Credit risk is managed on Group basis, except for credit risk relating to accounts receivable balances. Each local entity is responsible for managing and analysing the credit risk for each of its new customers before standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are negotiated. Credit risk for the Group arises from cash and cash equivalents and outstanding trade receivables. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of 'A' are accepted.
If customers are independently rated, these ratings are used. If there is no independent rating, risk control assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors. Individual risk limits are set based on internal or external ratings in accordance with the limits set by the Board. The utilization of credit limits is regularly monitored.
No credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period, and Management does not expect any losses from nonperformance by these counterparties.
No concentration of credit risks is deemed to exist. The maximum exposure to credit risks is equivalent to the carrying amount of the financial assets.
Liquidity risk
Cash flow forecasting is performed in the operating entities of the Group and is aggregated by Group Finance. Group Finance monitors rolling forecasts of the Group's liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom on its undrawn committed borrowing facilities at all times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants on any of its borrowing facilities. Such forecasting takes into consideration the Group's debt financing plans, covenant compliance, compliance with internal balance sheet ratio targets and, if applicable external regulatory or legal requirements. At December 31, 2020, the Group had accessible liquidity of TSEK 552,921 (52,008) (Note 20).
The table below analyses the Group's financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date or to the judgement of Management. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances, as the impact of discounting is insignificant.
Amounts in foreign currencies and amounts which are to be paid based on a floating interest rate have been estimated using the exchange and interest rates applicable at the balance sheet date.
| Group | TSEK | < 1 year | Between 1 - 2 years | Between 2 - 5 years | > 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Borrowing from credit institutions | - | - | 1,196,087 | - |
| Trade payables | 12,395 | - | - | - | |
| Other liabilities | 206,586 | 13,984 | 36,289 | 36,267 | |
| Total | 218,981 | 13,984 | 1,232,376 | 36,267 | |
| Group | TSEK | < 1 year Between 1 - 2 years Between 2 - 5 years | > 5 years | ||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| 2019 | Borrowing from credit institutions | 75,000 | 838,317 | ||
| Trade payables | 12,477 | - | |||
| Other liabilities | 195,857 | 14,155 | |||
| Total | 283,334 | 14,155 |
Parent Company
| TSEK | < 1 year Between 1 - 2 years Between 2 - 5 years | > 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | - | - |
| Trade payables | 407 | - |
| Other liabilities | 4,610 | - |
| Total | 5,017 | - |
71
Parent Company
| TSEK | < 1 year Between 1 - 2 years Between 2 - 5 years | > 5 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | |||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | - | - | - |
| Trade payables | 1,608 | - | - |
| Other liabilities | 6,948 | - | - |
| Total | 8,556 | - | - |
Risks related to global Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the top-line growth negatively with approximately 1-2 percentage points during 2020 and is expected to also have a negative impact in 2021. The Group is following the situation on a continuous basis. The Group operates in the legal and tax professional market in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. These markets encompass, among other things, online information database services, printed information sources, legal practice management software and legal training courses. The products and services are generally offered to law firms, tax and accounting firms, corporates in a wide range of industries and the public sector, including courts, libraries, universities and other public authorities and municipalities.
The nature of the market and the products offered in combination with the Group's business model with approximately 85% subscription-based revenue the Group assess that the virus will continue to have an impact on the business activities at a similar level compared to 2020. The impact on Karnov's business is expected to reduce when vaccination of the public increases and the society return to more normal market conditions.
Parent Company
Of the above stated risks to the Group, the Parent Company's accounts are insignificantly affected by currency risk.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividend paid to the shareholders, return capital to the shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.
Consistent with others in the industry, the Group monitors capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total equity as shown in the consolidated balance sheet. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings (including current and non-current borrowings as shown in the consolidated balance sheet) less cash and cash equivalents.
The gearing ratio on December 31, 2020 was as follows:
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Total borrowings (note 23) | 1,196,087 | 913,317 |
| Less: cash and cash equivalents (note 20) | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 861,309 |
| Total equity | 1,550,840 | 1,526,769 |
| Gearing ratio | 0.41 | 0.56 |
Note 4. Critical estimates and judgements
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. These accounting estimates will by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
Estimations and assessments relating to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
In accordance with the accounting policy described in Note 2, the section 'Intangible assets', the Group tests annually whether intangible assets have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of cash generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the application of estimates (Note 11).
The carrying amount of intangible assets at December 31, 2020, distributed by cash-generating units (CGU), are presented in Note 11.
Estimated cash flows for the first year are based on most recent budgets approved by the Board of Directors. Estimated cash flows for years 2-5 are based on the Company's business plan for the period approved by the Board of Directors. After the budget period, estimated growth in the terminal period are 1.0% (2.0%) corresponding to the expected market growth.
The assessments behind the growth rates applied for the discounted cash flow have been conducted individually for each CGU (see Note 11) and are based partly on historical rates and partly on expectations to future growth as a result of the implementation of the strategy for Karnov Group. Sensitivity calculations have been made and within a reasonable span of deviation from the applied assessments, a write-down of goodwill on any of the CGUs is not foreseeable in the near future.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Valuation of tax loss carry-forwards
The Group has tax loss carryforwards. No deferred tax asset has been recognised due to these tax loss carryforwards. At each period end, the Group investigates the possibility of capitalising the deferred tax assets with regard to the tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are recognised only in those cases in which it is probable that future tax surpluses will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.
The Group's tax loss carryforwards at 31 December 2020 amount to TSEK 102,589 (185,948). The deferred tax asset on these tax loss carryforwards that has not been recognised at 31 December 2020 amounts to TSEK 21,133 (38,305).
Note 5. Segments, distribution net sales and costs
Net sales are classified by category as follows:
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Sale of online services | 615,320 | 581,673 |
| Sale of offline products and services | 156,096 | 175,414 |
| Total net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 |
Net sales are classified by geographical market as follows:
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Sweden | 349,203 | 335,128 |
| Denmark | 414,090 | 414,003 |
| Other European countries | 8,062 | 7,853 |
| Other countries | 61 | 103 |
| Total net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 |
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The CEO has been identified as the chief operating decision maker and assesses the financial performance and position of the Group and makes strategic decisions. Within Karnov, operating segments are defined by geography and are monitored down to EBIT level. Below EBIT level and on balance sheet and cash flow statements the assessment of financial performance and position is conducted entirely on Group level. Karnov's business operations are in general independent of differences in products and channels and the Company therefore monitors the overall net sales distribution trend between online and offline products at Group level.
| TSEK | Denmark | Sweden | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Online | 615,319 | 581,673 | ||||
| Offline | 156,096 | 175,414 | ||||
| Net sales | 419,207 | 420,656 | 352,209 | 336,431 | 771,416 | 757,087 |
| EBITDA | 176,029 | 131,396 | 145,401 | 119,896 | 321,431 | 251,292 |
| EBITA | 165,782 | 123,515 | 110,173 | 82,461 | 275,955 | 205,975 |
| EBIT | 104,528 | 64,957 | 26,515 | 15,224 | 131,042 | 80,181 |
| Net finance cost | -10,467 | -69,984 | ||||
| Profit before tax | 120,575 | 3,095 | ||||
| Income tax expense | -20,571 | 385 | ||||
| Net result | 100,004 | 3,480 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 6. Remuneration to auditors
Audit services refer to examination of the consolidated financial statements, the accounts and the administration of the Board of Directors and the President & CEO of the Company; other tasks incumbent on the Company's auditor; and advice or other assistance prompted by observations from such audits or the performance of other such tasks. Of the total fee for audit assignments of TSEK 2,842 (3,450), TSEK 2,120 (2,689) are invoiced by PricewaterhouseCoopers AB for the statutory audit. Of total other fees of TSEK 1,910 (995), TSEK 1,059 (825) is invoiced by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers AB (the statutory auditors of Karnov Group AB (Publ.). These fees are non-audit services primarily relating tax assistance and assistance in projects raising the Group's standard in internal control and processes.
