TIDMMUL

RNS Number : 1322V

Mulberry Group PLC

30 November 2023

Mulberry Group plc

Results for the twenty-six weeks ended 30 September 2023

Investments will power future growth

Mulberry Group plc (the "Group" or "Mulberry"), the British sustainable luxury brand, announces unaudited results for the twenty-six weeks ended 30 September 2023 (the "period").

THIERRY ANDRETTA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMENTED:

"Against a challenging macro-economic backdrop, which is impacting the entire luxury landscape, we have continued to invest in our long-term future.

"Our strategy to transform our international businesses to a direct-to-consumer model has enabled us to control the entire customer experience in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Our investments in the period in our digital systems, stores and product will power future growth.

"As one of the most iconic British luxury brands, product innovation remains at the heart of Mulberry. Our recent product launches, the Islington, Pimlico and Lana have been well received by customers, which is testament to our heritage, fresh designs and modern craftsmanship.

"Looking ahead, we are well placed to capitalise on the important festive trading period and expect the usual second half weighting to trading.

"There is no doubt, however, that the macro-economic environment has deteriorated, and this has had a knock-on effect on consumer sentiment. At Mulberry we have ensured that we are prepared to navigate this tricky environment, and we are confident in our ability to continue to execute our strategy. I continue to believe that offering VAT-free shopping in the UK would be one of the most effective ways to encourage business growth in this country. The fact this has not been reinstated is creating challenges for all sectors; impacting not only the luxury players, but also hospitality, travel and tourism. As we look ahead to the New Year, I urge policy makers to collaborate with all industries campaigning on this issue and reconsider implementing this to support businesses across the UK."

Financial Highlights

   --      Group revenue up 7% (8% CER(1) ) to GBP69.7m (2022: GBP64.9m) 

o UK retail sales although impacted by the broader economic environment, increased 6% to GBP36.2m (2022: GBP34.1m)

o International retail sales increased 34% (35% CER) to GBP23.5m (2022: GBP17.5m), supported by our strategy to bring in-house ownership of overseas stores including Sweden and Australia

o Revenue in the US increased by 38% (42% CER) due to increased brand awareness

o Asia Pacific retail sales (including the first full period of ownership of our Australian stores) increased by 13% (18% CER) to GBP13.5m (2022: GBP11.9m). Underlying retail sales decreased by 7% (3% CER) due to the challenging China macro-economic climate and reduced footfall across the region

   --      Gross margin of 69% (2022: 71%) was slightly below the prior period 

-- Underlying loss before tax of GBP12.3m (2022: underlying loss before tax GBP2.8m)(2) included GBP3.3m (2022: GBP0.8m) of Software as a Service (SaaS) costs, the additional operational costs of our new stores in Sweden and Australia, and additional important investments for future growth in the Group

   --      Reported loss before tax of GBP12.8m (2022: loss before tax GBP3.8m) 

Operating Highlights

-- Digital sales represented 29% of total Group revenue in the period (2022: 25%), demonstrating the continuing trend towards omni-channel shopping in all regions

-- Our collaborations with Paul Smith, Axel Arigato and Stefan Cooke drove further global awareness of the Mulberry brand

   --      New stores opened in Italy, China and South Korea 

-- Product innovation continued in the period with the launch of new bag families including the Islington and the Retwist

-- Ongoing investment in projects to update the Group's legacy systems and build on our omni-channel capabilities

Sustainability Highlights

   --      Continued focus on embedding sustainability and circularity across the entire business 

-- Mulberry Pre-Loved, our buy back and resale programme, generated sales above the same period last year

-- 100% of leather (including all suede and nappa linings) for Bags, Mini Bags and Small Leather Goods is sourced from tanneries with an environmental accreditation. We continue to offset the carbon emissions related to leather purchases

   --      Lifetime Service Centre at The Rookery continues to restore more than 10,000 bags a year 

Current Trading

-- The wider macro-economic environment and geo-political climate continues to present some uncertainty, but we are well positioned to navigate this given our beautifully crafted product, made in our Somerset factories and sold at the best value price point in the luxury market

-- Mulberry has a clear customer proposition and plan for growth and we remain confident in our ability to navigate this uncertainty and execute this strategy for the benefit of all our stakeholders

-- Since period end, we launched two new bag families globally, the Lana and the Pimlico which are performing well

-- Well prepared for the second half of the financial year, which is weighted in trading given the important festive trading period and further emphasised by our move from wholesale to retail

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:

Mulberry

Charles Anderson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7605 6793

Headland (Public Relations)

Lucy Legh / Joanna clark Tel: +44 (0) 20 3805 4822

mulberry@headlandconsultancy.com

HOULIHAN LOKEY UK LIMITED (FINANCIAL ADVISER AND NOMAD)

Tim Richardson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7484 4040

Notes

1 Constant Exchange Rates

2 See note 2 for more details of alternative performance measures and one off costs

OVERVIEW

Despite the current uncertain global economic climate, which continues to dampen consumer confidence, Mulberry continues to invest in its long-term future. Our strategic goals are clearly set out in our strategic pillars - omni-channel distribution, international development, constant innovation and sustainable lifecycle - and will make us more efficient, more customer focused and enable growth. Over the six months to 30 September 2023, we made good progress towards all of them.

We invested in new lines, collaborations and extended ranges. For example, collaborations with Swedish lifestyle label Axel Arigato in April and Stefan Cooke in September introduced us to a new generation of customers; and working with UK heritage brand Paul Smith drove new customer sales. Further innovation came with new bag ranges - the Islington and the Retwist. With two more launched since period end - the Pimlico and the Lana.

