[LOGO] PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS



| | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
8 Princes Parade, St. Nicholas Place
Liverpool ,L3 1QJ
| | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------







REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sportech plc

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of changes in shareholders' equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sportech plc and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



Accounting principles generally accepted in United Kingdom vary in certain important respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of consolidated net income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and the determination of consolidated shareholders' equity at December 31, 2002 and 2001 to the extent summarized in Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.



As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated accounts, the Group changed its method of accounting for deferred taxes in 2002 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom. The change has been accounted for by restating comparative information at 31 December 2001 and 2000, and for the years then ended.





/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

Liverpool, England



14 March 2003



CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

for the year ended 31 December 2002

(£m except for share data)



| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----- |  | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | -------
| |                                                                                                  |       |  | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002   
| |                                                                                                  | Notes |  | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m     
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Group turnover                                                                                   | 4     |  | 63.0            |  | 183.3           |  | 195.3  
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Cost of sales                                                                                    |       |  | (46.9)          |  | (129.3)         |  | (139.4)
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Gross profit                                                                                     |       |  | 16.1            |  | 54.0            |  | 55.9   
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Net operating (expenses)/income                                                                  | 6     |  | 10.3            |  | (45.4)          |  | (44.5) 
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Operating profit before restructuring costs, amortisation of goodwill and other operating income |       |  | 3.2             |  | 17.5            |  | 22.2   
| | Restructuring costs                                                                              | 6     |  | (1.8)           |  | -               |  | (2.0)  
| | Amortisation of goodwill                                                                         | 13    |  | (2.8)           |  | (8.9)           |  | (8.8)  
| | Other operating income                                                                           | 7     |  | 27.8            |  | -               |  | -      
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Operating profit                                                                                 |       |  | 26.4            |  | 8.6             |  | 11.4   
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Discount on redemption of loan stock                                                             |       |  | 3.9             |  | -               |  | -      
| | Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets                                                          | 6     |  | -               |  | -               |  | 1.4    
| | Net interest payable and similar items                                                           | 8     |  | (2.9)           |  | (9.2)           |  | (8.2)  
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation                                             |       |  | 27.4            |  | (0.6)           |  | 4.6    
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities                                                      | 11    |  | (2.9)           |  | (2.1)           |  | (1.7)  
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Retained profit/(loss) for the financial period                                                  | 23    |  | 24.5            |  | (2.7)           |  | 2.9    
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Earnings per share                                                                               |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
| | Basic and diluted                                                                                | 12    |  | 5.2p            |  | (0.5)p          |  | 0.5p   
| |                                                                                                  |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |        



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES

for the year ended 31 December 2002



| |                                                                |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |     
| | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- |  | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | ----
| |                                                                |       |  | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002
| |                                                                | Notes |  | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m  
| |                                                                |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |     
| | Total recognised gains and losses relating to the year         |       |  | 24.5            |  | (2.7)           |  | 2.9 
| |                                                                |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |     
| | Prior period adjustment                                        | 3     |  |                 |  |                 |  | 1.3 
| |                                                                |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |     
| | Total recognised gains and losses since the last annual report |       |  |                 |  |                 |  | 4.2 
| |                                                                |       |  |                 |  |                 |  |     



All operations are continuing.

The profit and loss accounts and statements of total recognised gains and losses are stated in £ sterling.

The accompanying notes on pages F-7 to F-43 are an integral part of these financial statements.





CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December 2002



| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | --------------------------------------------------------- | ----- |  |  |  | --------------- |  | -------
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002   
| |                                                           | Notes |  |  |  | £m              |  | £m     
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | FIXED ASSETS                                              |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | Intangible assets                                         | 13    |  |  |  | 161.8           |  | 155.1  
| | Tangible assets                                           | 14    |  |  |  | 7.2             |  | 8.5    
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  | 169.0           |  | 163.6  
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | CURRENT ASSETS                                            |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | Stock                                                     | 16    |  |  |  | 0.2             |  | 0.1    
| | Debtors                                                   |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | - due within one year                                     | 17    |  |  |  | 5.7             |  | 8.3    
| | - due after more than one year                            | 17    |  |  |  | 1.6             |  | 1.0    
| | Cash at bank and in hand                                  | 18    |  |  |  | 12.9            |  | 6.0    
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  | 20.4            |  | 15.4   
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | CREDITORS:                                                |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | Amounts falling due within one year                       | 19    |  |  |  | (42.9)          |  | (43.5) 
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)                                 |       |  |  |  | (22.5)          |  | (28.1) 
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES                     |       |  |  |  | 146.5           |  | 135.5  
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | CREDITORS:                                                |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | Amounts falling due after more than one year              | 20    |  |  |  | (117.9)         |  | (104.0)
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES                    | 22    |  |  |  | -               |  | -      
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  | 28.6            |  | 31.5   
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | CAPITAL AND RESERVES                                      |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | Called up share capital                                   | 23    |  |  |  | 30.5            |  | 29.6   
| | Share premium account                                     | 23    |  |  |  | 47.1            |  | -      
| | Profit and loss account                                   | 23    |  |  |  | (49.0)          |  | 1.9    
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        
| | TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS
(including non-equity interests) |       |  |  |  | 28.6            |  | 31.5   
| |                                                           |       |  |  |  |                 |  |        



The balance sheets are stated in £ sterling.

The accompanying notes on pages F-7 to F-43 are an integral part of these financial statements.





CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the year ended 31 December 2002



| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- |  | ------- |  | ------ |  | ------
| |                                                                         |       |  | 2000    |  | 2001   |  | 2002  
| |                                                                         | Notes |  | £m      |  | £m     |  | £m    
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Net cash inflow from operating activities                               | 24    |  | 33.2    |  | 15.7   |  | 18.1  
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Returns on investments and servicing of finance:                        |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Interest received                                                       |       |  | 0.6     |  | 0.4    |  | 0.2   
| | Interest paid                                                           |       |  | (2.8)   |  | (10.2) |  | (8.3) 
| | Issue cost of new bank loans                                            |       |  | (0.4)   |  | -      |  | -     
| | Purchase of interest rate cap                                           |       |  | -       |  | (0.9)  |  | -     
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance   |       |  | (2.6)   |  | (10.7) |  | (8.1) 
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Taxation                                                                |       |  | (2.2)   |  | (4.3)  |  | (2.6) 
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Capital expenditure:                                                    |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Purchase of tangible fixed assets                                       |       |  | (0.3)   |  | (2.0)  |  | (4.1) 
| | Purchase of intangible fixed assets                                     |       |  | -       |  | -      |  | (0.8) 
| | Sale of tangible fixed assets                                           |       |  | -       |  | 0.2    |  | 2.6   
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment      |       |  | (0.3)   |  | (1.8)  |  | (2.3) 
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Acquisitions:                                                           | 15    |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure)        |       |  | (162.5) |  | -      |  | -     
| | Acquisition of Zetters Pools business                                   |       |  | -       |  | -      |  | (1.4) 
| | Acquisition expenses                                                    |       |  | (1.6)   |  | -      |  | (0.1) 
| | Net cash acquired                                                       |       |  | 2.3     |  | -      |  | 0.7   
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Net cash outflow from acquisitions                                      |       |  | (161.8) |  | -      |  | (0.8) 
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Cash (outflow)/inflow before management of liquid resources and finance |       |  | (133.7) |  | (1.1)  |  | 4.3   
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Financing:                                                              |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | Issue of ordinary share capital                                         |       |  | 28.7    |  | -      |  | -     
| | Expenses of share issue                                                 |       |  | (0.8)   |  | -      |  | -     
| | Net loans taken/(repaid)                                                |       |  | 122.7   |  | (6.0)  |  | (14.0)
| | Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing                                |       |  | 150.6   |  | (6.0)  |  | (14.0)
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       
| | (Decrease)/increase in net cash                                         |       |  | 16.9    |  | (7.1)  |  | (9.7) 
| |                                                                         |       |  |         |  |        |  |       



The cash flow statements are stated in £ sterling.

The accompanying notes on pages F-7 to F-43 are an integral part of these financial statements.





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY



| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------
| |                                           | Ordinary share capital | Deferred share capital | Share premium account | Profit and loss account reserve
(restated) | Total
(restated)
| | Notes                                     | £m                     | £m                     | £m                    | £m                                         | £m              
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| | Balance as at 31 December 1999            | 12.7                   | 0.9                    | 36.1                  | (70.8)                                     | (21.1)          
| | Issue of share capital                    | 16.9                   | -                      | 11.8                  | -                                          | 28.7            
| | Cost of share issue                       | -                      | -                      | (0.8)                 | -                                          | (0.8)           
| | Retained profit                           | -                      | -                      | -                     | 24.5                                       | 24.5            
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| | Balance as at 31 December 2000            | 29.6                   | 0.9                    | 47.1                  | (46.3)                                     | 31.3            
| | Issue of share capital                    | -                      | -                      | -                     | -                                          | -               
| | Cost of share issue                       | -                      | -                      | -                     | -                                          | -               
| | Retained loss                             | -                      | -                      | -                     | (2.7)                                      | (2.7)           
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| | Balance as at 31 December 2001            | 29.6                   | 0.9                    | 47.1                  | (49.0)                                     | 28.6            
| | Cancellation of deferred share capital
23 | -                      | (0.9)                  | -                     | 0.9                                        | -               
| | Transfer of share premium account
23      |                        |                        | (47.1)                | 47.1                                       |                 
| | Issue of share capital                    | -                      | -                      | -                     | -                                          | -               
| | Cost of share issue                       | -                      | -                      | -                     | -                                          | -               
| | Retained profit                           | -                      | -                      | -                     | 2.9                                        | 2.9             
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 
| | Balance as at 31 December 2002
23         | 29.6                   | -                      | -                     | 1.9                                        | 31.5            
| |                                           |                        |                        |                       |                                            |                 



The consolidated statements of changes in shareholders equity are stated in £ sterling.

The accompanying notes on pages F-7 to F-43 are an integral part of these financial statements.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1.

Basis of Consolidated Financial Statements



a)

General



Unless the context indicates otherwise, the Company, Group and Sportech refer to Sportech Plc and its subsidiaries collectively.  On 4 September 2000, Sportech acquired Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure), which comprised the football pools, fixed odds betting and charity lottery management businesses of The Littlewoods Organisation PLC. Consequent to this acquisition the focus of the business has changed to that sector and the Company changed its name from Rodime PLC to Sportech PLC.



Until the acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure), the Companys principal activity was the licensing and exploitation of its patents covering disk drive technology and its principal objective was to collect royalties from third parties on the manufacture and sale of disk drives in respect of which the Company holds patents registered in the United States, Canada, and major European countries. Subsequent to 4 September 2000 the core activities of the Company have been extended to the operation of football pools, games, lotteries and sports betting. The Company operates almost exclusively within the United Kingdom and expects that a large portion of its profits will be generated by one business stream, football pools.



Amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are expressed in £sterling in millions unless otherwise indicated.  At 31 December 2002, the United States dollar exchange rate for pounds sterling was $1.61 = £1 (31 December 2001, $1.45 = £1).



b)

Generally accepted accounting principles



The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis in conformity with accounting practices generally accepted in the United Kingdom which differ in certain material respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP), see note 32 for details of these differences.



The accompanying financial statements do not represent the statutory financial statements of the Company which are presented in accordance with the form and contents requirements of the UK Companies Act 1985 and filed with the registrar of companies in Scotland. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.



c)

Subsidiaries included in the consolidation



These financial statements consolidate the results of Sportech PLC and the wholly owned subsidiaries listed below.



|                                                                    |                 |                                
|------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | -------------------------------
|Name of company                                                     | Incorporated in | Nature of business             
|Littlewoods Gaming Limited (formerly Littlewoods Leisure Limited) * | England & Wales | Intermediate holding company   
|Littlewoods Promotions Limited                                      | England & Wales | Betting & gaming               
|Littlewoods Leisure Marketing Services Limited                      | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|Littlewoods Competitions Company Limited                            | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|Littlewoods Lotteries Limited                                       | England & Wales | Management of charity lotteries
|Littlewoods Pools Limited                                           | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|Littlewoods of Liverpool Limited                                    | England & Wales | Asset hiring                   
|Bet 247 Limited                                                     | England & Wales | Gaming                         
|Littlewoods Leisure.com Limited                                     | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|UKCL Limited                                                        | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|Rodime Technologies Limited *                                       | Scotland        | Dormant                        
|Littlewoods Isle of Man Limited *                                   | Isle of Man     | Gaming                         
|Littlewoods Alderney Limited                                        | Alderney        | Gaming                         
|Littlewoods Bet Direct Limited                                      | England & Wales | Dormant                        
|Sportech Trustees Limited *                                         | England & Wales | Pension fund trustee           
|                                                                    |                 |                                

* - Held directly by Sportech plc





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies



A summary of the more important group accounting policies is set out below. With the exception of the policy for providing for deferred tax, these have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding period.



a)

Basis of consolidation



The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated on consolidation. The results of subsidiary undertakings are included from the date of acquisition.



b)

Change in accounting policies



The Group has adopted FRS 19, Deferred Tax, in these financial statements.  The impact of adopting FRS 19 is given in note 3.



c)

Turnover



Turnover represents:

•

The value of entry fees receivable in respect of football pools based on the date of the event

•

The value of bets received in relation to fixed odds betting based on the date of the event

•

Gross gaming yield received from casino gaming activities based on the date of the event

•

The value of goods and services sold to external customers, including management fees to registered charities for the management of charity lotteries, exclusive of value added tax.



