InterContinental Hotels 20F 2004 Annual report

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F


(Mark One)
o		REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

þ		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
or

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 1-10409

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

England and Wales

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

67 Alma Road,

Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3HD

(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares		New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary Shares of 112 pence each		New York Stock Exchange*


*	Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Ordinary Shares of 112 pence each 622,068,047

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17 o Item 18 þ

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page

Introduction			4
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements			5

PART I
Item 1.	Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors		7
Item 2.	Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable		7
Item 3.	Key Information		7
	Selected Consolidated Financial Information		7
	Risk Factors		13
Item 4.	Information on the Company		17
	Summary		17
	Segmental Information		19
	Hotels		23
	Soft Drinks		39
	Trademarks		41
	Organizational Structure		41
	Property, Plants and Equipment		42
	Environment		42
Item 5.	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects		43
	Introduction		43
	Critical Accounting Policies Under UK GAAP and US GAAP		44
	Operating Results		46
	Liquidity and Capital Resources		59
	International Financial Reporting Information		61
Item 6.	Directors, Senior Management and Employees		70
	Directors and Senior Management		70
	Compensation		72
	Board Practices		74
	Employees		76
	Share Ownership		77
Item 7.	Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions		78
	Major Shareholders		78
	Related Party Transactions		78
Item 8.	Financial Information		80
	Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information		80
	Significant Changes		80
Item 9.	The Offer and Listing		80
	Plan of Distribution		81
	Selling Shareholders		81
	Dilution		81
	Expenses of the Issue		81


		Page

Item 10.	Additional Information		82
	Memorandum and Articles of Association		82
	Material Contracts		84
	Exchange Controls		87
	Taxation		87
	Documents on Display		90
Item 11.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		90
Item 12.	Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities		93

PART II
Item 13.	Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies		93
Item 14.	Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds		93
Item 15.	Controls and Procedures		93
Item 16.	[Reserved]		93
Item 16A.	Audit Committee Financial Expert		93
Item 16B.	Code of Ethics		93
Item 16C.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services		94
Item 16D.	Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees		94
Item 16E.	Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers		95

PART III
Item 17.	Financial Statements		95
Item 18.	Financial Statements		96
Item 19.	Exhibits		96
Exhibit 4(a)(ii)
Exhibit 4(b)(i)
Exhibit 4(b)(ii)
Exhibit 4(b)(iii)
Exhibit 4(b)(iv)
Exhibit 4(b)(v)
Exhibit 4(c)(v)
Exhibit 8
Exhibit 12.1
Exhibit 12.2
Exhibit 13.1

INTRODUCTION

As used in this document, except as the context otherwise requires, the terms:


	•	“board” refers to the board of directors of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC or, where appropriate, the board of Six Continents PLC;

	•	“Britvic” refers to Britannia Soft Drinks Limited;

	•	“Company” refers to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC or Six Continents PLC or their respective board of directors as the context requires;

	•	“Group” refers to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and its subsidiaries or Six Continents PLC and its subsidiaries as the context requires;

	•	“Hotels” or “IHG Hotels” refers to the hotels business of Six Continents or InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as the context requires;

	•	“IHG” refers to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC or, where appropriate, its board of directors;

	•	“MAB” or “Mitchells and Butlers” refers to Mitchells & Butlers plc;

	•	“ordinary share” or “share” refers to the ordinary shares of 28 pence each of Six Continents PLC or the ordinary shares of £1 and after December 10, 2004, 112 pence each of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC;

	•	“Separation transaction” or “Separation” refers to the transaction that separated Six Continents PLC’s hotels and soft drinks businesses from its retail business, completed on April 15, 2003. The Separation resulted in two separately listed holding companies: (i) Mitchells & Butlers plc, which is the holding company of the retail business and Standard Commercial Property Developments Limited; and (ii) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, which is the holding company for the hotels and soft drinks businesses;

	•	“Six Continents” refers to Six Continents PLC;

	•	“Soft Drinks” and “Britvic business” refer to the soft drinks business of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, which the Company has through its controlling interest in Britvic; and

	•	“VAT” refers to UK value added tax levied by HM Customs & Excise on certain goods and services.

References in this document to the “Companies Act” mean the Companies Act 1985, as amended, of Great Britain; references to the “EU” mean the European Union; references in this document to “UK” refer to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Company publishes its Consolidated Financial Statements expressed in UK pounds sterling. In this document, references to “US dollars”, “US$”, “$” or “¢” are to United States (“US”) currency, references to “euro” or “€” are to the euro, the currency of the European Economic and Monetary Union and references to “pounds sterling”, “sterling”, “£”, “pence” or “p” are to UK currency. Solely for convenience, this Annual Report on Form 20-F contains translations of certain pound sterling amounts into US dollars at specified rates. These translations should not be construed as representations that the pound sterling amounts actually represent such US dollar amounts or could be converted into US dollars at the rates indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the translations of pounds sterling into US dollars have been made at the rate of £1.00 = $1.93, the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in pounds sterling as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”) on December 31, 2004. On April 25, 2005 the Noon Buying Rate was £1.00 = $1.91. For information regarding rates of exchange between pounds sterling and US dollars from fiscal 2000 to the present, see “Item 3. Key Information — Exchange Rates”.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31. This reflects a change from September 30, implemented following Separation. The December 31 fiscal year end is in line with the calendar accounting year ends of the majority of comparable US and European hotel companies. IHG will continue to report on a

December 31 fiscal year end basis, as the Group believes this facilitates more meaningful comparisons with other key participants in the industry. References in this document to a particular year are to the fiscal year unless otherwise indicated. For example, references to the year ended December 31, 2004 are shown as 2004 and references to the fiscal period ended December 31, 2003 are shown as 2003 and represent the 15 months from October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003, unless otherwise specified, references to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 are shown as 2002 and references to other fiscal years are shown in a similar manner.

The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom (“UK GAAP”) which differ from those generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The significant differences applicable to the Group are explained in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

During 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year end to December 31 and thus its financial statements for the 2003 fiscal period are presented for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 as permitted by the Companies Act 1985. In accordance with the transition period reporting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), an unaudited analysis of the financial statements and notes thereto for the 15 month period showing the three month period ended December 31, 2002 and the 12 month period ended December 31, 2003 is presented in Note 34 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

IHG believes that the reporting of profit and earnings measures before exceptional items provides additional meaningful information on underlying returns and trends to shareholders. The Group’s key performance indicators used in budgets, monthly reporting, forecasts, long-term planning and incentive plans for internal financial reporting focus primarily on profit and earnings measures before exceptional items. For this purpose, exceptional items comprises operating exceptional items, exceptional tax and exceptional interest credits and charges, in addition to those non-operating exceptional items disclosed below operating profit as required by UK GAAP. Throughout this document earnings per share is also calculated excluding the effect of all exceptional items and the related tax effect and is referred to as adjusted earnings per share.

The Company furnishes The Bank of New York, as Depositary, with annual reports containing Consolidated Financial Statements and an independent auditor’s opinion thereon. These Financial Statements are prepared on the basis of UK GAAP. The annual reports contain reconciliations to US GAAP of net income and shareholders’ equity. The Company also furnishes the Depositary with semi-annual reports prepared in conformity with UK GAAP, which contain unaudited interim consolidated financial information. Upon receipt thereof, the Depositary mails all such reports to recorded holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) evidencing American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”). The Company also furnishes to the Depositary all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to shareholders of the Company. The Depositary makes such notices, reports and communications available for inspection by recorded holders of ADRs and mails to all recorded holders of ADRs notices of shareholders’ meetings received by the Depositary. The Company is not required to report quarterly financial information. However, during 2004, the Company reported interim financial information at June 30, 2004 in accordance with the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority. In addition, it provided a trading update at March 31, 2004 and at September 30, 2004 and intends to continue to provide quarterly financial information during fiscal 2005, although it has not made any decision with respect to reporting quarterly financial information after 2005.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 20-F contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Group and certain of the plans and objectives of the board of directors of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC with respect thereto. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use such words as “anticipate”, “target”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “goal”, “believe” or other words of similar meanings. Such statements in the Form 20-F include, but are not limited to, statements under the following headings: (i) “Item 4. Information on the Company”; (ii) “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”;

(iii) “Item 8. Financial Information”; and (iv) “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. Specific risks faced by the Company are described under “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” commencing on page 13. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this Form 20-F could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the effect of political and economic developments, the risks involved with the Group’s reliance on brands and protection of intellectual property rights and the reliance on consumer perception of its brands, the ability to recruit and retain key personnel, the risks involved with developing and employing new technologies and systems, the Group’s ability to purchase adequate insurance, risks associated with funding the defined benefits under its pension schemes, the future balance between supply and demand for the Group’s hotels, the risks relating to identifying, securing and retaining management and franchise agreements, events that adversely impact domestic or international travel, including terrorist incidents and epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”), increased use of intermediary reservation channels, the lack of selected acquisition opportunities or the effects of being unable to make disposals of hotel assets, the risks of litigation, the risks of possible product contamination, reliance on suppliers in the soft drinks business, competition, and the effect of adverse weather conditions on the demand in the soft drinks business.

PART I


ITEM 1.	*IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS*

Not applicable.


ITEM 2.	*OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE*

Not applicable.


ITEM 3.	*KEY INFORMATION*

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Summary

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 including unaudited information for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003, and the years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are derived from Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group, which have been audited by its independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, restated where appropriate to accord with the Group’s current accounting policies and presentation. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.


	*Consolidated Profit and Loss Account Data*


								Three months			12 months			15 months
		Year ended						ended			ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,						December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,

		2004(1)(2)			2004(1)			2002			2003			2003(1)			2002(1)			2001(1)			2000(1)

		$			£			£			£			£			£			£			£
		(in millions, except per share and ADS amounts)
Amounts in accordance with UK GAAP
Turnover:
	Continuing operations		4,011			2,204			529			2,161			2,690			2,134			2,473			2,092
	Discontinued operations		—			—			342			451			793			1,481			1,560			3,066

			4,011			2,204			871			2,612			3,483			3,615			4,033			5,158

Total operating profit before operating exceptional items:			��
	Continuing operations		603			331			60			286			346			329			486			428
	Discontinued operations		—			—			52			85			137			289			306			477

			603			331			112			371			483			618			792			905

Operating exceptional items:
	Continuing operations		(35	)		(19	)		—			(51	)		(51	)		(77	)		(43	)		—

			(35	)		(19	)		—			(51	)		(51	)		(77	)		(43	)		—

Total operating profit:
	Continuing operations		568			312			60			235			295			252			443			428
	Discontinued operations		—			—			52			85			137			289			306			477

			568			312			112			320			432			541			749			905

Non-operating exceptional items:
	Continuing operations		(126	)		(69	)		(3	)		(167	)		(170	)		(2	)		(2	)		2
	Discontinued operations		—			—			—			(43	)		(43	)		55			2			1,294

			(126	)		(69	)		(3	)		(210	)		(213	)		53			—			1,296

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			442			243			109			110			219			594			749			2,201
Interest receivable			128			70			27			77			104			116			165			57
Interest payable and similar charges			(157	)		(86	)		(39	)		(112	)		(151	)		(176	)		(224	)		(209	)
Premium on early settlement of debt			(31	)		(17	)		—			(136	)		(136	)		—			—			—

Profit before taxation			382			210			97			(61	)		36			534			690			2,049
Taxation			213			117			(29	)		46			17			(52	)		(223	)		(342	)
Minority equity interests			(51	)		(28	)		(4	)		(30	)		(34	)		(25	)		(24	)		(16	)

Earnings			544			299			64			(45	)		19			457			443			1,691

Per ordinary share:
	Basic		76.6	p		42.1	p		8.7	p		(6.1	)p		2.6	p		62.5	p		60.6	p		228.5	p
	Diluted		75.7	p		41.6	p		8.7	p		(6.1	)p		2.6	p		62.3	p		60.2	p		227.0	p
	Adjusted(3)		59.2	p		32.5	p		9.1	p		30.0	p		39.1	p		49.5	p		66.6	p		68.8	p

	Dividends		157.1	p		86.3	p		—			21.2	p		21.2	p		41.7	p		40.5	p		39.3	p

Footnotes on page 10.


									Three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended						ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,						December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,

			2004(1)(2)(4)			2004(1)(4)			2002(4)			2003(4)			2003(1)(4)			2002(1)			2001(1)			2000(1)

			$			£			£			£			£			£			£			£
			(in millions, except per share and ADS amounts)
Amounts in accordance with US GAAP
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle:
	Continuing operations			580			318			29			(5	)		24			163			185			135
	Discontinued operations:
		Income from discontinued operations		2			1			31			34			65			165			466			462
		Surplus on disposal		38			21			—			—			—			171			25			1,242

	Total discontinued operations			40			22			31			34			65			336			491			1,704

Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142				—			—			(712	)		—			(712	)		—			—			—

	Net income/(loss)			620			340			(652	)		29			(623	)		499			676			1,839

Per ordinary share and American Depositary Share(5)
Basic
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle:
	Continuing operations			81.8	¢		44.8	p		4.0	p		(0.6	)p		3.3	p		22.3	p		25.3	p		18.2	p
	Discontinued operations			5.6	¢		3.1	p		4.2	p		4.6	p		8.9	p		46.0	p		67.1	p		230.3	p
Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142				—			—			(97.1	)p		—			(97.1	)p		—

Net income/(loss)				87.4	¢		47.9	p		(88.9	)p		4.0	p		(84.9	)p		68.3	p		92.4	p		248.5	p

Diluted
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle:
	Continuing operations			77.8	¢		42.6	p		4.0	p		(0.6	)p		3.3	p		22.2	p		25.2	p		18.1	p
	Discontinued operations			5.5	¢		3.1	p		4.2	p		4.6	p		8.9	p		45.8	p		66.7	p		228.8	p
Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142				—			—			(97.1	)p		—			(97.1	)p		—			—			—

Net income/(loss)				83.3	¢		45.7	p		(88.9	)p		4.0	p		(84.9	)p		68.0	p		91.9	p		246.9	p

Footnotes on page 10.


	*Consolidated Balance Sheet Data*


	December 31,						September 30,

	2004(2)		2004		2003		2002		2001		2000

	$		£		£		£		£		£
	(in millions)
Amounts in accordance with UK GAAP
Intangible assets		274		142		158		173		174		189
Tangible assets		7,288		3,776		3,951		7,641		7,558		6,683
Investments		191		99		172		218		234		217
Current assets		1,461		757		999		1,022		1,107		1,684
Total assets		9,214		4,774		5,280		9,054		9,073		8,773

Current liabilities(6)		1,955		1,013		1,085		2,273		2,009		1,604
Long-term debt(6)		2,231		1,156		988		631		1,019		1,213
Share capital		1,345		697		739		734		734		745
Shareholders’ funds		3,816		1,977		2,554		5,335		5,153		5,099

Amounts in accordance with US GAAP
Intangible assets		2,644		1,370		1,587		2,702		2,902		2,960
Tangible assets		6,666		3,454		3,916		6,552		6,343		5,130
Investments		197		102		174		189		205		254
Current assets		2,017		1,045		978		983		1,209		1,796
Total assets		11,524		5,971		6,655		10,426		10,659		10,140

Current liabilities(6)		3,926		2,034		1,496		2,109		2,033		1,461
Long-term debt(6)		100		52		523		622		779		1,152
Share capital		1,345		697		739		243		242		246
Shareholders’ equity		5,398		2,797		3,380		6,221		6,381		6,147


(1)	The results for 2002, 2001 and 2000 include 52 weeks (Hotels 12 months). Fiscal 2003 reflects 15 months trading for Hotels, Soft Drinks 64 weeks ended December 20, 2003 and Mitchells and Butlers plc which reflects 28 weeks ended April 12, 2003. For the year 2004, Hotels include 12 months and Soft drinks 53 weeks ended December 25, 2004.

(2)	US dollar amounts have been translated at the Noon Buying Rate on December 31, 2004 of £1.00 = $1.93 solely for convenience.

(3)	Adjusted earnings per share are disclosed in order to show performance undistorted by exceptional items.

(4)	Subsequent to the publication of the Group’s UK Annual Report and Financial Statements, the net income in accordance with US GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2004, reported therein, was determined to be understated in that document by £8 million. Also, the split of net income between continuing operations and discontinued operations as reported therein, has been revised. There was no impact on the UK GAAP results.

(5)	Each American Depositary Share represents one ordinary share.

(6)	Long-term debt under UK GAAP includes amounts supported by long-term credit facilities, which are classified as current liabilities under US GAAP.

Dividends

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC paid an interim dividend of 4.3p per share on October 18, 2004 and a special interim dividend of 72.0p per ordinary share on December 17, 2004. The IHG board has proposed a final dividend of 10.0p per share, payable on June 3, 2005, if approved by shareholders at the Annual General

Meeting to be held on June 1, 2005, bringing the total IHG dividend for the year ended December 31, 2004 to 14.3p per share excluding the special interim dividend.

IHG intends to pursue a progressive dividend policy that is appropriate to the strategies of the Group.

On May 3, 2005, the Board of IHG announced details of the proposed return of approximately £1 billion to shareholders. In order to implement the proposals, the board is seeking shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for June 1, 2005 and the sanction of the High Court of England and Wales to introduce a new listed parent company of the Group, New InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (“New IHG”) and to return funds to shareholders by way of a scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme”). Shortly after the Scheme becomes effective, it is proposed to seek a further sanction of the Court to reduce the capital of New IHG. It is intended that, subject to the Scheme becoming effective, New IHG will, with effect from the date of admission to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority, adopt the name ‘InterContinental Hotels Group PLC’.

If the Scheme is implemented, Shareholders will receive 11 New Ordinary Shares and £1.65 in cash in exchange for every 15 Existing Ordinary Share they currently hold.

After the reduction of capital, the share capital of New IHG will be reduced, in order to create new distributable reserves of approximately £2.7 billion, by decreasing the nominal amount of each New Ordinary Share issued pursuant to the Scheme from 625 pence to 10 pence.

Shareholders will still own the same proportion of New IHG, subject to fractional entitlements, after the implementation of the proposals as they held in IHG before the implementation of the proposals. As all ordinary shareholdings in the Company will be consolidated, shareholders’ percentage holdings in the issued share capital of the Company will (save in respect of fractional entitlements) remain unchanged.

The table below sets forth the amounts of interim, final and total dividends on each ordinary share in respect of each fiscal year indicated. Comparative dividends per share have been restated using the aggregate of the weighted average number of shares of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and Six Continents PLC, adjusted to equivalent shares of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. For the purposes of showing the dollar amounts per ADS, such amounts are before deduction of UK withholding tax (as described under “Item 10. Additional Information — Taxation”) and are translated into US dollars per ADS at the Noon Buying Rate on each of the respective UK payment dates. However, dividends paid in US dollars by the Depositary may be based on a market exchange rate other than the Noon Buying Rate.

Ordinary dividend


	Pence per ordinary share						$ per ADS

	Interim		Final		Total		Interim		Final			Total

Year ended September 30
2000(1)		11.92		27.37		39.29		0.178		0.402			0.580
2001(1)		12.27		28.20		40.47		0.177		0.406			0.583
2002(1)		12.58		29.14		41.72		0.205		0.474			0.679
Period ended December 31, 2003
Six Continents(1)		7.65		—		7.65		0.119		—			0.119
IHG		4.05		9.45		13.50		0.068		0.174			0.242
Year ended December 31, 2004
IHG		4.30		10.00		14.30		0.077		0.191	(2)		0.268


(1)	Restated to reflect an equivalent number of shares in InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

(2)	The 2004 final dividend has been translated at the Noon Buying Rate on April 25, 2005 of £1.00 = $1.91.

Special Dividend


	Pence per
	ordinary share		$ per ADS

December 2004		72.00		1.39

Dividends will be paid in pounds sterling and exchange rate fluctuations will affect the US dollar amount received by holders of ADRs on conversion of such dividends. Moreover, fluctuations in the exchange rates between pounds sterling and the US dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the pounds sterling price of the ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange and, as a result, are likely to affect the market price of ADSs which are evidenced by ADRs in the United States.


	*Exchange Rates*

The following tables show, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information regarding the exchange rate for pounds sterling, based on the Noon Buying Rate for pounds sterling expressed in US dollars per £1.00. The exchange rate on April 25, 2005 was £1.00 = $1.91.


	Month’s		Month’s
	highest		lowest
Month	exchange rate		exchange rate

October 2004		1.84		1.78
November 2004		1.91		1.83
December 2004		1.95		1.91
January 2005		1.91		1.86
February 2005		1.93		1.86
March 2005		1.93		1.87
April 2005 (through April 25, 2005)		1.92		1.87


	Period		Average
	end		rate(1)		High		Low

Year ended September 30
2000		1.48		1.55		1.68		1.40
2001		1.47		1.44		1.50		1.37
2002		1.56		1.48		1.58		1.41
Period ended December 31
2003		1.78		1.63		1.78		1.54
Year ended December 31
2004		1.93		1.84		1.95		1.75


(1)	The average of the Noon Buying Rate on the last day of each full month during the period.

A significant portion of the Group’s assets, liabilities and revenues are denominated in currencies other than pounds sterling, principally the US dollar and the euro. For a discussion of the impact of exchange rate movements, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

RISK FACTORS

This section describes some of the risks that could materially affect the Group’s businesses. The factors below should be considered in connection with any financial and forward-looking information in this Form 20-F and the cautionary statements contained on pages 5 and 6.

The risks below are not the only ones that the Group faces. Some risks are not yet known to IHG and some that IHG does not currently believe to be material could later turn out to be material. All of these risks could materially affect the Group’s businesses, turnover, operating profit, earnings, net assets and liquidity and/or capital resources.

General Risks


	*The Group is exposed to the risks of political and economic developments*

The Group is exposed to the risks of global and regional adverse political, economic and financial market developments, including recession, inflation and currency fluctuation, that could lower revenues and reduce income. A recession would adversely affect room rates and/or occupancy levels and other income generating activities resulting in deterioration of results of operations and potentially affecting the value of properties in affected economies.

Further, political or economic factors or regulatory action could effectively prevent the Group from receiving profits from, or from selling its investments in, certain countries, or otherwise adversely affect operations. In addition, fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the UK pound sterling, the currency in which the Group reports its financial statements, and the US dollar and other currencies in which the Group’s international operations or investments do business, could adversely affect the Group’s reported earnings and the value of its business. Fluctuations of this type have been experienced over the last two years with the significant strengthening of the pound against the dollar.


	*The Group is reliant on the reputation of its brands, the steps it takes to define and enforce brand standards and the protection of its intellectual property rights*

An event that was to materially damage the reputation of one or more of the Group’s brands and/or failure to sustain the appeal of the Group’s brands to its customers could have an adverse impact on the value of that brand and subsequent revenues from that brand or business.

In addition, the value of the Group’s brands is influenced by a number of other factors including consumer preference and perception, commoditisation (whereby the price/ quality becomes relatively more important than brand identifications), failure by the Hotels business or its franchisees to ensure compliance with the significant regulations applicable to hotel operations, or other factors affecting consumers’ willingness to purchase goods and services, including any factor which adversely affects the reputation of those brands.

In particular, the extent to which the Hotels business is able to adequately define and enforce adherence to its operating, quality and fire life safety standards, or the significant regulations applicable to hotel operations, pursuant to its management and franchise contracts, may further impact brand reputation or customer perception, and therefore the value of the hotel brands.

Given the importance of brand recognition to the Group’s businesses, the Group has invested considerable effort in protecting its intellectual property, including by registration of trademarks and domain names. If the Group is unable to protect its intellectual property, any infringement or misappropriation could materially harm its future financial results and ability to develop its businesses.


	*The Group is dependent upon recruiting and retaining key personnel and developing their skills*

In order to develop, support and market its products, the Group must hire and retain highly skilled employees with particular expertise. The implementation of the Group’s strategic business plans could be undermined by a failure to recruit or retain key personnel, the unexpected loss of key senior employees, failures in the Group’s succession planning and incentive plans, or a failure to invest in the development of key

skills. Additionally, unless skills are supported by a sufficient infrastructure to enable knowledge and skills to be passed on, the Group risks losing accumulated knowledge if key employees leave the Group.


	*The Group is exposed to certain risks in relation to technology and systems*

The Group is exposed to certain risks in relation to technology and systems. To varying degrees the Group is reliant upon certain technologies and systems (including Information Technology systems) for the running of its business, particularly those which are highly integrated with business processes, and disruption to those technologies or systems could adversely effect the efficiency of the business, notwithstanding business continuity or disaster recovery processes.

The Group may have to make substantial additional investments in new technologies or systems in order to remain competitive.

Failing to keep pace with developments in technologies or systems may put the Group at a competitive disadvantage. The technologies or systems that the Group chooses may not be commercially successful, or the technology or system strategy may not be sufficiently aligned to the needs of the business or responsive to changes in business strategy. As a result, the Group could lose customers, fail to attract new customers, incur substantial costs or face other losses.

Additionally, failure to develop an appropriate e-commerce strategy and select the right partners could erode the Group’s market share.

Further details in relation to the Hotels business are set out below.


	*The Group may face difficulties insuring its businesses*

Historically, the Group has maintained insurance at levels determined by it to be appropriate in light of the cost of cover and the risk profiles of the businesses in which it operates. Following the effects of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent events, many companies faced increased premiums for reduced cover as the insurance market hardened. A repeat of incidents of this nature may result in the Group experiencing significant increases in the cost of insuring its business at an acceptable level, or in the Group being unable to obtain cover for certain risks at a realistic price.


	*The Group is exposed to funding risks in relation to the defined benefits under its pension plans*

The Group is required by law to maintain a minimum funding level in relation to its ongoing obligation to provide current and future pensions for the members of its pension plans who are entitled to defined benefits. In addition, if any plan of the Group is wound up, the Group could become statutorily liable to make an immediate payment to the trustees to bring the funding of these defined benefits to a level which is higher than this minimum. The contributions payable by the Group must be set with a view to making prudent provision for the benefits accruing under the plans of the Group.

Some of the issues which could adversely affect the funding of these defined benefits (and materially affect the Group’s funding obligations) include: (i) poor investment performance of pension fund investments; (ii) long life expectancy (which will make pensions payable for longer and therefore more expensive to provide); (iii) adverse annuity rates (which tend in particular to depend on prevailing interest rates and life expectancy) as these will make it more expensive to secure pensions with an insurance company; and (iv) other events occurring which make past service benefits more expensive than predicted in the actuarial assumptions by reference to which the Group’s past contributions were assessed.

The trustees of the UK defined benefit plans can demand increases to the contribution rates relating to the funding of those pension plans, which would oblige the relevant members of the Group to contribute extra amounts to such pension funds. The trustees must consult the plans’ actuary and principal employer before exercising this power. In practice, contribution rates are agreed between the Group and the trustees on actuarial advice, and are set for three year terms. The last such review was as at March 31, 2004. As at April 25, 2005 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this document), the Directors are

not aware of any circumstances that would cause the trustees to deem it necessary to unilaterally increase the contribution rates.

Risks relating to the Hotels business


	*The Hotels business is exposed to the risks of the hotel industry supply and demand cycle*

The future operating results of the Hotels business could be adversely affected by industry overcapacity (by number of rooms) and weak demand or other differences between planning assumptions and actual operating conditions. Reductions in room rates and occupancy levels would adversely impact the results of operations of the Hotels business.


	*The Hotels business is exposed to a variety of risks related to identifying, securing and retaining management and franchise agreements*

The Hotels business competes with other hotel companies for management and franchise agreements. Competition may generally reduce the number of suitable management, franchise and investment opportunities offered to the Hotels business, and increase the bargaining power of property owners seeking to engage a manager or become a franchisee. There can be no assurance that the Hotels business will be able to identify, retain or add franchisees to the Hotels business system or to secure management contracts. For example, the availability of suitable sites, planning and other local regulations or the availability of finance may all restrict the supply of suitable hotel development opportunities under franchise or management agreements. There are also risks that significant franchisees or groups of franchisees may have interests that conflict, or are not aligned, with those of the Hotels business. In connection with entering into management or franchise agreements, the Group may be required to make investments in or guarantee the obligations of third parties or guarantee minimum income to third parties. Changes in legislation or regulatory changes may be implemented that have the effect of favouring franchisees relative to brand owners.


	*The Hotels business is exposed to the risk of events that adversely impact domestic or international travel*

The room rates and occupancy levels of the Hotels business could be adversely impacted by events that reduce domestic or international travel, such as actual or threatened acts of terrorism or war, epidemics (such as SARS), travel-related accidents, travel-related industrial action, increased transportation and fuel costs and natural disasters resulting in reduced worldwide travel or other local factors impacting individual hotels.

Terrorist incidents such as the events of September 11, 2001 and the war in Iraq in 2003 significantly affected international travel and consequently global demand for hotel rooms. Further incidents or uncertainties of this type may have an adverse impact on the Group’s operations and financial results. In addition, inadequate preparedness, contingency planning or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis may prevent operational continuity and consequently impact the value of the brand or the reputation of the Hotels business.


	*The Hotels business is reliant upon its proprietary reservation system and is exposed to the risk of failures in the system and increased competition in reservation infrastructure*

The value of the brands of the Hotels business is partly derived from the ability to drive reservations through its proprietary HolidexPlus reservation system, an electronic booking and delivery channel directly linked to travel agents, hotels and internet networks. Inadequate disaster recovery arrangements, or inadequate continued investment in this technology, leading to loss of key communications linkages, particularly in relation to HolidexPlus, internet reservation channels and other key parts of the IT infrastructure for a prolonged period, or permanently, may result in significant business interruption and subsequent impact on revenues.

The Hotels business is also exposed to the risk of competition from third party intermediaries who provide reservation infrastructure. In particular, any significant increase in the use of these reservation channels in

preference to proprietary channels may impact the Hotels business’ ability to control the supply, presentation and price of its room inventory.


	*The Hotels business may experience a lack of selected acquisition opportunities*

While the strategy of the Hotels business is to extend the hotel network through activities that do not involve significant capital, in some cases the Hotels business may consider it appropriate to acquire new land or locations for the development of new hotels. If the availability of suitable sites becomes limited, this could adversely affect its results of operations.


	*The Hotels business may be unable to make disposals of hotel assets*

The Hotels business has embarked upon a strategy of asset disposals and, although it has made significant progress, there can be no assurance that the Hotels business will be able to complete any such further selected disposals on commercially reasonable terms, within optimal timescales, or at all.


	*The Hotels business is exposed to the risk of litigation*

The Hotels business could be at risk of litigation from its guests, customers, joint venture partners, suppliers, employees, regulatory authorities, franchisees and/or the owners of hotels managed by it for breach of its contractual or other duties. Claims filed in the United States may include requests for punitive damages as well as compensatory damages.

Exposure to litigation may affect the reputation of the Hotels business even though the monetary consequences are not significant.

Risks relating to the Britvic business


	*The Britvic business is exposed to risks related to possible product contamination*

The Britvic business, like all beverage producers, has been and will continue to be vulnerable to accidental or malicious contamination of its products or base raw materials. Any such contamination could result in recall of the products of the Britvic business, the Britvic business being unable to sell its products, damage to brand image and/or civil or criminal liability, which could have a material adverse effect on the operations and financial performance of the Britvic business.


	*The Britvic business is reliant upon certain suppliers*

Britvic is reliant upon fruit juice concentrates, sugar and other fruit juice raw materials as necessary ingredients for many of its products, as well as packaging and containers such as cans and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles. In the event that the Britvic business is unable to obtain an adequate supply of appropriate raw materials or packaging or fails to negotiate the purchase of these materials on a reasonable commercial basis, this could have a significant adverse impact on the financial operations of the Britvic business.


	*The Britvic business is exposed to significant competition*

The Britvic business operates in a highly competitive market sector in which large competitors are active.

A change in the level of marketing undertaken by competitors or in their pricing policies, the growth or strengthening of existing retailers of beverage products, the introduction of new competing brands or products or increased purchasing power pressure from customers could have a material adverse effect on the operations and financial performance of the Britvic business. Conversely, competition law may regulate the ability of the Britvic business to participate in industry consolidation at a strategic level.


	*Adverse weather conditions could reduce demand for Britvic’s products*

Demand for the Britvic business’ products may be affected by weather conditions, especially in the summer months, when unseasonably cool or wet weather can affect sales volumes and therefore the results of the Britvic business’ operations for the year.


ITEM 4.	*INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY*

SUMMARY

Group Overview

The principal activities of the Group are in hotels and resorts, with worldwide interests through franchising, management, ownership and leasing, and in the manufacture and distribution of soft drinks in the United Kingdom.

On April 25, 2005, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC had a market capitalization of £3.9 billion, and was included in the list of FTSE 100 companies, a list of the 100 largest companies by market capitalization on the London Stock exchange. Following the Separation in April 2003, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC became the holding company for the Group of which Six Continents PLC is the principal subsidiary company. Six Continents PLC was formed in 1967.

