Company registration number 03030042 (England and Wales)
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
M P Luby
R J Anderson
Company number
03030042
Registered office
Unit 3, Westpoint Enterprise Park
Clarence Avenue
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1QS
Auditor
Cooper Parry Group Limited
St James Building
79 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6HT
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 22
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Review of the business

Despite continued macro-economic uncertainty, including the prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe and ongoing foreign exchange volatility, the company delivered a resilient performance during the year. Turnover decreased slightly to £30.7m (2024: £31.1m). Domestic revenues increased to £13.5m (2024: £13.4m), representing 44% of total sales (2024: 43%), while the Rest of the World revenues reduced to £17.2m (2024: £17.7m). The reduction in overseas revenue principally reflects adverse EUR/GBP exchange movements and a deliberate strategic shift toward a more diversified customer portfolio.

 

Gross profit and EBITDA remained robust, supported by disciplined pricing strategies and continued operational efficiencies. Gross profit for the year was £11.2m (2024: £11.5m), with an associated margin of 36.4% (2024: 37.0%). EBITDA was £5.0m (2024: £5.3m), representing an EBITDA margin of 16.3% (2024: 17.0%). These results were achieved despite inflationary pressures and supply chain disruption, particularly in energy and raw material markets, arising from the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The company’s diversified supply network and proactive inventory management helped to mitigate these impacts and ensure continuity of supply to customers.

 

The company’s key financial performance indicators for the year were as follows:

 

 

2025

2024

 

£m

£m

 

 

 

Turnover

30.7

31.1

Gross profit

11.2

11.5

Gross profit %

36.4%

37.0%

EBITDA

5.0

5.3

EBITDA %

16.3%

17.0%

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

The company continues to face a dynamic risk landscape, with the successful management of these risks remaining critical to achieving our strategic objectives. Below is a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties, overseen by the directors with support from company management.

 

Foreign exchange rates

Foreign exchange fluctuations remain a significant risk, exacerbated in 2025 by a volatile global currency market influenced by the Eastern European conflict and divergent monetary policies. These fluctuations impact both the cost of imported components and the competitiveness of our pricing for non-UK customers. To mitigate this, we have intensified our foreign exchange management strategy, including forward currency contracts and leveraging natural hedges between the euro and US dollar. Despite these measures, sharp movements in exchange rates, particularly the weakening of the pound against the dollar, have increased procurement costs, which we have partially offset through pricing adjustments.

 

Economic and market turmoil

While the direct effects of COVID-19 have subsided, the prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe continues to cast a shadow over global trade. Combined with foreign exchange volatility and inflation peaking at multi-year highs in the UK and key markets, these factors have necessitated a cautious yet adaptive approach. We have implemented measures to protect margins, including selective price increases and cost control initiatives, while expanding our group presence in more stable markets such as North America. The directors remain vigilant, monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential to further disrupt supply chains or demand patterns.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 2 -

Global economy

The new vehicle supply market and those market sectors of businesses utilising used commercial vehicles are influenced by changes to general economic conditions including the availability of credit, interest rates, fuel prices, end user consumer demand, consumer confidence and taxation. These conditions can influence mileage, repair cycles, attitude towards cost and specific product selection. It is likely that fleets will increase in age generating more demand for the economic repair of brake and related products. This puts our company in a strong position to support this demand our range of products offered and availability.

 

Competition

The company competes with other suppliers across the world. The company competes for the sale of air brake parts and vehicle control systems. The principal competitive factors are commitment to quality and customer satisfaction that has earned us a loyal following of customers who rely on us for their replacement and upgrade needs.

 

Company, people and reputation

The company has invested heavily in its people and its reputation over a number of years. It is therefore reliant on these individuals to a degree in delivering the company result and reinforcing the underlying company brand. The company undertakes a regular review of remuneration and packages to ensure that it attracts and retains the best people.

On behalf of the board

R J Anderson
Director
12 December 2025
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 3 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the supply of automotive parts.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 8.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

M P Luby
R J Anderson
Financial instruments

The company uses various financial instruments which include bank and, intercompany loans, cash and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the company’s operations. Their existence exposes the company to a number of financial risks.

 

The main risks arising from the company’s financial instruments are liquidity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. The directors review and agree policies for managing each of these risks which are summarised below.

Liquidity risk

The company seeks to manage risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs to invest cash assets safely and profitably.

 

The company's policy throughout the year has been to achieve this objective through the day to day involvement of management in business decisions rather than through setting maximum or minimum liquidity ratios.