Management fees to registered charities for the management of charity lotteries are based on sales estimates. Sales estimates are calculated by reference to the number of prizes paid for the lotteries concerned if the tickets have been distributed to external vendors without EPOS systems, or on actual sales made by external vendors with EPOS systems. Final sales for each lottery are based on actual cash collected by external vendors. Each lottery may be active over a period encompassing one to three financial years. Any difference between the estimated sales and the final cash sales is adjusted in the year in which the final lottery position is determined.



Income arising from the companys patents is accounted for either when agreement is reached for a non-refundable lump sum settlement or, in the case of running royalties, when the product to which the royalty relates is manufactured or sold by licensees in the USA.



a)

Deferred income



Deferred income is recognised as the value of entry fees receivable in respect of competitions and sporting events held subsequent to the end of the financial period.



b)

Patents and patent costs



Patent costs (including those relating to pending applications) are expensed as incurred. The value of the Companys intellectual property is not reflected in the balance sheet.



c)

Deferred taxation



Deferred tax is provided in full on all timing differences which result in either an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax or a right to pay less tax. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is more likely than not they will crystallise. Assets and liabilities are calculated at rates expected to apply when they crystallise, and are not discounted.



d)

Stock



Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated realisable value. Cost is based on the first in, first out method of valuation.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)



e)

Foreign currencies



Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profits and losses on foreign exchange transactions, relating to the supply of merchandise are taken through the profit and loss account in the period in which they arise.



f)

Tangible fixed assets



Tangible fixed assets are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation.



g)

Depreciation



Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis to write off the cost of fixed assets over their anticipated useful lives at the annual rates set out in Item 5A - Operating Results.



h)

Goodwill and other intangible fixed assets



Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the fair value of consideration given over the fair value of the separable net assets acquired. Goodwill is capitalised and is amortised on a straight-line basis over the shorter of 20 years or the anticipated life of the goodwill.



Other intangible fixed assets comprises externally generated costs incurred in respect of developing interactive television gaming products. These costs are amortised through the profit & loss account over their estimated useful lives (5 years) once trading has commenced.



i)

Impairment of fixed assets and goodwill



Fixed assets and goodwill are subject to review for impairment in accordance with FRS 11, Impairment of Fixed Assets and Goodwill.  Any impairment would be recognised in the profit and loss account in the year in which it occurs.



j)

Leased assets



Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term.



k)

Pension contributions



Contributions to employees defined contribution schemes are charged to the profit and loss account as incurred. The Group has adopted the transitional arrangements of FRS 17. For the defined benefits scheme, pension costs are accounted for on the basis of charging the expected cost of providing pensions over the period during which the Group benefits from the employees services. The effects of variations from regular cost are spread over the expected average remaining service lives of members of the scheme.



l)

Financial instruments



The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign currency risk and interest rate movements. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.



m)

Website development costs



In line with UITF Abstract 29 Website development costs, the Group has capitalised design and development costs relating to the on-line Casinos.  These costs are amortised over their anticipated useful lives of four years.







NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



3.

Prior period adjustment



The group has adopted FRS 19, Deferred Tax, in these financial statements.  Accordingly, full provision has been made for deferred tax.  Corresponding figures for prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change in accounting policy.  A summary of the effect of this change is as follows:



|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|--------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------- | ---------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------- | ------------------- | ------
|                                                          |  |                              | 2000       |                     |                              | 2001       |                     | 2002  
|                                                          |  | As
        previously stated | Adjustment | As
        restated | As
        previously stated | Adjustment | As
        restated | Effect
|                                                          |  | £m                           | £m         | £m                  | £m                           | £m         | £m                  | £m    
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|(Loss)
        / profit on ordinary activities before tax |  | 27.4                         | -          | 27.4                | (0.6)                        | -          | (0.6)               | -     
|Taxation                                                  |  | (4.6)                        | 1.7        | (2.9)               | (1.7)                        | (0.4)      | (2.1)               | (0.6) 
|(Loss)
        / profit on ordinary activities after tax  |  | 22.8                         | 1.7        | 24.5                | (2.3)                        | (0.4)      | (2.7)               | (0.6) 
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|Earnings
        per share:                               |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|-
        basic and diluted                               |  | 4.8p                         | (0.5p)     | 4.3p                | (0.4p)                       | (0.1p)     | (0.5p)              | (0.1p)
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|Goodwill                                                  |  | 169.8                        | (0.3)      | 169.5               | 162.1                        | (0.3)      | 161.8               | -     
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|Deferred
        tax asset                                |  | -                            | 2.0        | 2.0                 | -                            | 1.6        | 1.6                 | (0.6) 
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       
|P&L
        account reserve at
      1
        January    |  | (70.8)                       | -          | (70.8)              | (48.0)                       | 1.7        | (46.3)              | -     
|Profit
        for the year                               |  | 22.8                         | 1.7        | 20.2                | (2.3)                        | (0.4)      | (2.7)               | (0.6) 
|P&L
        account reserve at
      31
        December  |  | (48.0)                       | 1.7        | (46.3)              | (50.3)                       | 1.3        | (49.0)              | (0.6) 
|                                                          |  |                              |            |                     |                              |            |                     |       





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



4.

Turnover



|                                   |  |      |  |       |  |      
|---------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                   |  | 2000 |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                   |  | £m   |  | £m    |  | £m   
|Generated from the United States:  |  |      |  |       |  |      
|Patent income  running royalties  |  | -    |  | -     |  | -    
|                                   |  |      |  |       |  |      
|Generated from the United Kingdom: |  |      |  |       |  |      
|Football pools                     |  | 43.8 |  | 119.0 |  | 100.8
|Sports betting                     |  | 14.6 |  | 51.8  |  | 83.1 
|Games and lotteries                |  | 4.6  |  | 12.5  |  | 11.4 
|                                   |  | 63.0 |  | 183.3 |  | 195.3
|                                   |  |      |  |       |  |      



5.

Segmental information



|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  | ----- |  | ------ |  | ------
|                                                                         |  | 2000  |  | 2001   |  | 2002  
|                                                                         |  | £m    |  | £m     |  | £m    
|Profits/(losses)                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Generated from the United States:                                        |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Patent income                                                            |  | 29.6  |  | (0.6)  |  | -     
|Generated from the United Kingdom:                                       |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Football pools                                                           |  | 6.8   |  | 23.2   |  | 25.6  
|Sports betting                                                           |  | (1.3) |  | (4.0)  |  | (2.0) 
|Games and lotteries *                                                    |  | (0.3) |  | 0.5    |  | 0.9   
|Interactive                                                              |  | -     |  | (1.6)  |  | (2.3) 
|Operating profit before restructuring costs and amortisation of goodwill |  | 34.8  |  | 17.5   |  | 22.2  
|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Restructuring costs **                                                   |  | (1.7) |  | -      |  | (2.0) 
|Amortisation of goodwill **                                              |  | (2.8) |  | (8.9)  |  | (8.8) 
|Operating profit                                                         |  | 30.3  |  | 8.6    |  | 11.4  
|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets                                  |  | -     |  | -      |  | 1.4   
|Net interest payable and similar items                                   |  | (2.9) |  | (9.2)  |  | (8.2) 
|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Profit/(loss) before taxation                                            |  | 27.4  |  | (0.6)  |  | 4.6   
|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Net assets                                                               |  |       |  |        |  |       
|Football pools                                                           |  |       |  | 43.2   |  | 48.8  
|Sports betting                                                           |  |       |  | (10.6) |  | (12.0)
|Games and lotteries                                                      |  |       |  | (2.8)  |  | (2.1) 
|Interactive                                                              |  |       |  | (1.2)  |  | (3.2) 
|Patents                                                                  |  |       |  | -      |  | -     
|                                                                         |  |       |  | 27.3   |  | 31.5  
|                                                                         |  |       |  |        |  |       

* - included within this in 2002 is £0.5m profit on sale of Pull Tabs lottery business

** - principally football pools





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



6.

Net operating (expenses)/income



|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       
|---------------------------------------- |  | ------ |  | ------ |  | ------
|                                         |  | 2000   |  | 2001   |  | 2002  
|                                         |  | £m     |  | £m     |  | £m    
|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Distribution costs                       |  | (0.1)  |  | (0.1)  |  | (0.1) 
|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Amortisation of goodwill on acquisitions |  | (2.8)  |  | (8.9)  |  | (8.8) 
|Restructuring costs                      |  | (1.8)  |  | -      |  | (2.0) 
|Other administrative expenses            |  | (12.8) |  | (36.4) |  | (33.6)
|Administrative expenses                  |  | (17.4) |  | (45.3) |  | (44.4)
|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Other operating income (note 7)          |  | 27.8   |  | -      |  | -     
|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Net operating (expenses)/income          |  | 10.3   |  | (45.4) |  | (44.5)
|                                         |  |        |  |        |  |       



The restructuring costs in 2000 largely comprise redundancy costs in respect of the integration of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure) and the closure of the Edinburgh office of Sportech following the acquisition.



The restructuring costs in 2002 relate to the introduction during the year of new technology for the marking of football pools coupons.  This technology is less labour and space intensive than the technology it replaced.  In consequence, there was a significant reduction in staff requirements, and the restructuring costs of £2.0m comprise £1.8m of redundancy payments and £0.2m of other costs.  The smaller scale of new coupon processing equipment also enabled processing to be concentrated in one of two pools processing buildings.  The surplus land and building were sold for redevelopment generating proceeds of £2.0m and realising an exceptional gain on disposal of £1.4m.



7.

Other operating income



|                                               |  |      |  |      |  |     
|---------------------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                               |  | 2000 |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                               |  | £m   |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                               |  |      |  |      |  |     
|Proceeds from settlement of Seagate litigation |  | 27.8 |  | -    |  | -   
|                                               |  |      |  |      |  |     



On 18 November 1992 the Company initiated litigation against Seagate Inc. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking damages for wilful infringement by Seagate of the Companys 383 patent and for unfair competition and interference with prospective economic advantage.



In January 2000, on the advice of its lawyers, Sportech agreed to participate in mediation discussions with Seagate. As a result of the mediation, Sportech and Seagate agreed to settle their dispute, without admission of liability by either party, and Seagate paid to Sportech the sum of £27.8m ($45m) in full and final settlement of Sportechs claims under its 383 patent.



8.

Net interest payable and similar items



|                                              |  |       |  |       |  |      
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ----- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                              |  | 2000  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                              |  | £m    |  | £m    |  | £m   
|                                              |  |       |  |       |  |      
|Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts |  | (3.5) |  | (9.6) |  | (8.3)
|Interest receivable                           |  | 0.6   |  | 0.4   |  | 0.2  
|Amortisation of loan arrangement fee          |  | -     |  | -     |  | (0.1)
|                                              |  | (2.9) |  | (9.2) |  | (8.2)
|                                              |  |       |  |       |  |      





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



9.

Staff costs



|                                               |  |        |  |        |  |       
|---------------------------------------------- |  | ------ |  | ------ |  | ------
|                                               |  | 2000   |  | 2001   |  | 2002  
|                                               |  | Number |  | Number |  | Number
|Average number of monthly employees comprised: |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Sales and marketing                            |  | 124    |  | 120    |  | 109   
|Operations and distribution                    |  | 370    |  | 344    |  | 281   
|Administration                                 |  | 152    |  | 164    |  | 164   
|                                               |  | 646    |  | 628    |  | 554   
|                                               |  |        |  |        |  |       
|                                               |  | £m     |  | £m     |  | £m    
|Their aggregate remuneration comprised:        |  |        |  |        |  |       
|Wages and salaries                             |  | 4.5    |  | 10.5   |  | 11.0  
|Social security costs                          |  | 0.4    |  | 0.9    |  | 0.9   
|Other pension costs                            |  | 0.5    |  | 0.8    |  | 0.6   
|                                               |  | 5.4    |  | 12.2   |  | 12.5  
|                                               |  |        |  |        |  |       



On average, less than 40% of the Companys employees are temporary employees.

Substantially all of the Companys employees are located in the United Kingdom.



10.