Pop ups continue to allow us efficiently to reach new audiences, with Leccio giving us invaluable insights into the Italian market.

International sales represented 39% of total retail revenues, supported by our strategy to bring in-house ownership of overseas stores. This is the first full six-month period during which our stores in Sweden and Australia have been fully owned; our stores in New Zealand and Japan have been fully owned since June 2023. We experienced strong growth in retail sales in the United States, up 38% (42% CER) as we continued to build brand awareness in this market. In Asia Pacific overall retail sales increased by 13% (18% CER) to GBP13.5m (2022: GBP11.9m), this period includes six months of our newly acquired stores in Australia. Underlying retail sales in Asia Pacific decreased by 7% principally due to the challenging macro-economic climate in China and reduced footfall across the region. We continue to develop our lifestyle range for the second half of the financial year and expect lifestyle sales to continue to grow throughout the remainder of the financial year.

Central to Mulberry's business model is sustainability and circularity. Projects incorporating and promoting pre-loved performed well, and we have made progress in lowering further our already below-industry-average carbon footprint through our hyper-local, hyper-transparent farm-to-finished-product model. We expect validation of our science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by the end of this financial year.

Group revenue increased by 7% (9% CER) over the period, with a slight decline in the gross margin to 69% (2022: 71%). An underlying loss before tax for the period of GBP12.3m (2022: loss before tax of GBP2.8m) reflects the additional investments and costs to support business growth, including SaaS costs and the additional operational costs of our stores in Sweden and Australia. We ended the period with net borrowings of GBP13.6m(1) (2022: net borrowings GBP0.5m).

Much of this progress is thanks to the hard work and commitment of our many colleagues around the world and I recognise and thank them for their enduring efforts.

BOARD CHANGES

Appointment of additional Independent Non-Executive Director

On 7 September 2023, the Group appointed Ms Leslie Serrero as an additional Independent Non-Executive Director. Ms Serrero will also sit on the Audit Committee of the Board.

Ms Serrero has extensive experience of luxury brand leadership. She has been International Managing Director of US luxury group Casa Komos Brands Group since October 2022, having previously held senior executive roles at Fendi France (2019-2022), Christian Dior Couture (2012-2019) and Lacoste SA (2009-2012). Prior to this, Ms Serrero was a project leader at Boston Consulting Group for six years, advising companies in the retail, consumer and fashion sectors on transformation and growth strategies.

CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK

Since the period end, we have launched two new bag families globally, the Lana and the Pimlico, which have both performed well.

The wider macro-economic environment, including inflationary pressures, continues to present some uncertainty, but we are well positioned as the best value price point in the luxury market and prepared for the second half of the financial year, which is weighted in trading given the important festive trading period and further emphasised by our move from wholesale to retail.

Mulberry has a clear customer proposition and plan for growth and we remain confident in our ability to navigate this uncertainty and execute this strategy for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

Notes

1 Net borrowings comprises cash balances of GBP5.9m (2022: GBP6.5m) less bank borrowings of GBP19.5m (2022: GBP7.0m), which excludes related parties and non-controlling interest of GBP4.5m (2022: GBP5.6m)

PROGRESS AGAINST OUR STRATEGY

With a rich heritage in leather craftmanship and a reputation for innovation, we aim to build Mulberry as the British sustainable global luxury brand through four strategic growth pillars.

Strategic pillar 1 - Omni-channel distribution

The period saw us invest in our ongoing digital transformation to enhance our omni-channel distribution. Our new omni-hubs in Glasgow, Bath and London's Regent Street take the majority of omni-orders. They also optimise store space and are already making order management more efficient. The payback is clear: digital sales as a proportion of the Group revenue continued to rise - up 4% to 29% in the period. We launched the Mulberry Mindset strategy in June to help staff provide memorable interactions for customers and build authentic relationships.

Refurbishments and pop ups in London, Europe and Asia also rewarded investment, helping us reach new audiences and lift sales.

Strategic pillar 2 - International development

We continued to optimise our digital channels and global store network, focusing on the US and Asia Pacific with their strong growth opportunities, bringing more stores and concessions in-house to better control pricing and distribution.

In the US, increasing brand awareness, helped to drive sales up 38% (42% CER). Asia Pacific retail sales, including the first full period of ownership of our Australian stores, increased by 13% (18% CER). Underlying retail sales decreased by 7% (3% CER) due to the challenging China macro-economic climate and reduced footfall across the region. Of note was our Chinese Valentine's Day event at newly opened Nanjing Deji store with actress Zhu Zhu. This boosted sales and brand awareness, with the Bayswater bag performing particularly well.

In addition to Australia, the period saw the first full six-month contribution of stores and concessions in Sweden; the New Zealand store and stores and concessions in Japan became wholly owned in May and June respectively.

In Europe, our six-month pop up in the luxury outlet Mall Firenze, Leccio, is giving us valuable insight into the Italian market and performing well.

Strategic pillar 3 - Constant innovation

Mulberry has a long tradition of innovation and collaboration as it adapts to changing customer tastes and reaching new markets. Further innovation came from new bag ranges - the Islington and the Retwist - as well as new silhouettes for the Bayswater, Mini Lily and North South Tote. Stand out performances came from Bayswater Powder Rose and Pale Grey. With the Pimlico and the Lana ranges launched since the period end, we expect bag sales to make up 79% of our total by the end of the current financial year.