The Company’s corporate headquarters are in the United Kingdom, and the registered address is:

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

67 Alma Road

Windsor

Berkshire SL4 3HD

Tel: +44 (0) 1753 410100

Internet address: www.ihgplc.com

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was incorporated in Great Britain on October 2, 2002 and registered in, and operates under, the laws of England and Wales. Operations undertaken in countries other than England and Wales are under the laws of those countries in which they reside.


	*Group History and Recent Developments*

The Group, formerly known as Bass and, more recently, Six Continents, was historically a conglomerate operating as, among other things, a brewer, soft drinks manufacturer, hotelier, leisure operator, and restaurant, pub and bar owner. In the last several years, the Group underwent a major transformation in its operations and organization, as a result of the Separation and a number of significant disposals during this period, narrowing the scope of its business.

On April 15, 2003, following shareholder and regulatory approval, Six Continents PLC separated into two new listed groups, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC comprising the Hotels and Soft Drinks businesses and Mitchells & Butlers plc comprising the Retail and Standard Commercial Property Developments businesses.


	*Acquisitions and Dispositions*

Since the Separation, the Group has sold or announced the sale of 121 hotels with proceeds of approximately £1.75 billion and as of April 25, 2004 the Group had on the market a further 25 hotels including 10 hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji announced on April 4, 2005. The following are the more significant portfolio transactions:

On July 1, 2003, the Group completed the sale of a 16 property Staybridge Suites portfolio to Hospitality Properties Trust (“HPT”) for $185 million. The Group entered into a contract with HPT for the ongoing management of these hotels. In September 2003, HPT converted 14 other suite hotels to the Staybridge Suites brand under IHG management.

In October 2003, the Group announced the acquisition of the Candlewood Suites brand in the United States from Candlewood Hotel Corporation for a consideration of $15 million and an agreement to enter into a management contract with HPT to manage 76 Candlewood Suites properties. The transaction completed on December 31, 2003.

On December 17, 2004, the Group announced the sale of 13 hotels, in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, to HPT. The total consideration payable by HPT for the sales amounted to $425 million, before transaction costs, equivalent to net book value, of which $395 million was received upon the main completion of the sale on February 16, 2005, with the remaining $30 million to be received upon the completion of the sale of the InterContinental hotel in Austin, expected to be on or around June 1, 2005. The Group will continue to manage the hotels (other than the InterContinental in Puerto Rico) under a 25 year management contract with HPT. The Group has two consecutive options to extend the contracts for 15 years each, giving a total potential contract length of up to 55 years. The InterContinental in Puerto Rico has been leased back to the Group under a 25 year lease with two consecutive options to extend the lease for 15 years each, giving a total potential lease length of up to 55 years.

On February 28, 2005, the Group announced the acquisition by Strategic Hotel Capital, Inc. (“SHC”) of 85% interests in two hotels in the United States. IHG received approximately $287 million in cash before transaction costs, based upon a total value for both hotels of $303.5 million, $12 million in excess of net book value. This transaction completed on April 1, 2005. IHG will continue to manage these hotels under a 20 year management contract with three options to extend for a further 10 years each.

On March 10, 2005, the Group announced the sale of 73 hotels in the United Kingdom to LGR Acquisition, a consortium comprising Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners, GIC Real Estate and Realstar Asset Management. The agreed sale price was £1 billion, £22 million below net book value, and a provision for loss on disposal of operations has been included in the financial statements. Receipt of £40 million of the total proceeds will be deferred, contingent upon certain pre-agreed performance targets being reached. This transaction is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2005 and is conditional upon obtaining European Commission clearance. The Group will continue to manage 63 of these hotels under a 20 year management contract with two consecutive options to extend the contract for a further five years each. The remaining ten hotels will be under a temporary management agreement with the Group.


	*Return of Funds*

In March 2004 IHG announced an on-market share repurchase program for £250 million. By December 20, 2004 the program was completed with, in total, 45.6 million shares repurchased at an average price of 548 pence per share.

In September 2004 IHG announced a further £750 million return of funds to shareholders. This comprised a proposed special dividend of approximately £500 million and a further £250 million share repurchase program. On December 17, 2004 £501 million was returned to shareholders by way of a special dividend of 72.0 pence per share. This special dividend was accompanied by a consolidation of the Company’s ordinary share capital on the basis of 25 new ordinary shares for every 28 existing ordinary shares effective from December 13, 2004. The further £250 million share repurchase program commenced on December 20, 2004 and by December 31, 2004 a further 0.8 million shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of 651 pence (total £5 million). By April 25, 2005, a total of 20,259,275 shares had been repurchased under the second repurchase program at an average price per share of 632 pence per share (approximately £128 million). This program is planned for completion in 2005.

Information relating to the purchases of equity securities can be found in Item 16E.

Following the announcement in March 2005 of the sale of 73 hotels in the United Kingdom, and subject (among other things) to the completion of the sale of the 73 hotels, IHG intends to return a further £1 billion to shareholders. This will require a capital restructuring to enable the release of funds arising from the receipt of disposal proceeds. Subject to receipt of shareholder approval, completion of disposal transactions and there

being no material adverse change in market conditions, it is planned to complete the restructuring by the end of June 2005 and to return funds to shareholders as soon as practicable thereafter.


	*Hotels*

Hotels owns a number of hotel brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express (or Express by Holiday Inn outside of the Americas) (“Express”), Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, which at December 31, 2004 comprised 3,540 franchised, managed, owned or leased hotels with approximately 534,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories.


	*Soft Drinks*

IHG retains an interest in, manages and controls Britvic, one of the two leading manufacturers of soft drinks by value and volume in Great Britain. Britvic owns an extensive portfolio of soft drinks brands that include Tango and Robinsons. It also has the exclusive right to bottle and distribute the Pepsi and 7 UP brands in Great Britain until 2018. The Group, and other shareholders in the Britvic business (Allied Domecq, Whitbread and PepsiCo) have agreed, subject to market and other conditions being satisfied, to consider an initial public offering of Britvic between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008.

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

Geographic Segmentation

The following table shows turnover and operating profit in pounds sterling by geographical area and the percentage of each geographical area, for the following periods: year ended December 31, 2004, 15 months ended December 31, 2003 including unaudited information for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003, and the year ended September 30, 2002.


			Three months		12 months		15 months
	Year ended		ended		ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2002		2003		2003		2002

					(£ million)
Turnover(1)(3)
United Kingdom		1,126		598		1,533		2,131		2,491
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		419		95		411		506		411
United States		423		117		454		571		476
Rest of Americas		102		27		100		127		108
Asia Pacific		134		34		114		148		129

Total		2,204		871		2,612		3,483		3,615

Operating profit before exceptional items(1)(2)
United Kingdom		118		70		197		267		397
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		57		8		30		38		60
United States		105		17		107		124		114
Rest of Americas		30		7		26		33		26
Asia Pacific		21		10		11		21		21

Total		331		112		371		483		618

Footnotes on page 20.


			Three months		12 months		15 months		Year
	Year ended		ended		ended		ended		ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2002		2003		2003		2002

	%
Turnover
United Kingdom		51.1		68.7		58.7		61.2		68.9
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		19.0		10.9		15.7		14.6		11.4
United States		19.2		13.4		17.4		16.4		13.2
Rest of Americas		4.6		3.1		3.8		3.6		3.0
Asia Pacific		6.1		3.9		4.4		4.2		3.5

Total		100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0

Operating profit before exceptional items
United Kingdom		35.7		62.5		53.1		55.3		64.2
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		17.2		7.1		8.1		7.9		9.7
United States		31.7		15.2		28.8		25.7		18.5
Rest of Americas		9.1		6.3		7.0		6.8		4.2
Asia Pacific		6.3		8.9		3.0		4.3		3.4

Total		100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0


(1)	The results of overseas operations have been translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rates are 2004: £1 = $1.82; (2003: £1 = $1.62 and 2002: £1 = $1.48).

(2)	Operating profit before exceptional items does not include operating and non-operating exceptional items for all periods presented. Operating exceptional items (charge unless otherwise noted) by region are United Kingdom (2004: £10 million; 2003: 15 months £17 million, 12 months £17 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £24 million), Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (2004: £11 million; 2003 15 months £24 million, 12 months £24 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £nil million), the United States (2004: credit of £6 million; 2003 15 months £9 million, 12 months £9 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £39 million) and Asia Pacific (2004: £4 million; 2003: 15 months £1 million, 12 months £1 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £14 million).

(3)	Amounts are reported by origin. See Note 2 of Notes to the Financial Statements for details by destination, for which the amounts are not significantly different.


	*Activity Segmentation*

The following table shows turnover and operating profit by activity and the percentage contribution of each activity for the following periods: year ended December 31, 2004, 15 months ended December 31, 2003 including unaudited information for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003, and the year ended September 30, 2002.


				Three months			12 months			15 months
	Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

	(£ million)
Turnover(1)
Americas		495			136			525			661			570
EMEA		829			203			807			1,010			794
Asia Pacific		134			34			114			148			128
Central(3)		40			10			41			51			40

Hotels		1,498			383			1,487			1,870			1,532
Soft Drinks		706			146			674			820			602

Continuing operations		2,204			529			2,161			2,690			2,134
Discontinued operations		—			342			451			793			1,481

Total		2,204			871			2,612			3,483			3,615

Operating profit before exceptional items(1)(2)
Americas		163			34			161			195			173
EMEA		119			22			92			114			125
Asia Pacific		21			10			12			22			23
Central (3)		(52	)		(18	)		(62	)		(80	)		(55	)

Hotels		251			48			203			251			266
Soft Drinks		80			12			83			95			63

Continuing operations		331			60			286			346			329
Discontinued operations		—			52			85			137			289

Total		331			112			371			483			618

Footnotes on page 22.


				Three months			12 months			15 months
	Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

	(%)
Turnover
Americas		22.5			25.7			24.3			24.6			26.7
EMEA		37.6			38.4			37.3			37.5			37.2
Asia Pacific		6.1			6.4			5.3			5.5			6.0
Central (3)		1.8			1.9			1.9			1.9			1.9

Hotels		68.0			72.4			68.8			69.5			71.8
Soft Drinks		32.0			27.6			31.2			30.5			28.2

Continuing operations		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0

Operating profit before exceptional items
Hotels
Americas		49.2			56.6			56.3			56.3			52.6
EMEA		36.0			36.7			32.2			32.9			38.0
Asia Pacific		6.3			16.7			4.2			6.4			7.0
Central (3)		(15.7	)		(30.0	)		(21.7	)		(23.1	)		(16.7	)

Hotels		75.8			80.0			71.0			72.5			80.9
Soft Drinks		24.2			20.0			29.0			27.5			19.1

Continuing operations		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0


(1)	The results of overseas operations have been translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rates are 2004: £1 = $1.82; (2003: £1 = $1.62 and 2002: £1 = $1.48).

(2)	Operating profit before exceptional items does not include operating and non-operating exceptional items for all periods presented. Operating exceptional items by business segment are the Americas (2004: £14 million; 2003: 15 months £9 million, 12 months £9 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £39 million), EMEA (2004: £19 million; 2003: 15 months £41 million, 12 months £41 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £24 million), and Asia Pacific (2004: £4 million; 2003: 15 months £1 million, 12 months £1 million, three months £nil million; 2002: £14 million).

(3)	Central relates to global functions. Turnover relates to Holidex fee income.

HOTELS


	*Overview*

InterContinental Hotels Group is an international hotel business which owns a portfolio of well-recognized and respected hotel brands, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express (Express by Holiday Inn outside the Americas), Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, with 3,540 franchised, managed, owned and leased hotels and approximately 534,000 guest rooms across nearly 100 countries and territories as at December 31, 2004. Approximately 93% of the Group’s rooms are operated under managed and franchised models.

Strategy

The Group’s objective under its strategy is to become the world’s leading hotel brand owner, using its proven track record in hotel management and franchising to grow its portfolio of hospitality brands predominantly under a managed and franchised model. This has involved the disposal to date of a large part of the owned and leased estate (by net book value), a process which is currently ongoing. Key to the implementation of this strategy are the following priorities:


	•	to strengthen the core business through focus on brand differentiation and system delivery;

	•	to grow the managed and franchised fee income business in key markets;

	•	to develop the organisation and its people;

	•	to continue the asset disposal program; and

	•	to return funds to shareholders.

Segmental Results

The following table shows turnover and operating profit in pounds sterling of IHG Hotels business by activity and the percentage contribution of each activity for the following periods: year ended December 31, 2004, 15 months ended December 31, 2003 including unaudited information for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003, and the year ended September 30, 2002. The proportions of turnover and operating profit attributable to owned and leased, managed and franchised hotels will change in 2005 to reflect the pending completion of hotel sales.


						Three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
			2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

			(£ million)
Turnover by activity(1)(2)
	Americas
		Owned and leased		269			80			296			376			314
		Managed		30			8			28			36			38
		Franchised		196			48			201			249			218

				495			136			525			661			570
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		759			187			746			933			736
		Managed		43			10			38			48			36
		Franchised		27			6			23			29			22

				829			203			807			1,010			794
	Asia
		Owned and leased		110			28			95			123			103
		Managed		21			5			15			20			20
		Franchised		3			1			4			5			5

				134			34			114			148			128
	Central(4)			40			10			41			51			40

Total				1,498			383			1,487			1,870			1,532

Operating profit before exceptional items by activity(1)(3)
	Americas
		Owned and leased		22			3			20			23			24
		Managed		6			1			4			5			10
		Franchised		167			41			172			213			177
		Regional overheads		(32	)		(11	)		(35	)		(46	)		(38	)

				163			34			161			195			173
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		97			20			77			97			124
		Managed		24			5			19			24			20
		Franchised		21			5			18			23			11
		Regional overheads		(23	)		(8	)		(22	)		(30	)		(30	)

				119			22			92			114			125
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		16			7			11			18			15
		Managed		14			6			8			14			14
		Franchised		2			—			4			4			5
		Regional overheads		(11	)		(3	)		(11	)		(14	)		(11	)

				21			10			12			22			23
	Central(4)			(52	)		(18	)		(62	)		(80	)		(55	)

Total				251			48			203			251			266

Footnotes on page 25.


						Three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
			2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

			(%)
Turnover
	Americas
		Owned and leased		18.0			20.9			19.9			20.1			20.5
		Managed		2.0			2.1			1.9			1.9			2.5
		Franchised		13.1			12.5			13.5			13.3			14.2

				33.1			35.5			35.3			35.3			37.2
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		50.7			48.8			50.1			49.8			48.2
		Managed		2.9			2.6			2.6			2.6			2.3
		Franchised		1.8			1.6			1.5			1.6			1.4

				55.4			53.0			54.2			54.0			51.9
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		7.3			7.3			6.4			6.6			6.7
		Managed		1.4			1.3			1.0			1.1			1.3
		Franchised		0.2			0.3			0.3			0.3			0.3

				8.9			8.9			7.7			8.0			8.3
	Central (4)			2.6			2.6			2.8			2.7			2.6

Total				100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0

Operating profit before exceptional items
	Americas
		Owned and leased		8.8			6.3			9.9			9.2			9.0
		Managed		2.4			2.1			2.0			2.0			3.8
		Franchised		66.5			85.4			84.5			84.8			66.6
		Regional overheads		(12.7	)		(22.9	)		(17.2	)		(18.3	)		(14.3	)

				65.0			70.9			79.2			77.7			65.1
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		38.6			41.7			37.9			38.6			46.6
		Managed		9.6			10.4			9.4			9.6			7.5
		Franchised		8.4			10.4			8.9			9.2			4.1
		Regional overheads		(9.2	)		(16.7	)		(10.8	)		(12.0	)		(11.3	)

				47.4			45.8			45.4			45.4			46.9
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		6.4			14.6			5.4			7.2			5.6
		Managed		5.6			12.5			3.9			5.6			5.3
		Franchised		0.8			—			2.0			1.6			1.9
		Regional overheads		(4.4	)		(6.3	)		(5.4	)		(5.6	)		(4.1	)

				8.4			20.8			5.9			8.8			8.7
	Central (4)			(20.8	)		(37.5	)		(30.5	)		(31.9	)		(20.7	)

Total				100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0


(1)	The results of overseas operations have been translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rates are 2004: £1 = $1.82; (2003: £1 = $1.62 and 2002: £1 = $1.48).

(2)	Amounts are reported by origin.

(3)	Operating profit before exceptional items excludes profits/(losses) on sale of fixed assets and operations and other exceptional items.

(4)	Central relates to global functions. Turnover relates to Holidex fee income.

The following table shows turnover and operating profit in US dollars of the IHG Hotels business by activity and the percentage contribution of each activity for the following periods: year ended December 31, 2004, 15 months ended December 31, 2003 including unaudited information for the three months ended December 31, 2002 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003, and the year ended September 30, 2002.


						Three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
			2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

			($ million)
Turnover(1)
	Americas
		Owned and leased		490			127			481			608			463
		Managed		55			12			46			58			57
		Franchised		357			75			327			402			322

				902			214			854			1,068			842
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		1,383			290			1,213			1,503			1,088
		Managed		78			15			62			77			53
		Franchised		50			9			37			46			36

				1,511			314			1,312			1,626			1,177
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		201			44			154			198			152
		Managed		38			8			26			34			29
		Franchised		5			2			5			7			5

				244			54			185			239			186
	Central(3)			74			16			66			82			57

Total				2,731			598			2,417			3,015			2,262

Operating profit before exceptional items(2)
	Americas
		Owned and leased		39			6			32			38			36
		Managed		12			2			7			9			15
		Franchised		304			63			279			342			262
		Regional overheads		(59	)		(18	)		(56	)		(74	)		(56	)

				296			53			262			315			257
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		177			31			125			156			184
		Managed		43			8			31			39			29
		Franchised		38			7			29			36			17
		Regional overheads		(42	)		(12	)		(36	)		(48	)		(43	)

				216			34			149			183			187
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		31			9			18			27			24
		Managed		25			10			15			25			19
		Franchised		3			1			4			5			5
		Regional overheads		(20	)		(4	)		(18	)		(22	)		(16	)

				39			16			19			35			32
	Central(3)			(93	)		(28	)		(100	)		(128	)		(82	)

Total				458			75			330			405			394

Footnotes on page 27.


						Three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
			2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

			(%)
Turnover
	Americas
		Owned and leased		17.9			21.2			19.9			20.2			20.5
		Managed		2.0			2.0			1.9			1.9			2.5
		Franchised		13.1			12.5			13.5			13.3			14.2

				33.0			35.7			35.3			35.4			37.2
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		50.6			48.6			50.2			49.9			48.1
		Managed		2.9			2.5			2.6			2.6			2.3
		Franchised		1.8			1.5			1.5			1.5			1.6

				55.3			52.6			54.3			54.0			52.0
	Asia Pacific
		Owned and leased		7.4			7.4			6.4			6.6			6.7
		Managed		1.4			1.3			1.1			1.1			1.3
		Franchised		0.2			0.3			0.2			0.2			0.2

				9.0			9.0			7.7			7.9			8.2
	Central (3)			2.7			2.7			2.7			2.7			2.6

Total				100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0

Operating profit before exceptional items
	Americas
		Owned and leased		8.5			8.0			9.7			9.4			9.1
		Managed		2.6			2.7			2.1			2.2			3.8
		Franchised		66.4			84.0			84.5			84.4			66.5
		Regional overheads		(12.9	)		(24.0	)		(17.0	)		(18.3	)		(14.2	)

				64.6			70.7			79.3			77.7			65.2
	EMEA
		Owned and leased		38.6			41.3			37.9			38.5			46.7
		Managed		9.4			10.7			9.4			9.6			7.4
		Franchised		8.3			9.3			8.8			8.9			4.3
		Regional overheads		(9.2	)		(16.0	)		(10.9	)		(11.9	)		(10.9	)

				47.1			45.3			45.2			45.1			47.5
	Asia
		Owned and leased		6.7			12.0			5.5			6.7			6.1
		Managed		5.5			13.3			4.6			6.2			4.8
		Franchised		0.7			1.3			1.2			1.2			1.3
		Regional overheads		(4.4	)		(5.3	)		(5.5	)		(5.4	)		(4.1	)

				8.5			21.3			5.8			8.7			8.1
	Central (3)			(20.2	)		(37.3	)		(30.3	)		(31.5	)		(20.8	)

Total				100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0


(1)	Amounts are reported by origin.

(2)	Operating profit before exceptional items excludes profits/ (losses) on sale of fixed assets and operations and other exceptional items.

(3)	Central relates to global functions. Turnover relates to Holidex fee income.

Operations


	Ownership/ Management Model

The Group currently operates its hotels business through three distinct business models which offer different growth, return, risk and reward opportunities. The models are summarized as follows:

franchised, where Group companies neither own nor manage the hotel, but license the use of a Group brand and provide access to reservation systems, loyalty schemes, and know-how. The Group derives revenues from a brand royalty or licensing fee, based on a percentage of room revenue. At the end of 2004, 396,829 (74%) of the Group’s rooms were franchised, with 86% of rooms in the Americas operating under this model.

managed, where in addition to licensing the use of a Group brand, a Group company manages the hotel for third party owners. The Group derives revenues from base and incentive management fees, and provides the system infrastructure necessary for the hotel to operate. Management contract fees are linked to total hotel revenue and may have an additional incentive fee linked to profitability and/or cash flow. The terms of these agreements vary, but are often long term (for example, 10 years or more). The Group company’s responsibilities under the management agreement typically include hiring, training and supervising the managers and employees that operate the hotels under the relevant brand standards. The Group company prepares annual budgets for the hotels that it manages, and the property owners are responsible for funding periodic maintenance and repair on a basis to be allocated by the Group company. In order to gain access to central reservation systems, global and regional brand marketing and brand standards and procedures the owners are typically required to make a further contribution. In certain cases, property owners may require performance targets, with consequences for management fees and sometimes the contract itself (including on occasion, the right of termination) if those targets are not met. At the end of 2004, 98,953 (19%) of the Group’s rooms were operated under management contracts.

owned and leased, where a Group company both owns (or leases) and operates the hotel and, in the case of ownership, takes all the benefits and risks associated with ownership. The Group has been selling a significant proportion of its owned and leased portfolio and in future expects to only own hotels where it is considered strategically important to do so. Rooms owned or leased by the Group at the end of 2004 totaled 38,420, representing 7% of the Group’s rooms.

In addition, the Group also makes equity investments in hotel ownership entities, where its equity investment is less than 100% and it participates in a share of the benefits and risks of ownership. A management contract is generally entered into as well as the equity investment.

The following table shows the number of hotels and rooms owned, managed or franchised by IHG at December 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2002.


					Management
					contracts and joint
	Owned or leased				ventures				Franchised				Total

	No. of		No. of		No. of		No. of		No. of		No. of		No. of		No. of
	hotels		rooms		hotels		rooms		hotels		rooms		hotels		rooms

2004		166		38,420		403		98,953		2,971		396,829		3,540		534,202
2003		171		39,459		423		103,440		2,926		393,419		3,520		536,318
2002		190		42,642		314		86,761		2,821		386,122		3,325		515,525

The Group sets quality and service standards for all of its hotel brands (including those operated under management contract or franchise arrangements) and operates a customer satisfaction and hotel quality measurement system to ensure those standards are met or exceeded. The quality measurement system includes an assessment of both physical property and customer service standards.


	*Global System*

The Group uses a global revenue delivery system for reservations, e-commerce, IT, internet and its loyalty scheme (Priority Club Rewards) which is paid for by assessments from each hotel in the Group. The elements of the global system include:

Priority Club Rewards: The Group operates the largest loyalty program in the hotel industry, with 23.7 million members at December 31, 2004, a growth of about 23% over the previous year. It has alliances with 35 airlines which enable members to collect frequent flyer miles. IHG also has alliances with external partners such as car hire companies and credit card companies, which provide exposure and access to IHG’s system. In 2004, Priority Club Rewards launched a Japanese language website adding to the already available English, Chinese, French, German and Spanish website versions. Revenue generated from Priority Club Rewards members was 18% higher than in 2003 and represented 30% of total IHG system room revenue.

Central Reservation System Technology: The Group operates the HolidexPlus and Holidex central reservation systems. The HolidexPlus and Holidex systems receive reservation requests entered on terminals located at most of its reservation centers, as well as from global distribution systems operated by a number of major corporations and travel agents. Where local hotel systems allow, the HolidexPlus and the Holidex systems immediately confirm reservations or indicate alternative accommodation available within IHG’s network. Confirmations are transmitted electronically to the hotel for which the reservation is made.

Reservation Call Centers: The Group operates 13 reservation centers around the world which enable it to sell in local languages in many countries and offer a high quality service to customers.

Internet: The Group introduced electronic hotel reservations in 1995. The Internet continues to be an important communications, branding and distribution channel for the Group’s sales. During fiscal 2004, internet channel bookings represented $1.4 billion of IHG system room revenue, an increased revenue growth of 44% over 2003. Approximately 13% of total IHG system room revenue is sold via the internet through various branded websites, such as www.intercontinental.com and www.holiday-inn.com, as well as certified third parties. IHG made progress in 2004 in establishing standards for working with third-party intermediaries — on-line travel distributors — who sell or re-sell IHG hotel rooms via their internet sites. Under the standards, certified distributors are required to respect IHG’s trademarks, ensure reservations are guaranteed through an automated and common confirmation process, and clearly present fees to customers. By the end of 2004, IHG had certified over 200 third party distributors including Travelocity, Travelocity Business, and Priceline. About 80% of IHG system room revenue booked on the web is now booked directly through the Group’s own brand sites.

The Group estimates that, during 2004, these reservation systems (which include company reservation centers, global distribution systems and internet reservations) delivered around 38% of IHG system room revenue.


	*Sales and Marketing*

IHG targets its sales and marketing expenditure in each region on driving revenue and brand awareness or, in the case of sales investments, targeting segments such as corporate accounts, travel agencies and meeting organizers. The majority of IHG’s sales and marketing expenditure is funded by contractual fees paid by most hotels in the system and totaled over $400 million in 2004.

The strategic goals for the global system as a whole include:


	•	adding further locations and improving guest satisfaction for its brands;

	•	continuing the focus on enrolments in Priority Club Rewards and increasing share of the total hotel spend to establish Priority Club Rewards as the number one program in the industry;

	•	making the direct channels the best available; and

	•	improving pricing structure.


	*Global Brands*


	Brands Overview

The Group’s portfolio includes six established and diverse brands and one new brand (Hotel Indigo). These brands cover several market segments and in the case of InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Express, operate internationally. Staybridge Suites operates in the Americas and has recently been launched in the United Kingdom. Candlewood Suites operates exclusively in the United States.


	December 31, 2004

Brands	Room numbers		Hotels

InterContinental		44,516		132
Crowne Plaza		61,627		215
Holiday Inn		278,787		1,484
Express		126,035		1,512
Staybridge Suites		9,189		79
Candlewood Suites		12,407		109
Other(1)		1,641		9

Total		534,202		3,540


(1)	Other comprises one Hotel Indigo, seven other branded hotels under management and one under franchise.


	InterContinental


	Americas		Americas		EMEA		EMEA
	total		O & L		total		O & L		Asia Pacific

Average room rate $(1)		129.83		168.66		154.12		211.21		137.63
Room numbers(2)		15,088		4,489		20,292		4,483		9,136


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ exchange rate. Owned and leased average room rate is for comparable hotels.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

InterContinental is IHG’s global premium hotel brand. The brand is targeted at both business and leisure guests. InterContinental hotels are generally situated in prime locations in major cities and key resorts around the world. There were 132 InterContinental hotels in more than 60 countries and territories which represented 8% of all of IHG hotel rooms as at December 31, 2004.

InterContinental hotels are principally owned, leased or managed by the Group. The brand is one of the top international premium hotel brands based on room numbers and has more than 50 years of heritage in the segment. IHG’s competition includes international luxury chains (for example Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton) and upper upscale chains (for example, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Westin).

During 2004, four new InterContinental hotels were added to the portfolio, Buckhead, Atlanta (United States), Cairo (Egypt), Makkah (Saudi Arabia) and Kigali (Rwanda). After dispositions there was a net loss of three in the total number of InterContinental hotels. The Group expects to open an InterContinental hotel in Boston in 2006, along with other properties in Beijing and Seattle.


	Crowne Plaza


	Americas		Americas		EMEA		EMEA
	total		O & L		total		O & L		Asia Pacific

Average room rate $(1)		96.24		107.73		118.48		122.29		81.07
Room numbers(2)		33,645		2,284		15,747		3,879		12,235


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ exchange rate. Owned and leased average room rate is for comparable hotels.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

Crowne Plaza is IHG’s global upscale hotel brand which had grown to 215 hotels worldwide by December 31, 2004. The brand is targeted at the business guest, with a particular focus on meetings and related services. The upscale Crowne Plaza hotels provide the high level of comfort, amenities, services, facilities and meeting space expected of a full service hotel. Crowne Plaza represented 12% of IHG Hotels’ hotel rooms as at December 31, 2004.

Nearly 60% of the upscale Crowne Plaza hotels and resorts are franchised hotels. As at December 31, 2004, 54% of Crowne Plaza brand properties were in the Americas. The key competitors in this segment include Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, Double-Tree, Wyndham and Radisson.

During 2004, 15 Crowne Plaza hotels were added to the portfolio while two left the portfolio, resulting in a net increase of 13 hotels.


	Holiday Inn


	Americas		Americas		EMEA		EMEA
	total		O&L		total		O&L		Asia Pacific

Average room rate $(1)		79.85		78.56		95.49		111.89		63.22
Room numbers(2)		205,500		2,577		53,568		15,735		19,719


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ exchange rate. Owned and leased average room rate is for comparable hotels.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

Holiday Inn is IHG’s midscale full service brand. Holiday Inn International was acquired in 1988 with the remaining North American business of Holiday Inn being acquired in 1990. The Holiday Inn brand is targeted at the mid-market guest and is the Group’s largest global hotel brand based on room numbers. IHG seeks to offer, through its Holiday Inn brand, good value for money with appropriate standards of products and services.

There were 1,484 Holiday Inn hotels located in more than 70 countries and territories which represented 52% of all IHG’s hotel rooms as at December 31, 2004. The brand is predominantly franchised. As at December 31, 2004, 72% of the Holiday Inn branded hotels were located in the Americas.

During 2004, the Group sold the following hotels in individual transactions: in the United States, the Holiday Inn South Bend Indiana, in the United Kingdom, the Holiday Inn Sheffield West, the Holiday Inn Teesside, Holiday Inn Crawley and the Holiday Inn Preston and in Australia, the Holiday Inn Newcastle and the Holiday Inn Adelaide. These sales were part of the 86 hotels that left the portfolio, which also included a number of removals due to IHG initiated action against non-performing owners or poor quality hotels. With 41 hotels added to the portfolio, the net movement during 2004 was a decrease of 45 hotels.


	Express


	Americas		EMEA		EMEA
	total		total		O&L		Asia Pacific

Average room rate $(1)		75.53		89.83		75.15		61.72
Room numbers(2)		109,882		15,921		1,473		232


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ conversion rate. Owned and leased average room rate is for comparable hotels.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

Express is the Group’s midscale limited service hotel brand. IHG recognized the need for a brand in this category in the early 1990s and subsequently developed Express to extend the reach of the Holiday Inn brand

and enter the midscale limited service market. The brand has grown rapidly and aims to provide the room quality of midscale hotels without the associated full range of facilities. The brand is targeted at the value-conscious guest.

There were 1,512 Express hotels worldwide, which represented 24% of IHG’s hotel rooms as at December 31, 2004. Express is one of the largest brands in the US midscale limited service sector based on room numbers, and approximately 90% of the Express branded rooms are located in the Americas. Express hotels are almost entirely franchised. Express also has a solid and growing brand presence in the UK market where it faces competition from a variety of local market brands and independent hotels.

During 2004, 114 new Holiday Inn Express hotels were added to the portfolio, while 57 hotels were removed from the portfolio, resulting in a net gain of 57 hotels. A further 200 franchise agreements were signed adding to the system pipeline.


	Staybridge Suites


	Americas
	total

Average room rate $(1)		87.20
Room numbers(2)		9,189


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ exchange rate.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

Staybridge Suites is IHG’s organically developed extended stay brand and offers self-catering services and amenities designed specifically for those on extended travel. The rooms offer more space than the typical hotel room, offering studios and one and two bedroom suites, with cooking facilities available in each suite. As at December 31, 2004, there were 79 Staybridge Suites hotels, all of which are presently located in the Americas, which represented 2% of all IHG’s hotel rooms. The first Staybridge Suites hotel was opened in 1998, with the seventy fifth Staybridge Suites hotel following in June 2004, demonstrating the fastest roll out of 75 properties in the extended stay segment, and making Staybridge Suites one of the fastest growing brands in its segment. Staybridge Suites operations are divided approximately equally between franchised and managed models. The primary competitors include Residence Inn, Homewood, Summerfield and Hawthorne.

During 2004, eight hotels were added to the portfolio with no removals.