Directors remuneration



|                                                                      |  |       |  |       |  |      
|--------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                                                      |  | 2000  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                                                      |  | £000 |  | £000 |  | £000
|                                                                      |  |       |  |       |  |      
|Emoluments                                                            |  | 1,195 |  | 583   |  | 540  
|Defined benefit scheme contributions                                  |  | 27    |  | 49    |  | 25   
|Compensation for loss of office                                       |  | -     |  | 30    |  | -    
|                                                                      |  | 1,222 |  | 662   |  | 565  
|                                                                      |  |       |  |       |  |      
|Fees paid to third parties                                            |  | 47    |  | 114   |  | 25   
|                                                                      |  |       |  |       |  |      
|Emoluments paid to the highest paid director are as follows:          |  |       |  |       |  |      
|Aggregate emoluments                                                  |  | 606   |  | 261   |  | 261  
|Company contributions to a personal defined contribution benefit plan |  | 12    |  | 11    |  | 14   
|                                                                      |  |       |  |       |  |      



David Mathewson is the Audit Committees Financial Expert.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



11.

Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities



|                                        |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|--------------------------------------- |  | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | -----
|                                        |  | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002 
|                                        |  | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m   
|Current tax:                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|UK corporation tax  on trading profits |  | 4.6             |  | 1.7             |  | 3.2  
|Adjustments in respect of prior periods |  | -               |  | -               |  | (2.1)
|Total current tax                       |  | 4.6             |  | 1.7             |  | 1.1  
|                                        |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Deferred tax                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Current year                            |  | (1.7)           |  | 0.4             |  | 0.5  
|Adjustments in respect of prior periods |  | -               |  | -               |  | 0.1  
|Total deferred tax                      |  | (1.7)           |  | 0.4             |  | 0.6  
|                                        |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Total taxation charge                   |  | 2.9             |  | 2.1             |  | 1.7  
|                                        |  |                 |  |                 |  |      



The current tax for the period is lower (2001: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%).  The differences are explained below:



|                                                                                                         |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | -----
|                                                                                                         |  | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002 
|                                                                                                         |  | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m   
|                                                                                                         |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax                                                          |  | 27.4            |  | (0.6)           |  | 4.6  
|                                                                                                         |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 30% |  | 8.2             |  | (0.2)           |  | 1.4  
|Effects of:                                                                                              |  |                 |  |                 |  |      
|Tax impact of disallowable goodwill write off                                                            |  | 0.9             |  | 2.7             |  | 2.6  
|Tax impact of fair value adjustments                                                                     |  | (2.6)           |  | (0.5)           |  | -    
|Tax benefit of unutilised losses                                                                         |  | (3.9)           |  | -               |  | -    
|Other permanent differences                                                                              |  | 0.3             |  | 0.1             |  | (0.3)
|Origination and reversal of timing differences                                                           |  | 1.7             |  | (0.4)           |  | (0.5)
|Adjustments to tax in respect of prior periods                                                           |  | -               |  | -               |  | (2.1)
|Total current tax                                                                                        |  | 4.6             |  | 1.7             |  | 1.1  
|                                                                                                         |  |                 |  |                 |  |      



12.

Earnings per share



|                                                                                                                                                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | -------
|The calculations of earnings per share are based on the following profits attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average numbers of shares.
|                                                                                                                                                            |  | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002   
|                                                                                                                                                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
|Earnings (£m)                                                                                                                                               |  | 24.5            |  | (2.7)           |  | 2.9    
|                                                                                                                                                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
|Weighted average number of shares (000)                                                                                                                    |  | 471,148         |  | 592,074         |  | 592,074
|                                                                                                                                                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |        
|Basic and diluted earnings per share (p)                                                                                                                    |  | 5.2             |  | (0.5)           |  | 0.5    
|                                                                                                                                                            |  |                 |  |                 |  |        





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



13.

Intangible fixed assets



|                               |  |          |  |       |  |      
|------------------------------ |  | -------- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                               |  | Goodwill |  | Other |  | Total
|                               |  | £m       |  | £m    |  | £m   
|                               |  |          |  |       |  |      
|Cost:                          |  |          |  |       |  |      
|At I January 2001 (restated)   |  | 172.3    |  | -     |  | 172.3
|Additions                      |  | 1.2      |  | -     |  | 1.2  
|At 31 December 2001 (restated) |  | 173.5    |  | -     |  | 173.5
|Additions                      |  | 1.3      |  | 0.8   |  | 2.1  
|At 31 December 2002            |  | 174.8    |  | 0.8   |  | 175.6
|                               |  |          |  |       |  |      
|Amortisation:                  |  |          |  |       |  |      
|At I January 2001              |  | 2.8      |  | -     |  | 2.8  
|Provided during the period     |  | 8.9      |  | -     |  | 8.9  
|At 31 December 2001            |  | 11.7     |  | -     |  | 11.7 
|Provided during the period     |  | 8.8      |  | -     |  | 8.8  
|At 31 December 2002            |  | 20.5     |  | -     |  | 20.5 
|                               |  |          |  |       |  |      
|Net book value:                |  |          |  |       |  |      
|At 31 December 2000 (restated) |  | 169.5    |  | -     |  | 169.5
|At 31 December 2001 (restated) |  | 161.8    |  | -     |  | 161.8
|At 31 December 2002            |  | 154.3    |  | 0.8   |  | 155.1
|                               |  |          |  |       |  |      



The closing balance as at 31 December 2001 represents the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure, see note 15(a)) which is being amortised on a straight-line basis over 20 years. This is the period over which the directors estimate that the values of the underlying businesses are expected to exceed the values of the underlying assets.



The addition to goodwill in the year ended 31 December 2002 relates to the acquisition of the Zetters Pools business (see note 15(b)).  This is being amortised on a straight-line basis over 3 years from the date of acquisition.  This is the period over which the Directors estimate that the values of the underlying business are expected to exceed the values of the underlying assets.



The addition to other in the year ended 31 December 2002 relates to costs incurred in respect of developing interactive television gaming products.  These will be amortised over their estimated useful lives of 5 years once trading has commenced.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



14.

Tangible fixed assets



|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------- |  | ----------------- |  | ---------------- |  | -----
|                                                        |  | Long Leasehold Land & Buildings |  | Plant & Machinery |  | Work in Progress |  | Total
|                                                        |  | £m                              |  | £m                |  | £m               |  | £m   
|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|Cost:                                                   |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|At 1 January 2001                                       |  | 1.1                             |  | 8.8               |  | -                |  | 9.9  
|Additions                                               |  | -                               |  | 0.9               |  | 1.1              |  | 2.0  
|Disposals                                               |  | -                               |  | (0.1)             |  | -                |  | (0.1)
|At 31 December 2001                                     |  | 1.1                             |  | 9.6               |  | 1.1              |  | 11.8 
|Additions                                               |  | 1.2                             |  | 2.6               |  | 0.3              |  | 4.1  
|Acquisition of Zetters Pools business (see note 15(b))  |  | 0.1                             |  | 0.1               |  | -                |  | 0.2  
|Reclassification                                        |  | -                               |  | 1.1               |  | (1.1)            |  | -    
|Disposals                                               |  | (0.6)                           |  | (0.1)             |  | -                |  | (0.7)
|At 31 December 2002                                     |  | 1.8                             |  | 13.3              |  | 0.3              |  | 15.4 
|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|Depreciation:                                           |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|At 1 January 2001                                       |  | -                               |  | 1.2               |  | -                |  | 1.2  
|Provided during the period                              |  | -                               |  | 2.2               |  | -                |  | 2.2  
|Impairment charged to fair value (see notes 13 & 15(a)) |  | -                               |  | 1.2               |  | -                |  | 1.2  
|Disposals                                               |  | -                               |  | -                 |  | -                |  | -    
|At 31 December 2001                                     |  | -                               |  | 4.6               |  | -                |  | 4.6  
|Provided during the period                              |  | 0.1                             |  | 2.3               |  | -                |  | 2.4  
|Disposals                                               |  | -                               |  | (0.1)             |  | -                |  | (0.1)
|At 31 December 2002                                     |  | 0.1                             |  | 6.8               |  | -                |  | 6.9  
|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|Net book value:                                         |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      
|At 31 December 2000                                     |  | 1.1                             |  | 7.6               |  | -                |  | 8.7  
|At 31 December 2001                                     |  | 1.1                             |  | 5.0               |  | 1.1              |  | 7.2  
|At 31 December 2002                                     |  | 1.7                             |  | 6.5               |  | 0.3              |  | 8.5  
|                                                        |  |                                 |  |                   |  |                  |  |      





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



15.

(a) Acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure)



On 4 September 2000 Sportech PLC acquired the whole of the share capital of Littlewoods Promotions Limited, Littlewoods Leisure Marketing Services Limited, Littlewoods Competitions Company Limited and Littlewoods Lotteries Limited, which companies together with their subsidiaries collectively comprised the Leisure division of The Littlewoods Organisation PLC. The purchase consideration was £162.5m satisfied by cash. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of these companies was capitalised and included within intangible fixed assets (see note 13). As indicated in the 2000 financial statements, the provisional fair value adjustments were finalised during 2001.  As a result further adjustments were made.



An analysis of these adjustments is as follows:



|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|----------------------------------- |  |  | ------------------------------ |  | ----------- |  | -------------------------
|                                    |  |  | Originally assessed fair value |  | Adjustments |  | Final fair value to group
|                                    |  |  | £m                             |  | £m          |  | £m                       
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|Tangible fixed assets               |  |  | 9.6                            |  | (1.2)       |  | 8.4                      
|Stock                               |  |  | 0.3                            |  | -           |  | 0.3                      
|Trade debtors                       |  |  | 3.8                            |  | -           |  | 3.8                      
|Other debtors                       |  |  | 1.9                            |  | -           |  | 1.9                      
|Prepayments                         |  |  | 5.0                            |  | -           |  | 5.0                      
|Deferred tax (restated, see note 3) |  |  | 0.3                            |  | -           |  | 0.3                      
|Cash                                |  |  | 6.4                            |  | -           |  | 6.4                      
|Total assets                        |  |  | 27.3                           |  | (1.2)       |  | 26.1                     
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|Bank overdrafts                     |  |  | (4.1)                          |  | -           |  | (4.1)                    
|Trade creditors                     |  |  | (4.8)                          |  | -           |  | (4.8)                    
|Corporation tax                     |  |  | (3.4)                          |  | 0.3         |  | (3.1)                    
|Other taxes                         |  |  | (4.9)                          |  | (0.2)       |  | (5.1)                    
|Accruals and deferred income        |  |  | (18.3)                         |  | (0.1)       |  | (18.4)                   
|Total liabilities                   |  |  | (35.5)                         |  | -           |  | (35.5)                   
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|Net (liabilities) acquired          |  |  | (8.2)                          |  | (1.2)       |  | (9.4)                    
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|Acquisition costs                   |  |  |                                |  |             |  | (1.6)                    
|Goodwill                            |  |  |                                |  |             |  | 173.5                    
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          
|Discharged by cash                  |  |  |                                |  |             |  | 162.5                    
|                                    |  |  |                                |  |             |  |                          



The reasons for the further adjustments made were as follows:





Tangible fixed assets and other taxes  the carrying values of hand held pools bet capture equipment were written down to their recoverable amount following an impairment review in accordance with the requirements of FRS 11. This follows a re-assessment of the number of terminals being actively used by pools collectors.





Corporation tax  adjustment made to reflect the agreement of prior year corporation tax assessments with the Inland Revenue.





Accruals and deferred income  adjustment made to reflect liabilities in respect of the management of charity lotteries not identified at the time of the original fair value exercise.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



15.

(b) Acquisition of Zetters Pools business



On 29 August 2002 Sportech PLC acquired the Football Pools business of Zetters International Pools Limited. The purchase consideration was £1.4m satisfied by cash. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of this business has been capitalised and included within intangible fixed assets and amortised over 3 years (see note 13). An analysis of the acquisition is as follows:



|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|---------------------------- |  |  | ---------- |  | ---------------------- |  | ----------
|                             |  |  | Book value |  | Fair value adjustments |  | Fair value
|                             |  |  | £m         |  | £m                     |  | £m        
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|Tangible fixed assets        |  |  | 0.2        |  | -                      |  | 0.2       
|Prepayments                  |  |  | 0.2        |  | -                      |  | 0.2       
|Cash                         |  |  | 0.7        |  | -                      |  | 0.7       
|Total assets                 |  |  | 1.1        |  | -                      |  | 1.1       
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|Trade creditors              |  |  | (0.2)      |  | -                      |  | (0.2)     
|Accruals and deferred income |  |  | (0.7)      |  | -                      |  | (0.7)     
|Total liabilities            |  |  | (0.9)      |  | -                      |  | (0.9)     
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|Net assets acquired          |  |  | 0.2        |  | -                      |  | 0.2       
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|Acquisition costs            |  |  |            |  |                        |  | (0.1)     
|Goodwill (see note 13)       |  |  |            |  |                        |  | 1.3       
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           
|Discharged by cash           |  |  |            |  |                        |  | 1.4       
|                             |  |  |            |  |                        |  |           



The acquired business has contributed £1.8m to turnover and £0.4m to operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2002.