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit services | 2,842 | 3,450 |
| Audit-related services | 151 | 35 |
| Tax services | 1,087 | 660 |
| Non-audit services | 672 | 300 |
| Total | 4,752 | 4,445 |
Parent company
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit services | 1,270 | 1,388 |
| Audit-related services | 151 | 35 |
| Tax services | 628 | 470 |
| Non-audit services | 120 | 206 |
| Total | 2,169 | 2,099 |
Note 7. Employee benefit expenses
Group
| Wages, other benefits and social security costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| 2020 | ||||
| Senior Executives | 15,010 | 5,431 | 2,088 | 22,529 |
| Other employees | 158,002 | 20,876 | 19,364 | 198,242 |
| Other personnel-related costs | - | - | - | 13,896 |
| Total | 173,012 | 26,307 | 21,452 | 234,667 |
Group
| Wages, other benefits and social security costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| 2019 | ||||
| Senior Executives | 15,683 | 6,359 | 2,092 | 24,134 |
| Other employees | 140,546 | 21,294 | 20,715 | 182,555 |
| Other personnel-related costs | - | - | - | 16,305 |
| Total | 156,229 | 27,653 | 22,807 | 222,994 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Parent company
| Wages, other benefits and social security costs
TSEK | Compensation for board work | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2020 | | | | | |
| Board of directors | 2,039 | - | - | - | 2,039 |
| Senior Executives | - | 2,512 | 1,270 | 251 | 4,033 |
| Other personnel related costs | - | - | - | - | 2,745 |
| Total | 2,039 | 2,512 | 1,270 | 251 | 8,817 |
Parent company
| Wages, other benefits and social security costs
TSEK | TSEK | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2019 | | | | | |
| Board of directors | 1,785 | - | - | - | 1,785 |
| Senior Executives | - | 2,456 | 1,556 | 246 | 4,258 |
| Other personnel related costs | - | - | - | - | 1,398 |
| Total | 1,785 | 2,456 | 1,556 | 246 | 7,441 |
In accordance with currently applicable regulations, a mutual period of termination of employment of a maximum of twelve months applies for the CEO.
The CEO's variable remuneration target shall correspond to an amount equal to 50 percent of the annual fixed salary and is determined based on financial targets that are set by the Board of Directors each year. Pursuant to the current guidelines for remuneration to the senior management, the variable remuneration shall not exceed 100 percent of the annual fixed salary.
Group
| Compensation and other benefits during the year
TSEK | Compensation for board work | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2020 | | | | | |
| Magnus Mandersson (Chairman of the board) | 694 | - | - | - | 694 |
| Lone Møller Olsen | 459 | - | - | - | 459 |
| Ulf Bonnevier | 394 | - | - | - | 394 |
| Mark Redwood | 309 | - | - | - | 309 |
| Salla Vainio (8 months) | 183 | - | - | - | 183 |
| Flemming Breinholt | - | 2,985 | 1,609 | 298 | 4,892 |
| Other senior management (6 FTE) | - | 12,025 | 3,822 | 1,790 | 17,637 |
| Total | 2,039 | 15,010 | 5,431 | 2,088 | 24,568 |
Group
| Compensation and other benefits during the year
TSEK | Compensation for board work | Ordinary compensation | Other benefits | Pension benefits | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2019 | | | | | |
| Magnus Mandersson | 650 | - | - | - | 650 |
| Lone Møller Olsen | 450 | - | - | - | 450 |
| Ulf Bonnevier | 385 | - | - | - | 385 |
| Mark Redwood | 300 | - | - | - | 300 |
| Flemming Breinholt | - | 2,918 | 1,636 | 292 | 4,846 |
| Other senior management (5 FTE) | - | 12,765 | 4,723 | 1,800 | 19,288 |
| Total | 1,785 | 15,683 | 6,359 | 2,092 | 25,919 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Group | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average number of employees Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) | Men | Women | Total | Men | Women | Total |
| Sweden | 47 | 61 | 108 | 50 | 63 | 113 |
| Denmark | 73 | 63 | 136 | 75 | 62 | 137 |
| Total subsidiaries | 120 | 124 | 244 | 125 | 125 | 250 |
| Parent company, Sweden | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total group | 121 | 125 | 246 | 126 | 126 | 252 |
| Gender distribution of board members and other senior management | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Men | Women | Total | Men | Women | Total | |
| Group (including subsidiaries) | ||||||
| Members of the Board | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Excecutive directors and other senior management | 4 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Total | 7 | 6 | 13 | 10 | 4 | 14 |
| Parent company | ||||||
| Members of the Board | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Excecutive directors and other senior management | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 4 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 8 |
Note 8. Results from financial items
| Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Financial income: | |||
| Interest income | 240 | 489 | |
| Re-measurement of fair value on contingent considerations | 5,065 | 13,936 | |
| Exchange rate gains | 9,198 | - | |
| Total financial income | 14,503 | 14,425 | |
| Financial expenses: | |||
| Interest expenses | -22,005 | -51,410 | |
| Re-measurement of fair value on contingent considerations | - | -245 | |
| Net exchange rate losses | - | -16,310 | |
| Other financial expenses | -2,965 | -16,445 | |
| Total financial expenses | -24,970 | -84,409 | |
| Net financial items | -10,467 | -69,984 | |
| Parent company | |||
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Financial income: | |||
| Interest income | 18,808 | 25,351 | |
| Exchange rate gains | 66 | - | |
| Total financial income | 18,874 | 25,351 | |
| Financial expenses: | |||
| Currency translation losses | -60 | -910 | |
| Interest expenses – borrowings | -295 | -8,161 | |
| Total financial expenses | -355 | -9,071 | |
| Net financial items | 18,519 | 16,279 |
76
Note 9. Taxes
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Current tax: | ||
| Current tax for the year | 32,153 | 88,166 |
| Current tax prior years | 5,305 | 496 |
| Total current tax | 37,458 | 88,662 |
| Deferred income tax | ||
| Change in deferred tax assets for the year | 425 | -867 |
| Change in deferred tax liabilities for the year | -17,312 | -87,411 |
| Total deferred tax expense/benefit | -16,887 | -88,278 |
| Income tax expense | 20,571 | 385 |
| Group | ||
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Profit/(Loss) before income tax | 120,575 | 3,095 |
| Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits in the respective countries | -30,664 | 1,771 |
| Expenses not deductible for tax purposes | -2,441 | -1,882 |
| Previously unrecognised tax losses now recouped to reduce current tax expense | 17,839 | 0 |
| Adjustments for current tax of prior periods | -5,305 | 496 |
| Income tax expense | -20,571 | 385 |
The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:
Tax losses
The unused tax losses were incurred by a dormant subsidiary that is not likely to generate taxable income in the foreseeable future.
They can be carried forward indefinitely but due to acquisitions there are limitations in time as to how soon the losses can be used. See note 24 for information about recognised tax losses and significant judgements made in relation to them.
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised | 102,589 | 185,948 |
| Potential tax benefit 20.6% | 21,133 | 38,305 |
Parent Company
Differences between recognised tax expenses and calculated tax expenses based on the current tax rate are as follows:
| Parent company | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Profit/(Loss) before income tax | -11,108 | -20,108 |
| Income tax calculated according to current tax rate | 2,377 | 4,303 |
| Expenses not deductible for tax purposes | -42 | -1,746 |
| Tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognized | -2,335 | -2,557 |
| Tax charge | - | - |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 10. Exchange rate differences
All exchange rate differences are included by net amount in the income statement as part of the following items:
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Net exchange rate differences | 9,198 | -16,310 |
| Total exchange rate differences | 9,198 | -16,310 |
Note 11. Intangible assets
| Group | Capitalised | Other | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | Goodwill | development costs | intangible assets | Total |
| Cost at January 1, 2020 | 1,675,008 | 200,008 | 1,522,464 | 3,397,480 |
| Reassessment* | -18,697 | 332 | 5,795 | -12,570 |
| Additions | 6,657 | 72,010 | 12,670 | 91,337 |
| Write-down | - | -4,992 | - | -4,992 |
| Transfers | - | -61,730 | 61,730 | - |
| Currency exchange differences | -38,990 | -405 | -28,579 | -67,974 |
| Accumulated cost at December 31, 2020 | 1,623,978 | 205,223 | 1,574,080 | 3,403,281 |
| Amortisation at January 1, 2020 | 18,697 | 61,545 | 397,810 | 478,052 |
| Reassessment* | -18,697 | - | 5,795 | -12,902 |
| Amortisation for the year | - | 29,514 | 144,913 | 174,427 |
| Currency exchange differences | - | -39 | -10,172 | -10,211 |
| Accumulated amortisation at December 31, 2020 | - | 91,020 | 538,346 | 629,366 |
| Net book value at December 31, 2020 | 1,623,978 | 114,203 | 1,035,734 | 2,773,915 |
| Group | Capitalised | Other | ||
| TSEK | Goodwill | development costs | intangible assets | Total |
| Cost at January 1, 2019 | 1,657,692 | 180,893 | 1,411,496 | 3,250,081 |
| Additions | - | 17,672 | 98,579 | 116,251 |
| Currency exchange differences | 17,316 | 1,443 | 12,389 | 31,148 |
| Accumulated cost at December 31, 2019 | 1,675,008 | 200,008 | 1,522,464 | 3,397,480 |
| Amortisation at January 1, 2019 | - | 33,445 | 269,348 | 302,793 |
| Amortisation for the year | - | 28,100 | 125,792 | 153,893 |
| Write-down | 18,697 | - | - | 18,697 |
| Currency exchange differences | - | - | 2,669 | 2,669 |
| Accumulated amortisation at December 31, 2019 | 18,697 | 61,545 | 397,810 | 478,052 |
| Net book value at December 31, 2019 | 1,656,311 | 138,463 | 1,124,654 | 2,919,428 |
*Re-assessment of assets: During the year, Management, has reassessed the classification of certain intangible assets held by specific subsidiaries. To improve alignment within the Group, the presentation of these assets is reclassified in the asset register. The change has no effect on profit or loss.