Collaborations in the period included Swedish minimalist Axel Arigato, the heritage British designer Paul Smith and the award-winning Stefan Cooke. The Stefan Cooke collaboration included a pop-up during September's London Fashion Week and along with the April Axel Arigato collaboration, successfully drove greater awareness of Mulberry among younger generations. The Paul Smith collaboration also introduced us to new customers. All led to increased sales.

While bags and leather goods remain Mulberry's mainstay, we continue to explore opportunities in lifestyle categories. During the period we launched our lifestyle range and made further investments to extend this range in the second half of the year.

Strategic pillar 4 - Sustainable lifecycle

Our Made to Last manifesto with its Lifetime Service Centre and the Mulberry Exchange for pre-loved bags set us apart and are central in our strategy to be regenerative and circular across our entire supply chain by 2030. This strategy feeds into everything we do.

In April, our collaboration with Axel Arigato highlighted our wear-forever ethos while in September, our capsule collaboration with Stefan Cooke, focusing on pre-loved, was heralded by Vogue as "a strong case for the coolest bag collaboration of the year". Both brilliantly showcased our Mulberry Exchange platform, which ensures every Mulberry bag can have multiple lives. The Stefan Cooke collaboration contributed to the best-ever week for pre-loved on Mulberry.com. We saw significant growth on the previous financial year.

We remain carbon neutral across our UK operations and source 100% of our leather from environmentally accredited tanneries. Ongoing efforts to establish a hyper-local, hyper-transparent farm-to-finished-product model are further reducing our already lower-than-industry average carbon footprint. Meanwhile, we offset carbon emissions related to our leather purchases and business flights and we expect validation of our science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets by the end of this financial year.

Sustainable materials continue to play an important role in our drive for Net Zero and this extends to our paper and packaging. Since 2020, more than 3.2 million coffee cups have been turned into Mulberry Green paper packaging and since 2011 all our cardboard and paper are Forest Stewardship Council certified.

Respect for people as well as the planet is embedded in all we do and we are proud to be a certified Living Wage employer and our hybrid working policy helps cut emissions and costs associated with commuting.

During the period we launched our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committee to drive progress across all DE&I topics. To date, this includes partnering with Mentoring Matters, Flourish in Diversity and The Outsiders Perspective.

In recognition of all our efforts, in May, we won Brand of the Year at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards, with the judges citing our Made to Last Manifesto, our thriving apprenticeship programme and our longstanding commitment to British manufacturing.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group revenue and gross profit

Revenue analysis for the 26 weeks to 30 September 2023 compared to the same period last year is as follows:

 
                               2023    2022 
                              GBP'm   GBP'm   % change 
 Digital                       20.3    16.3       +25% 
 Stores                        39.4    35.3       +12% 
 Retail (omni-channel)         59.7    51.6       +16% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 Franchise and Wholesale       10.0    13.3       -25% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 
 Group Revenue                 69.7    64.9        +7% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 
 
 
 Digital                       12.8    10.8       +19% 
 Stores                        23.4    23.3         0% 
 Omni-channel - UK             36.2    34.1        +6% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 Digital                        2.9     2.7        +7% 
 Stores                        10.6     9.2       +15% 
 Omni-channel - Asia 
  Pacific                      13.5    11.9       +13% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 Digital                        4.6     2.8       +64% 
 Stores                         5.4     2.8       +93% 
 Omni-channel - Rest 
  of World                     10.0     5.6       +79% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 Retail (omni-channel)         59.7    51.6       +16% 
                             ------  ------  --------- 
 
 
                                   Q1                   Q2                H1 2023 
                           Revenue   % change   Revenue   % change   Revenue   % change 
                            GBP'm                GBP'm                GBP'm 
 
 Digital                      10.1       +19%      10.2       +31%      20.3       +25% 
 Stores                       20.1       +15%      19.3        +8%      39.4       +12% 
                          --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 Retail (omni-channel)        30.2       +16%      29.5       +15%      59.7       +16% 
                          --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 Franchise and 
  Wholesale                    7.0       -18%       3.0       -38%      10.0       -25% 
                          --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 Group revenue                37.2        +8%      32.5        +7%      69.7        +7% 
                          --------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 

Group revenue increased by 7% (8% CER) in the period, with growth in both Q1 (+8%) and Q2 (+7%) on the prior period. Retail omni-channel sales grew +16% in the period driven by our strategy to transition some wholesale partners to full ownership or concession agreements. UK total retail sales increased by 6%. Full price sales in the UK increased by 4% to GBP27.9m (2022: GBP26.8m) with the full price mix reducing slightly to 77% (2022: 79%). UK store sales remained in line with prior period, however UK digital sales were up 19% on the prior period, with average transaction value increasing by 9% compared to the prior period and represented 35% of total UK retail sales (2022: 32%).

Asia Pacific retail revenue increased 13% (18% CER), which includes the first full six-month period from the Australia retail stores which were acquired in the second half of last year. Excluding Australia, Asia Pacific retail revenue would have been down 7% due to the challenging China macro-economic climate and reduced footfall across all the markets.

Rest of World retail revenue, which includes Europe and the US, increased 79% (73% CER) with GBP1.7m relating to the business in Sweden which was acquired in September 2022. Revenue in the US also increased by 38% (42% CER) due to increased brand awareness in the market.

Franchise and wholesale sales decreased by 25%, with wholesale arrangements in Sweden and Australia converted to retail following the purchase of the business in the prior year.