On April 6, 2005 the Group announced the launch of Staybridge Suites in the United Kingdom. The first two hotels are expected to open in late 2006.


	Candlewood Suites


	Total

Average room rate $(1)		58.06
Room numbers(2)		12,407


(1)	For the year ended December 31, 2004; quoted at constant US$ exchange rate.

(2)	As at December 31, 2004.

The Candlewood Suites brand was acquired on December 31, 2003. Candlewood Suites is an extended stay brand which complements Staybridge Suites’ positioning. Candlewood Suites is an established brand of purpose built hotels with 109 properties on average approximately five years old. The major owner of Candlewood Suites properties is HPT and the Group manages all 76 of HPT’s Candlewood properties under a 20 year agreement. At the end of 2004, Candlewood Suites represented 2% of all of the Group’s rooms.


	Hotel Indigo

In April 2004, the Group launched its seventh brand, Hotel Indigo, which is designed to appeal to aspirational midscale hotel guests who are wishing to trade up. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States in October 2004.


	*Geographical Analysis*

Although it has worldwide hotel operations, the Group is most dependent on the Americas for operating profit, reflecting the structure of the branded global hotel market. In terms of its overall hotel level operating profit before central overheads and exceptional items, the Americas represented 54%, EMEA represented 39% and the Asia Pacific region represented 7% in the 12 months ended December 2004.

The geographical analysis, split by number of rooms and operating profit, is set out in the table below.


	Americas		EMEA		Asia Pacific

	(% of Total)
Room numbers(1)		72		20		8
Hotel level operating profit (before central overheads and exceptional items(2)		54		39		7


(1)	As at December 31, 2004.

(2)	For the year ended December 31, 2004.

The following table shows information concerning the geographical locations of IHG’s hotels as at December 31, 2004.


						Management
						contract and joint
		Owned or leased				ventures				Franchised				Total

		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms

United States
	InterContinental		7		3,523		5		1,819		1		150		13		5,492
	Crowne Plaza		5		1,991		16		5,942		73		20,643		94		28,576
	Holiday Inn		6		1,453		50		15,446		882		165,860		938		182,759
	Express		—		—		2		362		1,296		103,029		1,298		103,391
	Staybridge		3		372		35		4,227		39		4,255		77		8,854
	Candlewood		—		—		76		9,189		33		3,218		109		12,407
	Other		—		—		4		616		—		—		4		616

Total			21		7,339		188		37,601		2,324		297,155		2,533		342,095

Rest of Americas
	InterContinental		3		966		11		3,556		17		5,074		31		9,596
	Crowne Plaza		1		293		2		357		19		4,419		22		5,069
	Holiday Inn		2		1,124		3		1,599		131		20,018		136		22,741
	Express		—		—		—		—		59		6,491		59		6,491
	Staybridge		1		120		1		215		—		—		2		335
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Total			7		2,503		17		5,727		226		36,002		250		44,232


						Management
						contract and joint
		Owned or leased				ventures				Franchised				Total

		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms

Total Americas
	InterContinental		10		4,489		16		5,375		18		5,224		44		15,088
	Crowne Plaza		6		2,284		18		6,299		92		25,062		116		33,645
	Holiday Inn		8		2,577		53		17,045		1,013		185,878		1,074		205,500
	Express		—		—		2		362		1,355		109,520		1,357		109,882
	Staybridge		4		492		36		4,442		39		4,255		79		9,189
	Candlewood		—		—		76		9,189		33		3,218		109		12,407
	Other		—		—		4		616		—		—		4		616

Total			28		9,842		205		43,328		2,550		333,157		2,783		386,327

United Kingdom
	InterContinental		2		646		—		—		—		—		2		646
	Crowne Plaza		5		1,413		2		399		4		879		11		2,691
	Holiday Inn		72		12,109		3		431		22		2,881		97		15,421
	Express		1		120		—		—		98		9,987		99		10,107
	Staybridge		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Total			80		14,288		5		830		124		13,747		209		28,865

Europe
	InterContinental		10		3,837		13		4,488		7		2,149		30		10,474
	Crowne Plaza		10		2,466		6		1,665		21		4,669		37		8,800
	Holiday Inn		16		3,626		8		1,595		186		28,941		210		34,162
	Express		10		1,353		8		821		35		3,428		53		5,602
	Staybridge		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		—		—		1		222		1		222

Total			46		11,282		35		8,569		250		39,409		331		59,260

The Middle East and Africa
	InterContinental		—		—		30		9,172		—		—		30		9,172
	Crowne Plaza		—		—		11		3,045		4		1,211		15		4,256
	Holiday Inn		—		—		18		3,305		4		680		22		3,985
	Express		—		—		—		—		1		212		1		212
	Staybridge		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—

Total			—		—		59		15,522		9		2,103		68		17,625


						Management
						contract and joint
		Owned or leased				ventures				Franchised				Total

		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms		Hotels		Rooms

Total EMEA
	InterContinental		12		4,483		43		13,660		7		2,149		62		20,292
	Crowne Plaza		15		3,879		19		5,109		29		6,759		63		15,747
	Holiday Inn		88		15,735		29		5,331		212		32,502		329		53,568
	Express		11		1,473		8		821		134		13,627		153		15,921
	Staybridge		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		—		—		1		222		1		222

Total EMEA			126		25,570		99		24,921		383		55,259		608		105,750

Far East and Australasia (Asia Pacific)
	InterContinental		2		729		17		6,090		7		2,317		26		9,136
	Crowne Plaza		3		698		27		9,706		6		1,831		36		12,235
	Holiday Inn		7		1,581		50		14,010		24		4,128		81		19,719
	Express		—		—		1		95		1		137		2		232
	Staybridge		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Candlewood		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Other		—		—		4		803		—		—		4		803

Total			12		3,008		99		30,704		38		8,413		149		42,125

Total
	InterContinental		24		9,701		76		25,125		32		9,690		132		44,516
	Crowne Plaza		24		6,861		64		21,114		127		33,652		215		61,627
	Holiday Inn		103		19,893		132		36,386		1,249		222,508		1,484		278,787
	Express		11		1,473		11		1,278		1,490		123,284		1,512		126,035
	Staybridge		4		492		36		4,442		39		4,255		79		9,189
	Candlewood		—		—		76		9,189		33		3,218		109		12,407
	Other		—		—		8		1,419		1		222		9		1,641

Total			166		38,420		403		98,953		2,971		396,829		3,540		534,202


	Americas

In the Americas, the largest proportion of rooms is operated under the franchise business model primarily in the midscale segment (Holiday Inn and Express). Similarly, in the upscale segment, Crowne Plaza is predominantly franchised, whereas the InterContinental brand currently has a bias toward ownership and management. With 2,783 hotels, the Americas represented the bulk of hotels and approximately 54% of Hotels operating profit before central costs and exceptional items during the year ended December 31, 2004. The key profit producing region is the United States, although IHG is also represented in each of Latin America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.


	EMEA

Comprising 608 hotels at the end of 2004, EMEA represented approximately 39% of Hotels operating profit before central costs and exceptional items during the year ended December 31, 2004. The key profit producing regions are the United Kingdom and the main continental European gateway cities such as Paris and Frankfurt.


	Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific represented 8% of Hotels rooms and 7% of Hotels operating profit before central costs and exceptional items during the year ended December 31, 2004. IHG has a strong and growing presence in Asia Pacific, comprising 149 hotels in total. Currently Greater China is expected to generate significant growth in the hotel and tourism industry over the next decade. The Group believes that the region represents a good source of growth due to the current low penetration of brands offering the opportunity for IHG’s brands to build strong positions in key markets.


	*System Pipeline*

At December 31, 2004, IHG had formally approved franchise applications for 587 hotels with 59,809 rooms, though the hotels had yet to enter the system. In addition, IHG had signed management contracts on a further 84 hotels (22,418 rooms), and these are expected to enter the system over the next two years. In addition, two owned and leased hotels, with 670 rooms, are also due to enter the system. Approximately 20% of the rooms at December 31, 2004 in the pipeline were in the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza brands.

There are no assurances that all of these hotels will open or enter the system. The construction, conversion and development of hotels is dependent upon a number of factors, including meeting brand standards, obtaining the necessary permits relating to construction and operation, the cost of constructing, converting and equipping such hotels and the ability to obtain suitable financing at acceptable interest rates. The supply of capital for hotel development in the United States and major economies may not continue at previous levels and consequently the system pipeline could decrease.


	*Seasonality*

Although the performance of individual hotels and geographic markets might be highly seasonal due to a variety of factors such as the tourist trade and local economic conditions, the geographical spread of IHG’s hotels in almost 100 countries and territories and the relative stability of the income stream from management and franchising activities diminish the effect of seasonality on the results of the Group.


	*Competition*

The Group’s hotels compete with a wide range of facilities offering various types of lodging options and related services to the public. The competition includes several large and moderate sized hotel chains offering upper, mid and lower priced accommodation and also includes independent hotels in each of these market segments, particularly outside of North America where the lodging industry is much more fragmented. Major hotel chains which compete with the Group include Marriott International, Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Worldwide, Inc., Choice Hotel International, Best Western International, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hilton Group plc, Cendant Corporation, Four Seasons Hotels Inc. and Accor SA.

The Group considers Revenue per Available Room (“RevPAR”) to be a meaningful indicator of performance because it measures the period-over-period change in room revenues for comparable properties. RevPAR is calculated by dividing room revenue by total room nights available for a given period. RevPAR may not be comparable to similarly titled measures, such as revenues.


			Owned & leased
			comparable						Managed						Franchised

						Change vs						Change vs						Change vs
			2004			2003			2004			2003			2004			2003

Americas
	InterContinental
		Occupancy		69.5	%		2.0	%		56.3	%		7.8	%		58.0	%		5.7	%
		Average daily rate	$	168.66			5.1	%	$	119.77			3.2	%	$	101.97			–5.1	%
		RevPAR	$	117.15			8.1	%	$	67.40			19.7	%	$	59.15			5.3	%
	Crowne Plaza
		Occupancy		74.4	%		1.1	%		67.4	%		7.5	%		62.3	%		1.8	%
		Average daily rate	$	107.73			5.3	%	$	107.77			5.3	%	$	91.28			1.5	%
		RevPAR	$	80.19			6.9	%	$	72.63			18.6	%	$	56.90			4.5	%
	Holiday Inn
		Occupancy		67.6	%		(0.3	%)		63.3	%		0.6	%		60.2	%		1.5	%
		Average daily rate	$	78.56			6.0	%	$	76.57			0.9	%	$	80.21			2.4	%
		RevPAR	$	53.12			5.6	%	$	48.43			1.8	%	$	48.25			5.0	%
	Express
		Occupancy		–			–			63.9	%		7.0	%		64.5	%		2.0	%
		Average daily rate		–			–		$	87.95			4.8	%	$	75.48			3.8	%
		RevPAR		–			–		$	56.22			17.7	%	$	48.67			7.1	%
	Staybridge Suites
		Occupancy		72.0	%		1.1	%		73.4	%		6.7	%		70.6	%		4.6	%
		Average daily rate	$	89.73			4.6	%	$	87.17			2.7	%	$	86.90			4.1	%
		RevPAR	$	64.64			6.3	%	$	63.95			13.0	%	$	61.36			11.3	%
	Candlewood
		Occupancy		–			–			71.4	%		–			68.5	%		–
		Average daily rate		–			–		$	55.87			–		$	63.92			–
		RevPAR		–			–		$	39.86			–		$	43.80			–
	Indigo
		Occupancy		–			–			16.7	%		–			–			–
		Average daily rate		–			–		$	103.81			–			–			–
		RevPAR		–			–		$	17.38			–			–			–

Owned and leased statistics are for comparable hotels, and include only those hotels in our system as of December 31, 2004 and owned and leased by the Group since January 1, 2003.

The comparison with 2003 is at constant US$ exchange rates.


			Owned & leased
			comparable						Managed						Franchised

						Change vs						Change vs						Change vs
			2004			2003			2004			2003			2004			2003

EMEA
	InterContinental
		Occupancy		66.8	%		2.3	%		60.5	%		3.9	%		58.2	%		(2.8	%)
		Average daily rate	$	211.21			(2.4	%)	$	128.00			(2.7	%)	$	127.92			8.7	%
		RevPAR	$	141.14			1.0	%	$	77.41			4.0	%	$	74.50			3.8	%
	Crown Plaza
		Occupancy		73.1	%		2.9	%		70.9	%		3.9	%		61.5	%		2.2	%
		Average daily rate	$	122.29			0.6	%	$	111.18			4.3	%	$	121.40			(0.1	%)
		RevPAR	$	89.41			4.9	%	$	78.88			10.4	%	$	74.62			3.6	%
	Holiday Inn
		Occupancy		70.3	%		1.4	%		60.9	%		5.2	%		64.3	%		1.2	%
		Average daily rate	$	111.89			4.1	%	$	66.31			(1.2	%)	$	92.23			3.6	%
		RevPAR	$	78.68			6.2	%	$	40.42			7.9	%	$	59.30			5.6	%
	Express
		Occupancy		63.2	%		2.3	%		42.7	%		(1.0	%)		68.1	%		5.3	%
		Average daily rate	$	75.15			2.4	%	$	74.01			0.8	%	$	91.54			0.8	%
		RevPAR	$	47.47			6.3	%	$	31.62			(1.6	%)	$	62.31			9.3	%

Owned and leased statistics are for comparable hotels, and include only those hotels in our system as of December 31, 2004 and owned and leased by the Group since January 1, 2003.

The comparison with 2003 is at constant US$ exchange rates.


			Owned & leased
			comparable						Managed						Franchised

						Change vs						Change vs						Change vs
			2004			2003			2004			2003			2004			2003

Asia Pacific
	InterContinental
		Occupancy		73.8	%		19.2	%		71.2	%		11.6%			62.1	%		(5.8%	)
		Average daily rate	$	198.49			8.6	%	$	134.39			(1.3%	)	$	123.65			(5.2%	)
		RevPAR	$	146.57			46.7	%	$	95.64			18.0%		$	76.77			(13.2%	)
	Crowne Plaza
		Occupancy		85.1	%		5.0	%		70.5	%		10.2%			73.9	%		1.4%
		Average daily rate	$	112.75			2.4	%	$	74.88			5.5%		$	92.67			(1.0%	)
		RevPAR	$	95.91			8.9	%	$	52.82			23.3%		$	68.46			0.9%
	Holiday Inn
		Occupancy		81.1	%		1.8	%		75.0	%		10.0%			69.7	%		4.8%
		Average daily rate	$	86.87			0.9	%	$	61.22			7.7%		$	59.99			1.0%
		RevPAR	$	70.48			3.2	%	$	45.89			24.3%		$	41.81			8.5%
	Express
		Occupancy		–			–			57.5	%		(1.9%	)		65.7	%		2.5%
		Average daily rate		–			–		$	69.72			0.6%		$	56.87			(0.2%	)
		RevPAR		–			–		$	40.10			(2.6%	)	$	37.39			3.7%
	Other
		Occupancy		–			–			70.3	%		5.8%			78.8	%		3.8%
		Average daily rate		–			–		$	69.71			2.4%		$	58.46			3.5%
		RevPAR		–			–		$	49.03			11.6%		$	46.07			8.7%

Owned and leased statistics are for comparable hotels, and include only those hotels in our system as of December 31, 2004 and owned and leased by the Group since January 1, 2003.

The comparison with 2003 is at constant US$ exchange rates.


	*Regulation*

Both in the United Kingdom and internationally, the Group’s hotel operations are subject to regulation, including zoning and similar land use laws as well as regulations that influence or determine wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

SOFT DRINKS


	*Overview*

The Group holds an interest in, manages and controls Britvic, which is one of the two leading manufacturers of soft drinks, by value and volume, in Great Britain. Following the signing of the Exclusive Bottling Agreement (“EBA”) on March 10, 2004 on broadly similar terms as the original agreement, the ownership of Britvic is now split between the Group (47.5%), Allied Domecq PLC and Whitbread PLC (each with 23.75%) and PepsiCo Inc. (5%). The Group continues to consolidate the results of Britvic as it continues to exercise dominant influence on the management of the company. Under the EBA, Britvic holds the exclusive right to distribute the Pepsi and 7UP brands in Great Britain until 2018 with a five year extension if Britvic becomes a listed company.

IHG and Britvic’s other shareholders have agreed, subject to market and other conditions being satisfied, to consider an initial public offering of Britvic, between 2005 and 2008.


	*Britvic’s Business and Brands*

Britvic operates primarily in the United Kingdom (approximately 3.3% of revenues are from exports). Britvic distributes its products via a variety of outlets in the United Kingdom, including grocery stores and gas stations, (together the “Take-Home” Channel) and restaurants, pubs, clubs and other licensed premises (known as the “On-Premise” Channel). Britvic has an extensive and balanced portfolio of soft drink brands including Robinsons, Tango, Fruit Shoot, Pepsi, 7 UP, Britvic juices, R Whites, Amé, J₂O, Purdey’s and Aqua Libra.

Soft Drinks continued to invest in its key brands and in new product innovation. During 2004, Britvic acquired the Ben Shaw’s water business, further increasing Britvic’s presence in the UK’s expanding water market and providing additional capacity.

Britvic generated operating profits before exceptional items of £80 million on revenues of £706 million in the year ended December 2004. This compares to operating profits before exceptional items of £83 million on revenues of £674 million in the 12 months ended December 2003.


	*Strategy*

Britvic’s objective is to deliver continued revenue and profit growth by increasing its market share in both the stills and carbonated categories of the soft drinks market through developing both existing and new product and packaging formats, whilst continuing to drive further efficiencies and enhance employee performance.


	*Competition*

Britvic’s brands compete with many multi-national, national and regional producers and private label suppliers. Britvic’s main competitor in the United Kingdom is Coca-Cola Enterprises (whose brands include Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Schweppes and Lilt), which is the overall soft drinks market leader (in terms of market share). Britvic also faces significant competition from GlaxoSmithKline (Lucozade and Ribena), AG Barr (Irn-Bru and Orangina), Proctor & Gamble (Sunny Delight) and Tropicana UK Limited (fruit juices), which are each strong within specific sectors of the market. A number of smaller manufacturers dominate their individual sector and their combined influence is becoming more important. A significant example of this would be Red Bull (a leading energy drink).


	*Production and Distribution*

At December 31, 2004, Britvic had six production plants which produced over 1.4 billion liters of soft drinks during fiscal 2004 and operated 12 retail distribution depots as well as a national distribution center for supplying the Take-Home and On-Premise channels.


	*Marketing*

The success of Britvic’s brands depends upon their quality and value for money and on brand marketing. Over the past three fiscal periods, Britvic spent an average of approximately 20% of gross revenues on brand advertising, promotional and other related expenditure.

Britvic’s products are available in a wide variety of outlets in the United Kingdom, including grocery stores, supermarkets, gas stations, other non-licensed premises, off-licenses and restaurants, pubs, clubs and other licensed premises.

Britvic has approximately 47,000 dispense units installed in pubs and other trade outlets, including catering establishments. These installations produce mainly carbonated soft drinks from concentrates supplied by Britvic. It also supplies over 20,000 vending machines which dispense a range of soft drinks in both cans and plastic bottles. Britvic also has approximately 33,000 chiller cabinets installed in retail outlets.


	*Reliance on Suppliers*

Fruit juice concentrates and other fruit raw materials, which are important ingredients for many of Britvic’s products, are obtained from various sources worldwide. One of the principal raw materials used by Britvic is sugar. Adequate supplies of bulk sugar are available for the foreseeable future, although Britvic is obliged to purchase its sugar requirements in the EU market, where prices are considerably higher than in other markets.


	*Reliance on Customers*

Due to the nature of the markets in which Britvic operates, a high proportion of sales are accounted for by major customers in both the Take-Home and Licensed On-Premise sectors. Consumer demand for Britvic’s brands supports trading relationships with the Take-Home sector, while major On-Premise customers usually contract for soft drinks on an exclusive basis for periods of between two and five years. Britvic is well represented within both sectors, without over-reliance of any one, or group of, customers.


	*Seasonality*

The volume of sales in the soft drinks business may be affected by weather and is seasonal, peaking in the summer months and at the time of holiday occasions, such as Christmas.


	*Regulation*

The Food Safety Act 1990 effectively raised the quality standards demanded in the soft drinks industry. The Britvic Group has actively participated in the industry discussion processes which, it is believed, will ultimately result in legislation governing soft drinks products sold in the EU market.

TRADEMARKS

Group companies own a substantial number of service brands and product brands and the Group believes that its significant trademarks are protected in all material respects in the markets in which it currently operates.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE


	*Principal operating subsidiary undertakings*

As of December 31, 2004 InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was the beneficial owner of all (unless specified) of the equity share capital, either itself or through subsidiary undertakings, of the following companies. Unless stated otherwise, companies are incorporated in Great Britain, registered in England and Wales and operate principally within the United Kingdom.


	Corporate activities

Six Continents PLC (note a)


	Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Limited

InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corporation (incorporated and operates principally in the United States)

InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company

InterContinental Hotels Group (UK) Limited

Holiday Inn Limited


	Soft Drinks


	Britannia Soft Drinks Limited (47.5% Six Continents Investments Limited, 23.75% Whitbread PLC, 23.75% Allied Domecq PLC, 5% PepsiCo Inc.) (note b)

Britvic Soft Drinks Limited (100% Britannia Soft Drinks Limited)

Robinsons Soft Drinks Limited (100% Britannia Soft Drinks Limited)


a	Shares held directly by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

b	Under UK GAAP and US GAAP the Group exercises control over Britannia Soft Drinks Limited, which is, accordingly, treated as a subsidiary undertaking.

c	A list of subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2004 is filed as Exhibit 8 to this Annual Report.

PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT

Group companies own and lease properties throughout the world. The table below analyzes the net book value of land and buildings at December 31, 2004 by division and geographic segment. Approximately 71% of the properties by value were directly owned, with 22% held under leases having a term of 50 years or longer. These numbers will significantly change in 2005 to reflect upcoming hotel sales as well as those currently in progress.


			Rest of Europe,
Net book value of land and buildings	United		the Middle East
as at December 31, 2004	Kingdom		and Africa		United States		Rest of World		Total

	(£ million)
Hotels		945		901		529		257		2,632
Soft Drinks		67		—		—		—		67

Total		1,012		901		529		257		2,699

Group properties include hotels and soft drinks production facilities. Approximately 69% of Hotels property values relate to the top 20 owned and leased hotels (in terms of value) of a total of 168 hotels, with an individual net book value range of £39 million to £204 million.

Property has been written down in the year ended December 31, 2004 by £48 million following an impairment review of the hotel estate. The impairment has been measured by reference to the value of income-generating units, using either the higher of value in use or estimated recoverable amount. The discount rate used for value in use calculations was 8.0% to 10.5%.

ENVIRONMENT

IHG is committed to all its operating companies having a responsibility to act in a way that respects the environment in which they operate. The Group’s hotels operate in nearly 100 countries and territories and its strong presence in the US and EU markets mean that it is affected by and is familiar with highly developed environmental laws and controls. IHG regularly considers environmental matters and seeks to embed good practice into its business strategies and operations. IHG was awarded membership of both the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in 2004.

Group companies incur expenditure on technical advice, services and equipment in addressing the environmental laws and regulations enacted in the countries in which they operate. In 2004, such expenditure was not material in the context of their financial results.

It is not possible to forecast the overall Group expenditure to comply with environmental laws and regulations; this reflects the difficulty in assessing the risk of environmental accidents and the changing nature of laws and regulations. IHG expects, however, that it should be in a position to control such expenditure so that, although it may be considerable, it will be unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position or results of operations.


ITEM 5.	*OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS*

INTRODUCTION


	*Business and Overview*

As at December 31, 2004 the Group operated hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories and operated, managed and franchised seven separate brand names and had 3,540 hotels with approximately 534,000 rooms. The Group owns a significant interest in Britvic, one of the two leading manufacturers of soft drinks in Great Britain (measured by value and volume) which over the past five years has built a portfolio of brands addressing all sectors of the soft drinks market. The Group continued to follow the clear strategy established on Separation. The key priorities of this strategy are: 1) to strengthen the core business through focus on brand differentiation and system delivery; 2) to grow the managed and franchised fee-income business in key markets; 3) to develop the organization and its people; 4) to continue the asset disposal program; and 5) to return funds to shareholders.


	*Asset Disposals and Capital Return*

During 2004, IHG continued the asset disposal program commenced in 2003. Including transactions that have been announced post year end, IHG has sold or announced the sale of 121 hotels with proceeds of approximately £1.75 billion and has on the market a further 25 hotels.

IHG engaged in a program to return funds to shareholders. During 2004 IHG completed an on-market share repurchase program for £250 million and announced a further £250 million repurchase program commencing in December 2004. On December 17, 2004 a special dividend of £501 million was paid to shareholders. Following the announcement in March 2005 of the sale of 73 hotels in the United Kingdom, and subject (among other things) to completion of the sale of the 73 hotels, IHG intends to return a further £1 billion to shareholders.


	*Operational Performance*

In the Hotels business all regions reported revenue and profit growth in US dollar terms as the hotel industry showed some recovery from the impact of global insecurity, SARS and depressed travel experienced in 2003 and, with respect to operations in the United Kingdom and Europe, as the US dollar continued to depreciate significantly in relation to the sterling and the euro. The relative strength of sterling against the US dollar (weighted average US dollar exchange rate to sterling for the year was $1.82 against $1.62 for 2003) converted a 13.0% growth in Hotels turnover expressed in US dollars to a 0.7% growth when expressed in sterling. Soft Drinks turnover increased by 4.7% despite the summer of 2004 experiencing poorer weather than the very favorable summer conditions of 2003. This growth was boosted by 2004 including an extra week’s trading.

The performance of the Hotels business is evaluated primarily on a regional basis. The regional operations are split by similar projects or services: franchise agreement, management contract, and owned and leased operations. All three income types are affected by occupancy and room rates achieved by hotels, our ability to manage costs and the change in the number of available rooms through acquisition, development and disposition. Results are also impacted by economic conditions and capacity. The Group’s segmental results are shown before allocation of central costs, interest expense, interest income and income taxes.

The Group believes the period-over-period movement in revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) to be a meaningful indicator for the performance of the Hotels business. In the Soft Drinks business, the Group believes a meaningful indicator for performance to be the movement in on-premise and take-home volumes.

There has been no material change in the broad trend of current trading since March 10, 2005 and the outlook for the full financial year remains in line with management’s expectation.

The Group has seen encouraging performance in the US. The key midscale brands, Express and Holiday Inn, are showing rate growth. Crowne Plaza RevPAR is growing strongly, driven by strong performance in the meeting segment and the InterContinental brand is delivering strong results in key cities (e.g. New York).

The UK, and particularly London, is showing strong RevPAR growth, driven by the corporate segment. The Group is seeing continued weakness in some Continental European markets (e.g. France and Benelux) but Germany is showing some positive signs. The Group’s business in the Middle East continues to deliver positive results, while the InterContinental Hong Kong had a good start to the year with double-digit RevPAR growth and mainland China also performed strongly. The Soft Drinks business started positively with volume increases over the previous year, and several initiatives planned with the intention of increasing profit and tightly controlling costs.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES UNDER UK GAAP AND US GAAP

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and costs and expense during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those relating to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories, investments, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations, frequent guest program liability, self-insurance claims payable, restructuring costs, retirement benefits and contingencies and litigation.

Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

The Group’s critical accounting policies are set out below.


	*Tangible and Intangible Assets*


(i)	Goodwill and other Intangible assets

Purchased goodwill and intangible assets are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized over their anticipated life.

Under UK GAAP, prior to October 1, 1998, goodwill arising on acquisitions was written off directly to reserves. Since October 1, 1998, acquired goodwill has been capitalized and amortized over a period not exceeding 20 years. On disposal of a business, the profit or loss on disposal is determined after incorporating the attributable amount of any purchased goodwill, including any previously written off to reserves. Under US GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001 was capitalized and amortized over its estimated useful life, not exceeding 40 years. For the purposes of US GAAP, the Group adopted Financial Accounting Standard (“FAS”) 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” on October 1, 2002 and from that date, goodwill including that which arose in the period from July 1, 2001 to October 1, 2002 is not amortized but reviewed annually for impairment.

Under US GAAP, separately identified intangible assets arising on acquisitions are capitalized and amortized over their useful lives. Under UK GAAP, these assets are included within goodwill.

The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to test indefinite life intangibles for impairment on an annual basis. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of net cash inflows, economic projections, cost of capital and terminal values. Each of these can significantly affect the value of indefinite life intangibles.

The Company tests identified intangible assets with defined useful lives by comparing the carrying value to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.


(ii)	Impairment of fixed assets

Under UK GAAP and US GAAP the carrying value of both tangible and finite lived intangible fixed assets are assessed for indicators of impairment. The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived

assets based on its plans, at the time, for such assets and such qualitative factors as future development in the surrounding area, status of expected local competition and projected capital expenditure plans. Changes to the Company’s plans, including decisions to dispose of or change the intended use of an asset, can have a material impact on the carrying value of the asset.

In circumstances where indicators of impairment exist, under UK GAAP, the carrying value of an income-generating unit (“IGU”) is assessed by reference to the greater of value in use, which is defined as the present value of discounted cashflows, and net realizable value. The outcome of such an assessment is subjective, and the result sensitive to the assumed future cashflows to be generated by the assets and discount rates applied in calculating the value in use, both of which will be dependent on the type of asset and its location. Any impairment arising on an income-generating unit, other than an impairment which represents a consumption of economic benefits, is eliminated against any specific revaluation reserve relating to the impaired assets in that income-generating unit with any excess being charged to the profit and loss account. Under US GAAP, the assessment of an IGU’s carrying value is by reference in the first instance to undiscounted cashflows. To the extent that undiscounted cashflows do not support carrying value, the fair value of assets must be calculated and the difference to the current carrying value charged to the profit and loss account.

During 2004, under UK GAAP, the Company recorded an impairment of its tangible fixed assets of £48 million, all of which relates to Hotels and represents 1% of the total carrying value of tangible fixed assets. This was recorded as a £28 million charge against operating profit and £20 million reversing previous revaluation gains. For the purposes of US GAAP, the Company recorded an impairment of its tangible fixed assets of £18 million.

Under UK GAAP and US GAAP the Group reviews its fixed asset investments on an annual basis by comparing the carrying value to current market value in cases where the investment is traded on a public exchange. During 2004, the Group recorded provisions against fixed asset investments reflecting the directors’ view that the value of the investment is equivalent to market value at December 31, 2004.


	*Sale of Real Estate*

Under UK GAAP, the Group recognizes a profit on disposal of fixed assets provided substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred. For US GAAP, the Group accounts for sales of real estate in accordance with FAS 66 “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”. If there is significant continuing involvement with the property, any gain on sale is deferred and is recognized over the life of the long-term management contract retained on the property. The deferral of pre-tax gains on such sales totaled £nil in 2004, £12 million in 2003 and £nil in 2002.


	*Income Taxes*

Under UK GAAP, the Group provides for deferred taxation in respect of timing differences, subject to certain exceptions, between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and for tax purposes. Under US GAAP, the Group provides for deferred taxation in accordance with FAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. For both UK and US GAAP the Group estimates deferred tax assets and liabilities based on current tax laws and rates, and in certain cases, business plans. Changes in these estimates may affect the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax assets. Accruals for tax contingencies require judgements on the expected outcome of tax exposures. Deferred tax assets are not recognized unless their realization is considered more likely than not.


	*Loyalty program*

Priority Club Rewards enables members to earn points, funded through hotel assessments, during each stay at an InterContinental Hotels Group hotel and redeem the points at a later date for free accommodation or other benefits. The future redemption liability is included in creditors less than, and greater than, one year in the consolidated balance sheets in the Consolidated Financial Statements and is estimated using actuarial

methods based on statistical formulas that project timing of future point redemption based on historical levels to give eventual redemption rates and points values.


	*Legal Contingencies*

The Group is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. Under both UK and US GAAP accruals are recorded for loss contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

OPERATING RESULTS


	*Accounting Principles*

The following discussion and analysis is based on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group, which are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP. The principal differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to the Group are discussed in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies unchanged from the previous year.

The Group will be required to produce its first set of audited financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) for the year ending December 31, 2005. This will require an opening balance sheet to be prepared under IFRS as at January 1, 2004, and a full profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 for comparative purposes. The transition to IFRS reporting will result in a number of changes in presentation of reported financial statements, notes thereto and accounting principles. See “International Financial Reporting Information” below.

For the year ended December 31, 2004 the results include exceptional items totaling a net charge of £99 million — see “year ended December 31, 2004 compared to 15 months ended December 31, 2003 — Exceptional Items”. For the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 the results include exceptional items totaling a net charge of £400 million — see “15 months ended December 31, 2003 Compared to fiscal 2002 — Exceptional Items” below. Fiscal 2002 results include exceptional items totaling a net charge of £24 million. For the comparability for the periods presented, some performance indicators in this Operating and Financial Review and Prospects discussion have been calculated after eliminating these exceptional items. Such indicators are prefixed with “adjusted”. A reconciliation to the amounts under UK GAAP including such exceptional items is included in Note 9 of Notes to the Financial Statements.