Other intangibles assets consist of trademarks with a net book value of TSEK 226,244 (242,699), technology with a net book value of TSEK 195.725 (186,690) and customer relations with a net book value of TSEK 613,765 (695,266). Capitalised development costs apply to software products in connection to the online access to the Group's databases.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Impairment tests on goodwill
Goodwill is monitored by Management at the level of the two operating segments. The goodwill allocation is presented below:
| TSEK | CGU Denmark | CGU Sweden | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying amount at 31 December 2020 | 1,105,154 | 518,824 | 1,623,978 |
Management reviews the business performance based on the management reporting structures on an annual basis.
For the 2020 and 2019 reporting periods, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units (CGUs) was determined based on value-in-use calculations which require the use of assumptions.
Based on the impairment test, a material excess value for both CGU's was identified compared to the carrying amount for which reason no impairment was made as of 31 December 2020. The calculations use post-tax cash flow projections for a five-year period based on the financial budget for 2021, on strategy plans and on projections hereof. Projections extending beyond 2021 are based on general parameters, such as expected market growth and profitability assumptions. The terminal value used in the
Note 12. Investments in associates
Cost price
TSEK
| Cost at January 1, 2020 | 12,714 |
|---|---|
| Additions relating to acquisitions | 65,128 |
| Cost at December 31, 2020 | 77,842 |
Value adjustment
TSEK
| Value adjustments at January 1, 2020 | -6,936 |
|---|---|
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | -559 |
| Value adjustments at December 31, 2020 | -7,495 |
| Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 | 70,347 |
| --- | --- |
Associated entities:
| Ante ApS | 25.0% |
|---|---|
| Bella Intelligence ApS | 40.0% |
| Karnov Group Norway AS | 40.0% |
| ProcurementLink ApS | 41.9% |
Karnov Group Norway AS
On 27 March 2020, Karnov Group concluded an agreement to invest in the Norwegian company Strawberry Law AS and acquired 40% of the shares in the company. At the same time the name of the company was changed to Karnov Group Norway AS. The purpose of the investment is to expand the Karnov Group's activities to the Norwegian market. Karnov Group Norway AS will provide digital subscription-based legal services to the Norwegian
calculations for both CGU's is determined on the assumption of 1 percent growth (2.0) on both markets. The growth rates do not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates. The pre-tax discount rate used in the Danish CGU is 6.8 percent (9.5) and in the Swedish CGU 7.2 percent (9.5).
Management has performed a sensitivity analysis for each key assumption (discount rate and growth rate in the terminal period), keeping all other assumptions constant. The sensitivity analysis show that a 1 percent increase in the discount rate or a 1 percent reduction of the growth assumptions will not change the outcome of the impairment test.
market. Karnov Group Norway AS will have access to selected parts of the content in other entities within Karnov Group.
| Purchase price, TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 |
|---|---|
| Cash on closing date | 14,250 |
| Contract liability | 38,732 |
| Total purchase price | 52,982 |
The transaction is treated as an investment in associated companies and not a business combination under IFRS3. The investment is measured at the sum of the cash payment at transaction date and the estimated value of brand and content. The estimated value of brand and content SEK 39 m is included in Other non-current liabilities and will be amortised over the contract period.
The company Karnov Group Norway AS was originally registered on 16 January 2020 under the name Strawberry Law AS. The company's first financial year is the calendar year 2020. The company has at the time of publishing this report not approved and filed its Annual Report for year 2020 hence no financial overview of the company's financial performance and assets and liabilities can be provided in this report.
Karnov Group Norway AS is currently preparing the launch of its Norwegian offering. A local management team is established with basis in Oslo, and a network of well-renowned authors and legal experts has been contracted. Currently, commentaries are being written on the most commonly used Norwegian laws.
Karnov Group Norway AS is expected to launch its offering in the second half of 2021.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Other investments
The other additions in 2020 are legal tech startup investments in early phase of their development with expected potential for the Group.
Management has assessed that no risk of impairments is indicated for the investments.
Note 13. Deposit – leasehold
The Group currently occupies one address in Copenhagen for which the Group has paid deposits of TSEK 2,528 (2,729).
Note 14. Property, plant and equipment
| Group
TSEK | Leasehold improvements | Furniture, fittings and equipment | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cost at January 1, 2020 | 6,226 | 17,647 | 23,873 |
| Reassessment | -313 | 4,415 | 4,102 |
| Additions for the year | 1,378 | 1,569 | 2,947 |
| Currency exchange differences | -221 | -447 | -668 |
| Accumulated cost at December 31, 2020 | 7,070 | 23,184 | 30,254 |
| Depreciation at January 1, 2020 | 3,705 | 14,734 | 18,439 |
| Reassessment | -206 | 4,203 | 3,997 |
| Depreciation for the year | 629 | 1,441 | 2,070 |
| Currency exchange differences | -128 | -404 | -532 |
| Accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2020 | 4,000 | 19,974 | 23,974 |
| Net book value at December 31, 2020 | 3,070 | 3,210 | 6,280 |
| Group
TSEK | Leasehold improvements | Furniture, fittings and equipment | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cost at January 1, 2019 | 6,315 | 17,405 | 23,720 |
| Additions for the year | - | 1,862 | 1,862 |
| Disposals | -177 | -1,800 | -1,977 |
| Currency exchange differences | 88 | 180 | 268 |
| Accumulated cost at December 31, 2019 | 6,226 | 17,647 | 23,873 |
| Depreciation at January 1, 2019 | 2,931 | 15,068 | 17,999 |
| Depreciation for the year | 772 | 1,510 | 2,282 |
| Disposals | -38 | -1,755 | -1,793 |
| Currency exchange differences | 40 | -89 | -49 |
| Accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2019 | 3,705 | 14,734 | 18,439 |
| Net book value at December 31, 2019 | 2,521 | 2,913 | 5,434 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 15. Investments in Group enterprises
Parent company
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at beginning of period | 1,149,925 | 759,500 |
| Investments / Divestments | 0 | 390,425 |
| Net book value at December 31 | 1,149,925 | 1,149,925 |
The investment relates to acquisition of shares in KARN Holdco AB in relation to the IPO in 2019.
| All entities within the Group | Corporate identity number | Registered office | Voting share | Share of equity | Carrying amount 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | KARN Holdco AB (1) | 559016-4124 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,149,925 |
| C | KARN Middlecompany AB (1) | 559016-8927 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | KARN Biddingcompany AB (1) | 559016-8844 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Karnov Group Holding AB (1) | 556847-3143 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Karnov AB (1) | 556847-5791 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Norstedts Juridik AB (2) | 556226-6097 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Notisum AB (2) | 556516-2467 | Stockholm | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Lex Nordics AB (2) | 559248-3050 | Stockholm | 60.0% | 60.0% | |
| C | Karnov Group Holdco DK ApS (1) | 36 96 61 14 | Copenhagen | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Karnov Group Denmark A/S (2) | 10 36 19 90 | Copenhagen | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | Forlaget Andersen A/S (2) | 31 58 18 69 | Copenhagen | 100.0% | 100.0% | |
| C | LCB ApS (2) | 34 58 90 97 | Copenhagen | 78.7% | 78.7% | |
| A | Ante ApS (2) | 38 70 37 22 | Copenhagen | 25.0% | 25.0% | |
| A | BELLA Intelligence ApS (2) | 39 13 52 72 | Copenhagen | 40.0% | 40.0% | |
| A | ProcurementLink ApS (2) | 35 86 94 76 | Copenhagen | 49.0% | 41.9% | |
| A | Karnov Group Norway AS (2) | 924 428 600 | Oslo | 40.0% | 40.0% |
Note:
C - Consolidated, A - Associated
(1) Holding company
(2) Operating company
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 16. Financial instruments by category
| Group | Carrying amount | Fair value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
| FINANCIAL ASSETS | ||||
| Financial assets at amortised cost | ||||
| Deposits | 2,528 | 2,729 | 2,528 | 2,729 |
| Trade receivables | 148,214 | 209,672 | 148,214 | 209,672 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 552,921 | 52,008 | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Total financial assets | 703,663 | 264,409 | 703,663 | 264,409 |
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
| Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contingent considerations | 9,537 | 18,533 | 9,537 | 18,533 |
| Liabilities at amortised cost | ||||
| Trade payables | 12,395 | 12,477 | 12,395 | 12,477 |
| Non-current borrowings from credit institutions | 1,196,087 | 838,317 | 1,196,087 | 838,317 |
| Current borrowings from credit institutions | - | 75,000 | - | 75,000 |
| Total financial liabilities | 1,218,019 | 944,327 | 1,218,019 | 944,327 |
Trade receivables
Due to the short-term nature of current receivables, their carrying amount is considered to be the same as the fair value.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are unsecured with a short credit period and are therefore considered to have a fair value equal to the carrying amount. They are classified at level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Contingent consideration
The fair value of the contingent considerations is estimated by calculating the present value of the future expected cash flows. The estimates are based on discount rates at 7 percent. They are classified at level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Trade payables
Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within agreed payment terms. Due to the short-term nature of trade payables, their carrying amount is considered to be the same as fair value.