Other operating expenses

Other operating expenses increased by 21% to GBP58.9m (2022: GBP48.6m) and underlying operating expenses increased by 9%. A breakdown is given below:

 
                                     2023    2022 
                                    GBP'm   GBP'm   % change 
 Underlying operating 
  expenses                           51.6    47.2        +9% 
 SaaS Costs                           3.3     0.8      +313% 
 Store Closure Charge/(Credit)        0.5   (0.2)      -350% 
 New initiatives - Sweden 
  & Australia                         3.5     0.8      +338% 
                                   ------  ------  --------- 
 Operating expenses                  58.9    48.6       +21% 
                                   ------  ------  --------- 
 

The underlying operating cost increase has been driven by inflationary and real-living wage pay increases and we also increased technology spend to GBP4.2m (2022: GBP3.3m) to support the underlying costs associated with projects and systems investments.

In light of the March 2021 IFRIC agenda decision to clarify the treatment of Software as a Service (SaaS) costs, during the period we expensed GBP3.3m (2022: GBP0.8m) of SaaS costs which would previously have been capitalised, in line with the accounting for configuration and customisation cost arrangements. We expect to incur further SaaS costs in the second half.

The acquisition of our stores in Sweden and Australia have increased costs during the period by GBP2.7m. The full year impact of these new initiatives will be included in the current period.

Loss before tax

The Group's underlying loss before tax was GBP12.3m (2022: underlying loss before tax of GBP 2.8 m), included GBP3.3m (2022: GBP0.8m) of SaaS costs and the additional operational costs of our new stores in Sweden and Australia.

Reported loss before tax for the period was GBP12.8m (2022: loss before tax of GBP3.8m) and includes a store closure charge of GBP0.5m (2022: credit of GBP0.2m). The prior period included GBP1.2m acquisition costs relating to the business in Australia and Sweden.

 
                                         2023    2022 
                                        GBP'm   GBP'm 
 Underlying loss before 
  tax pre-SaaS costs                    (9.0)   (2.0) 
 SaaS Costs                             (3.3)   (0.8) 
                                      -------  ------ 
 Underlying loss before 
  tax                                  (12.3)   (2.8) 
                                      -------  ------ 
 Store Closure (Charge)/Credit          (0.5)     0.2 
 Australia and Sweden acquisition 
  costs                                     -   (1.2) 
                                      -------  ------ 
 Reported loss before tax              (12.8)   (3.8) 
                                      -------  ------ 
 

See note 2 below for further details of Alternative Performance Measures.

Taxation

The Group reported a tax charge for the period of GBP0.6m (2022: GBP0.3m.) The tax charge in the period is made up of GBP0.4m for deferred tax, which is calculated by applying the forecast full year effective tax rate to the Group results and GBP0.2m relating to prior and current period current tax charges.

Balance Sheet

Net working capital, which comprises inventories, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables decreased by GBP9.1m to GBP34.6m at the period end (2022: GBP43.7m). This decrease was driven by a reduction in inventories of GBP3.4m, as a result of optimisation of inventory levels. We are managing stock levels in light of the ongoing macro-economic uncertainty and cost increases.

At the period end, other trade receivables had decreased by GBP2.7m, principally due to wholesale customers being converted to direct-to-customer models. The increase in other trade payables of GBP3.0m is due to the timing of payments at the period end date and recognising a liability for contributions towards the new lessee rentals for the re-assigned Bond Street store.

Lease liabilities (current and non-current) reduced by GBP7.2m to GBP53.0m (2022: GBP60.2m) due to the release of the lease liability relating to the Bond Street store, which was re-assigned at the beginning of the period and regular lease payments made in the period.

Cash flow

The net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of GBP0.9m (2022: decrease of GBP19.5m) included a GBP6.0m draw down of the Group's revolving credit facility (RCF). Operating cash outflow for the period was GBP3.9m (2022: GBP15.6m) driven by increased operating expenses but partially offset by the improvement in working capital.

During the period we continued to invest in capital expenditure of GBP5.3m (2022: GBP5.2m) of which GBP2.9m (2022: GBP2.0m) related to transformation projects and IT systems to support growth. GBP0.8m (2022: GBP3.2m) has been spent in the period on new and existing retail stores.

Borrowing facilities

The Group had bank borrowings relating to drawdowns under its RCF of GBP13.0m at 30 September 2023 (2022: GBP7.0m). The borrowings shown in the balance sheet also include loans from minority shareholders in the Chinese and Japanese subsidiaries of GBP4.5m (2022: GBP5.6m) and an overdraft of GBP6.5m (2022: GBPnil).

The Group's net cash balance (cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts) at 30 September 2023 was -GBP0.6m (2022: GBP6.5m).

During the period the Group extended its secured RCF with HSBC until September 2027, with unchanged banking covenants. The covenants are tested quarterly on a "frozen GAAP" basis (excluding the impact of IFRS 16 and SaaS costs) and contain a 12-month rolling EBITDA target ratio and a maximum net debt target.

In addition, the Group has a GBP4.0m multi-currency overdraft facility which is renewed annually.

Significant transactions in the period

Bond Street lease reassignment

On 3 April 2023 the Group assigned the lease on its Bond Street store which closed in February 2023 and as a result disposed of the right-of-use asset and released the remaining lease liabilities. Additionally, the Group has incurred a charge for both the contribution towards lease rentals of the new lessee and for a financial guarantee covering the remaining period of the lease. The net charge of GBP517,000 is included in the Income Statement (see note 2).