	*Year ended December 2004 compared with 15 months ended December 2003*


	Group


					Three months			12 months			15 months
		Year ended			ended			ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2002			2003			2003

		(£ million)
GROUP RESULTS
Turnover:
	Hotels		1,498			383			1,487			1,870
	Soft Drinks		706			146			674			820

Turnover from continuing operations			2,204			529			2,161			2,690
Discontinued operations			—			342			451			793

Total turnover			2,204			871			2,612			3,483

Operating profit before operating exceptional items from continuing operations:
	Hotels		251			48			203			251
	Soft Drinks		80			12			83			95

Total operating profit before operating exceptional items from continuing operations			331			60			286			346
	Operating exceptional item		(19	)		—			(51	)		(51	)

Operating profit after operating exceptional items from continuing operations			312			60			235			295
Discontinued operations			—			52			85			137

Total operating profit after operating exceptional items			312			112			320			432
Exceptional items:
Continuing operations:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			—			(67	)		(67	)
	Separation costs		—			(3	)		(48	)		(51	)
	Provision for loss on disposal of operations		(74	)		—			—			—
	Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets		15			—			4			4
	Provision against fixed asset investments		(10	)		—			(56	)		(56	)
Discontinued operations:
	Separation costs		—			—			(41	)		(41	)
	Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets		—			—			(2	)		(2	)

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			243			109			110			219

IHG turnover from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was £2,204 million (£2,690 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003). Excluding the effect of the longer period ended December 31, 2003, the results reflected the strengthening in economic conditions within the Hotels division offset by the strength of the sterling against the US dollar.

Profit on ordinary activities before interest and exceptional items from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was £331 million (£346 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003). Excluding the effect of the longer period ended December 31, 2003, the results reflect the hotel industry recovery from the impact of global insecurity, SARS and depressed travel experienced in 2003.

Exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2004 after tax totaled a net profit of £68 million and included an operating exceptional charge of £19 million and non-operating exceptional credits totaling £87 million. Details of the exceptional items are outlined under the heading “Exceptional Items” below.

Group net cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2004 was an outflow of £338 million (outflow of £22 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003) mainly driven by the payment of £600 million in dividends. Cash inflow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was £515 million, compared with £795 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003. Non-operating outflows during the year ended December 31, 2004 included a £17 million premium on the early settlement of debt. These items were offset by a £230 million decrease in expenditure on tangible fixed assets.

Basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2004 was 42.1p (2.6p for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003). Adjusted earnings per share, after eliminating the effect of exceptional items, was 32.5p for the year ended December 31, 2004 (39.1p for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003). Dividends for the year ended December 31, 2004 were 86.3p per share including a 72.0p per share special dividend paid in December 2004. A reconciliation of actual to adjusted earnings per share is set out in Note 9 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The Group reorganized its debt financing in the last quarter of 2004. As a result, the Group’s public debt was repaid and new bank facilities put in place.

In December 2004, the Group commenced a second £250 million on-market share repurchase program. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources of Liquidity” below.


	Exceptional Items

Following a review of the hotel estate, tangible fixed assets have been written down by £48 million; £28 million has been charged as an operating exceptional item and £20 million reverses previous revaluation gains.

Other operating exceptional items included a charge of £11 million related to the delivery of the further restructuring of the Hotels business in conjunction with the asset disposal program, and other operating income of £20 million relating to the adjustment to market valuation of the Group’s investment in FelCor Lodging Trust Inc.

Non-operating exceptional items included a profit of £15 million realized on the sale of hotels, a £74 million provision for loss on disposal of assets in the Americas and the United Kingdom and a £10 million provision against the value of certain fixed asset investments.

Non-operating exceptional items also included a net exceptional interest charge of £11 million. This related mainly to refinancing costs, including the premium of £17 million paid on the repurchase of the Group’s 2010€600 million Eurobonds, net of exceptional interest income which included £14 million received on tax refunds.

The release of provisions relating to tax matters which were settled during the year or in respect of which the relevant statutory limitation period has expired, principally relating to acquisitions (including provisions relating to pre-acquisition periods) and disposals, intra-group financing, and, in 2004, the recognition of a deferred tax asset of £83 million in respect of capital losses and the current year exceptional items has resulted in an exceptional tax credit of £167 million.

Operating and non-operating exceptional items, together with their related tax credits, have been excluded in the calculation of adjusted earnings per share.

Prior year exceptional items have been restated on a basis consistent with 2004. This comprises prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of size or incidence.


	Net Interest

In November 2004 the Group refinanced its existing bank facility with a new £1.6 billion facility. The new facility comprises a £1.1 billion five year tranche and a £0.5 billion 364 day tranche with an option to extend for one year. As part of this refinancing exercise the Group repurchased its euro and sterling denominated bonds.

The net interest charge for the year (pre-exceptionals) was £22 million compared to £47 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003. The reduction was principally due to lower average debt levels and the weaker US dollar.


	Taxation

The tax charge on ordinary activities excluding exceptional items was 16% for 2004. The equivalent effective rate for the IHG Group excluding MAB was 24% for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003, following restatement in respect of exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004. Net tax paid in the year ended December 31, 2004 reflected tax repayments received during the period and the impact of exceptional costs.

Excluding the effect of exceptional items and prior year items, the Group’s tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2004 was 36%. The equivalent for the Group was 37% for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003. The difference from the UK statutory rate of 30% arose primarily due to overseas profits being taxed at rates higher than the UK statutory rate.

The tax rate for 2005 is expected to be materially higher (around 30%) as the disposal program continues and a higher proportion of profits are earned in the United States.


	Earnings and Dividends

Basic earnings per share for the year was 42.1p. Adjusted earnings per share, removing the distorting effect of exceptional items, was 32.5p compared with 39.1p for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003.

The board has proposed a final dividend per share of 10.0p; with the interim dividend of 4.3p, the normal dividend for the year totaled 14.3p. A special dividend of 72.0p was paid in December 2004.


	Cash flow and Capital Expenditure

IHG’s operating cash flow for 2004 was £364 million compared with £547 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003. Net capital expenditure was £151 million, comprising £257 million capital additions and £106 million disposal proceeds, principally from the sale of hotels. Major items of expenditure in 2004 included the InterContinental Buckhead, Atlanta, refurbishment expenditure on the Holiday Inn UK estate and refurbishment expenditure on the InterContinental hotels in London, Cannes and Frankfurt.

Net interest paid was £41 million, and tax payments totaled £35 million. Dividend payments totaled £626 million including the special dividend paid in December 2004. The repurchase of shares totaled £257 million.


	*Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2004*

The following is a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2004 compared with the unaudited financial information for the period of 12 months ended December 2003.

The results for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 include discontinued operations of MAB for the period up until Separation. Given the scale of the events surrounding the Separation, the audited consolidated financial statements do not readily facilitate an understanding of the continuing operations of IHG on a stand alone basis. The Company has, therefore, prepared unaudited financial information which shows the results for the Group as if IHG had been independent and operating under the financing and taxation structure put in place at the time of the Separation for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. This financial information

comprises the results of those businesses that form IHG following the Separation. Because of the nature of this financial information, it cannot give a complete picture of the financial position of the Group. The information is provided as guidance only and should not be viewed as a substitute for the audited consolidated financial statements; it is not audited. Significant changes were also made to the financing structure of the Group as part of the Separation, making the Group results difficult to compare year-on-year. The financial information therefore represents the Group results as reported but after excluding the results of MAB and after having been adjusted to reflect the changes made to the financing and taxation structure as part of the Separation, on the assumption that this structure had been in place since October 1, 2001. The financial information has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in the Group financial statements.


	Hotels Results


					12 months
		Year ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2003*			Change

								%
		(£ million)
Turnover:
	Americas		495			525			(5.7	)
	EMEA		829			807			2.7
	Asia Pacific		134			114			17.5
	Central		40			41			(2.4	)

			1,498			1,487			0.7

Operating profit before exceptional items:
	Americas		163			161			1.2
	EMEA		119			92			29.3
	Asia Pacific		21			12			75.0
	Central		(52	)		(65	)		(20.0	)

			251			200			25.5


*	Unaudited pro forma results.

Turnover. Hotels turnover increased £11 million (0.7%) from £1,487 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, to £1,498 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Hotels turnover increased by 0.7% in sterling terms but this was impacted by the strength of sterling against the US dollar. Expressed in US dollars, turnover grew by over 13.0% with particularly strong growth in the United Kingdom (where the appreciation of sterling relative to the dollar benefitted results in US dollars), the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Operating profit. Hotels operating profit before exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2004 was £251 million, up 25.5% (12 months ended December 31, 2003 £200 million). Again, there was significant overall growth in US dollar terms in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) (up by 45%, assisted by the strength of sterling and the euro) and Asia Pacific (up by 105%).


	*Americas*


	Americas Results


					12 months
		Year ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2003			Change

								%
		($ million)
Turnover:
	Owned and leased		490			481			1.9
	Managed		55			46			19.6
	Franchised		357			327			9.2

			902			854			5.6

Operating profit before exceptional items:
	Owned and leased		39			32			21.9
	Managed		12			7			71.4
	Franchised		304			279			9.0

			355			318			11.6
Regional overheads			(59	)		(56	)		5.4

Total $ million			296			262			13.0

Sterling equivalent £ million(i)			163			161			1.2


(i)	The results have been translated into pounds sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the year. The translation rates are fiscal 2004: £1 = $1.82 (2003: £1 = $1.62).

Total Americas operating profit was $296 million, a 13.0% increase on the pro forma operating profit for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 of $262 million. The weakness of the US dollar to sterling meant that in sterling terms, Americas operating profit was £163 million, 1.2% up on 2003.

The largest profit generating stream in the Americas is the franchised business, with 2,550 hotels and 333,157 rooms. Operating profit increased from $279 million in 2003 to $304 million in 2004, a 9.0% increase. All brands posted strong revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth over 2003, with Holiday Inn 5.0% up, Holiday Inn Express 7.1% up, Crowne Plaza 4.5% up and Staybridge Suites 11.3% up.

In the owned and leased estate, strong growth in trading particularly at the InterContinental hotels in New York and Chicago, resulted in operating profit growth of $7 million to $39 million in 2004. Comparable owned and leased RevPAR saw strong growth on 2003; InterContinental was up by 8.1%, Crowne Plaza by 6.9% and Holiday Inn by 5.6%. In April 2004 the InterContinental Central Park (New York) was sold, and in November 2004 the InterContinental Buckhead, Atlanta, a newly built hotel, was opened.

Managed operating profit increased from $7 million in 2003 to $12 million in 2004 with all brands experiencing strong RevPAR growth on 2003. The manager-owner relationship with HPT strengthened during the year as agreement was reached for HPT to purchase a further 13 hotels from IHG with long-term contracts for IHG to manage the hotels under IHG brands. Following completion of this transaction, 119 hotels owned by HPT are managed by IHG.

Americas regional overheads increased marginally, principally as a result of specific strategic initiatives and bonus payments.


	*Europe, Middle East and Africa*


	EMEA Results


		Year			12 months
		ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2003			Change

								%
		(£ million)
Turnover:
	Owned and leased		759			746			1.7
	Managed		43			38			13.2
	Franchised		27			23			17.4

			829			807			2.7

Operating profit before exceptional items:
	Owned and leased		97			77			26.0
	Managed		24			19			26.3
	Franchised		21			18			16.7

			142			114			24.6
Regional overheads			(23	)		(22	)		4.5

Total £ million			119			92			29.3

Dollar equivalent $ million(i)			216			149			45.0


(i)	The results have been translated into US dollars at weighted average rates of exchange for the year. The translation rates are fiscal 2004: $1 = £0.55 (2003: $1 = £0.62).

Turnover for EMEA for 2004 was £829 million, £22 million higher than for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. Owned and leased turnover grew by £13 million despite the loss of £42 million turnover compared to 2003 as a result of hotels being sold.

Trading conditions across the region varied; UK hotels experienced strong growth in RevPAR throughout the year and the performance in the Middle East and Africa business was strong. Continental Europe was more mixed with Paris in particular slower to recover from the adverse conditions in 2003.

In the owned and leased estate, RevPAR in the United Kingdom Holiday Inn estate continued to grow over previous periods. For the year Holiday Inn UK RevPAR was up by 8.0% over 2003. London hotels in particular experienced strong growth in RevPAR over 2003 (up by 16.0%) as they were slower to recover than the UK regional hotels which had seen some recovery from mid-2003. Holiday Inn UK regional hotel RevPAR was up by 4.7%.

InterContinental owned and leased RevPAR on a comparable basis was 1.0% up on 2003. InterContinental owned and leased turnover and operating profit was boosted by a full year’s trading from the InterContinental Le Grand Paris, which was closed for refurbishment for part of 2003. Owned and leased operating profit finished £20 million ahead of 2003 with the InterContinental Le Grand Paris contributing £12 million of the increase.

Managed operating profit in EMEA rose by £5 million to £24 million. This was driven by hotels in the Middle East where over half of EMEA’s managed hotels are located. Overall, Middle East managed RevPAR increased by 8.8% for InterContinental, 8.8% for Crowne Plaza and 6.4% for Holiday Inn. Liquidated damages of approximately £4 million were received from the early termination of the management contract for the InterContinental Barcelona.

Overall EMEA franchise RevPAR was 6.1% up on 2003 and there was a net increase in system size of 13 hotels. As a result, EMEA franchise operating profit was £3 million ahead of 2003 at £21 million.

Total EMEA regional overheads increased by £1 million, reflecting the benefits of the reorganisation partly offset by bonus awards for 2004.

During the year, a number of UK hotels were sold, including the Crowne Plaza Manchester Midland, Holiday Inn Teeside, Holiday Inn Sheffield West, Holiday Inn Crawley and the Holiday Inn Preston.


	*Asia Pacific*


	Asia Pacific Results


		Year			12 months
		ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2003			Change

								%
		($ million)
Turnover:
	Owned and leased		201			154			30.5
	Managed		38			26			46.2
	Franchised		5			5			—

			244			185			31.9

Operating profit before exceptional items:
	Owned and leased		31			18			72.2
	Managed		25			15			66.7
	Franchised		3			4			(25.0	)

			59			37			59.5
Regional overheads			(20	)		(18	)		11.1

Total $ million			39			19			105.3

Sterling equivalent £ million(i)			21			12			75.0


(i)	The results have been translated into pounds sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the year. The translation rates are fiscal 2004: £1 = $1.82 (2003: £1 = $1.62).

Asia Pacific’s results improved significantly in 2004 as the region made a recovery from the negative impacts in 2003 of the war in Iraq, SARS and the terrorist bombing in Bali.

Turnover grew by 32% to $244 million with a significant increase in both owned and leased turnover (up by $47 million) and managed turnover (up by $12 million).

The owned and leased estate operating profit grew by $13 million to $31 million with a significant contribution from the InterContinental Hong Kong. RevPAR at the InterContinental Hong Kong increased by over 50% on 2003 and, with high operational gearing, this led to a substantially improved profit. In the last quarter of the year the hotel was running at an occupancy of over 85% and RevPAR was up by 29% over 2003. In total, owned and leased RevPAR across the region was up by 47%.

Asia Pacific managed hotel RevPAR also increased in comparison with 2003; InterContinental increased by 18%, Crowne Plaza by 23% and Holiday Inn by 24%. Operating profit increased by $10 million to $25 million.

Asia Pacific regional overheads were $2 million higher than 2003, principally as a result of infrastructure costs to support further planned expansion in Greater China. In addition to the 44 IHG hotels already open and operating in Greater China, there are another 53 management agreements signed and under negotiation which will increase IHG’s presence and leadership in the China hotel market.

In the year, the Holiday Inn Newcastle and the Holiday Inn Adelaide were sold with proceeds being broadly in line with net book value.


	*Central*


	Central


	Year			12 months
	ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,
	2004			2003			Change

							%
	(£ million)
Turnover		40			41			(2.4	)
Gross central costs		(92	)		(106	)		(13.2	)

Net central costs £ million		(52	)		(65	)		(20.0	)

Dollar equivalent $ million(i)		(93	)		(105	)		(11.4	)


(i)	The results have been translated into US dollars at weighted average rates of exchange for the year. The translation rates are fiscal 2004: $1 = £0.55 (2003: $1 = £0.62).

Central support function costs totaled £52 million in 2004, £13 million down on 2003. The reduction primarily reflects the continued drive to reduce overhead costs. US dollar denominated costs also benefited from being converted at a weaker US dollar to sterling exchange rate.

Regional and central overheads were flat year on year reflecting significant savings achieved given inflationary pressures, new initiatives and the payment of bonuses in 2004. EMEA overheads expressed in US dollars were 16.7% higher than 2003 primarily due to the impact of exchange rates; in sterling, the increase was 4.5%. Including regional costs charged directly to income streams, total gross overheads were 2.0% below 2003 levels when compared at constant exchange rates.


	Cash flow and Investment

Operating cash flow for Hotels was £291 million compared with £308 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. Net capital expenditure, net of disposal proceeds, was £81 million against £45 million in 2003.


	*Soft Drinks*


	Year		12 months
	ended		ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2004(i)		2003(i)		Change

					%
	(£ million)
Turnover		706		674		4.7
Operating profit before exceptional items		80		83		(3.6	)


(i)	2004 53 weeks 2003 52 weeks


	Strategy

Soft Drinks continued to invest in its key brands and in new product innovation. During 2004, Britvic acquired the Ben Shaw’s water business, for £4 million, further increasing Britvic’s presence in the UK’s expanding water market and providing additional capacity.


	Performance

Soft Drinks turnover increased by 4.7% to £706 million, a strong performance against a 2003 result that benefited from a particularly favorable summer. Volume growth was 1.5% with strong growth in on-premise volume up 7.3%, driven by carbonates, adult and fruit drinks, with J₂O and Fruit Shoot performing particularly well. Soft Drinks increased its share of the take-home market although volumes were lower as the market volume fell below 2003. Pepsi achieved a take-home cola market share of 20%. Turnover growth benefited from an extra week’s trading; 2004 included 53 weeks’ trading compared with 52 weeks in 2003.

Operating profit for Soft Drinks was £80 million, £3 million down on 2003. Operating profit in 2003, however, was boosted by an estimated £5 million from the exceptionally good summer weather. Although 2004 operating profit benefited from an extra week’s trading, incremental costs associated with a move to a more stand-alone basis, additional depreciation, increased pension costs and continued investment both in brand support and infrastructure costs, left profit £3 million down on last year.


	Cash flow and Investment

Operating cash flow for Soft Drinks was £73 million compared with £71 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. Net capital expenditure was £70 million against £55 million in 2003 in line with forecast, including the acquisition of Ben Shaw’s water business and significant investment in systems and business processes. Capital expenditure is expected to reduce to approximately £50 million in 2005.


	*Highlights for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003*

Turnover. Hotels turnover decreased £51 million (3.3%) from £1,538 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to £1,487 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. While revenue rose £7 million (0.9%) in EMEA, the Americas and Asia Pacific were negatively impacted by exchange rate movements. The decline of the US dollar against sterling by 9.7% from the first to fourth quarters resulted in sterling reported turnover in the Americas finishing the 12 months down 7.7% and Asia Pacific down 10.9%.

Operating profit. Hotels operating profit before exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2003 was £200 million, down 16.3% (12 months ended December 31, 2002 £239 million). Trading was depressed in the first and second quarters by the threat and then outbreak of the war in Iraq and the outbreak of SARS in Asia and Canada. The weakening of the US dollar against sterling had a negative impact in the second half of the year in the Americas. In EMEA the owned and leased estate was negatively impacted by the combined effects of pre-opening costs, hotels opening towards the end of the period, and increased depreciation charges associated with prior year refurbishments. A reduction in overheads primarily driven from the reorganization review helped to offset some of the profit declines.


	Americas

Operating profit before exceptional items for the Americas region for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $262 million, marginally ahead of 2002 ($260 million 12 months ended December 31, 2002). The weakening of the US dollar against sterling had a negative impact in the second half of the year on sterling reported results and the Americas finished the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 with operating profit before exceptional items in sterling of £161 million, down 7% from the 12 months ended December 31, 2002. Total Americas overheads including direct costs, were down 10%, with the separately disclosed regional overheads down 3% reflecting implementation of initiatives arising from the reorganization review.

RevPAR performance in the franchised estate finished the year ended December 31, 2003 0.3% down from the prior year at $46.61. The war in Iraq in the first half of the year contributed to the decline. In the third and fourth quarters, as a result of an improvement in domestic travel, the franchised estate recorded 1.5% and 2.7% RevPAR growth respectively. All brands recorded a stronger second half to the year, with InterContinental, Express and Staybridge Suite franchises all recording over 3.5% year-on-year growth for the second six months.

RevPAR growth in the owned and managed estates followed a similar trend with the second half of the year significantly up on the first. The InterContinental owned estate, with its major gateway city exposure, grew year-on-year in each quarter as stability returned to the travel market. The InterContinental hotels in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Miami all recorded strong growth in the second half of the year. In July 2003, IHG sold 16 Staybridge Suites to HPT for $185 million, retaining management and branding.

Managed results include the full profit and loss account for certain properties where IHG is responsible for the underlying operations. Operating profit before exceptional items in the managed estate fell due to RevPAR declines in the managed InterContinental and Crowne Plaza estates in North and Latin America, and the agreed payments made to HPT under our management contract. In September, HPT converted 14 additional suite hotels to IHG’s Staybridge Suite brand and management.


	Europe, Middle East and Africa

The managed and franchised estate in EMEA opened 40 hotels with over 6,500 rooms. Of these hotels, 78% were new build. As at December 31, 2003, there were a further 96 hotels with over 18,000 rooms signed and under development.

Turnover in EMEA totaled £807 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, an increase of £7 million on 2002. Owned and leased turnover grew by £7 million with the reopening during the year of the refurbished InterContinental Le Grand Paris, and the opening of the newly built Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, Holiday Inn Paris Disney, and three Express hotels in Germany. EMEA operating profit before exceptional items totaled £92 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003. The conversion of revenue to operating profit was depressed by the owned and leased estate, where the combined effects of pre-opening costs, hotels opening towards the end of the period, and increased depreciation charges associated with prior year refurbishment, all negatively impacted costs. Regional overheads fell £8 million to £22 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 (£30 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2002) as a result of the reorganization initiatives.

RevPAR in the region for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 was 0.7% lower than the prior 12 months at $56.36. The trend in the first half of the year was similar to that experienced in the Americas, with trading primarily depressed by the threat and then outbreak of the war in Iraq. In the second half of the year the UK market showed signs of recovery, although the picture was less clear in Europe, with both the German and French markets experiencing mixed trading conditions.

The Holiday Inn UK estate recorded five consecutive months of RevPAR growth to finish the year up 2.3%, primarily driven by increased occupancy. The UK regions, with their domestic focus, recovered earlier than London and recorded seven consecutive months of growth. In London, December 2003 trading was particularly strong with the majority of the owned estate recording double digit RevPAR growth to end the month up 12.3%.

Across EMEA the InterContinental estate finished the year with an overall RevPAR decline of 5.7%. While the owned InterContinental estate finished down 8.0% due to its exposure to the main European gateways, the managed Middle East estate traded more positively with the comparable Middle East estate recording RevPAR growth of 2.7%.

Crowne Plaza finished the 12 months with RevPAR growth of 3.3% due to growth in the managed and franchised estates of 11.1% and 3.2% respectively. This performance was helped by the Middle East estate which finished the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 up 29.5%.

Franchise turnover fell due to a fall in RevPAR and exchange rate movements, offset by growth in system size. Franchise profits grew primarily due to savings in franchise overheads realized as part of the organizational review.

During the year the InterContinental Le Grand Paris reopened after a full refurbishment to position the property at the top of the Paris market. The Holiday Inn Paris Disney opened, giving representation at one of

Europe’s leading family leisure destinations and the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport opened at the end of the year, giving the brand another defining asset at a major European airport.


	Asia Pacific

System growth continued in the region with a net increase of over 3,000 rooms operated under management agreements. Highlights of the new openings were five new InterContinental hotels in Thailand, Australia and India, and four Holiday Inns in Greater China. The new Holiday Inns in China brought the system size to 44 hotels. There are also 18 management agreements signed, but under development, which will extend IHG’s leadership in the key Greater China market.

Turnover in Asia Pacific for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 was $185 million, down $7 million (4%) from the 12 months ended December 31, 2002. In addition to the impact of the war in Iraq, trading in Asia Pacific was depressed by the Bali bombing and the SARS outbreak.

Trading at the InterContinental Hong Kong fell sharply in March 2003 in connection with the outbreak of SARS, but recovery commenced in the third and fourth quarters. The opening of the award-winning Spoon restaurant in the InterContinental Hong Kong in October lifted non-rooms revenue. In Australia, the Rugby World Cup gave trading a boost in the second half of the year.

Initiatives to increase revenue within the region included the roll-out of local websites for China, Australia and New Zealand, and the opening of a Central Reservations Office based in Guangzhou, The People’s Republic Of China, supporting calls in Cantonese and Mandarin. The addition during the year of Air China as a Priority Club Rewards partner further strengthened our travel alliances in the region.


	Central

Central overheads principally comprise the costs of global functions that were centralized following the reorganization review, reduced by Holidex fee income. The reduction in gross central costs from £121 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to £106 million for 2003, primarily reflects savings driven from the reorganization review.


	*Cash flow and Investment*

Following the Separation, the Group undertook a detailed review of its owned and leased portfolio to identify opportunities to lower capital intensity. The Group’s strategy is that it will, in general, only own assets if they have strategic value or generate superior returns. The Group has now developed plans for each owned asset taking into account a wide range of different criteria, including where relevant the state of the local market and readiness of the asset to be sold. It is currently estimated that the disposal program will involve the further sale of assets with a net book value of between £800 million and £1 billion. The scale and complexity of the program means that it will take some considerable time to complete and is subject to there being no significant adverse changes in market conditions.

In the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 the Group completed sales of fixed assets with proceeds of £254 million with an overall gain on sale of £4 million. The Group is in active negotiations on further sales and has a pipeline of disposals.

In July 2003, the Group completed the sale of a 16 property Staybridge Suites portfolio to HPT, one of the largest US hotel real estate investment trusts, for $185 million. Investment had been made into the Staybridge Suites portfolio by the Group to enable rapid entry to the important US extended stay market. The disposal to HPT achieved a reduction in capital employed within the business while retaining management and branding of the hotels.

The Group’s strategic relationship with HPT expanded further with the conversion in September 2003 of 14 further HPT owned hotels to the Staybridge Suites brand.

The sale of the InterContinental London May Fair for £115 million was completed in September 2003. With an alternative property in London, and with this property in need of refurbishment, IHG took the opportunity to reduce capital intensity in the business at a favorable price in excess of £400,000 per room.

In October 2003, IHG announced the acquisition of the Candlewood Suites brand in the US for $15 million from Candlewood Hotel Corporation. This brand’s positioning in the midscale extended stay segment will complement Staybridge’s upscale positioning. Candlewood Suites is an established brand of purpose built hotels with 109 properties on average less than five years old. The major owner of Candlewood properties is HPT, which owned 64 properties at the time of announcement and which, in a related transaction, purchased an additional 12 properties. IHG will manage all 76 of HPT’s properties under 20-year agreements, with options to extend. The transaction concluded on December 31, 2003.


	Soft Drinks

Soft Drinks grew its market share in a number of key segments in which it operates. In addition to a strong investment program in its key brands, Soft Drinks is also committed to an active new product development program, which has recently brought additional success to the business through its J₂O and Fruit Shoot brands. While this investment is driving top line revenue growth, Soft Drinks is also focused on effective cost and asset management to deliver an even higher level of earnings and return on capital employed growth.

Turnover. As a result of favorable summer trading conditions the overall UK soft drinks market grew 8%. Soft Drinks turnover of £674 million was up 10% on the previous year. In the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, Soft Drinks grew its share of the carbonates market with Tango having an outstanding year, with volumes up 14%. Both Pepsi and 7UP performed well with volumes up 3% and 6%, respectively. Following good performance in 2002, Robinsons continued to grow with sales excluding Fruit Shoot up a further 4% in 2003. Investment was made in further capacity to support the success of Fruit Shoot and J₂O, with both brands leading their respective market segments with volume growth in 2003 of 54% and 95%, respectively.

Operating profit. The business continued its focus on effective cost control, which along with the increase in turnover, contributed to an overall operating profit before exceptional items increase of 22% to £83 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003.


	*Cash flow and Investment*

Operating cash flow for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 was £71 million. Capital expenditure of £55 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 was driven by expansionary investment in additional Fruit Shoot and J2O production capacity, together with significant investment in a business transformation program. This, in addition to implementing new IT infrastructure, will significantly enhance operating efficiency.


	*Discontinued Operations — Mitchells and Butlers*

The audited Group results for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 includes MAB operations for the 28 weeks from October 1, 2002 until the Separation on April 15, 2003. For the year ended September 30, 2002 MAB results are included for the full fiscal year.

For the 28 weeks until Separation, turnover from MAB operations was £793 million, up 0.9% from the comparable period in the prior year (£786 million in the 28 weeks ended April 13, 2002). Underlying the 0.9% rise in turnover was a 1.0% fall in drink sales and a 2.7% rise in food sales. These comparisons were adversely affected by the timing of the important Easter trading period, which fell after the 28 week period in 2003 but within the 2002 trading period. MAB turnover for the year ended September 30, 2002 was £1,481 million.

MAB operating profit before exceptional items for the 28 weeks prior to the Separation was £137 million (£146 million in the 28 weeks ended April 13, 2002). Gross operating margins were maintained despite the different Easter period, higher employment and property costs arising from regulatory changes, and an

increase in the pension charge. The reduction in operating profit was largely due to higher depreciation costs. MAB operating profit for the year ended September 30, 2002 was £289 million.

Operating cash flow generated by MAB was £152 million for the 28 weeks prior to the Separation (£72 million in the 28 weeks ended April 13, 2002). The improvement over the 28 weeks ended April 13, 2002 was attributable to a £64 million reduction in net capital expenditure and a favourable movement in working capital of £17 million. MAB operating cash flow for the year ended September 30, 2002 was £145 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


	*Sources of Liquidity*

IHG’s policy is to maintain sufficient financial resources to meet its medium term funding requirements. In 2004 the Group refinanced its syndicated bank facility with a new £1.6 billion facility which gave the Group greater financial flexibility at a lower cost. As a result of the cost effective funding obtained from the bank market the Group repurchased the outstanding £18 million of its 2007 Notes, and made a tender offer to repurchase its€600 million 4.75% 2010 Notes. The repurchase of the Group’s public debt was completed in January 2005.

At December 31, 2004 gross debt (including currency swaps) amounted to £1,538 million comprising £799 million euro borrowings, £335 million of US dollar borrowings, £247 million of sterling borrowings, £69 million of Hong Kong dollar borrowings and the remainder denominated in a variety of other currencies.

At December 31, 2004 committed bank facilities amounted to £1,697 million and uncommitted facilities of £64 million, and of these committed facilities £542 million were unutilized.

The Group also held short term deposits and investments (including currency swaps) at December 31, 2004 amounting to £422 million. Credit risk on treasury transactions is minimised by operating a policy on investment of surplus funds that generally restricts counterparties to those with an A credit rating or better or those providing adequate security. Limits are also set on the amounts invested with individual counterparties. Most of the Group’s surplus funds are held in the United Kingdom or United States and there are no material funds where repatriation is restricted as a result of foreign exchange regulations.

The Group is in compliance with its financial covenants in its loan documentation none of which represent a material restriction on funding or investment policy in the foreseeable future.

Details of exchange and interest rate risk and financial instruments are disclosed in “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.


	*Cash From Operating Activities*

Cash flow from operating activities is the principal source of cash used to fund the ongoing operating expenses, interest payments, maintenance capital expenditure and dividend payments of the Group. The Group believes that the requirements of its existing business and future investment can be met from cash generated internally, disposition of assets and businesses and external finance expected to be available to it.


	*Cash Used for Investing Activities*

In September 2004 IHG announced a further £750 million return of funds to shareholders. A special dividend of £501 million was paid to shareholders on December 17, 2004, followed by an associated share consolidation. A further £250 million share repurchase program commenced in December 2004, and by December 31, 2004 a further 0.8 million shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of 651 pence (total £5 million). By April 25, 2005, a total of 20,259,275 shares had been repurchased under the

second repurchase program at an average price per share of 632 pence per share (approximately £128 million).

Following the announcement of the sale of 73 hotels in the United Kingdom, IHG intends to return a further £1 billion to shareholders. This will require a capital restructuring to enable the release of funds arising from the receipt of disposal proceeds. Subject to receipt of shareholder approval, completion of disposal transactions and there being no material adverse change in market conditions, it is planned to complete the restructuring by the end of June 2005 and to return funds to shareholders as soon as practicable thereafter.