Interest rate risk

The company finances its operations through a mixture of bank and other external borrowings. The company's exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by the use of fixed and floating facilities. The balance sheet includes trade debtors and creditors which do not attract interest and are therefore subject to fair value interest rate risk.

Foreign currency risk

Where the company engages in transactions in a foreign currency with its customers it seeks to mitigate the currency fluctuations through forward contracts.

Credit risk

The company's principal financial assets are cash and trade debtors. The credit risk associated with the cash is limited as the counterparts have high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. The principal credit risk therefore arises from its trade debtors.

 

In order to manage credit risk, the directors set credit limits for customers based on a combination of payment history and third party credit references. Credit limits are reviewed by the finance director on a regular basis in conjunction with debt ageing and collection history.

Auditor

The auditor, Cooper Parry Group Limited, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 4 -
Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

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 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.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
R J Anderson
Director
12 December 2025
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
- 5 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of European Braking Systems Ltd (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including 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).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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 Auditor's 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 UK, including the FRC’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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD (CONTINUED)
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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 strategic report or the directors' report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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 auditor's 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.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

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.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

Based on our understanding of the company, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the non-compliance with UK tax legislation, non-compliance with employment regulations in the UK, breaches of health and safety legislation, non-compliance with import and export restrictions, and other legislation specific to the industries in which the company operates, 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.

 

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 of journal entries to improve revenue performance, omission of related party transactions, and management bias in key accounting estimates.

Audit procedures performed by the audit engagement team included:

 

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD (CONTINUED)
- 7 -

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

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 auditor's 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.

Ryan Wear BSc ACA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Cooper Parry Group Limited
12 December 2025
Statutory Auditor
St James Building
79 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6HT
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 8 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
30,694,758
31,096,203
Cost of sales
(19,535,237)
(19,598,318)
Gross profit
11,159,521
11,497,885
Distribution costs
(1,163,198)
(893,773)
Administrative expenses
(5,419,537)
(5,552,671)
Operating profit
4
4,576,786
5,051,441
Interest payable and similar expenses
7
(204,715)
(153,806)
Profit before taxation
4,372,071
4,897,635
Tax on profit
8
(1,122,822)
(1,363,355)
Profit for the financial year
3,249,249
3,534,280

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 9 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
9
193,148
260,590
Tangible assets
10
402,725
782,109
Investments
11
3,706,394
3,706,394
4,302,267
4,749,093
Current assets
Stocks
13
10,274,512
9,285,130
Debtors
14
9,184,019
8,425,488
Cash at bank and in hand
1,710,404
1,676,630
21,168,935
19,387,248
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(12,755,627)
(14,605,008)
Net current assets
8,413,308
4,782,240
Total assets less current liabilities
12,715,575
9,531,333
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
16
100,471
165,478
(100,471)
(165,478)
Net assets
12,615,104
9,365,855
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
18
47,500
47,500
Other reserves
50
50
Profit and loss reserves
19
12,567,554
9,318,305
Total equity
12,615,104
9,365,855
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 12 December 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
R J Anderson
Director
Company registration number 03030042 (England and Wales)
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 10 -
Share capital
Other reserves
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 April 2023
47,500
50
5,784,025
5,831,575
Year ended 31 March 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
3,534,280
3,534,280
Balance at 31 March 2024
47,500
50
9,318,305
9,365,855
Year ended 31 March 2025:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
3,249,249
3,249,249
Balance at 31 March 2025
47,500
50
12,567,554
12,615,104
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

European Braking Systems Ltd is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 3, Westpoint Enterprise Park, Clarence Avenue, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1QS.

1.1
Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

 

The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of EBS Aftermarket Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, Unit 3, Westpoint Enterprise Park, Clarence Avenue, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1QS.

1.2
Going concern

Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Turnover

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.

Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
1.4
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Software
4 years straight line
1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Property improvements
4 years straight line
Plant and machinery
5 - 10 years straight line
Fixtures and fittings
4 - 5 years straight line
Motor vehicles
4 years straight line

During the year to 31 March 2025, the company reviewed its depreciation method for fixed assets. Previously, all asset classes were depreciated using the reducing balance method at 25% per annum. Following the review, management determined that the straight-line method provides a more reliable and relevant presentation of the consumption of assets over their useful lives and is consistent with the entity's replacement cycle.

 

Accordingly, from 1 April 2024, assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range between 4 and 10 years, depending on the nature of the asset. This change has been treated as a change in accounting estimate in accordance with FRS 102 paragraph 10.16 and applied prospectively from the date of change.