Investment in Mulberry Japan Co. Limited

On 27 June 2023 the Group, via its subsidiary Mulberry Trading Holding Company Limited acquired the 50% share capital owned by its Joint Venture partner Onward Holding Co Limited, in Mulberry Japan Co. Limited for 1 Yen. Following the acquisition, the Group now owns 100% of Mulberry Japan Co. Limited (see note 7).

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
                                              Note 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                                                                  69,743             64,920            159,129 
 Cost of sales                                                          (21,694)           (18,954)           (45,879) 
 
 Gross profit                                                             48,049             45,966            113,250 
 
 Impairment charge relating to intangibles                                     -                  -            (2,366) 
 Impairment credit relating to property, 
  plant and equipment                                                          -                  -                850 
 Impairment credit relating to right-of-use 
  assets                                                                       -                  -             12,949 
 Other operating expenses                                               (58,884)           (48,599)          (108,485) 
 Other operating income                                                      390                416                776 
 
 Operating (loss)/profit                                                (10,445)            (2,217)             16,974 
 
 Share of results of associates                                               19                 36                 52 
 Finance income                                                                1                  5                 11 
 Finance expense                                                         (2,334)            (1,574)            (3,887) 
 
 (Loss)/profit before tax                                               (12,759)            (3,750)             13,150 
 
 Tax charge                                   4                            (639)              (279)            (1,753) 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                                           (13,398)            (4,029)             11,397 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                                           (12,279)            (2,715)             13,243 
 Non-controlling interests                                               (1,119)            (1,314)            (1,846) 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                                           (13,398)            (4,029)             11,397 
 
 Basic (loss)/profit per share                5                          (22.5p)             (6.8p)              19.1p 
 Diluted (loss)/profit per share              5                          (22.5p)             (6.8p)              19.1p 
 

All activities arise from continuing operations.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                                           (13,398)            (4,029)             11,397 
 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to 
 profit or loss; 
    Exchange differences on translation of foreign 
     operations                                                            (845)                408              (483) 
 
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the 
  period                                                                (14,243)            (3,621)             10,914 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the parent                                           (13,166)            (1,882)             12,888 
 Non-controlling interests                                               (1,077)            (1,739)            (1,974) 
 
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the 
  period                                                                (14,243)            (3,621)             10,914 
 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
 
                                                                   Unaudited          Unaudited          Audited 
                                                   30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022     1 April 2023 
                                                                                        GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                                                     7,832              6,390            6,015 
 Property, plant and equipment                                        20,274             16,765           19,817 
 Right-of-use assets                                                  43,649             30,453           57,520 
 Interests in associates                                                 168                375              254 
 Deferred tax asset                                                      212              1,871              622 
                                                                      72,135             55,854           84,228 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                          45,320             48,726           48,250 
 Trade and other receivables                                          15,266             17,984           19,901 
 Current tax asset                                                         -                409                - 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                             5,852              6,544            6,872 
                                                                      66,438             73,663           75,023 
 
 Total assets                                                        138,573            129,517          159,251 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                           (25,971)           (22,962)         (28,143) 
 Current tax liabilities                                               (331)                  -            (182) 
 Lease liabilities                                                   (9,971)           (11,199)         (10,932) 
 Borrowings                                                         (23,883)            (3,798)         (11,562) 
                                                                    (60,156)           (37,959)         (50,819) 
 
 Net current assets                                                    6,282             35,704           24,204 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                            (2,191)                  -                - 
 Lease liabilities                                                  (43,043)           (49,021)         (61,666) 
 Borrowings                                                                -            (8,814)                - 
                                                                    (45,234)           (57,835)         (61,666) 
 
 Total liabilities                                                 (105,390)           (95,794)        (112,485) 
 
 Net assets                                                           33,183             33,723           46,766 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                                         3,004              3,004            3,004 
 Share premium account                                                12,160             12,160           12,160 
 Own share reserve                                                     (854)              (923)            (896) 
 Capital redemption reserve                                              154                154              154 
 Foreign exchange reserve                                              (170)              1,566              675 
 Retained earnings                                                    25,176             23,968           38,110 
 Equity attributable to holders of the parent                         39,470             39,929           53,207 
 Non-controlling interests                                           (6,287)            (6,206)          (6,441) 
 Total equity                                                         33,183             33,723           46,766 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
 
                                         Share       Own       Capital    Foreign                                    Non-controlling 
                               Share   premium     share   re-demption   exchange      Retained              Total          interest 
                             capital   account   reserve       reserve    reserve      earnings            GBP'000           GBP'000      Total 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000                                          equity 
                                                                                                                                        GBP'000 
 