Non-current borrowings from credit institutions
The fair value of non-current borrowings is close to the carrying amount, as the impact of discounting is not significant. The fair value is based on cash flows discounted using a current borrowing rate adjusted for capitalized financing cost. They are classified at level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Current borrowings from credit institutions
The fair value of current borrowings is considered to be the same as the carrying amount since the interest payable on those borrowings is either close to current market rates or the borrowings are of a short-term nature. They are classified at level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Note 17. Trade receivables
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Trade receivables | 148,659 | 210,993 |
| Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables | -445 | -1,321 |
| Trade receivables – net | 148,214 | 209,672 |
Trade receivables allocated by currency
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| SEK | 81,503 | 95,165 |
| DKK | 66,711 | 114,507 |
| Total trade receivables | 148,214 | 209,672 |
Gross trade receivables by age
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance not due | 128,036 | 154,918 |
| 0-3 months | 20,146 | 54,754 |
| 3-6 months | 32 | - |
| Over 6 months | - | - |
| Total trade receivables | 148,214 | 209,672 |
Breakdown of allowance for impairment:
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Allowance for impairment at beginning of period | 1,321 | 1,078 |
| Provision for impairment of trade receivables | -784 | 540 |
| Exchange rate differences | -93 | -297 |
| Allowance for impairment at end of period | 445 | 1,321 |
Group
| TSEK | Current | 0-3 months | 3-6 months | > 6 months | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December 2020 | |||||
| Expected loss rate | 0.24% | 20.0% | 40.0% | 60.0% | 0.30% |
| Trade receivables | 128,036 | 20,146 | 32 | - | 148,214 |
| Loss allowance | 310 | 134 | 1 | - | 445 |
Group
| TSEK | Current | 0-3 months | 3-6 months | > 6 months | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December 2019 | |||||
| Expected loss rate | 0.31% | 20.0% | 40.0% | 60.0% | 0.63% |
| Trade receivables | 154,918 | 54,754 | - | - | 209,672 |
| Loss allowance | 486 | 835 | - | - | 1,321 |
The fair values of trade receivables and other receivables of the Group correspond to book values.
Karnov Group invoices one month prior to the contract period of the agreement for which reason the customers are paying upfront. Historically, Karnov Group has experienced relatively small amounts of losses compared to the business activity which is reflected in the
impairment principle. Adjustments to provision for impaired receivables have been included in Other operating expenses in the income statement.
The maximum exposure to credit risk of trade receivables at the reporting date consists of the carrying amount. The Group does not hold any collateral as security.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 18. Inventories
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished goods | 10,011 | 13,097 | |
| Total inventories | 10,011 | 13,097 |
Write-downs of finished goods recognised as expenses during the year amounted to TSEK 4,266 (2,720) and are included in Goods for resale in the income statement. Finished goods are written down by 50% after 24 months on stock and 100% after 36 months on stock.
Note 19. Prepaid expenses
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid software license | 3,595 | 2,895 | |
| Prepaid rent | 2,024 | 3,195 | |
| Other items | 1,937 | 2,300 | |
| Total prepaid expenses | 7,556 | 8,391 |
Note 20. Cash and cash equivalents
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance sheet | Cash at bank and in hand | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet | 552,921 | 52,008 | |
| Parent company | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Balance sheet | Cash at bank and in hand | 41,033 | 156 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet | 41,033 | 156 |
Note 21. Share capital
A specification of changes in equity is found in the Statement of changes in equity, which is presented after the balance sheet.
| Share capital and shares | 2020 Shares | 2019 Shares | 2020 TSEK | 2019 TSEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary shares | 97,670,567 | 97,670,567 | 1,503 | 1,503 |
| Shares of series C | 425,347 | - | 6 | - |
| Total number of shares / share capital | 98,095,914 | 97,670,567 | 1,509 | 1,503 |
Ordinary shares and shares of series C
As per December 31, 2020, the share capital in Karnov Group AB (publ) was SEK 1,509,168, divided between 97,670,567 ordinary shares and 425,347 shares of series C, both with a nominal value of SEK 0.015385. Each ordinary share entitles the holder to one (1) vote at general meetings, while each share of series C entitles the holder to one-tenth (1/10) vote at general meetings. Ordinary shares are entitled to dividend, while shares of series C are not entitled to dividend.
During 2020, two issues of shares of series C have been conducted in order to secure Karnov's obligations under its share-related incentive programs LTIP.
Note 22. Earnings per share
| Earnings per share | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings attributable to shareholders | 99,903 | 2,621 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 97,670,567 | 84,434,095 |
| Effect of performance shares | 425,347 | 425,347 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares adjusted for the effect of dilution | 98,095,914 | 84,859,442 |
| Earnings per share, basic, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 |
| Earnings per share, after dilution, SEK | 1.02 | 0.03 |
Earnings per share after dilution takes the shares, expected to be issued to fulfill the obligations under the LTIP program, into account.
Note 23. Borrowings
The Group's borrowings were distributed as follows at the end of the reporting period:
| Group | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Current | ||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | - | 75,000 |
| Total current borrowings | - | 75,000 |
| Non-current | ||
| Borrowing from credit institutions | 1,196,087 | 838,317 |
| Total non-current borrowings | 1,196,087 | 838,317 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Maturity | Type of borrowing | Interest rate | Currency | Nominal value in currency | Carrying amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current borrowings from credit institutions in 2020 | |||||
| Nordea Facility B1 | Loan | 1,1% + stibor | SEK | 425,000 | 425,000 |
| Nordea Facility B2 | Loan | 1,1% + cibor | DKK | 302,660 | 408,349 |
| Nordea | Revolving loan | 1,1% + stibor | SEK | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| Nordea | Revolving loan | 1,1% + stibor | SEK | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Nordea | Revolving loan | 1,1% + cibor | DKK | 106,961 | 144,312 |
| Amortised loan costs | -6,574 | ||||
| Non-current borrowings from credit institutions, total 2020 | 1,196,087 | ||||
| Maturity | Type of borrowing | Interest rate | Currency | Nominal value in currency | Carrying amount |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Current borrowings from credit institutions in 2019 | |||||
| Nordea | Revolving loan | 1,35% + stibor | SEK | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| Current borrowings from credit institutions, total 2019 | 75,000 | ||||
| Non-current borrowings from credit institutions in 2019 | |||||
| Nordea Facility B1 | Loan | 1,35% + stibor | SEK | 425,000 | 425,000 |
| Nordea Facility B2 | Loan | 1,35% + cibor | DKK | 302,660 | 422,754 |
| Amortised loan costs | -9,437 | ||||
| Non-current borrowings from credit institutions, total 2019 | 838,317 |
For the majority of borrowings, the fair values are not materially different to the carrying amount, since the interest payable on these borrowings is close to current market rates.
The fair value of non-current borrowings is close to the carrying amount, as the impact of discounting is not significant.
The fair value is based on cash flows discounted using a current borrowing rate adjusted for capitalized financing cost.
The carrying amount and fair value of the non-current borrowings are as follows:
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowings, total | Carrying amount | Fair value |
| Borrowing | 1,196,087 | 1,196,087 |
| Borrowings, total | 1,196,087 | 1,196,087 |
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2019 | 31 Dec 2019 |
| Borrowings, total | Carrying amount | Fair value |
| Borrowing | 913,317 | 913,317 |
| Borrowings, total | 913,317 | 913,317 |
COVENANTS
Borrowings from credit institutions includes the following covenants:
Net debt versus EBITDA
Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a quarterly basis shall not exceed 4.75:1. "Net Leverage Ratio" means the ratio of
Consolidated Total Net Debt to Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for a twelve-month period. If relevant the Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is adjusted for significant changes in prepaid income.
EBITDA is calculated in accordance with the definition in the senior facility agreement. The net leverage ratio threshold on 31 December 2020 was 2.15:1 (2.89:1).
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Default and breaches of covenants
There have been no defaults or breaches of covenant during the year.
Note 24. Deferred income tax
The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as follows:
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | |||
| Temporary differences: | |||
| Provisions | 1,217 | 1,200 | |
| Prepayments | 56,662 | - | |
| Total deferred tax assets | 57,879 | 1,200 | |
| Netting against deferred tax liabilities | -57,879 | -775 | |
| Total deferred tax assets (net) | - | 425 | |
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||
| PPE | 335 | 725 | |
| Intangible assets | 210,783 | 223,886 | |
| Prepayments | - | -56,706 | |
| Other | - | 1,871 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 211,118 | 169,776 | |
| Netting against deferred tax assets | -57,879 | 775 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities (net) | 153,239 | 170,551 |
Offsetting against tax consolidated Group
Karnov Group Holdco DK ApS and its wholly owned subsidiaries have applied the provision of the tax consolidation legislation which means that these entities are taxed as a single entity.
