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Recticel

Annual Report Apr 27, 2012

3993_10-k_2012-04-27_cc6c58d9-a4f6-4cbf-884d-0e3eacecb9c3.pdf

Annual Report

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ANNUAL REPORT 11

Consolidated EBITDA & EBITDA margin (in million EUR)

Net financial debt / Total equity (including non-controlling interests)

41% 20% 16% 23% Composition of sales per business line in 2011 (before intra-Group eliminations) Flexible Foams Insulation Bedding Automotive

2009 2010 2011 26,3% 24,8% 24,2% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Labour costs / Sales 26.3%24.8%24.2%

Table of contents

01 INTRODUCTION 02
Profile 07
Highlights for 2011 and the start of 2012 09
Interview with the CEO and the Chairman of the Board of Directors 13
Report by the Board of Directors * 17
02 THE RECTICEL GROUP – STRATEGY AND ACTIVITIES 26
Group strategy 28
Insulation 29
Bedding 30
Flexible Foams 31
Automotive 32
03 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 38
04 HUMAN RESOURCES & production
plants
42
05 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE * 48
06 LEXICON 64
07 FINANCIAL REPORT * 64
08 Key
figures
138

* These chapters form an essential part of the Report of the Board of Directors and contain the information required by the Belgian Commercial Code regarding consolidated accounts.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR FOR SHAREHOLDERS

First quarter trading update 2012 08 MAY 2012 (for stock exchange opening)
Annual General Meeting 29 MAY 2012
Ex-coupon date 31 MAY 2012
Record date 04 JUNE 2012
Dividend payment date 05 JUNE 2012
Publication of interim results 2012 30 AUG 2012 (for stock exchange opening)
Third quarter trading update 2012 09 NOV 2012 (for stock exchange opening)

Introduction

Preliminary comments

Contrary to the past, Recticel has decided to radically change its communication policy with respect to the publication of its annual report. To optimise the information flow and more specifically in order to provide the most updated information, Recticel has made a substantial investment in a new corporate website. Recticel considers that it is better to inform and to communicate with all stakeholders on the basis of frequently updated information. For this purpose the regular issuance of press releases and the continuous updating of the corporate website are the appropriate tools. Recticel also believes that some information in the annual reports is very quickly outdated and/or that it becomes rapidly obsolete or irrelevant.

Therefore, the reader who is looking for some particular updated information on products, processes, markets, shares, etc…. is invited to regularly consult the Recticel corporate website. Some sections of information which in the past were incorporated in the annual report have now intentionally been left out to avoid either duplication of information and/or to reduce the possibility of conflicting data between the website (dynamic nature) and the content of the annual report (static nature).

Moreover, Recticel has also decided that as from now on it will no longer make its annual reports available in a printed format. The interested stakeholders are invited to consult the Recticel website where the annual reports can be freely downloaded. By doing so, Recticel adds a new dimension to its ecological way of thinking. By eliminating the use of printed annual reports the Group clearly contributes to the reduction of its ecological footprint.

www.recticel.com

Future expectations

This document contains specific quantitative and/or qualitative futuristic statements and expectations regarding results and the financial state of affairs of the Recticel Group. Such futuristic statements are not a guarantee for future achievements considering the future holds several risks and uncertainties that relate to future events and developments. The reader is reminded to take sufficient care with the interpretation of these future expectations because the actual results and events may be influenced in the future by one or more factors, both external and internal. As a result, the actual results and performances may possibly deviate considerably from the predicted expectations, objectives and possible statements. The most important and most relevant risk and uncertainty factors are described in more detail in the Chapter "Asset and risk management" of the financial section of this Annual Report. Recticel is not committed in any manner possible to updating possible changes and developments in these risk factors, nor to releasing the possible impact on the prospects, either immediately or with some delay.

Profile

Under the motto The passion for comfort Recticel, as a polyurethane manufacturer, seeks to make an essential difference in the daily comfort of everyone.

As a unique whole, the Group concentrates on four selected application areas: Insulation, Bedding, Flexible Foams and Automotive. Although the Group primarily produces semi-finished products (Flexible Foams and Automotive), it also manufactures finished goods and durable goods for end users in several divisions (Bedding and Insulation).

For instance, mattresses and slat bases are marketed in the Bedding division under well-known brand names (such as Beka®, Lattoflex®, Literie Bultex®, Schlaraffia®, Sembella®, Superba®, Swissflex®, …). The Insulation division provides finished high quality thermal insulation products that can be used immediately in building projects and renovations. These insulation products are marketed under well-known brand names (Eurowall®, Powerroof®, Powerdeck® en Powerwall®).

In addition, Recticel attaches great importance to innovation and technological progress. The different products produced by the Group are therefore used increasingly in new and existing applications.

As a market leader in most of its activities, Recticel currently employs a total of 8 186 employees on a consolidated basis (including pro rata joint ventures) in 107 sites, spread over 28 countries. The Group's global presence is focused mainly in Europe, but it also has several activities in the United States and in Asia. In 2011 the Group realized a turnover of EUR 1 378 million.

Recticel aims to achieve added value and a steady and profitable growth for its clients and shareholders in a sustainable and balanced manner.

Recticel (NYSE EuronextTM: REC.BE – Reuters: RECTt.BR – Bloomberg: REC.BB) is listed on the NYSE EuronextTM stock exchange in Brussels.

Highlights for 2011 and beginning 2012

January 2011

• Proseat, a 51% joint venture company of Recticel, announced that it intends to close its production site (Automotive – Seating) in Hulshout (Belgium). A final agreement has been reached on a social plan and the site was definitively closed by mid-2011.

January February

February 2011

  • Recticel is nominated for the production of the dashboard skins of the new Mercedes-Benz E Class for the Chinese market. These dashboard skins will be manufactured in China with the patented Colo-Fast® Spray technology. Between end- 2012 and 2016, in total about 255 000 skins will be produced.
  • As a result of the serious economic crisis on the Iberian Peninsula, Recticel announced that it would be closing down several production and comfort processing activities (Flexible Foams) in Spain. Final agreements have been reached on the social plans. The closures and reorganisation plan was fully implemented by mid-2011.
  • Batibouw 2011 was the starting point of a new campaign for Recticel Insulation: 'Recticel® Insulation Inside', focusing on creating additional value for the end client who opts for Recticel® insulation. For optimal and durable insulation with Recticel Insulation, the customer will receive the Recticel® Insulation Inside label; the latter being an insulation certificate and a quality label. The client can use this to prove that his house is properly insulated.
  • Recticel Insulation won the Batibouw Communication Award 2011. This prize was awarded to Recticel Insulation for the best communication campaign before, during and after the Batibouw Construction and Renovation exhibition in Brussels.

May 2011

• Recticel hires new Chief Procurement Officer. Mr François Petit joins Recticel as Chief Procurement Officer and also becomes a member of the Management Committee. Before joining Recticel, Mr François Petit built up an extensive experience in several management positions within the Rhodia Group, a world leader in the development and production of specialty chemicals. His last responsibility was Raw Materials Worldwide Purchasing Director.

May August

August 2011

  • Recticel's German subsidiary Recticel Schlafkomfort GmbH is subject to an investigation by the German Federal Cartel Office ("Bundeskartellamt"). The latter has started an investigation covering the sector of mattress and slatbase manufacturers in Germany. Recticel Schlafkomfort GmbH is fully cooperating with the Bundeskartellamt.
  • Recticel Limited (UK) annonces that it will close its comfort foam converting factory "Carobel" in North Shields (North East England). The site was definitively closed by end-2011.
  • Recticel hires a new Group General Manager Flexible Foams. Mr Rik De Vos joins Recticel as Group General Manager Flexible Foams and also becomes a member of the Management Committee. Before joining Recticel, Mr Rik De Vos built up an extensive experience in several management positions within the polyurethane sector on a global scale. For many years he worked for ICI/Huntsman and his last responsibility was PU Divisional Director/ Board Member at Borsodchem.
  • Recticel is nominated for the production of the dashboard skins of the new Porsche Cajun. These dashboard skins will be manufactured with the patented Colo-Sense® Spray technology. Start of production is scheduled for end-2013.

December 2011

  • Recticel's joint venture company Proseat sells its 35% stake in the seating production joint venture JP Foam Manufacturing to Johnson Controls. JP Foam Manufacturing disposes of two production sites, one in Zory (Poland) and one in Lucenec (Slovakia). As a consequence of the sale of its 35% stake, Proseat transfered its programs from the JP Foam Manufacturing plants to its own existing plants.
  • Recticel announces that it has not been nominated for the successor model of the Mercedes C Class. However, Recticel will continue to produces the Colo-Fast® dashboard skins and door panel skins for the current Mercedes C Class until 2014.
  • Recticel concludes the refinancing of a new EUR 175 million secured multi-currency credit facility with a tenor of 5 years. The new credit allows Recticel to secure liquidity and to extend its debt maturity profile. It used the proceeds to repay by anticipation the amounts still outstanding under the EUR 230 million club deal of 2008, which was due to expire in February 2013.
  • Recticel exhibits at the 'BIG 5' Fair in Dubai (UAE). BIG 5 is an important exhibition for the construction industry in the Middle East and North Africa. Recticel presented different top products such as Recticel Insulation®, Polygrow® and re-bounce®, … with which it hopes to find a gateway to these promising markets.
  • Polygrow®, Recticel's revolutionary polyurethane foam solution for substrate applications in greenhouses and greenroofs & -walls, is nominated Finalist for the Green Product at the GAIA Awards in Dubai. The Gaia Awards are the most popular construction awards in the Middle East. They are recognising innovative products that have a positive impact to the green built environment.

October November December

October 2011

  • Recticel France inaugurates the new foaming equipment in its Flexible Foams production and converting site of Mazeyrat-d'Allier (France). This important investment is another expression of Recticel's strategy to modernise its Flexible Foams business.
  • IsofinishTM ends third in the 'Belgian Business Award for the Environment'. IsofinishTM, is an innovative concept that provides a complete external insulation of new and existing buildings in TAUfoam® by Recticel. Six market leaders from the Belgian construction industry: Recticel, Borgh, Deceuninck, Eternit, Umicore (VMZINC) and Wienerberger entered into an extraordinary collaboration in the area of external wall insulation and facade finishing. The external insulation and, at the same time, the recladding of old buildings make radical energy savings more accessible and also contribute immediately to improving towns.

November 2011

  • In the presence of Mr Kris Peeters, Flemish Minister President, Recticel officially inaugurates its new 6000m² Flexible Foams converting plant, located in Taloja, Navi Mumbai (India). With this site Recticel wants to further increase its position in one of the fastest growing economies. Being already market leader in India for air filter foams for the automotive sector, Recticel will now also focus on other promising high-end technical foam market segments, such as acoustics, in India.
  • Recticel acquires two capitive insurance companies in Luxembourg.

March

January 2012

  • In line with the Flexible Foams strategy, Recticel b.v. (The Netherlands) announces its intention to streamline its flexible foam operations in the Netherlands by closing its comfort foam converting unit in Bladel by mid-2012.
  • Eurofoam, the 50/50 joint venture between Recticel and the Austrian group Greiner, announces its decision to streamline its flexible foam operations in Germany by closing its loss-making comfort foam production and converting unit in Bexbach by end June 2012. After the closing of the Bexbach site, Eurofoam will remain active in Germany through a network of 4 foam producing and converting sites.
  • At the 2011 International Furniture Fair in Cologne (Germany), Schlaraffia®, Beka® and Lattoflex® presented several innovative mattresses with a newly patented high-quality foam technology, Geltex®. This new foam type perfectly combines comfort characteristics such as optimal body pressure distribution, body support and efficient air permeability or ventilation. With this innovative concept, the Group confirmed its European leadership in the higher market segment of the bedding sector.
  • Recticel is nominated for the production of the dashboard skins of the new Volvo S60 for the Chinese market. These dashboard skins will be manufactured in China with the patented Colo-Fast® Spray technology.

Interview with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of Directors

Brussels, 2 March 2012

2011 has been a volatile and challenging year. After a positive first quarter, from a macro-economic standpoint, worldwide uncertainties started to appear further reinforced by the financial crisis hitting the Eurozone during the summer. As a consequence, growth expectations have been reviewed several times downwards. Given these adverse circumstances, the Group delivered a sales turnover increase of +2.2% and an earnings after taxes increase of +20.6%, combined with a further net financial debt reduction (gearing ratio of 60%). Given the uncertain economic environment, the Group took many measures to actively prepare itself for the future, including new investments, restructurings and refinancing.

An interview with Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olivier Chapelle, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Etienne Davignon.

Did 2011 meet your expectations?

  • Olivier Chapelle: We were well aware that 2011 would be a challenging year in view of rising raw material prices, putting our commercial teams under pressure. Indeed, the 7.4% sales turnover growth in the first quarter came along with steep raw material price increases, reaching new historical heights. What had not been expected was the softening of our enduse markets in Europe as from the 2nd quarter till the end of the year. Triggered by the Eurozone financial crisis, the year ended with a slightly negative 4th quarter. The whole Recticel organisation has taken preventative cost reduction and cash containment measures. Given this unfavourable macroeconomic environment, I believe that Recticel did mitigate most of the risks throughout 2011.
  • Etienne Davignon: Last year the Group had to absorb increased raw material cost by EUR 35.6 million, and I confirm that the Recticel teams successfully handled most of these cost price issues over the last 12 months on the diversified end-markets of the Group. Most of this price inflation was recovered despite the persistent and mounting uncertainties over the global economy.

Olivier Chapelle: I would like to add that the Management Committee has worked hard on the execution of the first steps of its strategic plan. As part of this plan, the allocation of our financial resources towards higher value-added segments has been executed. On the other hand, the simplification of the Group is progressing well, with a significant rationalisation of its industrial footprint, and a reduction in the number of joint ventures.

Etienne Davignon: Although the strategic plan provides clear indication of the direction for the medium to long term, it nevertheless requires practical shortterm actions. I believe the Group is on track in the implementation of its strategy.

What were the major strategic decisions or actions taken in this respect in 2011?

  • Olivier Chapelle: In 2010, when we designed the roadmap of our strategy for the coming years, we clearly identified the further development of our Insulation business line as first priority 1. In this respect, we started in 2011 the construction of a new production site in France, which is expected to start up in Q4/2012. Likewise, the company has minimised its investments in Automotive. Recticel has also invested in the restructuring of its Flexible Foams perimeter, in Spain, the UK and Greece and in the modernisation of its largest foaming facility in France. Regarding the targeted geographic expansion, the Group has further invested in the development of its Chinese foam converting operations, as well as in the construction of a first foam converting facility in India.
  • Etienne Davignon: We are satisfied with the development of these activities, but we will remain vigilant as competition will increase in the future. The new factory in France is the right step to take from a market standpoint, moreover it will also reduce the operational and geographical risks of the Group. Every company has to permanently adapt and change according to new economic situations. However, the story of Flexible Foams is not only one of rationalisation and modernisation, it is also the intention to seize selective growth and expansion opportunities, as well as introducing innovative new products and solutions. When the strategy was defined in 2010, the Board of Directors believed that Recticel was too exposed to the European market, not sufficiently considering opportunities in other promising regions. It is comforting to see that last year the Group successfully made its first steps with some production/converting activities in India, and reinforced its presence in China.

The lack of consumer confidence must also have affected the Bedding and the Automotive business lines?

  • Olivier Chapelle: We can not deny that the weak consumer confidence had a negative impact on our operations, especially in the second half of the year. This was true for the comfort division in Flexible Foams, but logically also for Bedding. However, this was certainly not dramatic, and nowhere near the drop seen in the fall of 2008 and in 2009. On an annual basis the net sales of these business lines were only marginally lower. In the Automotive segment, our sales were robust thanks to our large positioning with German OEMs, who also happen to be strong exporters of cars to Asia.
  • Etienne Davignon: The fact that the second half-year was more challenging is not so difficult to explain. The debt crisis around the Euro in the middle of the year made companies and consumers much more careful, hence impacting consumption of both consumer and investment goods. The developments around the Euro added additional uncertainty to the picture, and led the Board of Directors in August to stop issuing forecasts and guidance.

Was the sovereign debt crisis then also the reason why Recticel refinanced the bulk of its bank debts?

  • Olivier Chapelle: The global turmoil in the capital markets since 2008 in combination with the significantly increased uncertainty of most end-markets certainly lead us to believe that the Group had to manage its funding in a pro-active way, and more specifically the refinancing of its EUR 230 million club deal of 2008 that would come to maturity in February 2013. Although there was obviously no urgency, we nevertheless decided in May 2011 to anticipate the refinancing of Recticel, because we believed that the overall situation might lead to a significant reduction of credit availability. We concluded the refinancing in December 2011, and by doing so, we secured the liquidity of the Group and extended the debt maturity profile till December 2016.
  • Etienne Davignon: I think it was a wise decision, despite the fact that the cost of the new credit facility is slightly higher than the former loan. It significantly reduces the funding risks given the uncertainties in the credit markets. It is also comforting to notice that the total amount of the new facility could be limited to EUR 175 million, thanks to the overall debt reduction of the Group. The net financial debt has indeed been reduced, improving its gearing to 60%. It remains our ambition to reduce the gearing below 50% in the next two years.

Looking forward, what will bring 2012?

  • Olivier Chapelle: Although the Euro crisis is now progressively receeding, I believe that the uncertainty in most of our end-markets will persist during the year, compounded by increased volatility of the raw material prices. As a consequence, 2012 will be very challenging. However, looking a little bit further, new initiatives are being taken to prepare the future. In this context, the Group will continue to take all necessary steps to further simplify its operations and organisation, supported by Human Resources initiatives so that our human capital, with all its talents and competences, can be better developed for the future.
  • Etienne Davignon: Indeed, many initiatives are foreseen to strengthen the Group in order to position it optimally to emerge from this period of uncertainty, from an operational point of view, as well as in terms of market positioning and focus. The expansion of the Insulation business with a new factory in France will certainly be a key mark in 2012. In other business areas the Group will continue to introduce new innovative products and/or to find new promising markets. The Management Committee and the Board of Directors are convinced that the Group can seize with confidence the opportunities that lay ahead.

Report by the Board of Directors

Recticel annual results 2011

  • Sales of EUR 1,378.1 million (+2.2%), driven by growth in Insulation (+19.0%)
  • REBITDA of EUR 88.6 million (-14.8%), mainly impacted by raw material price evolutions
  • EBIT of EUR 42.0 million (+52.2%)
  • Result of the period (share of the Group) increased by 20.6% to EUR 17.4 million
  • Net financial debt: from EUR 158.7 million to EUR 150.1 million
  • Proposal to pay a gross dividend of EUR 0.28 per share

1. KEY FIGURES

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY 2010 FY 2011 Δ FY
Sales 678.1 678.4 0.0% 1 348.4 1 378.1 2.2%
Gross profit 102.0 105.0 2.9% 216.9 211.3 -2.6%
as % of sales 15.0% 15.5% 16.1% 15.3%
REBITDA (1) 46.9 41.1 -12.3% 104.0 88.6 -14.8%
as % of sales 6.9% 6.1% 7.7% 6.4%
EBITDA (2) 30.3 41.7 37.4% 83.5 88.8 6.3%
as % of sales 4.5% 6.1% 6.2% 6.4%
REBIT (1) 23.6 20.8 -11.8% 58.9 47.1 -20.0%
as % of sales 3.5% 3.1% 4.4% 3.4%
EBIT (0.1) 16.2 n.r. 27.6 42.0 52.2%
as % of sales 0.0% 2.4% 2.0% 3.0%
Result of the period (share of the Group) 1.2 5.1 312.0% 14.4 17.4 20.6%
Result of the period (share of the Group) - base (per share, in EUR) 0.04 0.18 311.6% 0.50 0.60 20.6%
Gross dividend per share (in EUR) (6) - - 0.27 0.28 3.7%
Total Equity 241.7 248.8 2.9% 241.7 248.8 2.9%
Net financial debt (5) 158.7 150.1 -5.4% 158.7 150.1 -5.4%
Gearing ratio 66% 60% 66% 60% -8.1%
Average capital employed (3) 416.7 404.5 -2.9% 422.5 408.9 -3.2%
ROCE = Return on capital employed (4) -0.1% 8.0% 6.4% 10.3%
ROE = Return on equity (4) 1.0% 4.1% 6.3% 7.1%

(1) REBITDA = EBITDA before non-recurring elements; REBIT = EBIT before non-recurring elements. Non-recurring elements comprise operating income, expenses or provisions that are related to restructuring programs, impairments on assets, capital gains or losses

on divestments and on the liquidation of affiliated companies, and other events or transactions that are clearly distinct from the ordinary activities of the Group. (2) EBITDA = EBIT + depreciation, amortisation and impairment on assets.

(3) Capital Employed = net intangible assets + goodwill + net property, plant & equipment + working capital. Working capital = current assets (without cash deposits) - nonfinancial current liabilities.

(4) Half-yearly average = [Capital employed at the end of the previous period + Capital employed at the end of the current period] / 2. For Return on Equity (ROE), the same based on Equity (share of the Group).

The annual averages are calculated as the mean of the half-yearly figures. (5) Net financial debt = Interest-bearing borrowings – Cash and cash equivalents – Available for sale investments. The interest-bearing borrowings do not include the drawn amounts (2011: EUR 45.5 million versus EUR 19.7 million in 2010) under nonrecourse factoring/forfeiting programs.

(6) Proposed dividend over 2011.

2. COMMENTS ON THE CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Sales: from EUR 1,348.4 million to EUR 1,378.1 million (+2.2%) to EUR 1,378.1 million (+2.2%)

After a strong 1Q/2011 (+7.4%), the trend observed in 2Q/2011 (+1.3%) and 3Q/2011 (+1.3%) was confirmed in 4Q/2011 (-1.2%) and resulted in an overall softer demand in most markets amplified by year-end inventory reductions in the supply chain. The global sales increase can be fully related to the Insulation segment.

Before exchange rate differences (accounting for +0.17%) and net changes in the scope of consolidation (-0.09%) sales growth was 2.12%.

The only change in the scope of consolidation in 2011 related to:

• the Group's subsidiary Enipur b.v. (The Netherlands) which, with effect as from 1 July 2011, is consolidated following the global consolidation method (previously 50% following the proportional consolidation method).

Changes in the scope of consolidation in 2010:

  • With effect as from 1 January 2010 Recticel Foams (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. was for the first time fully consolidated.
  • With effect as from 1 July 2010 the Group sold its "slat base" activities (Bedding) in Masevaux (France).

Breakdown of sales by segment

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY2010 FY2011 Δ FY
304.1 294.0 -3.3% Flexible Foams 602.7 596.2 -1.1%
150.6 150.6 0.0% Bedding 293.3 292.2 -0.4%
99.0 114.4 15.6% Insulation 187.4 223.1 19.0%
156.9 149.7 -4.6% Automotive(1) 324.9 324.8 0.0%
(32.4) (30.3) -6.5% Eliminations (59.9) (58.1) -3.0%
678.1 678.4 0.0% TOTAL 1 348.4 1 378.1 2.2%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

in million EUR
3Q/2010 3Q/2011 Δ 3Q 4Q/2010 4Q/2011 Δ 4Q
147.3 147.3 0.0% Flexible Foams 156.7 146.6 -6.4%
73.7 76.8 4.3% Bedding 76.9 73.8 -4.1%
53.4 54.8 2.6% Insulation 45.6 59.7 30.9%
73.1 74.3 1.6% Automotive 83.8 75.4 -10.0%
(15.3) (16.6) 9.1% Eliminations (17.2) (13.7) -20.4%
332.2 336.6 1.3% TOTAL 345.8 341.8 -1.2%

REBITDA: from EUR 104.0 million to EUR 88.6 million (-14.8%) REBITDA: from EUR 104.0 million to EUR 88.6 million (-14.8%)

After having reached record levels in June 2011, raw material prices have stabilised in the third quarter of 2011, and then receded in the 4th quarter. Over the full year, the overall raw materials costs have increased by EUR 36.5 million. The decreased REBITDA is primarily explained by the unavoidable lead time that has been necessary to pass the increases on to customers and by the fact that the 2010 REBITDA included a one-off compensation amount received in the Interiors' US subsidiaries after the exit from Chapter 11.

Breakdown of REBITDA by segment

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY2010 FY2011 Δ FY
12.3 10.1 -18.3% Flexible Foams 30.6 23.6 -22.9%
12.7 9.2 -27.8% Bedding 20.3 16.9 -16.8%
18.1 21.3 17.5% Insulation 35.5 39.5 11.2%
11.8 8.9 -24.4% Automotive (1) 33.7 25.3 -25.1%
(8.0) (8.4) 4.6% Corporate (16.2) (16.6) 2.8%
47.0 41.1 -12.6% TOTAL 104.0 88.6 -14.8%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

REBIT: from EUR 58.9 million to EUR 47.1 million (-20.0%) REBIT: from EUR 58.9 million to EUR 47.1 million (-20.0%)

Breakdown of REBIT by segment

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY2010 FY2011 Δ FY
5.2 3.7 -29.1% Flexible Foams 15.7 10.4 -34.1%
9.7 6.5 -33.5% Bedding 14.6 11.2 -23.6%
16.4 19.4 18.5% Insulation 32.1 35.8 11.5%
0.8 0.0 -95.7% Automotive (1) 13.0 7.0 -46.3%
(25.0) (25.7) 3.2% Corporate (16.6) (17.3) 3.8%
7.1 3.8 -46.1% TOTAL 58.9 47.1 -20.0%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

Non-recurring elements

in million EUR
2010 1H/2011 2H/2011 2011
Impairments (10.8) (0.1) (5.2) (5.3)
Restructuring charges and provisions (19.8) 0.7 (1.3) (0.6)
Loss on liquidation or disposal of financial assets (3.5) 0.0 (0.2) (0.2)
Gain on liquidation or disposal of financial assets 1.6 0.0 0.1 0.1
Fair value gain on investment property 0.0 0.0 2.8 2.8
Other 1.2 (1.1) (0.8) (1.9)
Total (31.3) (0.5) (4.6) (5.1)

The result was influenced by a number of unfavourable non-recurring elements amounting to EUR -5.1 million, compared to EUR –31.3 million in 2010.

For 2011 these elements related mainly to:

  • − impairments on assets in Flexible Foams (Turkey) and in Automotive Interiors (related to the Saab bankruptcy)
  • − incurred costs and net provisions for restructuring programs and related onerous contracts in Flexible Foams (The Netherlands and United Kingdom), Automotive - Interiors (Germany), and Proseat (Belgium, France and Germany)
  • − in Flexible Foams and Bedding: legal fees (EUR -1.1 million) incurred in 2011 relative to the ongoing investigations (see below); and
  • − in Corporate: a fair value gain on investment property in Belgium of EUR +2.8 million.

EBITDA: from EUR 83.5 million to EUR 88.8 million (+6.3%) EBITDA: from EUR 83.5 million to EUR 88.8 million (+6.3%)

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY2010 FY2011 Δ FY
4.3 8.7 100.3% Flexible Foams 22.2 22.6 1.9%
10.6 9.2 -13.6% Bedding 17.3 16.6 -3.6%
18.1 21.3 17.5% Insulation 35.5 39.5 11.2%
7.5 8.7 15.8% Automotive (1) 26.9 24.4 -9.2%
(10.2) (6.1) -40.1% Corporate (18.3) (14.3) -21.8%
30.3 41.7 37.4% TOTAL 83.5 88.8 6.3%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

EBIT: from EUR 27.6 million to EUR 42.0 million (+52.2%) EBIT: from EUR 27.6 million to EUR 42.0 million (+52.2%)

Despite the EUR -5.1 million non recurring elements (2010: EUR –31.3 million), all segments contributed positively to the result of 2011.

Breakdown of EBIT by segment

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H FY2010 FY2011 Δ FY
(8.8) 0.4 nr Flexible Foams 1.2 7.5 517.8%
7.6 6.5 -15.5% Bedding 11.5 10.9 -4.9%
16.4 19.4 18.5% Insulation 32.1 35.8 11.5%
(4.9) (3.5) -28.7% Automotive (1) 1.6 2.8 76.6%
(10.5) (6.5) -38.0% Corporate (18.8) (15.0) -20.3%
(0.1) 16.2 nr TOTAL 27.6 42.0 52.2%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

Financial result: from EUR –17.1 million to EUR –16.7 million. Financial result: from EUR –17.1 million to EUR –16.7 million

The net interest charges (EUR –13.3 million) increased by EUR 1.5 million compared to 2010 (EUR –11.8 million). This increase is attributable to a higher average outstanding debt, including off-balance sheet factoring/forfeiting, (from EUR 220.8 million to EUR 229.9 million) and the recognition of the unamortized arrangement fees (EUR 0.4 million) of the 2008 "club deal" credit facility which was prematurely reimbursed at the end of 2011.

'Other financial income and expenses' (EUR –3.4 million, compared to EUR –5.3 million in 2010) comprise mainly negative exchange rate differences (EUR –0.8 million versus EUR +2.9 million in 2010) and interest capitalisation costs under provisions for pension liabilities (EUR –2.1 million versus EUR –2.4 million in 2010).

Income taxes and deferred taxes: from EUR +4.1 million to EUR –7.9 million: Income taxes and deferred taxes: from EUR +4.1 million to EUR –7.9 million:

  • Current income tax charges (EUR –1.6 million, compared to EUR –7.7 million in 2010) are mainly incurred by subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, Germany and Scandinavia;
  • The negative deferred tax result of EUR –6.4 million compares to a positive deferred tax result of EUR +11.8 million in 2010. The latter was mainly the result of the realisation of a substantial one-off taxdeductible loss for tax purposes on the liquidation of the US legal entity RUS, Inc.

Result of the period (share of the Group): from EUR 14.4 million to EUR 17.4 million (+20.6%). Result of the period (share of the Group): from EUR 14.4 million to EUR 17.4 million (+20.6%)

3. MARKET SEgments

A. Flexible Foams

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H 2010 2011 Δ FY
Sales 304.1 294.0 -3.3% 602.7 596.2 -1.1%
REBITDA 12.3 10.1 -18.3% 30.6 23.6 -22.9%
as % of sales 4.1% 3.4% 5.1% 4.0%
EBITDA 4.3 8.7 100.3% 22.2 22.6 1.9%
as % of sales 1.4% 3.0% 3.7% 3.8%
REBIT 5.2 3.7 -29.1% 15.7 10.4 -34.1%
as % of sales 1.7% 1.3% 2.6% 1.7%
EBIT (8.8) 0.4 nr 1.2 7.5 517.8%
as % of sales -2.9% 0.1% 0.2% 1.3%

Sales

Sales in the Flexible Foams segment (EUR 596.2 million) decreased by 1.1% as a result of lower volumes in the sub-segment 'Comfort', which was particularly impacted by a weaker market demand. On the contrary, the 'Technical foams' sub-segment still benefited from improved activity levels in the industrial markets.

The 'Comfort' sub-segment reported lower sales (EUR 365.8 million; –5.2%) as a result of the deteriorating demand in Scandinavia and Spain. In the other countries, the overall sales level stabilized in a very competitive market.

The 'Technical foams' sub-segment (EUR 207.5 million, +8.6%) continued to benefit from improving demand in the various industrial and automotive markets, although at a slower rate than in the previous year.

The 'Composite foams' sub-segment (EUR 22.8 million, -11.7%) sales continued to suffer from poor world market prices for trim foam and from lower than expected volumes for bonded foam products.

EBITDA

Despite lower overall sales, EBITDA improved by 1.9% to EUR 22.6 million.

Net non-recurring elements amounted to EUR –0.98 million (compared to EUR –8.4 million in 2010) and relate mainly to provisions for restructurings and legal fees (EUR –0.7 million) relative to the ongoing EC investigation (see below).

The necessary lead time needed to transfer the increase in raw material prices in a very competitive market as well as temporary operational performance issues in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands led to a 22.9 % decrease in REBITDA.

In line with its intention to reduce complexity and to adjust the industrial footprint in its Flexible Foam activities, the Group completed the restructuring of three production sites in Spain and the closure of its "Carobel" comfort foam converting plant in the UK. The Group also announced its intention to close its production site in Bladel (The Netherlands) by mid-2012. In addition, the Group's joint venture company Eurofoam announced early January 2012 its decision to close the production site in Bexbach (Germany) (post-balance sheet date event, no impact on FY2011 results).

Mid-2011, the Group decided to buy out the 50% joint venture partners in the holding company Enipur bv (The Netherlands), which controls the operations in Greece (Teknofoam Hellas) and in Turkey (Teknofoam Turkey). This transaction enables the Group to accelerate the implementation of its strategy in the region. The Group also started with its first foam converting activities in India.

The modernisation of the plant in Langeac (France), where a new foaming machine has been installed, has been completed in 2011.

B. Bedding

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H 2010 2011 Δ FY
Sales 150.6 150.6 0.0% 293.3 292.2 -0.4%
REBITDA 12.7 9.2 -27.8% 20.3 16.9 -16.8%
as % of sales 8.5% 6.1% 6.9% 5.8%
EBITDA 10.6 9.2 -13.6% 17.3 16.6 -3.6%
as % of sales 7.1% 6.1% 5.9% 5.7%
REBIT 9.7 6.5 -33.5% 14.6 11.2 -23.6%
as % of sales 6.5% 4.3% 5.0% 3.8%
EBIT 7.6 6.5 -15.5% 11.5 10.9 -4.9%
as % of sales 5.1% 4.3% 3.9% 3.7%

Sales

Sales in the Bedding segment decreased by 0.4% to EUR 292.2 million.

Sales of the 'Brands' sub-segment (-2.4%) were lower as a result of lower sales in Austria and Switzerland, where the Swissflex® export activity suffered from the strong Swiss Franc.

Sales in the 'Non-brands' sub-segment (+2.2%) performed above last year.

EBITDA

EBITDA decreased by 3.6% to EUR 16.6 million.

The combination of a reduction in sales with an increase of raw material prices, put the profit margins under pressure. REBITDA includes a capital gain (EUR 1.3 million) realised upon the sale of a building in Switzerland.

In 2011 the result was also impacted by legal fees (EUR –0.4 million) relative to the ongoing Bundeskartellamt investigation (see below).

C. Insulation

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H 2010 2011 Δ FY
Sales 99.0 114.4 15.6% 187.4 223.1 19.0%
REBITDA 18.1 21.3 17.5% 35.5 39.5 11.2%
as % of sales 18.3% 18.6% 18.9% 17.7%
EBITDA 18.1 21.3 17.6% 35.5 39.5 11.2%
as % of sales 18.3% 18.6% 18.9% 17.7%
REBIT 16.4 19.4 18.5% 32.1 35.8 11.5%
as % of sales 16.5% 17.0% 17.2% 16.1%
EBIT 16.4 19.4 18.5% 32.1 35.8 11.5%
as % of sales 16.5% 17.0% 17.2% 16.1%

Sales

Sales in the Insulation segment increased by 19.0% to EUR 223.1 million.

The sub-segment Building insulation was the main growth driver (EUR 206.9 million; +20.8%).

Despite a softening European construction market, structural demand for high performing polyurethane building insulation products remains high as a result of stricter insulation standards and regulations, higher energy prices and growing awareness of the need for more and better insulation.

The sub-segment 'Industrial insulation' (EUR 16.2 million; + 0.7%) remained stable. The slightly weaker sales during the first three quarters of the year were compensated in 4Q/2011 by new LNG export projects.

EBITDA

EBITDA improved by 11.2% thanks to higher volumes. Margins improved in 2H/2011 as higher raw material prices were gradually passed on in the selling prices.

D. Automotive

in million EUR
2H/2010 2H/2011 Δ 2H 2010 (1) 2011 Δ FY
Sales 156.9 149.7 -4.6% 324.9 324.8 0.0%
REBITDA 11.8 8.9 -24.4% 33.7 25.3 -25.1%
as % of sales 7.5% 6.0% 10.4% 7.8%
EBITDA 7.5 8.7 15.8% 26.9 24.4 -9.2%
as % of sales 4.8% 5.8% 8.3% 7.5%
REBIT 0.8 0.0 -95.7% 13.0 7.0 -46.3%
as % of sales 0.5% 0.0% 4.0% 2.2%
EBIT (4.9) (3.5) -28.7% 1.6 2.8 76.6%
as % of sales -3.1% -2.3% 0.5% 0.8%

(1) The FY2010 figure includes a compensation relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (see page 16 of the IAS34 Interim Report 1H/2011)

Sales

Sales in Automotive stabilized at EUR 324.8 million. The lower volumes in the sub-segment 'Interiors' were fully compensated by higher sales in 'Seating'.

Sales in 'Interiors' decreased slightly to EUR 164.1 million (-3.6%). The premium car market segment remained strong in Europe, the USA and in China,

The Group won several new Interior Trim contracts with BMW, Porsche and Mercedes (E-class in China), but lost the new Mercedes C-Class.

Sales in Seating - 'Proseat', the 51%/49% seating Recticel/Woodbridge joint venture, (EUR 147.0 million; +7.6%) increased as a result of improving market share and the launch of the EPP (Expanded PolyPropylene) project in its French site of Trilport.