16.

Stock



|                  |  |  |  |      |  |     
|----------------- |  |  |  | ---- |  | ----
|                  |  |  |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                  |  |  |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                  |  |  |  |      |  |     
|Consumable stores |  |  |  | 0.2  |  | 0.1 
|                  |  |  |  |      |  |     





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



17.

Debtors



|                                              |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|--------------------------------------------- |  |  |  | --------------- |  | -----
|                                              |  |  |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002 
|                                              |  |  |  | £m              |  | £m   
|Amounts falling due within one year:          |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Trade debtors                                 |  |  |  | 2.5             |  | 1.8  
|Provision for bad debts                       |  |  |  | (1.2)           |  | (0.2)
|Other debtors                                 |  |  |  | 1.2             |  | 0.8  
|Prepayments                                   |  |  |  | 3.2             |  | 5.9  
|                                              |  |  |  | 5.7             |  | 8.3  
|                                              |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Amounts falling due after more than one year: |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Deferred tax                                  |  |  |  | 1.6             |  | 1.0  
|                                              |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Deferred tax comprises:                       |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Accelerated capital allowances                |  |  |  | 1.5             |  | 1.0  
|Short term timing differences                 |  |  |  | 0.1             |  | -    
|                                              |  |  |  | 1.6             |  | 1.0  
|                                              |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|Movement in deferred tax:                     |  |  |  |                 |  |      
|At 1 January 2001 as previously stated        |  |  |  |                 |  | -    
|Prior period adjustment (note 3)              |  |  |  |                 |  | 2.0  
|At 1 January 2001 as restated                 |  |  |  |                 |  | 2.0  
|Amount charged to profit and loss             |  |  |  |                 |  | (0.4)
|At 31 December 2001                           |  |  |  |                 |  | 1.6  
|Amount charged to profit and loss             |  |  |  |                 |  | (0.6)
|At 31 December 2002                           |  |  |  |                 |  | 1.0  
|                                              |  |  |  |                 |  |      



18.

Cash



|                                                      |  |     |  |      |  |     
|----------------------------------------------------- |  | --- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                                      |  |     |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                                      |  |     |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                                      |  |     |  |      |  |     
|Cash balances held on behalf of registered charities  |  | (a) |  | 1.2  |  | 1.7 
|Cash balance constituting committed security          |  | (b) |  | 3.3  |  | 2.3 
|Cash balance constituting security for gaming licence |  | (c) |  | -    |  | 2.0 
|Other cash balances                                   |  |     |  | 8.4  |  | -   
|                                                      |  |     |  | 12.9 |  | 6.0 
|                                                      |  |     |  |      |  |     



(a)

Cash balances held on behalf of registered charities relate to the sale of Charity Scratchcards in respect of charity lotteries which have not reached their final sale date and for which proceeds have not been passed to the charities concerned.



(b)

The cash balance constituting committed security relates to deferred payments which must be made under a contractual obligation of a subsidiary company.  The contract is with Rehab Charity Lotteries, and relates to the running of charity lotteries.



(c)

The cash balance constituting security for gaming licence represents a deposit made into an Isle of Man bank account which was required to obtain a gaming licence in the Isle of Man for the on-line casino.







NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



19.

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year



|                                      |  |  |  |      |  |     
|------------------------------------- |  |  |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                      |  |  |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                      |  |  |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                      |  |  |  |      |  |     
|Current instalments due on loans      |  |  |  | 15.9 |  | 15.9
|Bank overdrafts                       |  |  |  | 2.9  |  | 5.7 
|Trade creditors                       |  |  |  | 4.1  |  | 4.6 
|Corporation tax                       |  |  |  | 2.9  |  | 1.4 
|Other taxes and social security costs |  |  |  | 4.0  |  | 2.8 
|Accruals and deferred income          |  |  |  | 13.1 |  | 13.1
|                                      |  |  |  | 42.9 |  | 43.5
|                                      |  |  |  |      |  |     



20.

Creditors: amounts falling after more than one year



|           |  |  |  |       |  |      
|---------- |  |  |  | ----- |  | -----
|           |  |  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|           |  |  |  | £m    |  | £m   
|           |  |  |  |       |  |      
|Bank loans |  |  |  | 117.9 |  | 104.0
|           |  |  |  |       |  |      



Bank loans are repayable as follows:



|     |  |  |  |       |  |      
|---- |  |  |  | ----- |  | -----
|     |  |  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|     |  |  |  | £m    |  | £m   
|     |  |  |  |       |  |      
|2003 |  |  |  | 15.9  |  | 15.9 
|2004 |  |  |  | 25.5  |  | 16.0 
|2005 |  |  |  | 31.2  |  | 16.0 
|2006 |  |  |  | 37.2  |  | 16.0 
|2007 |  |  |  | 24.0  |  | 16.0 
|2008 |  |  |  | -     |  | 40.0 
|     |  |  |  | 133.8 |  | 119.9
|     |  |  |  |       |  |      



In order to finance the acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure) loans and overdrafts were arranged with and drawn from the Bank of Scotland. In respect of the loans, two separate loan facilities were negotiated:

•

The first facility was for £110.0m repayable over 5 years commencing 18 months from the draw down of the loan.  £16m of scheduled payments were made in 2002 (2001: £nil). The repayment terms of this loan have been renegotiated during the financial year and the loan is now repayable by 31 December 2008.

•

The second was a facility for £30.0m repayable, in whole or in part, at the Companys discretion at 30 days notice but with a fixed repayment date, if this option was not exercised, of 31 December 2006. The repayment terms of this loan have also been renegotiated during the financial year, and the loan is now repayable by 31 December 2008.  No repayments were made during the year (2001: £6.0m).



During the financial year, further loans and working capital facilities have been agreed with the Bank of Scotland to assist in the financing of the Groups investment in Interactive Developments:

•

Loan facilities of £11.0m have been made available to the Company repayable, in whole or in part, at the Companys discretion but with a fixed repayment date, if this option was not exercised, of 31 December 2008.  £2m has been drawn against this facility during the year.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



21.

Financial instruments



The Groups financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise bank loans, bank overdraft and cash and term bank deposits, as well as trade debtors and creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Groups future operations and potential acquisitions.



The Group also enters into derivatives transactions (principally interest rate swaps, caps and floors, and forward foreign currency contracts). The purpose of such transactions is to manage the interest and currency risks arising from the Groups operations and its sources of finance.



The main risks arising from the Groups financial instruments are interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below.  Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from all the following disclosures, in accordance with FRS 13, Derivatives and other financial instruments.



Financial liabilities



It is the Groups policy to hedge interest rate risk using interest rate swaps, floors and caps. An analysis of the Groups financial liabilities, all of which are denominated in sterling, is set out below:



|                                                    |         |  |        
|--------------------------------------------------- | ------- |  | -------
|                                                    | 2001
£m |  | 2002
£m
|Fixed rate                                          | 104.0   |  | -      
|Floating rate                                       | 30.0    |  | 125.7  
|Non-interest bearing                                | 0.9     |  | -      
|Total                                               | 134.9   |  | 125.7  
|Fixed rate financial liabilities weighted averages: |         |  |        
|Interest rate (%)                                   | 5.75    |  | n/a    
|Period for which rate is fixed (months)             | 12      |  | n/a    
|                                                    |         |  |        



Floating rates are based on LIBOR.  For financial years 2003-2005, the balance of the first loan facility described in note 20 less £6.0m is hedged using an interest rate cap at 6%.  At the year end, this represented £88.0m.



The maturity profile of the Groups borrowings is set out in note 20.  All other financial liabilities are repayable within one year or on demand.



The profile of the balance of the loan covered by the interest rate cap is as follows:



|     |             |            |                 |               
|---- | ----------- | ---------- | --------------- | --------------
|     | 31 March
£m | 30 June
£m | 30 September
£m | 31 December
£m
|2002 |             |            |                 | 88.0          
|2003 | 84.0        | 80.0       | 76.0            | 72.0          
|2004 | 68.0        | 64.0       | 60.0            | 56.0          
|2005 | 52.0        | 48.0       | 44.0            | 40.0          
|2006 | 36.0        | 32.0       | 28.0            | 24.0          
|     |             |            |                 |               







NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



21.

Financial instruments (continued)



Financial assets



Financial assets comprise cash at bank and term deposits of £6.0m (2001: £12.9m), further details of which can be found in note 18, and the interest rate cap noted on the previous page of £0.9m (2001: £0.9m).



Term bank deposits are placed on a 7 day rolling basis and earn interest at rates based on Bank of England base rate. The cash at bank, which is on a floating rate, earns interest based on Bank of England base rate.



All financial assets mature within one month of the year end, with the exception of the interest rate cap.



Currency exposures



It is the Groups policy to hedge against foreign currency risk by entering into forward foreign currency contracts to eliminate the currency exposures that arise on transactions denominated in foreign currencies.



At both the current and prior period ends all amounts in the balance sheet were receivable or payable in £ sterling, and hence the Group had no exposure to foreign currency movements at the year end.  There are no foreign exchange hedges at the year end (2001: nil).



Borrowing facilities



The Group has various available borrowing facilities, including the loan facilities set out in note 20.  The undrawn committed facilities at 31 December 2002 in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met were as follows:



|                                             |         |  |        
|-------------------------------------------- | ------- |  | -------
|                                             | 2001
£m |  | 2002
£m
|Expiring in:                                 |         |  |        
|- one year or less                           | -       |  | 0.3    
|- more than one year but less than two years | -       |  | -      
|- more than two years                        | -       |  | 9.0    
|                                             | -       |  | 9.3    
|                                             |         |  |        



Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities



The fair value of the financial assets and liabilities is not materially different from the book value, with the exception of the interest rate cap, which has a book value of £0.85m and a fair value of £0.10m.



22.

Provisions for liabilities and charges



|                                       |  |  |  |  |  |              
|-------------------------------------- |  |  |  |  |  | -------------
|                                       |  |  |  |  |  | Restructuring
|                                       |  |  |  |  |  | £m           
|                                       |  |  |  |  |  |              
|At 1 January 2001                      |  |  |  |  |  | 1.8          
|Charged in 2001                        |  |  |  |  |  | (1.8)        
|At 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2002 |  |  |  |  |  | -            
|                                       |  |  |  |  |  |              



The provision relates to costs of integrating the business of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure, see note 15).





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



23.

Shareholders funds/(deficit)



|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             
|------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- |  | ----------- |  | ------------
|                                                              | 2000        |  | 2001        |  | 2002        
|Authorised ordinary shares:                                   |             |  |             |  |             
|Number of ordinary shares authorised at beginning of period   | 322,942,000 |  | 785,000,000 |  | 785,000,000 
|Increase in authorised in the period                          | 462,058,000 |  | -           |  | -           
|Number of ordinary shares authorised at end of period         | 785,000,000 |  | 785,000,000 |  | 785,000,000 
|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             
|Issued ordinary shares:                                       |             |  |             |  |             
|Number of ordinary shares outstanding at beginning of period  | 254,274,885 |  | 592,074,183 |  | 592,074,183 
|Issued in the period                                          | 337,799,298 |  | -           |  | -           
|Number of ordinary shares outstanding at end of period        | 592,074,183 |  | 592,074,183 |  | 592,074,183 
|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             
|Equivalent par value of ordinary share capital at end of year | £29,603,709 |  | £29,603,709 |  | £29,603,709 
|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             
|Authorised and issued deferred shares                         |             |  |             |  |             
|Number of deferred shares outstanding at beginning of period  | 17,057,795  |  | 17,057,795  |  | 17,057,795  
|Cancelled in the period (see below)                           | -           |  | -           |  | (17,057,795)
|Number of deferred shares outstanding at end of period        | 17,057,795  |  | 17,057,795  |  | -           
|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             
|Equivalent par value of deferred share capital at end of year | £852,890    |  | £852,890    |  | £nil        
|                                                              |             |  |             |  |             



For the purposes of UK Financial Reporting Standard 4, deferred share capital of £0.9m constituted non-equity shareholders funds. The deferred shares had no entitlement to participate in the profits of the Company or to vote in general meetings of the Company. On a winding up of the company the deferred shareholders were only entitled to be repaid their subscription price after payment has been made to ordinary shareholders of £10,000 in respect of each ordinary share in issue.



An analysis of the share premium account is as follows:

|                                       |       |  |      |  |       
|-------------------------------------- | ----- |  | ---- |  | ------
|                                       | 2000  |  | 2001 |  | 2002  
|                                       | £m    |  | £m   |  | £m    
|                                       |       |  |      |  |       
|Balance at the beginning of the period | 36.1  |  | 47.1 |  | 47.1  
|Issued in the period                   | 11.8  |  | -    |  | -     
|Expenses of share issues               | (0.8) |  | -    |  | -     
|Cancelled in the period (see below)    | -     |  | -    |  | (47.1)
|Balance at the end of the period       | 47.1  |  | 47.1 |  | -     
|                                       |       |  |      |  |       



Following confirmation from the Court of Session in Scotland, the following became effective from 23 December 2002:

•

The parent companys share premium account has been used to eliminate a deficit in distributable reserves of the same amount by transfer to the profit and loss account reserve.

•

The parent companys deferred share capital has been cancelled, resulting in a credit to the profit and loss account reserve equal to the nominal value of the cancelled shares.  The rights which were attached to the deferred shares are summarised above.



A summary of the entries is as follows:

|                                       |                        |  |                       |  |                              
|-------------------------------------- | ---------------------- |  | --------------------- |  | -----------------------------
|                                       | Deferred
share
capital |  | Share premium account |  | Profit & loss account reserve
|                                       | £m                     |  | £m                    |  | £m                           
|                                       |                        |  |                       |  |                              
|Cancellation of deferred share capital | (0.9)                  |  | -                     |  | 0.9                          
|Transfer of share premium account      | -                      |  | (47.1)                |  | 47.1                         
|Total                                  | (0.9)                  |  | (47.1)                |  | 48.0                         
|                                       |                        |  |                       |  |                              





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



23.

Shareholders funds/(deficit) (continued)



Changes in the profit and loss account reserve are as follows:



|                                       |                 |  |                 |  |       
|-------------------------------------- | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | ------
|                                       | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002  
|                                       | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m    
|                                       |                 |  |                 |  |       
|Balance at the beginning of the period | (70.8)          |  | (46.3)          |  | (49.0)
|Net profit/(loss) for the period       | 24.5            |  | (2.7)           |  | 2.9   
|Cancellation of deferred share capital | -               |  | -               |  | 0.9   
|Transfer of share premium account      | -               |  | -               |  | 47.1  
|Balance at the end of the period       | (46.3)          |  | (49.0)          |  | 1.9   
|                                       |                 |  |                 |  |       



Changes in shareholders funds/(deficit) are as follows:



|                                                                                |                 |  |                 |  |     
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | ----
|                                                                                | 2000
(restated) |  | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002
|                                                                                | £m              |  | £m              |  | £m  
|                                                                                |                 |  |                 |  |     
|Shareholders funds/(deficit) at the start of the period as previously reported | (21.1)          |  | 29.6            |  | 27.3
|Prior period adjustment (note 3)                                                | -               |  | 1.7             |  | 1.3 
|Shareholders funds/(deficit) at the start of the period as restated            | (21.1)          |  | 31.3            |  | 28.6
|Net profit/(loss) for the period                                                | 24.5            |  | (2.7)           |  | 2.9 
|Dividends                                                                       | -               |  | -               |  | -   
|Proceeds of ordinary shares issued for cash                                     | 28.7            |  | -               |  | -   
|Issue expenses charged to additional paid in capital                            | (0.8)           |  | -               |  | -   
|Shareholders funds the end of the period                                       | 31.3            |  | 28.6            |  | 31.5
|                                                                                |                 |  |                 |  |     



The Company has previously been unable to declare dividends due to accumulated losses.  Following the cancellation of the deferred share capital, the transfer of the share premium account to the profit and loss account reserve and the retained profit for the period, the Company is now in a position to declare dividends, though none have been proposed.  The Company will review its dividend policy in the future.  There can be no assurances with respect to future dividends.



Details of share options can be found under Item 6E - Share Ownership and this information forms part of the Financial Statements.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



24.

Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities



|                                                    |       |  |       |  |      
|--------------------------------------------------- | ----- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                                    | 2000  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                                    | £m    |  | £m    |  | £m   
|                                                    |       |  |       |  |      
|Operating profit                                    | 26.4  |  | 8.6   |  | 11.4 
|Exchange movement on loans                          | 0.1   |  | -     |  | -    
|Increase/(decrease) in provisions                   | 1.8   |  | (1.8) |  | -    
|Depreciation on property, plant & equipment         | 1.2   |  | 2.2   |  | 2.4  
|Amortisation of goodwill                            | 2.8   |  | 8.9   |  | 8.8  
|Amortisation of loan arrangement fee                | 0.1   |  | 0.1   |  | -    
|Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets         | -     |  | (0.1) |  | (0.1)
|Profit on disposal of business                      | -     |  | -     |  | (0.5)
|Decrease in Stock                                   | 0.1   |  | -     |  | 0.1  
|(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors                | 1.9   |  | 0.6   |  | (0.3)
|(Increase)/decrease in other debtors                | (0.1) |  | 0.9   |  | 0.4  
|(Increase)/decrease in prepayments                  | 0.5   |  | 2.2   |  | (2.5)
|Increase/(decrease) in trade creditors              | (2.1) |  | 0.8   |  | 0.3  
|(Decrease) in other taxes                           | (0.6) |  | (0.3) |  | (1.2)
|Increase/(decrease) in accruals and deferred income | 1.1   |  | (6.4) |  | (0.7)
|Net cash inflow from operating activities           | 33.2  |  | 15.7  |  | 18.1 
|                                                    |       |  |       |  |      



Included within cash balances is £2.0m (2001: £nil) of cash to which the Group has restricted access.  This relates to a deposit placed on the Isle of Man during 2002 in connection with the online casino business.  This cash can only be accessed with the permission of the Isle of Man government (see note 18).











NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



25.

Analysis and reconciliation of net debt



|                                                                 |                             |                   |                       |                             |                   |                       |                            
|---------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------- | ---------------------------
|                                                                 | At
        31 December 2000 | Cash
        flow | Other
      movements | At
        31 December 2001 | Cash
        flow | Other
      movements | At
        31 December 2002
|                                                                 | £m                          | £m                | £m                    | £m                          | £m                | £m                    | £m                         
|                                                                 |                             |                   |                       |                             |                   |                       |                            
|Cash
        at bank and in hand excluding charity cash balances | 16.3                        | (4.6)             | -                     | 11.7                        | (7.4)             | -                     | 4.3                        
|Bank
        overdrafts                                          | (0.8)                       | (2.1)             | -                     | (2.9)                       | (2.8)             | -                     | (5.7)                      
|                                                                 | 15.5                        | (6.7)             | -                     | 8.8                         | (10.2)            | -                     | (1.4)                      
|                                                                 |                             |                   |                       |                             |                   |                       |                            
|Debt
        due within one year                                 | -                           | -                 | (15.9)                | (15.9)                      | 16.0              | (16.0)                | (15.9)                     
|Debt
        due after one year                                  | (139.7)                     | 6.0               | 15.8                  | (117.9)                     | (2.0)             | 15.9                  | (104.0)                    
|                                                                 | (139.7)                     | 6.0               | (0.1)                 | (133.8)                     | 14.0              | (0.1)                 | (119.9)                    
|                                                                 |                             |                   |                       |                             |                   |                       |                            
|                                                                 | (124.2)                     | (0.7)             | (0.1)                 | (125.0)                     | 3.8               | (0.1)                 | (121.3)                    
|                                                                 |                             |                   |                       |                             |                   |                       |                            



|                                              |  |         |  |        
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ------- |  | -------
|                                              |  | 2001    |  | 2002   
|                                              |  | £m      |  | £m     
|                                              |  |         |  |        
|Decrease in cash in period                    |  | (7.1)   |  | (9.7)  
|Movement in charity cash                      |  | 0.4     |  | (0.5)  
|Change in net debt resulting from cash flows  |  | (6.7)   |  | (10.2) 
|Cash inflow from increase in loans            |  | -       |  | (2.0)  
|Cash outflow from repayment in loans          |  | 6.0     |  | 16.0   
|Amortisation of deferred loan arrangement fee |  | (0.1)   |  | (0.1)  
|Movement in net debt for the period           |  | (0.8)   |  | 3.7    
|At 1 January 2002                             |  | (124.2) |  | (125.0)
|At 31 December 2002                           |  | (125.0) |  | (121.3)
|                                              |  |         |  |        





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



26.

Capital commitments



|                                                                                             |  |      |  |     
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                                                                             |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                                                                             |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                                                                             |  |      |  |     
|Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not provided for
in the financial statements |  | 0.4  |  | 0.6 
|                                                                                             |  |      |  |     



27.

Operating lease commitments



Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of plant and equipment are as follows:



|                                    |  |      |  |     
|----------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                    |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                    |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                    |  |      |  |     
|Expiring between two and five years |  | 0.1  |  | 0.1 
|Expiring after more than five years |  | -    |  | 0.2 
|                                    |  | 0.1  |  | 0.3 
|                                    |  |      |  |     



28.

Other commitments



Collector Incentive Scheme



In December 1996, an incentive scheme to reward football pools collectors was established. Under the terms of the scheme, the collectors earn points on the basis of their sales. These points can be converted into vouchers to purchase items from high street shops.  On the basis of similar schemes, a redemption rate attributable to these points has been established and an appropriate provision made in these accounts. The value of the points not provided for in these financial statements amounts to £2.4m. (2001: £1.9m)





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



28.

Other Commitments (continued)



Material contracts



The Company has entered into a number of material contracts that will generate future commitments that cannot be fixed in extent as the contracts relate to transaction volumes that are variable in nature. A summary of these contracts is as follows:



Rehab



Rehab is a UK charity for which Littlewoods Leisure runs society lotteries in return for a management fee of approximately 30% of sales. The contract runs until 30 April 2005, subject to earlier termination at the Companys option on three months notice. The contract guarantees a minimum payment to Rehab of £8 million.  This consists of an initial advance sum of £3 million, paid in February 2000, plus 20 quarterly advance payments of £250,000, payable from 1 May 2000.  These payments will be set off against charity proceeds earned from ticket sales.  Any excess of charity proceeds over the minimum payments made as at the end of any year is paid to Rehab in an annual catch-up payment.  Charity proceeds are generally 20% of ticket sales and budgeted to be around £1.5 million annually.



An amount of £5 million, the sum of the quarterly advance payments, was deposited in a separate bank account with withdrawals only possible with Rehabs agreement (the Deposit).  If the Company exercises its right to early termination or if any of the quarterly advance payments are improperly withheld by the Company, the remaining balance in the Deposit is immediately payable to Rehab. At 31 December 2002, the balance of the Deposit was £2,250,000 (2001: £3,250,000).



The Company expects to receive approximately £2.1 million per annum in management fees.  The Company is also entitled to run non-scratchcard lotteries for Rehab, in which case any charity proceeds paid to Rehab shall be set off against the Deposit until the Deposit has been exhausted in the same way as charity proceeds from scratchcard sales.  The Company must also ensure that sales of Rehab scratchcards represent at least 50% of the Companys total scratchcard sales.



Vertex Data Science



Vertex supplies call centre services to Bet Direct.  Charges are based on the volume of calls handled. The contract is for five years from 1 July 2001. Early termination will trigger a payment of £300,000 in years one and two and £200,000 in years three through five.



The Littlewoods Organisation



Littlewoods Leisure has been licensed, at no cost, to use Littlewoods as part of Littlewoods Leisures branding for betting, gaming and lottery products.  The agreement will run until at least 3 September 2010 and can be terminated on or after that date with two years prior notice.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



29.

Legal matters



Seagate Technology inc. (Seagate)



The Companys legal action against Seagate began on 18 November, 1992 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the District Court) seeking reasonable royalties and damages for wilful infringement of the Companys 383 patent. During 1999 the Company was successful in strengthening its case against Seagate.



On 16 April, 1999 the Company reported the findings of the United States Court of appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Appeal Court) in the appeals lodged by the Company and Seagate against judgements issued in 1997 by the District Court. The Appeal Court vacated (i.e., overturned) the previous judgements in two important respects:



i)

In 1997, the District Court had interpreted the Companys patent claims to include thermal compensation and on this basis decided that Seagate did not infringe the Companys patent. The Appeal Court adopted a different interpretation of these claims and decided that the Companys claims 3, 5, 8, and 17 of the 383 patent do not include thermal compensation. The Appeal Court therefore overturned the District Courts finding of non-infringement and sent the case back to the District Court for trial to resolve whether or not there has been infringement under the new interpretation of the Companys claims.

ii)

The Appeal court also vacated the District Courts judgement regarding the Companys California state law claims. These claims assert that Seagate engaged in unfair competition and interference with the Companys prospective economic advantage. The District Court had earlier held that the Company did not allege facts sufficient to state a cause of action for trial. The Appeal Court found that there were sufficient issues of fact for these to be sent back to the District court for trial.



Further, as a result of the Appeal Courts decision to vacate earlier judgements, Seagates cross appeal for an award of attorneys fees (which had previously been rejected by the District Court) was not granted. The Company received in July 1999 a refund of the costs plus interest (approximately $250,000) that the District Court had awarded to Seagate and which the Company had paid in 1998.