Consequently, the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities of these entities have been offset in the consolidated financial statements.
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | |||
| Deferred tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months | - | 1,200 | |
| Deferred tax asset to be recovered within 12 months | 57,879 | - | |
| Total deferred tax assets | 57,879 | 1,200 | |
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | |||
| Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months | 184,199 | 142,353 | |
| Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months | 26,919 | 27,423 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 211,118 | 169,776 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
The movement in deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:
| Group
TSEK | Other intangible
assets | PPE | Other | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Deferred tax assets | | | | |
| At January 1, 2020 | - | - | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Charged/credited to the income statement | 408 | - | 17 | 425 |
| Set-off against deferred tax liabilities | 56,706 | - | - | 56,706 |
| Exchange differences | -452 | | | -452 |
| At December 31, 2020 | 56,662 | - | 1,217 | 57,879 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | | |
| At January 1, 2020 | 167,180 | 725 | 1,871 | 169,776 |
| Charged/credited to the income statement | -17,312 | - | - | -17,312 |
| Set-off against deferred tax assets | 56,706 | - | - | 56,706 |
| Exchange differences | 1,948 | | | 1,948 |
| At December 31, 2020 | 208,522 | 725 | 1,871 | 211,118 |
| Group
TSEK | Other intangible
assets | PPE | Other | Total |
| Deferred tax assets | | | | |
| At January 1, 2019 | - | - | 2,085 | 2,085 |
| Charged/credited to the income statement | - | - | -867 | -867 |
| Exchange differences | - | - | -18 | -18 |
| At December 31, 2019 | - | - | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | | | | |
| At January 1, 2019 | 254,189 | 603 | 536 | 255,328 |
| Charged/credited to the income statement | -86,261 | -614 | -536 | -87,411 |
| Exchange differences | 1,848 | 11 | - | 1,859 |
| At December 31, 2019 | 169,776 | - | - | 169,776 |
Note 25. Retirement benefit obligations
The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. However, all the Group's pension plans are accounted for as defined contribution plans as there is not enough information available for the defined benefit plan.
See more details about the Group's defined benefit plan below. The following expenses for the Group's pensions plans have been recognised in the income statement:
| Group
TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Income statement charge: | | |
| Expenses for defined contribution plans | 21,452 | 22,806 |
| Total retirement benefit obligation in the income statement | 21,452 | 22,806 |
Pension insurance with Alecta
Commitments for old-age pensions and family pensions for white collar employees in Sweden are insured on the basis of insurance premiums with Alecta. According to the statement UFR 10 from the Emerging Issues Task Force of the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (Rådet för finansiell rapportering), this is a multi-employer defined benefit plan. For the financial year 2020, the Group did not have access to the details enabling the report of these plans as defined benefit plans.
The ITP pension plan, secured on the basis of insurance with Alecta and others, is therefore, reported as a defined contribution plan. The year's fees for pension insurance policies, established with Alecta and others, amount to TSEK 7,329 (7,485). The surplus from Alecta and others can be distributed to the policy holders and/or
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
the insured individuals. At the end of 2020, the Group is not aware of any surplus or deficit at the collective consolidation level of Alecta and others. The collective consolidation level consists of the market value of Alecta's assets as a percentage of the insurance obligations calculated in accordance with Alecta's and other's
actuarial calculation assumptions, which is not in accordance with IAS 19. Based on information from Alecta's web page (www.alecta.se) the collective consolidation ratio of Alecta is $148\%$ by end December 2020 $(148\%)$ . The estimated fees for pension insurance policies for 2020 are approximately TSEK 7,300.
Note 26. Provisions
Group
| TSEK | |
|---|---|
| At January 1, 2020 | 5,456 |
| Charged to the income statement: | |
| - adjustment to present value | 184 |
| - currency difference | -186 |
| At December 31, 2020 | 5,454 |
| Group | |
| Non-current provisions | 5,454 |
| Current provisions | - |
| Total provisions for other liabilities and charges | 5,454 |
| Group | |
| TSEK | |
| At January 1, 2019 | 5,192 |
| Charged to the income statement: | |
| - adjustment to present value | 132 |
| - currency difference | 132 |
| At December 31, 2019 | 5,456 |
| Group | |
| Non-current provisions | 5,456 |
| Current provisions | - |
| Total provisions for other liabilities and charges | 5,456 |
The Group is required to restore the leased premises in Copenhagen to their original condition at end of the respective lease terms. A provision has been recognized for the present value of the estimated expenditure required to remove any
leasehold improvements. The costs have been capitalized as part of the cost of leasehold improvements based on expected costs at present value.
Note 27. Other current liabilities
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Value-added tax liability | 38,672 | 36,595 |
| Contingent considerations | 9,537 | 18,533 |
| Other | 8,950 | 2,869 |
| Total current liabilities | 57,159 | 57,997 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 28. Accrued expenses
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Accrued author royalty | 56,870 | 51,635 |
| Accrued wages and salaries | 56,220 | 51,202 |
| Other accrued expenses | 23,495 | 23,402 |
| Total accrued expenses | 136,585 | 126,239 |
Note 29. Prepaid income
| Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Prepaid income for subscriptions in Denmark | 253,743 | 253,843 |
| Prepaid income for subscriptions in Sweden | 174,693 | 145,743 |
| Total prepaid income | 428,436 | 399,586 |
Note 30. Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
| TSEK | 2019 | Cash flows | Non-cash changes | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortised loan cost | Foreign exchange movement | Interest accrued | Net additions - disposals | Other reclassifi- cations | ||||
| Long-term borrowings | 838,317 | 279,395 | 2,865 | -14,392 | 14,902 | - | 75,000 | 1,196,087 |
| Short-term borrowings | 75,000 | - | - | - | - | - | -75,000 | - |
| Leasing and other long-term liabilities | 114,405 | -14,891 | - | -1,689 | 1,158 | 399 | - | 99,382 |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | 1,027,722 | 264,504 | 2,865 | -16,081 | 16,060 | 399 | - | 1,295,469 |
| TSEK | 2018 | Cash flows | Non-cash changes | |||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Amortised loan cost | Foreign exchange movement | Accrued interest | Conversion of debt to shares | Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 | Other reclassifi- cations | |||
| Long-term borrowings | 1,597,018 | -615,631 | 28,983 | 12,245 | 31,427 | -209,260 | - | -6,465 |
| Short-term borrowings | 133,526 | -59,603 | - | - | 1,076 | - | - | - |
| Leasing and other long-term liabilities | - | -14,731 | - | -467 | - | - | 129,494 | 109 |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | 1,730,544 | -689,965 | 28,983 | 11,778 | 32,503 | -209,260 | 129,494 | -6,356 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 31. Contingent liabilities
Contractual obligations
As part of the Group’s ordinary business Karnov has entered into a number of long-term (sales or purchase) contracts.
Apart from the liabilities already recognized in the balance sheet, no significant financial losses are expected to be incurred as a result of these contracts.
Note 32. Leasing
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| No later than 1 year | 12.842 | 11.622 | |
| Later than 1 year and no later than 2 years | 13.984 | 15.251 | |
| Later than 2 year and no later than 3 years | 12.237 | 12.234 | |
| Later than 3 year and no later than 4 years | 12.026 | 11.332 | |
| Later than 4 year and no later than 5 years | 12.026 | 11.231 | |
| Later than 5 years | 36.267 | 52.735 | |
| Total | 99.382 | 114.405 | |
| Group | TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Lease assets at January 1 | 112,477 | 106,225 | |
| Currency exchange differences | -3,304 | -838 | |
| Additions for the year | 399 | 66,439 | |
| Disposals for the year | 0 | -44,413 | |
| Depreciation for the year | -14,027 | -14,936 | |
| Lease assets at December 31 | 95,545 | 112,477 | |
| Lease liabilities at January 1 | 114,405 | 106,936 | |
| Currency exchange differences | -1,689 | -467 | |
| Additions for the year | 399 | 65,772 | |
| Disposals for the year | 0 | -44,430 | |
| Interest accrued | 1,158 | 1,216 | |
| Interest paid | -1,158 | -1,216 | |
| Payments | -13,732 | -13,406 | |
| Lease liabilities at December 31 | 99,382 | 114,405 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Note 33. Business combinations
LEXNordics AB
On 24 March 2020, Karnov Group entered into an agreement with the Swedish company LEX247 Cloud Services AB to accelerate the go-to-market of the LEX247 solution in the Nordic region. The parties have formed a new company LEXNordics AB with a split ownership of 60% owned by Karnov Group and 40% owned by LEX247 Cloud Services AB. The existing customer base of LEX247 in the Nordic Region is transferred to LEXNordics AB and the company has going forward exclusive rights to market the product in the Nordic region.
| Purchase price, TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 |
|---|---|
| Cash on closing | 10.000 |
| Total purchase price | 10.000 |
| Reported amounts, TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 |
| --- | --- |
| Intangible assets: Customer relations | 10.000 |
| Total identified assets | 10.000 |
| Non-controlling interests | -7.000 |
| Goodwill | 7.000 |
| Total | 10.000 |
Revenue, income as well as assets and liabilities belonging to the newly formed company LEXNordics AB are fully consolidated in Karnov Group from 24 March 2020 with 40% of net result and equity of LEXNordics AB being reported as non-controlling interests.