 As at 2 April 2022            3,004    12,160   (1,269)           154      1,158        27,006             42,213           (4,467)     37,746 
 Loss for the period               -         -         -             -          -       (2,715)            (2,715)           (1,314)    (4,029) 
 Other comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                           -         -         -             -        408             -                408                 -        408 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) for 
  the period                       -         -         -             -        408       (2,715)            (2,307)           (1,314)    (3,621) 
 Charge for employee 
  share-based payments             -         -         -             -          -            23                 23                 -         23 
 Own shares                        -         -       346             -          -             -                346                 -        346 
 Exercise of share 
  options                          -         -         -             -          -         (346)              (346)                 -      (346) 
 Non-controlling 
  interest foreign 
  exchange                         -         -         -             -          -             -                  -             (425)      (425) 
 As at 1 October 2022          3,004    12,160     (923)           154      1,566        23,968             39,929           (6,206)     33,723 
 Profit/(loss) for the 
  period                           -         -         -             -          -        15,958             15,958             (532)     15,426 
 Other comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                           -         -         -             -      (891)             -              (891)                 -      (891) 
 Total comprehensive 
  (expense)/income for 
  the period                       -         -         -             -      (891)        15,958             15,067             (532)     14,535 
 Impairment of shares 
  in trust                         -         -        27             -          -          (27)                  -                 -          - 
 Dividends paid                    -         -         -             -          -       (1,789)            (1,789)                 -    (1,789) 
 Non-controlling 
  interest foreign 
  exchange                         -         -         -             -          -             -                  -               297        297 
 As at 1 April 2023            3,004    12,160     (896)           154        675        38,110             53,207           (6,441)     46,766 
 Loss for the period               -         -         -             -          -      (12,279)           (12,279)           (1,119)   (13,398) 
 Other comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                           -         -         -             -      (845)             -              (845)                 -      (845) 
 Total comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                           -         -         -             -      (845)      (12,279)           (13,124)           (1,119)   (14,243) 
 Charge for employee 
  share-based payments             -         -         -             -          -             7                  7                 -          7 
 Impairment of shares 
  in trust                         -         -        42             -          -          (42)                  -                 -          - 
 Adjustment arising 
  from investment by 
  non-controlling 
  interests (see note 
  7)                               -         -         -             -          -             -                  -               611        611 
 Adjustment arising 
  from acquisition of 
  non-controlling 
  interests (see note 
  7)                               -         -         -             -          -         (620)              (620)               620          - 
 Non-controlling 
  interest foreign 
  exchange                         -         -         -             -          -             -                  -                42         42 
 As at 30 September 
  2023                         3,004    12,160     (854)           154      (170)        25,176             39,470           (6,287)     33,183 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Operating (loss)/profit for the period                                 (10,445)            (2,217)             16,974 
 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, plant 
  and equipment                                                            2,451              1,922              3,487 
 Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use 
  assets                                                                   4,517              3,577            (5,021) 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets                            921                835              4,041 
 Gain on lease modifications and lease disposals                         (5,484)              (243)              (441) 
 (Profit)/loss on sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                    -                (2)                 96 
 Business combination gain                                                     -                  -              (304) 
 Share-based payments expense                                                  7                 23                 23 
 Operating cash (outflows)/inflows before 
  movements in working capital                                           (8,033)              3,895             18,855 
 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories                                        3,063           (11,960)            (9,722) 
 Decrease/(increase) in receivables                                        4,673            (2,057)            (3,974) 
 (Decrease)/increase in payables                                         (1,229)            (1,073)              2,001 
 Cash (used)/generated by operations                                     (1,526)           (11,195)              7,160 
 
 Income taxes paid                                                          (71)            (2,790)            (2,427) 
 Interest paid                                                           (2,334)            (1,582)            (3,899) 
 Net cash(outflow)/inflow from operating 
  activities                                                             (3,931)           (15,567)                834 
 
 Investing activities: 
 Interest received                                                             1                  5                 15 
 Acquisition of businesses (see note 8)                                    (238)                  -            (3,182) 
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment                              (3,057)            (4,030)            (7,129) 
 Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                    -                  2                  2 
 Acquisition of intangible fixed assets                                  (2,219)            (1,179)            (3,919) 
 Dividend received from associate                                              -                  -                 40 
 Net cash used in investing activities                                   (5,513)            (5,202)           (14,173) 
 
 Financing activities: 
 (Repayment)/increase in loans from 
  non-controlling interests                                                (744)                 94                246 
 Investment from non-controlling interest (see                               611                  -                  - 
 note 7) 
 New borrowings                                                           13,309              7,000              6,100 
 Dividends paid                                                                -                  -            (1,789) 
 Principal elements of lease payments                                    (4,629)            (5,840)           (10,261) 
 Net cash generated/(used) in financing activities                         8,547              1,254            (5,704) 
 
 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                 (897)           (19,515)           (19,043) 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                          6,872             25,669             25,669 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes                                   (123)                390                246 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                5,852              6,544              6,872 
 

Notes to the condensed financiAL statements

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Mulberry Group plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The half year results and condensed consolidated financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 30 September 2023 (the interim financial statements) comprise the results for the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and the Group's interest in associates. The interim financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 30 September 2023 have not been reviewed or audited.

The information for the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for that period were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 June 2023 and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those statutory accounts was not qualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the Auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain statements under section 498(2) (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in the interim financial statements are consistent with those published in the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 30 September 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union. This report should be read in conjunction with the Group's financial statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The Annual Report and Financial Statements are available from the Group's website (www.mulberry.com) or from the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office, The Rookery, Chilcompton, Bath, England, BA3 4EH.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

Preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires the Directors to make certain estimates and judgements that affect the measurement of reported revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities.

The critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty applied in the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those described on pages 91-92 of the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The management of the business and the execution of the Group's growth strategies are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Group's future development. The principal risks and uncertainties for the Group and the key mitigating actions used to address them are consistent with those outlined on pages 42-47 of the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

In reporting financial information, the Group presents an APMs, which is not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS. The Group believes that these APMs, which are not considered to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures, provide stakeholders with additional helpful information on the performance of the business. These APMs are consistent with how the business performance is planned and reported within the internal management reporting to the Board of Directors. Some of these measures are also used for the purpose of setting remuneration targets.

The Group makes certain adjustments to the statutory profit or loss measures in order to derive the APMs. Adjusting items are those items which, in the opinion of the Directors, should be excluded in order to provide a consistent and comparable view of the performance of the Group's ongoing business. Generally, this will include those items that are largely one-off and material in nature as well as income or expenses relating to acquisitions or disposals of businesses or other transactions of a similar nature. Treatment as an adjusting item provides stakeholders with additional useful information to assess the year-on-year trading performance of the Group.

