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Registered number: 05464513
LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
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D Bucknor (appointed 1 May 2025)
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P Simpson (appointed 1 May 2025)
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M Loehr (appointed 1 May 2025)
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Statutory Auditor & Chartered Accountants
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
CONTENTS
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Directors' Responsibilities Statement
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Independent Auditor's Report
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Statement of Comprehensive Income
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Statement of Changes in Equity
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Notes to the Financial Statements
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The directors present their Strategic Report for Little Tiger Press Limited (“the Company” or “LTP”) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Principal activities
The Company is a subsidiary of Penguin Random House Limited (“PRHL”), a company registered in the United Kingdom. The Company is UK domiciled and registered in England and Wales. The principal activity of the Company continues to be the publication of children’s books.
The results and financial position of the company are set out in the attached financial statements. The company made a profit before tax for the year of £2,727,217 (2024: £3,456,766).
Although turnover reduced in the year from £34,786,700 in 2024 to £31,481,894, management closely controlled costs to mitigate the impact of lower turnover, resulting in an increase in the gross profit margin to 40.5% in 2025, from 39.4% in 2024.
The company paid a dividend of £5,000,000 (2024: £Nil) after which it had net assets at the balance sheet date of £14,538,036 (2024: £17,632,028). At the balance sheet date, the company had cash at bank and in hand of £2,329,550 (2024: £1,977,022).
Key performance indicators
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The Company monitors progress and performance during the year using the following KPIs:
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Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and impairment of non-financial assets (EBITDA)
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Detailed explanations for the year on year movements have been explained in the business review section.
Management makes use of certain alternative performance measures (APMs) that are non-UK GAAP measures. The Board uses these to assess performance of the Company and considers them to provide useful supplementary information to the statutory results. The Board does not consider APMs to be more relevant or reliable than UK GAAP measures and notes that their definition and basis of calculation may differ from other companies. The Company’s APMs are defined and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable UK GAAP measure is shown below.
EBITDA is operating profit as measured using UK GAAP principles adjusted for the effects of depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-financial assets. EBITDA is reported to the Board as management considers that it provides a useful proxy for the Company’s operating profit excluding non-cash items. It can be reconciled to the operating profit measure reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as shown below:
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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(Reversal of impairment)/impairment of stocks
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(Reversal of impairment)/impairment of trade debtors
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Principal risks and uncertainties
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The Company's operations expose it to a variety of commercial and financial risks. The Company is subject to risk management procedures and an annual risk assessment implemented by the ultimate parent company, Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA. The Company has procedures in place to make the directors aware of the various risks to the Company’s business. The risks are monitored and reported to management.
The Company is exposed to currency exchange rate risk due to a proportion of its trade receivables, and trade payables for purchases of inventories, being denominated in non-sterling currencies. The net exposure of each currency is monitored by management, and appropriate actions taken where material risks are identified.
Directors' section 172 statement
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The Directors of the Company must act in accordance with a set of general duties, as detailed in section 172 of the UK Companies Act 2006, summarised as follows:
A director of a Company must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and, in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
•the likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term;
•the interest of the Company's employees;
•the need to foster the Company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
•the impact of the Company's operations on the community and environment;
•the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
•the need to act fairly as between the Shareholders
Examples of how the Directors have oversight of these stakeholder matters are included throughout the Strategic and Director’s report as well as set out specifically below.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Long-term decision making
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The Board operates a structured governance model which supports the Company in ensuring that decisions are considered, documented and reported upon, and in alignment with our strategic plans. Detailed budgets and forecasts are prepared which enable the Board to track performance and ensure that it is as expected, or that mitigation steps are taken to deliver performance in line with, or close to, expectations. The Board and senior management personnel operate within this structure, with the aim of promoting the success of the Company and delivering long- term shareholder value.
The Board is presented with regular board packs and other information that it needs to fulfil its responsibilities. During the year at Board meetings the Board have discussed and made decisions on a number of specific issues including business priorities and strategy, capital investment, and the ongoing management of the current economic situation.
The interest of the Company’s employees
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The Board recognises that employees are central to the long-term success of the Company. The Company systematically provides employees with information on matters of concern to them, consulting them or their representatives regularly, and providing forums and communication routes so that their views can be taken into account when making decisions that are likely to affect their interests.
Employee involvement in the Company is encouraged, as achieving a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the Company, plays a major role in maintaining its prosperity. The Company also regularly informs staff and staff representatives of Company updates and activities to keep them informed of the Company’s progress and performance.
The Company is committed to employment policies, which follow best practice, based on equal opportunities for all employees, irrespective of sex, race, colour, disability or sexual orientation as well as providing various employee networks to support the diverse and inclusive culture of the Company. All staff receive regular performance reviews as well as opportunity for learning to support the development of all employees’ careers. This includes training programs and secondment opportunities for staff.
Engagement with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders
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The directors appreciate the importance of fostering business relationships with key stakeholders, such as customers and suppliers, and focus on the maintenance and growth of these relationships in their decision making and strategic planning. The Company employs dedicated relationship managers to foster these relationships which also ensures the Board has a high degree of visibility to take stakeholder considerations into account.
Community impact and customer relations
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The Board ensures significant consideration is given to the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and their customers in their decision-making. The Company’s approach is to use its position of strength to ensure it is an asset to the communities and people with which it interacts. The Company aims to provide everyone equal access to books, working with a range of organisations to allow the opportunity to read as many books as possible. As part of this, the Company actively invest in young people, partnering with schools and local community projects to nurture and create readers for the future.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Environmental sustainability
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The Company's leadership team ensure environmental issues are managed effectively and considered in the strategic decisions of the Company. The Company strives to create positive change in reducing the environmental impact of its businesses whilst maintaining effective and continuing business practices. The Company is key in the collaboration of the publishing industry in tackling climate action as part of their role within ‘Publishing Declares’. The Company consider sustainability, ethical and environmental issues when sourcing core material for use in the printing of their books using the books created to provide a positive leverage for behaviour change of our consumers. As part of the environmental strategy, the Company aims to be climate neutral by 2030.
High standards of business conduct
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The Company has a Code of Conduct setting out the behaviours and values expected of all of our employees, which is communicated to all colleagues. Company processes ensure the Board and management are continually updated on the operation of the code and an independent whistleblowing service enables employees and third parties to anonymously raise concerns. Through its oversight and monitoring role, the Board requires all of our people to work to the highest standards of business conduct.
The Board recognises the importance of regular and open dialogue with the shareholders and the need to ensure the strategy and goals of the Company are effectively communicated to them. Feedback on these plans and objectives is welcomed by the directors and major business decisions are made closely and with the approval of the shareholders.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £1,906,008 (2024 - £2,439,594).
The directors paid a dividend during the year of £5,000,000 (2024: £Nil) to their parent company Penguin Random House Limited.
The directors who served during the year were:
B Marcus (resigned 1 May 2025)
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D Bucknor (appointed 1 May 2025)
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P Simpson (appointed 1 May 2025)
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M Loehr (appointed 1 May 2025)
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The Company will continue to seek suitable publishing opportunities to ensure growth. The directors do not anticipate any significant changes in the activities of the Company.
Going Concern
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have assessed the ability of the Company to continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the financial statements.
The Company has undertaken a risk assessment and forecasting exercise to assess the Company’s liquidity position. The forecast for the going concern period being to 30 June 2027, has been prepared using the three year plan approved by the Board and takes account of prior trends and expected titles to be published in the future and key cost drivers such as commodity prices and inflation.
For the purposes of the Company’s going concern assessment, the directors have performed sensitivity analysis on cashflows based on unforeseen changes in demand and the potential impact of increased inflationary pressures. In addition, reverse stress testing has been performed to establish the levels of performance where cash availability would be breached. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there was sufficient cash availability within the current intra group cash pooling facility to deal with all of the identified plausible scenarios.
The forecast is dependent on the group cash pooling facility being available for the going concern period and Bertelsmann UK Limited not seeking repayment of the amounts currently due. The directors have assessed the terms of the facility and note that they state that it can be terminated by either party with three days notice and, therefore, the Company has received written confirmation from Bertelsmann UK Limited that it will not seek repayment of the amounts due at any time within the forecast going concern period and that the cash pooling facility will be available throughout on the same terms. In addition to this, Bertelsmann SE Co. KGaA have provided written confirmation to Bertelsmann UK Limited that it will provide the necessary funds it requires throughout the going concern period and that it will honour the terms of the cash pooling facility which expires on 31 December 2026 until a minimum of 30 June 2027.
Based on the Company’s current trading performance, the sensitivity and reverse stress testing scenarios performed and the written confirmation of support from Bertelsmann UK Limited and Bertelsmann SE Co. KGaA, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of no less than twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Matters covered in the Strategic Report
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Details on engagement with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, and financial risk management policy sections are not included within the Directors Report as they are considered to be of strategic importance to the Company and, as allowed under the Companies Act 2006 s.414C(11), they have instead been included in the Strategic Report.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Disclosure of information to auditor
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Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
∙so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and
∙the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.
The auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 489 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board on 12 May 2026 and signed on its behalf.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law including FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'). 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 and profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
∙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 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.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of Little Tiger Press Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025, which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, 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).
In our opinion:
∙the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of its profit for the year then ended;
∙the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
∙the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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
We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the auditor’s opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue as a going concern.
In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks associated with the company's business model including effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties such as the cost of living crisis impacting consumer spending patterns and the impact of worldwide events such as the Middle East conflict, we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of estimates made by the directors and the related disclosures and analysed how those risks might affect the company's financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.
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.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Conclusions relating to going concern (continued)
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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.
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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is 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.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
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In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006
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.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
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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:
∙adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
∙the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
∙certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
∙we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Responsibilities of directors
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As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 8, 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.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:
∙We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the Company and industry in which it operates through our general commercial and sector experience, discussions with management and review of board minutes. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant: 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), the Companies Act 2006 and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK.
∙We enquired of management concerning the Company’s policies and procedures relating to:
∙the identification, evaluation and compliance with laws and regulations;
∙the detection and response to the risks of fraud; and
∙the establishment of internal controls to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
∙We enquired of management and those charged with governance, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected of alleged fraud.
∙We assessed the susceptibility of the Company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur and the risk of management override of controls. Audit procedures are performed by the engagement team included:
∙identifying and assessing the design effectiveness of controls management has in place to prevent and detect fraud;
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)
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∙challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates;
∙identifying and testing journal entries, in particular journal entries posted with unusual account combinations that increased revenues or that reduced costs in the Statement of comprehensive income; and
∙assessing the extent of compliance with the relevant laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement item.
∙In addition, we completed audit procedures to conclude on the compliance of disclosures in the Annual report and financial statements with applicable financial reporting requirements.
∙These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error and detecting irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting those that result from error, as fraud may involve collusion, deliberate concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it;
∙The engagement director's assessment of the appropriateness of the collective competence and capabilities of the engagement team included consideration of the audit team members':
∙understanding of, and practical experience wit,h audit engagements of a similar nature and complexity, through appropriate training and participation;
∙knowledge of the industry in which the client operates;
∙understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements specific to the entity/regulated entity including:
∙the provisions of the applicable legislation
∙the regulators rules and related guidance, including guidance issued by relevant authorities that interprets those rules
∙the applicable statutory provisions.
∙We communicated relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members. We remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
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 auditor’s report.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LITTLE TIGER PRESS 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.
Abigail Towers BSc FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
Milton Keynes
12 May 2026
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Interest receivable and similar income
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Profit for the financial year
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There were no recognised gains and losses for 2025 or 2024 other than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.
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There was no other comprehensive income for 2025 (2024:£NIL).
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The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 05464513
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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Total assets less current liabilities
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Provisions for liabilities
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Capital redemption reserve
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Prior year balances have been restated as detailed in note 23.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 12 May 2026.
The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Capital redemption reserve
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Comprehensive income for the year
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Total comprehensive income for the year
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Comprehensive income for the year
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Total comprehensive income for the year
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Contributions by and distributions to owners
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Dividends: Equity capital
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The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Little Tiger Press Limited ("the Company") is a private company limited by shares, incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Company is UK domiciled and registered in England and Wales. Its registered office is 1 Coda Studios, 189 Munster Road, London, SW6 6AW. Company number 05464513. The principal activity of the Company is the publication of children’s books.
2.Accounting policies
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Basis of preparation of financial statements
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The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
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 (see note 3).
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have assessed the ability of the Company to continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the financial statements.
The Company has undertaken a risk assessment and forecasting exercise to assess the Company’s liquidity position. The forecast for the going concern period being to 30 June 2027, has been prepared using the three year plan approved by the Board and takes account of prior trends and expected titles to be published in the future and key cost drivers such as commodity prices and inflation.
For the purposes of the Company’s going concern assessment, the directors have performed sensitivity analysis on cashflows based on unforeseen changes in demand and the potential impact of increased inflationary pressures. In addition, reverse stress testing has been performed to establish the levels of performance where cash availability would be breached. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there was sufficient cash availability within the current intra group cash pooling facility to deal with all of the identified plausible scenarios.
The forecast is dependent on the group cash pooling facility being available for the going concern period and Bertelsmann UK Limited not seeking repayment of the amounts currently due. The directors have assessed the terms of the facility and note that they state that it can be terminated by either party with three days notice and, therefore, the Company has received written confirmation from Bertelsmann UK Limited that it will not seek repayment of the amounts due at any time within the forecast going concern period and that the cash pooling facility will be available throughout on the same terms. In addition to this, Bertelsmann SE Co. KGaA have provided written confirmation to Bertelsmann UK Limited that it will provide the necessary funds it requires throughout the going concern period and that it will honour the terms of the cash pooling facility which expires on 31 December 2026 until a minimum of 30 June 2027.
Based on the Company’s current trading performance, the sensitivity and reverse stress testing scenarios performed and the written confirmation of support from Bertelsmann UK Limited and Bertelsmann SE Co. KGaA, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Going concern (continued)
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adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of no less than twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
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Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
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The Company has taken advantage of the following exemptions:
∙from preparing a statement of cash flows, on the basis that its ultimate parent Company, Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA, has prepared consolidated financial statements which are publicly available and included the Company’s cash flows in its consolidated cash flow statement;
∙from disclosing related party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group, as required by FRS 102 paragraph 33.1A
∙certain financial instruments disclosures, required under FRS 102 paragraphs, 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b), 11.48(c), 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A, as the information is provided in the consolidated Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA financial statements. in which the Company is consolidated; and
∙from reconciling the number of shares outstanding at the beginning and end of the period.
∙from disclosing the Company key management personnel compensation, as required by FRS 102 paragraph 33.7.
This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA
as at 31 December 2025 and these financial statements may be obtained from Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA, Corporate Communications, Carl Bertelsmann Strasse 270, Postfach 111, D-33311 Gütersloh, Germany.
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Foreign currency translation
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Functional and presentation currency
The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.
Items included in the financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The financial statements are presented in pound sterling, which is also the functional currency of the Company.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Management assess the underlying asset and liability in the transaction to determine the nature of the foreign exchange gains and losses. As this results from operating activities gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within 'Administrative expenses'.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are re-translated to the
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Foreign currency translation (continued)
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functional currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within 'Administrative expenses'.
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:
Sale of goods
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
∙the Company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
∙the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
∙the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
∙it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
∙the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Royalty income
Income from licensing and sub rights is assessed for each license contract to determine whether the license provides the customer with a right to access or use of the Company’s intellectual property, with the point of recognition dependent upon this assessment and when the rights are transferred and used. Income from the use of rights granted by the agreement are recognised as turnover when the performance obligations have been satisfied and collectability is probable.
Advances of royalties paid to authors are included within trade and other receivables and are recognised once a signature advance has been paid or manuscript has been accepted or marked as future accepted on the title. Advances of royalties paid to authors under licensing agreements are recognised based on the related performance obligation identified in the contract. Where the advance is not linked to any further obligations by the proprietor, the advance is recognised upon signing of the contract or a specific date identified in the contract.
Advances are presented at their net realisable value, being the advance less any write down or valuation allowance. Management apply judgement in their bi-annual assessment to unpublished books as to whether the book will sustain economic loss based on the future projections of revenues and associated costs. For published titles, a quarterly assessment determines whether the unearned royalty advances of a particular title is recoverable based on the projected future sales of the title and the related royalty income.
Once the author advance is earned out, future author payments are expensed at the contracted or effective royalty rate as the related revenue is earned.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Interest payable and similar expenses are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.
The Company provides a range of benefits to employees, including discretionary bonus arrangements, paid holiday arrangements and defined contribution pension plans.
Defined contribution pension plan
The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.
Short term benefits, including holiday pay and other similar non-monetary benefits, are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.
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Current and deferred taxation
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The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.
Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
∙The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
∙Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.
Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Current and deferred taxation (continued)
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fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of the business combination is measured at the consideration paid, which is equal to the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree. This is calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. Any excess of the cost of the business combination over the Company’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities is recognised as goodwill (see note 2.12).
When assessing goodwill, consideration is made relating to identifiable assets and liabilities, not recorded on the balance sheet. This includes, but is not limited to, the back list and front list of titles of acquired publishing companies.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer’s interest in the fair value of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis to the Statement of Comprehensive Income over its useful economic life.
Other intangible assets
Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.
The estimated useful lives range as follows:
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Titles acquired from the Magi Partnership and Liontree Publishing Limited
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Titles acquired from Caterpillar Books Limited and Stripes Publishing Limited
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Amortisation is included in administrative expenses in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Impairment of Intangible assets
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At each reporting date intangible fixed assets are reviewed to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If there is an indication of possible impairment, the recoverable amount of any affected asset is estimated and compared with its carrying amount. If the estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
In relation to Goodwill, as Goodwill does not generate independent cash inflows, the impairment is tested at a cash-generating unit (CGU) level. If impairment is identified in the period, the impairment loss is first allocated to the goodwill of the respective CGU; then, to the other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the CGU. In doing so, the carrying amount of any asset in a CGU is not reduced below the highest of fair value less costs to sell (if determinable), value in use (if determinable); and zero. Any excess amount of the impairment loss which cannot be allocated to an asset because of the mentioned restriction is allocated to the other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of those other assets.
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.
At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
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Cash and cash equivalents
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Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Provisions for liabilities
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Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.
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Liability for sales returns
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Certain sales are made on a sale or return basis, hence at any point there is an unknown liability for sales credits. A provision has been estimated based on historical rates of returns.
The Company only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in non-puttable ordinary shares.
The Company has chosen to adopt Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 in respect of financial instruments, selecting the option to apply the recognition and measurement provisions of IAS 39 (as adopted for use in the EU) and the disclosure requirements of FRS 102.
Debt instruments, like loans and other accounts receivable and payable, are initially measured at present value of the future payments and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments that are payable or receivable within one year, typically trade payables or receivables, are measured, initially and subsequently, at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration, expected to be paid or received. However if the arrangements of a short-term instrument constitute a financing transaction, like the payment of a trade debt deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate or in case of an outright short-term loan not at market rate, the financial asset or liability is measured, initially and subsequently, at the present value of the future payment discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortised cost are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.
For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated cash flow discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. If a financial asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract.
For financial assets measured at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset’s carrying amount and best estimate, which is an approximation of the amount that the Company would receive for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Statement of Financial Position when there is an 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.
Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.
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Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
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In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources as well as the amounts reported for revenue and expenses during the period. The estimates, underlying assumptions and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable and relevant under the circumstances. However, there are no significant accounting judgments other that those arising from estimation uncertainty as described below.
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Key accounting estimates and assumptions
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(i) Returns liabilities
The Company has agreements in place to allow customers to return books. As a result the company makes an estimate of future returns based on a two year historical review, the ageing of sales and business experience. This liability is within accruals and the value at the year end was £1,512,240 (2024: £1,407,108).
(ii) Stocks provisioning
The Company publishes books and is subject to changing customer demands. As a result it is necessary to consider the recoverability of the cost of stock. When calculating the stock provision, management considers the ageing of the stock as well as predicted future sales based on historical sales data by publishing imprint. See note 12 for reference.
(iii) Advances
Advances of royalties paid to authors are recognised upon the payment of signature advance or upon the acceptance of the manuscript on the title.
Unpublished titles:
In the case of advances on books not yet published, management may anticipate that the book may sustain an economic loss. The significant titles when unpublished are assessed twice a year for onerous losses, and provisions on a contract level are created as per Section 27 FRS 102.
The realisable value of royalty advances relies on a degree of management judgement in determining the profitability of individual author contracts. The recoverability of royalty advances is based upon a detailed management review of the age of the advance, the future sales projections for new authors and prior sales history of repeat authors. Future sales projections are normally up to one year for domestic sales and up to two years for international sales, and for licensing agreements, varies as per the terms of the agreement.
The carrying amount of royalty advances on unpublished titles, net of provisions are included in advance royalties, see note 13 for reference.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Key accounting estimates and assumptions (continued)
Published titles:
Upon publication, the realisable value for significant titles will then be adjusted on a title by title basis for the recoverability of the unearned royalty advances on a quarterly basis i.e. advance paid less royalty earnings and subrights income, based on anticipated future sales of the titles as per Section 27 FRS 102. The royalty advance is expensed at the contracted or effective royalty rate as the related turnover is earned. The carrying amount of royalty advances (net of provision) are included in advance royalties, see note 13 for reference.
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An analysis of revenue by class of business is as follows:
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Analysis of revenue by country of destination:
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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The operating profit is stated after charging:
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Other operating lease rentals
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Amortisation of intangibles assets, including goodwill
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(Reversal of impairment)/impairment of stock
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(Reversal of impairment)/impairment of trade debtors
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Staff costs were as follows:
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Cost of defined contribution scheme
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The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Retirement benefits are accruing to no directors (2024: none).
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Interest receivable and similar income
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Interest receivable from group companies
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Interest payable and similar expenses
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Interest payable on cash pooling
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Further details regarding cash pooling arrangements are included in note 15.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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UK corporation tax on profits for the year
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Adjustments in respect of prior years
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Foreign tax on income for the year
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Origination and reversal of timing differences
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Adjustments in respect of prior years
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Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10.Tax on profit (continued)
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Factors affecting tax charge for the year
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The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2024 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%). The differences are explained below:
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Profit on ordinary activities before tax
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Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%)
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Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
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Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years - Current Tax
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Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years - Deferred Tax
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Withholding tax not creditable
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Total tax charge for the year
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Charge for the year on owned assets
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Raw materials and consumables
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Finished goods and goods for resale
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There is no significant difference between the replacement cost of stocks and their carrying amount.
Stock recognised in Cost of Sales during the year as an expense was £13,744,090 (2024: £15,257,933).
Stocks are stated after provision for impairment of £1,884,189 (2024: £2,020,242). The impairment charge is recognised in cost of sales.
No stocks have been pledged as security for liabilities.
Prior year balances have been restated as detailed in note 23.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
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Amounts owed by group undertakings
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Prepayments and accrued income
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Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, repayable on demand and interest free.
Trade debtors are stated after provision for impairment of £244,743 (2024: £478,456).
Advance royalties are stated after a provision of £2,073,150 (2024: £1,231,971).
Prior year balances have been restated as detailed in note 23.
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Cash and cash equivalents
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
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Payments received on account
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Amounts owed to group undertakings
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Other taxation and social security
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Accruals and deferred income
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Amount owed to group undertakings (excluding amounts owed to Bertelsmann UK Limited) are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. Included in amounts owed to group undertakings is £2,185,000 (2024: £1,228,297) owed to Bertelsmann UK Limited in respect of cash pooling agreements. Interest is charged on these amounts on a monthly basis; the average interest rate for the year was 5.71% (2024: 6.55%).
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Deferred tax assets and (liabilities)
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Movement in recognised deferred tax during the year:
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Statement of Comprehensive Income movement
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Property plant and equipment
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Other temporary differences
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Other temporary differences
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Total deferred tax assets and (liabilities)
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Deferred tax assets are recognised within debtors (note 13), the deferred tax liabilities are recognised within provisions.
The deferred tax assets/(liabilities) have been calculated at 25.00% (2024: 25%).
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Deferred tax assets and (liabilities) (continued)
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Movement in recognised deferred tax during the year:
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Statement of Comprehensive Income movement
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Property plant and equipment
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Other temporary differences
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Other temporary differences
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Total deferred tax assets and (liabilities)
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Allotted, called up and fully paid
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100 (2024: 100) Ordinary shares of £1.00 each
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There is a single class of ordinary shares. The ordinary shares carry one voting right per share and no fixed income.
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Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents a non-distributable reserve which arose following an employee share option scheme buyback.
Profit and loss account
The profit and loss account represents cumulative profits and losses of the Company minus any dividends paid.
The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately 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 £178,861 (2024: £174,916). Contributions totalling £31,982 (2024: £29,051) were payable to the fund at the reporting date and are included in creditors.
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LITTLE TIGER PRESS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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Commitments under operating leases
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At 31 December 2025, the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:
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Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
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During the year, the Company expensed operating lease costs through the Statement of Comprehensive Income of £309,840 (2024: £309,669).
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Related party transactions
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As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penguin Random House Limited ("PRHL") the Company is exempt from the requirement, under paragraph 33.1A of FRS 102, to disclose transactions with entities that are wholly owned by PRHL. The Company has taken advantage of this exemption.
During the year the Company entered into the following transactions at an arm’s length with related parties not wholly owned within the Group:
At the balance sheet date, included within creditors is £nil (2024: £nil) owing to Magi Properties (Partnership) Limited for rental of property. This is a related party under common directorship. During the year there was rent charged of £121,606 (2024: £121,606).
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The Company's immediate parent company is Penguin Random House Limited (“PRHL”). The Company’s ultimate controlling party is Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA, which is incorporated in Germany. Copies of Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA’s consolidated financial statements (the smallest and largest financial statements in which the Company is consolidated) can be obtained from:
Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA
Corporate Communications
Carl Bertelsmann Strasse 270
33311 Gütersloh, Germany
The Company has restated certain prior year balances relating to the following matters identified during the course of preparing these financial statements.
Advance royalty classification
Royalty advances paid to authors, net of impairment, have been reclassified from work in progress (stock) to debtors. The impact of the restatement as at 31 December 2024 is to decrease the value of stock and increase the value of debtors by £931,117 respectively. There was no impact on the Company's net assets or total comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2024, and no impact on the Company's opening profit and loss account as at 1 January 2024.
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