DIBkunnskap AS
On 5 January 2021, Karnov Group entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares issued in DIBkunnskap AS at TSEK 338,610. DIBkunnskap is a market leader amongst accounting- and auditing firms as well as large enterprises and provides knowledge and workflow solutions on the Norwegian market, with a strong focus on creating efficiencies in the workflows of professionals. The transaction is entirely in line with Karnov Groups strategy to carry out selective and value accretive acquisitions. The acquisition allows Karnov Group to continue growth in a new vertical in Norway. The financial effects of this transaction have not been recognized as of December 31, 2020. Revenue, income as well as assets and liabilities belonging to the acquired company are consolidated from 5 January 2021. The purchase price allocation is preliminary:
| Purchase price, TSEK | 05 Jan 2021 |
|---|---|
| Cash on closing | 294.953 |
| Loan note | 9.636 |
| Earn-out | 34.021 |
| Total purchase price | 338.610 |
| Reported amounts, TSEK | |
| --- | --- |
| Cash | 27.837 |
| PPE | 264 |
| Intangible assets: Customer relations | 33.413 |
| Intangible assets: Technology | 112.703 |
| Intangible assets: Other | 8.130 |
| Trade receivables and other receivables | 11.391 |
| Trade payables and other liabilities | -53.652 |
| Deferred tax | -26.309 |
| Total identified assets | 113.776 |
| Goodwill | 224.834 |
| Total | 338.610 |
The goodwill arising from the acquisition is attributable to DIBkunnskap AS's strong position and profitability on the market. The goodwill arising is not expected to be tax deductible in the event of future impairments.
Financing
The acquisition was paid with cash SEK 295 m. Further Karnov Group issued a loan note with a value of SEK 10 m which in January 2021 was converted to issue of 178,675 new ordinary shares of series A in Karnov Group AB (publ). In addition, part of the purchase price is settled as an earn-out agreement which, if the agreed performance criterions are met, will be paid in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Information that cannot be provided
When the financial statements were authorized for issue, the Group had not yet completed the business combination accounting of DIBkunnskap AS. The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities above are preliminary pending final score. It is not possible to provide detailed information on every kind of acquired assets and any liabilities of the acquired company.
Note 34. Related parties
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment of loans to related parties | - | 50,674 |
| Conversion of long-term loans to shares | - | 209,260 |
| Interest | - | 8,654 |
| At December 31 | - | 268,588 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
The Group's related parties with significant influence includes the Board, the Senior Executives and their close family. Related parties also include companies in which the above mentioned persons have control or significant influence.
Karnov did not enter any significant transactions with related parties in 2020 except from compensation and benefits to the Board members and managing director received as a result of their membership of the Board, employment with Karnov or shareholdings in Karnov Group AB. Please refer to Note 7.
Transactions in 2019
The Group was until the IPO on April 11, 2019 controlled by Five Arrows Principal Investments II Holding Särl. Beside Five Arrows Principal Investments II Holding Särl, members of the management also owned shares in the Company. The Group's ultimate parent was incorporated in Luxembourg.
The Group has carried out related-party transactions with the former major shareholder Five Arrows Principal Investments II Särl and members of Management team. Transactions with related parties are based on the arm's length principle.
Prior to the IPO the company bought back all shares held by management at market value. Management was offered to enter into the new incentive program as described above. As part of the IPO previous shareholders provided consultancy services for the listing process for a total cost of SEK 11 m. The services were priced at market value and is included in the listed IPO costs under items affecting comparability.
By the end of the period all loans from related parties are paid back in accordance with the loan terms and the Group has no other outstanding balances with related parties.
No remuneration besides customary directors' fees approved by the general meeting of shareholders was paid during the period.
Note 35. Events after the balance sheet date
On 5 January 2021 Karnov Group closed the acquisition of market leading Norwegian knowledge workflow-tool supplier DIBkunnskap AS. The acquisition further strengthens Karnov Group's position as a leading supplier in Scandinavia. In connection with the acquisition, the Company issued 178,675 ordinary shares of series A, entitled to dividend.
The Board of Directors of Karnov Group AB (publ) appoints Pontus Bodelsson as the new President and CEO of Karnov Group. The decision follows Flemming Breinholt's desire to resign from his position. Flemming Breinholt will resign and Pontus Bodelsson will assume his position on 10 May 2021.
Karnov Group acquires the Danish legal tech start-up Onlaw Aps. The acquisition is part of Karnov Group's strategy of establishing a broad technology platform that creates increased relevance and efficiency for professionals working with legal information.
Note 36. Reconciliation of key performance indicators
Karnov's financial statements include alternative performance measures, which complement the measures that are defined or specified in applicable rules for financial reporting. Alternative performance measures are presented since, in their context, they provide clearer or more in-depth information than the measures defined in applicable rules for financial reporting. The alternative performance measures are derived from the Group's consolidated financial reporting and are not measured in accordance with IFRS. Karnov's definition of these measures, which are not described under IFRS, is provided in the financial definitions. Reconciliation of the alternative performance measures is shown below.
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Organic business | 773,317 | 743,861 |
| Acquired business | 1,531 | 0 |
| Currency | -3,432 | 13,226 |
| Total net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Total net sales split, %
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Organic growth, % | 2.1% | 4.0% |
| Acquired growth, % | 0.2% | 0.0% |
| Currency effect, % | -0.5% | 1.8% |
| Total growth, % | 1.8% | 5.8% |
Items affecting comparability
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition costs | 4,165 | 750 |
| Restructuring costs | 8,038 | 14,673 |
| IPO costs | - | 38,209 |
| Write down of subsidiaries | - | 19,023 |
| Total | 12,203 | 72,655 |
Group
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 771,416 | 757,087 |
| EBITDA | 321,431 | 251,292 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 41.7% | 33.2% |
| Items affecting comparability | 12,203 | 72,655 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 333,634 | 323,947 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin, % | 43.2% | 42.8% |
| Depreciations and amortisations | -45,476 | -45,317 |
| EBITA | 275,955 | 205,975 |
| EBITA margin, % | 35.8% | 27.2% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 288,158 | 278,630 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 37.4% | 36.8% |
| Amortisation (acquisitions) | -144,913 | -125,794 |
| EBIT | 131,042 | 80,181 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Denmark
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 419,207 | 420,656 |
| EBITDA | 176,029 | 131,396 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 42.0% | 31.2% |
| Items affecting comparability | 1,709 | 41,675 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 177,738 | 173,071 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin, % | 42.4% | 41.1% |
| Depreciations and amortisations | -10,247 | -7,881 |
| EBITA | 165,782 | 123,515 |
| EBITA margin, % | 39.5% | 29.4% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 167,491 | 165,189 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 40.0% | 39.3% |
| Amortisation (acquisitions) | -61,255 | -58,558 |
| EBIT | 104,528 | 64,957 |
| Sweden | ||
| TSEK | 2020 | 2019 |
| Net sales | 352,209 | 336,431 |
| EBITDA | 145,401 | 119,896 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 41.3% | 35.6% |
| Items affecting comparability | 10,494 | 30,980 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 155,895 | 150,876 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin, % | 44.3% | 44.8% |
| Depreciations and amortisations | -35,228 | -37,435 |
| EBITA | 110,173 | 82,461 |
| EBITA margin, % | 31.3% | 24.5% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 120,667 | 113,441 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 34.3% | 33.7% |
| Amortisation (acquisitions) | -83,659 | -67,237 |
| EBIT | 26,515 | 15,224 |
Return on total capital
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| EBIT | 131,042 | 80,181 |
| Total assets | 3,688,783 | 3,398,657 |
| Return on capital, % | 3.6% | 2.4% |
Net working capital
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Current assets | 737,134 | 349,449 |
| Current liabilities | 658,012 | 754,781 |
| Net working capital | 79,122 | -405,332 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Cash conversion
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBITDA | 333,634 | 323,947 |
| Adjusted cash flow from operating activities | 413,762 | 286,883 |
| Cash conversion, % | 124.0% | 88.6% |
Operating cash flow
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating profit | 131,042 | 80,181 |
| Total adjustments and changes | 247,950 | 57,095 |
| Operating cash flow | 378,992 | 137,276 |
Net debt
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current borrowing from credit institutions | 1,196,087 | 838,317 |
| Current borrowing from credit institutions | - | 75,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 552,921 | 52,008 |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 861,309 |
Leverage ratio
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBITDA | 333,634 | 323,947 |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 861,309 |
| Leverage ratio | 1.9 | 2.7 |
Equity/asset ratio
| TSEK | 31 Dec 2020 | 31 Dec 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 1,550,840 | 1,526,769 |
| Total assets | 3,688,783 | 3,398,657 |
| Equity/asset ratio, % | 42.0% | 44.9% |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Quarterly overview
| Q4 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSEK | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 |
| Income statement | ||||
| Net sales | 188,742 | 192,755 | 177,958 | 211,961 |