 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.6
Fixed asset investments

Interests in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

1.8
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method 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. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Classification of financial liabilities

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

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

1.12
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
1.13
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

 

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.14
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.15
Leases
As lessee

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

Useful lives of tangible and intangible fixed assets

The annual depreciation and amortisation charge for tangible and intangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives of the assets so these are re-assessed annually and amended when necessary to reflect current estimates. See the accounting policies note for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.

Stock valuation

Stock valuation is regularly monitored against age profile and market demand. Management use a number of market tools and the directors maintain oversight of ageing stock profiles and a monthly review of any provision required is performed.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 16 -
3
Turnover
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
UK
13,491,475
13,376,570
Rest of world
17,203,283
17,719,633
30,694,758
31,096,203
4
Operating profit
2025
2024
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Research and development costs
1,009
2,242
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
25,975
21,750
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
373,327
178,649
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(40,113)
(2,670)
Amortisation of intangible assets
82,624
59,983
Operating lease charges
332,923
466,685
5
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
Production
46
49
Administration and Support
22
20
Sales
11
14
Total
79
83

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
3,142,522
3,170,869
Social security costs
317,225
297,236
Pension costs
51,833
59,144
3,511,580
3,527,249
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 17 -
6
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
278,727
333,722
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
6,000
16,000
284,727
349,722

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2024 - 1)

Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
144,116
169,415
7
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
4,638
8,316
Exchange differences on financing transactions
171,584
145,490
Other interest
28,493
-
0
204,715
153,806
8
Taxation
2025
2024
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
1,187,829
1,186,572
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
-
0
140,645
Total current tax
1,187,829
1,327,217
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(65,007)
39,664
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
-
0
(3,526)
Total deferred tax
(65,007)
36,138
Total tax charge
1,122,822
1,363,355
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8
Taxation
(Continued)
- 18 -

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Profit before taxation
4,372,071
4,897,635
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
1,093,018
1,224,409
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
4,776
2,762
Adjustments in respect of prior years
-
0
140,645
Depreciation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
5,034
3,939
Amortisation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
19,994
-
0
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
-
0
(3,526)
Loan relationship debits transfers - non trade
-
0
(4,874)
Taxation charge for the year
1,122,822
1,363,355
9
Intangible fixed assets
Software
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
320,573
Additions
15,847
Disposals
(665)
At 31 March 2025
335,755
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
59,983
Amortisation charged for the year
82,624
At 31 March 2025
142,607
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
193,148
At 31 March 2024
260,590
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 19 -
10
Tangible fixed assets
Property improvements
Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
538,542
1,644,640
436,479
304,343
2,924,004
Additions
-
0
40,216
481
27,783
68,480
Disposals
-
0
(297,675)
-
0
(76,083)
(373,758)
At 31 March 2025
538,542
1,387,181
436,960
256,043
2,618,726
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
484,871
1,174,469
385,111
97,444
2,141,895
Depreciation charged in the year
50,342
235,101
24,564
63,320
373,327
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
0
(248,980)
-
0
(50,241)
(299,221)
At 31 March 2025
535,213
1,160,590
409,675
110,523
2,216,001
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
3,329
226,591
27,285
145,520
402,725
At 31 March 2024
53,671
470,171
51,368
206,899
782,109
11
Fixed asset investments
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
12
3,706,394
3,706,394
12
Subsidiaries

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows:

Name of undertaking
Address
Class of
% Held
shares held
Direct
Indirect
Air Brake Company Holland B.V.
*
Ordinary
100.00
-
European Braking Systems S.R.L
**
Ordinary
0
100.00

Registered office addresses:

*
Hogelandseweg 89, 6545AB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
**
Burcharest, Secrot 2, B-Dul Ferdinand I, NR.70, ET.1, Romania
13
Stocks
2025
2024
£
£
Stocks
10,274,512
9,285,130
EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13
Stocks
(Continued)
- 20 -

During the period an impairment reversal of £8,762 (2024: reversal of £111,225) was recognised against stock.

 

All stock is pledged as security for the company's bank facilities.