'Exteriors' decreased by 24.5% to EUR 13.7 million. Since the sale of the compounding activities to BASF in 2008, sales are limited to compounds produced for the account of BASF under a toll agreement.

EBITDA

EBITDA of the Automotive segment decreased by 9.2% to EUR 24.4 million. Taking into account the received compensation in 1H/2010 (see footnote(1) above) EBITDA would have increased by 6.5% on a comparable basis. The main net non-recurring elements for EUR –0.9 million (2010: EUR –6.1 million) concern restructuring costs in Germany and the write-off of a loan granted by Proseat to an affiliated company in Russia.

The profitability of Automotive was also impacted by higher raw material costs which were gradually reflected in the selling prices. Finally, EBIT was impacted by impairments (EUR –3.2 million) on Interiors' assets for the SAAB project which has been terminated due to the bankruptcy of SAAB.

4. FINANCIAL SITUATION

On 31 December 2011, net financial debt amounted to EUR 150.1 million (excluding the drawn amounts under off-balance non-recourse factoring/forfeiting programs: EUR 45.5 million) compared to respectively EUR 158.7 million and EUR 19.7 million on 31 December 2010.

This results in an improved 'net debt to equity' ratio of 60%, compared to 66% at the end of 2010.

End-2011 the Group concluded with 7 prominent European banks a new EUR 175 million secured multicurrency credit facility with a tenor of 5 years. The new credit allows the Group to secure liquidity and to extend its debt maturity profile. It was used to repay by anticipation the amounts still outstanding under the EUR 230 million club deal of 2008, which was due to expire in February 2013.

5. INSPECTION BY DIRECTORATE FOR COMPETITION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND INSPECTION BY THE GERMAN FEDERAL CARTEL OFFICE ("BUNDESKARTELLAMT")

Concerning the ongoing European Commission and Bundeskartellamt investigations, additional data were requested by the Commission. No other additional elements are to be announced than those made public by the Group in its press release of 30 August 2011 (First half-year results 2011).

6. PROPOSED DIVIDEND

The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting of 29 May 2012 the payment of a gross dividend of EUR 0.28 per share (2010: EUR 0.27).

7. OUTLOOK

Given the continuing uncertainty in the growth forecasts made by national and international institutions in the economies in which Recticel is active, the Board of Directors is not in a position to assess growth potential in 2012.

In 2012, the Group will continue to introduce new innovative products on its main markets, and to further optimize its cost structure.

8. PROFIT APPROPRIATION POLICY

The Annual General Meeting decides on the appropriation of the amounts available for distribution on the basis of a proposal from the Board of Directors.

When drawing up its proposal, the Board of Directors tries to achieve the right balance between ensuring a stable dividend for shareholders and maintaining sufficient investment and self-financing opportunities to secure the company's longer-term growth.

The Board of Directors decided to present the following appropriation of the results to the General Meeting:

in EUR
Profit for the period 12 037 723.14
+ Profit brought forward from previous year 63 045 822.56
Result to be appropriated 75 083 545.70
- Gross dividend (8 100 807.68)
Profit to be carried forward 66 982 73 8.02

Gross dividend per share (in EUR)

9. DIVIDEND PAYMENT

Subject to approval by the General Meeting of 29 May 2012 of the profit appropriation, a dividend of EUR 0.28 gross will be paid per share (for ordinary shares: EUR 0.21 net (-25% withholding tax) and for shares + VVPR-strip EUR 0.2212 net (-21% withholding tax)). This dividend will be payable from 05 June 2012 on presentation of coupon no.18 at the counters of the KBC bank.

The payment for the registered shares will take place via bank transfer on the shareholders' bank account.

DIVIDEND KEY DATA

Gross dividend per share EUR 0.28
On presentation of coupon nr.18
Ex-coupon date 31 MAY 2012
Record date 04 JUNE 2012
Dividend payment date 05 JUNE 2012

The Recticel Group Strategy and Activities

Group Strategy

Recticel is today one of the top-three worldwide polyurethane foam manufacturers. It provides products and solutions to customers all over of the world, although 95% of its business is currently located in Europe.

Recticel has a significant presence in the following segments:

  • Insulation: polyurethane laminated boards for thermal building insulation.
  • Bedding: with strong brands throughout Europe.
  • Flexible Foams: supply of foam blocks or converted foam for the upholstery and furniture markets, and a wide variety of technically differentiated solutions to various industries.
  • Automotive: polyurethane elastomer skins for interior trim, and foam pads for seat cushions.

The following strategy provides Recticel with a clear process to prioritise its resource allocation to the various business segments.

1. CORE COMPETENCES AND MARKETS

The core business and competence of Recticel are the transformation of the polyurethane chemistries into rigid foams, flexible foams and elastomer skins. Recticel will remain focused on polyurethane transformation for the following reasons:

  • − Polyurethane is a high performance, versatile material enabling premium positioning in most segments and applications.
  • − The worldwide polyurethane market, which amounted to about EUR 40 billion worldwide in 2010, is growing 2% faster than global GDP, and is diversified into several important end-use segments such as furniture, construction, transportation, clothing, footwear, appliances, …
  • − It provides many growth opportunities in value added applications and enables Recticel to participate in several worldwide long-term irreversible mega-trends, such as environmental protection & energy conservation, luxury & comfort, water conservation and filtration, need for strong and light materials.
  • − It is a profitable market, enabling a proper business and risks balance between regions and applications.

2. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: BUSINESS LINE STRATEGIC POSITIONING

The analysis of the business portfolio of Recticel is based on:

  • − the attractivity of the market of each segment
  • − the level of competitiveness of Recticel in each segment

and provides the following business line positioning:

3. ANALYSIS PER BUSINESS LINE

Insulation

Market attractiveness

  • − Environmental protection and energy conservation are mega-trends. Heating and cooling of buildings represents 22% of the worldwide use of energy.
  • − Insulation is considered to be the best solution to reduce energy consumption with the highest return on investment.
  • − Directives and EU regulations and its constituting countries are driving growth of insulation in new building market and subsidy policies are driving growth in the renovation market.

Competitiveness

  • − Polyurethane is the thermal insulation material with the highest performance in the market, gaining market share over polystyrene and rock- or glasswool insulation solutions.
  • − Recticel is recognised for its wide and high quality product range, and for its efficient service.
  • − The industrial footprint comprises very efficient and ideally located production facilities.
in million EUR
Sales 2011 223.1
EBITDA 2011 39.5
EBIT 2011 35.8

Bedding

Market attractiveness

  • Market driven by demographic evolution.
  • Sleeping quality increasingly identified as a critical comfort and health factor, leading to investment in high value bedding systems, as well as more frequent replacement.
  • High value branded products represents the top-end segment of the market.

Competitiveness

  • Polyurethane foam for mattresses enables a wide and diverse product range, it becomes the leading solution and takes market share from spring or latex solutions.
  • Recticel is well-positioned with strong brands in 5 European countries.
  • Bedding benefits of Recticel integration in flexible foams to innovate and to introduce new products.
in million EUR
Sales 2011 292.2
EBITDA 2011 16.6
EBIT 2011 10.9

Flexible Foams

Market attractiveness

  • − Market split between commodity applications in the Comfort segment and specialty applications to a wide variety of industries in the Technical Foams segment.
  • − Innovation and differentiation drive the Technical Foams segment.
  • − Growing market worldwide thanks to the performance of the polyurethane chemistries.

Competitiveness

  • − Recticel benefits from its R&D capabilities, enabling positioning in new niches.
  • − Recticel has a wide geographical presence with an industrial footprint enabling positioning in many countries, but requesting adjustments and restructuring.
  • − Recticel size enables access to competitive raw material prices.
in million EUR
Sales 2011 569.2
EBITDA 2011 22.6
EBIT 2011 7.5

Automotive

Market attractiveness

  • Highly competitive and cyclical market, characterised in Europe by very significant overcapacities.
  • Seating segment (Proseat) commoditised, Interiors segment highly capital intensive.
  • Innovation and differentiation are mandatory, but generate small price premium.
  • Intellectual property difficult to keep and to protect.

Competitiveness

  • Recticel is well positioned with the best performance products in Interiors, and is recognised for its innovative concepts in Seating (Proseat).
  • Improved profitability due to restructuring and efficiency efforts.
  • Recticel has an ideal global industrial footprint in Interiors (Europe, USA and China).
in million EUR
Sales 2011 324.8
EBITDA 2011 24.4
EBIT 2011 2.8

4. STRATEGY

Recticel will stay focused on polyurethane applications, and will strive for growth via innovation and new product introduction in high growth/high value segments. Recticel will also improve capacity utilisation through optimal industrial footprint management. Recticel will allocate its financial and human resources on segments with the highest growth and best value and has an increasing ambition to develop itself on a broader international basis (BRIC countries):

Insulation: Primary focus on Europe and accelerated organic growth, supported by innovation, new product
introduction and complemented by acquisitions.
Bedding: Organic growth and acquisitions based on strong brands and product innovation.
Flexible Foams: Rationalisation & modernisation of the industrial footprint combined with selective growth initiatives
based on new products and geographical expansion in the Technical Foams segment.
Automotive: Stabilisation of the two business segments supported by innovative product introductions and
continuous footprint and capacity utilisation optimisation.

5. OBJECTIVES

On that basis, Recticel will pursue the following medium term objectives:

  • Achieve a CAGR of its sales turnover of minimum 5%, at same scope of consolidation.
  • Generate double digit growth in earnings and dividends.
  • Deliver a ROCE (EBIT / Average capital employed) of at least 15%.
  • Lower the gearing ratio (Net Financial Debt/Equity) under 50%.
in million EUR
Sales 2011 1 378.1
EBITDA 2011 88.8
EBIT 2011 42.0

Activities

Recticel is primarily active in the manufacturing and transformation of polyurethane, of which the fields of applications are extremely various. The Group is organised around four business lines.

Insulation

The Insulation business line concentrates on the production and commercialisation of sustainable thermal insulation material in rigid closed cell polyurethane (PU or PUR) and polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) and it contains two divisions: building insulation and industrial insulation.

in million EUR
Key Figures 2009 2010 2011
Sales (1) 166.5 187.4 223.1
Growth rate of sales (%) 6.4% 12.6% 19.0%
REBITDA 40.3 35.5 39.5
REBITDA margin (as % of sales) 24.2% 18.9% 17.7%
EBITDA 40.3 35.5 39.5
EBITDA margin (as % of sales) 24.2% 18.9% 17.7%
REBIT 37.2 32.1 35.8
REBIT margin (as % of sales) 22.3% 17.2% 16.1%
EBIT 37.2 32.1 35.8
EBIT margin (as % of sales) 22.3% 17.2% 16.1%
Investments in intangible assets (exclusive of goodwill) and property, plant and equipment 7.6 6.7 9.0
Investments as % of sales 4.5% 3.6% 4.1%

(1) before eliminations of intra group transactions

Strategy

  • − Primary focus on Europe.
  • − Accelerated growth through organic growth or acquisition.
  • − Supported by innovation and new product introduction.

Objectives up to 2014

  • − Average annual growth in sales of 10%.
  • − EBITDA/sales margin between 15% and 20%.

Bedding

The Bedding business line focuses on the development, production and the commercialisation of fully finished mattresses, slats and bed bases, and beds in particular. This business line does as a consequence have a distinct business-to-consumer character. Here the Group principally wishes to stand out by means of a strong brand policy.

in million EUR
Key Figures 2009 2009
restated
(2)
2010 2011
Sales (1) 312.6 277.2 293.3 292.2
Growth rate of sales (%) -10.6% 5.8% -6.2% -0.4%
REBITDA 23.2 21.1 20.3 16.9
REBITDA margin (as % of sales) 7.4% 7.6% 6.9% 5.8%
EBITDA 41.1 17.9 17.3 16.6
EBITDA margin (as % of sales) 13.1% 6.5% 5.9% 5.7%
REBIT 16.5 21.1 14.6 11.2
REBIT margin (as % of sales) 5.3% 7.6% 5.0% 3.8%
EBIT 33.8 (3) 11.6 11.5 10.9
EBIT margin (as % of sales) 10.8% 4.2% 3.9% 3.7%
Investments in intangible assets (exclusive
of goodwill) and property, plant and equipment
2.5 2.5 4.0 2.0
Investments as % of sales 0.8% 0.9% 1.4% 0.7%

(1) before eliminations of intragroup transactions

(2) The indicated trend is based on a comparable scope of consolidation. The FY2009 figures have been adapted to take into account the sale of the 50% interest in COFEL (France) in July 2009.

(3) this amount includes the net non-recurrent income (EUR +18,6 miljoen) as a consequence of the sale of the 50% interest in COFEL (France) (Bedding) in July 2009.

Strategy

  • − Organic growth or external growth.
  • − Based on strong brands.
  • − Product innovation.

Objectives up to 2014

  • − Average annual growth in sales of about 6%
  • − EBITDA/sales margin of minimum 8%

Bedding sales 2011: Geographical spread (by destination)

Flexible Foams

Flexible Foams business activities focus mainly on the production, transformation and commercialization of predominantly semifinished products in flexible polyurethane foam. Historically, this business line has been the largest within the Group and it consists of three sections today: Comfort, Technical Foams and Composite Foams. The characteristic properties of the foam types, the uniqueness of the production process and/or the typical application options of the foam primarily determine this classification.

in million EUR
Key Figures 2009 2010 2011
Sales (1) 570,6 602,7 596,2
Growth rate of sales (%) -11,6% 5,6% -1,1%
REBITDA 46,9 30,6 23,6
REBITDA margin (as % of sales) 8,2% 5,1% 4,0%
EBITDA 45,1 22,2 22,6
EBITDA margin (as % of sales) 7,9% 3,7% 3,8%
REBIT 31,1 15,7 10,4
REBIT marge (as % of sales) 5,4% 2,6% 1,7%
EBIT 25,8 1,2 7,5
EBIT margin (as % of sales) 4,5% 0,2% 1,3%
Investments in intangible (excluding goodwill) and
tangible fixed assets
4,9 10,3 12,1
Investments as % of sales 0,9% 1,7% 2,0%

(1) before eliminations of intra-Group transactions

Strategy

  • − Rationalisation & modernisation of industrial footprint.
  • − Selective growth initiatives based on new products.
  • − Geographical expansion in the Technical Foams segment.

Objectives up to 2014

  • − Average annual turnover of approximately 5%.
  • − Margin EBITDA/turnover of 7.5%.

Automotive

The Automotive business line includes the following two activities:

  • Interiors which develops, produces and commercialises interior solutions (dashboard skins and door panel trim) on the basis of the unique, certified Colo-Fast® spray technology.
  • Proseat (a 51/49 joint venture between Recticel and Woodbridge) which produces seating pads in cold moulded foam.

In addition, there is still the small Exteriors division which mainly concentrates on the production of the light-stable polyurethane raw material Colo-Fast® (compounds) that is primarily used in the Interiors division today.

in million EUR
Key Figures 2009 2010 2011
Sales (1) 289,4 324,9 324,8
Growth rate in sales (%) -39,0% 12,2% 0,0%
REBITDA 13,7 33,7 25,3
REBITDA margin (as % sales) 4,7% 10,4% 7,8%
EBITDA -6,9 26,9 24,4
EBITDA margin (as % of sales) -2,4% 8,3% 7,5%
REBIT -5,8 13,0 7,0
REBIT margin (as % of sales) -2,0% 4,0% 2,2%
EBIT -32,2 1,6 2,8
EBIT margin (as % of sales) -11,1% 0,5% 0,8%
Investments in intangible assets (exclusive of goodwill) and property,
plant and equipment
7,0 11,2 7,0
Investments as % of sales 2,4% 3,5% 2,2%

(1) before eliminations of intra-Group transactions

Strategy

  • − Stabilization of the two business segments, Interiors and Proseat (Seating).
  • − New innovative product introductions.
  • − Continuous footprint and capacity utilisation optimisation.

Objectives up to 2014

− EBITDA/sales margin of 8.0%.

Research and Development

Research and Development

Knowledge and technology are still the basis of many of our innovations and innovation is central in everything that we do to continuously improve daily comfort. Development and improvement of products or finalizing better performing procedures are the final goals of our own Research and Development Centre (the IDC – International Development Centre). The question or the inspiration could sometimes come directly from the end markets. In other cases we start from the knowledge and insights of researchers that further explore the (still) hidden facets of polyurethane. Knowledge and skill is one thing, converting these properties into practical answers and actual solutions is another. In this context, a new Business Development function has been created that will focus on the identification, the selection and the development of markets and applications for the new products or technologies that are dealt with from within the Corporate Innovation Program.

In order to secure its long-term objectives, the Group disposes since many years now of a centrally organized research and development department. The International Development Centre (IDC), located in Wetteren (Belgium) has proven to be the best guarantee to simultaneously anticipate the many needs and challenges in a cost-efficient and flexible manner. In first place, a great deal of attention goes to the development of new products that may provide an answer to very diverse needs such as the increasing demand for lighter and more durable materials or products that integrate various functions together. Next to this the IDC also focuses on the improvement of existing products or it further optimizes existing production processes; hereby trying to reduce the use of raw materials, to reduce the volumes of waste products, and/or simply to produce more efficiently.

Human Resources & Production Plants

Human Resources

The quality, dedication and enthusiasm of employees are essential and crucial components for an organisation to be successful. Recticel is very much aware of this and is also committed to recruiting and retaining the best and most competent employees. The development of individual talents is also very important for the Group. In this regard, Recticel launched a major Talent & Competence Development Program in 2010.

Recognizing that the workforce is the cornerstone of the Group's performance, and key to the execution of the strategic plan, it was decided to invest in identifying the Group's talent pool, to develop key competences, and to improve on certain weaknesses.

To this extent, the Talent Management Program was initiated in June 2010, based upon individual assessments. As a result 300 managers have received their Personal Development Guide. ln October 2010, the Competence Development Program was launched. The focus was put on two of the Group core competences that the Management Committee had identified as priorities, "build talent and teams" and "focus on results". ln November 2011 the last workshops were completed, and finally 440 Recticel Managers have participated to these workshops.

Frequency index - industrial accidents

number of accidents x 1,000,000 number of hours performed

Frequency =

Severity index - industrial accidents

31 Dec
2011
Germany 1 472 18,0%
Belgium 1 229 15,0%
Poland 825 10,1%
Czech Republic 757 9,2%
United Kingdom 682 8,3%
France 668 8,2%
The Netherlands 389 4,8%
Spain 279 3,4%
Austria 262 3,2%
USA 255 3,1%
Sweden 203 2,5%
Romania 202 2,5%
Switzerland 179 2,2%
People's Republic of China 166 2,0%
Hungary 131 1,6%
Finland 103 1,3%
Turkey 85 1,0%
Estonia 81 1,0%
Norway 70 0,9%
Italy 61 0,7%
Bulgaria 21 0,3%
India 17 0,2%
Lithuania 12 0,1%
Slovakia 11 0,1%
Ukraine 10 0,1%
Serbia 8 0,1%
Russia 6 0,1%
Greece 4 0,0%
Morocco 1 0,0%
TOTAL 8 186 100%
31 Dec
2011
Western-Europe 5 601 68,4%
Eastern-Europe 2 046 25,0%
Rest of the world 540 6,6%
TOTAL 8 186 100%

NUMBER OF STAFF

Full-time and part-time personnel, except for temporary personnel and disabled persons, including the proportional personnel count of joint ventures that are managed at least 50% by Recticel.

The number of staff was reduced by 450 in 2011 as a result of the economic crisis and the implementation of various reorganisation plans. These measures were necessary in order to adjust the industrial footprint to the new economic situation, especially in Western European countries. Most jobs (on pro rata basis for joint ventures) were lost in the Flexible Foams (133 people) and Automotive (268 people) activities and in various supporting services.

Production Plants

The next table lists the principal production units of the Recticel Group (including joint venture companies). Besides these sites, the Group has 50 other conversion units or sales offices in Europe, the United States and Asia. End 2011, the Group had in total 107 production units. Recticel is active in 28 countries.

Country Insulation Bedding Fle
xible
Foams
(1)
Automotive
AUSTRIA Timelkam Kremsmünster
Linz
BELGIUM Turnhout
Wevelgem
Geraardsbergen
Hulshout
Wetteren
CZECH REPUBLIC Mladá Boleslav
Most
ESTONIA Tallinn
FINLAND Kouvola
FRANCE Langeac
Louviers
Trilport
Trilport
GERMANY Hassfurt
Jöhstadt
Wattenscheid
Bexbach
Burkhardtsdorf
Ebersbach
Espelkamp
Rheinbreitbach
Rüsselsheim
Schönebeck
Unterriexingen
Wackersdorf
Mörfelden
HUNGARY Sajóbábony
INDIA Raigad, Maharashtra
ITALY Gorla Minore
NORWAY Åndalsnes
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC
OF CHINA
Ningbo
POLAND Łódz Zgierz Bielsko Biala
ROMANIA Miercurea Sibiului Sibiú
SPAIN Catarroja
Ciudad Rodrigo
La Eliana
Santpedor
SWEDEN Gislaved
SWITZERLAND Büron
Flüh
THE NETHERLANDS Kesteren
UNITED KINGDOM Glossop
Stoke-on-Trent
Alfreton Manchester
U.S.A. Deer Park, NY
Irvine, CA
Auburn Hills, MI
Clarkston, MI
Tuscaloosa, Al
(1) For Flexible Foams, only the major foaming plants are listed (situation per 31 Decenber 2011).

Corporate Governance

1. Applicable rules and reference code

Recticel publishes its Corporate Governance Charter on its web site (www.recticel.com) in accordance with the requirements of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2009. Any interested party can download the Charter there, or request a copy from the company's registered office. The Charter contains a detailed description of the governance structure and the company's governance policy. The Recticel Corporate Governance Charter was updated last year and endorsed by the Board of Directors.

Recticel uses the Belgian Governance Code of 2009 as reference code.

Recticel complies with all recommendations contained in the reference code, except with the following provisions:

  • principle 5.2. /4. of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2009 which provides that at least the majority of the members of the Audit committee must be independent. Recticel's Board of Directors contends however that Mr. Davignon and Mr. Vandepoel have proven a de facto independence stature, though they no longer meet the legal independence requirements, only due to their term as director exceeding twelve years.

This chapter contains information regarding corporate governance in general and, the application of the Code during the last financial year in particular.

In accordance with the Belgian Companies Code, the Board of Directors is authorized to undertake all necessary actions to achieve the company's objective, except those that only the general meeting is authorized to perform by law. The authority granted to the Board of Directors was not further limited in the articles of association.

The terms of reference of the Board of Directors are described in more detail in Recticel's Corporate Governance Charter.

2. Internal control and risk management

Every entity exists to create value for the stakeholders and this forms the basis of risk management for every company. The challenge that faces the Board of Directors and executive management is in determining how much uncertainty they wish to accept in their strive for creating value. The value is maximized if the administration is successful in creating an optimal balance between growth and turnover on the one hand and the connected risks on the other.

Identifying and quantifying the risks and setting up and maintaining an efficient control mechanism is the responsibility of Recticel Group's Board of Directors and executive management.

The framework for internal control and risk management applied by the Recticel Group is based on the COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission) model and is in line with the requirements imposed by the Belgian Corporate Governance Code, taking into account the Recticel Group's size and specific needs.

Since mid 2010 the Board of Directors and the executive management have reviewed the framework for internal control and risk management and an amended Compliance programme is currently being developed and systematically implemented.

The basis is formed by the revised Code of Conduct, applicable on all Recticel directors, corporate officers and employees, and published on Recticel's website (www. recticel.com).

These principles are further explained in the Business Control Guide, which explains them in more detail and provides more concrete guidelines, for instance guidelines on the level of Tax management, Treasury management, Accounting policies, Investments, Purchases, Mergers and Takeovers, and such. The internal financial reporting and control occurs based on the Group Accounting Manual, Group Accounting Methodology and Cost Accounting Methodology.

This Business Control Guide includes the general delegation of deciding powers and responsibilities for specific areas of competence.

The Board of Directors and executive management regularly reviews the most important risks that the Recticel Group is exposed to and submits a list of priorities. A general description of the risks can be found in the financial part of this annual report under chapter VIII.

One of the objectives of the internal control and risk management system is also to ensure a timely, complete and accurate communication. To this end the Business Control Guide and all other guidelines contain the necessary regulations on roles and responsibilities. Also, the necessary attention is given to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the data exchange, if and when necessary.

The Recticel Group is also working on revising its internal reporting system in the event of violation of its internal or external laws and regulations.

The Audit committee, amongst other, has the task of informing and advising the Board of Directors regarding the annual follow up of the systems of internal control and risk management.

The Internal Audit Department works based on an Internal Audit Charter and has the primary function of delivering objectives opinions about the internal control in place in the Recticel Group. The Internal Audit aims at providing the reasonable assurance that the strategic, operational, compliance and reporting objectives of the Recticel Group can be realized in the most efficient way. To this end they seek to ensure the following objectives:

  • the reliability and integrity of the information;
  • compliance with policies, plans, procedures , laws and agreements;
  • safeguarding of assets;
  • economical and efficient use of resources;
  • achieving the goals set by operations and programs.

3. External audit

The external audit of Recticel SA/NV's company and consolidated annual accounts was entrusted to the limited liability cooperative company "DELOITTE Bedrijfsrevisoren", represented by Mr. Kurt Dehoorne at the Annual General meeting of 2010.

The Auditor conducts its audits in accordance with the standards of the Belgian Institute of Company Auditors and delivers a report which confirms if the company's annual accounts and the consolidated financial statements of the company reflect a true and fair view of the assets, financial condition and results of the company. The Audit committee investigates and discusses these bi-annual reports in the presence of the Auditor, and afterwards also with the Board of Directors.

The Auditor's remuneration on the audit of Recticel NV's company and consolidated account and the consolidated financial statements intended in article 134, §1 of the Companies Code, amounts to EUR 261,000 for 2011. Apart from this remuneration the Auditor also invoiced EUR 42,750 for additional audits and EUR 199,900 for tax and legal assignments. The details of these compensations are included in the explanatory notes on VOL 5.15 in the statutory annual account.

The global amount of the Auditor's remunerations for additional services to the Recticel Group amounts to EUR 779,427. This global amount includes a sum of EUR 705,927 for additional tax, legal and corporate finance assignments. Since the Auditor's total audit service fees at Group level amount to EUR 850,323, the limit intended in article 133 of the Belgian Companies Code on consolidated level was not exceeded.

Details on these compensations are included in the explanatory notes in the financials part of the Consolidated Annual report.

The Auditor's mandate was renewed in 2010 and will end after the Annual General meeting of 2013.

It shall finally be noted that "DELOITTE Bedrijfsrevisoren" will be represented as of 1 January 2012 by Messrs. William Blomme and/or Kurt Dehoorne.

4. Composition of the Board of Directors

Recticel's Board of Directors currently consists of twelve members. There are eleven non-executive directors, three of which are independent. Olivier Chapelle BVBA, Chief Executive Officer, is the executive director.

The Chief Executive Officer represents the management and five directors represent the reference shareholders.

With reference to the Law of 28 July 2011 setting the obligation to have, by 1 January 2017, at least 1/3 of the members of the Board of the opposite gender, the Board is committed to comply with this obligation in due time.

The Board has taken this future obligation already into account when deciding on its proposal to nominate a new female director in replacement of Louis Verbeke BVBA and will further proposes to nominate an additional female director.

The following table provides an overview of the members of Recticel's Board of Directors during the financial year 2011 to date.

Amendments since the previous annual report – statutory appointments – presentation of new directors

As proposed by the Board of Directors and based upon the recommendation made by the Remuneration and Nomination committee, it has been decided during the annual general meeting dated 10 May 2011 to renew the director's mandate of Mr. Vincent DOUMIER for a period of four years, which will end after the Annual General Meeting of 2015 but not to renew the director's mandate of POL BAMELIS NV, represented by Mr. Pol BAMELIS, and, in replacement, to appoint Mr. Pierre Alain DE SMEDT as director for a period of four years, which will end after the Annual General Meeting of 2015.

Moreover, in the same annual general meeting, the resignation of Mr. Klaus WENDEL as director starting 3 March 2011 and his definite replacement by ANDRE BERGEN Comm. V, represented by Mr. André BERGEN, for the remaining duration of the mandate, which will end after the Annual General Meeting of 2013, have been ratified.

Mr. Pierre Alain DE SMEDT and ANDRE BERGEN Comm. V, represented by Mr. André BERGEN, were also appointed independent directors, in the sense of article 524 §2 and 526bis §2 of the Companies Code. They meet all the criteria indicated in article 526ter of the Companies Code. They also meet the independence criteria of the Code on Corporate Governance 2009.

NAME FUNCTION TYPE YEAR OF
BIRTH
START OF
MANDATE
END OF
MANDATE
Etienne DAVIGNON Chairman Non-executive 1932 1992 2012
Olivier CHAPELLE (1) Managing Director Executive 1964 2009 2012
Luc VANSTEENKISTE (2) Vice Chairman Non-executive 1947 1991 2012
Guy PAQUOT Vice Chairman Non-executive 1941 1985 2012
André BERGEN (3) Director (from 3/3/2011) Independent 1950 2011 2013
Pierre Alain DE SMEDT Director Independent 1944 2011 2015
Vincent DOUMIER Director Non-executive 1955 2007 2015
Wilfried VANDEPOEL Director Independent (till 17/5/2011)
Non-executive (from 18/5/2011)
1945 1999 2012
Tonny VAN DOORSLAER Director Non-executive 1951 2004 2013
Louis H. VERBEKE (4) Director Non-executive 1947 1998 2012
Klaus WENDEL Director Independent 1943 2005 3/3/2011
Luc WILLAME (5) Director Independent 1940 2008 2012
Jacqueline ZOETE Director Non-executive 1942 2010 2012

(1) in his capacity as General Manager of Olivier Chapelle SPRL/BVBA. AC = Audit Committee

(2) in his capacity as Managing Director of Vean NV. MC = Management Committee

(3) in his capacity as General Manager of André Bergen Comm. V. RC = Remunaration & Nomination Committee

(4) in his capacity as General Manager of Louis Verbeke BVBA.

(5) in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Sogelam SA/NV.

Composition of the Board of Directors

Etienne Davignon Chairman

Olivier Chapelle Chief Executive Officer

Guy Paquot Vice-Chairman

Luc Vansteenkiste Vice-Chairman

André Bergen Director

Pierre Alain De Smedt Director

Vincent Doumier Director

Wilfried Vandepoel Director

YEAR OF
START OF
END OF
FUNCTION
TYPE
PRIMARY FUNCTION OUTSIDE OF RECTICEL
BIRTH
MANDATE
MANDATE
MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE
Chairman
Non-executive
1932
1992
2012
Brussels Airlines Chairman
RC (till 3/3/2011)
AC
Managing Director
Executive
1964
2009
2012
MC
Vice Chairman
Non-executive
1947
1991
2012
Sioen Industries NV Chairman
Vice Chairman
Non-executive
1941
1985
2012
Entreprises et Chemins de Fer en Chine SA/NV
Chairman and Managing Director
Director (from 3/3/2011)
Independent
1950
2011
2013
Cofinimmo Chairman
RC
AC
(from 3/3/2011)
Director
Independent
1944
2011
2015
VBO-FEB Chairman
Director
Non-executive
1955
2007
2015
Compagnie du Bois Sauvage NV
Managing Director
AC
Director
Independent (till 17/5/2011)
1945
1999
2012
Lessius Corporate Finance NV
Non-executive (from 18/5/2011)
Managing Director
AC
Director
Non-executive
1951
2004
2013
Spector Photo Group NV Executive Chairman
AC
Director
Non-executive
1947
1998
2012
Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School Chairman
RC
Director
Independent
1943
2005
3/3/2011
AC (till 3/3/2011)
Director
Independent
1940
2008
2012
RC
Director
Non-executive
1942
2010
2012
Sioen Group

Tonny Van Doorslaer Director

Luc Willame Director

Louis Verbeke Director

Jacqueline Zoete Director

It should also be noted that Mr. Wilfried VANDEPOEL has been considered independent director up to 18 May 2011 after which he became a non-executive director, as he had reached the maximum period of twelve years at that moment.

After the annual general meeting to be held on 29 May 2012, the following mandates will come to an end, being:

  • Mr. Etienne DAVIGNON, as non-executive director and Chairman of the Board of Directors;
  • OLIVIER CHAPELLE SPRL, represented by Mr. Olivier CHAPELLE, as executive director and Managing Director;
  • VEAN NV, represented by Mr. Luc VANSTEENKISTE, as non-executive director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors;
  • Mr. Guy PAQUOT, as non-executive director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors;
  • Wilfried VANDEPOEL, as non-executive director;
  • LOUIS VERBEKE BVBA, represented by Mr. Louis H. VERBEKE, as non-executive director;
  • SOGELAM NV, represented by Mr. Luc WILLAME, as nonexecutive director;
  • Mrs. Jacqueline ZOETE, as non-executive director.

Taking the above into consideration and based upon the recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, the Board of Directors will propose the following at the annual general meeting of 29 May 2012:

  • Renewal of the term of office of Mr. Etienne DAVIGNON as non-executive director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, for a further period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Renewal of the term of office of OLIVIER CHAPELLE SPRL, represented by Mr. Olivier CHAPELLE, as executive director and Managing Director, for a further period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Renewal of the term of office of VEAN NV, represented by Mr. Luc VANSTEENKISTE, as non-executive director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, for a further period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Renewal of the term of office of Mr. Guy PAQUOT, as non-executive director and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, for a further period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Renewal of the term of office of Mrs. Jacqueline ZOETE, as non-executive director, for a further period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.

  • Replacement of Mr. Wilfried VANDEPOEL, whose term of office as a director expires at the end of the present General Meeting, and election as a non-executive director of REVAM BVBA, represented by Mr. Wilfried VANDEPOEL, for a period of one year expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2013.

  • Replacement of SOGELAM NV, represented by Mr. Luc WILLAME, whose term of office as independent director expires at the end of the present General Meeting, and election as non-executive director of Mr. Patrick VAN CRAEN for a period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Replacement of LOUIS VERBEKE BVBA, represented by Mr. Louis H. VERBEKE, whose term of office as nonexecutive director expires at the end of the present General Meeting, and election as director of Mrs. Marion DEBRUYNE for a period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.
  • Election as director of Mrs. Ingrid MERCKX for a period of four years expiring at the end of the General Meeting in 2016.

The Board of Directors suggests appointing Mrs. Marion DEBRUYNE as independent director, in the sense of article 524 §2 and 526bis §2 of the Companies Code, until the maturity of her mandate. She meets all the criteria indicated in article 526 ter of the Companies Code. She also meets the independence criteria of the Code on Corporate Governance 2009.

The Board of Directors suggests appointing Mrs. Ingrid MERCKX as independent director, in the sense of article 524 §2 and 526bis §2 of the Companies Code, until the maturity of her mandate. She meets all the criteria indicated in article 526 ter of the Companies Code. She also meets the independence criteria of the Code on Corporate Governance 2009.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Marion DEBRUYNE (1972) is bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering and a doctor of philosophy in Applied Economics (University of Ghent). She is also Master in Marketing Management (Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School. Mrs. Debruyne is partner and associate professor at the Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School. She is Director Master Programs and member of the Executive Committee. Her interests lie at the intersection of marketing strategy, innovation and competition. She is also independent member of the board of directors of Kinepolis.

Mrs. Ingrid MERCKX (1966) obtained a Master in Civil Engineering at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. From 1990 to 2002, she exercised several functions at Générale de Banque and within the Telindus Group. In September 2002, she became Managing Director Europe and CFO EMEA for Agfa Europe. From 2006 to 2010, she was Regional President Region Europe West for Agfa Graphics, where she has now been in charge since 2011 of the " Inkjet " business as Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Patrick VAN CRAEN (1953) is Civil Engineer Architect, graduated from Université Catholique de Louvain. He exercices management functions in the CFE Group since 1990. Since 2006, he is also a member of the Management Committee of CFE and he has several mandates as managing director within CFE and as director in other companies active in the real estate and construction area.

The Board of Directors will also propose at the annual general meeting to approve the election of Mr. William Blomme as co-representative of the Company's statutory auditor, "DELOITTE Auditors", which will hence be represented by Messrs. Kurt Dehoorne and/or William Blomme with effect as of the financial year starting on 1 January 2012, and for the remainder of the auditor mandate.

Operation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors gathered a total of six times in 2011. One meeting handled mainly the 2011 budget and two meetings handled the establishment of the annual accounts as per 31 December 2010 and the mid-year accounts as per 30 June 2011. One meeting exclusively handled the delayed 2010 stock option plan issue, and another the refinancing of the Group.

Each meeting also addressed the state of affairs per business line and the most important current acquisition and/or divestment files. Other subjects (human resources, external communication, litigations and legal issues, delegations of authority and such) are discussed as and when necessary.

The written decision procedure was not applied in 2011.

Mr. Dirk VERBRUGGEN, Company Secretary, acts as Secretary of the Board of Directors.