| EBITDA | 60,820 | 88,375 | 73,952 | 98,285 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 32.2% | 45.8% | 41.6% | 46.4% |
| EBITA | 47,581 | 76,899 | 63,259 | 88,218 |
| EBITA margin, % | 25.2% | 39.9% | 35.5% | 41.6% |
| Adjusted EBITA | 59,784 | 76,899 | 63,259 | 88,218 |
| Adjusted EBITA margin, % | 31.7% | 39.9% | 35.5% | 41.6% |
| EBIT | 12,377 | 40,377 | 27,029 | 51,261 |
| EBIT, margin % | 6.6% | 20.9% | 15.2% | 24.2% |
| Net financial items | 5,883 | -6,287 | 5,650 | -15,713 |
| Net result | 16,110 | 27,953 | 26,858 | 29,084 |
| Balance sheet | ||||
| Non-current assets | 2,951,649 | 3,059,839 | 3,071,186 | 3,192,975 |
| Current assets | 737,134 | 586,406 | 534,659 | 592,375 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 552,921 | 420,946 | 443,183 | 493,933 |
| Equity | 1,550,840 | 1,584,940 | 1,541,508 | 1,618,794 |
| Non-current liabilities | 1,479,931 | 1,148,061 | 1,151,415 | 1,182,201 |
| Current liabilities | 658,012 | 913,244 | 912,922 | 984,355 |
| Total assets | 3,688,783 | 3,646,245 | 3,605,845 | 3,785,350 |
| Cash flow | ||||
| Cash flow from operating activities | 162,720 | -570 | 47,354 | 166,281 |
| Cash flow from Investing activities | -23,056 | -18,404 | -39,902 | -31,181 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -3,324 | -3,494 | -56,182 | 304,577 |
| Cash flow for the period | 136,340 | -22,468 | -48,730 | 439,677 |
| Key ratios | ||||
| Net working capital | 79,122 | -326,838 | -378,263 | -391,980 |
| Return on total capital, % | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 1.4% |
| Equity / asset ratio, % | 42.0% | 43.5% | 42.8% | 42.8% |
| Cash conversion, % | 262.7% | -0.7% | 66.2% | 173.3% |
| Net debt | 643,166 | 801,624 | 774,861 | 755,222 |
| Share data | ||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 97,670,567 | 97,670,567 | 97,670,567 | 97,670,567 |
| Earnings per share, basic, SEK | 0.17 | 0.28 | 0.27 | 0.30 |
| Earnings per share, after dilution, SEK | 0.16 | 0.28 | 0.27 | 0.30 |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Appropriation of profit and signatures
The Board of Directors of Karnov Group AB (publ) proposes that the Group's income statement and balance sheet be presented for adoption to the annual general meeting to be held on May 5, 2021. The Board of directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.00 per share. The proposed dividend SEK 97,670,567 corresponds to 5.1 percent of the non-restricted equity.
On January 5, 2021, the Company issued 178,675 ordinary shares of series A, entitled to dividend. Including these shares, the total dividend to be paid amounts to SEK 97,849,242, which corresponds to 5.1 percent of the non-restricted equity.
At the disposal of
the Annual General Meeting:
| SEK | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Share premium | 2,062,363,000 |
| Retained earnings | -117,248,000 |
| Net result | -11,107,968 |
| Total carried forward | 1,934,007,032 |
The Board proposes that the profits be appropriated as follows:
Proposed dividend -97,670,567
Amount carried forward 1,836,336,465
The Board of Directors' declaration
The Board of Directors and the CEO certify that these consolidated financial statements and Annual report together with the Corporate Governance report on page 20-32 and the Sustainability report on page 34-44 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS, as adopted by the EU and generally accepted accounting principles, and gives a fair view of the Group's and Parent Company's financial position and results of operations. The Directors' Report gives a fair overview of the development of the Group's and Parent company's operations, financial position and results of operations, and describes the significant risks and uncertainties facing the Parent company and the companies included in the Group. The undersigned hereby also submit Karnov Group's sustainability report for 2020.
Stockholm, March 30, 2021
Magnus Mandersson
Chairman of the Board
Ulf Bonnevier
Board member
Lone Møller Olsen
Board member
Salla Vainio
Board Member
Mark Redwood
Board Member
Flemming Breinholt
President and CEO
Our audit report was presented on March 30, 2021
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Aleksander Lyckow
Authorized Public Accountant
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Auditor’s Report
Unofficial translation
To the general meeting of the shareholders of Karnov Group AB (publ.), corp. id. No. 559016-9016
Report on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
Opinions
We have audited the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of Karnov Group AB (publ.) for the year 2020 included on pages 47-98 in this document. In our opinion, the annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of parent company as of 31 December 2020 and its financial performance and cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act. The consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as of 31 December 2020 and their financial performance and cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the EU, and the Annual Accounts Act. The statutory administration report is consistent with the other parts of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. We therefore recommend that the general meeting of shareholders adopts the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated balance sheet for the Group and the statement of comprehensive income and balance sheet for the parent company.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section. We are independent of the parent company and the Group in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled our 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 opinions.
Our audit approach
Audit scope
We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the consolidated financial statements. In particular, we considered where management made
judgements; for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including among other matters consideration of whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the group operates.
Main focus areas and risks identified are further detailed in the “Key Audit Matters” included below. Our audit of Karnov Group mainly consist of the following main parts; audit planning, procedures relating to internal control over financial reporting and related routines procedures, limited review procedures on the report for the third quarter closing, year and procedure and the final audit procedures required to issuing this auditors report for the parent company and the group. In connection to these procedures we also performed the work needed to issue our statement on adherence to the guidelines for remuneration to senior management.
The scope and extent of our audit procedures for Karnov Group mean that we have covered all material units within the Group which together represent a significant part of revenues, earnings and assets. The outcome of our work is during the year continuously reported to the company, the Audit Committee and for the full year also to the Board of Directors.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall group materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
UKARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Group Overall Materiality | 2020: MSEK 8 (2019: MSEK 7) |
|---|---|
| Benchmark | EBITDA |
| Rational for the selected benchmark | We defined our materiality to about 2.5% of consolidated EBITDA which is an acceptable range according to ISA rule of thumb. |
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them other misstatements identified during our audit that in our view warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters of the audit are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of, and in forming our opinion thereon, the annual accounts and consolidated accounts as a whole, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
| Key audit matter | How our audit addressed the Key audit matter |
|---|---|
| Impairment test for goodwill and intangible assets | |
| As at 31 December 2020, the book value of goodwill was MSEK 1,624 and the book value of other intangible assets was MSEK 1,150, in total this represents 75% of the Group’s total assets. | |
| Management perform an impairment test of the carrying value of intangible assets ones a year. | |
| For the purpose of performing the impairment assessment, management identifies Swedish and Danish businesses as two separate Cash Generating Units (“CGU”). The impairment analysis starts with calculation of the recoverable amount attributable to each CGU based on the estimated future cash flows derived from the CGU during coming 5 years of operations plus the terminal value of the cash flows in perpetuity. The expected cash flows are discounted to present value using Waited Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”) applicable for each CGU. | |
| The assessment contains a number of significant assumptions, both quantitative and qualitative, including revenue projection, cost structure, discount rate, terminal growth rate, etc. Changes in these assumptions may lead to potential impairment charges on the carrying value of the intangible assets. The use of assumptions in the assessment also requires estimates and judgment, which may be affected by unexpected future market, economic or legal restrictions in different countries. | |
| We focused on this area as these assets are significant to the Group’s operations and the assessment performed by management involved significant estimates and judgments. | We obtained the impairment test results and related memorandum describing the valuation technique and key assumptions applied by management. |
| We tested mathematical accuracy of the underlying calculations in the model. | |
| We compared historical actual results to those budgeted to assess the quality of management’s forecast. | |
| We assessed the key quantitative and qualitative assumptions made by management in the impairment model. Quantitative factors comprised forecasted revenue and expenses, the discount rate used and the terminal growth rate. | |
| When assessing these key assumptions, we discussed with management to understand and evaluate their basis for selecting the assumptions. Were applicable, the assumptions were compared to various external sources including independent research reports. We have analysed the historical performance of assets and outcome of assumptions applied in prior period. | |
| We assessed the reasonableness of the discount rate used by checking its variables to independent research reports, economic growth forecasts and publicly available industry data. | |
| We obtained and tested management’s sensitivity analysis around the quantitative key assumptions, to ascertain that the selected adverse changes to the key assumptions would not cause the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the recoverable amount. |
Based on the audit procedures performed, we found the Group's estimates and judgment used in the impairment tests to be within a reasonable range.