As of December 31, 2004, the Group had committed contractual capital expenditure of £53 million. Contracts for expenditure on fixed assets are not authorized by the directors on an annual basis, as divisional capital expenditure is controlled by cash flow budgets. Authorization of major projects occurs shortly before contracts are placed.

The Group intends to invest approximately £300 million in capital expenditure in 2005. This level of capital expenditure is reviewed regularly during the year and may be increased or decreased in the light of prevailing economic and market conditions and other financial considerations.


	*Contractual Obligations*

The Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2004:


	Total amounts		Less than						After
	committed		1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		5 years

	(£ million)
Long-term debt		1,199		43		41		1,111		4
Operating lease obligations		1,106		55		98		69		884
Other long-term obligations(i)		62		30		32		—		—
Capital contracts placed		53		53		—		—		—

		2,420		186		171		1,180		888


(i)	Other long-term obligations includes credit balances on currency swaps, interest rate swaps, forward contracts and pension obligations.

The Company may provide performance guarantees to third-party owners to secure management contracts. The maximum exposure under such guarantees is £115 million. It is the view of the directors that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements, such guarantees are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group.

As of December 31, 2004, the Group had outstanding letters of credit of £33 million mainly relating to self-insurance programs.

The Group may guarantee loans made to facilitate third-party ownership of hotels in which the Group has an equity interest and also a management contract. As of December 31, 2004, the Group was a guarantor of loans which could amount to a maximum of £15 million.

The Group has given warranties in respect of the disposal of certain of its former subsidiaries. The Company believes that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements, such warranties are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group.


	*Pension Plan Commitments*

IHG operates three main schemes; the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan, the Britvic Pension Plan, and the US based InterContinental Hotels Pension Plan.

The InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan and the Britvic Pension Plan were both established with effect from April 1, 2003. On a Financial Report Standard (FRS) 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’ basis, at

December 31, 2004 the Plans had a deficit of £20 million and £108 million, respectively. In October 2004, £51 million was paid into the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan, while £1 million was paid into the Britvic Pension Plan in January 2004. The defined benefits sections of both these Plans are generally closed to new members. In 2005, the Group expects to make projected regular contributions to the two UK principal plans of £17 million and additional contributions of £40 million to the Britvic Pension Plan.

The US based InterContinental Hotels Plan is closed to new members and pensionable service no longer accrues for current employee members. On an FRS 17 basis, at December 31, 2004 the Plan had a deficit of $19 million.

The InterContinental Hotels Group will be exposed to the funding risks in relation to the defined benefit sections of the InterContinental Hotels and Britvic Plans and the InterContinental Hotels Pension Plan, as explained in “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors”.

Details of exchange and interest rate risk and financial instruments are disclosed in “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING INFORMATION

The Group will be required to produce its first set of audited financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards for the year ending December 31, 2005. Historically, the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK GAAP. The following explanatory notes and reconciliations describe the differences between IFRS and UK GAAP reporting for the financial year 2004 as well as for the IFRS opening balance sheet at January 1, 2004.

The effects of the transition are explained on the following pages which include balance sheet reconciliations at the date of transition, January 1, 2004, and at December 31, 2004 and a reconciliation of the profit and loss account for the year ended December 31, 2004.


	*IFRS accounting policies*


	Basis of Accounting

The financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

The financial information is prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain items of property, plant and equipment held at deemed cost under the transitional rules of IFRS.

The principle IFRS accounting policies of the Group are set out below.


	First Time Adoption of IFRS

The Group has adopted IFRS from January 1, 2004 (“date of transition”) with the exception of IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation” and IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, which are adopted with effect from January 1, 2005 in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards”.

In accordance with IFRS 1, the Group is entitled to a number of voluntary and mandatory exemptions from full restatement, which have been adopted as follows:

Business combinations The basis of accounting for pre-transition combinations under UK GAAP has not been revisited. The initial carrying amount of assets and liabilities acquired in such business combinations is deemed to be equivalent to cost.

Property, plant and equipment The Group has elected to retain UK GAAP carrying values of freehold and leasehold hotels including revaluations as deemed cost at transition.

Employee benefits The cumulative actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension schemes and similar post retirement benefits at transition date have been recognised in full in equity.

Foreign currencies The Group has elected not to recognize separately cumulative foreign exchange movements up to the transition date, and from January 1, 2004 onwards, to recognize foreign exchange differences on the retranslation of foreign subsidiaries in a separate reserve within equity.

Share-based payments IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment” has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after November 7, 2002 that had not vested at January 1, 2005.


	IFRS Accounting Policies

The Group has adopted the transitional requirements of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations” and IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment” from January 1, 2004.


	Basis of Consolidation

The Group financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company.

The results of those businesses acquired or disposed of are consolidated for the period during which they were under the Group’s control.


	Investment In Associates

An associate is an entity over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the entity.

Associates are accounted for using the equity method, unless the investment is held for sale (see below). Using the equity method, the Group’s investment is recorded at cost adjusted by the Group’s share of post acquisition profits and losses.


	Assets Held for Sale

Assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction, rather than continuing use, and a sale is highly probable.

Assets designated as held for sale are held at the lower of carrying amount at designation and fair value less costs to sell.

Depreciation is not charged against tangible assets classified as held for sale.


	Foreign Currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rates ruling on the dates of the transactions. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the relevant rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.

The results of foreign operations are translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period.

Exchange differences arising from the retranslation of opening net assets and the net result for the year denominated in foreign currencies are transferred to the Group’s translation reserve within equity. Other exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity is treated as an asset of that foreign operation and is translated into sterling at the relevant closing rate.


	Financial Instruments

The Group has adopted both IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation” and IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” from January 1, 2005.

Under the transition rules of IFRS 1, IAS 32 and IAS 39 are not applied to comparative balances; in 2005, comparative balances will be presented on the existing UK GAAP basis.

Trade debtors Trade debtors are recorded at their original amount less an allowance for any doubtful accounts.

An allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer considered probable.

InvestmentsOn adoption of IAS 39 non current investments are classified as available for sale and held at fair value. Gains and losses from fair value changes are recognized within equity. Impairment losses are recognized within the profit and loss account.

Until January 1, 2005, such investments were recorded in accordance with UK GAAP at cost less any provision for impairment.

Trade creditorsUnder both IAS 39 and UK GAAP, trade creditors are non interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Bank and other borrowingsUnder both IAS 39 (subject to the hedging policies outlined below) and UK GAAP, borrowings are stated at proceeds received plus any unamortized issue costs.

Under IAS 39 and UK GAAP, finance charges including issue costs are charged to the profit and loss account using an effective interest rate method. Finance costs not settled in the period are included within the outstanding loan balance.

Derivative financial instruments and hedgingUnder IFRS, non hedging derivatives and other treasury instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Movements in fair value are recognized in the profit and loss account.

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are accounted for in line with the nature of the hedging arrangement. Documentation outlining the measurement and effectiveness of a hedging arrangement is maintained throughout the life of the hedge relationship. Any ineffective element of a hedge arrangement is recognized in the profit and loss account.


	Goodwill

Goodwill arises on consolidation as the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value at the date of acquisition of assets acquired of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity.

Goodwill is recognized as an asset and tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is not amortized.

Negative goodwill is recognized immediately in the profit and loss account.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to September 30, 1998 was eliminated against shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP; it has not been reinstated. On disposal of a business, any such goodwill relating to the business will not be taken into account in determining the profit or loss on disposal.


	Intangible Assets

Acquired through a business combinationOn acquisition of an entity, intangible assets which are separately identifiable and arise from a legal or contractual right are recognized at fair value and amortized on a straight line basis over a period appropriate to the type of asset.

Other intangible assetsAmounts paid to hotel owners to secure management contracts and franchise agreements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of the contracted period and 10 years.

Internally generated development costs are capitalized when forecast related revenues exceed attributable forecast development costs.

In the circumstance of a hotel or other asset being sold to a purchaser who then enters into a management or franchise contract with the Group, this is accounted for as an exchange of assets and the profit or loss on disposal is determined by comparing the net book value of the asset sold to the total consideration received, which includes an estimate of the fair value of the contract.


	Property, Plant and Equipment

Freehold and leasehold land and buildings are stated at cost, except as allowed under the IFRS 1 transition rules, less depreciation and any impairment.

All other fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation and impairment. Borrowing costs are not capitalized. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Under the transition rules of IFRS 1, the Group has elected to use previous UK GAAP carrying values, including revaluations, as deemed cost at transition.

Freehold land is not depreciated. All other tangible fixed assets are depreciated to a residual value over their estimated useful lives, namely:


Freehold buildings		50 years
Leasehold buildings		lesser of unexpired term of lease and 50 years
Fixtures, fittings and equipment		3-25 years
Plant and machinery		4-20 years

All depreciation and amortization is charged on a straight line basis.


	Impairment

At each balance sheet date the Group reviews all assets to determine if there are any indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment exist then the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) is estimated.

Where individual assets do not generate cash flows independent from other assets, the Group reviews the carrying value and recoverable amount of a CGU. This is the smallest group of assets where independent cash flows are produced.

Intangible assets with an indefinite life and goodwill are tested for impairment at least annually by comparing carrying values with recoverable amounts.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is less than its carrying amount, the difference is recognized in the profit and loss account as an impairment loss.


	Deferred Taxation

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in respect of all temporary differences between the tax base and carrying value of assets and liabilities. Those temporary differences recognized include accelerated capital allowances, unrelieved tax losses, unremitted profits from overseas where the Group does not control remittance, gains rolled over into replacement assets, gains on previously revalued properties and other short-term temporary differences.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as probable that the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. The recoverability of all deferred tax assets is reassessed at each balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the asset or liability will be settled.


	Leases

Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.


	Pensions

Defined contribution plans Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged to the profit and loss account as they fall due.

Defined benefit plans Any excess or shortfall of scheme assets, measured at fair value, over scheme liabilities, measured using the projected unit credit method, is recognized in the balance sheet.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in reserves in the year in which they arise.

Past service cost is recognized immediately when the related benefits have vested. When benefits are not fully vested, these costs are recognized on a straight line basis over the remaining vesting period.

Actuarial valuations are normally carried out every three years.


	Self Insurance

The Group is self insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical and dental coverage. Insurance reserves include projected settlements for known and incurred but not reported claims. Projected settlements are estimated based on historical trends and actuarial data.


	Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost includes direct purchase costs and other overheads incurred in bringing these stocks to their present location and condition. Cost is determined by a first-in, first-out method.

Net realizable value represents estimated selling price less marketing and selling costs.


	Revenue Recognition

Revenue is derived from the following sources: owned and leased properties; management fees; franchise fees; sale of soft drinks and other revenues which are ancillary to the Group’s operations.

Generally, revenue represents sales (excluding VAT and similar taxes) of goods and services, net of discounts, provided in the normal course of business and recognized when services have been rendered. The following is a description of the composition of revenues of the Group.

Owned and leased revenue — derived from hotel operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales from a worldwide network of owned and leased hotels operated under the Group’s brand names. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and food and beverage is sold.

Management fees — earned from hotels managed by the Group, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. Management fees include a base fee, which is generally a percentage of hotel revenue, and an incentive fee, which is generally based on the hotel’s profitability. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the contract.

Franchise fees — received in connection with the franchise of the Group’s brand names, usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. The Group charges franchise royalty fees as a percentage of room revenue. Revenue is recognized when earned.

Soft Drinks — sales (excluding VAT and similar taxes) of goods and services, net of discounts, provided in the normal course of business. Revenue is recognized when sales are made.


	Loyalty Program

The hotel loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards, enables members to earn points, funded through hotel assessments, during each stay at an InterContinental Hotels Group hotel and redeem points at a later date for free accommodation or other benefits. The future redemption liability is included in creditors less than, and greater than, one year and is estimated using actuarial methods which estimate eventual redemption rates and points values.


	Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


	Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash comprises cash in hand and demand deposits.

Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than 90 days that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

Bank overdrafts repayable on demand are a component of cash equivalents.


	Share-Based Payments

In accordance with the transitional provisions of IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment” the Group has elected to apply IFRS 2 to grants, options and other equity instruments granted after November 7, 2002 not vested at January 1, 2004.

The Group issues equity settled share-based payments to certain employees through incentive schemes and a Save As You Earn scheme. The fair value of these share-based payments is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the equity instrument, based on the Group’s best estimate of the number of shares that will vest.

Fair value is based on option pricing models and the terms and conditions of the option schemes.


	Proposed Dividend

Dividends of £81 million (2003 £86 million) were proposed before the balance sheet date.


	*Accounting policy differences between UK GAAP and IFRS*

The Group financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom (UK GAAP) which differ from IFRS. The significant differences, as they apply to the Group, are summarized below.

Assets held for sale Under UK GAAP there is no held for sale definition and no reclassification is required.

Under IFRS, assets are classified as held for sale when their value will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than continuing use, and management consider a sale to be highly probable.

Assets classified as held for sale are held at the lower of their carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. No depreciation or amortization is charged on assets held for sale.

Discontinued operations Under UK GAAP, operations are classified as discontinued when the sale or termination of operations is completed before the earlier of three months after year end or approval of the financial statements. In addition, the operations concerned must have a material effect on the nature and focus

of operations resulting in either a withdrawal from a particular class of business or geographical market or a material reduction in turnover in a continuing market.

Under IFRS, the results of operations arising from assets classified as held for sale are classified as discontinued operations when the results relate to a separate line of business, or geographical area of operations, or where there is a coordinated plan to dispose of a separate line of business or geographical area of operations.

Discontinued operations are shown as a separate figure, net of tax, on the face of the profit and loss account.

Goodwill Under UK GAAP, goodwill is amortized over 20 years and tested for impairment annually.

Under IFRS, goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing and is not amortized.

Impairment Under UK GAAP, impairment is measured for an income-generating unit when indicators of impairment exist. All assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment at the balance sheet date.

Under IFRS, all assets are reviewed for evidence of the existence of impairment indicators at each reporting date. Assets with an indefinite life (such as goodwill) are subject to impairment testing at least annually.

Pension costs Under UK GAAP, the Group provides for the cost of retirement benefits based upon a consistent percentage of employees’ pensionable pay as recommended by independent qualified actuaries. Variations in regular pension costs are amortized over the average expected service life of current employees on a straight line basis. Scheme assets and liabilities are not recognized on the Group’s balance sheet.

Under IFRS, the cost of providing defined benefit retirement benefits is recognized over the service life of scheme members. This cost is calculated by an independent qualified actuary, based on estimates of long-term rates of return on scheme assets and discount rates on scheme liabilities.

Any excess or deficit of scheme assets over scheme liabilities is recorded as an asset or liability, respectively, in the Group’s balance sheet to the extent that it does not relate to unrecognized actuarial gains and losses.

Each year the scheme net assets or liabilities are adjusted for actuarial gains and losses which are recognized directly in reserves.

Share-based payment Under IFRS, the fair value of all share-based payments is expensed over the vesting period of the related equity instruments, based on the Group’s best estimate of the number of shares that will vest.

Fair value is determined by an option pricing model applied to all share-based payments granted after November 7, 2002.

Deferred taxation Under UK GAAP, deferred tax is provided on all timing differences, subject to certain exceptions. Accordingly, deferred tax is not provided on revaluation gains and gains rolled over into replacement assets unless there exists a binding agreement for sale, nor on unremitted earnings of investments except to the extent of accrued dividends or where there exists a binding agreement to distribute earnings.

Under IFRS, deferred tax is recognized on all temporary differences between the tax base and carrying value of assets and liabilities, including those arising from revaluation of assets, on gains rolled over into replacement assets and on unremitted earnings of investments where the Group does not control the timing of distributions.

In addition, IFRS requires the tax base of assets and liabilities to be determined by management’s current intended use and the intended manner of realization of the asset or liability.

Cash and cash equivalents Under UK GAAP, there is no equivalent definition.

Under IFRS, cash equivalents are defined as short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than 90 days that are readily convertible into a known amount of cash.

Dividends Under UK GAAP, dividends are recognized in the period in which they are declared.

Under IFRS, dividends are recognized as an appropriation of reserves in the period in which they are approved.


	Reconciliation of earnings under UK GAAP to IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2004


			Operating
			profit
			before																		Earnings
			exceptional									Exceptional			Profit			Minority			available for
	Turnover		items			Interest			Tax			items			after tax			interest			shareholders

	(£ million)
As reported under UK GAAP		2,204		331			(22	)		(50	)		68			327			(28	)		299
Remove goodwill amortization		—		10			—			(1	)		—			9			(1	)		8
Pension accounting adjustments		—		(6	)		—			2			—			(4	)		2			(2	)
Share-based payment adjustments		—		(4	)		—			3			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Impairment of previously revalued assets		—		—			—			—			(6	)		(6	)		—			(6	)
Depreciation adjustment of held for sale assets		—		15			—			(5	)		—			10			—			10
Adjustment to provision for loss on disposal of operations		—		—			—			—			74			74			—			74
Tax adjustments		—		—			—			(5	)		6			1			—			1

Under IFRS		2,204		346			(22	)		(56	)		142			410			(27	)		383

Continuing operations		1,602		228			(22	)		(18	)		118			306			(27	)		279
Discontinued operations		602		118			—			(38	)		24			104			—			104


	Key indicators


	UK GAAP			IFRS

	(£ million except per
	ordinary share
	amounts)
Net debt		(1,116	)		(1,116	)
Basic earnings per ordinary share		42.1	p		53.9	p


	Reconciliation of basic EPS to adjusted EPS


					Pence per
					ordinary
		£ million			share

Basic EPS under IFRS			383			53.9p
Exceptional items:
	Impairment of tangible fixed assets		48			6.7p
	Administrative expense		11			1.5p
	Other operating income		(20	)		(2.8p	)
	Profit on disposal of fixed assets		(15	)		(2.1p	)
	Provision against fixed asset investments		10			1.4p
	Interest receivable		(22	)		(3.1p	)
	Interest payable		16			2.3p
	Premium on early settlement of debt		17			2.4p
	Tax credit on above items		(20	)		(2.8p	)
	Exceptional tax credit		(167	)		(23.5p	)

			(142	)		(20.0p	)

Adjusted EPS under IFRS			241			33.9p


	Reconciliation of UK GAAP balance sheet to IFRS balance sheet at January 1, 2004


	Non current		Current			Current			Non current			Minority
	assets		assets			liabilities			liabilities			interests			Net assets			Equity

	(£ million)
As reported under UK GAAP		4,281		999			(1,085	)		(1,478	)		(163	)		2,554			(2,554	)
Reclassify proposed dividends		—		—			86			—			—			86			(86	)
Pension accounting adjustments		—		(47	)		—			(131	)		57			(121	)		121
Deferred tax adjustments		—		—			—			(163	)		(17	)		(180	)		180
Reclassifications		30		(30	)		—			—			—			—			—

Under IFRS at January 1, 2004		4,311		922			(999	)		(1,772	)		(123	)		2,339			(2,339	)


	Reconciliation of UK GAAP balance sheet to IFRS balance sheet at December 31, 2004


	Non current		Current			Current			Non current			Minority
	assets		assets			liabilities			liabilities			interests			Net assets			Equity

	(£ million)
As reported under UK GAAP		4,017		757			(1,013	)		(1,634	)		(150	)		1,977			(1,977	)
Reclassify proposed dividends		—		—			81			—			—			81			(81	)
Remove goodwill amortisation		10		—			—			—			(1	)		9			(9	)
Pension accounting adjustments		—		(110	)		—			(125	)		75			(160	)		160
Deferred tax adjustments		—		—			—			(134	)		(22	)		(156	)		156
Reclassify assets as held for sale		15		—			—			74			—			89			(89	)
Reclassifications		31		(31	)		—			—			—			—			—

Under IFRS at December 31, 2004		4,073		616			(932	)		(1,819	)		(98	)		1,840			(1,840	)


ITEM 6.	*DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES*

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Overall strategic direction of the Group is provided by the board of directors, comprising executive and non-executive directors, and by members of the executive committee.

The directors and officers of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as at April 25, 2005 are:


		Initially		Date of next
		appointed to		reappointment
Name	Title	the board		by shareholders

Andrew Cosslett	Director and Chief Executive		2005		2005
Richard Hartman	Director and Managing Director, EMEA		2003		2005
David Kappler(1)	Director and Senior Independent Director		2004		2005
Ralph Kugler(1)	Director		2003		2005
Robert C. Larson(1)	Director		2003		2005
Stevan Porter	Director and President, the Americas		2003		2006*
David Prosser(1)	Director		2003		2006*
Richard Solomons	Director and Finance Director Chairman of Britvic		2003		2005
Sir Howard Stringer(1)	Director		2003		2006*
David Webster(1)	Chairman		2003		2006*


*	One third of the directors are required to retire by rotation at each Annual General Meeting. Three of the four directors asterisked will be required to retire and/or stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2006.


(1)	Non-executive director.


	*Officers*


Name	Title	Initially appointed

Peter Gowers	Executive Vice President, Global Brand Services		2003
A. Patrick Imbardelli	Managing Director, Asia Pacific		2003
Jim Larson	Executive Vice President, Human Resources		2003
Richard Winter	Executive Vice President, Corporate Services, Group Company Secretary and General Counsel		2003


	*Former Directors and Officers*

Richard North served as director and Chief Executive of the Company from Separation in April 2003 until September 30, 2004.


	*Directors and Officers*

Andrew Cosslett

Andrew Cosslett was appointed Chief Executive in February 2005. He joined the Group from Cadbury Schweppes plc where he was most recently President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. During his career at Cadbury Schweppes he held a variety of senior regional management and marketing roles in the UK and Asia Pacific. He has over 11 years previous experience in brand marketing with Unilever. He is also non-executive Chairman of Duchy Originals Limited. Aged 50.

Peter Gowers

Peter Gowers has previous international experience in management consultancy based in London and Singapore. He joined the Group in 1999 and was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Brand Services in January 2003. He is responsible for Group strategy, worldwide marketing and distribution, reservations and loyalty programs. Aged 32.

Richard Hartman

Richard Hartman has over 38 years’ experience in the hotel industry including 30 years with Sheraton. He joined the Group in 1999 as Managing Director, Asia Pacific. Subsequently, as Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, he was appointed an executive director in April 2003. He is responsible for the business of all the Hotel brands and properties in the EMEA region. Aged 59.

A. Patrick Imbardelli

A. Patrick Imbardelli has over 23 years’ experience in the hotel industry including 12 years with Southern Pacific Hotels Corporation. He joined the Group in 2000 and was appointed Managing Director, Asia Pacific in January 2003. He is responsible for the business of all the Hotel brands and properties in the Asia Pacific region. Aged 44.

David Kappler

David Kappler was appointed a director and Senior Independent Director in June 2004. He is non-executive Chairman of Premier Foods plc and a non-executive director of Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc and HMV Group plc. A qualified accountant and formerly Chief Financial Officer of Cadbury Schweppes plc until April 2004, he also served as a non-executive director of Camelot Group plc. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Aged 58.

Ralph Kugler

Ralph Kugler was appointed a director in April 2003. He is President, Unilever Home and Personal Care, and has been nominated to join the Board of Unilever in May 2005. He has held a variety of senior positions globally for Unilever and has experience of regional management in Asia, Latin America and Europe (including as President of Unilever Latin America and, more recently, President of Unilever Europe, Home and Personal Care) with over 25 years’ involvement in brand marketing. Aged 49.

Jim Larson

Jim Larson has over 25 years’ experience in human resources, most recently with the Kellogg Company. He joined the Group in 2002 as Executive Vice President, Human Resources. He is responsible for global reward strategy and implementation, talent management and leadership development. Aged 52.

Robert C. Larson

Robert C. Larson was appointed a director in April 2003. He is Managing Director of Lazard Frères & Co LLC, Chairman of Lazard Frères Real Estate Investors, LLC and non-executive Chairman of United Dominion Realty Trust Inc. He served as a non-executive director of Six Continents PLC (formerly Bass PLC) from 1996 until April 2003. Aged 70.

Stevan Porter

Stevan Porter spent 13 years with Hilton Corporation in a variety of senior management positions. He joined the Group in 2001 as Chief Operating Officer, the Americas. Subsequently, as President, the Americas, he was appointed an executive director in April 2003. He is responsible for the business of all the Hotel brands and properties in the Americas region. Aged 50.

David Prosser

David Prosser is a qualified actuary with 40 years’ experience in financial services. Appointed a director in April 2003, he is Group Chief Executive of Legal & General Group Plc. He is Chairman of the Financial Services Skills Council and a director of the Royal Automobile Club Limited and of Epsom Downs Racecourse Limited. He served as Senior Independent Director from January to June 2004. He is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Aged 61.

Richard Solomons

Richard Solomons qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985, followed by seven years in investment banking, based in London and New York. He joined the Group in 1992 and held a variety of senior finance and operational roles. He was appointed Finance Director of the Hotels business in October 2002 in anticipation of the Company’s listing in April 2003. He is responsible for finance and asset management, tax, treasury and central shared services. He is also Chairman of Britvic. Aged 43.

Sir Howard Stringer

Sir Howard Stringer has over 35 years’ experience in the media and entertainment industries. He was appointed a director in April 2003. He is a director of Sony Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation of America and has been nominated to be Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation. He served as a non-executive director of Six Continents PLC from 2002 until April 2003. Aged 63.

David Webster

David Webster was appointed Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director of InterContinental Hotels Group on the Separation of Six Continents PLC in April 2003. He was appointed non-executive Chairman on 1 January 2004. He is also non-executive Chairman of Makinson Cowell Limited, a capital markets advisory firm. He was formerly Chairman of Safeway plc and a non-executive director of Reed Elsevier PLC. He is chairman of the Nomination Committee. Aged 60.

Richard Winter

Richard Winter, a solicitor, qualified in 1973 and has 20 years’ commercial law experience in private practice. He joined the Group in 1994 as Director of Group Legal. He is now responsible for corporate governance, risk management, internal audit, data privacy, company secretariat, Group legal services and corporate social responsibility. Aged 56.

COMPENSATION

In fiscal 2004, the aggregate compensation (including pension contributions, bonus and awards under the long term incentive plans) of the directors and officers of the Company was £5,191,000. The aggregate amount set aside or accrued by the Company in fiscal 2004 to provide pension retirement or similar benefits for those individuals was £243,000. An amount of nil was charged in fiscal 2004 in respect of bonuses payable to them under performance related cash bonus schemes and long term incentive plans.

Note 4 of Notes to the Financial Statements sets out the individual compensation of the directors. The following are details of the Company’s principal share schemes, in which the directors of the Company participated during the period.


	*Former Six Continents Share Schemes*

Under the terms of the Separation of Six Continents PLC in 2003, holders of options under the Six Continents Executive Share Option Schemes were given the opportunity to exchange their Six Continents options for equivalent value new options over IHG shares. During fiscal 2004, 7,429,736 such options were exercised, leaving a total of 12,568,562 such options outstanding at prices ranging from 308.48p to 593.29p.

Under the terms of the Six Continents Special Deferred Incentive Plan 59,217 IHG shares were transferred to employees in 2004, reflecting entitlements existing prior to the Separation.


	*Share Plans established on Separation*


	Executive Share Option Plan

The Remuneration Committee, consisting solely of non-executive directors, may select employees, including executive directors, of the Group, for the grant of options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company. The option price will not be less than the market value of an ordinary share, or the nominal value if higher. The market value will be the quoted price on the business day preceding the date of grant, or the average of the middle market quoted prices on the three consecutive dealing days immediately preceding the date of grant. The International Schedule to the Scheme extends it to executives outside the United Kingdom. Grants of options under the Executive Share Option Plan are normally made annually and except in exceptional circumstances, will not, in any year, exceed three times annual salary for executive directors. A performance condition has to be met before options can be exercised. The performance condition is set by the Remuneration Committee.

In April 2004, options were granted to 180 employees over 6,951,420 IHG shares at 494.17p per share. In April 2005, options were granted to 58 employees over 2,104,570 IHG shares at 619.83p per share. For options granted in 2004 and 2005, the Company’s adjusted earnings per share over the three-year performance periods ending December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 must increase by at least nine percentage points over the increase in the UK Retail Prices Index for the same period for any of the award to vest. Options granted in 2004 are exercisable between 2007 and 2014 and options granted in 2005 are exercisable between 2008 and 2015, subject to the achievement of the performance condition.

As of April 25, 2005, 27,633,433 IHG shares were subject to options under the Executive Share Option Plan.


	Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan

The IHG Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan (the “STDIP”) enables eligible employees, including executive directors, to receive all or part of their bonus in the form of IHG shares together with, in certain cases, a matching grant of free shares. The bonus and matching shares are deferred and released in equal amounts at the end of each of the three years following deferral. Participation in the STDIP is at the discretion of the IHG directors. The number of shares is calculated by dividing a specific percentage of the participant’s salary by the average share price for a period of days prior to the date on which the shares are granted. As of April 25 2005, conditional rights over 804,165 IHG Shares had been awarded to participants under the Plan.


	Performance Restricted Share Plan

The Performance Restricted Share Plan allows executive directors and eligible employees to receive share awards, subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition, set by the Remuneration Committee, which is normally measured over a three year period. Awards are normally made annually and, except in exceptional circumstances, will not exceed three times annual salary for executive directors. In determining the level of awards within this maximum limit, the Committee takes into account the level of Executive Share Options already granted to the same person. As of April 25, 2005 conditional rights over 5,914,246 IHG shares had been awarded to employees under the plan. The plan provides for the grant of “nil cost options” to participants as an alternative to share awards. As of April 25, 2005, no such nil cost options had been granted.


	Sharesave Plan

The Sharesave Plan is a savings plan whereby employees contract to save a fixed amount each month with a Savings Institution for 3 or 5 years. At the end of the savings term, employees are given the option to purchase shares at a price set before savings began. The Sharesave Plan is available to all UK employees (including executive directors) employed by participating Group companies provided they have been

employed for at least one year. The Plan provides for the grant of options to subscribe for ordinary shares at the higher of nominal value and not less than 80% of the middle market quotations of the ordinary shares on the three dealing days immediately following an announcement of results. As of April 25, 2005, 1,209,633 IHG shares were subject to options under the Sharesave Plan at a subscription price of 420.5p, exercisable up to the year 2009.


	*Options and Ordinary Shares held by Directors*

Details of the directors’ interests in the Company’s shares are set out below and in Note 4 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

BOARD PRACTICES


	*Contracts of Service*

The executive directors have service agreements with the Company.

Prior to the Separation of Six Continents PLC Richard Hartman, Richard North, Stevan Porter and Richard Solomons entered into service agreements with a notice period of 12 months. Following the year end, Andrew Cosslett entered into a service agreement with an initial notice period of 24 months, reducing month-by-month to 12 months after the initial 12 month period. All new appointments are intended to have 12 month notice periods. However, on occasion, to complete an external recruitment successfully, a longer initial period reducing to 12 months may be used, following guidance in the Combined Code.

David Webster took over as interim Chief Executive on September 15, 2004 following announcement that Richard North would resign as a director of the Company on September 30, 2004. David Webster’s remuneration in his capacity as interim Chief Executive was exclusive of his remuneration in his capacity as non-executive Chairman of the Company, which is the subject to six months’ notice.

Non-executive directors, Ralph Kugler, Robert C. Larson, David Prosser and Sir Howard Stringer signed letters of appointment effective from the listing of IHG. David Kappler signed a letter of appointment effective from June 21, 2004. All non-executive directors’ appointments are subject to re-election at the Annual General Meeting at which they may retire by rotation.

See Note 4 of the Notes to the Financial Statements for details of directors’ service contracts.


	*Payments on Termination*

No provisions for compensation for termination following change of control, or for liquidated damages of any kind, are included in the current directors’ contracts. In the event of any early termination of an executive director’s contract the policy is to seek to minimize any liability.

Upon retirement, and under certain other specified circumstances on termination of his employment, a director will become eligible to receive benefit from his participation in a Company pension plan. See Note 4 of Notes to the Financial Statements for details of directors’ pension entitlements at December 31, 2004.


	*Executive Committee*

This Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive, Andrew Cosslett. It consists of the executive directors and senior executives from the Group and the regions and usually meets monthly. Its role is to consider and manage a range of important strategic and business issues facing the Group. It is responsible for monitoring the performance of the regional Hotels business and the Britvic business and is authorised to approve capital and revenue investment within levels agreed by the board.


	*Audit Committee*

The Audit Committee is chaired by David Kappler, who has significant recent and relevant financial experience and is the committee’s financial expert. He took over the role of Chairman of the Committee from

David Webster following his appointment to the board as Senior Independent Director on June 21, 2004. During 2004, the Audit Committee consisted of all the non-executive directors, excluding the Chairman of the Company. Since January 1, 2005, the membership of the Audit Committee has consisted of David Kappler, Ralph Kugler and David Prosser and is scheduled to meet at least four times a year.

The Audit Committee assists the board in observing its responsibilities in relation to the integrity of the Group’s financial statements and associated announcements, the adequacy of internal control and risk management systems and the appointment and work of the internal and external auditors. The role of the Audit Committee, including the powers and responsibilities delegated by the board, is summarised below and in full in its terms of reference, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website or in writing on request.

The Committee’s Chairman and financial expert, David Kappler, is a chartered management accountant and until April 2004 was Chief Financial Officer of Cadbury Schweppes plc. He also chairs the Audit Committees of two other UK public limited companies.

The Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:


	•	review the Company’s public statements on internal control and corporate governance compliance prior to their consideration by the board;

	•	review the Company’s processes for detecting and addressing fraud, misconduct and control weaknesses and to consider the Company’s response to any such occurrence, including overseeing the process enabling the anonymous submission of concerns;

	•	review reports from management, internal audit and external audit concerning the effectiveness of internal control, financial reporting and risk management processes;

	•	review with management and the external auditor any financial statements required under UK or US legislation before submission to the board;

	•	establish, review and maintain the role and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function, including overseeing the appointment of the Head of Internal Audit;

	•	assume responsibility for the appointment, compensation, resignation, dismissal and the overseeing of the external auditor, including review of the external audit, its cost and effectiveness;

	•	pre-approve non-audit work to be carried out by the external auditor and the fees to be paid for that work along with the monitoring of the external auditor’s independence; and

	•	adopt and oversee a specific Code of Ethics for the senior financial officers, which is consistent with the Company’s overall Guidelines for Proper Business Conduct.

To ensure that the independence and objectivity of the external auditor is not compromised, the Audit Committee has introduced a policy whereby all proposals for the provision of non-audit services by the external auditor must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee or its delegated member. At all times, the overriding consideration is to ensure that the provision of non-audit services does not impact the external auditor’s independence and objectivity.

Disclosure Committee

The Disclosure Committee, chaired by the Group’s Financial Controller, and comprising the Company Secretary and other senior executives, reports to the Chief Executive and the Finance Director, and to the Audit Committee. Its duties include ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports pursuant to UK and US accounting, statutory or listing requirements, fairly represent the Group’s position in all material respects.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee, chaired by David Prosser, consists of all the non-executive directors, excluding the Chairman of the Company (Ralph Kugler, Robert C. Larson, David Prosser and Sir Howard

Stringer), and meets at least three times a year. The Committee advises the board on overall remuneration policy. The Committee also determines, on behalf of the board, and with the benefit of advice from external consultants and members of the Human Resources department, the remuneration packages of the executive directors and other members of the Executive Committee. No member of the Committee has any personal financial interest, other than as a shareholder, in the matters to be decided by the Committee.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee’s quorum comprises any three non-executive directors although, where possible, all non-executive directors are present. It is chaired by the Chairman of the Company and is responsible for nominating, for the approval of the board, candidates for appointment to the board and, also for succession planning. The Committee generally engages external consultants to advise on candidates for board appointments and did so in connection with the appointments of Messrs Kappler and Cosslett. The Committee also assists the board in identifying and developing the role of the Senior Independent Director.

A description of the significant ways in which the Company’s actual corporate governance practices differ from the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance requirements followed by U.S. companies can be found on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com.

EMPLOYEES

The Group employed an average of 29,659 people worldwide in the year ended December 31, 2004. Of these, approximately 94% were employed on a full-time basis and 6% were employed on a part-time basis.

The table below analyzes the distribution of the average number of employees for the last three fiscal periods by division and by geographic region.


			Rest of Europe,
			the Middle East
	United Kingdom		and Africa		United States		Rest of World		Total

2004:
Hotels		9,676		6,601		8,241		2,317		26,835
Soft drinks		2,824		—		—		—		2,824

InterContinental Hotels Group		12,500		6,601		8,241		2,317		29,659

2003:
Hotels		11,174		5,585		5,704		4,648		27,111
Soft drinks		2,698		—		—		—		2,698

InterContinental Hotels Group		13,872		5,585		5,704		4,684		29,809
Discontinued operations		15,014		—		—		—		15,014

		28,886		5,585		5,704		4,648		44,823

2002:
Hotels		11,872		5,622		5,944		4,947		28,385
Soft drinks		2,637		—		—		—		2,637

InterContinental Hotels Group		14,509		5,622		5,944		4,947		31,022
Discontinued operations		36,710		2,037		—		—		38,747

		51,219		7,659		5,944		4,947		69,769

Under EU law, many employees of Group companies are now covered by the Working Time Regulations which came into force in the United Kingdom on October 1, 1998. These regulations implemented the European Working Time Directive and parts of the Young Workers Directive, and lay down rights and

protections for employees in areas such as maximum working hours, minimum rest time, minimum days off and paid leave.

In the United Kingdom there is in place a national minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act. At December 31, 2004, the minimum wage for individuals between 18 and under the age of 22 was £4.10 per hour and £4.85 per hour for individuals age 22 and above. This particularly impacts businesses in the hospitality and retailing sectors. Compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act is being monitored by the Low Pay Commission, an independent statutory body established by the UK Government.

Less than 5% of the Group’s UK employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with trade unions.

Continual attention is paid to the external market in order to ensure that terms of employment are appropriate. The Group believes the Group companies will be able to conduct their relationships with trade unions and employees in a satisfactory manner.

SHARE OWNERSHIP

The interests of the directors and officers in the shares of the Company at April 25, 2005 were as follows:


	Ordinary
	shares of
	112p

Directors
Andrew Cosslett		10,000
Richard Hartman		95,615
David Kappler		2,602
Ralph Kugler		892
Robert C. Larson		10,714
Stevan Porter		88,077
David Prosser		4,464
Richard Solomons		55,009
Sir Howard Stringer		7,566
David Webster		13,395

Officers
Peter Gowers		(Nil)
A. Patrick Imbardelli		52,202
Jim Larson		38,877
Richard Winter		8,159

The above shareholdings are all beneficial interests. The percentage of ordinary share capital owned by each of the directors is negligible.

On April 25, 2005, the executive directors’ technical interest in unallocated InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ordinary shares held by the Trustees of the ESOP was 2,831,979 shares.

The directors’ interests in options to subscribe for shares as at the year end in InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as at December 31, 2005 are set out in Note 4 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The directors do not have different voting rights from other shareholders of the Company.


ITEM 7.	*MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS*

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

As far as is known to management, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or by any government. Under the provisions of Section 198 of the Companies Act, InterContinental Hotels has been advised of the following interests in its shares, being greater than 3% of its issued share capital as at April 25, 2005.


	April 2005					April 2004				December 2002

	Number of			Percent		Number of		Percent		Number of		Percent
Identity of person or group	shares/ADSs			of class		shares/ADSs		of class		shares/ADSs		of class

Lloyds TSB Group Plc		26,773,575			4.44%		(1)		(1)		(1)		(1)
Legal & General Group Plc		24,233,225	(2)		4.02%		29,924,045		4.10%		24,176,81		3.10%
Barclays PLC		20,246,584			3.36%		(1)		(1)		(1)		(1)
AXA SA		18,121,201			3.00%		(1)		(1)		(1)		(1)
Dodge & Cox Funds		(1)			(1)		25,106,594		3.40%		(1)		(1)


(1)	No notification of an above 3% shareholding received.

(2)	The number of shares stated to be beneficially held by Legal & General Group Plc (and its subsidiaries) is derived from the number of shares notified to the Company by Legal & General Group Plc, as adjusted to take account of a subsequent 25 for 28 share consolidation.

The Company’s major shareholders do not have different voting rights from other shareholders of the Company. The Company does not know of any arrangements the operation of which may result in a change in its control.

As of April 25, 2005, 29,548,420 ADSs equivalent to 29,548,420 ordinary shares, or approximately 5% of the total ordinary shares in issue, were outstanding and were held by 1,425 holders. Since certain ordinary shares are registered in the names of nominees, the number of shareholders of record may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners.

As of April 25, 2005, there were a total of 81,566 record holders of ordinary shares, of whom 216 had registered addresses in the United States and held a total of 256,987 ordinary shares (0.04% of the total issued).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Other than as herein described, the Company has entered into no related party transactions or loans.

Pursuant to an agreement dated February 12, 2003, Thomas R Oliver, a former director of Six Continents, was contracted to provide consultancy services to the Group. This agreement ended in March 2005. (See Note 4 of Notes to the Financial Statements).

During part of fiscal 2003, MAB was part of the Six Continents Group, and as a result the agreements entered into in connection with the Separation were with a related party at that time.


	*Summary of Main Agreements Relating to the Separation*


	Share Purchase Agreement to effect the MAB Transfer (the “MAB Transfer SPA”)

Under the MAB Transfer SPA, which was entered into between MAB and Six Continents PLC after MAB became the holding company of the Six Continents Group, Six Continents PLC transferred at book value the whole of the issued share capital of various Retail companies, namely Six Continents Retail Limited and Six Continents Retail Germany GmbH and their respective subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings, and Six Continents Property Developments Limited to MAB (the “MAB Transfer”).

Under the MAB Transfer SPA, Six Continents PLC gave no warranties (other than as to ownership of the shares in the companies being transferred) and agreed to give certain limited indemnities to MAB. These indemnities were given to protect MAB against liabilities which it may incur and which relate exclusively or

predominantly to InterContinental Hotels Group entities. In addition, Six Continents PLC indemnified MAB in respect of 50% of certain contingent liabilities which do not relate exclusively or predominantly to either MAB or InterContinental Hotels Group entities. These shared liabilities relate primarily to businesses which have been disposed of by the Six Continents Group or its subsidiaries in the past and where warranties or indemnities were given to third parties.

The MAB Transfer SPA also contained provisions relating to the allocation of tax liabilities and the conduct of the tax affairs of MAB and InterContinental Hotels Group relating to periods beginning before the reorganization was effected.


	Separation Agreement

Following the MAB Transfer, an agreement was entered into between MAB and IHG PLC under which MAB agreed to transfer on the Separation date the whole of the issued share capital of Six Continents PLC (which at that point only owned the hotels business and soft drinks business) to IHG in consideration for which IHG allotted and issued IHG shares to the holders of MAB shares (the “Separation Agreement”). Each shareholder on the register of members of MAB, immediately before the transfer of the Six Continents PLC shares, received one IHG share for every MAB share held at that time. The holders of MAB ADSs on the ADR register maintained by the Depositary received one IHG ADS for every MAB ADS. A shareholder or ADR holder of MAB was not required to make any payment for the IHG shares or ADSs. The Separation did not affect the number of issued MAB shares or MAB ADSs.

All IHG shares received by MAB shareholders (including the Depositary) in connection with the Separation were credited as fully paid.

Under the Separation Agreement, MAB agreed to give certain limited indemnities to IHG. These indemnities were given to protect IHG against liabilities which it may incur but which relate exclusively or predominantly to Retail or SCPD. In addition, MAB indemnified IHG in respect of 50% of certain contingent liabilities which do not relate exclusively or predominantly to the Retail business and SCPD or to the hotels business and soft drinks business. These shared contingent liabilities relate primarily to businesses which have been disposed of by the Six Continents Group or its subsidiaries in the past and where warranties and indemnities were given.


	Relationship with Mitchells & Butlers plc

Following the Separation, MAB and IHG each operate as separate listed companies. There are no cross-directorships between MAB and IHG. The Transitional Services Agreement put in place on Separation contains certain obligations, which expired as of December 31, 2003. Certain other obligations are continuing. Neither the expired, nor the residual continuing obligations, are believed to be material.


	Franchise Agreement for Express by Holiday Inn

Prior to Separation, a franchise agreement on arm’s length terms was entered into between a Group company (the “Licensor”) and an MAB Group company (the “Licensee”), pursuant to which the Licensor granted the Licensee the right to operate Express by Holiday Inn hotels operated by the Licensee. This license includes the rights to use the reservations and other systems of the Licensor, the trademarks and service marks and such other elements as designated from time to time by the Licensor, designed to identify “Express by Holiday Inn” hotels. In return, the Licensee pays a royalty to the Licensor, which is a pre-determined percentage of room revenues together with certain other fees as specified in the agreement. Each hotel has its own license agreement, which is typically for a ten-year period from the date of opening.


	Britvic Supply Agreement

On February 7, 2003, Britvic Soft Drinks Limited and the MAB Group extended the terms of an existing Britvic Soft Drinks Limited supply agreement for five years from that date. Under the agreement, the MAB

Group has a minimum purchase obligation for Britvic soft drinks across its estate which is well within the MAB Group’s actual usage levels.


ITEM 8.	*FINANCIAL INFORMATION*

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION


	*Financial Statements*

See “Item 18. Financial Statements”.


	*Legal Proceedings*

Group companies have extensive operations in the United Kingdom, as well as internationally, and are involved in a number of legal proceedings incidental to those operations. It is the Company’s view that the outcome of such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a material effect on the results of the Group’s operations or its financial position.


	*Dividends*

See “Item 3. Key Information — Dividends”.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

None.


ITEM 9.	*THE OFFER AND LISTING*

The principal trading market for the Company’s ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange on which Six Continents shares were traded since its incorporation in 1967 until Separation in 2003 and on which InterContinental Hotels Group shares have been traded since Separation. The ordinary shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange trading in the form of ADSs evidenced by ADRs. Each ADS represents one ordinary share. InterContinental Hotels Group has a sponsored ADR facility with The Bank of New York as Depositary.

The following tables show, for the fiscal periods indicated, the reported high and low middle market quotations (which represent an average of closing bid and ask prices) for the ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, as derived from the Daily Official List of the UK Listing Authority, and the highest and lowest sales prices of the ADSs as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape.


	£ per
	Ordinary share				$ per ADS

Year ended September 30	High		Low		High		Low

2000		8.42		5.80		13.75		8.50
2001		8.02		5.49		12.00		7.75
2002		7.83		5.41		11.73		7.49


	£ per
	Ordinary share				$ per ADS

15 months ended December 31	High		Low		High		Low

2003 — October 1 to April 11 Six Continents		6.35		4.61		10.08		7.49
2003 — April 15 to December 31 IHG		5.55		3.38		9.82		5.26
Year ended December 31


2004		6.91		4.79		13.09		8.70


	£ per
	ordinary share				$ per ADS

15 months ended December 31	High		Low		High		Low

2003
First quarter		5.90		4.61		9.23		7.49
Second quarter		6.35		4.62		10.08		7.73
Third quarter — April 1 to April 11 Six Continents		6.18		5.92		9.74		9.33
Third quarter — April 15 to June 30		4.52		3.38		7.80		5.26
Fourth quarter		5.24		4.39		8.52		7.13
Final quarter		5.55		4.85		9.82		8.22


	£ per
	Ordinary share				$ per ADS

Year ended December 31	High		Low		High		Low

2004
First quarter		5.75		4.79		10.80		8.90
Second quarter		5.82		4.87		10.78		8.70
Third quarter		6.49		5.37		11.82		9.88
Fourth quarter		6.91		6.45		13.09		11.80
2005
First quarter		6.97		6.17		13.06		11.65
Second quarter (through April 25, 2005)		6.33		6.23		12.00		11.71


	£ per
	ordinary share				$ per ADS

Month ended	High		Low		High		Low

October 2004		6.75		6.45		12.59		11.80
November 2004		6.91		6.56		12.98		12.35
December 2004		6.72		6.47		13.09		12.61
January 2005		6.79		6.43		12.98		12.25
February 2005		6.97		6.63		13.06		12.66
March 2005		6.77		6.17		13.06		11.65
April 2005 (through to April 25, 2005)		6.42		6.12		12.61		12.31

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Not applicable.

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

Not applicable.

DILUTION

Not applicable.

EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE

Not applicable.


ITEM 10.	*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION*

MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The following summarizes material rights of holders of the Company’s ordinary shares under the material provisions of the Company’s memorandum and articles of association and English law. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Companies Act and the Company’s memorandum and articles of association. The Company’s memorandum and articles of association were filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 1-10409) filed with the SEC on April 23, 2003.

The Company’s shares may be held in certificated or uncertificated form. No holder of the Company’s shares will be required to make additional contributions of capital in respect of the Company’s shares in the future.

In the following description, a “shareholder” is the person registered in the Company’s register of members as the holder of the relevant share.

Principal Objects

The Company is incorporated under the name InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and is registered in England and Wales with registered number 4551528. The Company’s memorandum of association provides that its objects include to acquire certain predecessor companies and carry on business as an investment holding company, to carry on business of brewers and distillers, licensed victuallers, to deal in commodities, to acquire and operate breweries, hotels and restaurants, as well as to carry on any other business which the Company may judge capable of enhancing the value of the Company’s property or rights. The memorandum grants to the Company a range of corporate capabilities to effect these objects.

Directors

Under the Company’s articles of association, a director may not vote in respect of any proposal in which he, or any person connected with him, has any material interest other than by virtue of his interests in securities of, or otherwise in or through, the Company. This is subject to certain exceptions relating to proposals (a) indemnifying him in respect of obligations incurred on behalf of the Company, (b) indemnifying a third party in respect of obligations of the Company for which the director has assumed responsibility under an indemnity or guarantee, (c) relating to an offer of securities in which he will be interested as an underwriter, (d) concerning another body corporate in which the director is beneficially interested in less than one percent of the issued shares of any class of shares of such a body corporate, (e) relating to an employee benefit in which the director will share equally with other employees and (f) relating to liability insurance that the Company is empowered to purchase for the benefit of directors of the Company in respect of actions undertaken as directors (or officers) of the Company.

The directors are empowered to exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, subject to the limitation that the aggregate amount of all moneys borrowed by the Company and its subsidiaries shall not exceed an amount equal to three times the Company’s share capital and aggregate reserves, unless sanctioned by an ordinary resolution of the Company.

Any director attaining 70 years of age shall retire at the next Annual General Meeting. Such a director may be reappointed but shall retire (and be eligible for reappointment) at the next Annual General Meeting.

Directors are not required to hold any shares of the Company by way of qualification.

Rights Attaching to Shares

Under English law, dividends are payable on the Company’s ordinary shares only out of profits available for distribution, as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom and by the Companies Act. Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the shareholders in general meeting, rateably according to the amounts paid up on such shares, provided that the dividend cannot exceed the amount recommended by the directors.

The Company’s board of directors may pay shareholders such interim dividends as appear to them to be justified by the Company’s financial position. If authorized by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, the board of directors may also direct payment of a dividend in whole or in part by the distribution of specific assets (and in particular of paid up shares or debentures of any other company).

Any dividend unclaimed after six years from the date the dividend was declared, or became due for payment, will be forfeited and will revert to the Company.

Voting Rights

Voting at any general meeting of shareholders is by a show of hands unless a poll, which is a written vote, is duly demanded. On a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy at a general meeting has one vote regardless of the number of shares held. On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every 112 pence in nominal amount of the shares held by that shareholder. A poll may be demanded by any of the following:


	•	the chairman of the meeting;

	•	at least five shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting;

	•	any shareholder or shareholders representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting; or

	•	any shareholder or shareholders holding shares conferring a right to vote at the meeting on which there have been paid-up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right.

A proxy form will be treated as giving the proxy the authority to demand a poll, or to join others in demanding one.

The necessary quorum for a general meeting is three persons carrying a right to vote upon the business to be transacted, whether present in person or by proxy.

Matters are transacted at general meetings of the Company by the proposing and passing of resolutions, of which there are three kinds:


	•	an ordinary resolution, which includes resolutions for the election of directors, the approval of financial statements, the cumulative annual payment of dividends, the appointment of auditors, the increase of authorized share capital or the grant of authority to allot shares;

	•	a special resolution, which includes resolutions amending the Company’s memorandum and articles of association, disapplying statutory pre-emption rights or changing the Company’s name; and

	•	an extraordinary resolution, which includes resolutions modifying the rights of any class of the Company’s shares at a meeting of the holders of such class or relating to certain matters concerning the Company’s winding up.

An ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes of those persons voting at a meeting at which there is a quorum.

Special and extraordinary resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths of the persons voting at a meeting at which there is a quorum.

In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of the meeting is entitled to cast the deciding vote in addition to any other vote he may have.

Annual General Meetings must be convened upon advance written notice of 21 days. Other meetings must be convened upon advance written notice of 21 days for the passing of a special resolution and 14 days for any other resolution, depending on the nature of the business to be transacted. The days of delivery or receipt of the notice are not included. The notice must specify the nature of the business to be transacted. The

board of directors may if they choose make arrangements for shareholders who are unable to attend the place of the meeting to participate at other places.

Variation of Rights

If, at any time, the Company’s share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may be varied, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, with the consent in writing of holders of three-fourths in value of the shares of that class or upon the adoption of an extraordinary resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. At every such separate meeting, all of the provisions of the articles of association relating to proceedings at a general meeting apply, except that the quorum is to be the number of persons (which must be two or more) who hold or represent by proxy not less than one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class.

Rights in a Winding-up

Except as the Company’s shareholders have agreed or may otherwise agree, upon the Company’s winding up, the balance of assets available for distribution:


	•	after the payment of all creditors including certain preferential creditors, whether statutorily preferred creditors or normal creditors; and

	•	subject to any special rights attaching to any class of shares;

is to be distributed among the holders of ordinary shares according to the amounts paid-up on the shares held by them. This distribution is generally to be made in cash. A liquidator may, however, upon the adoption of an extraordinary resolution of the shareholders, divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of the Company’s assets in kind.

Limitations on Voting and Shareholding

There are no limitations imposed by English law or the Company’s memorandum or articles of association on the right of non-residents or foreign persons to hold or vote the Company’s ordinary shares or ADSs, other than the limitations that would generally apply to all of the Company’s shareholders.

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

The Separation agreements summarized in “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions — Summary of Main Agreements Relating to the Separation” are material contracts of the Group. In addition, the following contracts have been entered into otherwise than in the course of ordinary business by members of the Group either (i) in the two years immediately preceding the date of this document in the case of contracts which are or may be material or (ii) which contain provisions under which any Group member has any obligation or entitlement which is material to the Group as at the date of this document. To the extent that these agreements include representations, warranties and indemnities, such provisions are considered standard in an agreement of that nature, save to the extent identified below.

Disposal of Bass Brewers

The disposal agreement for Bass Brewers, including the business and assets of Bass Beers Worldwide, and Six Continents’ 80% shareholding in Praszke Pivovary, was entered into on June 14, 2000 between Six Continents and certain of its subsidiaries and Interbrew and certain of its subsidiaries. The transaction completed on August 22, 2000. Pursuant to the disposal agreement, certain subsidiaries of Interbrew acquired Bass Brewers from Six Continents’ subsidiaries. Both Six Continents and Interbrew guaranteed certain of their respective subsidiaries’ obligations under the disposal agreement.

The consideration for the sale of Bass Brewers was £2,300 million, comprising £1,426 million for the shares and assets and £874 million by way of repayment by Bass Brewers of net intra group debt owed to the

Company (or members of the Group). An adjustment in respect of net assets was agreed on November 3, 2000. This involved a payment of £24 million from Interbrew to Six Continents. In fiscal 2002 a further payment of £9 million was received in respect of the finalization of completion account adjustments.

Under the disposal agreement, subsidiaries of Six Continents gave to Interbrew subsidiaries certain warranties and indemnities in relation to the shares and assets that were the subject of the disposal. In addition, Six Continents provided an indemnity in relation to the liabilities of Bass Holdings Limited (the holding company of Bass Brewers) arising out of that company having carried on the business of operation and management of licensed and unlicensed outlets as carried on by Six Continents Retail Limited, and other non-brewing businesses. MAB has indemnified the Group against claims relating to certain of these indemnities.

In connection with the disposal agreement, the parties entered into certain ancillary agreements on completion of the disposal which included: a soft drink supply agreement under which Six Continents PLC agreed to sell, or to procure the sale of, soft drinks to Bass Brewers for a term of five years; and ancillary intellectual property agreements governing the use of the Bass name and certain trademarks following the completion of the disposal.


	*Britvic Joint Venture Agreements*

Britvic, Bass Public Limited Company (now Six Continents PLC), Whitbread and Company PLC, Allied-Lyons PLC and Allied Breweries Limited entered into a joint venture agreement dated February 10, 1986 under which Allied’s soft drinks business was acquired by Britvic (which at that time comprised the former soft drinks business of Six Continents and Whitbread and Company PLC in an existing joint venture) in exchange for which Allied received shares in Britvic. This agreement governs the relations of Six Continents, Whitbread and Allied as shareholders of Britvic. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC became a party to this agreement (and Six Continents was released from its obligations) on March 10, 2004.


	*IHG Facility Agreement*

On November 9, 2004, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC signed a new £1,600 million bank facility agreement with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, SG Corporate & Investment Banking (the corporate and investment banking division of Société Generale) and WestLB AG, London Branch, all acting as mandated lead arrangers and underwriters and HSBC Bank plc as agent bank.

The facilities are split into a £1.1 billion 5 year revolving credit facility and a £500 million 364 day revolving credit facility, the latter having a one year term-out option.

The interest margin payable on borrowings under the IHG Facility Agreement is linked to IHG’s consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio; initially the margin was set at LIBOR + 0.375% p.a. The margin can vary between LIBOR + 0.325% and LIBOR + 0.60% depending on the level of the ratio.

As part of this refinancing the Group repurchased its euro and sterling denominated bonds.


	*Britvic IPO Agreement*

Britvic and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Allied Domecq PLC, Whitbread Group PLC (the “Britvic Original Shareholders”) and PepsiCo Inc. (together with the Britvic Original Shareholders “the Britvic Shareholders”) entered into the Britvic IPO Agreement dated April 22, 2005 providing for PepsiCo’s rights as a minority shareholder of Britvic and the terms on which the parties would agree to proceed with an initial public offering of Britvic. The parties have agreed, subject, amongst other things, to market conditions, to consider an initial public offering of Britvic prior to December 31, 2008.

The Britvic IPO Agreement also sets out the Britvic Shareholders’ rights to acquire and dispose of Britvic ordinary shares on and following any initial public offering.

If a Britvic initial public offering has occurred, the Britvic IPO Agreement terminates upon the earlier of (a) the date on which each of the Britvic Original Shareholders has decreased its shareholding in Britvic to 3 per cent or (b) the third anniversary of the date of the listing of Britvic (or, if later, December 31, 2008). If no Britvic initial public offering has occurred, the Britvic IPO Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of December 31, 2008 or the date upon which the Britvic board of directors decides not to proceed with an initial public offering.


	*Disposal to Hospitality Properties Trust (2003)*

On July 1, 2003, IHG Resources entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with HPT IHG Properties Trust (“HPT IHG”), pursuant to which HPT IHG purchased from InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc (“IHG Resources”), 16 Staybridge Suites hotels situated in the United States for US$185 million. The Group continues to manage those hotels.

Under the Purchase and Sale Agreement, IHG Resources has given certain customary warranties to HPT IHG.


	*Disposal to Hospitality Properties Trust (2004)*

On December 17, 2004, BHR Texas L.P., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc., Crowne Plaza LAX, LLC, Crowne Plaza Hilton Head Holding Company, Holiday Pacific Partners Limited Partnership, 220 Bloor Street Hotel Inc. and Staybridge Markham, Inc. (together, the “Vendors”) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (as amended and restated on February 9, 2005) with HPT IHG — 2 Properties Trust (“HPT IHG-2”), pursuant to which HPT IHG-2 purchased from the Vendors 12 hotels situated in the United States and Canada. On the same date, Six Continents International Holdings B.V. (“SIH”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (as amended and restated on February 9, 2005) with HPT IHG-2, pursuant to which HPT IHG-2 purchased from SIH all of the shares in Crowne Plaza (Puerto Rico) Inc., which is the owner of a hotel in Puerto Rico. The total consideration payable by HPT IHG-2 for the sales amounted to US$425 million, before transaction costs, equivalent to net book value (of which US$395 million was received upon the main completion of the sale on February 16, 2005, with the remaining US$30 million to be received upon the completion of the sale of the InterContinental hotel in Austin, expected to be on or around June 1, 2005). The Group will continue to manage the hotels.

Under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement, the Vendors have given certain customary warranties and indemnities to HPT IHG-2.

In connection with the disposals referred to above, IHG has agreed to guarantee certain amounts payable to HPT IHG and HPT IHG-2 in relation to the managed hotels sold by the Group to HPT IHG and HPT IHG-2. The guarantee is for a maximum amount of US$125 million and requires amounts to be paid by IHG to HPT IHG and/or HPT IHG-2 (and/or their designated affiliate) irrespective of the revenue generated by the relevant hotels. The guarantee may be terminated if certain financial tests are met.


	*UK Hotels Disposal*

A Share Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) was entered into on March 10, 2005 between Six Continents, IHC London (Holdings) Limited (“IHC Holdings”) and LGR Acquisition and LGR Holdings Limited (“LGR”). Pursuant to the SPA, Six Continents and IHC Holdings (the “Sellers”) have agreed to sell all of the issued ordinary share capital of Six Continents Hotels & Holidays Limited, Holiday Inn Limited, NAS Cobalt No. 2 Limited and London Forum Hotel Limited respectively (together, the “LGR Shares”) to LGR and to transfer to LGR certain contractual rights to the extent they relate to the hotels LGR will indirectly acquire under the SPA (the “LGR Hotels”) and which remain to be completed or performed, or remain in force, after completion of the sale of the Shares to LGR under the SPA.

The agreed sale price for the LGR Shares was £1 billion. Receipt of £40 million of the total proceeds has been deferred, contingent upon certain pre-agreed performance targets being reached. Completion of the SPA

is conditional upon the receipt of European Commission clearance. Following completion, the Group will continue to manage the LGR Hotels.

Under the SPA, the Sellers gave certain warranties in relation to the assets disposed of and LGR gave certain warranties in relation to its authority to enter into the SPA and its capacity to perform its obligations under the SPA. Certain indemnities were also given by the Sellers.

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

There are no restrictions on dividend payments to US citizens.

Although there are currently no UK foreign exchange control restrictions on the export or import of the capital or the payment of dividends on the ordinary shares or the ADSs, from time to time English law imposes restrictions on the payment of dividends to persons resident (or treated as so resident) in or governments of (or persons exercising public functions in) certain countries (each of the foregoing, a “Prohibited Person”).

There are no restrictions under the articles of association or under English law that limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote the ordinary shares. However, under current English law, ordinary shares or ADSs may not be owned by a Prohibited Person. In addition, the Company’s articles of association contain certain limitations on the voting and other rights of any holder of ordinary shares, whose holding may, in the opinion of the directors, result in the loss or failure to secure the reinstatement of any license or franchise from any US governmental agency held by Six Continents Hotels Inc or any subsidiary thereof.

TAXATION

This section provides a summary of the material US federal income tax and UK tax consequences to US holders, as defined below, of owning and disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs of the Company. This section addresses only the tax position of a US holder who holds ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets. This section does not, however, discuss the tax consequences of members of special classes of holders subject to special rules and holders that, directly or indirectly, hold 10% or more of the Company’s voting stock. This section does not generally deal with the position of a US holder who is resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for UK tax purposes or who is subject to UK taxation on capital gains or income by virtue of carrying on a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom.

A US holder is a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is for US federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or resident of the US, (ii) a US domestic corporation, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to US federal income tax regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a US court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, and on UK tax laws and published practice of the UK Inland Revenue, all as currently in effect, and on the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and the United Kingdom that was ratified in March 2003 (the “Treaty”). These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

This section is further based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and assumes that each obligation in the Company ADR Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. For US federal income tax purposes, a holder of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares represented by those ADRs. Generally, exchanges of ordinary shares for ADRs, and ADRs for ordinary shares, will not be subject to US federal income tax or UK taxation on capital gains.

The US Treasury has previously expressed concerns that parties to whom ADRs are released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for US holders of ADRs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, for qualified

dividend income. Accordingly, the analysis of the availability of the reduced rate of tax for qualified dividend income described below could be affected by actions taken by parties to whom the ADRs are pre-released.

Investors should consult their own tax advisor regarding the US federal, state and local, the UK and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares and ADSs in their particular circumstances, and in particular whether they are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty.


	*Taxation of Dividends*


	United Kingdom Taxation

Under current UK tax law, the Company will not be required to withhold tax at source from dividend payments it makes.


	United States Federal Income Taxation

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, a US holder is subject to US federal income taxation on the gross amount of any dividend paid by the Company out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal income tax purposes). Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the US Treasury, dividends paid to a non-corporate US holder in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to the holder at a maximum tax rate of 15%. The Company expects that dividends paid by the Company with respect to the shares or ADSs will constitute qualified dividend income.

Dividends must be included in income when the US holder, in the case of shares, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually or constructively receives the dividend, and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to US corporations in respect of dividends received from other US corporations. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, dividends will be income from sources outside the United States.

The amount of the dividend distribution will be the US dollar value of the pound sterling payments made, determined at the spot pound sterling/ US dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution is includible in income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is includible in income to the date the payment is converted into US dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and, for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, from sources within the United States.

Distributions in excess of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the US holder’s basis in the shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. Because the Company has not historically maintained, and does not currently maintain, the worldwide Group’s books in accordance with US tax principles, the Company does not expect to be in a position to determine whether any distribution will be in excess of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as computed for US federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Company expects that amounts distributed will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as a dividend.


	*Taxation of Capital Gains*


	United Kingdom Taxation

A US holder who is not resident or ordinarily resident for United Kingdom tax purposes in the United Kingdom will not be liable for UK taxation on capital gains realised or accrued on the sale or other disposal of ADSs or ordinary shares unless, at the time of the sale or other disposal, the US holder carries on a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom through a branch, agency or permanent establishment and such ADSs or ordinary shares are or have been used, held or acquired for the purposes of such trade, profession or vocation.

A US holder of ADSs or ordinary shares who is an individual and who, broadly, has temporarily ceased to be resident or ordinarily resident in the UK for UK tax purposes for a period of less than five years of

assessment and who disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs during that period may also be liable to UK tax on capital gains (subject to any available exemption or relief), notwithstanding the fact that such US holder was not resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom at the time of the sale or other disposal. As described below, a US holder will be liable to US federal income tax on such gains.


	United States Federal Income Taxation

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a US holder that sells or otherwise disposes of shares or ADSs will recognize a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realized and its tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the shares or ADSs. Generally, capital gain of a non-corporate US holder that is recognized before January 1, 2009 is taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the holder has a holding period greater than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The deductibility of losses is subject to limitations.


	*PFIC Rules*

The Company believes that the Company shares and ADSs will not be treated as stock of a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes for its 2004 taxable year. However this conclusion is an annual factual determination and thus may be subject to change. If the Company were to be treated as a PFIC, unless a US holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the Company shares or ADSs, gain realized on the sale or other disposition of Company shares or ADSs would in general not be treated as capital gain. Instead, gain would be treated as if the US holder had realized such gain ratably over the holding period for the Company shares or ADSs and, to the extent allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other exchange and to any year before the Company became a PFIC, would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. In addition, similar rules would apply to any “excess distribution” received on the Company shares or ADSs (generally, the excess of any distribution received on the Company shares or ADSs during the taxable year over 125% of the average amount of distributions received during a specified prior period), and the preferential rate for “qualified dividend income” would not apply.


	*Additional Tax Considerations*


	United Kingdom Inheritance Tax

An individual who is domiciled in the United States (for the purposes of the Estate and Gift Tax Convention) and is not a UK national as defined in the Convention will not be subject to UK inheritance tax in respect of ADSs on the individual’s death or on a transfer of the ADSs during their lifetime, provided that any applicable US federal gift or estate tax is paid, unless the ADSs are part of the business property of a UK permanent establishment or pertain to a UK fixed base of an individual used for the performance of independent personal services. Where the ADSs have been placed in trust by a settlor, they may be subject to UK inheritance tax unless, when the trust was created, the settlor was domiciled in the United States and was not a UK national. Where ADSs are subject to both UK inheritance tax and to US federal gift or estate tax, the Estate and Gift Tax Convention generally provides for either a credit against US federal tax liabilities for UK inheritance tax paid or for a credit against UK inheritance tax liabilities for US federal tax paid as the case may be.


	United Kingdom Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (“SDRT”)

The transfer of ordinary shares will generally be liable to stamp duty at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given (rounded up to the nearest £5). An unconditional agreement to transfer ordinary shares will generally be subject to SDRT at 0.5% of the agreed consideration. However, if within the period of six years of the date of such agreement becoming unconditional an instrument of transfer is executed

pursuant to the agreement and duly stamped, any liability to SDRT will usually be repaid, if already paid, or cancelled. The liability to pay stamp duty or SDRT is generally satisfied by the purchaser or transferee.

No stamp duty or SDRT will generally arise on a transfer of ordinary shares into CREST, unless such transfer is made for a consideration in money or money’s worth, in which case a liability to SDRT will arise, usually at the rate of 0.5% of the value of the consideration.

A transfer of ordinary shares effected on a paperless basis within CREST will generally be subject to SDRT at the rate of 0.5% of the value of the consideration.

Stamp duty, or SDRT, is generally payable upon the transfer or issue of ordinary shares to, or to a nominee or, in some cases, agent of, a person whose business is or includes issuing depositary receipts or the provision of clearance services. For these purposes, the current rate of stamp duty and SDRT is usually 1.5% (rounded up, in the case of stamp duty, to the nearest £5). The rate is applied, in each case, to the amount or value of the consideration or, in some circumstances, to the value or the issue price of the ordinary shares. In accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, any tax or duty payable on deposits of ordinary shares by the depositary or by the custodian of the depositary will be charged to the party to whom ADSs are delivered against such deposits.

Provided that the instrument of transfer is not executed in the United Kingdom and remains at all subsequent times outside the United Kingdom, no stamp duty should be payable on the transfer of ADSs. An agreement to transfer ADSs in the form of depositary receipts will not give rise to a liability to SDRT.

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this annual report on Form 20-F that have been filed with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. The Company’s SEC filings since May 22, 2002 are also publicly available through the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.


ITEM 11.	*QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK*

Exchange and Interest Rate Risk, and Financial Instruments

The Group’s treasury policy is to manage financial risks that arise in relation to underlying business needs. The activities of the treasury function are carried out in accordance with board approved policies and are subject to regular internal audit. The treasury function does not operate as a profit center. Treasury activities include money market investments, spot and forward foreign exchange instruments, currency options, currency swaps, interest rate swaps and options, and forward rate agreements.

One of the primary objectives of the Group’s treasury risk management policy is to protect the financial covenant ratios in the loan documentation against the adverse impact of movements in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

Movements in foreign exchange rates, particularly in the US dollar and the euro, can affect the Group’s reported net income, net assets and interest cover. To hedge this translation exposure as far as is reasonably practical, borrowings are taken out in foreign currencies (either directly or via currency swaps) which broadly match those in which the Group’s major net assets are denominated.

Foreign exchange transaction exposure is managed by the forward purchase or sale of foreign currencies or the use of currency options. Most significant exposures of the Group are in currencies that are freely convertible.

Interest rate exposure is managed within parameters that stipulate that fixed rate borrowings should normally account for no less than 25%, and no more than 75%, of net borrowings for each major currency. This is achieved through the use of interest rate swaps and options, and forward rate agreements.

At December 31, 2004 27% of borrowings in major currencies were at fixed rates and 73% were at variable rates. Based on the period end net debt position, and given the underlying maturity profile of investments, borrowings and hedging instruments at that date, a one percentage point rise in US dollar interest rates or a similar rise in euro rates would increase the net interest charge by approximately £2 million and £6 million respectively.

At December 31, 2003, 59% of borrowings in major currencies were at fixed rates and 41% were at variable rates. Based on the December 31, 2003 net debt position and given the underlying maturity profile of investments, borrowings and hedging instruments at that date, a one percentage point rise in US dollar interest rates or a similar rise in euro interest rates, would increase the net interest charge by approximately £4 million in each case.

Quantitative Information about Market Risk


	*Interest Rate Sensitivity*

The tables below provide information about the Group’s derivative and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps and debt obligations. For long-term debt obligations (excluding debt due entirely within one year), the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements, the table presents notional amounts and weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. Weighted average variable rates are based on rates set at the balance sheet date. The actual currencies of the instruments are indicated in parentheses.


	At December 31, 2004


	Expected to mature before December 31

	2005			2006			2007			2008			2009			Thereafter			Total			Fair value(i)

	(£ million, except percentages)
Long-Term Debt:
Fixed Rate (US dollar)		—			—			—			—			—			0.5			0.5			0.8
Average dollar interest rate		—			—			—			—			—			11.0	%		11.0	%		—
Fixed Rate (£)		—			—			—			—			—			2.8			2.8			2.2
Average interest rate		—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Fixed Rate (euro)		0.5			0.6			31.3			0.2			—			—			32.6			33.3
Average interest rate		7.0	%		6.9	%		6.3	%		7.8	%		—			—			6.4	%		—
Variable Rate (various currencies)		10.1			1.8			1.8			10.9			1,099.6			1.2			1,125.4			1,125.4
Average interest rate		2.7	%		3.9	%		3.9	%		6.4	%		3.1	%		3.0	%		3.2	%		—


	Expected to mature before December 31

	2005			2006			2007		2008		2009		Thereafter		Total			Fair value(i)

	(local currency million, except percentages)
Interest Rate Swaps and Forward rate agreements:
Principal (US dollar)		—			200			—		—		—		—		200			(4	)
Fixed rate payable		—			4.5	%		—		—		—		—		4.5	%		—
Variable rate receivable		—			2.2	%		—		—		—		—		2.2	%		—
Principal (euro)		215			—			—		—		—		—		215			(1	)
Fixed rate payable		2.9	%		—			—		—		—		—		2.9	%		—
Variable rate receivable		2.2	%		—			—		—		—		—		2.2	%		—
Principal (Australian dollar)		60			—			—		—		—		—		60			—
Fixed rate payable		5.4	%		—			—		—		—		—		5.4	%		—
Variable rate receivable		5.4	%		—			—		—		—		—		5.4	%		—
Principal (Hong Kong dollar)		300			—			—		—		—		—		300			(1	)
Fixed rate payable		1.5	%		—			—		—		—		—		1.5	%		—
Variable rate receivable		1.0	%		—			—		—		—		—		1.0	%		—


(i)	Represents the net present value of the expected cash flows discounted at current market rates of interest.


	*Exchange Risk Sensitivity*

The following information provides details of the Group’s derivative and other financial instruments by currency presented in sterling equivalents. The tables above provide details of non-sterling denominated long-term debt obligations which are subject to foreign currency exchange rates movements while the table below presents amounts and weighted average rates of foreign currency forward exchange contracts held at December 31, 2004. All forward exchange agreements mature within one year.


	At December 31, 2004


	Receive for $				Receive for £

			Average				Average
	Contract		contractual		Contract		contractual
	amount		exchange rate		amount		exchange rate

	(£ million)				(£ million)
Sterling		177.8		1.83		—
US dollar		—				4.2		1.88
Euro		—				21.7		1.38

Total		177.8				25.9

Fair value of forward contracts		8.4				1.0

As part of the strategy to provide a currency hedge against currency net assets, the Group enters into currency swap agreements. A swap agreement has the effect of depositing cash surplus to immediate requirements and borrowing currencies which are required.

The Group had the following currency swap agreements at December 31, 2004:


	Deposited		Borrowed
	2004		2004

	(million)
Sterling to US dollar	£	52	$	100
Sterling to euro	£	239		€350
Sterling to Australian dollar	£	48	A$	120


ITEM 12.	*DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES*

Not applicable.

PART II


ITEM 13.	*DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES*

None.


ITEM 14.	*MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS*

None.


ITEM 15.	*CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES*

As at the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)). These are defined as those controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified periods. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive and Finance Director concluded that the Company’s controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Form 20-F that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Group’s internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 16.	*[RESERVED]*

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The Senior Independent Director David Kappler, who has significant recent and relevant financial experience is the “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as defined under the regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

The board has agreed the adoption of a specific Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, consistent with the Company’s existing Guidelines for Proper Business Conduct. This Code of Ethics has been signed by the Chief Executive and the Finance Director of the Company and by the Group Financial Controller and regional financial heads. The Company has published its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers on its website.

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Fees for professional services provided by Ernst & Young LLP, the Group’s independent auditors in each of the last two fiscal periods in each of the following categories are:


			15 months
	Year ended		ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Audit fees		3.8		2.8
Audit related fees		1.6		7.2
Tax fees		0.5		1.2

Total		5.9		11.2

Audit related fees include £nil (2003 £6.3 million) in relation to the Separation and bid defense. These costs have been charged to exceptional items (see Note 5 of Notes to the Financial Statements). Other audit related fees principally comprise accounting consultations, completion accounts and non-statutory reporting. Tax fees principally relate to tax compliance and tax advice services.

The Audit Committee has a process to ensure that any non-audit services do not compromise the independence and objectivity of the external auditors, and that relevant UK and US professional and regulatory requirements are met. A number of criteria are applied when deciding whether pre-approval for such services should be given. These include the nature of the service, the level of fees, and the practicality of appointing an alternative provider, having regard to the skills and experience required to supply the service effectively. Cumulative fees for audit and non-audit services are presented to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis for review. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring adherence to the pre-approval policy.


ITEM 16D.	*EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES*

Not applicable.


ITEM 16E.	*PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS*

					Total number of
					shares purchased		Maximum number
	Total				as part		of shares that may
	number of		Average		of publicly		yet be purchased
	shares		price paid		announced plans or		under the plans or
Period of fiscal year	purchased		per share		programs		programs
			(£)
Month 1		—
Month 2		—
Month 3 (03.11.04 - 03.31.04)		10,490,000		4.97		10,490,000		99,605,835
Month 4 (04.01.04 - 04.26.04)		9,760,000		5.11		9,760,000		89,845,835
Month 5		—				—
Month 6 (06.02.04 - 06.25.04)		6,620,000		5.36		6,620,000		99,297,695
Month 7 (07.13.04 – 07.30.04)		6,236,000		5.76		6,236,000		93,061,695
Month 8 (08.02.04 – 08.06.04)		6,730,000		5.81		6,730,000		86,331,695
Month 9 (09.13.04 – 09.30.04)		2,250,000		6.29		2,250,000		84,081,695
Month 10 (10.01.04 – 10.22.04)		1,800,000		6.61		1,800,000		82,281,695
Month 11 (11.30.04 only)		150,000		6.68		150,000		82,131,695
Month 12 (12.01.04 – 12.03.04)		599,981		6.71		599,981		81,531,714
Month 12 (12.17.04 – 12.23.04)		1,750,000		6.50		1,750,000		91,439,655

Total		46,385,981				46,385,981

On March 11, 2004 the Company announced an on-market share repurchase program for £250 million. By December 20, 2004 the program was completed with, in total, 45.6 million shares repurchased at an average price of 548 pence per share.

On September 9, 2004, the Company announced a further £250 million share repurchase program. By December 31, 2004 a further 0.8 million shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of 651 pence (total £5 million). By April 25, 2005, a total of 20,259,275 million shares had been repurchased under the second repurchase program at an average price per share of 632 pence per share (approximately £128 million).

During fiscal 2004, 5,062,409 ordinary shares were purchased by the Company’s Employee Share Ownership Trust at prices ranging from £4.94 per share to £6.57 per share, for the purpose of satisfying future share awards to employees.

PART III


ITEM 17.	*FINANCIAL STATEMENTS*

Not applicable.


ITEM 18.	*FINANCIAL STATEMENTS*

The following consolidated financial statements and related schedule, together with the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, are filed as part of this Annual Report:


	Page

Report and Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-1
Financial Statements
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002		F-3
Consolidated Statement of Total Recognized Gains and Losses for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002		F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004 and 2003		F-5
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Funds for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002		F-6
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002		F-8
Notes to the Financial Statements		F-9
Schedule for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts		S-1


ITEM 19.	*EXHIBITS*

The following exhibits, other than Exhibits 13.1 and 13.2, are filed as part of this Annual Report:


Exhibit 1		Memorandum and Articles of Association of IHG (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of InterContinental Hotels Group’s Registration Statement on S-8 (File No. 1-10409) filed with the SEC on April 23, 2003)

Exhibit 2(b)(i)		Instruments defining the Rights of Holders of Long-Term Debt: The total amount of long-term debt securities of the Group authorized under any individual instrument, other than the “Amended and Restated Trust Deed” dated September 21, 2000 relating to the Company’s€2000 million Debt Issuance Program originally constituted on October 9, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of Six Continents PLC’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409), dated December 20, 2001), and the “Trust Deed” dated September 24, 2003 relating to the Company’s€1,000 million Debt Issuance Program and filed as Exhibit 2(b)(i) hereto does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Group on a consolidated basis. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any or all such instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request

Exhibit 4(a)(i)		Agreement dated June 14, 2000 between the Company and the others and Interbrew SA and others relating to the disposal of Bass Brewers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of Six Continents PLC’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409), dated December 21, 2000)

Exhibit 4(a)(ii)		£1,600 million Facility Agreement dated November 9, 2004 among Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, JP Morgan plc, Lloyds Bank plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, SG Corporate & Investment Banking and West LB AG

Exhibit 4(a)(iii)		Joint Venture Agreement, dated February 10, 1986, amongst Britannia Soft Drinks Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Whitbread PLC, Allied Domecq PLC, Six Continents Investments Limited, Whitbread Group PLC and Allied


		Domecq Overseas (Canada) Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(iii) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409), dated April 8, 2004)

Exhibit 4(a)(iv)		Mitchells and Butlers Group Transfer Share Purchase Agreement, dated April 15, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(ii) of Mitchells and Butlers plc’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 1-31653), dated March 28, 2003)

Exhibit 4(a)(v)		Separation Agreement dated April 15, 2003 between IHG and the Six Continents Group (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(i) of Mitchells & Butlers plc’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F (File No. 1-31653), dated March 28, 2003)

Exhibit 4(b)(i)		Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 1, 2003 between InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc and HPT

Exhibit 4(b)(ii)		Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement dated February 9, 2005 among BHR Texas L.P., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc, Crowne Plaza LAX, LLC, Crowne Plaza Hilton Head Holding Company, Holiday Pacific Partners Limited Partnership, Staybridge Markham and HPT

Exhibit 4(b)(iii)		Britvic IPO Agreement dated April 22, 2005 among Britannia Soft Drinks Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Allied Domecq PLC, Whitbread Group PLC and Pepsico Inc

Exhibit 4(b)(iv)		Share Purchase Agreement dated March 10, 2005 between IHC London (Holdings) Limited, and LGR Acquisition and LGR Holdings Limited

Exhibit 4(b)(v)		Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 9, 2005 between Six Continents International Holdings, B.V. and HPT IHG-2

Exhibit 4(c)(i)		Richard Hartman’s service contract dated February 12, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(i) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated April 8, 2004

Exhibit 4(c)(ii)		Richard North’s service contract dated February 12, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(ii) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated April 8, 2004

Exhibit 4(c)(iii)		Stevan Porter’s service contract dated February 12, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(iii) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated April 8, 2004

Exhibit 4(c)(iv)		Richard Solomons’ service contract dated February 12, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(iv) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated April 8, 2004

Exhibit 4(c)(v)		Andrew Cosslett’s service contract dated December 13, 2004

Exhibit 4(c)(vi)		Agreement, dated February 12, 2003, between Thomas R Oliver and Six Continents Hotels Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(iv) of Six Continents PLC Annual Report of Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated February 17, 2003)

Exhibit 4(c)(vii)		Consultancy Agreement, dated February 12, 2003, between Thomas R Oliver and Six Continents Hotels Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(v) of Six Continents PLC Annual Report of Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated February 17, 2003)

Exhibit 8		List of Subsidiaries

Exhibit 12(a)		Certification of Andrew Cosslett filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)


Exhibit 12(b)		Certification of Richard Solomons filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)

Exhibit 13(a)		Certification of Andrew Cosslett and Richard Solomons furnished pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C.1350

Exhibit 14(a)		Consent of Ernst of Young LLP (included on page F-1)

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated profit and loss accounts and consolidated statements of total recognized gains and losses, changes in shareholders’ funds and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and year ended September 30, 2002. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 18. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with United Kingdom auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (see Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements). Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.


	Ernst & Young LLP

London, England

March 9, 2005, except for
Note 33 — Post balance sheet events, and
Note 35 — Differences between United Kingdom
and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
as to which the date is

May 3, 2005.

F-1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form F-3 No. 333-108084 and Form S-8 Nos. 333-01572, 333-08336, 333-89508, 333-99785 and 333-104691) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the reference to our name in “Item 3. Key Information” and our report dated March 9, 2005, except for Note 33 — Post balance sheet events and Note 35 — Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as to which the date is May 3, 2005, on the consolidated financial statements and schedule both included in the Annual Report (Form 20-F) of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended December 31, 2004.


	Ernst & Young LLP

London, England

May 3, 2005

F-2

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT


			Year ended December 31,									15 months ended December 31,									Year ended September 30,
			2004									2003									2002

												Before									Before
			Before									exceptional			Exceptional						exceptional			Exceptional
			exceptional			Exceptional						items			items						items			items
			items			items			Total			restated(i)			restated(i)			Total			restated(i)			restated(i)			Total

			(£ million, except per ordinary share amounts)
Turnover —(Note 2)				2,204			—			2,204			3,483			—			3,483			3,615			—			3,615
Analyzed as:
	Continuing operations			2,204			—			2,204			2,690			—			2,690			2,134			—			2,134
	Discontinued operations			—			—			—			793			—			793			1,481			—			1,481
Cost of sales				(1,652	)		(28	)		(1,680	)		(2,717	)		(51	)		(2,768	)		(2,791	)		(77	)		(2,868	)

Gross operating profit				552			(28	)		524			766			(51	)		715			824			(77	)		747
Administrative expenses				(221	)		(11	)		(232	)		(283	)		—			(283	)		(206	)		—			(206	)
Other operating income				—			20			20			—			—			—			—			—			—

Operating profit — (Note 2)				331			(19	)		312			483			(51	)		432			618			(77	)		541
Analyzed as:
	Continuing operations			331			(19	)		312			346			(51	)		295			329			(77	)		252
	Discontinued operations			—			—			—			137			—			137			289			—			289
Non-operating exceptional items —(Note 5)				—			(69	)		(69	)		—			(213	)		(213	)		—			53			53
Analyzed as:
	Continuing operations:
		Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			—			—			—			(67	)		(67	)		—			—			—
		Separation costs		—			—			—			—			(51	)		(51	)		—			(4	)		(4	)
		Profit on disposal of fixed assets		—			15			15			—			4			4			—			2			2
		Provision for loss on disposal of operations		—			(74	)		(74	)		—			—			—			—			—			—
		Provision against fixed asset investments		—			(10	)		(10	)		—			(56	)		(56	)		—			—			—
	Discontinued operations:
		Separation costs		—			—			—			—			(41	)		(41	)		—			—			—
		Loss on disposal of fixed assets		—			—			—			—			(2	)		(2	)		—			(2	)		(2	)
		Profit on disposal of operations		—			—			—			—			—			—			—			57			57

Profit on ordinary activities before interest — (Note 2)				331			(88	)		243			483			(264	)		219			618			(24	)		594
Interest receivable				48			22			70			104			—			104			116			—			116
Interest payable and similar charges — (Note 6)				(70	)		(16	)		(86	)		(151	)		—			(151	)		(176	)		—			(176	)
Premium on early settlement of debt — (Note 5)				—			(17	)		(17	)		—			(136	)		(136	)		—			—			—

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation				309			(99	)		210			436			(400	)		36			558			(24	)		534
Tax on profit on ordinary activities — (Note 7)				(50	)		167			117			(115	)		132			17			(171	)		119			(52	)

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation				259			68			327			321			(268	)		53			387			95			482
Minority equity interests				(28	)		—			(28	)		(34	)		—			(34	)		(25	)		—			(25	)

Earnings available for shareholders(ii)				231			68			299			287			(268	)		19			362			95			457
Dividends on equity shares — (Note 8)				(592	)		—			(592	)		(156	)		—			(156	)		(305	)		—			(305	)

Retained for reinvestment in the business				(361	)		68			(293	)		131			(268	)		(137	)		57			95			152

Earnings per ordinary share — (Note 9)
Basic				32.5	p		9.6	p		42.1	p		39.1	p		(36.5	)p		2.6	p		49.5	p		13.0	p		62.5	p
Diluted				—			—			41.6	p		—			—			2.6	p		—			—			62.3	p


(i)	Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004, comprising prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence. Also restated to present the period ended December 31, 2003 and year ended September 30, 2002 on a consistent basis with the year ended December 31, 2004 (see Note 1 of the Notes to the Financial Statements).


(ii)	A summary of the significant adjustments to earnings available for shareholders (net income) that would be required had United States generally accepted accounting principles been applied instead of those generally accepted in the United Kingdom is set out in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

F-3

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNIZED GAINS AND LOSSES


					15 months
		Year ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2003			2002

		(£ million)
Earnings available for shareholders			299			19			457

Reversal of previous revaluation gains due to impairment			(20	)		(22	)		(36	)
Exchange differences(i)
	Goodwill eliminated — (Note 26)		(110	)		(139	)		(98	)
	Other assets and liabilities		(21	)		79			62

Other recognized gains and losses			(151	)		(82	)		(72	)

Total recognized gains and losses for the period			148			(63	)		385
Prior year adjustment on adoption of FRS 19			—			—			(264	)

Total recognized gains since previous year end			148			(63	)		121


(i)		Foreign currency denominated net assets, including goodwill purchased prior to September 30, 1998 and eliminated against Group reserves, and related foreign currency borrowings and currency swaps, are translated at each balance sheet date giving rise to exchange differences which are taken to Group reserves as recognized gains and losses during the period.

(ii)		The statement of comprehensive income required under United States generally accepted accounting principles is set out in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

Note of historical cost Group profits and losses


				15 months
	Year ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2003			2002

	(£ million)
Reported profit on ordinary activities before taxation		210			36			534
Realization of revaluation gains of previous periods		3			16			3
Adjustment for previously recognized revaluation losses		—			—			(37	)

Historical cost profit on ordinary activities before taxation		213			52			500

Historical cost (loss)/profit retained after taxation, minority equity interests and dividends		(290	)		(121	)		118

The Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

F-4

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


		December 31,			December 31,
		2004			2003

		(£ million)
Fixed assets
Intangible assets — (Note 15)			142			158
Tangible assets — (Note 16)			3,776			3,951
Investments — (Note 17)			99			172

			4,017			4,281
Current assets
Stocks — (Note 18)			42			44
Debtors — (Note 19)			556			523
Analyzed as:
	Amounts falling due within one year		419			447
	Amounts falling due after one year		137			76
Investments — (Note 20)			116			377
Cash at bank and in hand			43			55

			757			999
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year — (Note 21)			(1,013	)		(1,085	)

Net current liabilities			(256	)		(86	)

Total assets less current liabilities			3,761			4,195
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year — (Note 22)			(1,252	)		(1,085	)
Provisions for liabilities and charges — (Note 23)			(382	)		(393	)
Analyzed as:
	Deferred taxation		(248	)		(314	)
	Other provisions		(134	)		(79	)
Minority equity interests			(150	)		(163	)

Net assets — (Note 2)			1,977			2,554

Capital and reserves
Equity share capital			697			739
Share premium account			26			14
Revaluation reserve			233			258
Capital redemption reserve			46			—
Merger reserve			1,164			1,164
Other reserves			(22	)		(11	)
Profit and loss account			(167	)		390

Equity shareholders’ funds(i)			1,977			2,554


(i)	A summary of the significant adjustments to shareholders’ funds that would be required had United States generally accepted accounting principles been applied instead of those generally accepted in the United Kingdom is set out in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

F-5

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS


		Share capital						Retained earnings and other reserves

		Number of						Share						Capital
		ordinary			Ordinary			premium			Revaluation			redemption			Merger		Other			Profit			Total
		shares			shares			account			reserve			reserve			reserve		reserve			and loss			shareholders’
		(i)			(i)			(ii)			(ii)			(ii)			(ii)		(iii)			account			funds

		(£ million)
At October 1, 2001(iv)			866			242			799			1,025			853			—		(32	)		2,266			5,153
Goodwill (Note 26)			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			98			98
Exchange adjustments on: assets			—			—			—			(3	)		—			—		—			(161	)		(164	)
	borrowings and currency swaps		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			128			128
Allotment of ordinary shares:
	Option schemes(v)		1			1			3			—			—			—		—			(1	)		3
Revaluation surplus realized on disposals			—			—			—			(3	)		—			—		—			3			—
Transfer of previously recognized revaluation losses			—			—			—			37			—			—		—			(37	)		—
Reversal of previous revaluation gains due to impairment			—			—			—			(36	)		—			—		—			—			(36	)
Allocation of shares in employee share trusts			—			—			—			—			—			—		1			—			1
Retained income			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			152			152

At September 30, 2002(iv)			867			243			802			1,020			853			—		(31	)		2,448			5,335
Separation of MAB:
	Net Assets of MAB eliminated		—			—			—			(743	)		—			—		—			(2,034	)		(2,777	)
	Transfer to merger reserve		(133	)		491			(802	)		—			(853	)		1,164		—			—			—
MAB goodwill eliminated			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			50			50
Minority interest on transfer of pension prepayment			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(7	)		(7	)
Reduction of shares in employee share trusts			—			—			—			—			—			—		13			(5	)		8
Allotment of ordinary shares:
	Option schemes(v)		5			5			14			—			—			—		—			(1	)		18
	Allocation of shares in employee share trusts		—			—			—			—			—			—		7			—			7
Goodwill — (Note 26)			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			139			139
Revaluation surplus realized on disposals			—			—			—			(16	)		—			—		—			16			—
Reversal of previous revaluation gains due to impairment			—			—			—			(22	)		—			—		—			—			(22	)
Exchange adjustments on: assets			—			—			—			19			—			—		—			(142	)		(123	)
	borrowings and currency swaps		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			63			63
Retained loss			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(137	)		(137	)

At December 31, 2003(iv)			739			739			14			258			—			1,164		(11	)		390			2,554
Goodwill — (Note 26)			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			110			110
Premium on allotment of ordinary shares:
	Option schemes(v)		4			4			12			—			—			—		—			—			16
	Share capital consolidation		(75	)		—			—			—			—			—		—			—			—
	Repurchase of ordinary shares		(46	)		(46	)		—			—			—			—		—			(211	)		(257	)
Transfer to capital redemption reserve			—			—			—			—			46			—		—			(46	)		—
Purchase of own shares by employee share trusts			—			—			—			—			—			—		(33	)		—			(33	)
Release of own shares by employee share trusts			—			—			—			—			—			—		22			(6	)		16
Credit in respect of employee share schemes			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			15			15
Revaluation surplus realized on disposals			—			—			—			(3	)		—			—		—			3			—
Reversal of previous revaluation gains due to impairment			—			—			—			(20	)		—			—		—			—			(20	)
Exchange adjustments on: assets			—			—			—			(2	)		—			—		—			(73	)		(75	)
	borrowings and currency swaps		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(56	)		(56	)
Retained loss			—			—			—			—			—			—		—			(293	)		(293	)

At December 31, 2004(iv)			622			697			26			233			46			1,164		(22	)		(167	)		1,977


(i)	At September 30, 2002 the authorized share capital of Six Continents PLC was £1,149 million, comprising 1,073 million ordinary shares of 28p each and 889 million cumulative preference shares of 95.5p each.

F-6


	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (“IHG”) was incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales with registered number 4551528 on October 2, 2002 as a public limited company under the Companies Act 1985 with the name Hackplimco (No. 112) plc, and changed its name to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC on January 17, 2003.

	On incorporation, the Company had an authorized share capital of £50,000, divided into 50,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, of which two ordinary shares were allotted, called up and fully paid. On February 6, 2003, the authorized share capital was increased to £10,000,050,000 by the creation of 9,999,950,000 additional ordinary shares of £1 each and one redeemable preference share of £50,000. The redeemable preference share so created was allotted and treated as paid up in full on this date.

	On April 15, 2003, the Separation of Six Continents PLC was completed and the entire issued share capital of Six Continents PLC was transferred to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC at fair market value, in exchange for the issue of 734 million fully paid ordinary shares of £1 each, which were admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange on that date. In accordance with the merger relief provisions of Sections 131 and 133 of the Companies Act 1985, the 734 million shares are recorded only at nominal value.

	The redeemable preference share which was redeemed at par value and cancelled on June 5, 2003, did not carry any right to receive dividends nor to participate in the profits of IHG, was replaced in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association by £50,000 ordinary shares of £1 each.

	During 2004, the Company undertook to return funds of up to £500 million to shareholders by way of two consecutive £250 million share repurchase programs, the second of which commenced in December 2004. During the year, 46,385,981 ordinary shares were repurchased and canceled under the authorities granted by shareholders at general meetings held during 2003 and 2004.

	The aggregate consideration in respect of ordinary shares issued in respect of option schemes during the period was £16 million (2003 £18 million, 2002 £3 million).

	At an Extraordinary General Meeting on December 10, 2004, shareholders approved a share capital consolidation on the basis of 25 new ordinary shares for every 28 existing ordinary shares except for the 50,000 £1 ordinary shares created on June 5, 2003.

	At the Extraordinary General Meeting held on December 10, 2004 authority was given to the Company to purchase up to 14.99% of its own shares until the next Annual General Meeting, which will be held on June 1, 2005.

	At December 31, 2004, the authorized share capital was £10,000,049,999, comprising 8,928,571,428 ordinary shares of 112 pence each and 50,000 ordinary shares of £1.