The individual attendance rate of the directors at the meetings in 2011 was:

NAME attendance
2011
Etienne DAVIGNON 6/6
Guy PAQUOT 5/6
Luc VANSTEENKISTE 5/6
Olivier CHAPELLE 6/6
Pol BAMELIS 2/2
André BERGEN 3/4
Pierre Alain DE SMEDT 2/4
Vincent DOUMIER 5/6
Wilfried VANDEPOEL 5/6
Tonny VAN DOORSLAER 5/6
Louis VERBEKE 6/6
Klaus WENDEL 1/2
Luc WILLAME 5/6
Jacqueline ZOETE 5/6

It shall furthermore be noted that a self-assessment of the Board of Directors' operation will be launched during the first half of 2012. Such self-assessment will start through a questionnaire to be remitted to and completed by each individual director. The results of the questionnaire will then be discussed and further analysed during a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors.

5. Committees set up by the Board of Directors

a) The Audit committee

In accordance with company law, the audit committee governs the financial reporting process, the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems of the company, the internal audit, the statutory control of the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts, and the Auditor's independence. The Audit committee's terms of reference are included in the Corporate Governance Charter.

The Audit committee consists of five members. All members are non-executive directors and one member, the Chairman, is an independent director in the sense of the Belgian Companies Code.

Mr. Philippe Jous, Corporate General Counsel & General Secretary, acts as Secretary of the Audit committee.

The composition of the Audit committee complies with the stipulations of Recticel NV's articles of association and the relevant provisions of the Belgian Companies Code, but does not comply with principle 5.2. /4. of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2009 which provides that at least the majority of the members of the Audit committee must be independent. Recticel's Board of Directors contends however that Mr. Davignon and Mr. Vandepoel have proven a de facto independence stature, though they no longer meet the legal independence requirements, only due to their term as director exceeding twelve years.

In accordance with article 526bis of the Companies Code, Recticel NV declares that the Chairman of the Audit committee, Mr. André BERGEN, meets the independence requirements and that he possesses the requisite expertise in accounting and auditing.

The following table contains the members of the Audit committee during the financial year 2011 to date.

NAME FUNCTION ATTENDANCE
RATE IN 2011
Klaus WENDEL (1) Chairman 1/1
André BERGEN (2) Chairman 2/3
Etienne DAVIGNON Member 4/4
Vincent DOUMIER Member 4/4
Wilfried VANDEPOEL Member 3/4
Tonny VAN DOORSLAER Member 4/4

(1) Resignation on 3 March 2011.

(2) Chairman since 3 March 2011.

The Audit committee convened four times in 2011. Two meetings were devoted primarily to the audit of the annual accounts per 31 December 2010 and the interim accounts per 30 June 2011. All meetings also focus on the internal audit program, risk management, compliance, taxation and IFRS related accounting questions.

The Audit Committee conducts each year an informal selfassessment of its operation during one of its meetings and reserves the necessary time to discuss and analyse the same.

b) The Remuneration and Nomination Committee

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee makes proposals to the Board of Directors regarding the remuneration policy and the individual remuneration of directors and members of the Management committee and will in future prepare and explain the remuneration report at the Annual General meeting. They also make the necessary proposals regarding the evaluation and re-appointment of directors as well as the appointment and induction of new directors. The terms of reference of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are included in Recticel's Corporate Governance Charter.

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee consists of three members, all non-executive directors, of which two are independent directors.

Mr. Dirk Verbruggen, Company Secretary, fulfils the role of secretary of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

The Chief Executive Officer participates to the meetings of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee in an advisory capacity each time the remuneration of another executive is being discussed.

The composition of the Remuneration and Nomination committee meets the new requirements with respect to the Companies Code, as well as the requirements of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code.

The committee is composed as follows:

NAME FUNCTION ATTENDANCE
RATE IN 2011
Etienne DAVIGNON (1) Chairman 2/2
Luc WILLAME (2) Chairman 5/5
André BERGEN (3) Member 2/3
Louis VERBEKE Member 5/5

(1) Resignation on 3 March 2011.

(2) Chairman since 3 March 2011.

(3) Member since 3 March 2011.

In accordance with article 526quater of the Companies Code, Recticel declares that the Remuneration and Nomination committee possesses the necessary expertise in the area of remuneration policy.

The Remuneration and Nomination committee convened five times in 2011.

The first two meetings dealt with the fixed and variable remuneration of the executive management as well as with the election and re-election of directors; the May meeting dealt with the Stock Option Plan – 2010 Edition, as well as with the hiring of Mr. François PETIT as Chief Procurement Officer; during the last two meetings, the following items were discussed: the hiring of Mr. Rik DE VOS as new Group General Manager Flexible Foams, the Stock Option Plan – 2011 Edition, issued in December 2011, benchmarking, succession planning and evaluation of the Board of Directors' operation.

The set-up and operation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee was thoroughly reviewed at the end of 2010 following the introduction of the Law dated 6 April 2010 amending the Belgian Companies Code and introducing an article 526quater, whereby the setting-up of a Remuneration and Nomination committee has become mandatory. Consequently, this committee will proceed as of 2012 with a self-assessment of its operation. Such selfassessment will start through a questionnaire to be remitted to and completed by each member. The results of the questionnaire will then be discussed and further analysed during a subsequent meeting of the Remuneration and Nomination committee.

6. The executive management

The Board of Directors has entrusted the day-to-day management of the company to its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, "OLIVIER CHAPELLE" SPRL/ BVBA, located in 1180 Brussels, Avenue de la Sapinière 28, represented by its General Manager and permanent representative, Mr. Olivier CHAPELLE.

The Chief Executive Officer is assisted by the Management committee, of which the members (for the period 2011 to present) are indicated in the following list:

NAME FUNCTION
Olivier CHAPELLE (1) Chief Executive Officer
Betty BOGAERT Group ICT & Business Support Manager
Marc CLOCKAERTS (2) Group General Manager Automotive
Jean-Pierre DE KESEL Deputy General Manager Bedding
Jan DE MOOR (3) Group Human Resources & Corporate
Communication Manager
Caroline DESCHAUMES (4) Group General Manager Bedding
Edouard DUPONT (5) Group General Manager Flexible Foams
Rik DE VOS (6) Group General Manager Flexible Foams
Philippe JOUS (7) General Secretary & Corporate General
Counsel
Jean-Pierre MELLEN (8) Chief Financial Officer
François PETIT (9) Chief Procurement Officer
Bart WALLAEYS Group Manager Research and
Development
Paul WERBROUCK Group General Manager Insulation

(1) in his capacity as General Manager and permanent representative of Olivier

Chapelle BVBA. (2) in his capacity as General Manager and permanent representative of Emsee BVBA. (3) in his capacity as General Manager and permanent representative of Cape-3 BVBA. (4) until 24 April 2012 (5) until 01 December 2011

(6) since 01 September 2011

(7) in his capacity as General Manager and permanent representative of Caamous

SCA/Comm.VA. (8) since 1 January 2011 in his capacity as General Manager and permanent represen- tative of De Ster BVBA. (9) since 02 May 2011

The Management committee has an advisory role on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and is not an executive committee in the sense of article 524bis of the Belgian Companies Code.

7. Remuneration report

I. Introduction

The Recticel Group's Remuneration policy can be found in the Corporate Governance Charter on the Recticel web site (www.recticel.com).

The Group Remuneration Policy was not amended during the year 2011.

The Board of Directors of the Group have determined the remuneration of the Management Committee (hereafter the "Senior Management" or the "Senior Managers") on recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee .

In order to assist the Committee in its analysis of the competitive environment in Belgium and Europe, as well as other factors that are necessary for the evaluation of remuneration matters by the committee, the committee can call on the services of internationally acknowledged remuneration consultants.

As such, a compensation benchmarking exercise of the Management Committee members was organised in the second half of 2011 together with Towers Watson.

In line with the recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, the Board has reaffirmed the general principles of the Group Remuneration Policy for the year 2012 and for the two years thereafter.

Remuneration of the directors

The company's directors are rewarded for their services with a fixed remuneration for the year, as well as a fixed attendance fee per attended meeting. The remuneration is determined by the General Meeting for the current year, upon a proposal from the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board receives a remuneration of 200% of the remuneration specified for other members of the Board.

The General Meeting also decides on the additional remuneration for Board Committee members. The Chairman of the Committees receives a remuneration of 150% of the remuneration specified for other members of the Committee. The level as well as the structure of the remuneration of the directors is reviewed on an annual basis. For 2012, no changes are proposed.

Non-executive directors of the Company receive no remuneration, bonus, or equity-linked, or other incentives from the Company and/or its affiliates except as remuneration for their services as Director to the Company and/or its affiliates, and with the exception of VEAN NV, represented by Mr. Luc Vansteenkiste, as explained hereafter. The company will not grant credit, nor maintain credit, nor award credit in the form of a personal loan, nor extend an existing credit, to any member of the Board of Directors.

Remuneration of the Senior Management

The remuneration of the Senior Management is calculated to:

  • ensure that the company can attract, motivate and retain stable talent of a high calibre with great potential, with the view of measuring up to regional and international concurrent;
  • motivate the achievement of board approved objectives, with the view at increasing short, medium and long term shareholder value, and,
  • stimulating, acknowledging and rewarding personal and team performances.

The level as well as the structure of the remuneration of the Senior Management is reviewed annually by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which consequently presents a proposal to the Board of Directors for approval.

The remuneration package for Senior Management combines three integrated elements, which together form the "total direct remuneration". These integrated elements are the basic compensation, the annual incentive bonus and the long-term incentives. The company will not grant credit, nor maintain credit, nor award credit in the form of a personal loan, nor extend an existing credit, to any member of the Senior Management.

When determining the remuneration levels for Senior Management, along with the internal factors, the remuneration of executives in multinational companies of similar size and/or similar activities with headquarters in Belgium and neighbouring countries are taken into account. It is the intention to establish remuneration levels that, in general, lie on or around the average market level, for as far as the results of the company allow this.

Evaluation criteria for the bonus remuneration of the executive management

The CEO receives a bonus remuneration based on his performance over the calendar year. The evaluation criteria are based on financial targets linked to certain key performance indicators ("KPI's") in relation to the annual budget and debt level at Group level, as well as nonfinancial targets linked to the development of the company for the future (for example structure, commercial practices, new products and/or markets, M&A, human resources, compliance, etc.). The Remuneration Committee makes the evaluation in a private session and discusses the evaluation with the CEO before presenting a proposal to the Board for approval.

The Group General Managers (and Deputy General Manager) at the head of the four different business lines likewise receive a bonus remuneration based on their performance during the calendar year. The evaluation criteria are based on financial targets linked to certain KPI's in relation to the annual budget, both at Group level, as at the level of their respective business lines. Financial targets account for 60% of the bonus. Non-financial targets account for 40% linked to the development of the business line for the future (for example structure, commercial practices, new products and/or markets, M&A, human resources, compliance, etc.).

For the support functions within the Management Committee (CFO, GC, HR, Procurement, ICT and R&D), financial targets account for 45% and relate to the Group results, the department budget and/or specific projects. Non-financial targets account for 55% linked to the development of the department for the future (for example structure, new products, M&A, human resources, compliance, etc.).

The CEO performs the evaluation of the other members of the Management Committee, and discusses the results of the evaluation with the Remuneration Committee.

With regard to article 520ter of the Companies Code, relating to the need to defer variable remuneration payments over a three year period in case certain thresholds are passed, the Board of Directors had proposed to the 2011 General Shareholder meeting to approve a deviation form the said rule in line with the possibility offered by the legislation, in order to allow the Board to review the Recticel situation in this regard. The 2011 General Shareholder meeting approved this proposal for the year 2011.

A review took place at the end of 2011 and the conclusion was that the principle of a deferral over a three year period of the variable remuneration payment would only be applicable to the Managing Director and CEO, Olivier Chapelle SPRL/ BVBA, as all other members of the Management Committee remained below the 25% threshold.

The Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors reviewed the various possibilities that the legislation offers for its application and finally decided that it would be in the best interest of the company to keep the variable remuneration payment structure at the same level for all Management Committee members. As the target variable remuneration bonus pay-out for the Managing Director and CEO surpasses the 25% maximum threshold, the Board will hence propose to the General Shareholder meeting to approve the said deviation from the principle of a deferral over three years, and hence to allow the full payment of the variable remuneration within one year.

It shall be finally noted that there exists no right of recovery in case the variable remuneration would have been granted based on incorrect financial data.

II. Publication of the remunerations of the directors and the members of the executive management

II.1. Gross remunerations of the directors

NAME DIRECTOR'S
FEES 2011
ATTENDANCE
FEES
AUDIT
COMMITTEE 2011
REMUNERATION
AND
APPOINTMENT
COMMITTEE 2011
DIRECTORS'
FEES PAID
IN 2011
REGARDING
2010
REMUNERATION
FOR SPECIAL
ASSIGNMENTS
DAVIGNON Etienne 18 000,00 16 500,00 10 000,00 - 21 346,52 -
OLIVIER CHAPELLE BVBA 9 000,00 8 250,00 - - - -
PAQUOT Guy 9 000,00 6 600,00 - - 10 673,26 -
VEAN NV - - - - - -
BERGEN André Comm. Venn. 7 450,00 4 950,00 11 250,00 2 500,00 - -
DE SMEDT Pierre Alain 5 760,99 3 300,00 - - - -
DOUMIER Vincent 9 000,00 6 600,00 10 000,00 - 10 673,26 -
LOUIS VERBEKE BVBA 9 000,00 8 250,00 - 2 500,00 10 673,26 -
MERCATOR Verzekeringen NV - - - - 3 830,68 -
POL BAMELIS NV 3 239,01 3 300,00 - - 10 673,26 -
SOGELAM NV 9 000,00 8 250,00 - 3 750,00 10 673,26 -
VANDEPOEL Wilfried 9 000,00 6 600,00 7 500,00 - 10 673,26 -
VAN DOORSLAER Tonny 9 000,00 6 600,00 10 000,00 - 10 673,26 -
WENDEL Klaus 1 550,00 1 650,00 3 750,00 - 10 673,26 -
ZOETE Jacqueline 9 000,00 6 600,00 - - 6 842,58 -

Since 2006 directors have received a remuneration of EUR 1,650 per attended meeting, and the Chairman has received double this amount. The members of the Audit Committee received EUR 2,500 per attended meeting and the Chairman EUR 3,750. The members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are entitled to EUR 2,500 per year; the Chairman EUR 3,750.

The remuneration of the executive director (Olivier Chapelle SPRL/BVBA) as included in the above overview is taken into account for his total compensation package on the basis of his management services agreement.

Commencing 1 April 2010 the mandate of the director of Vean NV is no longer remunerated. Vean NV however still receives a remuneration based on his management services agreement. From April 2010 through May 2012 Vean NV receives a fixed compensation of EUR 66,666.67 per month or EUR 800,000 per year.

The General Shareholder meeting of 2011 abolished the system of "tantièmes" (director fees linked to the profit/ dividend of the Company) as it was not in line with the guidelines contained in the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2009.

The 'tantièmes' were replaced by a fixed annual fee. For 2011 a fixed annual consideration was approved of EUR 9,000 for a director, and EUR 18,000 for the Chairman of the Board. For 2012, the proposal to be presented to the General Shareholder meeting will remain at the same level.

TOTAL COST
FOR THE COMPANY
OLIVIER CHAPELLE SPRL
REPRESENTED BY
OLIVIER CHAPELLE
OTHER MEMBERS
OF THE
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
TOTAL
2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010
Number of persons 1 1 12 10 13 11
Basic salary 442 000 442 000 2 842 930 2 172 581 3 284 930 2 614 581
Variable remuneration 280 000 200 000 614 857 790 935 894 857 990 935
Subtotal 722 000 642 000 3 457 787 2 963 516 4 179 787 3 605 516
Pensions 0 0 101 125 123 183 101 125 123 183
Other benefits 95 654 94 284 214 924 263 548 310 578 357 832
Total 817 654 736 284 3 773 836 3 350 247 4 591 490 4 086 531

II.2. Remuneration of the CEO and the other members of the Management Committee

Remarks:

  • The table above is established in line with the new guidance provided by the Belgian Corporate Governance Committee, meaning that for members with employee status, the gross salary is taken, without the employer social contributions, and for members utilising a management company, total remuneration fees invoiced for the year. The 2010 figures have hence been restated compared to the figures published in the 2010 Annual Report.

  • The variable remuneration of Olivier Chapelle SPRL/BVBA for the year 2010 was fixed at the moment of the signing of the management services agreement at the end of 2009.

  • Members of the Management Committee with an employee status also have a company vehicle (including fuel) and company mobile phone at their disposal. The cost thereof have been included in the above amount of "other benefits". Members of the Management Committee operating through a management company receive no such benefits, though certain costs may be invoiced separately, in which case they are also taken into account in the above overview.

  • Note that EMPA Comm V left the Management Committee on 1 December 2012, and that two new members joined the committee during the year, respectively Mr. François Petit as from May 2011 and Mr. Rik De Vos as from September 2011. In the above overview, the costs of these three persons are taken up as spent for the relevant months.

With regard to group insurance and pension arrangements, a distinction needs to be made between members being employees, and members operating through a management company. The latter receive no group insurance or pension arrangements.

Members of the Management Committee with an employee status employed before 2001 are included in the Recticel Group Defined Benefit Plan. Members hired externally since 2001 are included in the Recticel Group Defined Contribution Plan. The service costs relating thereto have been included in the above overview.

II.3. Shares, stock options and other rights to acquire shares

In line with the Corporate Governance Code, the Board of Directors requested the Annual General meeting of May 2010 for approval and obtained said approval for the issue of a stock option plan of maximum up to 600,000 warrants for the senior managers of the Group.

Following the fact that, since August 2010, the company was in a closed period for a long period, as a result of the European cartel investigation into Recticel, and during which the Company could not grant options, it was decided to postpone the 2010 series to further notice. After the end of the closed period on March 7th, 2011, the plan was finally relaunched and implemented at the end of May 2011.

The delayed 2010 plan involved a total of 354,500 warrants for a total of 50 managers. The exercise price was set at the average share price of the previous 30 days, i.e. EUR 7.69 and the exercise period will run from 1 January 2015 up to 29 May 2017. The total cost taken into account by the Company for this 2010 series amounts to EUR 1.227 per warrant or EUR 434,972 in total, spread over four years (year of issuance and three year vesting period).

The following members of the Management Committee received the following warrants for the 2010 series:

Name Total
number
of
warrants
Total
theoretical
value
of
warrants
at
(*)
In EUR
Olivier Chapelle 50 000 61 350
Betty Bogaert 16 500 20 245
Marc Clockaerts 16 500 20 245
Jean-Pierre De Kesel 16 500 20 245
Jan De Moor 16 500 20 245
Caroline Deschaumes 16 500 20 245
Philippe Jous 16 500 20 245
Jean-Pierre Mellen 16 500 20 245
Bart Wallaeys 16 500 20 245
Paul Werbrouck 16 500 20 245

(*) The theoretical value is calculated by using a Black & Scholes formula, and taken into account certain hypotheses regarding dividend yield, interest rate and volatility.

For the Stock Option Plan 2011, the Board of Directors requested the Annual General meeting of May 2011 for approval and obtained said approval for the issue of a stock option plan of maximum up to 600,000 warrants for the senior managers of the Group.

The 2011 plan involved a total of 438,000 warrants for a total of 60 managers. The exercise price was set at the average share price of the previous 30 days, i.e. EUR 4.03 and the exercise period will run from 1 January 2015 up to 21 December 2017. The total cost taken into account by the Company for this 2011 series amounts to EUR 0.402 per warrant or EUR 176,076 in total, spread over four years (year of issuance and three year vesting period).

The following members of the Management Committee received the following warrants for the 2011 series:

Name Total
number
of
warrants
Total
theoretical
value
of
warrants
at
(*)
In EUR
Olivier Chapelle 50 000 20 100
Betty Bogaert 16 500 6 633
Marc Clockaerts 16 500 6 633
Jean-Pierre De Kesel 16 500 6 633
Jan De Moor 16 500 6 633
Caroline Deschaumes 16 500 6 633
Philippe Jous 16 500 6 633
Jean-Pierre Mellen 16 500 6 633
Bart Wallaeys 16 500 6 633
Paul Werbrouck 16 500 6 633

(*) The theoretical value is calculated by using a Black & Scholes formula, and taken into account certain hypotheses regarding dividend yield, interest rate and volatility.

During the year 2011, no stock options or warrants, shares or other rights to acquire shares were allocated to the members of the Board of Directors.

During 2011, no warrants were exercised by any member of the Management Committee.

II.4. Primary contractual assessment of recruitment and departure regulation for the members of the Management committee

Most agreements with the members of the Management Committee contain no specific end of contract regulation. Consequently common law is decisive. Some members do have such regulation in proportion to their seniority.

In that respect, you willf below an overview of the dismissal period and severance pay for each member of the Management Committee.

Name Dismissal
/
severance
pay
Comments
Olivier Chapelle 12 months
Betty Bogaert 12 months Legal minimum -
Formule Claeys shall apply
Marc Clockaerts 18 months 12 months as from 2015
Jean-Pierre De Kesel 18 months Legal minimum -
Formule Claeys shall apply
Jan De Moor 18 months
Rik De Vos 6 months 12 months as from
September 2012
Philippe Jous 3 months
Caroline Deschaumes 18 months Legal minimum -
Formule Claeys shall apply
Jean-Pierre Mellen 15 months
François Petit 6 months 12 months as from
May 2012
Bart Wallaeys 15 months Legal minimum -
Formule Claeys shall apply
Paul Werbrouck 21 months Legal minimum -
Formule Claeys shall apply

For the year 2011, the following new or renewed hirings took place regarding members of the Management Committee.

A services agreement with EMPA Comm V, represented by Mr. Edouard Dupont, Group General Manager Flexible Foams, was signed early 2011. This management services agreement provided for a termination period of three months. The agreement was ended in common agreement on 30 November 2011 without any severance pay.

As from 1 May 2011, Mr. François Petit was hired as Chief Procurement Officer. His employment agreement provides for a termination period of six months during the first year and twelve months thereafter.

As from 1 September 2011, Mr. Rik De Vos was hired as Group General Manager Flexible Foams. His employment agreement provides for a termination period of six months during the first year and twelve months thereafter.

8. Transactions and other contractual ties between the Company and affiliated companies and members of the Board of Directors or members of the Management committee

Chapter VII.1. of the Recticel Corporate Governance Charter describes Recticel NV's policy on related party transactions, that are not governed by the legal conflict of interest scheme.

Commercial transactions, which are mainly the result of a joint product development, occur between the Sioen Group and the Recticel Group.

More specifically, Recticel Group companies booked purchases worth EUR 1,349,896 and sales worth EUR 185,069 with companies of the Sioen Group during the year 2011.

During 2011, no conflicts of interests arose between a director and the Company as referred to in Articles 523 and 524 of the Belgian Companies Code, except in the context of the Stock Option Plan, 2010 and 2011 Editions as issued resp. in May and December 2011, when Mr. Olivier CHAPELLE had a conflict of interest. The above-mentioned articles were applied. Reference is made here to the statutory annual report, which contains an extract from the minutes of the Board of Directors held on 30 May 2011 and 22 December 2011.

No other applications occurred in this regard.

9. Insider trading and market manipulation

The company policy regarding the prevention of insider trading and market manipulation is further explained in chapter VII.2 of Recticel's Corporate Governance Charter.

These measures include the implementation of restrictions on the execution of transactions (« closed periods ») applicable since 2006.

Mr. Dirk VERBRUGGEN was appointed as Compliance Officer, responsible for monitoring the observance of these regulations.

10. Relationships with the reference shareholders and other elements related to possible public takeover bids

Recticel SA/NV was controlled by a group of shareholders that were bound by a shareholder agreement dated 22 August 2007. This shareholder agreement runned for a period of three years. Since August 2010, the shareholder group tacitly continued the said arrangements, which can however be terminated at any moment with prior notice.

The shareholders hence continue to collectively support Recticel's strategy and take on a collective position in the Annual General meeting.

These shareholders linked by the shareholders agreement also act in consultation with Rec-Man & Co S.C.A., a company of Recticel managers, holding 295,836 Recticel shares (1.02%), and other Recticel managers via a company and/or in personal name. In accordance with article 74 of the Law on Public Takeover, this group of shareholders have informed Recticel and the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) of the legally stipulated notification, and send in annual updates of their participation.

The shareholders acting in concert on 31 December 2011 were:

Name Number
of
shares
%
Compagnie du
Bois Sauvage S.A.
8 447 356 29,20%
Entreprise et
Chemin de Fer en Chine S.A.
308 024 1,06%
Vean N.V.
(Luc Vansteenkiste)
567 188 1,96%
LMCL Comm. VA
(Luc Vansteenkiste)
50 000 0,17%
Sihold N.V. 745 105 2,58%
Debco N.V. 9 766 0,03%
AB Holding SPF SA 2 369 0,01%
Cape-3 BVBA (Jan De Moor) 4 200 0,01%
Sallas (Coopman-De Baedts) 103 377 0,36%
Physical persons owning
< 1%
103 647 0,36%
Rec-Man & Co S.C.A. 295 836 1,02%
TOTAL 10 636 868 36,77%

Here follows the overview of the shareholders who, under the statutes of the law, have addressed a notification to the company and to the FSMA:

Name Number
of
shares
%
Shareholders group around
Compagnie du Bois
Sauvage NV, acting in
concert (detail above)
10 636 868 36,77%
Capfi Delen Asset
Management NV
874 384 3,02%
Public 17 420 958 60,21%
TOTAL 28 932 210 100,00%

The capital structure, with the number of shares, strips, convertible bonds and warrants of the company can be found in the chapter "Information on the Share" on the Recticel website (www.recticel.com).

There are no legal or statutory limitations on transfer of securities. There are no securities with special control rights. There is no mechanism for the control of any employee share scheme. There are no legal or statutory restrictions on the exercise of voting rights, for as far as the shareholder is legally represented at the annual general meeting, and his/ her voting rights have not been suspended for any reason.

In accordance with the powers granted at the extraordinary general meeting on 17 June 2011, and incorporated in article 6 of the Statute, the Board of Directors have certain powers to issue new shares, convertible bonds, bonds or subscription rights, with or without preferential rights, and offering these to shareholders or other persons, with restriction of the preferential right, under the Companies Code. In this way capital can be increased up to an amount equal to the current subscribed capital, EUR 72,328,640, in all possible ways. The authorization is valid for a period of three years, and if appropriate, proposals for renewal are made. It may even be exercised after receipt of the notice given by FSMA that a notice of public takeover was submitted.

Under article 15 of the articles of association, the Company is entitled to acquire or dispose of shares in the Company, without a decision by the general meeting, if this acquisition is necessary in order to avoid an imminent and serious harm to the company under article 620 or 622 of the Belgian Companies Code.

There are no agreements between the Company and its directors or employees that would provide for compensations after a public takeover bid, the directors resigning or departing without any valid reason, or the employment of the employees being terminated.

The following agreements, whereby the company is party, contain the clauses that take effect, undergo changes or end, in the event of a change of control over Recticel SA/NV:

  • The Facility Agreement signed on 9 December 2011 between Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services Sa/NV on the one hand, and Fortis Bank SA/NV, ING Belgium SA/NV, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft Filiale Luxemburg and KBC Bank NV, on the other hand, for an amount of EUR 175,000,000, where, in the event of a change of control, the credit becomes redeemable;
  • The conditions of the 1,150 convertible bonds of EUR 50,000, for a total amount of EUR 57,500,000, issued on 11 July 2007, and providing a put option for the bond holders and an amendment of the conversion prices, in the event of a change of control over Recticel SA/NV.

These clauses were, or will be specifically approved by Recticel's General Shareholder Meeting.

Lexicon

General concepts

Blowing agent Carbon dioxide is produced from the reaction of isocyanate and
water. This gas functions as blowing agent in the production of
flexible foam.
Catalyst Accelerates the reaction process and ensures the balance in the
polymerization and the blowing. Catalysts determine the foaming
speed of the process.
Dodecahedron A regular dodecahedron or a spatial figure with 12 pentagonal
faces, 20 end points and 30 edges. This is one of the five regular
polyhedra in three dimensions.
Colo-Fast® Aliphatic polyurethane that is distinguished by its colour fastness
(light-stable).
Colo-Sense® Variation of Colo-Fast®.
Frequency rate
of industrial accidents
Time cost of industrial accidents per million working hours.
IDC Is short for International Development Centre, the department for
international research and development of the Recticel Group.
Isocyanate Highly reactive substance that easily combines with other
substances (such as alcohols). The structure of these alcohols
determines the hardness of the PU-foam.
Lambda Expression of the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation.
MDI Is short for Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.
PIR Abbreviation for polyisocyanurate.
Polyisocyanurate Is an improved version of polyurethane. PIR-foam has an improved
dimensional stability, excellent mechanical properties such as
compressive strain and is a much stronger fire retardant. PIR is
mainly used as thermal insulation.
Polyol Synonym for PU polyalcohol, which is acquired from propylene
oxide.
Polyurethane Represents an important group of products within the large family
of polymers or plastics. Polyurethane is a generic term for a wide
range of foam types.
PU or PUR Polyurethane.
REACH Is a system for Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of
Chemical substances that are produced or imported in the
European Union. This regulation came into force on 01 June 2007.
Stabilizers Provides the homogeneous structure and the stabilization of the
cellular network up to the complete rise of the foam in the reaction
process.
Severity index of accidents Number of calendar days lost per thousand working hours.
TDI Toluene diphenyl diisocyanate.

Financial concepts

Appropriated capital Net intangible fixed assets + goodwill +
tangible fixed assets + working capital.
Average = [Appropriated capital at the end of last year +
Appropriated capital at the end of the last period] / 2.
Appropriated capital,
Average
Half yearly: average appropriated capital at
the beginning and at the end of the period.
Average = [Appropriated capital at the end of last year
+ Appropriated capital at the end of the last period] / 2.
For the full year: average of the half yearly averages.
Associated companies Entities in which Recticel has a significant influence and that are
processed using the equity-method.
CGU Is short for Cash Generating Unit or cash flow generating unit.
Earnings per share, base Net result for the period (Group share) / Average outstanding
shares over the period.
Earnings per share, diluted Net result for the period (Group share) / [Average number of
outstanding shares over the period – own shares + (number of
possible new shares that have to be issued within the framework of
the existing outstanding stock option plans x dilution effect of the
stock option plans)].
EBIT Operating results + profit or loss from equities.
EBITDA EBIT + depreciation and additional impairments/increases on assets.
Equity capital Total equity, including minority interests.
Gearing ratio Net financial debt / Total equity (including shares of external
parties).
Investments Capitalized investments in tangible and intangible assets.
Joint ventures Entities that are controlled jointly and that are consolidated
proportionately.
Market capitalization Closing price x total number of outstanding shares.
Net financial debt Interest bearing financial debts at more than one year + interest
bearing financial debts within maximum one year – cash flows and
cash equivalents.
Non-recurring elements Non-recurring elements include operating revenues, expenses and
provisions that pertain to restructuring programmes, impairments
on assets, gain or loss on divestments and on liquidations of
affiliated companies, as well as other events or transactions that
clearly deviate from the normal activities of the Group.
Recurring EBIT(DA)
or REBIT(DA)
EBIT(DA) for non-recurring elements.
Return on Capital
Employed
EBIT / average appropriated capital.
Return on Equity (ROE) Net result for the period (share of the Group) / Average total equity
over the period (the Group's share).
ROCE Represents Return on Capital Employed.
Subsidiaries Fully consolidated entities under Recticel control.
Working capital Inventories + trade receivables + other receivables + recoverable
taxes - trade payables - payable taxes - other commitments.
VVPR Is short for Reduced Tax / Précompte Réduit.
VVPR-strip Gives the holder the right to collect a dividend with a reduced
withholding tax of 15% (instead of 25%).

Financial Report

4. Financial Report Table of contents

I. Consolidated income statementa 67
I.1. Consolidated income statement 67
I.2. Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 67
I.3. Earnings per share 67
I.4. Consolidated balance sheet 68
I.5. Consolidated cash flow statement 69
I.6. Statement of changes in shareholders' equity 70
II. N otes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2011a 72
II.1. Summary of significant accounting policies 72
II.2. Changes in scope of consolidation 81
II.3. Business and geographical segments 81
II.4. Income statement 85
II.5. Balance sheet 92
II.6. Miscellaneous 122
III. Recticel s.a./n.v. – general information 128
IV. Recticel s.a./n.v. – condensed statutory accounts 129
V. Declaration by responsible officersa 131
VI. Auditors' report on the consolidated financial statements for the year
ending 31 December 2011a 132
VII. Comparable overview of the consolidated financial statements (2003-2011) 134
VIII. Asset & risk managementa 136

a These sections are an integral part of the Report by the Board of Directors, and comprise the information as required by the Belgian Company Code for the annual consolidated financial statements.

I. Consolidated income statement

The consolidated financial statements have been authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 01 March 2011.

I.1. Consolidated income statement

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel NOTES* 2011 2010
Sales II.3. 1 378 122 1 348 430
Distribution costs (65 182) (64 768)
Cost of sales (1 101 628) (1 066 780)
Gross profit 211 312 216 882
General and administrative expenses (85 059) (80 367)
Sales and marketing expenses II.2. (73 836) (74 331)
Research and development expenses (14 820) (15 794)
Impairments (5 260) (10 800)
Other operating revenues(1) 17 430 69 270
Other operating expenses(2) (9 067) (79 345)
Other operating result(1)+(2) II.4.1. 8 363 (10 075)
Income from associates 1 741 935
Income from investments II.4.3. (406) 1 164
EBIT 42 035 27 614
Interest income 376 501
Interest expenses (13 646) (12 271)
Other financial income 18 224 21 823
Other financial expenses (21 638) (27 148)
Financial result II.4.4. (16 684) (17 095)
Result of the period before taxes 25 351 10 519
Income taxes II.4.5. (7 933) 4 108
Result of the period after taxes 17 418 14 627
of which non-controlling interests 0 (188)
of which share of the Group 17 418 14 439

* The accompanying notes are an integral part of this income statement.

I.2. Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Result of the period after taxes 17 418 14 627
Hedging reserves (1 396) (1 329)
Foreign currency translation differences (2 502) 1 760
Foreign currency translation differences recycled in the income statement 551 7 962
Deferred taxes on interest hedging reserves 470 104
Other comprehensive income net of tax (2 877) 8 497
Total comprehensive income of the period including recycled foreign currency translation reserves 14 541 23 124
Total comprehensive income of the period 14 541 23 124
of which share of the Group 14 541 22 936
of which non-controlling interests 0 188

I.3. Earnings per share

in EUR
Group Recticel Notes
*
2011 2010
Basic earnings per share II.4.7. 0.60 0.50
Diluted earnings per share II.4.8. 0.55 0.49

I.4. Consolidated balance sheet

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel Notes
*
2011 2010
Intangible assets II.5.1. 12 580 13 307
Goodwill II.5.2. 34 688 34 365
Property, plant & equipment II.5.3.& II.5.4. 255 347 270 979
Investment property II.5.5. 3 331 896
Interests in associates II.5.7. 12 957 15 451
Other financial investments II.5.8. 3 399 1 151
Available for sale investments II.5.9. 121 86
Non-current receivables II.5.10. 8 305 10 070
Deferred tax II.4.5. 50 290 55 739
Non-current assets 381 018 402 044
Inventories and contracts in progress II.5.11. & II.5.12. 116 002 113 671
Trade receivables II.5.13. 132 910 141 783
Other receivables II.5.13. 39 567 62 285
Income tax receivables II.4.5. 3 847 3 552
Other investments 205 181
Cash and cash equivalents II.5.14. 54 575 53 938
Current assets 347 106 375 410
Total assets 728 124 777 454

* The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel Notes
*
2011 2010
Capital II.5.15. 72 329 72 329
Share premium II.5.16. 107 013 107 013
Share capital 179 342 179 342
Retained earnings 85 191 75 179
Hedging and translation reserves (15 739) (12 853)
Equity - share of the Group 248 794 241 668
Non-controlling interests 0 0
Total equity 248 794 241 668
Pensions and similar obligations II.5.17. 35 289 34 988
Provisions II.5.18. 12 964 24 452
Deferred tax II.4.5. 9 134 8 800
Bonds and notes II.5.19. 44 546 39 780
Financial leases II.5.21. 11 024 13 285
Bank loans II.5.19. 79 534 111 977
Other loans II.5.19. 2 111 2 082
Interest-bearing borrowings II.5.19. 137 215 167 124
Other amounts payable II.5.20. 353 510
Non-current liabilities 194 955 235 874
Pensions and similar obligations II.5.17. 3 126 3 846
Provisions II.5.18. 6 328 14 480
Interest-bearing borrowings II.5.19. 67 680 45 691
Trade payables II.5.23. 119 274 141 887
Income tax payables II.4.5. 3 974 7 542
Other amounts payable II.5.23. 83 993 86 466
Current liabilities 284 375 299 912
Total liabilities 728 124 777 454

* The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.