Other Information than the annual accounts and consolidated accounts
This document also contains other information than the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and is found on pages 1-46 and 103-104. Other information also includes the remuneration report which is presented as a separate document. The Board of Directors and the CEO are responsible for this other information. Our opinion on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts does not cover this other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion regarding this other information. In connection with our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, our responsibility is to read the information identified above and consider whether the information is materially inconsistent with the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. In this procedure we also take into account our knowledge otherwise obtained in the audit and assess whether the information otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we, based on the work performed concerning this information, 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.
Responsibilities of the Board of Director's and the Managing Director
The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the preparation of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and that they give a fair presentation in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and, concerning the consolidated accounts, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of annual accounts and consolidated accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the assessment of the company's and the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. They disclose, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis of accounting is however not applied if the Board of Directors and the Managing Director intend to liquidate the company, to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibility
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual accounts and consolidated accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden 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 annual accounts and consolidated accounts. A further description of our responsibility for the audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts is available on Revisorsinspektionen's website: www.revisorsinspektionen.se/revisorsansvar. This description is part of the auditor's report.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Opinions
In addition to our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, we have also audited the administration of the Board of Director's and the Managing Director of Karnov Group AB (publ.) for the year 2020 and the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss. We recommend to the general meeting of shareholders the profit to be appropriated in accordance with the proposal in the statutory administration report and that the members of the Board of Director's and the Managing Director be discharged from liability for the financial year.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities section. We are independent of the parent company and the Group in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled our 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 opinions.
Responsibilities of the Board of Director's and the Managing Director
The Board of Directors is responsible for the proposal for appropriations of the company's profit or loss. At the proposal of a dividend, this includes an assessment of whether the dividend is justifiable considering the requirements which the company's and the Group's type of operations, size and risks place on the size of the parent company's and the Group's equity, consolidation requirements, liquidity and position in general. The Board of Directors is responsible for the company's organization and the administration of the company's affairs. This includes among other things continuous assessment of the company's and the Group's financial situation and ensuring that the company's organization is designed so that the accounting, management of assets and the company's financial affairs otherwise are controlled in a reassuring manner.
Auditor's responsibility
Our objective concerning the audit of the administration, and thereby our opinion about discharge from liability, is to obtain audit evidence to assess with a reasonable degree of assurance whether any member of the Board of Directors or the Managing Director in any material respect:
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
- has undertaken any action or been guilty of any omission which can give rise to liability to the company, or
- in any other way has acted in contravention of the Companies Act, the Annual Accounts Act or the Articles of Association.
Our objective concerning the audit of the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss, and thereby our opinion about this, is to assess with reasonable degree of assurance whether the proposal is in accordance with the Companies Act. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden will always detect actions or omissions that can give rise to liability to the company, or that the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss are not in accordance with the Companies Act. A further description of our responsibility for the audit of the administration is available on Revisorsinspektionen's website:
www.revisorsinspektionen.se/revisorsansvar. This description is part of the auditor's report.
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB, Torsgatan 21, 113 97 Stockholm, was appointed auditor of Karnov Group AB (publ.) by the general meeting of the shareholders on the 5 May 2020 and has been the company's auditor since April 2011.
Stockholm, 30 March 2021
PricewaterhouseCoopers AB
Aleksander Lyckow
Authorized Public Accountant
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
Financial definitions
This Annual Report report contains references to a number of performance measures. Some of these measures are defined in IFRS, while others are alternative measures and are not reported in accordance with applicable financial reporting frameworks or other legislation.
The measures are used by Karnov to help both investors and management to analyse its operations. The measures used in this report are described below, together with definitions and the reason for their use.
| Key ratio | Definition | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Acquired growth | Change in net sales during the current period attributable to acquired units, excluding currency effects, in relation to net sales for the corresponding period of the preceding year. Net sales of acquired units are defined as acquired growth during a period of 12 months commencing the respective acquisition date. | The measure is used as a complement to organic growth and provides an improved understanding for Karnov's growth. |
| Adjusted EBITA | EBITA adjusted for the impact of items affecting comparability. | The measure shows the profitability from the business, adjusted for the impact of items affecting comparability and amortisation of capital expenditures related to acquisitions. |
| Adjusted EBITA margin | Adjusted EBITA as a percentage of net sales. | The measure shows the underlying profitability generated from the current operations over time, adjusted for items affecting comparability. |
| Adjusted EBITDA | EBITDA excluding items affecting comparability. | The measure is used since it facilitates the understanding of the operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, financing, depreciation and amortisation. |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. | The measure shows operational profitability over time, excluding items affecting comparability, financing, depreciation and amortisation. |
| Adjusted cash flow from operating activities | Adjusted EBITDA plus changes in net working capital less capital expenditure related to new product development and enhancement of existing products and business systems. | The measure is used to calculate one component in the cash conversion. |
| Average number of full-time equivalent (FTE) | Average number of full-time employees during the reporting period. | Unit that indicates the workload of an employed person. Non-financial key ratio. |
| Cash conversion (%) | Adjusted cash flow from operating activities as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA. | The measure is used since it shows how efficiently adjusted cash flow from operating activities is translated into a concrete contribution to Karnov's financing. |
| Earnings per share | Earnings per share for the period in SEK attributable to the parent company's shareholders, in relation to weighted average number of outstanding shares before and after dilution. | IFRS key ratio. |
| EBITA | Earnings before financial items and taxes, excluding acquisition related purchase price allocation (PPA) amortisation. | The measure shows the profitability from the business, adjusted for acquisition related purchase price allocation (PPA) amortisation. |
| EBITA margin | EBITA as a percentage of net sales. | The measure shows the profitability over time for the underlying business (i.e., excluding PPA amortisation) in relation to net sales. |
| EBITDA | Earnings before depreciation and amortisation, financial items, and taxes. | The measure shows the operating profitability before depreciation and amortisation. |
| EBITDA margin | EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. | The measure shows operational profitability over time, regardless of financing, depreciation and amortisation. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
| Key ratio | Definition | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Equity/asset ratio (%) | Equity divided by total equity and liabilities. | The measure can be used to assess Karnov's financial stability. |
| Gearing ratio | Net debt divided by total equity | The measure can be used to assess Karnov's capital structure. |
| Leverage ratio | Net debt on the balance sheet date divided by adjusted EBITDA. | Relevant to analyse to ensure that Karnov has an appropriate financing structure and is able to fulfil its financial obligations under its loan agreement. |
| Items affecting comparability | Items affecting comparability includes items of a significant character that distort comparisons over time. | The measure is used for understanding the financial performance over time. |
| Net debt | Total net borrowings including capitalised bank costs and excluding lease liabilities from IFRS16 less cash and cash equivalents. | The measure is used since it allows for an assessment of whether Karnov has an appropriate financing structure and is able to fulfil its commitments under its financing agreements. |
| Net sales (Online) | Net sales from online products. | The measure is used since it facilitates the understanding of total net sales and the breakdown of net sales. |
| Net sales (Offline) | Net sales from printed products and training. | The measure is used since it facilitates the understanding of total net sales and the breakdown of net sales. |
| Net working capital (NWC) | Current assets less current liabilities. | The measure shows the tie-up of short-term capital in the operations and facilitates the understanding of changes in the cash flow from operating activities |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | Profit for the period before financial items and taxes. | The measure is used since it enables comparisons of the profitability regardless of the capital structure or tax situation. |
| Operating cash flow | EBITDA plus changes in net working capital, less capital expenditures. | Reflects the correspondence between reported earnings from the business and the business's contribution to the financial headroom. The figure indicates the company's scope for managing its financing expenses and for making investments for expansion. |
| Organic growth | Change in net sales during the current period, excluding acquisitions and currency effects, in relation to net sales for the corresponding period of the preceding year. Acquisitions are included in organic net sales after a period of 12 months. | The measure is used since it shows Karnov's ability to generate growth through increases of, among other things, volume and price in its existing business. |
| PPA adjusted net profit | Net profit adjusted for items affecting comparability and amortisations of acquired businesses. | The measure is used to show Karnov's financial performance without the influence of items affecting comparability and amortisations of acquired businesses. |
| Return on capital | Operating profit for the period divided by total assets. | The measure shows the operating return on capital that owners and lenders have invested. |
KARNOV GROUP
Annual Report 2020
104
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Karnov Group AB (publ) | Corp. Id. 559016-9016 | Registered office: Stockholms län
Head office: Warfvinges väg 39, 112 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: +46 8 587 670 00 | www.karnovgroup.com
KARNOV
GROUP