A reconciliation of reported (loss)/profit before tax to underlying (loss)/profit before tax is set out below:

 
 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Reconciliation to underlying (loss)/profit before 
 tax 
 
 (Loss)/profit before tax                                               (12,759)            (3,750)             13,150 
 
 Store closure charge/(credit)                                               517              (210)              (205) 
 Impairment credit related to property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                    -                  -              (850) 
 Impairment credit related to right-of-use assets                              -                  -           (12,949) 
 Impairment charge for intangible assets                                       -                  -              2,366 
 Australia acquisition costs                                                   -                933                806 
 Sweden acquisition costs                                                      -                193                193 
 
 Underlying (loss)/profit before tax - non-GAAP 
  measure                                                               (12,242)            (2,834)              2,511 
 
 
 Underlying basic (loss)/profit per share                                (21.8p)             (5.3p)               5.8p 
 Underlying diluted (loss)/profit per share                              (21.8p)             (5.3p)               5.8p 
  Store closure charge 
   During the period no stores (2022: 2 stores) were closed although the lease on a store that 
   had been closed in February 2023 was assigned on 3 April 2023. The charge on disposal comprises 
   the release to the income statement of lease and other liabilities of GBP17,735,000 (2022: 
   GBP210,000), the write-off of right-of-use assets of GBP11,777,000 (2022: GBPnil), a charge 
   of lease exit costs of GBP150,000 (2022: GBPnil), a contribution of GBP5,205,000 (2022 : GBPnil) 
   towards the new lessee rentals and a charge of GBP1,120,000 (2022 : GBPnil) being the financial 
   guarantee for the remaining lease rentals. 
   Australian acquisition costs 
   During the previous period the Group took over the running of five stores in Australia and 
   incurred a write-off of debtors of GBP933,000. 
   Sweden acquisition costs 
   During the previous period the Group took over the running of three stores in Sweden previously 
   owned by the Swedish franchisee and incurred costs of GBP193,000. 
 

3. GOING CONCERN

In determining whether the Group's accounts can be prepared on a going concern basis, the Directors considered the Group's business activities and cash requirements together with factors likely to affect its performance and financial position. The Group had cash and cash equivalents (net of overdrafts) of -GBP0.6 million (2022: GBP6.5 million) at 30 September 2023 and had drawn down GBP13.0 million (2022: GBP7.0 million) on its revolving credit facility. The Directors have also reviewed the 12-month forecasts including their resilience in the face of possible downside scenarios.

Based on the assessment outlined above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has access to adequate resources to enable it to continue to operate as a going concern for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, the Directors consider it appropriate for the Group to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Interim Report and financial statements.

4. TAXATION

The tax charge relates to deferred tax which is calculated by applying the forecast full year effective tax rate to the interim (loss)/profit and calculating the deferred tax balance for the period.

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE ('EPS')

 
 
                                                                 Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                            26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                 30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                      GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Basic (loss)/profit per share                                     (22.5p)             (6.8p)              19.1p 
 Diluted (loss)/profit per share                                   (22.5p)             (6.8p)              19.1p 
 Underlying basic (loss)/profit per share                          (21.8p)             (5.3p)               5.8p 
 Underlying diluted (loss)/profit per share                        (21.8p)             (5.3p)               5.8p 
 

Earnings per share is calculated based on the following data:

 
 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period for basic and 
  diluted earnings per share                                            (13,398)            (4,029)             11,397 
 
 Adjusting items: 
 Store closure charge/(credit)*                                              388              (206)              (203) 
 Reversal of impairment charge related to 
  property, plant and equipment*                                               -                  -              (650) 
 Reversal of impairment charge related to 
  right-of-use assets*                                                         -                  -           (10,342) 
 Impairment charge for intangible assets                                                          -              2,366 
 Australia acquisition costs*                                                  -                193                728 
 Sweden acquisition costs                                                      -                855                193 
 Underlying (loss)/profit for the period for basic 
  and diluted earnings per share                                        (13,010)            (3,187)              3,489 
 

*These items are included net of tax

 
 
                                                                       Unaudited          Unaudited            Audited 
                                                                  26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended 
                                                       30 September 2023 GBP'000     1 October 2022       1 April 2023 
                                                                                            GBP'000            GBP'000 
 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares for 
  the purpose of basic EPS                                                  59.7               59.6               59.6 
 Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:                                 -                  -                  - 
 share options 
 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares for 
  the purpose of diluted EPS                                                59.7               59.6               59.6 
 

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period excludes those held by the Employee Share Trust.

6. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), defined as the Board of Directors, to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis. The Group also presents analysis by geographical destination and product categories.

   a)     Business segment 

The Group continues to extend its omni-channel network in order to support the Group's global growth ambitions. Mulberry has thus become increasingly reliant on individual market-level profitability metrics to enable them to make timely market-centric decisions that are operational and investment in nature. It is therefore appropriate for the segmental analysis disclosures to be a regional view of segments (being UK, Asia Pacific and Other International) to reflect the current business operations and the way the business internally reports and the information that the CODM reviews and makes strategic decisions based on its financial results.

The principal activities are as follows:

-- The accounting policies of the reportable segment are the same as described in the Group's financial statements. Information regarding the results of the reportable segment is included below. Performance for the segment is assessed based on operating profit/(loss).

-- The Group designs, manufactures and manages the Mulberry brand for the segment and therefore the finance income and expense are not attributable to the reportable segments.

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT

26 WEEKSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000     Eliminations GBP'000       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                                      GBP'000 
 Revenue 
 Omni-channel                   56,616           13,474                  10,006                 (20,402)      59,694 
 Wholesale                       1,026            2,077                   6,946                               10,049 
 
 Total revenue                  57,642           15,551                  16,952                 (20,402)      69,743 
 
 
 Segment (loss)/profit         (6,454)          (4,591)                   2,395                              (8,650) 
 
 Central costs                                                                                               (1,278) 
 Store closure charge                                                                                          (517) 
 
 Operating loss                                                                                             (10,445) 
 
 Share of results of 
  associates                                                                                                      19 
 Finance income                                                                                                    1 
 Finance expense                                                                                             (2,334) 
 
 Loss before tax                                                                                            (12,759) 
 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000                  Central       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Segment capital 
  expenditure                    4,572              956                     116                        -       5,644 
 Segment depreciation and 
  amortisation                   4,431            1,918                     708                      832       7,889 
 Segment assets                 94,392           23,657                  13,226                    7,086     138,361 
 Segment liabilities            68,232           15,135                  12,693                    9,330     105,390 
 

26 WEEKSED 1 OCTOBER 2022

 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000     Eliminations GBP'000       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                                      GBP'000 
 Revenue 
 Omni-channel                   72,280           11,826                   5,120                 (37,665)      51,561 
 Wholesale                       2,182            3,141                   8,036                               13,359 
 
 Total revenue                  74,462           14,967                  13,156                 (37,665)      64,920 
 
 
 Segment profit/(loss)             665          (1,969)                   1,703                                  399 
 
 Central costs                                                                                               (1,700) 
 Store closure credit                                                                                            210 
 Australia acquisition 
  costs                                                                                                        (933) 
 Sweden acquisition costs                                                                                      (193) 
 
 Operating loss                                                                                              (2,217) 
 
 Share of results of 
  associates                                                                                                      36 
 Finance income                                                                                                    5 
 Finance expense                                                                                             (1,574) 
 
 Profit before tax                                                                                           (3,750) 
 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000                  Central       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Segment capital 
  expenditure                    2,786              614                   1,429                       29       4,858 
 Segment depreciation and 
  amortisation                   3,955              926                     457                      996       6,334 
 Segment assets                 84,413           20,994                  14,132                    8,107     127,646 
 Segment liabilities            62,229            8,617                  14,341                   10,607      95,794 
 
 

52 WEEKSED 1 APRIL 2023

 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000     Eliminations GBP'000       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                                      GBP'000 
 Revenue 
 Omni-channel                  171,615           27,234                  13,073                 (77,677)     134,245 
 Wholesale                       4,918            4,254                  15,712                               24,884 
 
 Total revenue                 176,533           31,488                  28,785                 (77,677)     159,129 
 
 
 Segment profit/(loss)             533          (1,222)                  12,398                               11,709 
 
 Central costs                                                                                               (5,374) 
 Store closure credit                                                                                            205 
 Impairment credit related 
  to property, plant and 
  equipment                                                                                                      850 
 Impairment credit related 
  to right-of-use assets                                                                                      12,949 
 Impairment charge related 
  to intangible asset                                                                                        (2,366) 
 Australia acquisition 
  costs                                                                                                        (806) 
 Sweden acquisition costs                                                                                      (193) 
 
 Operating profit                                                                                             16,974 
 
 Share of results of 
  associates                                                                                                      52 
 Finance income                                                                                                   11 
 Finance expense                                                                                             (3,887) 
 
 Profit before tax                                                                                            13,150 
 
 
 
                                                            Other International 
                                    UK     Asia Pacific                 GBP'000                  Central       Total 
                               GBP'000          GBP'000                                          GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
 Segment capital 
  expenditure                    7,866            1,101                   1,731                      138      10,836 
 Segment depreciation and 
  amortisation net of 
  impairment                   (6,142)            4,942                   1,747                    1,960       2,507 
 Segment assets                108,065           27,812                  14,539                    8,213     158,629 
 Segment liabilities            72,006           16,312                  13,877                   10,290     112,485 
 

For the purposes of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments, the Chief Operating Decision Maker, which is deemed to be the Board, monitors the tangible, intangible and financial assets. All assets are allocated to the reportable segment.

(b) Product categories

Leather accessories account for around 90% of the Group's revenues, of which bags represent over 70% of revenues. Other important product categories include small leather goods, shoes, soft accessories and women's ready-to-wear. Net asset information is not allocated by product category.

7. INVESTMENT IN MULBERRY JAPAN CO. LIMITED

During the period the Group, via its subsidiary Mulberry Trading Holding Company Limited and its Joint Venture partner Onward Holding Co Limited, invested additional share capital of GBP661,000 each into Mulberry Japan Co. Limited the proceeds of which were used to repay trading loans to both parties. Following this investment on 27 June 2023 the Group acquired the 50% share capital owned by Onward Holding Co Limited for a purchase price of 1 Yen and, following the acquisition, the Group now owns 100% of Mulberry Japan Co. Limited.

8. ACQUISTION OF NEW ZEALAND STORE

On 12 May 2023 the Group acquired one store previously operated by our New Zealand franchisee. The Group paid GBP238,000 to purchase the assets from the franchisee. The store is being operated by a branch of Mulberry Company (Australia) Pty Limited.

9. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There are no events to report after the reporting period.

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