I.5. Consolidated cash flow statement

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel Notes
*
2011 2010
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES (EBIT) II.1. 42 035 27 614
Amortisation of intangible assets II.5.1. 3 695 4 184
Depreciation of tangible assets II.5.3. 36 760 39 780
Amortisation of deferred long term and upfront payment II.4.2. 1 049 1 157
Impairment losses on intangible assets II.5.1. 41 91
impairment losses on tangible assets II.5.3. 4 680 10 709
Impairment goodwill II.5.2. 539 0
Write-offs on assets 54 (235)
Changes in provisions (21 829) 3 374
Fair value gains (4 093) 0
(Gains) / Losses on disposals of assets (1 254) 1 916
Income from associates II.4.2. (1 740) (935)
GROSS OPERATING CASH FLOW 59 937 87 655
Inventories (2 103) (7 515)
Trade receivables 5 440 (1 401)
Other receivables 21 098 (4 145)
Trade payable (28 641) 18 424
Other payable (3 624) (11 330)
Changes in working capital (7 830) (5 967)
Income taxes paid (6 385) (4 330)
NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 45 722 77 358
Interests received 354 2 208
Dividends received 1 991 954
New investments and subscriptions to capital increases (4 239) 0
(Increase) / Decrease of loans and receivables 2 329 (657)
Investments in intangible assets II.5.1. (1 030) (3 436)
Investments in property, plant and equipment II.5.2. (23 729) (26 646)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries II.5.8. 408 (708)
Investments in associates (142) (25)
Disposals of intangible assets II.5.1. 55 268
Disposals of property, plant and equipment II.5.2. 4 941 2 105
Disposals of investment property II.5.2. 726 0
Disposals in subsidiaries II.5.8. 1 809 143
Disposals in associates II.5.8. 3 699 704
Disposals of investments available for sale 69 0
(Acquisition)/Disposal of other current financial assets (24) (26)
NET CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (12 783) (25 116)
Interests paid (11 196) (10 552)
NET FREE CASH FLOW 21 743 41 690
Dividends paid (7 707) (7 256)
Increase of financial debt 58 146 8 007
(Decrease) of financial debt (72 093) (33 254)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (32 850) (43 055)
Effect of exchange rate changes (24) (4 859)
Effect of changes in scope of consolidation and of foreign currency translation reserves
recycled
572 8 222
CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 637 12 550
Net cash position opening balance 53 938 41 388
Net cash position closing balance 54 575 53 938
CHANGES IN CASH POSITION 637 12 550

* The accompanying notes are an integral part of this cash flow statement.

Comments on the consolidated cash flow statement The gross operating cash flow before working capital movements decreased by EUR 27.7 million or -31.6% compared to last year. The variance is primarily the result of the movements in provisions (EUR 21.8 million), mainly due to cash outlays for restructurings (EUR 17.0 million). Fair value gains (EUR 4.1 million) relate to the recognition at fair value of investment property (EUR 2.8 million) and a financial investment (EUR 1.3 million).

The net cash flow from operating activities fell by EUR 31.6 million or –40.1% compared to last year. This negative variance is the result of the lower gross operating cash flow, a higher working capital need (EUR –7.8 million versus EUR –6.0 million in 2010) and a higher amount of income tax paid (EUR –6.4 million versus EUR –4.3 million in 2010).

The changes in working capital of EUR –7.8 million have been impacted by the higher value of the raw material inventory that increased (EUR 2.1 million), due to higher price levels. Besides there was a substantial decrease of the trade payables (EUR –28.6 million versus EUR 18.4 million in 2010) and other payables (EUR –3.6 million versus EUR –11.3 million). This negative effect, however, was partially financed by a decrease in trade receivables (EUR +5.4 million versus EUR –1.4 million) and other receivables (EUR +21.1 million versus EUR –4.1 million), which are linked to an additional use of non-recourse factoring/forteiting programs in Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom for EUR 25.8 million.

The net cash flow from investment activities amounted to EUR –12.8 million versus EUR –25.1 million in 2010.

The net operational free cash flow resulting from (i) the net cash from operating activities (EUR +45.7 million) (ii) the net cash flow from investment activities (EUR –12.8 million) and (iii) the interests paid (EUR –11.2 million), amounts to EUR +21.8 million, compared to EUR +41.7 million in 2010.

The cash flow from financing activities amounts to EUR –32.9 million versus EUR –43.1 million in 2010. Interests paid (EUR –11.2 million versus EUR –10.6 million in 2010) and dividends paid (EUR -7.7 million versus –7.3 million in 2010) were slightly higher. Gross financial debt was further reduced by a net amount of EUR 13.9 million in 2011, which is mainly explained by (i) the net result (EUR –48.7 million) of the anticipated repayment of the old "club deal" loan with the proceeds from the new "club deal", (ii) the new bonds and notes contracted by Eurofoam (EUR +20 million) and (iii) other net short term loans and bank overdrafts (EUR +14.5 million).

I.6. Statement of changes in shareholders' equity

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel CAPITAL SHARE
PREMIUM
IFRS 2 OTHER
CAPITAL
RESERVES
RETAINED
EARNINGS
TRANSLATION
DIFFERENCES
RESERVES
HEDGING
RESERVES
EQUITY
BEFORE NON
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
NON
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
TOTAL EQUITY
At the end of the preceding period 72 329 107 013 1 801 73 378 (6 954) (5 899) 241 668 0 241 668
Dividends 0 0 0 (7 812) 0 0 (7 812) 0 (7 812)
Stock options (IFRS 2) 0 0 406 0 0 0 406 0 406
Shareholders' movements 0 0 406 (7 812) 0 0 (7 406) 0 (7 406)
Result for the period (1) 0 0 0 17 418 0 0 17 418 0 17 418
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedge (1) 0 0 0 0 0 (1 384) (1 384) 0 (1 384)
Deferred taxes 0 0 0 0 0 470 470 0 470
Translation differences (2) 0 0 0 0 (2 503) (12) (2 515) 0 (2 515)
Foreign currency translation reserves
recycled in income statement
0 0 0 0 551 0 551 0 551
Other comprehensive income (2) 0 0 0 0 (1 952) (926) (2 878) 0 (2 878)
'Comprehensive income'(1)+(2) 0 0 0 17 418 (1 952) (926) 14 540 0 14 540
Change in scope 0 0 0 0 (8) 0 (8) 0 (8)
At the end of the period 72 329 107 013 2 207 82 984 (8 914) (6 825) 248 794 0 248 794
(1) hedging interest reserves: EUR -1,384K
(2) hedging net investment: EUR -12K

For the year ending 2011

For the year ending 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel CAPITAL SHARE
PREMIUM
IFRS 2 OTHER
CAPITAL
RESERVES
RETAINED
EARNINGS
TRANSLATION
DIFFERENCES
RESERVES
HEDGING
RESERVES
EQUITY
BEFORE NON
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
NON
CONTROLLING
INTERESTS
TOTAL EQUITY
At the end of the preceding period 72 329 107 013 1 409 66 173 (16 721) (4 674) 225 529 429 225 958
Dividends 0 0 0 (7 234) 0 0 (7 234) 0 (7 234)
Stock options (IFRS 2) 0 0 392 0 0 0 392 0 392
Shareholders' movements 0 0 392 (7 234) 0 0 (6 842) 0 (6 842)
Result for the period (1) 0 0 0 14 439 0 0 14 439 188 14 627
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedge (1) 0 0 0 0 0 (305) (305) 0 (305)
Deferred taxes 0 0 0 0 0 104 104 0 104
Translation differences (2) 0 0 0 0 1 760 (1 024) 736 0 736
Foreign currency translation reserves
recycled in income statement
0 0 0 0 7 962 0 7 962 0 7 962
Other comprehensive income (2) 0 0 0 0 9 722 (1 225) 8 497 0 8 497
'Comprehensive income'(1)+(2) 0 0 0 14 439 9 722 (1 225) 22 936 188 23 124
Change in scope 0 0 0 0 45 0 45 (617) (572)
At the end of the period 72 329 107 013 1 801 73 378 (6 954) (5 899) 241 668 0 241 668

(1) hedging interest reserves: EUR -305K

(2) hedging net investment: EUR -1,024K

II. Notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2011

II.1. Summary of significant accounting policies

II.1.1. Statement of compliance - basis of preparation

Recticel SA/NV (the ''Company'') is a limited company domiciled in Belgium. The Company's consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, interests in jointly controlled entities consolidated under the proportionate method and the Group's interest in associates accounted for under the equity method (together referred to as ''the Group'').

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the European Union.

In the current year, the Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (the IFRIC) of the IASB that are relevant to its operations and effective for annual reporting periods beginning on 1 January 2010, all of which were endorsed by the European Union.

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed as those which were applied in the preparation of the group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Following Standards and Interpretations that became applicable for 2011 had no material effect on the financial statements:

  • Improvements to IFRS (2009-2010) (normally applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011)
  • Amendment to IFRS 1 First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards – IFRS 7 exemptions (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010)
  • Amendment to IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011). This Standard supersedes IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures as issued in 2003.
  • Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation – Classification of Rights Issues (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010)
  • IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010)
  • Amendment to IFRIC 14 IAS 19 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction – Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011)

The Group has elected not to adopt in 2011 any standards or interpretations in advance of their effective application dates:

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and subsequent amendments (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015)
  • IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • Amendments to IFRS 1 First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards – Severe Hyperinflation and Removal of Fixed Dates for First-time Adopters (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011)
  • Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures Derecognition (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011)
  • Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012)
  • Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012)
  • Amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • Amendments to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • Amendments to IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)
  • Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014)
  • IFRIC 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013)

Except for IFRS 11 – Joint Arrangements and IAS 19 Employee Benefits, the Group does not expect that the above-mentioned standards and interpretations would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of Recticel. Application of IFRS 11 will require to present joint ventures on the basis of the equity method. Reference is made to note 11.6.7. for the contribution of the joint ventures in the consolidated accounts of Recticel as of 31 December 2011 and as of 31 December 2010.

II.1.2. General principles

Currency of accounts

The financial statements are presented in thousand euro (EUR) (unless specified otherwise), which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. The financial statements of foreign operations are translated in accordance with the policies set out below under 'Foreign Currencies'.

Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except as disclosed in the accounting policies below. Investments in equity instruments which are not quoted in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured by alternative valuation methods, are carried at cost.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in currencies other than EUR are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at closing rate. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities carried at fair value and denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date the fair value was determined. Gains and losses resulting from such translations are recognised in the financial result of the income statement, except when deferred in equity.

For purposes of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at closing rate. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly. Resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate). On disposal of a foreign operation (i.e. a disposal of the Group's entire interest in a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss of control over a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, a disposal involving loss of joint control over a jointly controlled entity that includes a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss of significant influence over an associate that includes a foreign operation), exchange differences accumulated in equity are recognised in the income statement.

In addition, in relation to a partial disposal of a subsidiary that does not result in the Group losing control over the subsidiary, the proportionate share of accumulated exchange differences are reattributed to non-controlling interests and are not recognised in profit or loss. For all other partial disposals (i.e. partial disposals of associates or jointly controlled entities that do not result in the Group losing significant influence or joint control), the proportionate share of the accumulated exchange differences is reclassified to profit or loss.

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.

Consolidation principles

Consolidated financial statements include subsidiaries, interests in jointly controlled entities through proportional consolidation, and associates accounted for under the equity method.

Consolidated financial statements are prepared using uniform accounting policies for like transactions and other events in similar circumstances.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in consolidation.

• Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities that are controlled directly or indirectly. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Consolidation of subsidiaries starts from the date Recticel controls the entity until the date such control ceases.

Changes in the Group's interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Group's interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity.

However, when the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to the subsidiary are accounted for (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or transferred directly to retained earnings) in the same manner as would be required if the relevant assets or liabilities were disposed of. The fair value of any investment retained in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or, when applicable, the cost on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or jointly controlled entity.

• Jointly controlled entities

Entities over which Recticel contractually agrees to share control with other venturer(s) are jointly controlled entities. Such agreement ensures that strategic, financial and operating decisions require the unanimous consent of all the venturers.

The Group reports its interests in jointly controlled entities using proportionate consolidation, except when the investment is classified as held for sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. The Group's share of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of jointly controlled entities is combined with the equivalent items in the consolidated financial statements on a line-by-line basis.

Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of the Group's interest in a jointly controlled entity is accounted for in accordance with the Group's accounting policy for goodwill arising in a business combination (see below under Business Combinations).

When a group entity transacts with its jointly controlled entity, profits and losses resulting from the transactions with the jointly controlled entity are recognised in the Group' consolidated financial statements only to the extent of interests in the jointly controlled entity that are not related to the Group.

• Associates

The results and assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting, except when the investment is classified as held for sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Under the equity method, an investment in an associate is initially recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the associate. When the Group's share of losses of an associate exceeds the Group's interest in that associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group's net investment in the associate), the Group discontinues recognising its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group's share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of an associate recognised at the date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill, which is included within the carrying amount of the investment. Any excess of the Group's share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of acquisition, after reassessment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The requirements of IAS 39 are applied to determine whether it is necessary to recognise any impairment loss with respect to the Group's investment in an associate. When necessary, the entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets as a single asset by comparing its recoverable amount (higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell) with its carrying amount, Any impairment loss recognised forms part of the carrying amount of the investment. Any reversal of that impairment loss is recognised in accordance with IAS 36 to the extent that the recoverable amount of the investment subsequently increases.

Upon disposal of an associate that results in the Group losing significant influence over that associate, any retained investment is measured at fair value at that date and the fair value is regarded as its fair value on initial recognition as a financial asset in accordance with IAS 39. The difference between the previous carrying amount of the associate attributable to the retained interest and its fair value is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal of the associate. In addition, the Group accounts for all amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in relation to that associate on the same basis as would be required if that associate had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. Therefore, if a gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income by that associate would be reclassified to profit or loss on the disposal of the related assets or liabilities, the Group reclassifies the gain or loss from equity to profit or loss (as a reclassification adjustment) when it loses significant influence over that associate.

• Business combinations

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisitionrelated costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

When Recticel acquires an entity or business, the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree are recognised at their fair value at acquisition date, except for:

  • deferred tax assets or liabilities and liabilities or assets related to employee benefit arrangements are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes and IAS 19 Employee Benefits respectively;
  • liabilities or equity instruments related to share-based payment transactions of the acquiree or the replacement of an acquiree's share-based payment transactions with share-based payment transactions of the Group are measured in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment at the acquisition date; and
  • assets (or disposal groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations are measured in accordance with that Standard.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any) over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Where such a difference is negative, the excess is, after a reassessment of the values, recognised as income immediately as a bargain purchase gain.

Non-controlling interests (minority shareholders) that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of the entity's net assets in the event of liquidation may be initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests' proportionate share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement basis is made on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

If Recticel increases its interest in an entity or business over which it did not yet exercise control (in principle increasing its interest up to and including 50% to 51% or more) (a business combination achieved in stages), the Group's previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date (i.e. the date when the Group obtains control) and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in profit or loss.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period (maximum one year after acquisition date), or additional assets or liabilities are recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised as of that date.

II.1.3. Balance sheet items

Intangible assets acquired separately

Intangible assets with finite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Internally-generated intangible assets - research and development expenditure

Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.

An internally-generated intangible asset arising from development (or from the development phase of an internal project) is recognised if, and only if, all of the following have been demonstrated:

  • the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
  • the intention to complete the intangible asset and use orsell it;
  • the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
  • how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;
  • the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and
  • the ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.

The amount initially recognised for internally-generated intangible assets is the sum of the expenditure incurred from the date when the intangible asset first meets the recognition criteria listed above. Where no internally-generated intangible asset can be recognised, development expenditure is recognised in profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are initially recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost).

Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets that are acquired separately.

Derecognition of intangible assets

An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any) over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

Goodwill arising on an acquisition of a business is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any, and is presented separately in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity, the related goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Property, plant and equipment

An item of property, plant and equipment is recognised if it is probable that associated future economic benefits will flow to the Group and if its cost can be measured reliably. After initial recognition, all items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, except for land which is not depreciated. Cost includes all direct costs and all expenditure incurred to bring the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use.

Properties in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group's accounting policy. Such properties are classified to the appropriate categories of property, plant and equipment when completed and ready for intended use. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

Subsequent expenditure related to an item of property, plant and equipment is expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method. Depreciation starts when the assets are ready for their intended use. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.

The estimated useful lives of the most significant items of property, plant and equipment are within the following ranges:

Land improvements : 25 years
Offices : 25 to 40 years
Industrial buildings : 25 years
Plants : 10 to 15 years
Machinery
Heavy : 11 to 15 years
Medium : 8 to 10 years
Light : 5 to 7 years
Pre-operating costs : 5 years maximum
Equipment : 5 to 10 years
Furniture : 5 to 10 years
Hardware : 3 to 10 years
Vehicle fleet
Cars : 4 years
Trucks : 7 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the income statement.

Leases – Recticel as lessee

• Financial leases

Leases are classified as financial leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under financial leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease.

The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a financial lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between financial charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Assets held under financial leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, except if the lease does not transfer ownership of the asset, in which case the leased asset is depreciated over the shorter of its useful live and the lease term.

• Operating leases

Leases under which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are effectively retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rents under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Benefits received or to be received as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

Except for goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life which are tested for impairment at least annually, other tangible and intangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication that their carrying amount will not be recoverable through use or sale. If an asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in previous years. However, impairment losses on goodwill are never reversed.

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

Most important assessment criteria when applying the valuation rules

When applying the valuation rules, there is a need in specific cases to make an accounting assessment. This assessment is carried out by making the most precise estimate possible of likely future trends. The management draws up its assessment on the basis of various realistically estimated parameters, such as future market expectations, sector growth rates, industry studies, economic realities, budgets and multi-annual plans, expected profitability studies, etc. The most important elements subject to this within the Recticel Group are: impairments, provisions and deferred tax items. For these items reference is made to the annexes II.4.5., II.5.1., II.5.3. and II.5.18.

Investment property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is stated at its fair value at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment property are included in profit or loss for the period in which they arise.

Financial investments

Investments are recognised or derecognised on the trade date which is the date the Group undertakes to purchase or sell the asset. Financial investments are initially measured at the fair value of the consideration given, including transaction costs.

Investments held for trading or available for sale are subsequently carried at their fair value. Where securities are held for trading purposes, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in net profit or loss for the period. For investments available for sale, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until the security is disposed of or is deemed to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the net profit or loss for the period.

Equity participations classified as 'available for sale', which are not quoted on an active market and for which the fair value cannot be measured reliably by alternative valuation methods, are measured at cost.

Financial investments which are 'held to maturity' are carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method, except for short-term deposits, which are carried at cost.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method.

Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale.

Receivables

Short-term receivables are recognised at their nominal value, as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all its liabilities.

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issuance costs.

Pensions and similar obligations

In accordance with the laws and practices of each country, the affiliated companies of the Group operate ''defined benefit'' and/or ''defined contribution retirement benefit plans''.

• Defined contribution plans

Payments to defined contribution plans are charged as expenses as they fall due.

• Defined benefit plans

Regarding the ''defined benefit plans'', the amount recognised in the balance sheet is the present value of the ''defined benefit obligations'' adjusted for the unrecognised actuarial gains and losses, less the fair value of any plan assets and any past service cost not yet recognised.

If the amount to be recognised in the balance sheet is negative, the asset does not exceed the net total of any unrecognised actuarial losses and past service costs and the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

In the income statement, current and past service costs, actuarial gains and losses are charged in ''other operating income & expenses'', while interest cost and expected return on plan assets are booked in ''other financial income & expenses''.

The present value of the ''defined benefit obligation'' and the related current and past service costs are calculated by qualified actuaries using the ''projected unit credit method''.

Each year, the discount rate is adjusted to the prevailing yield of high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the benefit obligations.

The actuarial gains and losses, resulting from differences between previous actuarial assumptions and actual experience, as well as changes in actuarial assumptions, are determined separately for each ''defined benefit plan'' and recognised according to the following principle: the actuarial gains and losses exceeding a corridor of 10% of the higher of the fair value of plan assets and the present value of the ''defined benefit obligations'' are recognised in the income statement over the average remaining service lives of the plan participants involved.

Past service costs, which arise from plan amendments, are recognised as an expense over the average period until the benefits become vested.

Early-retirement benefit costs

Early-retirement pension benefits in Belgium are treated as post-employment benefits of a defined benefit type.

Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date. Fair value is measured by use of a Black & Scholes model. Further details on how the fair value of equity-settled share-based transactions has been determined can be found in the notes.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

The above policy is applied to all equity-settled share-based payments that were granted after 7 November 2002 that vested after 1 January 2005. No amount has been recognised in the financial statements in respect of the other equity-settled shared-based payments.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) resulting from a past event and which is expected to result in a future outflow of resources which can be reliably estimated.

Provisions for warranty costs are recognised at the date of sale of the relevant products based on the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the Group's liability.

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognised when the Group has a detailed formal plan for restructuring that has been communicated to affected parties before the balance sheet date.

Interest-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs incurred.

Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value (including premiums payable on settlement or redemption) is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowing.

Non-interest-bearing payables

Trade payables which are not interest-bearing are stated at cost, being the fair value of the consideration to be paid.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are accounted for as follows:

• Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or a forecasted transaction results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in the recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the income statement in the same period in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss.

• Fair value hedges

A derivative instrument is recognised as fair value hedge when it hedges the exposure to variation of the fair value of the recognised assets or liabilities. Derivatives classified as a fair value hedge and the hedged assets or liabilities are carried at fair value. The corresponding changes of the fair value are recognised in the income statement.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement as they arise.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to net profit or loss for the period.

II.1.4. Revenue recognition

General

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales-related taxes.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the goods are delivered and titles have passed, at which time all the following conditions are satisfied:

  • the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods;
  • theGroupretainsneither continuingmanagerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
  • the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
  • it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group; and
  • the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts throughout the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders' rights to receive payment have been established.

Construction contracts

Where the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date.

This is normally measured by the proportion that contract costs incurred for work performed to date bear to the estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion.

Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are recognised when it is probable that these will be accepted by the customer and the amounts can be measured reliably.

Where the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred that it is probable will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Government grants

Government grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them and that the grants will be received.

Government grants relating to staff training costs are recognised as income over the periods required to match them with the related costs and are deducted from the related expense.

Government grants relating to property, plant & equipment are treated by deducting the received grants from the carrying amount of the related assets. These grants are recognised as income over the useful life of the depreciable assets.

Income taxes

The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax expense and deferred tax expense.

The current tax expense is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expenditure that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that will never become taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax base used in the computation of taxable profit. It is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and when it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at least at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

II.1.5. Critical accounting assessments and principal sources of uncertainty

Drawing up the annual accounts in accordance with IFRS requires management to make the necessary estimates and assessments. The management bases its estimates on past experience and other reasonable assessment criteria. These are reviewed periodically and the effects of such reviews are taken into account in the annual accounts of the period concerned. Future events which may have a financial impact on the Group are also included in this.

The estimated results of such possible future events may consequently diverge from the actual impact on results. Assessments and estimates were made, inter alia, regarding:

  • the need for additional impairments in respect of fixed assets, including Goodwill;
  • determination of provisions for restructuring, contingent liabilities and other exposures;
  • determination of provisions for irrecoverable receivables;
  • determination of write-downs on inventories;
  • valuation of provisions for employee benefits;
  • the recoverability of deferred tax assets.

It can not be excluded that future revisions of these estimates and assessments could trigger an adjustment in the value of the assets and liabilities in future financial years.

II.1.5.1. Impairments on goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

An impairment examination is carried out with regard to the goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. Such an examination is carried out annually, or more frequently if there are indications that these items should be subject to impairment (see notes II.5.1., II.5.2. and II.5.3.).

The book value of the assets retained for impairment examination represents about 38.5% of the total goodwill, 28.7% of the total property, plant and equipment and 30.8% of the total intangible assets. The examined assets relate to the Flexible Foams' activities in the United Kingdom and in Spain, as well as to the Automotive operations of the Group.

The most relevant results of these examinations are listed below:

For the impairment examination of the balance sheet items included in the table above, certain assumptions were made. The recoverable amount of the total "cash-generating unit" ("CGU") is determined on the basis of the value in use.

On the basis of this examination and considering the business decisions taken, i.e. closure of certain plants (Automotive and Flexible Foams), it was decided to account for impairments for a total amount of EUR 5.3 million (see table above).

When determining its expected future cash flows, the Group takes into account prudent, though realistic, assumptions regarding the evolution of its markets, its sales, the raw materials prices, the impact of past restructurings and the gross margins, which all are based on (i) the past experiences of the management and/or (ii) which are in line with trustworthy external information sources. It can however not be excluded that a future reassessment of assumptions and/or market analysis induced by future developments in the economic environment might lead to the recognition of additional impairments.

For the discounting of the future cash flows, an overall Groupbased discount rate of 8.0% is used for all CGUs. This discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital based on the current market expectations of the time value of money and risks for which future cash flows must be adjusted.

II.1.5.1.1. Flexible Foams

II.1.5.1.1. 1. Key assumptions

Cash flows:

For the CGU "Flexible Foams – United Kingdom" the valuein-use projections are based on budgets and financial plans covering a three-year period. After this 3-year period, a perpetuity value is taken into account without growth rate. 2011 was a difficult year due to industrial difficulties and the rise of raw material prices which could not be fully passed on in the selling prices. A major restructuring plan has been initiated in 2011 and is planned for execution over a 3-year period until 2014. The closing of the "Carobel" plant in 2H/2011 was the first phase. Management expects operations to recover after the reorganisation as a result of improvement of the industrial performance and better gross margins.

Book value in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE FOAMS AUTOMOTIVE Total
United Kingdom Spain Other Interiors Seating Proseat
Goodwill 4 388 0 539 0 8 977 13 904
Other intangible assets 327 155 0 1 451 1 944 3 877
Property, plant & equipment 4 995 10 643 1 367 41 672 16 092 74 769
Total 9 710 10 798 1 906 43 123 27 013 92 550
Impairments 0 0 (1 906) (3 243) (111) (5 260)
Net book value 9 710 10 798 0 39 880 26 902 87 290

Footnote: The working capital is not included in the analysis.

For the CGU "Flexible Foams – Spain", the value-in-use projections are based on budgets and financial plans covering a three-year period. After this 3-year period, a perpetuity value is taken into account without growth rate. Slimming down the workforce and a reduction in the number of plants are intended to return Spain to profitability by 2014. The value-in-use is dependent on the successful implementation of the business plan. The future cash flows consequently take account of the 2012-2015 business plan and a perpetuity value based on an expected operating cash flow in 2015 without growth rate.

Under the heading "Flexible Foams - Other", the impairment amounting to EUR -1.9 million relates mainly to an idle machine located in Turkey.

Discount rate:

The discount rate used amounts to 8% and is based on a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) based on the current market expectations of the time value of money and risks for which future cash flows must be adjusted. On this basis, the value-in-use of the CGU "Flexible Foams – United Kingdom" amounts to 2.1 times the net asset book value and the value-inuse of the CGU "Flexible Foams – Spain" amounts to 1.8 times the net asset book value.

II.1.5.1.1. 2. Sensitivity analysis

A sensitivity analysis is performed to measure the impact of a changing WACC rate on the outcome of the impairment tests.

Consequently,

  • the value in use of the CGU "Flexible Foams United Kingdom" – discounted at 9% still amounts to 1.9 times the book value, and
  • the value in use of the CGU "Flexible Foams Spain" discounted at 9% also amounts to still 1.6 times the book value.

II.1.5.1.2. Automotive

II.1.5.1.2.1. Key assumptions

Cash flows:

For the CGU "Interiors", the value-in-use projections are based on the budgets and financial plans for the duration of each project/model, in combination with an overview of the entire capacity utilisation. Strongly impacted by the economic crisis in 2009, which affected the Automotive - Interiors activities, the profitability level improved significantly in 2010 and 2011 as a result of the reorganisation and other efficiency programs. Project assets are depreciated over the project life time. As such, at the end of the project production life time, there will be no residual book value of specific project related assets.

The CGU "Interiors" also uses a project approach, as a result of which impairments are booked on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets if:

  • A project generates insufficient cash flow to cover the depreciation of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets assigned to the project,

  • No reallocation has yet been made for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets which will become available before December 2012. From experience, new projects are awarded about 2 years in advance. Consequently, it has been assumed that the residual bookvalue of the assets that will become available before December 2012, and for which there is yet no reallocation determined, should be totally depreciated.

This approach has led to an impairment in 2011 of EUR 3.2 million.

"Proseat" is considered as a single CGU. Based on the recurrent business model of this activity, the perpetuity method has been used for the impairment analysis.

Forecast and business plan 2012 have been adapted to the most recent information available in terms of programs and volumes. Plans for the years 2013-2017 have been established according to future programme information and actual programs' profitabilities. The 2017 plan is used as the basis for the perpetuity calculation with no growth rate. The chemical raw material prices have been adjusted in all years according the actual prices and the expectations of management.

Discount rate:

The discount rate used amounts to 8% and is based on a weighted average cost of capital based on the current market expectations of the time value of money and the risks for which future cash flows must be adjusted At this level of discount rate, the value-in-use of the CGU "Proseat" amounts to 1.8 times the net asset book value.

II.1.5.1.2.2. Sensitivity analysis

With regard to the CGU "Interiors", an increase in the discount rate to 9% would not give rise to additional impairment.

With regard to the CGU "Proseat", an increase in the discount rate to 9% would give a value in use of the CGU 'Proseat" amounting to 1.6 times the book value. Excluding the growth rate of 1% in the perpetuity analysis, and with a discount rate of 8% the value in use of the CGU "Proseat" would still amount to 1.7 times the book value of the long term assets.

II.1.5.2. Provisions for defined benefit plans

Provisions regarding defined benefit plans are recognised in the balance sheet in accordance with the valuation rules (IAS 19). The amount recognised in the balance sheet is based on actuarial calculations, the result of which is determined by a number of assumptions, as described in note II.5.17. These actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly and adapted where necessary.

II.1.5.3. Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets are recognised for the unused tax losses carried forward and unused tax credits, to the extent that it is expected that future taxable profits will be available against which these unused tax losses carried forward and unused tax credits can be offset. For this purpose, the management bases its opinion on factors such as long-term tax planning strategy and opportunities (see note II.4.5.).

II.2. Changes in scope of consolidation

In 2011, the following main changes occurred in the scope of consolidation of the Group:

  • the Group's subsidiary Enipur b.v. (The Netherlands) which, with effect as from 1 July 2011, is consolidated following the global consolidation method (previously 50% following the proportional consolidation method).
  • As from 1 July 2011 Recticel GuKoTech GmbH has been sold.

To be able to compare the 2011 figures with those of 2010, it is also necessary to take account of the following changes in 2010:

  • With effect as from 1 July 2010 the Group sold its "slat base" activities (Bedding) in Masevaux (France)

Consolidated sales increased by EUR 29.7 million (+ 2.2%) to EUR 1,378.1 million.

With the same scope of consolidation and at unchanged exchange rates, sales would have risen by 2.12% (EUR +28.6 million). The changes in the scope of consolidation resulted in a net decrease of sales by EUR 1.2 million (-0.09%). Exchange differences had a positive impact of EUR 2.4 million (+0.17%).

II.3. Business and geographical segments

II.3.1. Business segments

The Group has adopted IFRS 8 with effect from 1 January 2009. IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of the internal reporting structure of the Group that allows a regular performance review by the chief operating decision maker and an adequate allocation of resources to each segment. The identification of the Group's reportable segments has not changed following the adoption of IFRS 8. The information reported to the Group's chief operating decision maker for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment per segment is more specifically focussed on Sales, EBITDA, EBIT Capital Employed and Operational Cash Flow per segment. The principal market segments for these goods are the four operating segments: Flexible Foams, Bedding, Insulation, Automotive, and Corporate. For more details on these segments, reference is made to the first part of this annual report. Information regarding the Group's reportable segments is presented below. Inter-segment sales are made at prevailing market conditions.

Income statement for the year 2011

in thousand EUR
FLEXIBLE
FOAMS
BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION
539 187 291 569 324 324 223 042 1 378 122
56 974 582 480 34 (58 070) 0
596 161 292 151 324 804 223 076 (58 070) 1 378 122
7 488 10 917 2 755 35 840 0 57 000
(14 965)
7 488 10 917 2 755 35 840 0 42 035
(16 684)
25 351
(7 933)
17 418
0
17 418
ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED

(1) Includes mainly headquarters' costs (EUR 12,0 million (2010: EUR 14.5 million)) and R&D expenses (Corporate Programme) (EUR 3,0 million (2010: EUR 3.3 million)).

Other information 2011

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE
FOAMS
BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION CORPORATE CONSOLIDATED
Depreciation and amortisation 13 228 5 725 18 269 3 594 688 41 504
Impairment losses recognised in profit and loss 1 906 0 3 354 0 0 5 260
EBITDA 22 622 16 642 24 378 39 434 (14 277) 88 799
Capital expenditure 12 068 1 963 6 988 9 041 3 281 33 340

Impairment

In 2011, impairments were recognised mainly in respect to a number of tangible assets in the Czech Republic (Automotive – Interiors) and Turkey (Flexible Foams).

The Board of Directors examined and evaluated the carrying values of (i) the intangible assets, (ii) the goodwill and (iii) the tangible assets, as well as the assumptions used for the impairment examinations(see section II.1.5.),and concluded that for 2011, apart from the cases mentioned, there was no need for additional impairments.

However, this judgment may be revised in future periods, should indications arise that future cash flow generation could be negatively influenced by new developments.

Balance sheet at 31 December 2011

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE FOAMS BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION ELIMINATION CONSOLIDATED
ASSETS
Segment assets 320 578 100 984 170 360 102 133 (119 500) 574 555
Investment in associates 13 436 0 0 (479) 0 12 957
Unallocated corporate assets 140 612
Total consolidated assets 728 124
LIABILITIES
Segment liabilities 135 982 51 003 73 529 47 519 (119 500) 188 533
Unallocated corporate liabilities 290 797
Total consolidated liabilities
(excluding equity)
479 330

The unallocated assets which amount to EUR 140.6 million include mainly the following items:

  • Other receivables for EUR 10.1 million

  • Deferred tax assets for EUR 50.3 million

  • Cash& cash equivalent for EUR 54.6 million.

The unallocated liabilities which amount to EUR 290.8 million (equity excluded) include mainly the following items:

  • Provisions for EUR 66.8 million

  • Interest-bearing borrowings and bonds and notes for EUR 204.8 million

Income statement for the year 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE FOAMS BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE (1) INSULATION ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
SALES
External sales 543 973 292 679 324 416 187 362 0 1 348 430
Inter-segment sales 58 754 604 478 56 (59 892) 0
Total sales 602 727 293 283 324 894 187 418 (59 892) 1 348 430
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES (EBIT)
Segment result 1 211 11 485 1 560 32 144 0 46 400
Unallocated corporate expenses (2) (18 786)
EBIT 1 211 11 485 1 560 32 144 0 27 614
Financial result (17 095)
Result for the period before taxes 10 519
Income taxes 4 108
Result for the period after taxes 14 627
of which non-controlling interests (188)
of which share of the Group 14 439

(1) The external sales and EBIT reported under Automotive (Interiors) include a compensation of USD 5.7 million relating to the 2009 activities in the USA. This compensation was obtained through an agreement, as a result

of which two US subsidiaries could emerge from Chapter 11 in April 2010. (2) Includes mainly headquarters' costs (EUR 14.5 million (2009: EUR 14.3 million)) and R&D expenses (Corporate Programme) (EUR 3.3 million (2009: EUR 3.2 million)).

Other information 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE
FOAMS
BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION CORPORATE CONSOLIDATED
Depreciation and amortisation 14 894 5 695 20 695 3 354 483 45 121
Impairment losses recognised in profit and loss 6 106 93 4 601 0 0 10 800
EBITDA 22 211 17 273 26 856 35 498 (18 303) 83 535
Capital expenditure 10 346 4 002 11 239 6 677 2 910 35 174

Impairment

In 2010, impairments were recognised mainly in respect of a number of tangible assets in Germany (Automotive – Interiors), Spain (Flexible Foams) and Belgium (Automotive - Seating (Proseat)).

The Board of Directors examined and evaluated the carrying values of (i) the intangible assets, (ii) the goodwill and (iii) the tangible assets as well as the assumptions used for the impairment examinations(see section II.1.5.), and concluded that for 2010, apart from the cases mentioned, there was no need for additional impairments.

However, this judgment may be revised in future periods, should indications arise that future cash flow generation could be negatively influenced by new developments.

Balance sheet at 31 December 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE FOAMS BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
ASSETS
Segment assets 321 582 94 240 206 268 78 780 (115 371) 585 499
Investment in associates 13 093 0 2 837 (479) 0 15 451
Unallocated corporate assets 176 504
Total consolidated assets 777 454
LIABILITIES
Segment liabilities 138 831 53 791 97 411 37 713 (115 371) 212 375
Unallocated corporate liabilities 323 411
Total consolidated liabilities
(excluding equity)
535 786

The unallocated assets which amount to EUR 176.5 million include mainly the following items:

  • Other receivables for EUR 60.2 million

  • Deferred tax assets for EUR 55.7 million

  • Cash& cash equivalent for EUR 51.6 million.