14
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
6,061,687
6,712,746
Corporation tax recoverable
270,530
-
0
Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,887,785
1,084,158
Amounts owed by undertakings in which the company has a participating interest
-
0
236,205
Other debtors
46,097
1,544
Prepayments and accrued income
406,771
390,835
8,672,870
8,425,488
2025
2024
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
443,649
-
0
Other debtors
67,500
-
0
511,149
-
Total debtors
9,184,019
8,425,488
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Trade creditors
2,042,131
3,490,410
Amounts owed to group undertakings
8,683,848
9,005,049
Corporation tax
-
0
722,808
Other taxation and social security
430,358
249,894
Other creditors
724,026
860,422
Accruals and deferred income
875,264
276,425
12,755,627
14,605,008

A loan from the ultimate parent for £1,028,493 is included within amounts owed to group undertakings. This loan had a maturity date of November 2025 and has now been fully repaid. Interest in respect of this loan was charged at SONIA rate plus 2.85%.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 21 -
16
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

Liabilities
Liabilities
2025
2024
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
103,257
168,997
Short term timing differences
(2,786)
(3,519)
100,471
165,478
2025
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 April 2024
165,478
Credit to profit or loss
(65,007)
Liability at 31 March 2025
100,471
17
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
51,833
59,144

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

18
Share capital
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary of £1 each
47,500
47,500
47,500
47,500
19
Reserves

Profit and loss reserves

This reserve includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses less dividends paid.

 

Other reserves

This reserve includes the value of the company's issued share capital than has been re-purchased and cancelled.

EUROPEAN BRAKING SYSTEMS LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 22 -
20
Operating lease commitments
As lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Within 1 year
34,563
44,941
Between 2 and 5 years
3,870
22,441
38,433
67,382
21
Related party transactions

The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group.

 

During the year, the company made sales of £42,643 (2024: £64,317) to Hi-Way Components Ltd (registered as Hi-Way Units Limited at Companies House), a company in which M P Luby holds a 20% shareholding and whose brother is a director and the Person with Significant Control. The balance due from Hi-Way Components Ltd at the year end was £14,772 (2024: £12,912).

22
Directors' transactions

As at the year end the director's loan accounts had a debtor balance of £6,002 (2024: £50).

23
Ultimate controlling party

The immediate parent entity is EBS Aftermarket Group Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.

EBS Aftermarket Group Limited is ultimately owned by Randon S.A. Implementos e Participacoes, a listed company in Brazil who acquired 100% of the company's share capital on 8 November 2024.

2025-03-312024-04-01falsefalsefalseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2025.200M P LubyR J Anderson030300422024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:Director12024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:Director22024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:RegisteredOffice2024-04-012025-03-31030300422025-03-31030300422023-04-012024-03-3103030042core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-04-012024-03-3103030042core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2025-03-3103030042core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2024-03-3103030042core:ComputerSoftware2025-03-3103030042core:ComputerSoftware2024-03-31030300422024-03-3103030042core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2025-03-3103030042core:PlantMachinery2025-03-3103030042core:FurnitureFittings2025-03-3103030042core:MotorVehicles2025-03-3103030042core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2024-03-3103030042core:PlantMachinery2024-03-3103030042core:FurnitureFittings2024-03-3103030042core:MotorVehicles2024-03-3103030042core:ShareCapital2025-03-3103030042core:ShareCapital2024-03-3103030042core:OtherMiscellaneousReserve2025-03-3103030042core:OtherMiscellaneousReserve2024-03-3103030042core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2025-03-3103030042core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-03-3103030042core:ShareCapital2023-03-3103030042core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-03-3103030042core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12025-03-3103030042core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12024-03-3103030042core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:ComputerSoftware2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:PlantMachinery2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:FurnitureFittings2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:MotorVehicles2024-04-012025-03-310303004212024-04-012025-03-310303004212023-04-012024-03-3103030042core:UKTax2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:UKTax2023-04-012024-03-310303004222024-04-012025-03-310303004222023-04-012024-03-310303004232024-04-012025-03-310303004232023-04-012024-03-3103030042core:ComputerSoftware2024-03-3103030042core:ComputerSoftwarecore:ExternallyAcquiredIntangibleAssets2024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2024-03-3103030042core:PlantMachinery2024-03-3103030042core:FurnitureFittings2024-03-3103030042core:MotorVehicles2024-03-31030300422024-03-3103030042core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2025-03-3103030042core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2024-03-3103030042core:Subsidiary12024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:Subsidiary22024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:Subsidiary112024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:Subsidiary222024-04-012025-03-3103030042core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2025-03-3103030042core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2024-03-3103030042bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:OrdinaryShareClass12025-03-3103030042bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-03-3103030042bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:FRS1022024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:Audited2024-04-012025-03-3103030042bus:FullAccounts2024-04-012025-03-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP