Registered number:
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
CONTENTS
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The directors are responsible for preparing the directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors who served during the year were:
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
On 18 November 2024 the Group’s auditor changed its name from Haysmacintyre LLP to HaysMac LLP.
The auditors, HaysMac LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED (CONTINUED)
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the directors' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED (CONTINUED)
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud Based on our understanding of the company and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to regulatory requirements for the business and trade regulations, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, income tax, payroll tax and sales tax. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to revenue and management bias in accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
∙Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
∙Identifying and testing journals, in particular journal entries posted to revenue or journal entries with unusual accounting pairings and descriptions;
∙Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED (CONTINUED)
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
for and on behalf of
Statutory Auditors
10 Queen Street Place
EC4R 1AG
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04110598
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
ALM Global (EMEA) Limited is a private company limited by shares and incorporated in England and Wales.
The registered office and principal trading address is 10 Queen Street Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4R 1AG.
2.Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland' and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The disclosure requirements of Section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
∙the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
∙the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
∙the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.42, 11.44 to 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
∙the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments paragraphs 12.26 to 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
∙the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7.
This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of ALM Media Holdings, Inc. as at 31 December 2023 and these financial statements may be obtained from 120 Broadway New York, NY 10271 United States.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The company incurred a profit after tax of £1,119,334 during the period ended 31 December 2023 (2022: £546,951), and at that date the company had net liabilities of £24,481,970 (2022: £25,601,304) of which £23,160,653 of the liabilities relates to intercompany balances.
The ability of the company to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future, is dependent on the company generating revenue, receiving financial assistance from related undertakings or limiting their operations to ensure that obligations are met. It is also dependent on previous funding from WPLM Co-Invest L.P its ultimate parent company and other group entities not being withdrawn.
The directors understand that as at the date of the approval of these financial statements the ultimate parent ALM Media Holdings Inc is currently in a strong financial position to support the company to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due. Letters of support have been received from the ultimate parent company and fellow group entities ensuring that financial support will be given for twelve months from the date of signing the accounts. As with any company placing reliance on other group entities for financial support, the directors acknowledge that there can be no certainty that this support will continue although, at the date of approval of these financial statements, they have no reason to believe that it will not do so.
Therefore having considered the parent's financial position, its trading results in the year, cash flow and trading forecasts for at least the next 12 months, the directors consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Functional and presentation currency
Transactions and balances
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Delegate/Events Revenue The entity organises law events, seminars and conferences for which individuals and law firms can register. The entity recognises revenue for this stream of revenue when the event actually occurs. Sponsorship Revenue This relates to legal related events orgniased by the entity but which are sponsored. The entity recognises sponsorship revenue relating to an event when the event actually occurs. Subscription Revenue The entity has an online platform with legal information and material which is accessed on a subscription basis. Revenue is recognised on a time apportionment basis over the term of the subscription agreement . Digital Adverts Revenue The company provides digital adverts to its customers on its Law.com website. Revenue is recognised on a time apportionment basis over the term of the advertising agreement.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.
Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date.
Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.
If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after the deduction of all its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price after transaction costs. When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held seperately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £79,028 (2022 - £69,890). A contribution £12,494 (2022 - £10,403) was payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.
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ALM GLOBAL (EMEA) LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The company's immediate parent company is ALM Media Holdings Inc, a company domiciled and registered in the USA.
The ultimate controlling party is WPLM Co-Invest, L.P. The company, which is a private equity investment partnership is domiciled and incorporated in the USA.
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