The unallocated liabilities which amount to EUR 323.4 million (equity excluded) include mainly the following items:

  • Provisions for EUR 86.6 million

  • Interest-bearing borrowings and bonds and notes for EUR 220.3 million

Non-recurring elements in the operating result per segment

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel FLEXIBLE FOAMS BEDDING AUTOMOTIVE INSULATION NOT ALLOCATED CONSOLIDATED
2011
Impairment (1 906) 0 (3 354) 0 0 (5 260)
Restructuring charges (233) 344 (221) 0 (492) (602)
Loss on liquidation or disposal of financial assets (115) 0 (38) 0 0 (153)
Gain on disposal of financial assets 50 0 0 0 0 50
Fair value gain on investment property 0 0 0 0 2 800 2 800
Other (683) (605) (631) 0 0 (1 919)
TOTAL (2 886) (261) (4 244) 0 2 308 (5 083)
2010
Impairment (6 106) (94) (4 600) 0 0 (10 800)
Restructuring charges (6 735) (1 585) (11 445) 0 0 (19 765)
Loss on liquidation or disposal of financial assets (289) (1 107) 0 0 (2 145) (3 541)
Gain on disposal of financial assets 1 587 0 0 0 0 1 587
Other (2 987) (362) 4 563 0 (5) 1 209
TOTAL (14 530) (3 148) (11 482) 0 (2 150) (31 310)

II.3.2. Geographical information

The Group's operations are mainly located in the European Union. The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales and fixed assets by geographical market.

Sales (by region of production)

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Belgium 160 372 149 990
France 151 903 146 126
Germany 312 247 317 579
Other EU countries 594 031 581 069
European Union 1 218 553 1 194 764
Other 159 569 153 666
Total 1 378 122 1 348 430

Reliance on major customers: The Group has no major customers that represent more than 10% of total external revenues.

Intangible assets – property, plant & equipment – investment property

in thousand EUR
ACQUISITIONS, INCLUDING OWN PRODUCTION
Group Recticel 31 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2010 2011 2010
Belgium 70 814 66 276 10 779 10 828
Germany 49 174 53 284 6 144 9 616
Other EU countries 138 510 151 135 15 143 13 642
European Union 258 498 270 695 32 066 34 086
Other 12 760 14 487 1 274 1 088
Total 271 258 285 182 33 340 35 174

II.4. Income statement

II.4.1. Other operating revenues and expenses

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Other operating revenues 17 430 69 270
Other operating expenses (9 067) (79 345)
TOTAL 8 363 (10 075)
Restructuring costs (1 849) (19 765)
Gain (Loss) on disposal of intangible and tangible assets 2 390 1 066
Gain (Loss) on disposal of financial assets (93) (2 261)
Fair value gains 4 094 0
Other 3 820 10 885
TOTAL 8 363 (10 075)

Restructuring

During 2011, restructurings were carried out in various locations or declarations of intent were made to do so in a number of plants. Net restructuring charges were composed of (i) new provisions for reorganisation and onerous contracts (EUR 3.0 million), (ii) the reversal of previously existing provisions for reorganisation and onerous contracts (EUR 2.9 million) and (iii) the use in cash of existing provisions for reorganisation and onerous contracts (EUR 17.3 million). Restructuring charges mainly related to the Flexible Foams activities in Spain and Belgium (use of 2010 provisions for reorganisation), compensated by new restructuring charges in Finland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In Automotive new provisions for restructurings were mainly recognised in:

  • (i) Seating (Proseat): in France, Germany and Spain, and
  • (ii) Interiors: in the USA and Germany, compensated by a reversal of excess provisions in Belgium.

During 2010, restructurings were carried out in various locations or declarations of intent were made to do so in a number of plants. The most important restructuring measures announced in 2010 related to Spain and Scandinavia (Flexible Foams; EUR -6,7 million), in Germany and the USA (Automotive – Interiors; EUR -6,6 million), in Belgium (Automotive – Seating (Proseat); EUR - 4,8 million) and in Germany and Switzerland (Bedding; EUR -1,6 million).

Gain (loss) on disposal of intangible and tangible assets

In 2011 this item related to a capital gain on the sale of: (i) an office building in Switzerland (Bedding) (EUR 1.3 million), (ii) an industrial building in The Netherlands (EUR 0.7 million), (iii) land in Belgium (EUR 0.2 million) and land in Poland (EUR 0.2 million).

The restructuring of certain activities conducted in 2009 and 2010, led to the sale of some assets that were no more operational. These sale transactions generated in 2010 the recognition of a net capital gain for EUR 1.1 million.

Gain (loss) on disposal of financial assets

In 2011 this item relates mainly to (i) the remaining cost of liquidation of LeBed SAS and (ii) a loss on the disposal of Epeda Werke GmbH to Cofel (Bedding – France).

During 2010, this item related to (i) the divestment of LeBed SAS's (Bedding - France) activities by way of an asset deal (EUR -0,7 million), (ii) the liquidation impact (EUR -2,1 million) of RUS Inc. (USA holding), (iii) the purchase (EUR -0,3 million) of a minority interest in the joint venture JR interiors Gmbh & Co.KG (Automotive - Germany), (iv) the reversal of a provision (EUR +1,6 million) linked to the disposal of Corpura BV (Flexible Foams) realised in 2009, (v) the liquidation impact (EUR -0,5 million) of Lebed SAS (Bedding France) and of Transfoam (EUR -0,1 million) (Flexible Foams - Spain). and (vi) the disposal (EUR -0,2 million) of the interest in Wenfoam (Flexible Foams - Estonia).

Fair value gains

The 2011 fair value gains relate to the fair value adjustment on investment property in Belgium (EUR 2.8 million) and to a realised gain on a financial investment in Luxembourg (EUR 1.3 million).

Other

"Other" in 2011 comprised mainly:

  • (i) the impact of the liquidation of the activities of Proseat (Automotive - Seating) in Russia (EUR -0,6 million)
  • (ii) additional legal fees (EUR -1.1 million) in relation with the ongoing EU investigation (Flexible Foams) and the Bundeskartellambt investigation in Germany (Bedding)
  • (iii) grants for research and development in Flexible Foams in France (EUR +0.7 million)
  • (iv) damage indemnity from insurance companies (EUR +0.6 million)
  • (v) the reversal of provisions for rebates in the bedding activity (EUR +1.3 million)
  • (vi) a reversal of a provision for pension liabilities (EUR 2.3 million)
  • (vii) the reinvoicing of services and goods, and rental income (EUR +0.3 million)
  • (viii) the compensation for various projects which were prematurely terminated (EUR +0.3 million)

"Other" in 2010 comprised mainly:

  • (i) A reversal of a provision (EUR +4.4 million) in relation with the contractual sales' obligations towards BASF with respect to the sold customer portfolio (cfr 'Automotive – 'Exteriors' sale at the end of 2008)
  • (ii) reversal of accrual provisions for rebates in Bedding activity (EUR +2.9 million)
  • (iii) legal fees (EUR –1.9 million) for EC antitrust investigation
  • (iv) loss on an 'advance guarantee' paid for land in Alzhira (Spain) (EUR –0.7 million) in view of an optional investment project (Flexible Foams) which has been abandoned
  • (v) the compensation received for various projects which were prematurely terminated by the customer (EUR +1,1 million) in Automotive – Interiors (Germany)

  • (vi) the revenues on a development project for Saab (Automotive - Interiors (Germany) (EUR +1.5 million)

  • (vii) the regularisation of professional tax ("taxe professionnelle") in France (EUR +0.7 million)
  • (viii)a reversal of a provision for pension liabilities in relation to the Splifar-GMS (Automotive) transaction of 2009 (EUR 0,5 million)
  • (ix) an additional provision for environmental risks in Tertre (Belgium) (EUR –0.5 million)
  • (x) reversal of excess provisions for legal fees (EUR +0.5 million) for Chapter 11 RINA (Automotive – Interiors in the USA)
  • (xi) the reinvoicing of services and goods, and rental income (EUR +1.4 million)

II.4.2. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Sales 1 378 122 100% 1 348 430 100%
Purchases and changes in inventories (741 353) -53.8% (698 436) -51.8%
Other goods and services (243 465) -17.7% (242 042) -17.9%
Labour costs (333 505) -24.2% (334 053) -24.8%
Amortisation and depreciation on non-current assets (40 455) -2.9% (43 964) -3.3%
Impairments on non-current assets (5 260) -0.4% (10 800) -0.8%
Amounts written off on inventories and receivables 328 0.0% (59) 0.0%
Other depreciation (1 049) -0.1% (1 157) -0.1%
Provisions 1 239 0.1% (15 661) -1.2%
Revenue from (Loss on) investment operations 23 0.0% 286 0.0%
Fair value adjustement on investment properties 2 800 0.2% 0 0.0%
Realised gain on financial investment 1 293 0.1% 0 0.0%
Other revenues and expenses 21 982 1.6% 22 971 1.7%
Income from associates 1 741 0.1% 935 0.1%
Result from investments available for sale (406) 0.0% 1 164 0.1%
EBIT 42 035 3.1% 27 614 2.0%

II.4.3. Investment income

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
(Impairment)/Write-back impairment on investments available for sale (406) 7
Dividends received 0 1 157
Total (406) 1 164

II.4.4. Financial result

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Interest charges on bonds & notes (2 433) (2 088)
Interest on financial lease (868) (1 012)
Interest on long-term bank loans (4 458) (3 480)
Interest on short-term bank loans & overdraft (1 928) (1 570)
Interest on other long-term loans (115) (117)
Interest on other short-term loans (271) (76)
Net interest charges on Interest Rate Swaps (2 757) (3 531)
Net interest charges on foreign currency swaps (472) 0
Total borrowing cost (13 302) (11 874)
Interest income from bank deposits 170 140
Interest income from financial receivables 207 357
Interest income from financial receivables and cash 377 497
Interest charges on other debts (443) (468)
Interest income from other financial receivables 98 74
Total other interest (345) (394)
Interest income and expenses (13 270) (11 771)
Exchange rate differences(1) (799) (2 810)
Premium on CAP/Floor contracts (85) (87)
Premium on put/call options (250) (149)
Result on derivative instruments (335) (236)
Interest actualisation and expected return on provisions for employee benefits (2 111) (2 382)
Interest actualisation for other provisions (187) 0
Interest actualisation on non current receivables 8 73
Interest on provisions for employee benefits and other debt (2 290) (2 309)
Other financial result 10 31
Financial result (16 684) (17 095)

(1) For 2010, exchange rate differences include the non-cash charges from the impact on the foreign currency translation reserve following the liquidation of the US legal entity RUS Inc. (EUR –6.0 million)

II.4.5. Income taxes

  1. Income tax expense
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Recognised in the income statement
Current tax:
Domestic (5) (7)
Foreign (1 567) (7 697)
Total current tax (1 572) (7 704)
Deferred taxes:
Tax effect on deferred tax adjustments related to previous years (2 123) (1 583)
Movements of temporary differences (7 718) (19 161)
Utilisation of previous years' losses (5 646) (9 990)
Deferred tax on current year's losses and prior losses not recognised in the past 9 126 42 545
Total deferred tax (6 361) 11 811
Grand total (7 933) 4 107
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
Profit / (loss) before taxes 25 352 10 519
Minus income from associates (1 741) (935)
Result before tax and income from associates 23 611 9 584
Tax at domestic income tax rate of 33.99% (8 025) 33.99% (3 258) 33.99%
Tax effect of non-deductible expenses:
Non-deductible amortisation of goodwill and intangibles 0 0.00% (38) -0.40%
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes (4 517) -19.13% (19 829) -206.90%
Other (238) -1.01% (508) -5.30%
Tax effect of tax-exempt revenues:
Non-taxable dividends from investments in non-group companies 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Non-taxable financial and other income 12 315 52.16% 17 408 181.64%
Other 641 2.71% 650 6.78%
Deferred tax assets on liquidation (1) 0 0.00% 36 594 381.82%
Deferred tax effect resulting from a change in tax rates (885) -3.75% 56 0.58%
Tax effect of current and deferred tax adjustments related to prior years (2 123) -8.99% (1 583) -16.52%
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions 505 2.14% (371) -3.87%
Tax effect of utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Expiration of deferred tax assets due to merger/tax control 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Tax effect of notional interest deduction 4 296 18.19% 4 734 49.39%
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and tax assets not recognised (1) (9 902) -41.94% (29 748) -310.39%
Tax expense and effective tax rate for the year (7 933) -33.60% 4 107 42.85%
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Deferred tax income (expense) recognised directly in equity
Impact of movements in exchange rates 21 (173)
On effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 470 104
Total 491 (69)

(1) Recticel has finalised the liquidation of RUS (Recticel US) in 2010. The amount of the future tax reductions from the capital loss on the RUS shares amounts EUR 52.2 million. In the valuation allowances on tax assets is included a recognition of EUR 6.5 million which increase the recognised amount of RUS liquidation from EUR 36.6 million in 2010 to EUR 43.1 million in 2011.

  1. Deferred tax
in thousand EUR
31 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2010
Group Recticel DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
Intangible assets 7 751 (2 598) 5 273 (3 899)
Property, plant & equipment 24 337 (25 781) 21 490 (23 040)
Investments 263 (455) 268 (274)
Inventories 572 (29) 448 (1 070)
Receivables 1 411 (2 411) 1 658 (2 239)
Cash flow hedges (equity) 2 320 0 1 850 0
Fair value on trading and economic hedge 23 0 27 0
Other current assets 1 208 (156) 678 (149)
Pension provisions 4 319 (626) 3 589 (421)
Other provisions 7 584 (5 766) 9 958 (5 462)
Other liabilities 2 515 (3 636) 2 131 (2 796)
Notional interest deduction 12 877 0 11 585 0
Tax loss carry-forwards/ Tax credits 184 979 0 183 773 0
Total 250 160 (41 458) 242 728 (39 350)
Valuation allowance (1) (167 547) 0 (156 439) 0
Set-off (2) (32 323) 32 323 (30 550) 30 550
Total (as provided on the balance sheet) 50 290 (9 134) 55 739 (8 800)

(1) The variation of EUR 11.1 million (EUR 167.5 million minus 156.4 million) is mainly explained by a valuation allowance DTA for EUR 16.4 million (in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic), by the recognition of reversal of valuation allowances for EUR 6.5 million and an exchange difference impact of EUR -1.2 million.

(2) According to IAS 12 (Income Taxes), deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities should, under certain conditions, be offset if they relate to income taxes levied

Tax loss carry-forward by expiration date:

in thousand EUR
2011 2010
One year 350 0
Two years 2 820 360
Three years 4 074 2 902
Four years 6 531 3 276
Five years and thereafter 259 193 247 688
Without time limit 387 485 397 071
Total 660 453 651 297

Deferred tax assets not recognised by the Group apply to the following elements as at 31 Dec 2011:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel TOTAL
POTENTIAL
DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
RECOGNISED
DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
UNRECOGNISED
DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
GROSS AMOUNT
OF UNRECOGNISED
TAX LOSSES
Tax losses carried forward (*) 184 979 61 028 123 951 428 408
Notional interest deductions (*) 12 877 34 12 843 37 784
Property, plant and equipment 24 337 5 701 18 635 57 994
Pension provisions 4 319 1 179 3 140 10 344
Other provisions 7 584 4 338 3 246 9 642
Other temporary differences 16 064 10 332 5 732 21 644
Total 250 160 82 613 167 547 565 817

(*) As of 31/12/2011, deferred tax assets and notional interests deductions of EUR 61.1 million (2010: EUR 68.1 million) are recognized out of EUR 660.5 million (2010: EUR 651.3 million) tax losses carryforward. These tax assets represent taxable gains realisable in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets not recognised by the Group apply to the following elements as at 31 Dec 2010:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel TOTAL POTENTIAL
DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
RECOGNISED DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
UNRECOGNISED DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS
GROSS AMOUNT
OF UNRECOGNISED TAX LOSSES
Tax losses carried forward (*) 183 773 67 902 115 872 397 324
Notional interest deductions (*) 11 585 154 11 430 33 628
Property, plant and equipment 21 492 5 190 16 302 49 225
Pension provisions 3 589 1 085 2 505 7 889
Other provisions 9 957 4 508 5 450 16 879
Other temporary differences 12 332 7 451 4 881 16 753
Total 242 728 86 289 156 439 521 698

(*) As of 31 December 2010, deferred tax assets and notional interest deductions of EUR 86,3 million (2009: EUR 58,1 million) are recognised out of EUR 651,3 million (2009: EUR 529,8 million) tax losses carried-forward. These tax assets represent taxable gains realisable in the foreseeable future.

II.4.6. Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period.

Dividend for the period ending 31 December 2010 of EUR 0.27 (2009: EUR 0.25) per share.

Proposed dividend for the period ending 31 December 2011 of EUR 0.28 per share, or in total for all shares outstanding EUR 8,100,807.68 (2010: EUR 7,811,493.12)

The proposed dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

II.4.7. Basic earnings per share

From continuing and discontinuing operations

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Group Recticel 2011 2010
Net profit (loss) for the period (in thousand EUR) 17 418 14 439
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations 17 418 14 439
Net profit (loss) from discontinuing operations 0 0
Weighted average shares outstanding
Ordinary shares (1) 28 931 456 28 571 194
VVPR shares (1) 0 360 263
Weighted average shares outstanding 28 931 456 28 931 457
Ordinary shares on 01 January 28 931 456 28 499 141
Ordinary shares on 31 December 28 931 456 28 931 456
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding 28 931 456 28 571 194
VVPR shares on 01 January 0 432 315
VVPR shares on 31 December 0 0
Weighted average VVPR shares outstanding 0 360 263
in EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Basic earnings per share 0,60 0,50
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations 0,60 0,50
Basic earnings per share from discontinuing operations 0,00 0,00

(1) On 29 October 2010 (after the closing of the stock markets), all 432.315 VVPR shares outstanding have been exchanged for an equal number of ordinary shares, plus an equal number of VVPR strips. As from 01 November 2010 these VVPR strips were listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange (Code: RECS – ISIN: BE0005639134). Holders of the VVPR strips benefit from a reduced withholding tax of 21% on the dividends paid out on the ordinary shares (instead of a 25% withholding tax on ordinary shares).

II.4.8. Diluted earnings per share

in thousand EUR
Diluted earnings per share computation: 2011 2010
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations
Dilutive elements
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations 17 418 14 439
Convertible bond (2) 1 198 0
Proft (loss) attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent entity including assumed conversions 18 616 14 439
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (including VVPR shares) 28 931 456 28 931 456
Stock option plans - warrants (1) 461 643 397 570
Convertible bond (2) 4 375 951 0
Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share 33 769 050 29 329 026
in EUR
Group Recticel 2010 2009
Diluted earnings per share 0.55 0.49
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 0.55 0.49
Diluted earnings per share from discontinuing operations 0.00 0.00
2011 2010
Anti-dilutive elements
Impact on net profit from continuing operations
Convertible bond (2) 0 2 183
Impact on weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
Stock option plan - warrants - "out-of-the-money" (1) 465 757 369 907
Convertible bond (2) 0 4 284 650

(1) For 2011, three warrant plans were in-the-money; i.e. the plan of 2008, the plan of 2009 and the plan of December 2011. They have been taken into account for the calculation of the diluted earnings per share. The remaining warrant plans are out-of-the-money and disclosed as anti-dilutive. For 2010, two warrant plans were in-the-money; i.e. the plan of 2008 and the plan of 2009, which were taken into account for the calculation of the diluted earnings per share.

(2) For 2011, the potential additional shares as a result of a conversion of the convertible bonds are dilutive and are therefore included in the calculation of the diluted earnings per share (assuming full conversion). For 2010, the potential additional shares as a result of the convertible bond were anti-dilutive and were therefore excluded from the calculation of the diluted earnings per share (assuming full conversion).

II.5. Balance sheet

II.5.1. Intangible assets

For the year ending 2011:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel DEVELOPMENT
COSTS
TRADEMARKS,
PATENTS
& LICENCES
CLIENT
PORTFOLIO
GOODWILL
OTHER
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
ASSETS UNDER
CONSTRUCTION AND
ADVANCE PAYMENTS
TOTAL
At the end of the preceding year
Gross book value 20 558 40 368 13 209 708 4 158 79 001
Accumulated amortisation (19 320) (28 800) (9 996) (384) (58 500)
Accumulated impairment 0 (6 345) 0 0 (849) (7 194)
Net book value 1 238 5 223 3 213 324 3 309 13 307
Movements during the year:
Changes in scope of consolidation 0 4 0 0 0 4
Acquisitions 0 239 42 0 733 1 014 (1)
Own production 0 47 0 0 1 855 1 902 (1)
Impairments (43) 2 0 0 0 (41)
Expensed amortisation (516) (2 351) (755) (73) 0 (3 695)
Sales and scrapped 0 0 0 0 (38) (38) (2)
Transfers from one heading to another 235 2 513 0 64 (2 723) 89
Exchange rate differences (19) 13 42 1 1 38
At year-end 895 5 690 2 542 316 3 137 12 580
Gross book value 19 334 41 791 13 068 768 3 984 78 945
Accumulated amortisation (18 398) (29 791) (10 526) (452) 0 (59 167)
Accumulated impairment (41) (6 310) 0 0 (847) (7 198)
Net book value 895 5 690 2 542 316 3 137 12 580
Useful life (in years) 3-5 3-10 5-10 5 maximum n.a.
Acquisitions Disposals
Cash-out on acquisitions intangible assets (1 030) Cash-in from disposals intangible assets 55
Cash-out on acquisitions intangible assets (1 030) Cash-in from disposals intangible assets 55
Acquisitions included in working capital (1 886) Disposals included in working capital (17)
Total acquisitions intangible assets (1) (2 916) Total disposals intangible assets (2) 38

For the year ending 2010:

DEVELOPMENT COSTS
19 488
(17 850)
0
1 638
0
0
TRADEMARKS,
PATENTS & LICENCES
38 889
(26 164)
(6 489)
6 236
(2)
223
CLIENT PORTFOLIO
12 873
(8 936)
0
3 937
0
OTHER INTANGIBLE
ASSETS
740
(441)
0
299
0
ASSETS UNDER
CONSTRUCTION AND
ADVANCE PAYMENTS
3 040
0
(849)
2 191
TOTAL
75 030
(53 391)
(7 338)
14 301
(2)
192 0 710 1 125 (1)
43 0 0 2 004 2 058 (1)
0 (91) 0 0 0 (91)
(848) (2 310) (981) (45) 0 (4 184)
0 (1) 0 0 (234) (235) (2)
371 924 0 30 (1 388) (63)
66 201 65 40 26 398
1 238 5 223 3 213 324 3 309 13 307
79 001
(58 500)
(7 194)
13 307
3-5 3-10 5-10 5 maximum n.a.
(3 436) 268
253 (33)
(3 183) 235
11
20 558
(19 320)
0
1 238
40 368
(28 800)
(6 345)
5 223
13 209
(9 996)
0
3 213
Disposals
708
(384)
0
324
Cash-in from disposals intangible assets
Disposals shown in working capital
Total disposals intangible assets (2)
0
4 158
(849)
3 309

Intangible assets that meet the recognition criteria of IAS 38 - Intangible Assets are recognised to the extent that future economic benefits are probable.

To the extent that the recoverable amount of the intangible assets (i.e. the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and the present value of the future cash flows expected from the continuing use of these assets and their disposal) is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in accordance with IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets.

The recoverable amount of a CGU (cash-generating unit) is generally determined on the basis of value-in-use calculations. For certain assets clearly identified, the ''net selling price'' in a binding sales agreement of an arm's length transaction can however be used to determine the recoverable amount of the asset.

The value-in-use method involves cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a threeyear period. Cash flows beyond the three-year plan are extrapolated using the most appropriate estimated growth rate which does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

Management determines these assumptions (prices, volumes and performance yields) based on past performance and its expectations for the market development. The weighted average growth rates used are consistent with the forecasts included in the industry reports. The discount rate used is based on the Group's estimated weighted average cost of capital and reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks for which future cash flows have not been adjusted. A discount rate of 8% is used for the calculations.

The intangible assets are subject to an impairment examination each year or more frequently if there are indications that these items should be subject to impairment. Regarding the main assumptions and findings and the sensitivity analyses, we refer to section II.1.5 Critical accounting assessments and principal sources of uncertainty.

In 2011, the total acquisition of intangible assets and own production of intangible assets amounted to EUR 2.9 million, compared to EUR 3.2 million the year before. The investments in intangible assets in 2011 mainly related to "Assets under construction and advance payments" for new developments and licence costs related to the roll-out of the SAP IT platform (EUR 2.6 million).

In December 2011, Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services SA/NV concluded a new joint credit facility agreement ("club deal") amounting to EUR 175 million. Under this "club deal", Recticel SA/NV and/or its affiliates have pledged their main trademarks and patents in favour of the banks up to a maximum amount of EUR 175 million plus interest and related costs.

II.5.2. Goodwill

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEc 11 31 DEc 10
At the end of the preceding year
Gross book value 49 882 48 762
Accumulated impairments (15 517) (15 451)
Net book value 34 365 33 311
Movements during the year
Acquisitions or entering the consolidation scope 539 0
Impairments * (539) 0
Disposals or leaving the consolidation scope 0 (219)
Exchange rate differences 323 1 273
At year-end 34 688 34 365
Gross book value 49 443 49 882
Accumulated impairments (14 755) (15 517)
Net book value 34 688 34 365
* See note II.1.5.1. Impairments on goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

The breakdown of the goodwill per business line is as follows:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010
Eurofoam 482 509
Germany 808 806
The Netherlands 253 253
Scandinavia 5 922 5 904
United Kingdom 4 388 4 258
Flexible Foams 11 853 11 730
Germany 2 761 2 761
Switzerland 6 284 6 114
Belgium 845 845
Austria 941 941
Bedding 10 831 10 661
Kingspan Tarec Industrial Insulation 413 412
Belgium 1 619 1 619
United Kingdom 994 965
Insulation 3 026 2 996
Proseat 8 978 8 978
Automotive 8 978 8 978
Total goodwill 34 688 34 365

The carrying amount of goodwill acquired in business combination must be allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis to each CGU or smallest group of cash-generating units in accordance with IAS 36.

The value-in-use method discounts projected cash flows based on a three-year financial budget approved by management. Cash flows beyond the three-year plan are extrapolated using the most appropriate estimated growth which cannot exceed the longterm average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

Management determines these assumptions (prices, volumes, performance yields) based on past performance and its expectations for the market development. The weighted average growth rates used are consistent with the forecasts included in the industry reports. The discount rate used is the Group's estimated weighted cost of capital and reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks for which future cash flows have been adjusted. A discount rate of 8% is used for the calculations.

The goodwill is subject to an impairment examination each year or more frequently if there are indications that these items should be subject to impairment. Regarding the main assumptions and findings and the sensitivity analyses, we refer to section II.1.5 Critical accounting assessments and principal sources of uncertainty.

II.5.3. Property, plant & equipment

For the year ending 2011:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel LAND
AND BUILDINGS
PLANT, MACHINERY
& EQUIPMENT
FURNITURE AND
VEHICLES
LEASES
AND SIMILAR
RIGHTS
OTHER TANGIBLE
ASSETS
ASSETS UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
TOTAL
At the end of the preceding year
Gross value 209 241 623 730 33 822 27 560 3 611 21 239 919 203
Accumulated depreciation (113 085) (457 807) (30 273) (11 375) (2 980) 72 (615 448)
Accumulated impairments (3 019) (29 049) (65) (371) (5) (267) (32 776)
Net book value at opening 93 137 136 874 3 484 15 814 626 21 044 270 979
Movements during the year
Changes in scope of consolidation 3 87 34 26 10 5 165
Acquisitions, including own production 1 481 8 932 2 057 82 38 17 834 30 424 (1)
Impairments (11) (4 375) (58) 0 0 (236) (4 680)
Expensed depreciation (6 005) (27 466) (1 552) (1 605) (132) 0 (36 760)
Sales and scrapped (1 023) (1 096) (25) (3) 0 (123) (2 270) (2)
Transfers from one heading to another 2 189 17 654 736 (140) 3 711 (24 693) (543)
Exchange rate differences (853) (957) (43) (22) (3) (90) (1 968)
At year-end 88 918 129 653 4 633 14 152 4 250 13 741 255 347
Gross value 201 237 632 866 31 837 27 346 7 151 13 942 914 379
Accumulated depreciation (111 453) (477 999) (27 112) (12 881) (2 901) 163 (632 183)
Accumulated impairments (866) (25 214) (92) (313) 0 (364) (26 849)
Net book value at year-end 88 918 129 653 4 633 14 152 4 250 13 741 255 347
Acquisitions Disposals
Cash-out on acquisitions tangible assets (23 729) Cash-in from disposals tangible assets 4 941
Acquisitions shown in working capital (6 695) Disposals shown in working capital (2 671)
Total acquisitions tangible assets (1) (30 424) Total disposals tangible assets (2) 2 270

For the year ending 2010:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel LAND AND
BUILDINGS
PLANT,
MACHINERY
& EQUIPMENT
FURNITURE
AND VEHICLES
LEASES
AND SIMILAR
RIGHTS
OTHER TANGIBLE
ASSETS
ASSETS UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
TOTAL
At the end of the preceding year
Gross value 204 118 592 001 33 114 31 314 4 700 24 882 890 129
Accumulated depreciation (103 937) (417 236) (29 862) (12 160) (3 778) (3 122) (570 095)
Accumulated impairments (601) (28 192) (136) (429) 0 (3 887) (33 245)
Net book value at opening 99 580 146 573 3 116 18 725 922 17 873 286 789
Movements during the year
Changes in scope of consolidation 0 (155) 22 0 0 0 (133)
Acquisitions, including own production 319 7 503 1 051 121 204 22 794 31 992 (1)
Impairments (2 835) (7 708) (5) 0 (5) (156) (10 709)
Expensed depreciation (6 169) (30 436) (1 293) (1 795) (83) (4) (39 780)
Sales and scrapped (3) (450) (11) (1 072) 0 (65) (1 601) (2)
Transfers from one heading to another 1 393 18 423 544 (175) (422) (19 710) 53
Exchange rate differences 852 3 124 60 10 10 312 4 368
At year-end 93 137 136 874 3 484 15 814 626 21 044 270 979
Gross value 209 241 623 730 33 822 27 560 3 611 21 239 919 203
Accumulated depreciation (113 085) (457 807) (30 273) (11 375) (2 980) 72 (615 448)
Accumulated impairments (3 019) (29 049) (65) (371) (5) (267) (32 776)
Net book value at year-end 93 137 136 874 3 484 15 814 626 21 044 270 979
Acquisitions Disposals
Cash-out on acquisitions tangible assets (26 646) Cash-in from disposals tangible assets 2 105

Acquisitions shown in working capital (5 346) Disposals shown in working capital (504) Total acquisitions tangible assets (1) (31 992) Total disposals tangible assets (2) 1 601

Total acquisition of tangible assets amounts to EUR 30.4 million, compared to EUR 32.0 million last year.

At 31 December 2010, the Group had entered into contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant & equipment amounting to EUR 3.7 million.

At 31 December 2011, the Group had entered into contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant & equipment amounting to EUR 6.8 million.

For the measurement of tangible assets the principles relating to impairment of assets (IAS 36) and to useful life of significant components of assets (IAS 16) apply. Fair value (market value) is used as deemed cost (IFRS 1) for certain assets such as land and buildings.

The reassessment of the useful life of certain components of assets is based upon an industrial survey confirmed by economic reality and the experience of peers reporting under IFRS.

In accordance with IAS 20 - Accounting for government grants and disclosure of government assistance, investment grants, previously included in equity according to Belgian GAAP, are deducted from the carrying amount of the related assets.

The value-in-use method discounts cash flow projections based on financial budget approved by management covering a threeyear plan. Cash flows beyond the three-year plan are extrapolated using the most appropriate estimated growth which cannot exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

Management determines these assumptions (prices, volumes, performance yields) based on past performance and its expectations for the market development. The weighted average growth rates used are consistent with the forecasts included in the industry reports. The discount rate used is the Group's estimated weighted cost of capital and reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks for which future cash flows have been adjusted. A discount rate of 8% is used for the calculations

The tangible assets are subject to an impairment examination each year or more frequently if there are indications that these items should be subject to impairment. Regarding the main assumptions and findings and the sensitivity analyses, we refer to section II.1.5 Critical accounting assessments and principal sources of uncertainty.

As a result of this examination, impairments were booked in 2011 for an amount of EUR -4.7 million (in 2010: EUR –10.8 million), which consists mainly of EUR –3.4 million in Automotive (in 2010: EUR –4.6 million) and EUR -1.3 million in Flexible Foams (in 2010: EUR –6.1 million).

As already stated under Intangible Assets, in December 2011, Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services SA/NV concluded a new joint credit facility agreement ("club deal") amounting to EUR 175 million. Under this "club deal", Recticel SA/ NV and/or its affiliates have pledged their production sites in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden in favour of the banks up to a maximum amount of EUR 175 million plus interest and related costs.

II.5.4. Assets under financial lease

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEc 2011 31 DEc 2010
Land and buildings - At cost 25 374 25 447
Land and buildings - Accumulated depreciation (11 520) (10 077)
Land and buildings - Impairments (313) (371)
Total land and buildings 13 541 14 999
Plant, machinery & equipment - At cost 1 528 1 538
Plant, machinery & equipment - Accumulated depreciation (1 059) (900)
Plant, machinery & equipment - Impairments 0 0
Total plant, machinery & equipment 469 638
Furniture and vehicles - At cost 444 575
Furniture and vehicles - Accumulated depreciation (302) (398)
Furniture and vehicles - Impairments 0 0
Total furniture and vehicles 142 177
Total assets under financial lease 14 152 15 814
Fixed assets held under financial leasing - Gross 27 346 27 560
Fixed assets held under financial leasing - Depreciation (12 881) (11 375)
Fixed assets held under financial leasing - Impairments (313) (371)
Fixed assets held under financial leasing 14 152 15 814

II.5.5. Investment property

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 Dec 2011 31 DEc 2010
At the end of the preceding year
Gross book value 1 017 1 017
Accumulated impairments (121) (121)
Net book value 896 896
Movements during the year
Acquisitions or entering the consolidation scope 0 0
Impairments 0 0
Disposals or leaving the consolidation scope (365) 0
Fair value gain 2 800 0
At year-end 3 331 896
Gross book value 3 429 1 017
Accumulated impairments (98) (121)
Net book value 3 331 896

This section relates to 31.36 hectares of industrial and agricultural land in Balen and Lommel (Belgium).

Of these lands, 7.35 hectares of industrial land is subject to a long term lease (up to 2039) to Ajinomoto Omnichem SA/NV, in Balen.

5.58 hectares of industrial land accommodates the permanent deposit, resulting form the clean-up of the entire site, executed over the years 2001-2006, and also private roads, etc.

During 2010, 15 ha of industrial land and 5 ha of agricultural land were sold to the city of Lommel.

About 17.78 hectares of industrial land in Balen and 0,63 hectares of agricultural land in Lommel remain available for sale.

Based upon a valuation report updated at the end of 2011, the value of these lands available for sale has been appraised to market value, leading to an increase in fair value of EUR 2.8 million.

III.5.6. Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates

Unless otherwise indicated, the percentage shareholdings shown below are identical to the percentage voting rights.

  1. SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED USING THE FULL CONSOLIDATION METHOD
% shareholding in
2011 2010
Austria
Sembella GmbH Aderstrasse 35 - 4850 Timelkam 100.00 100.00
Belgium
s.c. sous forme de s.a. Balim b.v. onder vorm van n.v. Olympiadenlaan 2 - 1140 Evere 100.00 100.00
s.a. Finapal n.v. Olympiadenlaan 2 - 1140 Evere 100.00 100.00
s.a. Intergroup Coordination Services n.v. Olympiadenlaan 2 - 1140 Evere 100.00 100.00
s.a. Recticel Management Services n.v. Damstraat 2 - 9230 Wetteren 100.00 100.00
s.a. Recticel International Services n.v. Olympiadenlaan 2 - 1140 Evere 100.00 100.00
China
Ningbo RIS Automotive Interiors Solutions Co. Ltd. No. 525, Changxing Road, (C Area of Pioneer Park) Jiangbei District, Ningbo Municipality 100.00 100.00
Recticel Foams (Shanghai) Co Ltd No. 525, Kang Yi Road - Kangyiao Industrial Zone, 201315 Shanghai 100.00 100.00
Czech Republic
RAI Most s.r.o. Moskevska 3055 - Most 100.00 100.00
Recticel Czech Automotive s.r.o. Chuderice-Osada 144 - 418,25 Bilina 100.00 100.00
Recticel Interiors CZ s.r.o. Plazy, 115 - PSC 293 01 Mlada Boleslav 100.00 100.00
Estonia
Recticel ou Pune Tee 22 - 12015 Tallin 100.00 100.00
Finland
Recticel oy Nevantie 2, 45100 Kouvola 100.00 100.00
France
Lebed s.a.s. Zone d'activité de l'Allmend - Boîte postale 34 - 68290 Masevaux - 100 (f)
Promousse s.a.s. Rue des Canonniers 48, 59000 Lille - 100 (f)
Recticel s.a.s. 7, rue du Fossé blanc, bâtiment C2 - 92622 Gennevilliers 100.00 100.00
Germany
J.R. Interiors GmbH & Co. KG Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach - (a)
J.R. Interiors Verwaltungs GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach - 100.00
Recticel Automobilsysteme GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Recticel Beteiligungsmanagement GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Recticel Dämmsysteme Gmbh Hagenauer Strasse 42 – 65203 Wiesbaden 100.00 100.00
Recticel Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Recticel Grundstücksverwaltung GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Recticel GuKoTech GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 0 (g) 100.00
Recticel Handel GmbH Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Recticel Schlafkomfort GmbH Schlaraffiastrasse 1-10 - 44867 Bochum 6 - Wattenscheid 100.00 100.00
Recticel Verwaltung Gmbh & Co. KG Rolandsecker Weg 30 – 53619 Rheinbreitbach 100.00 100.00
Superba-Betten AG Im Bifig 1 - 79650 Schopfheim - - (b)
Greece
Teknofoam Hellas Kosma Etolou Street, 13 - Neo Iraklio - Attica 100.00 (h) 50.00 (PM)
Luxembourg
Recticel RE s.a. 23, Avenue Monterey, L-2163 Luxembourg 100.00 100.00
Recticel Luxembourg s.a. 23, Avenue Monterey, L-2163 Luxembourg 100 (i) -
Rec 2 RE s.a. 534, rue de Neudorf, L - 2220 Luxembourg 100 (i) -
Morroco
Recticel Mousse Maghreb SARL 31 Avenue Prince Héritier, Tanger 100.00 100.00 (NC)
  1. SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED USING THE FULL CONSOLIDATION METHOD
% shareholding in
2011 2010
The Netherlands
Akoestikon Geluidsisolatie B.V. Fahrenheitbaan, 4c - 3439 MD Nieuwegein 100.00 100.00
Enipur BV Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 (GM) (j) 50.00 (PM)
Recticel B.V. Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 100.00
Recticel Bedding B.V. Paderbornstraat 2 - 7418 BP Deventer - - (c)
Recticel Holding Noord B.V. Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 100.00
Recticel International B.V. Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 100.00
Rectigro BV Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 100.00
Norway
Westnofa Industrier AS Øysand - 7224 Mehus 100.00 100.00
Poland
Recticel Komfort Snu Sp. z o.o. Ul. Graniczna 60, 93-428 Lodz 100.00 100.00
Recticel Izolacje Sp. z o.o. ul. Lwowska, 19 - PL 00660 Warschau 100.00 (GM) 100 (NC)
Romania
Recticel Bedding Romania s.r.l. Miercurea Sibiului, DN1, FN, ground floor room 2 3933 Sibiu County 100.00 100.00
Sweden
AB B. Äkesson & Co Tandstiftet 2 box 94 - 38322 Mönsterås - - (d)
Recticel AB Södra Storgatan 50 b.p. 507 - 33228 Gislaved 100.00 100.00
Spain
Ingeneria De Poliuretano Flexible s.l. Txiriboteca, 10 A 48330 Lemona (Vizcaya) 100.00 100.00
Recticel Iberica s.l. Carretera B-142km. 2,2 - 08213 Polinya 100.00 100.00
Transfoam s.l. Pol. Ind. Catarroja, C/31 Parc.10A1 46470 Catrarroja (Valencia) - 100 (f)
Transformados Ebaki s.l. Pol.Ind. Txako, 3 - Pta. principal trasera 48480 Arrigorriaga (Vizcaya) 100.00 100.00
Switzerland
Recticel Bedding (Schweiz) AG Bettenweg 12 Postfach 65 - 6233 Büron - Luzern 100.00 100.00
Turkey
Recfoam Poliuretan sünger sanayi ve ticaret limited sirkati Esentrepe mylangarz Cad., 40 34870 Istanbul 100.00 100.00
Teknofoam Izolasyon Sanayi ve Ticaret a.s. Esentepe Milangaz caddesi 40 Kartal, Istanbul 100.00 (j) 50.00 (PM)
United Kingdom
Carobel Foam Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
Declon Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
Gradient Insulations (UK) Limited 1 George Street, Wolverhampton WV2 4DG, UK 100.00 100.00
Recticel (UK) Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
Recticel Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
Rochingham Babycrafts Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
Tarec International Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
UK Insulation Supplies Limited Blue Bell Close Clover Nook Industrial Park - DE554RD Alfreton 100.00 100.00
United States of America
Recticel Foam Corporation Inc. c/o Wilmington Trust Services Suite 1300 - 1105, North Market street po box 8985 - 19899 Wilmington - Delaware - (m) 100.00
Recticel Interiors North America Llc. 5600 Bow Point Drive - MI 48346-3155 Clarkston 100.00 100.00
Recticel Urepp North America Inc. Metro North Technology Park - Atlantic Boulevard 1653 - MI 48326 Auburn Hills 100.00 100.00
Rus Inc. c/o Wilmington Trust Services Suite 1300 - 1105, North Market street po box 8985 - 19899 Wilmington - Delaware - - (e)
The Soundcoat Company Inc. Burt Drive 1 PO Box 25990 - NY 11729 Deer Park County of Suffolk 100.00 100.00

(a) Merged into J.R. Interiors Verwaltung GmbH on 07 July 2010 (b) Merged into Recticel Schlafkomfort GmbH on 22 December 2010 (c) Merged into Recticel B.V. on 11 May 2010 (d) Merged into Recticel AB on 31 December 2010 (e) Liquidated on 31 December 2010 (f) Out of scope of consolidation as from 31 December 2010 (g) Sold in July 2011 (h) Until 30 June 2011 consolidated following the proportional method (i) Acquired in November 2011

(j) Until 30 June 2011 consolidated following the proportional method. (k) Liquidated on 31 December 2011 (l) Sold in November 2011 (m) Liquidated on 15 November 2011 (EM) Consolidated using the equity method (GM) Consolidated using the global method (NC) Non-consolidated (PM) Consolidated using the proportional method

  1. JOINT VENTURES CONSOLIDATED USING THE PROPORTIONAL CONSOLIDATION METHOD
% shareholding in
2011 2010
Austria
Eurofoam GmbH Greinerstrasse 70 - 4550 Kremsmünster 50.00 50.00
Belgium
s.a. Kingspan Tarec Industrial Insulation n.v. Olympiadenlaan, 2 - 1140 Evere 50.00 50.00
s.a. Proseat n.v. Olympiadenlaan 2 - 1140 Evere 51.00 51.00
Czech
Proseat Mlada Boleslav s.r.o. Plazy, 115 - PSC 293 01 Mlada Boleslav 51.00 51.00
France
Proseat s.a.s. Avenue de Verdun, 71, 77470 Trilport 51.00 51.00
Germany
50.00 50.00
Eurofoam Deutschland GmbH Schaumstoffe Hagenauer Strasse 42 – 65203 Wiesbaden 50.00 50.00
KFM-Schaumstoff GmbH Rosenauer Strasse, 28 - 96487 Dörfles-Esbach 51.00 51.00
Proseat Gmbh & Co. KG
Proseat Verwaltung Gmbh
Hessenring 32 - 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf
Hessenring 32 - 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf
51.00 51.00
Greece
Teknofoam Hellas Kosma Etolou Street, 13 - Neo Iraklio - Attica 100.00 (GM) (h) 50.00 (PM)
Hungary
Eurofoam Hungary Kft. Miskolc 16 - 3792 Sajobabony 50.00 50.00
Italy
Proseat s.r.l. Piazza Meda, 5 - 20121 Milano - (k) 50.00
The Netherlands
Enipur BV Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 100.00 (GM) 50 (PM)
Eurofoam B.V. Spoorstraat 69 - 4041 CL Kesteren 50.00 50.00
Poland
Eurofoam Polska Sp. z o.o. ul Szczawinska 42 - 95-100 Zgierz 50.00 50.00
Proseat Spolka. z o.o. ul Miedzyrzecka, 16 - 43-382, Bielsko-Biala 51.00 51.00
Romania
Eurofoam s.r.l. Str. Garii nr. 13 Selimbar 2428 - O.P.8 C.P. 802 - Jud. Sibiu 50.00 50.00
Spain
Proseat Foam Manufacturing SLU Carretera Navarcles s/n, Poligono Industrial Santa Ana II - Santpedor (08251 Barcelona) 51.00 51.00
Turkey
Teknofoam Izolasyon Sanayi ve Ticaret a.s. Esentepe Milangaz caddesi 40 Kartal, Istanbul 100.00 (GM) (j) 50.00 (PM)
United Kingdom
Kingspan Tarec Industrial Insulation Ltd. Charlestown Works, Charlestown - SK13 8LE Glossop (Derbyshire) 50.00 50.00
Proseat LLP Unit A, Stakehill Industrial Estate, Manchester, Lancashire 51.00 51.00

3. ASSOCIATES CONSOLIDATED USING THE EQUITY METHOD

% shareholding in
2011 2010
Bulgaria
Eurofoam-BG o.o.d. Raiko Aleksiev Street 40, block n° 215-3 Izgrev district, Sofia 49.76 49.76
Czech Republic
B.P.P. spol s.r.o. ul. Hájecká 11 – 61800 Brno 25.68 25.68
Eurofoam Bohemia s.r.o. Osada 144, Chuderice - 418 25 Bilina 50.00 50.00
Eurofoam TP spol.s.r.o. ul. Hájecká 11 – 61800 Brno 40,00 40,00
Sinfo Souhradi 84 - 391 43 Mlada Vozice 25.50 25.50
Eurofoam Industry ul. Hájecká 11 – 61800 Brno 50.00 (EM) 50.00 (NC)
Italy
ARTE srl Largo Augusto 3 20122 Milano 50.00 50.00
Orsa Foam s.p.a. Via A. Colombo, 60 21055 Gorla Minore (VA) 33.00 33.00
Industria Siracusana Poliuretani Espansi Spa S.S. 114-N. 48 Contrada Targia 96100 Siracusa (SR) 16.67 16.67
Norditalia Resine Spa Via Antoniana, 48 s.p. del Santo 35011 Campodarsego (PD) 16.67 16.67
Sud Italia Poliuretani s.r.l. Zona Industriale la Martella 75100 Matera (MT) 16.67 16.67
Lithuania
UAB Litfoam Radziunu Village, Alytus Region 30.00 30.00
Poland
Caria Sp. z o.o. ul Jagiellonska 48 - 34 - 130 Kalwaria Zebrzydowska 25.50 25.50
Eurofoam Gdansk Sp. z o.o. ul. Przyrodników 23 - 80-298 Gdansk 50.00 50.00
Eurofoam Poznan Sp. z o.o. ul. Gnieznienska 4 Janikowo K/Poznan - 62-006 Kobylnica 50.00 50.00
JP Foam Manufactoring Sp.z.o.o. al. Ujazdowskie, 51 - 00-536 Warsaw - (l) 17.85
PPHIU Kerko Sp. z o.o. Nr. 366 - 36-073 Strazow 25.86 25.86
Romania
Flexi-Mob Trading s.r.l. Interioara Street, 3 Pol. II, Inc. Federalcoop, Nr. 1, Constanta 25.00 25.00
Russian Federation
Eurofoam Kaliningrad Kaliningrad District, Guierwo Region , 238352 Uszakowo 50.00 (EM) 50.00 (NC)
Slovak Republic
JP Foam Manufacturing sro Namestie Republiky 26 - 98401 Lucenec - (l) 17.85
Poly Dolné Rudiny 1 - SK-01001 Zilina 50.00 50.00
Serbia
Eurofoam Sunder d.o.o. Vojvodanska Str. 127 - 21242 Budisava 50.00 50.00
Ukraine
Porolon Limited Grodoocka 357 - 290040 - Lviv 47.50 47.50

4. NON-CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

Some subsidiaries more than 50% controlled are not consolidated because they are (still) insignificant. As soon as they have reached a sufficient size, however, they will be included in the scope of consolidation.

% shareholding in
2011 2010
China
Recticel Shanghai Ltd No. 518, Fute North Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone - 200131 Shanghai 100.00 100.00
Shenyang RIS Co Ltd No. 12, Hangtian Road, 110043 Shenyang 100.00 -
Czech Republic
Eurofoam Industry ul. Hájecká 11 – 61800 Brno 50.00 (EM) 50.00 (NC)
Greece
Rectiflex e.p.e. Oreokastro-Neochorouda Road Km. 4 Oreokastro - (m) 25.50
India
Recticel India Private Limited 407, Kapadia Chambers, 599 JSS Road, Princess Street, Marine Lines (East) 400002 Mumbai Maharashtra 100.00 -
Japan
Inorec Japan KK Imaika-Cho 1-36, Anjo-Shi 50.00 50.00
Luxembourg
Recfin Holding S.A. 412F, route d'Esch, L-2086 Luxembourg 100.00 100.00
Morroco
Recticel Mousse Maghreb SARL 31 Avenue Prince Héritier, Tanger 100.00 (GM) 100.00 (NC)
Moldova
Eurofoam M srl Independentei Street 30/4 - MD 2072 Chisinau - (g) 25.50
Pologne
Recticel Izolacje Sp. z o.o. ul. Lwowska, 19 - PL 00660 Warschau 100.00 (GM) 100 (NC)
Romania
BIOFLEX s.r.l. Str. Depozitelor NR 58 - 3900 Satu Mare 50.00 50.00
Eurofoam s.r.l. Baia Mare Str. Margeanulin, 5 - 4800 BAIA MARE 50.00 50.00
Russian Federation
Eurofoam Kaliningrad Kaliningrad District, Guierwo Region , 238352 Uszakowo 50.00 (EM) 50.00 (NC)
Proseat LLC Domodedovskoye shosse 1/1, Podolsky district, Moskow Region, 142116 Selkhoztekhnica 51.00 51.00
Sweden
Nordflex A.B. Box 507 - 33200 Gislaved 100.00 100.00
Switzerland
Prefoam AG c/o KPMG Private Steinengraben, 5 - 4003 Basel 50.00 50.00
United Kingdom
Glass Machining Services Limited (in liquidation) 4 Lime Tree Court, The Avenue Hatch End, Pinner Middlesex HA5 4UX 100.00 100.00

II.5.7. Interests in associates

A list of the significant investments in associates is included in note II.5.6.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEc 2011 31 DEc 2010
At the end of the preceding period 15 451 15 697
Movements during the year
Changes in the scope of consolidation (3 055) (629)
Exchange rate differences (424) 149
Group's share in the result of the period 1 741 935
Dividends distributed (898) (726)
Capital increases 142 25
At the end of the period 12 957 15 451

The movements in the scope of consolidation in 2011 related mainly to the disposal of the investment in JP Foam Manufacturing (Automotive – Seating) (EUR –3.1 million), with no material result on disposal.

The following key figures for the associates are shown on a 100% basis:

in thousand EUR
31 DEc 2011
Group Recticel ORSAFOAM S.P.A. A.R.T.E. SRL FLEXIMOB LITFOAM UAB EUROFOAM
SÜNDERI
EUROFOAM
M-BG O.O.D.
POLY
Total assets 74 706 4 004 303 724 1 385 1 481 1 256
Non current liabilities 1 931 0 0 0 0 791 0
Current liabilities 41 113 4 522 222 678 1 305 727 957
Total liabilities 43 044 4 522 222 678 1 305 1 518 957
Net equity 31 662 (518) 81 46 80 (37) 299
Revenues 72 524 1 792 497 2 169 1 811 3 201 2 266
Profit or (loss) of the period 2 255 (617) 16 7 30 (124) 10
BPP SPOL S.R.O. EUROFOAM TP SPOL S.R.O. EUROFOAM BOHEMIA S.R.O. EUROFOAM INDUSTRY S.R.O. SINFO POROLON LTD CARIA SP.Z.O.O.
Total assets 2 497 919 2 736 740 1 451 483 1 031
Non current liabilities 0 4 39 0 25 0 129
Current liabilities 626 75 1 722 390 587 245 559
Total liabilities 626 79 1 762 390 611 245 687
Net equity 1 871 841 975 350 840 238 344
Revenues 3 313 2 894 4 201 2 450 3 075 2 655 3 083
Profit or (loss) of the period 775 668 102 270 162 97 (65)
EUROFOAM GDANSK SP.Z.O.O. EUROFOAM POZNAN KERKO SP.Z.O.O. EUROFOAM KALININGRAD JP FOAM MANUFACT-
URING SP.Z.O.O.
JP FOAM MANUFACT
URING S.R.O.
TOTAL
Total assets 1 640 3 340 714 311 20 448 11 158 131 328
Non current liabilities 144 1 369 0 29 605 0 5 064
Current liabilities 771 1 088 496 83 9 165 4 170 69 501
Total liabilities 915 2 456 496 112 9 770 4 170 74 565
Net equity 725 884 218 199 10 677 6 988 56 763
Revenues 3 789 6 116 2 066 1 082 16 341 19 002 154 326
Profit or (loss) of the period (4) 46 (18) 104 1 412 946 6 075

104 | RECTICEL ECTICEL | Annual Report 2011 Fiinaancial cialrereportrt | 105

in thousand EUR
31 DEC 2010
Group Recticel ORSAFOAM S.P.A. A.R.T.E. SRL FLEXIMOB LITFOAM
UAB
EUROFOAM
SÜNDERI
EUROFOAM
M-BG O.O.D.
POLY
Total assets 71 257 4 436 310 814 1 339 1 693 1 184
Non-current liabilities 3 315 154 0 23 0 793 0
Current liabilities 37 779 4 551 244 752 1 289 734 893
Total liabilities 41 094 4 705 244 775 1 289 1 526 893
Net equity 30 163 (269) 66 39 50 167 291
Revenues 76 769 1 713 338 2 134 1 489 2 410 2 481
Profit or (loss) of the period 1 546 (487) 0 (40) (198) (160) 23
BPP SPOL S.R.O. EUROFOAM TP SPOL S.R.O. EUROFOAM BOHEMIA S.R.O. SINFO POROLON LTD CARIA SP.Z.O.O. EUROFOAM GDANSK SP.Z.O.O.
Total assets 2 669 1 229 2 835 1 512 348 1 198 1 912
Non-current liabilities 0 0 0 63 0 0 0
Current liabilities 821 497 1 936 564 78 744 1 046
Total liabilities 821 497 1 936 627 78 744 1 046
Net equity 1 848 732 899 886 270 454 866
Revenues 4 497 2 684 4 928 3 152 1 826 3 574 4 674
Profit or (loss) of the period 717 576 22 179 131 (91) 56
EUROFOAM
POZNAN
KERKO SP.Z.O.O. JP FOAM
MANUFACT
URING SP.Z.O.O.
JP FOAM
MANUFACT
URING S.R.O.
TOTAL
Total assets 3 710 650 22 130 8 838 128 063
Non-current liabilities 1 220 0 0 0 5 567
Current liabilities 1 537 391 11 738 2 797 68 391
Total liabilities 2 757 391 11 738 2 797 73 958
Net equity 953 259 10 392 6 041 54 106
Revenues 7 089 2 302 17 789 18 713 158 562
Profit or (loss) of the period 19 (27) (153) 513 2 626

II.5.8. Other financial investments

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Gross value at the end of the preceding year 1 151 1 999
Movements during the year
Changes in scope of consolidation (247) (1 096)
Capital increases (reimbursements) 3 392 (276) (1)
Acquisitions 0 994 (1)
Disposals (309) (902) (2)
Write-offs (59) (84)
Write-backs on disposal transactions 82 370
Transfer to available for sale investments (502) 0
Exchange rate differences (109) 146
Gross value at year-end 3 399 1 151
Gross Value 4 484 2 261
Accumulated amounts written-off (1 085) (1 110)
Accumulated impairments 0 0
Net book value at year-end 3 399 1 151
Cash-out for acquisitions of financial investments (3 831) (708)
Total acquisitions of financial investments and related capital movements (1) 18 700 (718)
Acquisitions shown in working capital (22 531) 10
Cash-in from disposals of financial investments 5 508 704
Total disposals of financial investments (2) 309 902
Working capital movements relating to disposals (5 199) 198

This heading includes all non-consolidated investments. These investments are non-listed companies. The fair value equals the cumulative historical cost corrected for durable impairment losses.

Capital increases relate to (i) Recticel India Private Ltd (Flexible Foams), (ii) Shenyang RIS Co Ltd (People's Republic of China) (Automotive – Interiors) and Bioflex s.r.l. (Romania) (Flexible Foams).

The changes in scope of consolidation relate mainly to the disposal of JP Foam Manufacturing (Automotive – Seating; Czech and Slovak Republic).

In 2010, the changes in the scope of consolidation related to (i) the integration of Recticel GuKoTech GmbH, Recticel Foams (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. and of the acquired remaining minorities (30%) of J.R. Interiors GmbH & Co.KG (EUR 991K) and (ii) the liquidation of LeBed SAS (Bedding – France) and of Swissflex Belgium BVBA (Bedding – Belgium).

Capital reimbursements in 2010 relate to Recfin SA (Luxembourg).

In 2010, the remaining minorities (30%) of J.R. Interiors GmbH & Co.KG (EUR 991K) were acquired and the participation in Wenfom AS (Flexible Foams) was sold.

II.5.9. Available for sale investments

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Gross value 189 220
Accumulated amounts impaired (103) (135)
Net book value at the end of the preceding period 86 85
Movements during the period
Disposals (69) 0
Impairment (406) 0
Transfer from other financial investments 502 0
Exchange rate differences 8 1
Net book value at the end of the period 121 86
Gross value 635 189
Accumulated amounts written-off (514) (103)
Net book value at the end of the period 121 86

II.5.10. Non-current receivables

For the year ending 2011:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel Loans Cash
advances
& deposits
Trade
receivables
Other
receivables
Total
Gross value at the end of the preceding year 8 464 4 951 132 1 039 14 586
Movements during the year:
Change of scope of consolidation 0 9 0 0 9
New loans 156 15 0 886 1 057
Actualisation 0 0 0 8 8
Reimbursement (177) (1 609) (58) (47) (1 891)
Transfer to short term (2) (931) (5) 118 (820)
Translation differences 334 13 0 515 862
Other (148) 0 0 0 (148)
Gross value at end of the period 8 627 2 448 69 2 519 13 663
Amounts written-off at the end of the preceding year (3 835) (681) 0 0 (4 516)
Movements during the year:
Write-off (621) 0 0 (135) (756)
Transfer to short term 0 681 0 0 681
Translation differences (386) 0 0 (381) (767)
Amounts written-off at the end of the period (4 842) 0 0 (516) (5 358)
Net book value at year end 3 785 2 448 69 2 003 8 305

For the year ending 2010:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel Loans Cash
advances
& deposits
Trade
receivables
Other
receivables
Total
Gross value at the end of the preceding year 7 277 4 575 208 1 053 13 113
Movements during the year:
Changes in scope of consolidation 0 4 0 (322) (318)
New loans 806 408 0 167 1 381
Actualisation 64 0 0 9 73
Reimbursement (12) (65) (76) (88) (241)
Transfer to short term (11) 0 0 (160) (171)
Translation differences 340 29 0 380 749
Gross value at end of the period 8 464 4 951 132 1 039 14 586
Amounts written-off at the end of the preceding year (3 508) 0 0 0 (3 508)
Movements during the year:
Write-offs 0 (681) 0 0 (681)
Translation differences (327) 0 0 0 (327)
Amounts written-off at the end of the period (3 835) (681) 0 0 (4 516)
Net book value at year end 4 629 4 270 132 1 039 10 070

'Cash advances and deposits' is a significant item under 'Non-current receivables', consisting of the following:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Rent 723 692
Supplies (water, electricity, telecom, waste treatment, ) 103 100
Value added tax 26 31
Containers, storages & furnitures 75 65
Early retirements 1 485 1 726
Other 36 1 656
Total 2 448 4 270

II.5.11. Inventories

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Raw materials & supplies - Gross 65 701 62 003
Raw materials & supplies - Amounts written off (4 106) (3 726)
Raw materials & supplies 61 595 58 277
Work in progress - Gross 16 158 18 066
Work in progress - Amounts written off (293) (649)
Work in progress 15 865 17 417
Finished goods - Gross 32 839 33 263
Finished goods - Amounts written off (2 076) (1 953)
Finished goods 30 763 31 310
Traded goods - Gross 4 151 3 539
Traded goods - Amounts written off (297) (491)
Traded goods 3 854 3 048
Down payments - Gross 145 134
Down payments - Amounts written off 0 0
Down payments 145 134
Contracts in progress - Gross 3 916 3 636
Contracts in progress - Amounts written off (136) (151)
Contracts in progress 3 780 3 485
Total inventories 116 002 113 671
Amounts written-off on inventories during the period -85 -158

As already mentioned under Intangible and Tangible Assets, in December 2011, Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services SA/NV concluded a new joint credit facility agreement ("club deal") amounting to EUR 175 million. Under this "club deal", Recticel SA/NV and/or its affiliates have granted a floating charge mandate in favour of the banks up to a maximum amount of EUR 175 million plus interest and related costs.

II.5.12. Construction contracts

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Contract revenues recognised over the period 1 472 10 028
Contract costs incurred plus recognised profits less recognised losses to date 3 539 22 179
Advance payments received 936 323

In the automotive activity, Recticel (i) developed a polyurethanebased technology for the manufacturing of interior trim components and (ii) produces moulded seat cushions in polyurethane for the car industry. For optimum implementation of these two applications, based on the specifications given by its customers, Recticel ensures the manufacturing of the moulds with its own suppliers during the pre-operating phase, before starting production of components. At the end of this subcontracting process, the moulds are sold to the customer.

Considered as a long-term contract, the recognition of the costs and revenues of the 'moulds' activity is reflected in the accounts by reference to the stage of completion. Under the so-called 'percentage of completion' method, contract revenue is matched with the contract costs incurred in reaching the stage of completion.

II.5.13. Trade receivables and other receivables

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Trade receivables
Trade receivables 142 516 152 766
Write-off on doubtful trade receivables (9 606) (10 983)
Total trade receivables 132 910 141 783
Other receivables (1) 29 470 23 222
Other derivatives 408 852
Derivatives instruments in designated hedge accounting relationship 0 217
Loans carried at amortised cost 9 689 37 994
Total financial assets (2) 10 097 39 063
Subtotal (1)+(2) 39 567 62 285
Total loans and receivables 172 477 204 068

Trade receivables at the balance sheet date 2011 comprise amounts receivable from the sale of goods and services for EUR 132.9 million (2010: EUR 141.8 million).

This net amount of EUR 132.9 million consists of:

(i) gross trade receivables amounting to EUR 181.3 million (2010: EUR 187.2 million), after deduction of the following:

  • − EUR 7.3 million in credit notes still to be drawn (2010: EUR 6.8 million)
  • − EUR 47.6 million as a result of a non-recourse factoring programme in Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom (EUR 34.9 million) and a forfeiting programme for trade receivables in the automotive sector (EUR 12.7 million)
  • − EUR 9.6 million in provisions for estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods (2010: EUR 11.0 million), plus

(ii) EUR 16.1 million in bills of exchange and invoices still to be drawn (2010: EUR 22.4 million).

Trade receivables at the balance sheet date 2010 comprise amounts receivable from the sale of goods and services for EUR 141.8 million (2009: EUR 142.1 million). This net amount of EUR 141.8 million consisted of:

(i) gross trade receivables amounting to EUR 187.2 million (2009: EUR 186.2 million), after deduction of the following:

  • − EUR 6.8 million in credit notes still to be drawn up (2009: EUR 5.8 million)
  • − EUR 49.0 million as a result of a non-recourse factoring programme in Belgium and Germany (EUR 39.8 million) and a forfeiting programme for trade receivables in the automotive sector (EUR 9.2 million)
  • − EUR 11.0 million in provisions for estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods (2009: EUR 11.8 million), plus

(ii) EUR 22.4 million in bills of exchange and invoices still to be drawn up (2009: EUR 16.9 million).

In 2011, other receivables amounting to EUR 29.5 million relate essentially to (i) VAT receivable (EUR 9.0 million), (ii) advances paid to third parties for operating costs spread over several financial years (EUR 10.1 million), (iii) receivables towards joint ventures (Kingspan Tarec Industrial Insulation and Proseat) and (iv) contractual commitments with co-contractors (EUR 10.4 million).

In 2010, other receivables amounting to EUR 23.2 million relate essentially to (i) VAT receivable (EUR 5.3 million), (ii) advances paid to third parties for operating costs spread over several financial years (EUR 9.4 million), (iii) receivables towards joint ventures (Kingspan Tarec Industrial Insulation and Proseat) and (iv) contractual commitments with co-contractors (EUR 8.5 million).

In 2011, other financial assets (EUR 10.1 million) mainly consist of financial receivables on affiliated companies which are not consolidated (EUR 3.4 million), a receivable of EUR 7.0 million (2010: EUR 35.2 million) relating to the balance not drawn down under non-recourse factoring programmes in Belgium and Germany, as well as EUR 0.5 million relating to the revaluation of interest rate and exchange rate hedging instruments.

In 2010, other financial assets (EUR 39.1 million) mainly consist of financial receivables on affiliated companies which are not consolidated (EUR 2.5 million), a receivable of EUR 35.2 million (2009: EUR 31.4 million) relating to the balance not drawn down under non-recourse factoring programmes in Belgium and Germany, as well as EUR 1.1 million relating to the revaluation of interest rate and exchange rate hedging instruments.

As already mentioned above, in December 2011, Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services SA/NV concluded a joint credit facility agreement ("club deal") amounting to EUR 175 million. Under this "club deal" and the agreement relating to the subordinated loans, Recticel SA/NV and/or its subsidiaries have granted a floating charge mandate in favour of the banks up to a maximum amount of EUR 175 million plus interest and related costs.

Credit risk

The Group's principal current financial assets are cash & cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and investments, which represent the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.

The Group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Group's management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.

The risk profile of the trade receivables portfolio is segmented by business line and based on the conditions of sale observed on the market. At the same time, it is confined by the agreed limits of the general conditions of sale and the specifically agreed conditions. The latter also depend on the degree of industrial and commercial integration of the customer, as well as on the level of market competitiveness.

The trade receivables portfolio in Flexible Foams, Bedding and Insulation consist of a large number of customers distributed among various markets, for which the credit risk is assessed on an ongoing basis via the commercial and financial conditions granted to customers. In addition, the credit risks on trade receivables, with the exception of Automotive, are mostly covered by credit insurance policies which the Group manages centrally and harmonises. The credit risk management is also bolstered by the implementation of SAP software modules (FSCM) and best practice processes regarding the collection of receivables.

In Automotive, the credit risks are reasonably concentrated and appeal is made to the solvency ratios allocated by independent rating agencies.

The average credit periods taken on sales vary from 45 to 90 days, depending on the business line and the country of operations.

With a view to confining credit risks, non-recourse factoring, forfeiting and discounting programmes were established for a total amount of EUR 83.1 million (of which EUR 45.5 million were actually used at 31 December 2011).

The average uncovered outstandings from due receivables vary according to business line between 1% and 4.5% of total sales. The Group considers that there is no particular risk of non-recovery, although it is necessary to remain vigilant.

Ageing balance of receivables due, for which no provision has been recognised:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
30 days 10 659 9 991
60 days 6 649 6 451
90 days 956 1 157
120 days 668 1 204
150 days 481 506
180 days and more 618 4 051
Total 20 031 23 360

Movement in provisions for doubtful receivables:

in thousand EUR
31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
(10 983) (11 769)
(1 337) (1 150)
2 516 1 020
37 324
92 318
90 (164)
(21) 438
(9 606) (10 983)

II.5.14. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months and less. The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Short-term bank deposits - equal to or less than 3 months 8 700 2 368
Cash at bank & in hand 45 875 51 570
Total cash and cash equivalents 54 575 53 938

II.5.15. Share capital

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Issued shares
28 931 456 ordinary shares without nominal value 72 329 73 329
Fully paid-up shares
28 931 456 shares without nominal value 72 329 72 329

II.5.16. Share premium account

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel
Balance at 31 December 2010 107 013
Premium arising on issue of equity during 2011 0
Expenses of issue of equity shares during 2011 0
Balance at 31 December 2011 107 013

II.5.17. Pensions and similar obligations

Retirement benefit schemes

Several Recticel companies operate defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans. The main defined benefit plans, which typically provide retirement benefits related to remuneration and period of service, are located in Belgium, France, Germany and the UK.

The funded plans' assets are invested in mixed portfolios of shares and bonds or insurance contracts.

The plan assets do not include direct investments in Recticel shares, Recticel bonds or any property used by Recticel companies.

In order to meet the shortfall in funding of the UK pension scheme, Recticel has agreed to pay a total amount of GBP 9 million as recovery contributions during the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2023.

Defined benefit pension plans - Provisions for defined benefit pension plans

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Movements in the net liabilities of the current period:
Net liability at 1 January 33 731 35 391
Expense recognised in the income statement 4 495 2 703
Uses for contributions paid (4 406) (4 469)
Changes in scope 0 0
Exchange rate differences 72 106
Net liability at 31 December 33 892 33 731

The amounts recognised in income statement in respect of the defined benefit plans are as follows:

in thousand EUR
31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
2 091 2 073
4 389 4 335
(2 493) (2 198)
7 42
73 (1 926)
428 377
4 495 2 703

Defined benefit pension plans - Provisions for defined benefit pension plans

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
The amounts recorded in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit plans are:
Defined benefit obligations - funded plans 74 665 72 427
Fair value of plan assets (44 641) (44 214)
Deficit for funded plans (surplus) 30 024 28 213
Defined benefit obligations - unfunded plans 15 748 13 710
Funded status 45 772 41 923
Unrecognised past service gain (cost) (829) (170)
Unrecognised actuarial (losses) gains (11 051) (8 022)
Net liabilities at balance sheet date 33 892 33 731
Short-term 3 529 3 871
Long-term 30 363 29 860
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
The key actuarial assumptions used at the balance sheet date (weighted averages) are:
Discount rate 4,50% 5,10%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 5,74% 5,80%
Future pension increases 2,00% 2,91%
Expected rate of salary increases 2,99% 2,99%
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Movements in plan assets:
Real value of plan assets (1 January) 44 214 36 724
Expected return on plan assets 2 493 2 198
Employer contributions 4 406 4 469
Employee contributions 0 0
Benefits paid (direct & indirect) (4 943) (150)
Actuarial gains (losses) on plan assets (2 048) 951
Settlement gains / (losses) (53) (543)
Change in scope 0 0
Exchange rate differences 572 565
Real value of plan assets (31 December) 44 641 44 214
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Plan assets - portfolio mix:
Shares 32% 27%
Bonds 7% 10%
Insurance contracts 56% 55%
Cash 0% 2%
Other 5% 5%

The expected rate of return takes into account the asset allocation.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
The actual return on plan assets in the current period was as follows:
Actual return on plan assets 445 3 149
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Variations in the liabilities for defined benefit plans:
Defined Benefit Obligation (1 January) 86 137 78 656
Current service costs 2 091 2 073
Employee contributions 0 0
Interest cost 4 389 4 335
Benefits paid (direct & indirect) (4 943) (150)
Actuarial (gains) losses on liabilities 1 337 2 187
Past service cost 666 (48)
Curtailment (gains) losses (182) (1 256)
Settlement (gains)/losses 182 (551)
Change in scope 0 0
Exchange rate differences 736 891
Defined Benefit Obligation (31 December) 90 413 86 137

Experience adjustments

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2009 31 DEC 2008 31 DEC 2007
Defined benefit obligations - all plans 90 413 86 137 78 656 78 779 131 891
Fair value of plan assets (44 641) (44 214) (36 724) (31 764) (87 935)
Funded status 45 772 41 923 41 932 47 015 43 956
Experience adjustments to defined benefit obligations (1 229) 1 778 (1 205) (2 909) 1 292
Experience adjustments to plan assets (2 048) 951 1 530 (9 462) 1 158
The expected contributions for the following years amount to: 3 636 3 830 3 738

Defined contribution plans

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Contributions paid by the Entity to defined contribution plans:
Contributions paid 4 915 3 912

Defined contribution plans in Belgium and Switzerland are subject to a minimum guaranteed return. Nevertheless, these plans are lodged under the defined contribution plans. For the Belgian plans, the guaranteed return is provided by external insurance companies. For the Swiss plans, the value of the fund investments (EUR 19.4 million at 31 December 2011) is well in excess of the guaranted amounts.