The Appeal Courts findings above were favourable to the Company. The Appeal Court did not grant the Companys appeal for consequential business damages in addition to its claims for a reasonable royalty. The exclusion of consequential damages was not considered by the Directors to be material to the main thrust of the litigation.



Following the issuance of the judgements described above, Seagate requested that the Appeal Court amend its decision, in particular that part of the judgements relating to the Companys California state law claims. Seagate also filed on 26 April, 1999, a combined petition for rehearing and a suggestion for rehearing en banc ( i.e., by all of the judges of the Appeal Court). The Appeal Court ruled against Seagate in all three of these requests, and remanded the case back to the District Court in July 1999. Seagate, however, on 1 October 1999 exercised its right to petition the Supreme Court for a review of the Appeal Courts judgements. In July 1999, the District Court recommenced proceedings that were necessary for a jury trial to be scheduled. However, these proceedings were postponed by the Court to allow time for the Supreme Court to decide whether it would hear Seagates petition.



On 18 January 2000, the Supreme Court denied Seagates petition for a hearing.



On the advice of its US lawyers, the Company agreed to participate in mediation discussions with Seagate in January 2000. As a result of the mediation, the Company and Seagate agreed to settle their dispute, without admission of liability by either party, and Seagate paid to Sportech the sum of $45 million in full and final settlement of the Companys claims under its 383 patent. The company agreed to pay to the bank $27.5 million, out of the proceeds received from Seagate in full settlement of its overdraft borrowings and loan stock totalling $34 million.



The Directors believe that there are no matters in dispute that would have material adverse financial consequences for the Company.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



30.

Related Party Transactions



The extent of transactions with related parties of Sportech PLC as defined by Financial Reporting Standard No. 8, and the nature of the relationship with them are summarised below:



a)

The Foundation for Sports and Arts is a UK discretionary trust which was established in 1991 with the aim of encouraging and developing involvement in general sports activities and in the arts. The contributions are made by Littlewoods Promotions Limited and the trustees include Mr. G. Speakman, a director of both Sportech PLC and Littlewoods Promotions Limited.



Contributions of £1.9m were made in the year (2001: £3.6m).  At 31 December 2002, £0.1m (31 December 2001: £0.4m) was owed to the Foundation for Sports and Arts.



b)

The Bank of Scotland provided loan finance for the acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure), and is a significant shareholder with 28.4% of the Share Capital of the Company, as set out in Item 7A  Share Ownership.



The details of the balances on the loans as at 31 December 2002 and 31 December 2001 are set out in note 20. Interest on these loans amounting to £7.3m (2001: £9.3m) has been charged in these financial statements.



The Group has also entered into interest rate swap and cap transactions with the Bank of Scotland, as set out in note 21. £nil (2001: £0.9m) was paid to the Bank of Scotland for the interest rate cap, and £1.0m (2001: £0.3m) of interest was charged under interest rate swap contracts.



a)

The Groups head office, Sportech House, is owned by Northern Trust Company Limited. There is common control of Northern Trust Company Limited and Newby Manor Limited, which is a significant shareholder with 28.4% of the Share Capital of the Company, as set out in Item 7A  Share Ownership.



£0.2m of rent has been charged in these financial statements (2001: £nil). The lease period is for ten years and the contract included an initial rent free period of six months, the equivalent cost of which is being held in Accruals and Deferred Income and amortised over the period to the earliest break point in the contract (5 years), in accordance with UITF 28, Operating Lease Incentives. At 31 December 2002, £0.1m (31 December 2001: £nil) was held in Accruals and Deferred Income.





31.

Pension Scheme



The Group participates in two pension schemes. One is a defined contribution stakeholder scheme, and the second is a defined benefit scheme, which is funded.



Summary of pension contributions paid



|                                                      |  |      |  |     
|----------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                                      |  | 2001 |  | 2002
|                                                      |  | £m   |  | £m  
|                                                      |  |      |  |     
|Defined contribution schemes:                         |  |      |  |     
|Littlewoods plc scheme prior to 5 April 2001          |  | 0.3  |  | -   
|Stakeholder pension scheme subsequent to 6 April 2001 |  | 0.3  |  | 0.4 
|                                                      |  | 0.6  |  | 0.4 
|Defined benefit scheme contributions                  |  | 0.2  |  | 0.2 
|Total pension contributions (see note 9)              |  | 0.8  |  | 0.6 
|                                                      |  |      |  |     



Defined contribution scheme



Those employees who joined the Group consequent upon the acquisition of Littlewoods Leisure and who were aged under 50 on 4 September 2000, and all other employees of Sportech can join a stakeholder pension scheme established on 6 April 2001. The contributions to this scheme are made at a rate of 8% of pensionable salaries.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



31.

Pension Scheme (continued)



Defined benefit scheme



Pursuant to the sale agreement between Littlewoods plc and Sportech, a defined benefit scheme has been set up for those employees who joined the Group consequent upon the acquisition of Littlewoods Gaming (formerly Littlewoods Leisure) and who were aged 50 or over on 4 September 2000, the date of the acquisition. This scheme was formed on 6 April 2001 and currently has 65 members (2001: 97 members).



The Group has continued to account for pensions in accordance with SSAP 24 and the disclosures required by that standard are set out in (i). FRS 17, Retirement Benefits, was issued in November 2000 but the Group is not required to implement the new standard fully until the year to 31 December 2005. However, FRS 17 requires certain disclosures to be made in these accounts. To the extent that they are different or additional to those required under SSAP 24 these are set out in (ii).



(i)

SSAP 24



The most recent actuarial valuation was carried out at 6 April 2001 by the independent actuary.  The principal assumptions and results of the valuation are set out below:



|                                                                                            |      
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -----
|Discount rate and expected rate of investment return                                        | 6.0% 
|Rate of increase in pensionable salaries                                                    | 4.5% 
|Rate of increase in pensions in payment and  inflation                                      | 3.0% 
|Market (& actuarial) value of assets                                                        | £0.3m
|Level of funding (actuarial value of assets as a percentage of accrued service liabilities) | 100% 
|                                                                                            |      



The next actuarial valuation is due to be carried out no later than 6 April 2004.



The contributions of the employees have been set at the rates set out in the rules of the fund of 6% of pensionable salary.  The contributions of the relevant Group companies are 20.2% of pensionable salary.



The total charge for the year in the accounts of the Group was £0.2m (2001: £0.2m).  There were no outstanding or prepaid contributions at either the beginning or end of the year.



(ii)

FRS 17



The valuation used for FRS 17 disclosures has been based on the most recent actuarial valuation at 6 April 2001 amended to take account of the requirements of FRS 17 and updated to 31 December 2002 by a qualified independent actuary.  The principal assumptions used by the actuary for this purpose are set out below:



|                                         |      |     
|---------------------------------------- | ---- | ----
|                                         | 2001 | 2002
|                                         |      |     
|Rate of increase in pensionable salaries | 4.2% | 4.0%
|Rate of increase in pensions in payment  | 2.7% | 2.5%
|Discount rate                            | 5.7% | 5.4%
|Inflation assumption                     | 2.7% | 2.5%
|                                         |      |     







NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



31.

Pension Scheme (continued)



The assets in the Scheme and the expected rates of return (net of administrative expenses) were:



|                                    |                                   |             |                                   |            
|----------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------- | --------------------------------- | -----------
|                                    | Long term rate of return expected | Value at    | Long term rate of return expected | Value at   
|                                    | 31 December                       | 31 December | 31 December                       | 31 December
|                                    | 2001                              | 2001        | 2002                              | 2002       
|                                    | %                                 | £m          | %                                 | £m         
|                                    |                                   |             |                                   |            
|Equities                            | -                                 | -           | 7.3                               | 0.3        
|Bonds                               | -                                 | -           | -                                 | -          
|Cash                                | 4.5                               | 0.3         | 4.0                               | 0.3        
|Total market value of assets        |                                   | 0.3         |                                   | 0.6        
|Present value of scheme liabilities |                                   | 0.3         |                                   | 0.5        
|Surplus in the scheme               |                                   | 0.0         |                                   | 0.1        
|Related deferred tax liability      |                                   | 0.0         |                                   | -          
|Net pension asset                   |                                   | 0.0         |                                   | 0.1        
|                                    |                                   |             |                                   |            



At 31 December 2001, all the assets of the scheme were held on fixed rate deposit, pending the formal appointment of professional investment managers.



If the above amounts had been recognised in the financial statements, the Groups nets assets and profit and loss reserves at 31 December 2002 and 31 December 2001 would be as follows:



|                                              |  |        |  |     
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ------ |  | ----
|                                              |  | 2001   |  | 2002
|                                              |  | £m     |  | £m  
|                                              |  |        |  |     
|Net assets excluding pension asset            |  | 28.6   |  | 31.5
|Pension asset                                 |  | -      |  | 0.1 
|Net assets including pension asset            |  | 28.6   |  | 31.6
|                                              |  |        |  |     
|Profit & loss reserve excluding pension asset |  | (49.0) |  | 1.9 
|Pension reserve                               |  | -      |  | 0.1 
|Profit & loss reserve                         |  | (49.0) |  | 2.0 
|                                              |  |        |  |     



Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit



The following amounts would have been charged to profit & loss in the year to 31 December 2002 under the requirements of FRS 17:



|                       |  |  |  |     
|---------------------- |  |  |  | ----
|                       |  |  |  | 2002
|                       |  |  |  | £m  
|                       |  |  |  |     
|Current service        |  |  |  | 0.2 
|Past service cost      |  |  |  | -   
|Total operating charge |  |  |  | 0.2 
|                       |  |  |  |     





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



31.

Pension Scheme (continued)



Movement in surplus during the year



|                                               |  |  |  |      
|---------------------------------------------- |  |  |  | -----
|                                               |  |  |  | 2002 
|                                               |  |  |  | £m   
|Surplus in scheme at the beginning of the year |  |  |  | -    
|Movements:                                     |  |  |  |      
|Current service cost                           |  |  |  | (0.2)
|Contributions                                  |  |  |  | 0.2  
|Past service cost                              |  |  |  | -    
|Other finance income                           |  |  |  | -    
|Actuarial gain                                 |  |  |  | 0.1  
|Surplus in the scheme at the end of the year   |  |  |  | 0.1  
|                                               |  |  |  |      



Analysis of the amount credited to other finance income



|                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  |  |  | -------
|The following amounts would have been credited to other finance income in the year to 31 December 2002 under the requirement of FRS 17: |  |  |  | 2002
£m
|                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        
|Expected return on scheme assets                                                                                                        |  |  |  | -      
|Interest on pension scheme liabilities                                                                                                  |  |  |  | -      
|Net return                                                                                                                              |  |  |  | -      
|                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        



Analysis of the amount recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses



|                                                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  |  |  | -------
|The following amounts would have been recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses in the year to 31 December 2002 under the requirement of FRS 17: |  |  |  | 2002
£m
|                                                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        
|Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets                                                                                                             |  |  |  | -      
|Experience gains and losses arising on scheme liabilities                                                                                                               |  |  |  | 0.1    
|Changes in the assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities                                                                                       |  |  |  | -      
|Actuarial gain recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses                                                                                         |  |  |  | 0.1    
|                                                                                                                                                                        |  |  |  |        



History of experience gains and losses



|                                                                           |  |  |  |      
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  |  |  | -----
|                                                                           |  |  |  | 2002 
|                                                                           |  |  |  | £m   
|Difference between actual and expected return on scheme assets:            |  |  |  |      
|Amount (£m)                                                                |  |  |  | -    
|Percentage of scheme assets                                                |  |  |  | 0.7% 
|                                                                           |  |  |  |      
|Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities                          |  |  |  |      
|Amount (£m)                                                                |  |  |  | 0.1  
|Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities                      |  |  |  | 21.1%
|                                                                           |  |  |  |      
|Total amount recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses: |  |  |  |      
|Amount (£m)                                                                |  |  |  | 0.1  
|Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities                      |  |  |  | 19.4%
|                                                                           |  |  |  |      





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP



The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP. These differences relate principally to the following items and the impact upon the presentation of results and the effect on net income and shareholders equity is shown in the following tables.  In preparing the summary of differences between UK and US GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the estimates of revenue and expenses. Accounting estimates have been employed in these financial statements to determine reported amounts, including realisability, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, income taxes and other areas. Actual results could differ from these estimates.



Effect on net income on differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP



|                                                       |      |  |       |  |      
|------------------------------------------------------ | ---- |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                                       | 2000 |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                                       | £m   |  | £m    |  | £m   
|                                                       |      |  |       |  |      
|Net profit/(loss) under UK GAAP as previously reported | 22.8 |  | (2.3) |  | 2.9  
|FRS 19 prior year adjustment                           | 1.7  |  | (0.4) |  | -    
|Net profit/(loss) under UK GAAP as restated            | 24.5 |  | (2.7) |  | 2.9  
|US GAAP adjustment:                                    |      |  |       |  |      
|Derivative financial instruments (note e)              | -    |  | (0.5) |  | (0.2)
|Amortisation of goodwill (note f)                      | -    |  | -     |  | 8.8  
|Pre-contract costs (note h)                            | -    |  | -     |  | (0.8)
|Defined benefit plan (note i)                          | -    |  | -     |  | 0.1  
|Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments (note b, e)          | -    |  | 0.1   |  | 0.1  
|Net income/(loss) under US GAAP                        | 24.5 |  | (3.1) |  | 10.9 
|                                                       |      |  |       |  |      



Effect on shareholders funds of differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP



|                                                         |  |  |       |  |      
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  |  | ----- |  | -----
|                                                         |  |  | 2001  |  | 2002 
|                                                         |  |  | £m    |  | £m   
|                                                         |  |  |       |  |      
|Shareholders funds under UK GAAP as previously reported |  |  | 27.3  |  | 31.5 
|FRS 19 prior year adjustment                             |  |  | 1.3   |  | -    
|Shareholders funds under UK GAAP as restated            |  |  | 28.6  |  | 31.5 
|US GAAP adjustments:                                     |  |  |       |  |      
|Derivative financial instruments (note e)                |  |  | (0.5) |  | (0.7)
|Amortisation of goodwill (note f)                        |  |  | -     |  | 8.8  
|Pre-contract costs (note h)                              |  |  | -     |  | (0.8)
|Defined benefit plan (note i)                            |  |  | -     |  | 0.1  
|Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments (note b, e)            |  |  | 0.1   |  | 0.2  
|Shareholders funds under US GAAP                        |  |  | 28.2  |  | 39.1 
|                                                         |  |  |       |  |      



Effect on EPS of calculating under US GAAP



|                                                            |                 |  |                 |  |                
|----------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- |  | --------------- |  | ---------------
|                                                            | 2000            |  | 2001            |  | 2002           
|                                                            | Pence per share |  | Pence per share |  | Pence per share
|Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share:                |                 |  |                 |  |                
|Before extraordinary items under US GAAP                    | 4.7             |  | (0.5)           |  | 1.8            
|Extraordinary gain on early extinguishment of debt (note c) | 0.5             |  | -               |  | -              
|After extraordinary items under US GAAP                     | 5.2             |  | (0.5)           |  | 1.8            
|                                                            |                 |  |                 |  |                





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Restatement



Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 19, the UK standard on deferred tax, has been adopted for the first time in 2002. The Group previously provided deferred tax using the liability method under SSAP 15 and only recognised deferred tax liabilities to the extent that it was probable that the liabilities would crystallise. Deferred tax assets were only recognised to the extent that their recoverability was assured beyond reasonable doubt. Under FRS 19 the recognition criteria for deferred tax assets has changed resulting in the recognition of a deferred tax asset under UK GAAP in respect of US tax losses and other timing differences that are regarded as recoverable against future profits. The adoption of FRS 19 has also had an impact on capitalised goodwill since the restatement of deferred tax balances acquired has had a corresponding effect upon the goodwill recognised on those acquisitions. A prior year adjustment to the UK GAAP figures has been made in these financial statements to reflect the adoption of FRS 19 and, where indicated, comparative figures have been restated. The impact on the profit and loss account under UK GAAP has been to decrease the profit after taxation by £0.6m in 2002, to increase the loss after taxation by £0.4m in 2001 and to decrease the profit after taxation by £2.6m in 2000.  The restatement also had the effect of increasing shareholders funds under UK GAAP by £1.3m and £1.7m in 2001 and 2000 respectively.  For further details see Note 3 in Item 17. Financial Statements.



b)

Deferred taxation



Under US GAAP deferred taxation is provided on all temporary differences under the liability method, subject to a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets where applicable, in accordance with FAS109, Accounting for Income Taxes.



Under UK GAAP, up to the year ended 31 December 2001, deferred taxation was provided on timing differences to the extent that a liability or asset was expected to crystallise in the future.  This policy has changed during the year as explained above and in notes 2 and 3, and prior period adjustments have been processed as set out in note 3.



There should now be no adjustments required by the Company to reconcile between UK and US GAAP, and hence there are no entries in the tables on the prior page for deferred tax, other than adjustments to deferred tax resultant from other UK GAAP to US GAAP adjustments identified below.



c)

Exceptional items



Exceptional items are material items within the consolidated ordinary activities, which under UK GAAP are required to be disclosed separately due to their size or incidence. One item in the UK financial statements has been disclosed as an exceptional item, and two further items have been highlighted on the face of the profit and loss account due to their particular nature.



Under US GAAP, to be classified as an extraordinary item, a transaction needs to both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence.  Only the gain on the early extinguishment of debt of £3.9m was considered as extraordinary under US GAAP. Attributable tax on this debt waiver amounts to £1.2m. This is a classification difference only and does not result in any difference in shareholder funds or in net income; however see the presentation of earnings per share above taking into effect this extraordinary treatment following the reconciliation to net income herein.



d)

Share options



Under UK GAAP the Company does not recognise compensation expense, at the date of grant, of share options granted under the employee share option schemes unless the exercise price is at a discount to the open market value at date of grant.



Under US GAAP, the Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees".  In accordance with APB 25, as the number of options that will be available to participants is dependent on the attainment of certain long-term performance goals of the Company, compensation expense should be charged to income over the performance (vesting) period adjusted for changes in the market price of the stock during the period. For the period ending 31 December 2002, as with the prior period, no compensation expense was recognised for the companys employee stock options granted as the exercise price of the options was greater than the market price of the underlying stock at year end.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Share options (continued)



The following pro forma information regarding net income/(loss) and earnings/(loss) per share is required when APB 25 accounting is elected, and was determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.



The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £0.11 (value of 2001 grant: £0.12). The fair values for these options were estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2002 grant (2001 grant comparatives given in brackets): risk-free interest rates of 4.0% (2001: 4.9%); volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's ordinary shares of 0.57 (2001: 0.88); dividend yields of 0% (2001: 0%); and a weighted-average expected life of the options of 7 years (2001: 7 years). For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of the options are amortised to expense over the option's vesting periods (in £m except for per share information):



|                                                                      |      |  |        |  |      
|--------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- |  | ------ |  | -----
|                                                                      | 2000 |  | 2001   |  | 2002 
|                                                                      | £m   |  | £m     |  | £m   
|Net
        income/(loss):                                            |      |  |        |  |      
|As
        reported under US GAAP                                     | 24.5 |  | (3.1)  |  | 10.9 
|Pro
        forma FAS 123 compensation expense                        | -    |  | (0.1)  |  | (0.2)
|Pro
        forma net income/loss                                     | 24.5 |  | (3.2)  |  | 10.7 
|                                                                      |      |  |        |  |      
|Basic
        and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence):          |      |  |        |  |      
|As
        reported under US GAAP                                     | 5.2p |  | (0.5p) |  | 1.8p 
|Pro
        forma effect of FAS 123 compensation expense              | -    |  | -      |  | -    
|Pro
        forma basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence) | 5.2p |  | 0.5p)  |  | 1.8p 
|                                                                      |      |  |        |  |      



Activity with respect to Sportech's share option schemes is as follows:

|                           |               |                                     |               |                                     |               |                                    
|-------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------- | -----------------------------------
|                           | 2000          | 2001                                | 2002         
|                           | Shares
(000) | Weighted average exercise price
(p) | Shares
(000) | Weighted average exercise price
(p) | Shares
(000) | Weighted average exercise price
(p)
|                           |               |                                     |               |                                     |               |                                    
|Outstanding at January 1   | -             | -                                   | -             | -                                   | 5,800         | 14.75                              
|Granted                    | -             | -                                   | 6,000         | 14.75                               | 6,300         | 17.42                              
|Lapsed                     | -             | -                                   | (200)         | 14.75                               | (100)         | 14.75                              
|Outstanding at December 31 | -             | -                                   | 5,800         | 14.75                               | 12,000        | 16.15                              
|                           |               |                                     |               |                                     |               |                                    
|Exercisable at December 31 | -             | -                                   | -             | -                                   | -             | -                                  
|                           |               |                                     |               |                                     |               |                                    



No share options are currently exercisable.  Share options outstanding at December 31 2002, 2001 and 2000 were as follows:

|                   |                |                                    |               |                                    |               |                                   
|------------------ | -------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------------
|                   | 2000           | 2001                               | 2002         
|Exercise price
(p) | Options
(000) | Remaining contractual life
(years) | Shares
(000) | Remaining contractual life
(years) | Shares
(000) | Remaining contractual life
(years)
|                   |                |                                    |               |                                    |               |                                   
|14.75              | -              | -                                  | 5,800         | 10                                 | 5,700         | 9                                 
|17.42              | -              | -                                  | -             | -                                  | 6,300         | 10                                
|                   |                |                                    |               |                                    |               |                                   



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Derivatives



In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities as amended by FAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, an amendment of FAS No. 133.  FAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative financial instruments, including certain derivatives used for hedging activities and derivatives embedded in other contracts.  FAS No. 133 requires all derivatives to be recognised on the balance sheet at fair value.   The recognition of the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends upon its intended use.



Derivatives that do not qualify for hedging treatment under FAS No. 133 must be adjusted to fair value through earnings.  For fair value hedges that qualify under FAS No. 133, the changes in fair values of the derivatives will be recognised in earnings together with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For cash flow hedges that qualify under FAS No. 133, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives will be recognised in other comprehensive income until the hedged item affects earnings.  For all hedging activities, the ineffective portion of a derivatives change in fair value will be immediately recognised in earnings.  The Company has adopted FAS No. 133 with effect from inception.



Under FAS No. 133 there is a requirement for contemporaneous hedge documentation before it is possible to offset changes in the fair value of a derivative with the change in the fair value of the corresponding hedged asset or liability.  In the absence of such documentation it is necessary to record changes in the fair value of the derivatives in the income statement.



Contemporaneous documentation was not in place for the Company and accordingly the fair value of the interest rate cap of £0.1m, has resulted in a charge in the year of £0.4m.



In 2001, the fair values of the interest rate swap, £1.3m derivative liability, and the interest rate floor, £1.1m derivative asset have been charged to the income statement. The fair value of the interest rate cap of £0.5m has also resulted in a charge since inception to the income statement of £0.3m.  The net impact of these derivatives on the amounts recognised for US GAAP compared to UK GAAP for the years ended 31 December 2002 and 2001 are as follows:



|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|---------------------------------------- | --------------- |  | ------- |  | ------- |  | -------
|                                         | 2001
(restated) |  | 2002   
|                                         | UK GAAP         |  | US GAAP |  | UK GAAP |  | US GAAP
|                                         | £m              |  | £m      |  | £m      |  | £m     
|Profit and loss account                  |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Other income                             | -               |  | 1.1     |  | -       |  | 1.3    
|Other expenditure                        | -               |  | (1.6)   |  | -       |  | (1.5)  
|Taxation                                 | -               |  | 0.1     |  | -       |  | 0.1    
|Net impact                               | -               |  | (0.4)   |  | -       |  | (0.1)  
|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Balance sheet                            |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Other debtors  derivative assets        |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Floor                                    | -               |  | 1.1     |  | -       |  | -      
|Cap                                      | 0.8             |  | 0.5     |  | 0.8     |  | 0.1    
|Attributable deferred tax asset          | -               |  | 0.1     |  | -       |  | 0.2    
|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Total assets                             | 189.4           |  | 190.3   |  | 179.0   |  | 178.5  
|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Other liabilities  derivative liability | -               |  | (1.3)   |  | -       |  | -      
|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Total shareholders funds                | 28.6            |  | 28.2    |  | 31.5    |  | 31.0   
|                                         |                 |  |         |  |         |  |        



Management has assessed the risk, on its consolidated financial statements, that the Bank of Scotland will not satisfy its obligations to the Company under the interest rate floor and cap and believes that there is no significant risk of default.



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Amortisation of goodwill



Under UK GAAP, goodwill is amortised through the profit and loss account.  A charge of £8.8m is included in the profit and loss account for the year ended 31 December 2002.  In July 2001, the FASB issued FAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS 142") which supersedes APB Opinion No. 17, "Intangible Assets". FAS 142 addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination) should be accounted for in financial statements upon their acquisition. FAS 142 also addresses how goodwill and other intangible assets should be accounted for after they have been initially recognized in the financial statements.  The provisions of FAS 142 are required to be applied starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, and hence the current financial year is the first financial year of the Company to apply FAS 142. FAS 142 is required to be applied at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year and to be applied to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in its financial statements at that date.