II.5.18. Provisions

For the year ending 2011

in thousand EUR
EMPLOYEE
TAX
OTHER
Group Recticel
BENEFITS
LITIGATION
LITIGATION
ENVIRON
DEFECTIVE
MENTAL
PRODUCTS
RISKS
REORGANISA
TION
PROVISI
ONS FOR
ONEROUS
CONTRACTS
OTHER RISKS FINANCIAL
RISKS ON
DISPOSAL
SUBSIDIARIES
TOTAL
At the end of the preceding year
38 835
141
370
3 248
6 653
22 790 4 459 971 300 77 767
Movements during the year
Expected returns on assets
(2 493)
0
0
0
0
0 0 0 0 (2 493)
Actualisation
4 604
180 7 0 4 791
Increases
4 070
0
0
353
1
2 966 0 184 0 7 574
Utilisations
(5 888)
0
(125)
(181)
(476)
(15 557) (1 779) 0 (300) (24 306)
Write-backs
(759)
(136)
(57)
(1 358)
0
(2 308) (591) (429) 0 (5 638)
Exchange rate differences
46
(5)
1
(66)
0
46 (4) (6) 0 12
At year-end
38 415
0
189
1 996
6 178
7 937 2 265 727 0 57 707
Non-current provisions (more than one year)
35 289
0
169
1 949
5 888
2 067 2 164 727 0 48 253
Current provisions (less than one year)
3 126
0
20
47
290
5 870 101 0 0 9 454
Total
38 415
0
189
1 996
6 178
7 937 2 265 727 0 57 707

For the year ending 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
TAX
LITIGATION
OTHER
LITIGATION
DEFECTIVE
PRODUCTS
ENVIRONMEN
TAL RISKS
REORGANISA
TION
PROVISIONS
FOR ONEROUS
CONTRACTS
OTHER RISKS FINANCIAL
RISKS ON
DISPOSAL
SUBSIDIARIES
TOTAL
At the end of the preceding year 41 102 0 388 3 939 6 121 16 940 1 304 1 041 1 587 72 422
Movements during the year
Changes in scope of consolidation (380) 0 0 0 0 (285) 0 0 0 (665)
Expected returns on assets (2 198) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2 198)
Actualisation 4 580 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 580
Increases 2 477 140 195 531 567 18 348 2 654 197 300 25 409
Utilisations (5 891) 0 (131) (351) (42) (6 778) (818) (134) 0 (14 145)
Write-backs (1 015) 0 (82) (934) 0 (4 288) (65) (173) (1 587) (8 144)
Transfer from heading to another 0 0 0 0 0 (1 397) 1 397 0 0 0
Exchange rate differences 159 1 0 63 7 250 (13) 40 0 507
At year-end 38 834 141 370 3 248 6 653 22 790 4 459 971 300 77 766
Non-current provisions
(more than one year)
34 988 0 277 3 060 6 359 11 125 2 524 807 300 59 440
Current provisions (less than one year) 3 846 141 93 188 294 11 665 1 935 164 0 18 326
Total 38 834 141 370 3 248 6 653 22 790 4 459 971 300 77 766

The provisions for defective products are mainly related to warranties granted for products in the bedding division. The provisions are generally calculated on the basis of 1% of yearly turnover, which corresponds to the management's best estimate of the risk under 12-month warranties. When historical data are unavailable, the level of the provisions is compared to the yearly effective rate of liabilities, and if necessary, the amount of provision is adjusted.

Provisions for environmental risks cover primarily (i) the identified risk at the Tertre site (see section II.6.11.1.) and (ii) pollution risks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Provisions for reorganisation relate to the outstanding balance of expected expenses for (i) the previously announced and additional restructuring plans in Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and the USA; and (ii) onerous contracts in Germany, Spain and the USA.

II.5.19. Financial liabilities

II.5.19.1.Financial liabilities carried at amortised cost

in thousand EUR
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES USED CURRENT LIABILITIES USED
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Secured
Financial leases 11 024 13 285 2 161 2 063
Bank loans 75 176 110 516 0 12 500
Bank loans - factoring with recourse 0 0 0 1 159
Discounted bills of exchange 0 0 0 1 987
Total secured 86 200 123 801 2 161 17 709
Unsecured
Bonds & notes 44 546 39 780 14 500 0
Non-current bank loans with current portion 4 358 1 461 840 5 243
Other loans 2 111 2 082 268 334
Current bank loans 0 0 15 924 3 071
Bank loans - forfeiting 0 0 46 1 513
Bank overdraft 0 0 11 204 9 515
Other financial debts 0 0 22 737 8 306
Total unsecured 51 015 43 323 65 519 27 982
Total liabilities carried at amortised cost 137 215 167 124 67 680 45 691
in thousand EUR
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES UNUSED CURRENT LIABILITIES UNUSED
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Secured
Bank loans 100 000 94 400 0 0
Bank loans - factoring with recourse 0 0 0 8 900
Discounted bills of exchange 0 0 900 8 400
Total secured 100 000 94 400 900 17 300
Unsecured
Bank loans 0 0 47 400 66 100
Total unsecured 0 0 47 400 66 100
Total liabilities carried at amortised cost 100 000 94 400 48 300 83 400

At the end of 2011, the gross interest-bearing borrowings of the Group amounted to EUR 204.9 million, compared to EUR 212.8 million at the end of 2010, i.e. a reduction of EUR 7.9 million. This was achieved, in spite of higher raw material prices and substantial cash outlays for restructuring costs, thanks to strict management of capital expenditure and working capital and the increased use of the non-recourse factoring/forfeiting programs.

At the end of 2011, the weighted average lifetime of debts payable after one year was 4.84 years. The bonds and financial leases are at fixed interest rate.

Besides the drawn amounts under the "club deal" facility (EUR 75.0 million), the Group also had access at 31 December 2011 to EUR 84.5 million long term loan commitments of which EUR 18.3 million are maturing within one year. On top of this, the Group has also at its disposal EUR 100 million under the "club deal" facility and EUR 83.6 million undrawn short term credit lines.

The fair market value of floating rate borrowings is close to the nominal value. The interest cost for these variable interest rate borrowings ranges from 1.5% to 2.5% p.a. in EUR and to 2.00% p.a. in USD.

At balance sheet date the total borrowings were directly or synthetically (through currency swaps) denominated for 72.6% in EUR, 7.6% in GBP, 4.8% in CHF, 4.1% in SEK, 3.6% in CZK, 3.2% in USD, 2.8% in PLN and 1.3% in various other currencies.

The majority of the Group's financial debt is centrally contracted and managed through Recticel International Services N.V./S.A., which acts as the Group's internal bank.

In July 2011, the Eurofoam joint venture concluded a new 5 years EUR 40 million private placement at a fixed interest rate of 4.02%. This new transaction temporarily increased the outstanding amounts under the existing private placements at Eurofoam to EUR 69 million. EUR 29 million of this total amount will be repaid in May 2012, leaving the balance (EUR 40 million) for 5 years.

The borrowings under the "club deal" are subject to bank covenants based on an adjusted leverage ratio, an adjusted interest cover and a minimum equity requirement. At end-2011, Recticel complied with all its bank covenants. On the basis of the available budget and the business plan, management expects to be in a position to meet the bank covenants in the coming year.

As stated in the "club deal", the maximum dividend authorised for distribution amounts to the higher of (i) 50% of the consolidated net income of the Group for the previous financial year and (ii) EUR 8.0 million.

(i) Convertible bonds

The convertible bond loan was issued in July 2007, for a nominal amount of EUR 57.5 million, of which the Group bought back EUR 11.2 million during 2008, EUR 17.3 million in 2009 and EUR 1.4 million in 2011. Out of the remaining outstanding balance of EUR 27.7 million, EUR 24.6 million is recorded under financial debt. The remaining balance is entered in a specific capital account. This loan has a 10-year term, with a put option for investors in 2014. The coupon amounts to 5.0% and is payable annually.

This bond is convertible into shares. The initial conversion price was set at EUR 14.34 per share. This conversion price is subject to adjustments in function of the dividend payments. The current conversion price (at 31 December 2011) is fixed at EUR 13.14. The bonds are convertible until 16 July 2017 into ordinary shares at the current conversion price at that time.

Unless the loan is redeemed, converted or cancelled earlier, the bonds will be redeemed in cash on 23 July 2017 at par, together with the interest due and not yet paid.

(ii) Financial leases

The decrease in this item is explained by the contractual capital redemption under the lease agreements. Also see note II.5.21.

(iii) Bank loans – "club deal"

On 09 December 2011, Recticel concluded a new five-year "club deal" with 7 European banks for a multi-currency loan of EUR 175 million. This new loan was used to refinance the outstanding amounts under the "club deal" of 2008, due in February 2013 but reimbursed anticipatively in order to secure long term funding in view of difficult market circumstances.

II.5.19.2.Other financial liabilities

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Interest rate swaps 6 874 5 545
Premium for derivative instruments 1 0
Interest charges on foreign currency swaps 75 0
Trading/economic hedge 1 687 1 054
Options on currencies - seller 0 18
Derivatives at fair value 8 637 6 617
Other financial debt 12 732 460
Interest accruals 1 368 1 229
Total 22 737 8 306

II.5.20. Other amounts payable

in thousand EUR
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Trade payables 64 147 0 0
Customers' deposits 162 162 6 6
Other amounts payable 127 201 55 72
Total other debts payable 353 510 61 78

II.5.21. Obligations under financial leases

in thousand EUR
MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS PRESENT VALUE
OF MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS PRESENT VALUE
OF MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2010
Lease payments due within one year 2 938 2 161 2 957 2 063
Between one and five years 10 392 8 662 10 915 8 709
Over five years 2 445 2 362 5 103 4 576
Total lease payments 15 775 13 185 18 975 15 348
Future financial charges (2 591) (3 627)
Present value of lease obligations 13 184 13 185 15 348 15 348
Less amounts due for settlement within 12 months (2 161) (2 063)
Amounts due for settlement after 12 months 11 024 13 285

The financial leases were contracted by the operating affiliates to finance buildings and equipment amounting to EUR 15.8 million, with a funding cost ranging from 5% p.a. to 9.5% p.a.

II.5.22. Derivative financial instruments and financial risks

Significant accounting policies

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note II.1.3. to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Financial assets
Fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL")
Interest rate swaps 0 217
Trading/Economic hedge 408 462
Currency options - buyer 0 292
Premium for derivatives instruments 67 98
Derivatives instruments in designated hedge accounting relationship 475 1 069
Trade receivables 132 980 141 915
Other receivables 33 920 28 531
Loans 13 405 42 623
Cash & cash equivalents 54 575 53 938
Loans and receivables (including cash and cash equivalents) 234 880 267 007
Trading investments 205 181
Financial liabilities
Interest rate swaps 6 874 5 545
Interest charges on foreign currency swaps 75 0
Trading/Economic hedge 1 687 1 054
Currency options - seller 0 18
Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships 8 636 6 617
Financial liabilities at amortised cost 196 254 206 195

Fair value measurements recognized in the consolidated balance sheet

in thousand EUR
QUOTED PRICES
(UNADJUSTED)
IN ACTIVE MARKETS
OBSERVABLE MARKET
INPUTS (OTHER THAN
QUOTED PRICES IN
ACTIVE MARKETS)
INPUTS NOT BASED
ON OBSERVABLE
MARKET DATA
TOTAL
0 0 408 408
0 0 408 408
0 0 205 205
0 0 205 205
0
0 0 6 874 6 874
0 0 75 75
0 0 1 687 1 687
0 0 8 636 8 636

Financial risk management

The Group is managing a portfolio of derivative financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange and interest rate exposures resulting from operational and financial activities. It is the Group's policy not to engage in speculative or leveraged transactions or to hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Interest rate risk management

Recticel is hedging the interest rate risk linked to its interestbearing borrowings on a global basis. The main hedging instruments used to convert floating rate debt into fixed rate debt are Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) or Interest Rate Caps (CAPs). The amount of fixed rate arrangements in relation to total financial debt is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Finance Committee and adjusted as and when deemed appropriate. In this, the Finance Committee aims at maintaining an appropriate balance between fixed and floating rate arrangements based on a philosophy of sound spreading of interest rate risks.

In an interest rate swap ("IRS") agreement, the Group undertakes to pay or receive the difference between the amounts of interest at fixed and floating rates on a nominal amount. This type of agreement enables the Group to fix the rate on a portion of its floating rate debt in order to be protected against the risk of higher interest charges on a loan at floating interest rates.

The market value of the portfolio of interest rate swaps on the balance sheet date is the discounted value of the future cash flows from the contract, using the interest rate curves at that date.

The current portfolio of IRS covers a portion of such borrowings until February 2013 for EUR 75 million. The forward starting portion of the IRS portfolio will cover it from February 2013 until February 2018 (EUR 50 million). The total IRS portfolio (EUR 125 million) qualifies for hedge accounting under the rules of IAS 39.

The weighted average life of the total IRS portfolio is 3.8 years.

The Group also concluded interest rate "Cap" options in EUR to hedge its interest rate risk. An interest rate "Cap" is a derivative by which the buyer of the option receives payments at the end of each period in which the reference interest rate exceeds the agreed strike price. It allows to benefit from lower short term interest rates while being hedged in case short term interest rates would rise.

Total 'Cap' options have been concluded for a notional amount of EUR 40 million, with a weighted average outstanding life of 1 year, and provide protection against the risk of increasing interest rate movements in EUR. 'Cap' options are out-of-the-money due to the fact that their strike price is higher than the short term market interest rates.

On 31 December 2011, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was estimated at EUR –6.8 million. The revaluation of the IRS portfolio impacts, directly the Group equity (and not the P&L) since these instruments are benefiting from a hedge accounting treatment based on periodic effectiveness testing and the fact that those hedges perfectly match characteristics of underlying debt. The fair value of the 'cap' options was estimated at EUR –0.1 million.

The convertible bond loan (EUR 24.6 million, portion booked under financial debt), the private placement with the joint venture Eurofoam (EUR 34.5 million) and the financial leases (EUR 11.0 million) were issued at a fixed rate; most other bank debt is contracted at floating rate. A current portfolio of derivative products provides a global hedge for a total of EUR 75.0 million at balance sheet date, meaning that total fixed-rate arrangements represent 67% of the total debt (disregarding the CAPs which are not effective in the context of low short-term interest rates).

  1. Hedging of economic risk (shown at real value with processing in the income statement)
Total IRS contracts 0 0 0 0
Total CAP contracts 40 000 (54) (54) (65)
Bought forward starting "CAP" options 0 0 0 38
Bought "CAP" options 40 000 (54) (54) (103)
Overview of CAP contracts
Group Recticel VALUE AT 31 DEC 2011 IN THE INCOME
STATEMENT OF 2011
INCOME STATEMENT OF
PREVIOUS YEARS
NOMINAL MARKET VALUE RECOGNISED RECOGNISED IN THE
in thousand EUR
  1. Hedge accounting
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel NOMINAL VALUE MARKET VALUE
AT 31 DEC 2011
RECOGNISED
IN EQUITY OF 2011
RECOGNISED IN THE
EQUITY OF PREVIOUS
YEARS
Overview of IRS contracts
Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) in EUR 75 000 (2 496) (1 196) (1 300)
Forward-starting IRS in EUR 50 000 (4 378) (178) (4 200)
Total IRS contracts 125 000 (6 874) (1 374) (5 500)
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel OUTSTANDING IRS PORTFOLIO AS OF 31 DEC 2011
START MATURITY RATE 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
23/12/08 28/02/13 4,32% 35 000 35 000 0 0 0 0 0
23/12/08 28/02/13 4,31% 15 000 15 000 0 0 0 0 0
23/12/11 22/02/13 3,41% 12 500 12 500 0 0 0 0 0
23/12/11 22/02/13 3,47% 12 500 12 500 0 0 0 0 0
22/02/13 22/02/18 3,96% 0 0 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000
22/02/13 22/02/18 3,80% 0 0 12 500 12 500 12 500 12 500 12 500
22/02/13 22/02/18 3,64% 0 0 12 500 12 500 12 500 12 500 12 500
Average rate 3,84% 75 000 75 000 50 000 50 000 50 000 50 000 50 000

Sensitivity on 'marked-to-market' value of interest rate derivatives

The Group's interest rate risk exposure derives from the fact that it finances at both fixed and variable interest rates. The Group manages the risk centrally through an appropriate structure of loans at fixed and variable interest rates and through interest rate swaps (IRS) and interest cap contracts (caps). The interest rate hedges are evaluated regularly to bring them in line with the Group's view of the trend in interest rates on the financial markets, with the aim of stabilising the interest rate burden throughout the various economic cycles.

Equity impact

If the interest rates yield curve had risen by 100 basis points, with all other parameters unchanged, the Group's profit in 2011 would not have been impacted by the change in 'marked-tomarket' value of the derivatives. However the reserves in equity would have increased by EUR 3.5 million as a result of the change of 'marked-to-market' value of the interest rate swaps concluded to hedge the debts (compared to EUR 4.2 million in 2010).

Conversely, if the interest rates yield curve would have fallen by 100 basis points, with all other parameters unchanged, the reserves in equity would have decreased by EUR 3.5 million as a result of the fall in the 'marked-to-market' value of the interest rate swaps concluded to hedge the debts (compared to EUR 4.2 million in 2010).

The sensitivity to 'marked-to-market' value of the interest rate derivatives decreased in 2011 compared to 2010, due to the effect of a change of a reduced nominal amount of the total portfolio.

Profit and loss impact

If the interest rates yield curve had risen by 100 basis points, with all other parameters unchanged, the Group's profit in 2011 would have decrease by EUR 0.9 million (debt with floating rate without hedge).

Conversely, if the interest rates yield curve would have fallen by 100 basis points, with all other parameters unchanged, the Group's profit in 2011 would have increased by EUR 0.9 million.

Exchange risk management

It is the Group's policy to hedge foreign exchange exposures resulting from financial and operational activities via Recticel International Services SA/NV (RIS), which acts as internal bank of the Group. This is mainly implemented through forward exchange contracts.

In general, the Group concludes forward exchange contracts to cover foreign exchange risks on incoming and outgoing payments in foreign currency. The Group also concludes forward exchange contracts and option contracts to cover exchange risks associated with planned sales and purchases of the year, at a percentage which varies according to the predictability of the payment flows.

At balance sheet date, forward exchange contracts were outstanding for a notional value of EUR 45.6 million and with a total fair value of EUR –1.0 million. The currency swap contracts, maturing under 12 months, have a notional value of EUR 52.9 million, corresponding to a total fair value of EUR -0.36 million. At balance sheet date, no currency option contracts were outstanding. Recticel does not apply hedge accounting treatment to FX contracts as they are all under 1 year.

Foreign exchange risks relating to a net investment in foreign currency are also hedged selectively. At balance sheet date, there was one hedge of this type to lower the net investments in CHF for an amount of CHF 8 million. In so far as these investments and hedge are long term, the revaluation of these investments and the hedge thereof is undertaken via an equity account and not via the income statement.

Overview of forward exchange contracts

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel NOMINAL VALUE MARKET VALUE
AT 31 DEC 2011
RECOGNISED
IN THE INCOME
STATEMENT OF 2011
RECOGNISED
IN THE INCOME
STATEMENT
OF PREVIOUS YEARS
Forward purchasing contracts less than 6 months 23 357 (526) (526) (82)
Forward purchasing contracts more than 6 months 5 400 (34) (34) (1)
Forward sale contracts less than 6 months 10 200 (261) (261) (95)
Forward sale contracts more than 6 months 6 600 (172) (172) 49
Total forward exchange contracts 45 557 (993) (993) (129)

Overview of currency swap contracts

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel NOMINAL VALUE MARKET VALUE
AT 31 DEC 2011
RECOGNISED
IN THE INCOME
STATEMENT OF 2011
RECOGNISED
IN THE INCOME
STATEMENT
OF PREVIOUS YEARS
Sales / Purchases 35 757 (382) (382) (249)
Purchases / Sales 17 188 26 26 (35)
Total currency swap contracts 52 945 (356) (356) (284)

Sensitivity analysis on the foreign exchange risks

The Group deals mainly in 5 currencies outside the euro zone: USD, CZK, SEK, GBP and CHF.

The following table details the sensitivity of the Group to a positive or negative variation, compared to the annual variation in the pairs of currencies during the previous financial year.

The sensitivity analysis covers only the financial amounts in foreign currency which are recognised in the balance sheet and which are due and past due, and determines their variations at the conversion rates based on the following assumptions: USD and GBP 10%; CZK, CHF and SEK 5%.

The sensitivity analysis covers both external and internal loans of the Group where the currency of the operations differs from the local currency of the borrower and lender. A positive amount in the table below indicates an increase in the gain if the EUR strengthens by the given historical annual average. An equal counterpart loss will be measured if the EUR weakens by the same percentage.

The sensitivity of the Group to exchange rate variations increased in 2011 compared to 2010, due to larger positions.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel EUR/USD EUR/CHF EUR/GBP EUR/CZK EUR/SEK
2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010
Historical average variation 10% 10% 5% 5% 10% 10% 5% 5% 5% 5%
Profit or (loss) 205 170 50 79 2 284 1 647 889 59 34 126

Liquidity risk

Despite the crisis on the financial markets since the summer of 2007, the liquidity risk of the Group remains well under control.

The financing sources are well diversified and the bulk of the debt is irrevocable and long-term. This debt includes the EUR 57.5 million convertible bond loan concluded in July 2007 and expiring in July 2017 (with a put option in 2014) (of which EUR 11.2 million was bought back in 2008, EUR 17.3 million in 2009 and EUR 1.4 million in 2011). It also includes the 5-year "club deal" concluded on 09 December 2011 for an amount of EUR 175 million. In addition, the Group still holds EUR 55.5 million in other long-term debt.

In addition to these long-term loans, the Group has a diversified range of short-term financing sources, including non-recourse factoring and forfeiting programmes.

The diversified financing structure and the availability of committed unused credit facilities for EUR 183.6 million guarantee the necessary liquidity to ensure the future activities and to meet the short-term and long-term financial commitments.

The "club deal" is subject to bank covenants based on an adjusted leverage ratio, an adjusted interest cover and a minimum equity requirement. At the end of 2011, Recticel complied with all its bank covenants. On the basis of the 2012 budget, the management expects to be in a position in the coming year to meet its bank covenants.

As stated in the "club deal", the maximum dividend authorised for distribution amounts to the higher of (i) 50% of the consolidated net income of the Group for the previous financial year and (ii) EUR 8.0 million.

The private placement facility contracted by the Eurofoam group as well as the convertible bond issued by Recticel are not subject to any financial covenants.

For the year ending 2011

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel MATURING WITHIN ONE YEAR MATURING
BETWEEN 1 AND 5 YEARS
MATURING AFTER 5 YEARS TOTAL LONG- TERM FUTURE FINANCIAL CHARGES PRESENT VALUE
OF THE MINIMUM PAYMENTS
Bonds and notes 17 337 28 812 25 238 71 387 (12 341) 59 046
Financial leases 2 938 10 392 2 445 15 775 (2 590) 13 185
Bank loans 3 499 89 637 0 93 136 (12 762) 80 374
Other loans 234 920 1 854 3 008 (629) 2 379
Total interest-bearing borrowings - long term 24 008 129 761 29 537 183 306 (28 322) 154 984
Bank loans 15 924
Bank loans - forfeiting 46
Bank loans - factoring with recourse 0
Discounted bills of exchange 0
Bank overdraft 11 204
Other financial debt 10 671
Current accounts & cash pooling 2 024
Accrued liabilities - financial short term 264
Deferred income - financial short term 1
Total interest-bearing borrowings - short term 40 134
Interest rate swaps 0 2 496 4 378 6 874 0 6 874
Premium for derivative instruments 1
Interest from FX swaps 75
Trading/economic hedge 1 687
Currency options - seller 0
Derivative instruments at fair value 1 763 2 496 4 378 6 874 0 6 874
Grand total financial debt due within one year 65 905

For the year ending 2010

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel MATURING WITHIN
ONE YEAR
MATURING BETWEEN 1 AND 5 YEARS MATURING AFTER 5 YEARS TOTAL LONG- TERM FUTURE FINANCIAL CHARGES PRESENT VALUE
OF THE MINIMUM PAYMENTS
Bonds and notes 2 034 20 734 35 538 58 306 (18 526) 39 780
Financial leases 2 957 10 915 5 103 18 975 (3 627) 15 348
Bank loans 18 424 114 557 0 132 981 (3 261) 129 720
Other loans 337 920 1 807 3 064 (648) 2 416
Total interest-bearing borrowings - long term 23 752 147 126 42 448 213 326 (26 062) 187 264
Bank loans 3 071
Bank loans - forfeiting 1 513
Bank loans - factoring with recourse 1 159
Discounted bills of exchange 1 987
Bank overdraft 9 515
Other financial debt 204
Current accounts & cash pooling 234
Accrued liabilities - financial short term 180
Total interest-bearing borrowings - short term 17 863
Interest rate swaps 1 165 3 543 837 5 545 0 5 545
Hedging contracts 0
Trading/economic hedge 1 054
Currency options - seller 18
Derivative instruments at fair value 2 237 3 543 837 5 545 0 5 545
Grand total financial debt due within one year 43 852

II.5.23.Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The Group accepted shorter payment terms under the contracts offering substantial cash discounts. Consequently, the level of trade payables decreased compared to the previous year.

The item "Other payables" relates principally to (i) the reversal of various operational accruals.

II.5.24. Business combinations and disposals

During 2011 there were no material business combinations nor disposals.

II.5.25. Capital structure management

Capital structure management

The Group manages its capital structure via the optimisation of financial liabilities and equity so that the companies of the Group could operate according to the principle of continuity and while optimizing the return to shareholders.

The capital structure of the Group includes the financial debts, cash and cash equivalents and equity (minority interests included).

Existing financing agreements are subject to a number of financial covenants which were at the end of the year.

Level of debt

At the end of 2011, the net financial debt amounted to EUR 150.1 million (end 2010: EUR 158.7 million). The level of debt represents 60% of equity (2010: 66%). The Group aims for gradual improvement in the level of debt in the coming years.

II.6. Miscellaneous

II.6.1. Operating lease arrangements

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Payments due within one year (26 523) (26 681)
Between one and five years (56 069) (53 007)
Over five years (25 821) (35 243)
Minimal future payments
(not discounted)
(108 413) (114 931)

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain of its industrial and/or office properties and for certain production, logistic and /or administrative equipment.

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
Operating lease - land and buildings (21 411) (22 030)
Operating lease - plant, machinery
and equipment
(3 029) (4 125)
Operating lease - furniture (1 787) (1 292)
Operating lease - vehicules (7 831) (7 710)
Total (34 058) (35 157)

The above tabel comprises the recognised lease amounts of the exercise.

II.6.2. Other off-balance sheet items

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC
2011
31 DEC
2010
Guarantees given or irrevocably promised
by Recticel SA/NV as security for debts
and commitments of companies
63 805 54 400

These guarantees include mainly parental corporate guarantees and letters of comfort for commitments contracted by subsidiaries with banks (EUR 40.6 million), lessors (EUR 13.0 million), suppliers (EUR 1.8 million), governmental institutions (EUR 6.4 million) and other third parties (EUR 2.0 million).

As already mentioned above, in December 2011, Recticel SA/NV and Recticel International Services SA/NV concluded a joint credit facility agreement ("club deal") amounting to EUR 175 million. Under this "club deal" and the agreement relating to the subordinated loans, Recticel SA/NV and/or its subsidiaries have granted a floating charge mandate in favour of the banks up to a maximum amount of EUR 175 million plus interest and related costs.

II.6.3. Share-based payments

Since 1993, the Recticel Group has implemented a Group Stock Option Plan for its leading managers. All issued stock options up to and including 2000 have in the meantime been exercised, forfeited or they have expired.

Overview of the outstanding stock options per 31 December 2011
ISSUE NUMBER OF WARRANTS
ISSUED
NUMBER OF WARRANT NOT
YET EXERCISED
EXERCISE PRICE (IN EUR) EXERCISE PERIOD
2006 306 000 306 000 9.65 01/Jan/10 - 21/Dec/17
May 2007 48 000 48 000 10.47 01/Jan/11 - 01/May/18
Dec 2007 390 000 390 000 9.78 01/Jan/11 - 02/Dec/18
Dec 2008 540 000 540 000 4.29 01/Jan/12 - 23/Dec/14
Dec 2009 584 000 584 000 5.05 01/Jan/13 - 21/Dec/15
May 2011 354 500 354 500 7.69 01/Jan/15 - 29/May/17
Dec 2011 438 000 438 000 4.03 01/Jan/15 - 21/Dec/17
Total 2 660 500 2 660 500

The expense recognised for the year for the share-based payments amounts to EUR 0.405 million.

A more general overview showing the trend during 2011 is given below.

In units 2011 2010
Options - end of period 2 660 500 1 968 000
Weighted average exercise price (in EUR) 6.40 6.85
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 1 968 000 2 375 990
Granted during the period 792 500 0
Expired during the period (1) 100 000 407 990
Exercised during the period 0 0
Outstanding at the end of the period 2 660 500 1 968 000
Exercisable at the end of the period 744 000 406 000
In the money at the end of the period 978 000 1 124 000

(1) For 2011: 100,000 options issued in 2002 with an exercice price of EUR 9.50. For 2010: 407,990 options issued in 2001 with an exercice price of EUR 8.67.

The options outstanding at 31 December 2011 had a weighted average exercise price of EUR 6.40, and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.00 years.

The Group follows the transitional provisions prescribed by IFRS 2 (i.e. equity instruments granted after 7 November 2002 and not yet vested on 1 January 2008).

In 2011 no stock options were exercised, and two new warrant plans were issued.

To date, the Group has not issued share appreciation rights to any of its managers or employees, nor has it implemented any share purchase plan. The theoretical value of the warrants at issuance is calculated by applying the Black & Scholes formula, and taking into account certain hypotheses regarding dividend payment (last dividend compared to share price), interest rate (Euribor 5 years) and volatility (stock market data on the Recticel share).

II.6.4. Events after the balance sheet date

End January 2012, Eurofoam, the 50/50 joint venture between Recticel and the Austrian group Greiner, announced its decision to streamline its flexible foam operations in Germany by closing its loss-making comfort foam production and converting unit in Bexbach by end June 2012. The planned redeployments affect 88 employees. This 'post balance sheet date event' had no impact on the 2011 results. The necessary provisions will be constituted in the financial statements of 2012.

II.6.5. Related party transactions

Transactions between Recticel SA/NV and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated in the consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Transactions with other related parties are disclosed below, and concern primarily commercial transactions done at prevailing market conditions. The tables below include only transactions considered to be material, i.e. exceeding a total of EUR 1 million.

Transactions with joint ventures and associates

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel NON-CURRENT
RECEIVABLES
TRADE
RECEIVABLES
OTHER CURRENT
RECEIVABLES
INTEREST
BEARING
BORROWINGS
TRADE PAYABLES REVENUES PURCHASES
ARTE srl 0 283 1 613 0 107 218 (610)
BPP Spol sro 0 36 175 0 0 832 0
Caria sp zoo 0 178 0 0 0 1 072 0
Eurofoam Bohemia sro 0 805 0 0 0 1 101 (993)
Eurofoam Deutschland Schaumstoffe GmbH 0 567 0 0 778 8 012 (9 508)
Eurofoam Gdansk 0 333 0 0 0 1 498 (153)
Eurofoam GmbH 0 109 0 10 545 459 1 162 (3 115)
Eurofoam Industry 0 150 0 0 0 1 394 0
Eurofoam Polska 0 86 0 0 333 966 (2 281)
Eurofoam Poznan 544 610 0 0 0 2 227 (120)
Eurofoam TP 0 28 0 0 0 795 0
Group Greiner 0 259 0 0 98 1 375 (525)
Group Kingspan 0 0 0 464 3 0
Group Woodbridge 0 128 114 100 493 (9 292)
Litfoam UAB 0 262 0 0 0 792 0
Porolon Limited 0 110 0 0 0 925 0
Proseat GmbH 0 126 0 0 0 5 465 (86)
Proseat Manufacturing SLU 0 81 0 0 0 6 798 0
Proseat sro 0 67 0 0 0 6 407 0
TOTAL 544 4 218 1 902 11 109 2 271 41 039 (26 683)

Transactions with Directors and companies linked to Directors

COUNTERPARTY CLASSIFICATION IN THOUSAND EUR
Group Sioen Sales 185
Group Sioen Purchases 1 305

II.6.6. Remuneration of the Board of Directors and of the Management Committee

The remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and of the Management Committee is included in this note. For more information, reference is made to the remuneration report in the section 'Corporate Governance' of this annual report.

Gross remuneration for the members of the Board of Directors

in EUR
NAME DIRECTOR'S FEES
2011
ATTENDANCE FEES AUDIT COMMITTEE
2011
REMUNERATION
AND APPOINTMENT
COMMITTEE 2011
DIRECTORS' FEES
PAID IN 2011
REGARDING 2010
REMUNERATION
FOR SPECIAL
ASSIGNMENTS
DAVIGNON
Etienne
18 000.00 16 500.00 10 000.00 - 21 346.52 -
OLIVIER CHAPELLE BVBA 9 000.00 8 250.00 - - - -
PAQUOT Guy 9 000.00 6 600.00 - - 10 673.26 -
VEAN NV - - - - - -
BERGEN André Comm. Venn. 7 450.00 4 950.00 11 250.00 2 500.00 - -
DE SMEDT Pierre-Alain 5 760.99 3 300.00 - - - -
DOUMIER Vincent 9 000.00 6 600.00 10 000.00 - 10 673.26 -
LOUIS VERBEKE BVBA 9 000.00 8 250.00 - 2 500.00 10 673.26 -
MERCATOR Verzekeringen NV - - - - 3 830.68 -
POL BAMELIS NV 3 239.01 3 300.00 - - 10 673.26 -
SOGELAM NV 9 000.00 8 250.00 - 3 750.00 10 673.26 -
VANDEPOEL Wilfried 9 000.00 6 600.00 7 500.00 - 10 673.26 -
VAN DOORSLAER Tonny 9 000.00 6 600.00 10 000.00 - 10 673.26 -
WENDEL Klaus 1 550.00 1 650.00 3 750.00 - 10 673.26 -
ZOETE Jacqueline 9 000.00 6 600.00 - - 6 842.58 -

Gross remuneration for the members of the Management Committee

in EUR
TOTAL COST FOR THE COMPANY OLIVIER CHAPELLE SPRL
REPRESENTED
BY OLIVIER CHAPELLE
OTHER MEMBERS
OF THE
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
TOTAL
2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010
Number of persons 1 1 12 10 13 11
Basic salary 442 000 442 000 2 842 930 2 172 581 3 284 930 2 614 581
Variable remuneration 280 000 200 000 614 857 790 935 894 857 990 935
Subtotal 722 000 642 000 3 457 787 2 963 516 4 179 787 3 605 516
Pensions 0 0 101 125 123 183 101 125 123 183
Other benefits 95 654 94 284 214 924 263 548 310 578 357 832
Total 817 654 736 284 3 773 836 3 350 247 4 591 490 4 086 531

II.6.7. Joint ventures

The share of joint venture companies in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
ASSETS
Intangible assets 2 191 2 872
Goodwill 9 876 9 898
Plant, property & equipment 50 713 54 402
Other financial investments 4 290
Available for sale investments 10 10
Non-current receivables 1 494 2 488
Deferred tax 300 292
Non-current assets 64 588 70 252
Inventories and contracts in progress 24 544 25 294
Trade receivables 43 063 44 878
Other current receivables 5 673 4 976
Income tax receivables 791 106
Deferred tax 0 77
Available for sale investments 0 2
Cash and cash equivalents 7 224 10 646
Current assets 81 295 85 979
TOTAL ASSETS 145 883 156 231
LIABILITIES
Hedging and translation reserves (10 563) (8 729)
Consolidated reserves 70 972 70 507
Equity, minority interests included 60 409 61 778
Pensions and similar obligations 6 016 6 046
Provisions 648 592
Deferred tax 2 507 2 485
Interest-bearing borrowings 44 300 41 717
Non-current liabilities 53 471 50 840
Pensions and similar obligations 163 173
Provisions 404 5 714
Interest-bearing borrowings 7 327 5 561
Trade payables 19 075 22 008
Income tax payables 141 2 479
Other amounts payable 4 893 7 678
Current liabilities 32 003 43 613
TOTAL LIABILITIES 145 883 156 231
INCOME STATEMENT
Sales 317 291 308 588
Distribution costs (10 891) (11 289)
Cost of sales (250 390) (244 782)
Gross profit 56 010 52 517
General and administrative expenses (14 499) (14 667)
Sales and marketing expenses (8 588) (9 055)
Research and development expenses (2 306) (2 350)
Other operating revenues and expenses (19 636) (19 432)
Result from investments available for sale 0 66
EBIT 10 981 7 079
EBIT 10 981 7 079
Interest income 117 280
Interest expenses (2 919) (2 410)
Other financial income and expenses (1 362) (267)
Financial result (4 164) (2 397)
Result of the period before taxes 6 817 4 682
Income taxes (1 979) (3 136)
Result of the period after taxes 4 838 1 546

II.6.8. Exchange rates

in EUR
CLOSING RATE AVERAGE RATE
Group Recticel 2011 2010 2011 2010
Bulgarian Lev BGN 0.511300 0.511300 0.511300 0.511300
Swiss Franc CHF 0.822639 0.799744 0.811290 0.724457
Yuan Renminbi CNY 0.122567 0.113353 0.111161 0.111467
Czech Crown CZK 0.038779 0.039903 0.040667 0.039551
Estonian Crone EEK - - 0.063912 0.063912
Pound Sterling GBP 1.197175 1.161778 1.152227 1.165713
Forint HUF 0.003179 0.003598 0.003579 0.003630
Indian Rupee INR 0.014553 0.016734 0.015412 0.016505
Yen JPY 0.009980 0.009204 0.009012 0.008603
Lithuanian Litas LTL 0.289620 0.289620 0.289620 0.289620
Moroccan Dirham MAD 0.089870 0.089568 0.088695 0.089652
Moldova Lei MDL 0.065584 0.061967 0.061256 0.061031
Norwegian Krone NOK 0.128966 0.128205 0.128314 0.124933
Zloty PLN 0.224316 0.251572 0.242682 0.250334
Romanian Leu (new) RON 0.231305 0.234632 0.235900 0.237408
Serbian Dinar RSD 0.009337 0.009486 0.009794 0.009666
Russian Rouble RUB 0.023943 0.024498 0.024459 0.024837
Swedish Krona SEK 0.112208 0.111539 0.110744 0.104852
Turkish Lira (new) TRY 0.409299 0.483232 0.427750 0.500865
Ukrainian Hryvnia UAH 0.095745 0.094607 0.089597 0.095330
US Dollar USD 0.772857 0.748391 0.718414 0.754309

II.6.9. Staff

in units
2011 2010
Group Recticel FULLY CONSOLIDATED PROPORTIONALLY CONSOLIDATED TOTAL FULLY CONSOLIDATED PROPORTIONALLY CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
Management Committee 12 0 12 11 0 11
Employees 1 880 596 2 476 1 871 635 2 506
Workers 4 689 1 528 6 217 4 690 1 466 6 156
Average number of people employed 6 581 2 124 8 705 6 572 2 101 8 673
Average number of people employed in Belgium 1 238 82 1 320 1 251 134 1 385
Remuneration and social charges
(in thousand EUR)
(267 578) (65 927) (333 505) (270 107) (63 944) (334 051)

II.6.10. Audit and non-audit services provided by the statutory auditors

Overview of the audit fees and additional services performed for the Group by the auditors and companies related to the auditor for the year ending 31 December 2011.

Group Recticel DELOITTE in thousand EUR
OTHERS
Audit fees 850 448
Other legal missions 74 9
Tax services 706 71
Total fees in 2011 1 630 528

In the above overview the fees of the joint venture companies are included at 100%.

II.6.11. Contingent assets and liabilities

TERTRE

  1. Carbochimique, which was progressively integrated into Recticel in the 1980s and early 1990s, owned the Tertre industrial site, where various carbochemical activities in particular had been carried on since 1928. These activities were gradually spun off and are now carried on by different companies, including Yara and Erachem (Eramet group). Finapal, a Recticel subsidiary, retained ownership of some plots on the site, chiefly old dumping site and settling ponds that have now been drained.

In 1986, Recticel sold its 'fertiliser' division, which included the Tertre site activities, to Kemira, since taken over by Yara. As part of the deal, Recticel contracted to put an old settling pond (the "Valcke pond") into compliance with environmental regulations. It has not yet been possible to fulfil this obligation because of the inseparability of the environmental situations on the Tertre site, and so a provision has been created for it. In order to protect its rights, Yara issued a writ of summons against Recticel pursuant to this obligation in July 2003. Yara's demand also relates to other environmental issues, which Recticel disputes because it believes these are out of the scope of the sale agreement of 1986. The Trade Court pronounced its decision in the first half of 2010. The Trade Court has confirmed the obligation relative to the Valcke pond and has appointed an expert for the examination of two additional requirements. The other appeals raised by the company Yara have been rejected. After appeal had been filed by Yara, a Settlement Agreement was negotiated and executed by the parties in the course of 2011, putting a final end to the litigation. Under the Settlement Agreement, Yara and Recticel commit to work out together a combined remediation plan covering four polluted spots on the Tertre site, among which the Valcke pond and a dumping site belonging to Finapal, and to share all the costs related thereto.

The parties plan to submit the plan to the Walloon Authorities for approval in the course of 2012.

  1. As a result of the sale of Sadacem to the French Comilog group, now part of the Eramet group, Recticel undertook to share the costs of cleaning up an old industrial waste dump on the Erachem site. The carrying-out of this has been studied with Erachem and a provision has been raised for it in the Recticel Group accounts. The proposed plan, covering both the Erachem waste dump and a Finapal settling pond, was submitted to the Office Wallon des Déchets in April 2009 and has been approved by the Administration. The implementation of the plan should start in 2012 and be completed in 2014.

INSPECTION BY THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR COMPETITION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

On July 27 and 28, 2010, officials from the European Commission and various national antitrust authorities conducted unannounced inspections at Recticel's offices in Brussels, Wetteren, and Alfreton, as well as the office of Eurofoam in Kremsmünster, Austria. The purpose of these inspections was to collect information relating to allegedly unlawful conduct believed to have taken place in the European Economic Area polyurethane foam sector.

Investigations were also carried out in the United States as part of a coordinated investigation. It is to be noted that The Recticel Group has had no foaming activities in the United States since December 1991, and has not been visited or contacted by the antitrust regulators there. The Group's activities in the United States are limited to specialized foam converting (acoustical applications) and Automotive Interiors. Recticel has had no indication that these business areas are a focus of the competition investigations.

Recticel decided then to cooperate with the European Commission. The Commission has now authorized Recticel to communicate the fact that this cooperation is done in the frame of the Leniency Program, as set forth in the "Commission notice on immunity from fines and reduction of fines in cartel cases", published in the Official Journal C 298, 8.12.2006, p.17.

A request for information was addressed by the Commission to the Company at the end of December 2011, to which answers were given in due time. At this time, Recticel has not received any formal objections from the European Commission.

The Group's potential exposure is summarized as follows:

  • At the EU level. The Commission has given Recticel no indications regarding its findings. At this stage, therefore, the Group is not in a position to predict what the position of the Commission in relation with the case will be, and hence currently is unable to assess its possible financial consequences.
  • At the national levels. As a rule, national authorities will not take up a case which is treated by the Commission. Recticel is aware that the national authorities in Spain and Portugal opened investigations into the polyurethane foam sector in February 2010. Recticel has received a request for information from the Spanish authority, but Recticel premises in Spain were not visited by the authority.

INSPECTION BY THE FEDERAL CARTEL OFFICE (Germany)

On August 4th 2011, the German Federal Cartel Office has started an investigation covering the sector of Mattress and Bedbase manufacturers in Germany. Recticel bedding affiliate Recticel Schlaffkomfort GmbHin Bochum was included in the investigation.

The representatives of the Federal Cartel Office requested certain information, which was provided to them. Recticel Schlaffkomfort GmbH is cooperating fully with the Federal Cartel Office investigation.

At this time, Recticel has not received any further request for information, nor any formal objections from the Federal Cartel Office.

The Group's potential exposure is summarized as follows:

The Office has given Recticel Schlaffkomfort no indications regarding its findings. At this stage, therefore, the Group is not in a position to predict what the position of the Office in relation with the case will be, and hence currently is unable to assess its possible financial consequences.

III. Recticel sa/nv - General information

Recticel SA/NV

Address: Avenue des Olympiades, 2 B-1140 Brussels (Evere)

Established: on 19 June 1896 for thirty years, later extended for an unlimited duration.

Object: (article 3 of the Coordinated Articles) The object of the company is the development, production, conversion, trading, buying, selling and transportation, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, of all plastics, polymers, polyurethanes and other synthetic components, of natural substances, metal products, chemical or other products used by private individuals or by industry, commerce and transport, especially for furniture, bedding, insulation, the construction industry, the automotive sector, chemicals, petrochemicals, as well as products belonging to or necessary for their production or which may result or be derived from this process.

It may achieve its object in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, via subsidiaries, joint ventures, participations in other companies, partnerships or associations.

In order to achieve this object, it can carry out all actions in the industrial, property, financial or commercial field which are associated with its object directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, or which would be of a nature to promote, develop or facilitate its operation or its trade or that of the companies, partnerships or associations in which it has a participation or an interest; it can in particular develop, transfer, acquire, rent, hire out and exploit all movable and immovable goods and all intellectual property.

Legal form: naamloze vernnootschap / société anonyme (limited company)

Recorded in the Brussels register of legal entities

Company number: 405 666 668

Subscribed capital: EUR 72 328 640

Type and number of shares: at 31 December 2011 there was only one type of shares, namely ordinary shares (28,931,456)

Portion of the subscribed capital still to be paid up: 0 shares/EUR 0.

Nature of the shares not fully paid up: none.

Percentage fully paid up: 100%. The shares are all fully paid up.

The accounts were prepared in accordance with requirements specified by the Royal Decree of 8 October 1976 on the annual accounts of trading companies, amended by the Royal Decree of 6 November 1987.

These annual accounts comprise the balance sheet, the income statement and the notes prescribed by law. They are presented hereafter in condensed form.

In accordance with Belgian law, the management report, the annual accounts of Recticel SA/NV and the report of the Statutory Auditor will be filed with the Belgian National Bank.

They are available on request from:

Recticel SA/NV Corporate Communications Avenue des Olympiades, 2 B-1140 Brussels (Evere)

Tel.: +32 (0)2 775 18 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 775 19 90 E-mail: [email protected]

The notes to the annual accounts are related to the financial situation of the company as shown in the balance sheet. The results are also commented on in the preceding annual report.

The Statutory Auditor has delivered an unqualified opinion with an emphasis of matter paragraph on the statutory annual accounts of Recticel SA/NV.

The statutory annual accounts of Recticel SA/NV, as well as the statutory report by the Board of Directors, is freely available on the company's web site www.recticel.com.

IV. Recticel sa/nv - Condensed statutory accounts

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
ASSETS
FIXED ASSETS
I.
Formation expenses
0 0
II.
Intangible assets
13 709 5 329
III.
Tangible assets
55 493 53 606
IV.
Financial assets
589 760 619 424
CURRENT ASSETS
V.
Amounts receivable after one year
11 721 11 720
VI.
Inventories and contracts in progress
26 068 24 016
VII. Amounts receivable within one year 56 684 71 645
VIII. Cash deposits 0 0
IX.
Cash
320 795
X.
Deferred charges and accrued income
1 889 1 713
TOTAL ASSETS 755 645 788 248
LIABILITIES
I.
Capital
72 329 72 329
II.
Share premium account
107 013 107 013
III.
Revaluation surplus
2 551 2 551
IV.
Reserves
9 138 9 138
V. P
rofits (losses) brought forward
66 983 63 046
VI.
Investment grants
134 170
VII. A. Provisions for liabilities and charges 17 798 22 291
B. Deferred taxes 0 0
VIII. Amounts payable after one year 71 165 79 467
IX.
Amounts payable within one year
401 726 422 992
X.
Accrued charges and deferred income
6 808 9 251
TOTAL LIABILITIES 755 645 788 248
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
I.
Operating revenues
395 953 377 822
II. O
perating charges
(367 734) (355 202)
III.
Operating profit (loss)
28 219 22 620
IV.
Financial income
19 994 43 804
V.
Financial charges
(21 110) (16 600)
VI. Current result before tax 27 103 49 824
VII.
Extraordinary income
54 003 4 389
VIII. Extraordinary charges (69 068) (10 513)
IX. Profit (loss) for the year before taxes 12 038 43 701
X.
Income taxes
0 0
XI.
Profit (loss) for the year after taxes
12 038 43 701
XII.
Transfer to untaxed reserves
0 0
XIII. Profit (loss) for the period available for appropriation 12 038 43 701

The statutory annual accounts of Recticel SA/NV, as well as the statutory report by the Board of Directors, is freely available on the company's web site www.recticel.com.

Profit appropriation policy

The Annual General Meeting decides on the appropriation of the amounts available for distribution on the basis of a proposal from the Board of Directors.

When drawing up its proposal, the Board of Directors takes into account the right balance between ensuring a stable dividend for shareholders and maintaining sufficient investment and selffinancing opportunities to secure the company's longer-term growth.

The Board of Directors decided to present the following appropriation of the results to the General Meeting:

in EUR
Group Recticel
Profit for the financial year 12 037 723.14
Profit brought forward from previous year + 63 045 822.56
Results to be appropriated = 75 083 545.70
Gross dividend (1) - 8 100 807.68
Profit to be carried forward = 66 982 738.02

(1) Gross dividend per share of EUR 0.28, resulting in a net dividend after tax of EUR 0.21 per ordinary share, and EUR 0.2212 per ordinary share with a VVPR-strip.

V. Declaration by responsible officers

Mr Etienne Davignon (Chairman of the Board of Directors), Mr Olivier Chapelle (Chief Executive Officer) and Mr Jean-Pierre Mellen (Chief Financial Officer), declare that:

  • − the annual accounts, which have been drawn up in accordance with the applicable accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, the financial situation and the results of Recticel and the consolidated companies;
  • − the report for the 12 months ending on 31 December 2011 gives a true and fair view of the development and the results of the company and of the position of Recticel and the consolidated companies, as well as a description of the principal risks and uncertainties confronting them.

VI. Auditor's report on the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2011

VII. Comparable overview of the consolidated financial statements (2003-2011)

in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2009 31 DEC 2008 31 DEC 2007 31 DEC 2006 31 DEC 2005 31 DEC 2004 31 DEC 2003
ASSETS
Intangible assets 12 580 13 307 14 301 20 104 19 779 18 838 21 039 25 069 23 881
Goodwill 34 688 34 365 33 311 39 164 37 555 43 616 43 626 42 307 42 197
Property, plant & equipment 255 347 270 979 286 789 336 560 349 381 342 262 381 136 408 294 373 716
Investment property 3 331 896 896 896 896 896 11 466 10 894 10 227
Interest in associates 12 957 15 451 15 697 13 626 11 078 9 175 6 749 4 804 4 193
Other financial investments 3 399 1 151 1 999 11 446 2 565 3 335 3 300 3 433 2 806
Available for sale investments 121 86 85 197 77 357 356 3 038 5 698
Non-current receivables 8 305 10 070 9 605 5 005 5 024 5 164 11 586 3 674 3 913
Deferred tax 50 290 55 739 43 365 52 020 56 367 67 158 64 714 63 302 59 306
Non-current assets 381 018 402 044 406 048 479 018 482 722 490 801 543 972 564 815 525 937
Inventories and contracts in progress 116 002 113 671 105 827 120 035 127 852 129 913 118 916 120 138 108 538
Trade receivables 132 910 141 783 142 104 170 117 175 496 183 963 179 282 192 253 188 915
Other receivables 39 567 62 285 58 016 60 095 61 825 88 333 77 558 79 884 44 982
Income tax receivables 3 847 3 552 4 367 1 130 1 315 1 032 661 855 2 165
Available for sale investments 205 181 156 293 411 531 483 595 863
Cash and cash equivalents 54 575 53 938 41 388 68 151 41 049 24 723 25 626 26 468 24 096
Current assets 347 106 375 410 351 858 419 821 407 948 428 495 402 526 420 193 369 559
Total assets 728 124 777 454 757 906 898 839 890 670 919 296 946 498 985 008 895 496
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 31 DEC 2011 31 DEC 2010 31 DEC 2009 31 DEC 2008 31 DEC 2007 31 DEC 2006 31 DEC 2005 31 DEC 2004 31 DEC 2003
LIABILITIES
Capital 72 329 72 329 72 329 72 329 72 329 71 572 70 833 70 833 70 833
Share premium 107 013 107 013 107 013 107 013 107 013 104 929 103 437 103 437 103 437
Share capital 179 342 179 342 179 342 179 342 179 342 176 501 174 270 174 270 174 270
Retained earnings 85 191 75 179 67 582 51 222 47 453 25 492 47 429 80 739 81 795
Hedging and translation reserves (15 739) (12 853) (21 395) (19 951) (10 964) (11 793) (10 292) (11 223) (14 467)
Equity before non-controlling interests 248 794 241 668 225 529 210 613 215 831 190 200 211 407 243 786 241 598
Non-controlling interests 0 0 429 23 090 32 491 38 203 39 828 37 565 30 066
Total equity 248 794 241 668 225 958 233 703 248 322 228 403 251 235 281 351 271 664
Pensions and similar obligations 35 289 34 988 37 209 40 155 45 235 48 365 45 218 40 459 38 322
Provisions 12 964 24 452 23 008 17 893 17 681 21 957 14 540 12 298 17 965
Deferred tax 9 134 8 800 8 187 9 429 9 549 7 408 6 792 4 934 5 742
Subordinated loans 0 0 0 89 014 97 495 49 614 49 464 49 327 35
Bonds and notes 44 546 39 780 39 368 14 500 15 040 14 869 14 500 0 0
Financial leases 11 024 13 285 15 986 19 346 21 214 23 424 29 913 12 674 14 571
Bank loans 79 534 111 977 128 200 140 161 22 085 137 601 177 547 230 988 231 364
Other loans 2 111 2 082 2 201 5 123 5 794 2 214 2 302 2 540 2 690
Interest-bearing borrowings 137 215 167 124 185 755 268 144 161 628 227 722 273 726 295 529 248 660
Other amounts payable 353 510 359 1 782 462 3 938 1 159 984 7 694
Non-current liabilities 194 955 235 874 254 518 337 403 234 555 309 390 341 435 354 204 318 383
Pensions and similar obligations 3 126 3 846 3 893 4 674 4 083 4 529 4 073 6 362 6 804
Provisions 6 328 14 480 8 312 8 516 5 443 5 202 3 833 7 798 7 733
Interest-bearing borrowings 67 680 45 691 47 740 68 872 150 765 99 474 69 878 66 276 83 041
Trade payables 119 274 141 887 114 208 146 993 160 443 173 134 179 611 166 900 125 397
Income tax payables 3 974 7 542 4 712 3 389 9 659 5 212 1 063 947 1 316
Other amounts payable 83 993 86 466 98 565 95 289 77 400 93 952 95 370 101 170 81 158
Current liabilities 284 375 299 912 277 430 327 733 407 793 381 503 353 828 349 453 305 449
Total liabilities 728 124 777 454 757 906 898 839 890 670 919 296 946 498 985 008 895 496
in thousand EUR
Group Recticel 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
INCOME STATEMENT
Sales 1 378 122 1 348 430 1 276 662 1 555 450 1 611 788 1 474 422 1 391 558 1 276 319 1 180 773
Distribution costs (65 182) (64 768) (62 061) (74 528) (76 777) (68 668) (63 782) (63 442) (58 986)
Cost of sales (1 101 628) (1 066 780) (982 511) (1 260 090) (1 279 997) (1 170 165) (1 140 184) (1 002 560) (927 416)
Gross profit 211 312 216 882 232 090 220 832 255 014 235 589 187 592 210 317 194 371
General and administrative expenses (85 059) (80 367) (82 166) (90 587) (88 537) (88 826) (89 722) (85 121) (76 883)
Sales and marketing expenses (73 836) (74 331) (81 040) (88 077) (89 454) (87 070) (75 845) (75 084) (73 809)
Research and development expenses (14 820) (15 794) (13 941) (17 006) (17 936) (18 224) (16 362) (18 055) (17 750)
Impairments (5 260) (10 800) (10 362) (12 280) (1 400) (32 042) (11 912) - -
Other operating revenues (expenses) 8 363 (10 075) 31 26 367 5 561 5 537 15 893 (799) (13 475)
Income from associates 1 741 935 1 608 1 899 (24) 1 013 1 538 611 623
Income from investments (406) 1 164 7 265 2 013 312 (2 291) 684 502
EBIT 42 035 27 614 46 227 41 413 65 237 16 289 8 891 32 553 13 579
Interest income and expenses (13 270) (11 770) (16 919) (24 414) (25 181) (25 441) (25 199) (19 351) (13 976)
Other financial income and expenses (3 414) (5 325) 3 125 (2 022) (3 566) 479 (2 735) (2 180) (3 964)
Financial result (16 684) (17 095) (13 794) (26 436) (28 747) (24 962) (27 934) (21 531) (17 940)
Result of the period before taxes 25 351 10 519 32 433 14 977 36 490 (8 673) (19 043) 11 022 (4 361)
Income taxes (7 933) 4 108 (12 396) (10 378) (14 325) (10 380) (6 244) 196 (2 753)
Result of the period after taxes 17 418 14 627 20 037 4 599 22 165 (19 053) (25 287) 11 218 (7 114)
Share of minority interests 0 (188) 703 6 949 (626) (2 179) (2 587) (5 851) (2 943)
Share of the Group 17 418 14 439 20 740 11 548 21 539 (21 232) (27 874) 5 367 (10 057)

VIII. Asset & risk management

Assisted in its work by the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors determines the Group's risk management policy, taking the significance of the general corporate risks that it is prepared to accept into account.

Business and management imply dealing with external and internal uncertainties. These uncertainties imply that decisions intrinsically involving potential risks are constantly being taken at all levels. For this reason, and also because a company must be able to achieve its objectives, it is important to outline, assess, quantify and grade corporate risks as precisely as possible. An appropriate, adapted risk management system that can also draw on efficient monitoring mechanisms and best practices must avoid any adverse effects of potential risks on the company and its value or at least control or minimise those effects.

In 2008, the Management Committee drew up a list of the main corporate risks faced by the Recticel Group within the framework of its activities.

In 2010, it was decided to review this list in order then to define the processes to be implemented to control and limit the risks thus identified.

To this end, a specialist external consultant was hired to assist the Management Committee and steer the risk assessment and definition work.

The assessment work was eventually completed in 2011 and the Recticel Group's new list of corporate risks was drawn up by the Management Committee and then approved by the Board of Directors.

This resulted in a current list of 16 major risks for which specific working groups have been created so that, initially, an appropriate, specific action plan can be drawn up for each identified risk, followed by the implementation and monitoring thereof.

However, it should be pointed out that this selection is in no way an exhaustive list of all the risks identified during the assessment process. It is a matter, above all, of prioritising the processing of certain risks, yet without overlooking or sidelining all other risks that also remain subject to ongoing supervision and control.

Furthermore, risks can always arise that the company has not yet been able to define in full and which, for the time being, are regarded as having a minor influence but which could subsequently impact on the company's results. The Group's risk management systems attempt to identify internal and external risks in time. The impact of some of these risks is absorbed and limited by the provisions of Recticel's General Terms and Conditions (of Trade), or GTC, available on the Group's website (www.recticel.com).

This list of major risks will also be thoroughly revised as of 2013 based on a clearly defined methodology.

RISK FACTORS

The items dealt with below are the most relevant risk factors for the Recticel Group, as defined during the assessment process described above.

1. Price and source of raw materials

As a manufacturer and converter of polyurethane, the Group is sensitive to fluctuations in the prices of chemical raw materials. Essentially, these are polyols and isocyanates (TDI and MDI). Although these base materials are petroleum derivatives, their price evolution differs considerably from that of petroleum products on the global market. One of the main reasons for this difference is that polyols and isocyanates are clearly farther along the petroleum conversion value chain. Excess volatility of raw materials prices or their scarcity or shortage may have a negative effect on Recticel's results and financial situation.

Chemical raw materials represent, on average, nearly 40% of the cost price. For certain Flexible Foam and Insulation applications, this share may be even higher.

These raw materials are purchased on the open market. It is not possible to hedge against changes in raw materials prices.

The purchase of chemical raw materials is centralised and the relevant central department negotiates the supply contracts.

2. Compliance with laws and regulations. Contractual obligations

Failure to comply with the various laws and regulations governing the Group's activities is likely to have a negative impact on these activities and invoke its liability.

These activities are particularly subject to various environmental laws and regulations that are likely to expose the Group to major compliance costs or legal proceedings.

Furthermore, the Group may incur other major costs following the non-fulfilment of its contractual obligations or also in cases where the negotiated contractual provisions in place prove to be insufficient, or even inadequate.

3. Reputation, communication, phobia of the chemical industry

The reputation of the Recticel Group and its capacity as the supplier of reliable and ethical products could be tarnished during events or accidents that are totally beyond its control or also as a result of its own acts. This can also apply if there is a wave of public mistrust of chemical products and their inherent danger that could affect the chemical industry as a whole and Recticel in particular, as well as in the case of poor or unfortunate communication.

4. Competition and new operators

There is a risk to the Recticel Group's annual sales and market share not only due to newcomers that are clearly competing with Recticel, but also as regards the current competition, which can at any time launch brand-new or revolutionary products on the market, challenging Recticel's competitive position.

5. Business interruption

This relates to any risk of interruption to manufacturing or distribution activities following an incident, accident or any other unexpected event at one or more plants.

6. Structure and concentration of lopsided activities

An overly large concentration of activities on certain clients, certain technologies, and even on certain markets or geographic sectors is regarded as a significant risk that could have adverse consequences or conflict with the development of the Group's activities or the achievement of strategic objectives.

7. Evaluation of projects and investments

The danger lies in an incorrect or inadequate evaluation of a planned investment or otherwise compared with its strategic alignment and financial return, as well as the level of risk associated with it.

This evaluation is currently made on the basis of Group investment guidelines and their assessment.

8. Safety, health and the environment

Due to the nature of its activities, the Recticel Group is exposed to environmental risks. The Group uses potentially hazardous products (chemicals and the like) as part of its development activities and manufacturing processes. Pollution can never be ruled out. The Group prevents pollution by adopting appropriate industrial policies. Scenarios precisely outlining the modus operandi for tackling this type of crisis and managing the consequences thereof have been circulated throughout the organisation.

It goes without saying that the handling of these same products constitutes a health risk for staff, customers and any other visitor, particularly in the event of failure to comply with the safety rules issued by Recticel.

9. Product liability

Recticel produces and sells both semi-finished and finished consumer durable goods (bedding and insulation). In both cases, the Group is exposed to any complaints relating to product liability. Recticel tries to offset or limit these risks by means of product guarantees provided for in the conditions of sale and through the application of a strict quality control system. To protect itself from the adverse effects of product liability, the Group has effected general and product-specific insurance policies.

10. Efficiency and capacity

As regards efficiency, the risk lies in maintaining or improving activities in terms of equipment and technologies at production plants and in controlling and streamlining costs and competitiveness for internal departments.

As regards capacity, it is a question of meeting our customers' needs while also optimally spreading our various entities' overheads and controlling unit costs and margins.

11. Gauging performance

Any omission or error in the selection, measurement and reporting of financial and non-financial performance indicators may have adverse effects on the execution and monitoring of the Group's strategic plans.

12. Talent management

For the Group, it is a matter of adapting its human resources to the needs associated with its strategic plan. To this end, appropriate Performance Management, Succession Plans and Leadership Styles should be implemented to achieve objectives.

13. Taxation

Firstly, this concerns the risk associated with compliance with the tax laws and provisions in force in the different countries in which the Recticel Group has a presence and operates.

Secondly, it is a question of correctly and precisely planning the tax consequences associated with the fluctuation in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and the structural or contractual reorganisation of the Group's activities.

14. Intellectual property

Recticel owns numerous patents and has a number of patents pending for multiple products and software systems. The Group is also the holder of numerous trademarks in several countries. Recticel relies on a combination of patent and trademark rights, copyright and laws on brand names and industrial secrets, confidentiality procedures, trade secrets, contractual provisions and licence agreements to define and protect ownership.

On the other hand, the Group uses its best endeavours, inter alia, via a technological monitoring system, to scrupulously comply with third-party intellectual rights. Although Recticel is convinced that its products do not infringe third-party intellectual rights, the fact that future actions may be brought for such infringements cannot be ruled out.

15. Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) risks

Today, most of Recticel's operations and methods are conducted and monitored by central information processing systems. The risk is defined as the breakdown in or unreliability of these systems.

16. Risks relating to joint ventures and associates

Although the Group does its utmost to identify and manage the potential risks in the same way (albeit adapted to the nature of the risk), this is not always possible and cannot always be imposed. In the case of joint ventures and associated companies, as well as medium and long-term cooperation, there may be divergent views vis-à-vis the other partner, so that treatment similar to that adopted by the Group may be limited, or even made impossible. The varying approaches towards these risks may have consequences that differ from those that the Group would have incurred or agreed to incur.

RISK MONITORING

Operational and industrial risks are usually covered by centrally managed insurance contracts. The conditions governing these contracts are reviewed on a regular basis. Recticel owns two reinsurance subsidiaries, whose principal task consists of reinsuring the Group's own risk associated with the excesses that are payable by the Group under external insurance policies.

The risks and uncertainties for which provisions have been raised in accordance with IFRS rules are explained under the heading II.5.18. of the financial section of the annual report. More precisely, these are provisions for litigation, product guarantees, environmental risks and reorganisation charges.

Recticel's Internal Audit Department is involved in implementing control procedures in the broadest sense and ensures that they are complied with. It also plays a major role in the permanent monitoring of corporate risks and contributes to the basic considerations regarding these risks in the Group.

Key Figures

in million EUR
Group Recticel 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Consolidated income statement
Sales 1 611,8 1 555,5 1 276,7 1 348,4 1 378,1
Gross profit 255,0 220,8 232,1 216,9 211,3
REBITDA 123,4 86,8 106,9 104,0 88,6
EBITDA 122,0 108,8 102,3 83,5 88,8
REBIT 67,9 31,7 61,2 58,9 47,1
EBIT 65,2 41,4 46,2 27,6 42,0
Financial result (28,7) (26,4) (13,8) (17,1) (16,7)
Result of the period before taxes 36,5 15,0 32,4 10,5 25,3
Income taxes
Result of the period after taxes
(14,3)
22,2
(10,4)
4,6
(12,4)
20,0
4,1
14,6
(7,9)
17,4
of which Result of the period after taxes (share of the Group) 21,5 11,5 20,7 14,4 17,4
Profitability ratios
Gross profit / Sales 15,8% 14,2% 18,2% 16,1% 15,3%
REBITDA / Sales 7,7% 5,6% 8,4% 7,7% 6,4%
EBITDA / Sales 7,6% 7,0% 8,0% 6,2% 6,4%
REBIT / Sales
EBIT / Sales
4,2%
4,0%
2,0%
2,7%
4,8%
3,6%
4,4%
2,0%
3,4%
3,0%
Result of the period after taxes (share of the Group) / Sales 1,3% 0,7% 1,6% 1,1% 1,3%
ROE = Result of the period after taxes (share of the Group) / Total equity
(Group share) 10,6% 5,4% 9,4% 6,3% 7,1%
ROCE = Return on (average) capital employed 12,3% 7,5% 10,1% 6,4% 10,3%
Annual growth rates
Sales 9,3% -3,5% -17,9% 5,6% 2,2%
REBITDA -10,6% -29,7% 23,1% -2,7% -14,8%
EBITDA 15,2% -10,8% -6,0% -18,3% 6,3%
REBIT 35,9% -53,3% 93,1% -3,7% -20,0%
EBIT 300,5% -36,5% 11,6% -40,3% 52,2%
Result of the period after taxes (share of the Group) n.r. -46,4% 79,6% -30,4% 20,6%
in million EUR
Consolidated balance sheet
Non-current assets
Current assets
482,7
407,9
479,0
419,8
406,0
351,9
402,0
375,4
381,0
347,1
TOTAL ASSETS 890,7 898,8 757,9
Total Equity
777,5 728,1
248,3 233,7 226,0 241,7 248,8
Non-current liabilities 234,6 337,4 254,5 235,9 195,0
Current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
407,8
890,7
327,7
898,8
277,4
757,9
299,9
777,5
284,4
728,1
Net working capital 119,0 105,7 92,8 85,4 85,1
Market capitalisation (December 31st) 289,3 118,0 145,5 229,4 131,9
Non-controlling interests
Net financial debt
32,5
270,9
23,1
268,6
0,4
192,0
0,0
158,7
0,0
150,1
ENTERPRISE VALUE 592,7 409,7 337,9 388,1 282,0
Average capital employed 531,6 514,5 458,9 422,5 408,9
Financial structure ratios
Net financial debt / Total equity (including non-controlling interests) 109% 115% 85% 66% 60%
Total equity (including non-controlling interests) / Total assets
Current ratio
28%
1,0
26%
1,3
30%
1,3
31%
1,3
34%
1,2
Valuation ratios
Price / Earnings (Market capitalisation (Dec 31st) / Result of the period
(Group share))
13,4 10,2 7,0 15,9 7,6
Enterprise value / EBITDA 4,9 3,8 3,3 4,6 3,2
Price / Book value (=Market capitalisation/Book value (share of the
Group))
1,34 0,56 0,65 0,95 0,53
in million EUR
Group Recticel 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Consolidated sales per business line
Flexible Foams 665,6 645,6 570,6 602,7 596,2
Bedding 396,4 349,5 312,6 293,3 292,2
Insulation 139,7 156,4 166,5 187,4 223,1
Automotive 490,4 474,2 289,4 324,9 324,8
Eliminations (80,2) (70,3) (62,4) (59,9) (58,1)
Total sales 1 611,8 1 555,5 1 276,7 1 348,4 1 378,1
EBITDA per business line in million EUR
Flexible Foams 41,8 31,2 45,1 22,2 22,6
as % of sales 6,3% 4,8% 7,9% 3,7% 3,8%
Bedding 26,9 16,9 41,1 17,3 16,6
as % of sales 6,8% 4,8% 13,1% 5,9% 5,7%
Insulation 24,6 27,3 40,3 35,5 39,5
as % of sales 17,6% 17,4% 24,2% 18,9% 17,7%
Automotive 40,6 50,1 (6,9) 26,9 24,4
as % of sales 8,3% 10,6% -2,4% 8,3% 7,5%
Corporate (11,8) (16,7) (17,3) (18,3) (14,3)
Total EBITDA 122,0 108,8 102,3 83,5 88,8
as % of sales 7,6% 7,0% 8,0% 6,2% 6,4%
in million EUR
EBIT per business line
Flexible Foams 26,4 14,5 25,8 1,2 7,5
as % of sales 4,0% 2,2% 4,5% 0,2% 1,3%
Bedding 19,4 9,1 33,8 11,5 10,9
as % of sales 4,9% 2,6% 10,8% 3,9% 3,7%
Insulation 22,4 24,5 37,2 32,1 35,8
as % of sales 16,1% 15,7% 22,3% 17,2% 16,1%
Automotive 10,4 9,7 (32,2) 1,6 2,8
as % of sales 2,1% 2,0% -11,1% 0,5% 0,8%
Corporate (13,3) (16,4) (18,3) (18,8) (15,0)
Total EBIT 65,2 41,4 46,2 27,6 42,0
as % of sales 4,0% 2,7% 3,6% 2,0% 3,0%
in million EUR
Investments versus Depreciation
Investments in intangible and tangible fixed assets 45,6 48,7 24,1 35,2 33,4
Depreciation (excluding amortisation on goodwill, including impairment) 56,8 67,4 56,1 55,9 46,2
Investments / Sales 2,8% 3,1% 1,9% 2,6% 2,4%
Key figures per share
Number of shares (31 December) 28 931 456 28 931 456 28 931 456 28 931 456 28 931 456
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (before dilution)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (after dilution)
28 935 874
31 167 169
28 931 456
29 172 611
28 931 456
28 931 456
28 931 456
29 329 026
28 931 456
33 769 050
in EUR
REBITDA 4,27 3,00 3,69 3,60 3,06
EBITDA 4,22 3,76 3,54 2,89 3,07
REBIT 2,35 1,10 2,11 2,04 1,63
EBIT 2,25 1,43 1,60 0,95 1,45
Result of the period (share of the Group) - Basic (1) 0,74 0,40 0,72 0,50 0,60
Result of the period (share of the Group) - Diluted 0,74 0,40 0,72 0,49 0,55
Gross dividend 0,25 0,17 0,25 0,27 0,28
Pay-out ratio 34% 43% 35% 54% 47%
Net book value (Group share) 7,46 7,28 7,80 8,35 8,60
Price / Earnings ratio (2) 13,4 10,2 7,0 15,9 7,6
(1) calculated on the basis of the weigthed average number of shares outstanding
(before dilution effect)
(2) based on the share price of 31 December.
Earnings = Result of the period (share of the Group) per share
in EUR
Share prices (in EUR)
on 31 December 10,00 4,08 5,03 7,93 4,56
lowest of the year 8,95 4,08 1,95 5,04 3,78
highest of the year 11,69 9,96 6,00 8,64 8,20
average daily volume traded (units) 29 462 23 530 31 981 68 246 36 840

Colophon

Recticel N.V./S.A.

Olympiadenlaan 2 B - 1140 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 775 18 11 F. +32 (0)2 775 19 90

External Communications & Investor Relations Manager Michel De Smedt

T. + 32 (0)2 775 18 09 F. + 32 (0)2 775 19 91 [email protected]

Internal Communications Manager

Paul De Wilde T. + 32 (0)2 775 18 82 F. + 32 (0)9 368 76 04 [email protected]

Dit verslag is beschikbaar in het Nederlands, het Frans en het Engels. Ce rapport est disponible en français, néerlandais et anglais. This report is available in English, French and Dutch.

You can also download this Annual Report on www.recticel.com

Concept & Prepress: Lemon - Carlos Pavez General Coordination: Michel De Smedt

Thanks to all colleagues who contributed to the realisation of this Annual Report.

www.recticel.com

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