Under UK GAAP, the Group periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill, not identified with impaired long-lived assets, based on estimated discounted future cash flows from operating activities compared with the carrying value of goodwill and recognizes any impairment on the basis of such comparison  Under US GAAP, the Group performed the transitional impairment test under FAS 142 as of January 1, 2002 by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value as determined by discounted future cash flows. Upon completion of the transitional impairment test, the group determined that no impairment was required as of January 1, 2002 as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded carrying value.  The Group also completed the annual impairment tests required by FAS 142 as at the end of 2002.  Following this review, management have reviewed the carrying value of the goodwill in the balance sheet at 31 December 2002 and do not believe that any impairment write down is necessary. The impact on the profit and loss account of removing amortisation is to increase reported net income by £8.8m, and there is an equivalent increase in the value of goodwill in the balance sheet. For future years, the impact will be to reduce losses by a similar amount each year, until goodwill is fully amortised.



The following table shows the results of operations as if FAS 142 were applied to prior periods:

|                                                                                     |  |  |                          |  |      
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  |  | ------------------------ |  | -----
|                                                                                     |  |  | 2000                     |  | 2001 
|                                                                                     |  |  | £m                       |  | £m   
|                                                                                     |  |  | except per share amounts
|                                                                                     |  |  |                          |  |      
|Profit/(loss) for the financial year as reported under US GAAP                       |  |  | 24.5                     |  | (3.1)
|Add back: goodwill amortization                                                      |  |  | 2.8                      |  | 8.9  
|Adjusted profit/(loss) for the financial year                                        |  |  | 27.3                     |  | 5.8  
|                                                                                     |  |  |                          |  |      
|Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per equity share as reported under US GAAP (pence) |  |  | 5.2                      |  | (0.5)
|Add back: goodwill amortization (pence)                                              |  |  | 0.6                      |  | 1.5  
|Adjusted earnings per equity share (pence)                                           |  |  | 5.8                      |  | 1.0  
|                                                                                     |  |  |                          |  |      



The following table provides a roll forward of the Groups US GAAP goodwill during 2002:

|                               |  |  |  |  |      
|------------------------------ |  |  |  |  | -----
|                               |  |  |  |  | 2002 
|                               |  |  |  |  | £m   
|                               |  |  |  |  |      
|Balance as of 1 January 2002   |  |  |  |  | 161.8
|Goodwill acquired              |  |  |  |  | 1.3  
|Balance as of 31 December 2002 |  |  |  |  | 163.1
|                               |  |  |  |  |      



During 2002, the Group completed the acquisition of the Zetters Pools business with an aggregate purchase price of £1.4m.  Under both UK and US GAAP, a total of £1.3m has been recorded in goodwill in respect of this (see note 15(b) for the purchase price allocation).



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Cash flow information



Under UK GAAP the Consolidated Cash Flow statement is presented in accordance with UK Financial Reporting Standard No. 1 as revised (FRS 1). The Statement prepared under FRS 1 presents substantially the same information as that required under US GAAP as interpreted by FAS No. 95. Under UK GAAP, cash comprises cash in hand (including overnight deposits), net of bank overdrafts. Under US GAAP, cash and cash equivalents include cash and short term investments with original maturities of three months or less.



Under UK GAAP, cash flows are presented for operating activities; returns on investments and servicing of finance; taxation; capital expenditure and financial investment; acquisitions and disposals; equity dividends paid; management of liquid resources and financing. US GAAP requires the classification of cash flows as resulting from operating, investing and financing activities.



Cash flows under UK GAAP in respect of interest received, interest paid, investment income and taxation would be included within operating activities under US GAAP. Capital expenditure and financial investment and cash flows from acquisitions and disposals would be included within investing activities under US GAAP. Dividends paid by subsidiary undertakings, minority interests, equity dividends paid, management of liquid resources and returns on investments and servicing of finance would be included within financing activities under US GAAP.



Set out below, for illustrative purposes, is a summary consolidated statement of cash flows under US GAAP:



|                                                     |         |  |       |  |       
|---------------------------------------------------- | ------- |  | ----- |  | ------
|                                                     | 2000    |  | 2001  |  | 2002  
|                                                     | £m      |  | £m    |  | £m    
|                                                     |         |  |       |  |       
|Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities  | 28.4    |  | 0.7   |  | 7.4   
|Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities  | (162.1) |  | (1.8) |  | (3.1) 
|Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities  | 151.5   |  | (3.9) |  | (11.2)
|Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | 17.8    |  | (5.0) |  | (6.9) 
|                                                     |         |  |       |  |       
|Cash at the beginning of the year                    | 0.1     |  | 17.9  |  | 12.9  
|Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year     | 17.9    |  | 12.9  |  | 6.0   
|Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | 17.8    |  | (5.0) |  | (6.9) 
|                                                     |         |  |       |  |       



b)

Pre-contract costs



During the year, the Company incurred costs securing major new contracts to provide interactive television gaming products. Certain of these costs were required to be capitalised under UITF 34 Pre-contract costs and under UK GAAP, £0.8m (£nil in earlier years) of pre-contract costs incurred in 2002 were capitalised as intangible fixed assets.



Under US GAAP, start-up costs are defined as those one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new      products or service, conducting business in new territory, conducting business in a new territory, or commencing some new operation. SoP 98-5 requires that these costs must be expenses as incurred. Accordingly, under US GAAP costs incurred has been expensed.







NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



a)

Defined benefit plan



At 31 December 2002, Sportech PLC had one statutorily approved defined benefit pension plan and one statutorily approved defined contribution plan. The basis for membership of these schemes is detailed in note 31.



Under UK and US GAAP, in respect of the defined contribution plan, contributions are paid by the member and the employer at fixed rates, these contributions are charged against income in the period they are paid. Benefits under the defined contribution plan reflect each employees fund at retirement and the cost of purchasing benefits at that time.



Under UK GAAP the cost of providing pension benefits is expensed over the average expected service lives of eligible employees in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 24 "Accounting for Pension Costs". SSAP 24 aims to produce an estimate of cost based on long-term actuarial assumptions. Variations from the regular pension cost arising from, for example, experience deficiencies or surpluses, are charged or credited to the profit and loss account over the expected average remaining service lives of current employees in the schemes.



Under US GAAP, the annual pension cost comprises the estimated cost of benefits accruing in the period as determined in accordance with SFAS 87 "Employers Accounting for Pensions", which requires readjustment of the significant actuarial assumptions annually to reflect current market and economic conditions. Under FAS 87, part of the surplus (the excess of plan assets over plan liabilities), the majority of which for the Group is attributable to prior acquisitions, has been recognized in the balance sheet. The remainder of the unrecognized surplus is spread over the employees' remaining service lifetimes.



A reconciliation of the beginning and end balances of the projected pension benefit obligation and the funded status of the defined benefit plan, prepared in accordance with FAS 87, is as follows:

:

|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      
|------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |  | -----
|                                                             | Period from
6 April 2001 to
31 December 2001 | Year ended 31 December 2002
|                                                             |                                              | £m                          |  | £m   
|Change in benefit obligation                                 |                                              |                             |  |      
|Benefit obligation at plan inception date / 1 January 2002   |                                              | -                           |  | 0.3  
|Service cost                                                 |                                              | 0.2                         |  | 0.2  
|Interest cost                                                |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Employee contributions                                       |                                              | 0.1                         |  | 0.1  
|Actuarial (gain)                                             |                                              | -                           |  | (0.1)
|Benefit payments                                             |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Benefit obligation at end of period                          |                                              | 0.3                         |  | 0.5  
|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      
|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      
|Change in plan assets                                        |                                              |                             |  |      
|Fair value of assets at plan inception date / 1 January 2002 |                                              | -                           |  | 0.3  
|Actuarial return on plan assets                              |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Employer contributions                                       |                                              | 0.2                         |  | 0.2  
|Employee contributions                                       |                                              | 0.1                         |  | 0.1  
|Benefit payments                                             |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Fair value of assets at end of period                        |                                              | 0.3                         |  | 0.6  
|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      
|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      
|Funded status at period end                                  |                                              |                             |  |      
|Unrecognised Transition (Obligation)/Asset                   |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Unrecognised net actuarial gain                              |                                              | -                           |  | 0.1  
|Unrecognised prior service cost                              |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Net amount recognised                                        |                                              | -                           |  | 0.1  
|                                                             |                                              |                             |  |      



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



i)

Defined benefit plan (continued)



|                                        |                                              |                             |  |      
|--------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |  | -----
|                                        | Period from
6 April 2001 to
31 December 2001 | Year ended 31 December 2002
|                                        |                                              | £m                          |  | £m   
|Components of net periodic pension cost |                                              |                             |  |      
|Service cost                            |                                              | 0.2                         |  | 0.2  
|Interest cost                           |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|(Expected return on assets)             |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Amortisation of prior service cost      |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Recognised net actuarial (gain)         |                                              | -                           |  | (0.1)
|Amortisation of transition obligation   |                                              | -                           |  | -    
|Net periodic pension cost               |                                              | 0.2                         |  | 0.1  
|                                        |                                              |                             |  |      



As a result, under US GAAP, both net income and shareholders funds would be £0.1m higher than UK GAAP.



The weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining benefit obligations were as follows:



|                                   |  |                  |  |                 
|---------------------------------- |  | ---------------- |  | ----------------
|                                   |  | 31 December 2001 |  | 31 December 2002
|                                   |  |                  |  |                 
|Discount rate                      |  | 5.7%             |  | 5.4%            
|Salary increases                   |  | 4.2%             |  | 4.0%            
|Long term rate of return on assets |  | 4.5%             |  | 4.0%            
|Pension increases                  |  | 2.7%             |  | 2.5%            
|                                   |  |                  |  |                 



a)

Segments



The company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on the Groups method of internal reporting, which disaggregates its business by product category. The Group's segments are the same under UK GAAP and information with respect to the segments is presented in Note 5 to the financial statements.



The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Group's management evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on underlying sales growth and trading margin improvement. There are no material inter-segment revenues.



b)

Recently Issued US Accounting Pronouncements



FAS 145

In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS 145, 'Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections'. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement has had no impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.



NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



k)

Recently Issued US Accounting Pronouncements (continued)



FAS 146

In June 2002, the FASB issued FAS 146, 'Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities'. This standard addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies EITF 94-3, 'Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)'. FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognised when the liability is incurred rather than at the date of an entity's commitment to an exit plan. Costs covered by the standard include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, or other exit or disposal activity. FAS 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after 31 December 2002. The adoption of FAS 146 has not, to date, had any significant impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.



FAS 148

In December 2002, the FASB issued FAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation  Transition and Disclosure. This standard amends FAS 123, 'Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation', to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions of FAS 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity's accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, FAS 148 amends APB Opinion No. 28, 'Interim Financial Reporting', to require disclosure about those effects in interim financial information. FAS 148 is effective for fiscal years beginning after 15 December 2002. The Company has elected not to adopt the transitional provisions of this standard but has adopted the disclosure requirements of the standard.



FAS 149



In April 2003, the FASB issued FAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, ("FAS No. 149"). This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  This Statement is effective prospectively for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and prospectively for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption of FAS 149 has not, to date, had any significant impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.



FAS 150



In May 2003, the FASB issued FAS No. 150, Accounting For Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. The Statement improves the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity and requires that these instruments be classified as liabilities in statements of financial position.  This Statement is effective prospectively for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  This statement shall be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial instruments created before the issuance date of the Statement and still existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption. The adoption of FAS 150 has not, to date, had any significant impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.





NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



32.

Summary of significant differences between US GAAP and UK GAAP (continued)



k)

Recently Issued US Accounting Pronouncements (continued)



EITF 00-21

In January 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 00-21, 'Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables'. EITF 00-21 addresses the issues of how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting and how arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting in the arrangement. EITF 00-21 does not change otherwise applicable revenue recognition criteria. EITF 00-21 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after 15 June 2003. The adoption of EITF 00-21 has not, to date, had any significant impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.



FIN 45

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), 'Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others'. FIN 45 requires a liability to be recognised at the time a company issues a guarantee for the fair value of the obligations assumed under certain guarantee agreements. The provisions for initial recognition and measurement of guarantee agreements are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees that are issued or modified after 31 December 2002. The adoption of this interpretation has had no impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.



FIN 46

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, 'Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) 51'. FIN 46 addresses the consolidation of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights ('variable interest entities' or 'VIE') by clarifying the application of ARB No. 51, 'Consolidated Financial Statements' to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 provides guidance on how to determine when and which business enterprise (the 'primary beneficiary') should consolidate the VIE. In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures.



The disclosure provisions of FIN 46 are effective in all financial statements initially issued after 31 January 2003. FIN 46 is required to be immediately applied by all entities with a variable interest in a VIE created after 31 January 2003. A public entity with a variable interest in a VIE created before 1 February 2003 is required to apply FIN 46 to that entity no later than the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after 15 June 2003. The company has performed a review of its operations and interests and has not identified any entities that would fall under the requirements of FIN 46 and has concluded that it does not believe FIN 46 currently has a significant impact on the Groups financial position or results of operations.  The Company will continue to reassess this position periodically in the light of new events or transactions that may fall to be accounted for under this Interpretation.