(ii)	The share premium account, capital redemption reserve, revaluation reserve and merger reserve are not distributable.

(iii)	The other reserve comprises £21.8 million (2003 £10.5 million) in respect of 3.1 million (2003 2.2 million) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ordinary shares held by employee share trusts, with a market value at December 31, 2004 of £20 million (2003 £12 million).

(iv)	Retained earnings and other reserves at December 31, 2004 were decreased by cumulative exchange adjustments of £84 million (2003 £63 million, 2002 £142 million and £200 million at October 1, 2001).

(v)	Includes transfer of £ nil million (2003 £1 million, 2002 £1 million) from the profit and loss account in respect of shares issued to the qualifying employee share ownership trust.

The Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

F-7

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


					15 months
		Year ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2003			2002

		(£ million)
Operating activities — (Note 10)			515			795			720

Interest paid			(91	)		(141	)		(186	)
Costs associated with new facilities			(5	)		(20	)		—
Premium on early settlement of debt			(17	)		(136	)		—
Dividends paid to minority shareholders			(26	)		(22	)		(13	)
Interest received			72			111			124

Returns on investments and servicing of finance			(67	)		(208	)		(75	)

UK corporation tax (paid)/received			(4	)		25			(96	)
Overseas corporate tax paid			(31	)		(21	)		(27	)

Taxation			(35	)		4			(123	)

Paid:
	Intangible fixed assets		—			(10	)		—
	Tangible fixed assets		(245	)		(475	)		(648	)
	Fixed asset investments		(12	)		(37	)		(14	)
Received:
	Tangible fixed assets		101			265			134
	Fixed asset investments		5			9			15

Capital expenditure and financial investment			(151	)		(248	)		(513	)

Acquisitions			—			—			(24	)
Disposals			—			—			9
Separation costs			—			(66	)		—

Acquisitions and disposals			—			(66	)		(15	)

Equity dividends			(600	)		(299	)		(299	)

Net cash flow			(338	)		(22	)		(305	)
Management of liquid resources — (Note 14)			320			(129	)		232
Financing — (Note 14)			—			206			63

Movement in cash and overdrafts			(18	)		55			(10	)

The significant differences between the cash flow statement presented above and that required under United States generally accepted accounting principles are described in Note 35 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

The Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

F-8


Note 1 —	Accounting Policies


	*Basis of preparation*

The consolidated Group profit and loss account has been prepared by reference to Format 1 as set out in Schedule 4 to the Companies Act 1985. This is considered more appropriate to the Group post Separation than the format used in previous years. Prior year amounts have been restated on a consistent basis.


	*Basis of accounting*

The financial statements of InterContinental Hotels Group are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain tangible fixed assets. They have been drawn up to comply with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards.


	*Basis of consolidation*

The financial statements comprise the financial statements of the parent company and its subsidiary undertakings (together, the “Group”). The results of those businesses acquired or disposed of are consolidated for the period during which they were under the Group’s dominant influence.

During 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year end to December 31 and thus its financial statements for the prior fiscal period are presented for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 as permitted by the Companies Act 1985. In accordance with the transition period reporting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, an unaudited analysis of the financial statements and notes thereto for this 15 month period showing the three month period ended December 31, 2002 and the 12 month period ended December 31, 2003 is presented in Note 34 of Notes to the Financial Statements.


	*Foreign currencies*

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rates ruling on the dates of the transactions, adjusted for the effects of any hedging arrangements. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the relevant rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.

The results of overseas operations are translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period. Exchange differences arising from the retranslation of opening net assets (including any goodwill previously eliminated against shareholders’ funds) denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency borrowings and currency swap agreements used to hedge those assets are taken directly to shareholders’ funds. All other exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.


	*Treasury instruments*

Net interest arising on interest rate swap agreements is taken to the profit and loss account.

Premiums payable on interest rate agreements are charged to the profit and loss account over the term of the relevant agreements.

Currency swap agreements are retranslated at exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date with the net amount being included in either current asset investments or borrowings. Interest payable or receivable arising from currency swap agreements is taken to the profit and loss account on a gross basis over the term of the relevant agreements.

Gains or losses arising on forward exchange contracts are taken to the profit and loss account in line with the transactions they are hedging.

F-9


	*Fixed assets and depreciation*

Goodwill

Any excess of purchase consideration for an acquired business over the fair value attributed to its separately identifiable assets and liabilities represents goodwill. Goodwill is capitalized as an intangible asset. Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to September 30, 1998 was eliminated against shareholders’ funds. To the extent that goodwill denominated in foreign currencies continues to have value, it is translated into sterling at each balance sheet date and any movements are accounted for as set out under ‘foreign currencies’ above. On disposal of a business, any goodwill relating to the business and previously eliminated against shareholders’ funds, is taken into account in determining the gain or loss on disposal.

Other intangible assets

On acquisition of a business, no value is attributed to other intangible assets which cannot be separately identified and reliably measured. No value is attributed to internally generated intangible assets.

Tangible assets

Freehold and leasehold land and buildings are stated at cost, or valuation, less depreciation. All other fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

When implementing FRS 15 ‘Tangible Fixed Assets’ in the year ended September 30, 2000, the Group did not adopt a policy of revaluing properties. The transitional rules of FRS 15 were applied so that the carrying values of properties include an element resulting from previous valuations.

Revaluation

Surpluses or deficits arising from previous professional valuations of properties, realized on the disposal of an asset, are transferred from the revaluation reserve to the profit and loss account reserve.

Impairment

Any impairment arising on an income-generating unit, other than an impairment which represents a consumption of economic benefits, is eliminated against any specific revaluation reserve relating to the impaired assets in that income-generating unit with any excess being charged to the profit and loss account.

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill and other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally 20 years.

Freehold land is not depreciated. All other tangible fixed assets are depreciated to a residual value over their estimated useful lives, namely:


Freehold buildings		50 years
Leasehold buildings		Lesser of unexpired term of lease and 50 years
Fixtures, fittings and equipment		3-25 years
Plant and machinery		4-20 years

All depreciation and amortization is charged on a straight-line basis.

Investments

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less any provision for diminution in value.


	*Deferred taxation*

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized, subject to certain exceptions, in respect of all material timing differences between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and for tax purposes.

F-10

Those timing differences recognized include accelerated capital allowances, unrelieved tax losses and short-term timing differences. Timing differences not recognized include those relating to the revaluation of fixed assets in the absence of a commitment to sell the assets, the gain on sale of assets rolled into replacement assets and the distribution of profits from overseas subsidiaries in the absence of any commitment by the subsidiary to make the distribution.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated on a non-discounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.


	*Leases*

Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.


	*Pensions*

The Group continues to account for pensions in accordance with SSAP 24 ‘Accounting for pension costs’. The regular cost of providing pensions to current employees is charged to the profit and loss account over the average expected service life of those employees. Variations in regular pension cost are amortized over the average expected service life of current employees on a straight line basis.

Accumulated differences between the amount charged to the profit and loss account and the payments made to the pension plans are treated as either prepayments or other provisions for liabilities and charges in the balance sheet.

The additional disclosures required by the transitional arrangements of FRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’ are given in Note 4 to the financial statements.


	*Self insurance*

The Group is self insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation and employee medical and dental insurance coverage. Insurance liabilities include projected settlements for known and incurred, but not reported claims. Projected settlements are estimated based on historical trends and actuarial data.


	*Stocks*

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.


	*Trade debtors*

Trade debtors are recognized and carried at the original amount, less an allowance for any doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable.


	*Revenue recognition*

Revenue is derived from the following sources: owned and leased properties; management fees; franchise fees; sale of soft drinks, and other revenues which are ancillary to the Group’s operations. Generally, revenue represents sales (excluding VAT and similar taxes) of goods and services, net of discounts, provided in the normal course of business and is recognized when services have been rendered. The following is a description of the composition of revenues of the Group.

F-11

Owned and leased — derived from hotel operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales from a worldwide network of owned and leased hotels operated under the Group’s brand names. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and food and beverage is sold.

Soft Drinks — sales (excluding VAT and similar taxes) of goods and services, net of discounts, provided in the normal course of business. Revenue is recognized when sales are made.


	*Loyalty program*


	*Use of estimates*


Note 2 —	Segmental Analysis

The results of overseas operations have been translated into sterling at weighted average rates of exchange for the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate is £1 = $1.82 (2003 £1 = $1.62, 2002 £1 = $1.48). In the case of the euro, the translation rate is £1 =€1.47 (2003 £1 =€1.47, 2002 £1 =€1.60).

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities have been translated into sterling at the rates of exchange on the last day of the period. In the case of the US dollar, the translation rate is £1 = $1.93 (2003 £1 = $1.78, 2002 £1 = $1.56). In the case of the euro, the translation rate is £1 = €1.41 (2003 £1 = €1.41, 2002 £1 =€1.59).


		Year ended December 31, 2004(i)

								Asia						Total			Soft		Total
		Americas			EMEA			Pacific			Central			Hotels			Drinks		Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			495			829			134			40			1,498			706		2,204

Operating profit before exceptional items			163			119			21			(52	)		251			80		331
Operating exceptional items			(14	)		(19	)		(4	)		18			(19	)		—		(19	)

Operating profit			149			100			17			(34	)		232			80		312
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Provision for loss on disposal of operations		(9	)		(65	)		—			—			(74	)		—		(74	)
	(Loss)/ profit on disposal of fixed assets		(1	)		14			2			—			15			—		15
	Provision against fixed asset investments		8			(16	)		(2	)		—			(10	)		—		(10	)

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			147			33			17			(34	)		163			80		243

Footnotes on page F-14.

F-12


		15 months ended December 31, 2003(i)

								Asia						Total			Soft								Total
		Americas			EMEA			Pacific			Central			Hotels			Drinks		Total			Discontinued(ii)			Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			661			1,010			148			51			1,870			820		2,690			793			3,483

Operating profit before exceptional items			195			114			22			(80	)		251			95		346			137			483
Operating exceptional items			(9	)		(41	)		(1	)		—			(51	)		—		(51	)		—			(51	)

Operating profit			186			73			21			(80	)		200			95		295			137			432
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		(11	)		(17	)		(2	)		(37	)		(67	)		—		(67	)		—			(67	)
	Separation costs		—			—			—			(51	)		(51	)		—		(51	)		(41	)		(92	)
	Profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets		10			(6	)		—			—			4			—		4			(2	)		2
	Provision against fixed asset investments		(9	)		—			—			(47	)		(56	)		—		(56	)		—			(56	)

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			176			50			19			(215	)		30			95		125			94			219


		Year ended September 30, 2002(i)

								Asia						Total			Soft								Total
		Americas			EMEA			Pacific			Central			Hotels			Drinks		Total			Discontinued(ii)			Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			570			794			128			40			1,532			602		2,134			1,481			3,615

Operating profit before exceptional items			173			125			23			(55	)		266			63		329			289			618
Operating exceptional items			(39	)		(24	)		(14	)		—			(77	)		—		(77	)		—			(77	)

Operating profit			134			101			9			(55	)		189			63		252			289			541
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Separation costs		—			—			—			(4	)		(4	)		—		(4	)		—			(4	)
	(Loss)/profit on disposal of fixed assets		(7	)		9			—			—			2			—		2			(2	)		—
	Profit on disposal of operations		—			—			—			—			—			—		—			57			57

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			127			110			9			(59	)		187			63		250			344			594


	*Turnover*


	Year ended				15 months				Year ended
	December 31,				ended December 31,				September 30,
	2004(i)				2003(i)				2002(i)

	By origin		By destination		By origin		By destination		By origin		By destination

	(£ million)
United Kingdom		1,126		1,103		2,131		2,124		2,491		2,485
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		419		442		506		513		411		416
United States of America		423		423		571		571		476		476
Rest of Americas		102		102		127		127		108		108
Asia Pacific		134		134		148		148		129		130

		2,204		2,204		3,483		3,483		3,615		3,615

Footnotes on page F-14.

F-13

Profit on ordinary activities before interest


	Year ended		15 months ended			Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,			September 30,
	2004(i)		2003(i)			2002(i)

	(£ million)
United Kingdom		60		117			436
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		26		(7	)		57
United States of America		110		63			78
Rest of Americas		30		28			16
Asia Pacific		17		18			7

		243		219			594


(i)	Other than for Soft Drinks which reflects the 53 weeks ended December 25, 2004 (64 weeks ended December 20, 2003, 52 weeks ended September 30, 2002) and Mitchells & Butlers plc which reflects the 28 weeks ended April 12, 2003 (2002 52 weeks).

(ii)	Discontinued operations relate to Mitchell & Butlers plc for all periods presented and in 2002 also included a profit on disposal of Bass Brewers of £57 million relating to the finalization of completion accounts.

Depreciation and Amortization


		Year ended		15 months ended		Year ended
		December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
		2004		2003		2002

		(£ million)
Hotels
	Americas		36		54		46
	Asia Pacific		15		16		11
	EMEA		77		95		66
	Central		22		30		16

			150		195		139
Soft Drinks			48		54		46

Continuing operations			198		249		185
Discontinued operations			—		54		86

			198		303		271

F-14

Assets


		December 31, 2004					December 31, 2003					September 30, 2002

				Net					Net					Net
		Total		operating			Total		operating			Total		operating

		(£ million)
Hotels
	Americas		1,073		765			1,146		859			1,458		1,134
	EMEA		2,755		2,334			3,183		2,422			3,036		2,502
	Asia Pacific		444		414			481		457			467		448

			4,272		3,513			4,810		3,738			4,961		4,084
Soft Drinks			502		306			470		300			405		246

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(i)			4,774		3,819			5,280		4,038			5,366		4,330
Discontinued operations(i)			—		—			—		—			3,682		3,493

			4,774		3,819			5,280		4,038			9,048		7,823
Non-operating assets:
	Current asset investments				40					377					218
	Cash at bank and in hand				43					55					84
	Corporate taxation				14					37					1
Non-operating liabilities:
	Borrowings				(1,199	)				(1,001	)				(1,479	)
	Proposed dividend of parent company				(62	)				(70	)				(213	)
	Proposed dividend for minority shareholders				(19	)				(16	)				—
	Corporate taxation				(261	)				(389	)				(455	)
	Deferred taxation				(248	)				(314	)				(495	)
	Minority equity interests				(150	)				(163	)				(149	)

Net assets			4,774		1,977			5,280		2,554			9,048		5,335

United Kingdom			1,972		1,512			2,329		1,586			5,963		5,202
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa			1,285		1,128			1,324		1,136			1,160		1,039
United States of America			958		667			1,020		751			1,328		1,013
Rest of Americas			115		98			126		108			130		121
Asia Pacific			444		414			481		457			467		448

			4,774		3,819			5,280		4,038			9,048		7,823

Net non-operating liabilities					(1,842	)				(1,484	)				(2,488	)

Net assets					1,977					2,554					5,335


(i)	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC comprises continuing operations. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc.

F-15


Note 3 —	Operating Profit


	Year ended
	December 31,
	2004			15 months ended December 31, 2003

	Total			Continuing(i)			Discontinued(i)		Total

	(£ million)
Operating profit is stated after charging:
Staff costs (Note 4)		659			815			198		1,013
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets		188			236			54		290
Impairment of tangible fixed assets		28			51			—		51
Amortization of goodwill		10			13			—		13
Hire of plant and machinery		14			18			17		35
Property rentals		53			65			24		89
Income from fixed asset investments		(1	)		(3	)		—		(3	)
Operating exceptionals included above		28			51			—		51


	Year ended September 30, 2002

	Continuing(i)			Discontinued(i)		Total

	(£ million)
Operating profit is stated after charging:
Staff costs — (Note 4)		659			378		1,037
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets		175			86		261
Impairment of tangible fixed assets		77			—		77
Amortization of goodwill		9			1		10
Hire of plant and machinery		19			30		49
Property rentals		58			42		100
Income from fixed asset investments		(8	)		—		(8	)
Operating exceptionals included above		77			—		77


(i)	Continuing operations comprises InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc for 2003 and 2002, and in 2002 also included a profit on disposal of Bass Brewers of £57 million.


	*Auditors’ remuneration paid to Ernst & Young LLP*


			15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002

	(£ million)
Audit fees		3.8		2.8		1.9
Audit related fees		1.6		7.2		3.2
Tax fees		0.5		1.2		1.2
Other fees		—		—		0.4

		5.9		11.2		6.7

Audit related fees include £nil million (2003 £6.3 million, 2002 £1.7 million) in relation to the Separation and bid defense. These costs have been charged to exceptional items (see Note 5). Non-audit fees payable for UK services were £1.1 million (2003 £6.6 million, 2002 £4.1 million).

F-16


Note 4 —	Staff

Costs


			15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002

	(£ million)
Wages and salaries		570		884		942
Social security costs		66		96		84
Pensions		23		33		11

		659		1,013		1,037

Employee numbers

Average number of persons employed, including part-time employees:


			15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002

	(Number)
Hotels		26,835		27,111		28,385
Soft Drinks		2,824		2,698		2,637

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(i)		29,659		29,809		31,022
Discontinued operations(i)		—		15,014		38,747

		29,659		44,823		69,769


(i)	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC relates to continuing operations. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc.

Pensions


				15 months
	Year ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2003			2002

	(£ million)
Regular cost		16			33			35
Variations from regular cost		(2	)		(7	)		(28	)
Notional interest on prepayment		(3	)		(4	)		(3	)

Pension cost in respect of the principal plans		11			22			4
Other plans		12			11			7

		23			33			11

F-17

Retirement and death benefits are provided for eligible Group employees in the United Kingdom principally by the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan which covers approximately 1,700 employees and the Britvic Pension Plan which covers approximately 2,400 employees. The plans are predominantly defined benefit schemes for current members. For new entrants, the plans provide defined contribution benefits. The assets of the plans are held in self-administered trust funds separate from the Group’s assets. The Group also maintains a US-based InterContinental Hotels Pension Plan. This plan is now closed to new members and pensionable service no longer accrues for current employee members. In addition, the Group operates a number of minor pension schemes outside the United Kingdom, the most significant of which is a defined contribution scheme in the United States; there is no material difference between the pension costs of, and contributions to, these schemes.

On April 1, 2003, two new pension schemes were created for InterContinental Hotels Group PLC in the UK when Mitchells & Butlers Retail Limited became the sponsoring employer for the Six Continents Pension Plan and the Six Continents Executive Pension Plan. Approximately 30% of the assets and liabilities of these plans was transferred to the new InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan and the Britvic Pension Plan, which were established with effect from April 1, 2003.

The Group continues to account for its defined benefit obligations in accordance with SSAP 24. The pension costs related to the two UK principal plans are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent qualified actuaries using the projected unit method. They reflect the March 31, 2004 actuarial valuations of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan and the Britvic Pension Plan. The significant assumptions in these valuations were that wages and salaries increase on average by 4.3% per annum, the long-term return on assets is 6.5% per annum, and pensions increase by 2.8% per annum. The average expected remaining service life of current employees is 12 years.

At March 31, 2004, the market value of the combined assets of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan was £148 million and the Britvic Pension Plan was £240 million and the value of the assets was sufficient to cover 80% and 75%, respectively, of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected increases in earnings.

In the period to December 31, 2004, the Group made regular contributions to the two UK principal plans of £12 million (2003 £26 million, 2002 £18 million) and additional contributions of £60 million (2003 £13 million, 2002 £15 million). The agreed employer contribution rates to the defined benefit arrangements for the year to December 31, 2005 are 15.6% for the staff section of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan, 31.4% for the executive section, 16.9% for the staff section of the Britvic Pension Plan and 32.3% for the executive section.

Certain pension benefits and post retirement insurance obligations are provided on an unfunded basis. Where assets are not held with the specific purpose of matching the liabilities of unfunded schemes, a provision is included within other provisions for liabilities and charges. Liabilities are generally assessed annually in accordance with the advice of independent actuaries.

FRS 17 disclosures

The valuations used for FRS 17 disclosures are based on the results of the actuarial valuations at March 31, 2004 updated by independent qualified actuaries to December 31, 2004. Scheme assets are stated at market value at December 31, 2004 and the liabilities of the schemes have been assessed as at the same date using the projected unit method. As the principal plans are now closed as defined benefit schemes, the current service cost as calculated under the projected unit method will increase as members approach retirement.

F-18

The principal assumptions used by the actuaries to determine the liabilities on a FRS 17 basis were:


	December 31,				December 31,				September 30,
	2004				2003				2002

	UK		US		UK		US		UK		US

	(%)
Wages and salaries increases		4.3		—		4.3		—		3.8		—
Pension increases		2.8		—		2.8		—		2.3		—
Discount rate		5.3		5.8		5.4		6.3		5.5		6.8
Inflation rate		2.8		—		2.8		—		2.3		—

The combined assets of the two principal schemes and expected rate of return were:

Long-term rate

Long-term

of return

rate of return

expected at

Value at

expected at

Value at

expected at

Value at

December 31,

September 30,

2004

2003

2002

(%)

(£ million)

(%)

(£ million)

(%)

(£ million)

UK Schemes

Equities

8.0

272

8.0

238

8.0

507

Bonds

4.9

173

5.4

117

4.7

397

Other

8.0

—

8.0

Total market value of assets

472

355

996

Long-term

rate of return

expected at

Value at

expected at

Value at

expected at

Value at

December 31,

September 30,

2004

2003

2002

(%)

(£ million)

(%)

(£ million)

(%)

(£ million)

US Schemes

Equities

9.6

9.2

11.2

Bonds

5.5

6.0

6.2

Total market value of assets


																			September 30,
	December 31, 2004									December 31, 2003									2002

	UK			US			Total			UK			US			Total			Total

	(£ million)
Total market value of assets		472			56			528			355			48			403			1,045
Present value of scheme liabilities		(600	)		(100	)		(700	)		(477	)		(102	)		(579	)		(1,415	)

Deficit in the scheme		(128	)		(44	)		(172	)		(122	)		(54	)		(176	)		(370	)
Related deferred tax asset		40			17			57			37			21			58			116

Net pension liability		(88	)		(27	)		(115	)		(85	)		(33	)		(118	)		(254	)

F-19


	If FRS 17 had been recognized in the financial statements, the effects would have been as follows:


	Year ended									15 months									Year ended
	December 31,									ended December 31,									September 30,
	2004									2003									2002

	UK			US			Total			UK			US			Total			Total

	(£ million)
Operating profit charge
Current service cost		18			—			18			32			—			32			31
Past service cost		1			—			1			2			—			2			—

Total operating profit charge		19			—			19			34			—			34			31

Finance income
Expected return on pension scheme assets		27			4			31			49			5			54			80
Interest on pension scheme liabilities		(27	)		(6	)		(33	)		(53	)		(8	)		(61	)		(76	)

Net (expense)/return		—			(2	)		(2	)		(4	)		(3	)		(7	)		4

Items recognized in the Statement of Total Recognized Gains and Losses (“STRGL”)
Actuarial loss:
Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets		11			1			12			32			5			37			(182	)
Experience gains and losses arising on the scheme liabilities		13			—			13			(17	)		(1	)		(18	)		(23	)
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities		(70	)		(6	)		(76	)		(111	)		(10	)		(121	)		(126	)

Actuarial loss recognized in the STRGL		(46	)		(5	)		(51	)		(96	)		(6	)		(102	)		(331	)
Other:
Deficit transferred in respect of previous acquisitions		6			—			6			—			—			—			—
Exchange adjustments		—			(4	)		(4	)		(8	)		—			(8	)		(3	)
Movement in deficit during the period
At start of period		(122	)		(54	)		(176	)		(315	)		(55	)		(370	)		(55	)
Current service cost		(18	)		—			(18	)		(32	)		—			(32	)		(31	)
Past service cost		(1	)		—			(1	)		(2	)		—			(2	)		—
Contributions		72			13			85			39			2			41			40
Finance income		—			(2	)		(2	)		(4	)		(3	)		(7	)		4
Actuarial loss		(46	)		(5	)		(51	)		(96	)		(6	)		(102	)		(331	)
Deficit transferred in respect of previous acquisitions(i)		(13	)		—			(13	)		—			—			—			—
Separation of MAB		—			—			—			288			—			288			—
Exchange adjustments		—			4			4			—			8			8			3

At end of period		(128	)		(44	)		(172	)		(122	)		(54	)		(176	)		(370	)


(i)	Relates to the acquisition of Posthouse hotels in 2001.

F-20


		Year ended									15 months
		December 31,									ended December 31,									September 30,
		2004									2003									2002

		UK			US			Total			UK			US			Total			Total

		(£ million)
History of experience gains and losses
Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets:
	Amount (£ million)		11			1			12			32			5			37			(182	)
	Percentage of scheme assets		2	%		2	%		2	%		9	%		10	%		9	%		(17	%)
Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities:
	Amount (£ million)		13			—			13			(17	)		(1	)		(18	)		(23	)
	Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities		2	%		—			2	%		(4	%)		(1	%)		(3	%)		(2%	)
Total amount recognized in the STRGL:
	Amount (£ million)		(46	)		(5	)		(51	)		(96	)		(6	)		(102	)		(331	)
	Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities		(8	%)		(5	%)		(7	%)		(20	%)		(6	%)		(18	%)		(23	%)


	December 31, 2004						December 31, 2003						September 30, 2002

				Profit and						Profit and						Profit and
				loss account						loss account						loss account
	Net assets			reserve			Net assets			reserve			Net assets			reserve

	(£ million)
Group net assets and reserves reconciliation
As reported		1,977			(167	)		2,554			390			5,335			2,448
Less: SSAP 24 pension prepayment (net of tax of £23 million (2003 £14 million, 2002 £26 million))		(87	)		(87	)		(33	)		(33	)		(62	)		(62	)
SSAP 24 pension provision (net of tax of £18 million (2003 £16 million, 2002 £14 million))		31			31			30			30			25			25
FRS 17 net pension liability		(115	)		(115	)		(118	)		(118	)		(254	)		(254	)

Restated for FRS 17		1,806			(338	)		2,433			269			5,044			2,157


	*Policy on remuneration of executive directors and senior executives*

The following policy has applied since Separation and will apply in future years, subject to ongoing review.


	*Total level of remuneration*

The Committee aims to ensure that remuneration packages are offered which:


	•	attract high quality executives in an environment where compensation levels are based on global market practice;

	•	provide appropriate retention strength against loss of key executives;

	•	drive aligned focus and attention to key business initiatives and appropriately reward their achievement;

F-21


	•	support equitable treatment between members of the same executive team; and

	•	facilitate global assignments and relocation.

The Committee is aware that, as a UK listed company, IHG’s incentive arrangements may be expected to recognize UK investor guidelines. However, given the global nature of the Hotels business, an appropriate balance needs to be drawn in the design of relevant remuneration packages between domestic and international expectations.


	*The main components*

The Group has performance-related reward policies. These are designed to provide the appropriate balance between fixed remuneration and variable “risk” reward, which is linked to the performance of both the Group and the individual. Group performance-related measures are chosen carefully to ensure a strong link between reward and true underlying financial performance, and emphasis is placed on particular areas requiring executive focus.

Individual performance is measured through an assessment of comprehensive business unit deliverables, demonstrated leadership behaviors, modeling the Group values and the achievement of specific key performance objectives. At the executive level, key performance objectives are linked directly to the Group’s strategic priorities. At a minimum, the individual performance of the executive directors is assessed on an annual basis.

The normal policy for executive directors is that, using ‘target’ or ‘expected value’ calculations, their performance-related incentives will equate to approximately 70% of total annual remuneration (excluding benefits).

The main components of remuneration are:

Basic salary

The salary for each executive director is based on individual performance and on information from independent professional sources on the salary levels for similar jobs in groups of comparable companies. Internal relativities and salary levels in the wider employment market are also taken into account.

In addition, benefits are provided to executive directors in accordance with the policy applying to other executives in their geographic location.

Annual performance bonus

Within the Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan, challenging performance goals are set and these must be achieved before the maximum bonus becomes payable. These goals include both personal objectives and targets linked to the Group’s financial performance. For executive directors, the maximum bonus opportunity is 100% of salary, with 30% linked to personal objectives, 35% to adjusted earnings per share and 35% to earnings before exceptional items, interest and taxation. The bonus will normally be paid in IHG PLC shares and deferred. Matching shares may also be awarded up to 0.5 times the deferred amount. Such awards are conditional on the directors’ continued employment with the Group until the release date. The shares will normally be released in equal amounts at the end of each of the three years following deferral.

The executive directors will be expected to hold all shares earned from the Group’s remuneration plans while the value of their holding is less than twice their basic salary or three times in the case of the Chief Executive.

Bonuses are not pensionable.

Executive share options

The Committee believes that share ownership by executive directors and senior executives strengthens the link between the individual’s personal interest and that of the shareholders. Grants of options are normally

F-22

made annually and, except in exceptional circumstances, will not, in any year, exceed three times annual salary for executive directors.

A performance condition has to be met before options can be exercised. The performance condition is set by the Committee. For options granted in 2004, the Company’s adjusted earnings per share over the three-year period ending December 31, 2006 must increase by at least nine percentage points over the increase in the UK Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’) for the same period for one-third of the options granted to vest; 12 percentage points over the increase in RPI for the same period for two-thirds of the options granted to vest; and 15 percentage points over the increase in RPI for the same period for the full award to vest. The options lapse if the performance condition is not met. This remains a realistic but challenging condition in the current economic climate. The achievement or otherwise of the performance condition is assessed, based on the Group’s published results; such assessment is then reviewed by the external auditor.

Executive directors were granted options on April 1, 2004 as shown in the table on pages F-28 and F-29.

Similar performance conditions have been applied to options granted on April 1, 2005. It is intended that similar conditions will apply in later years.

Executive share options are not pensionable.

Sharesave plan Executive directors are entitled to participate in all-employee share schemes. Options granted under the IHG Sharesave Plan are not subject to performance conditions and are not pensionable.

Performance restricted shares The Performance Restricted Share Plan allows executive directors and eligible employees to receive share awards, subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition, set by the Committee, which is normally measured over a three-year period. Awards are normally made annually and, except in exceptional circumstances, will not exceed three times annual salary for executive directors. In determining the level of awards within this maximum limit, the Committee takes into account the level of executive share options granted to the same person. The grant of awards is restricted so that in each year the aggregate of (i) 20% of the market value of the executive share options and (ii) 33% of the market value of performance restricted shares, will not exceed 130% of annual salary, taking the market value in each case as at the date of grant.

For the 2004/06 cycle, performance will be measured by reference to:


	•	the increase in IHG PLC Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) over the performance period relative to 10 identified comparator companies; Accor, De Vere, Hilton Group, Hilton Hotels Corp., Host Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Millennium & Copthorne, NH Hotels, Sol Melia and Starwood Hotels; and

	•	the increase in IHG Return On Capital Employed (‘ROCE’) over the performance period.

In respect of TSR performance, 10% of the award will be released for the achievement of 6th place within the TSR group and 50% of the award will be released for the achievement of 1st or 2nd place. In respect of ROCE performance, 10% of the award will be released for the achievement of 70% growth and 50% of the award will be released for the achievement of 141.6% growth. Vesting between all stated points will be on a straight line basis.

The awards lapse if the performance conditions are not met.

Implementation of the elements of the IHG strategy that can significantly impact ROCE will be complete during the life of existing Performance Restricted Share Plan cycles. The Committee considers that it is now time to review this performance measure. Benefits under the Performance Restricted Share Plan are not pensionable.

F-23


	*Companies used for comparison*

In assessing levels of pay and benefits, IHG compares the packages offered by different groups of comparator companies. These groups are chosen having regard to participants’:


	•	size — turnover, profits and the number of people employed;

	•	diversity and complexity of businesses;

	•	geographical spread of businesses;

	•	industry type; and

	•	relevance as:


	a) a potential recruitment target

	b) a potential threat in respect of attracting IHG talent.

External consultants are used to advise the Committee on the structure and level of pay and benefits in IHG’s markets.


	*Policy on external appointments*

The Company recognises that its directors may be invited to become non-executive directors of other companies and that such duties can broaden experience and knowledge, and benefit the business. Executive directors are, therefore, allowed to accept one non-executive appointment (excluding positions where the director is appointed as the Company’s representative), subject to Board approval, as long as this is not likely to lead to a conflict of interest, and to retain the fees received. Richard North received £25,091 during the year for his services as a non-executive director. David Webster received £20,000 during the year for his services as a non-executive director.


	*Contracts of service*


	a) Policy

The Remuneration Committee’s policy is for executive directors to have rolling contracts with a notice period of 12 months.

Non-executive directors, Ralph Kugler, Robert C Larson, David Prosser and Sir Howard Stringer signed letters of appointment effective from the listing of IHG PLC. David Kappler signed a letter of appointment effective from June 21, 2004. All non-executive directors’ appointments are subject to re-election at the Annual General Meeting at which they retire by rotation.

F-24


	b) Directors’ contracts


	Contract		Unexpired term/
Directors	effective date		notice period

Andrew Cosslett		2.3.05		21 months
Richard Hartman		4.15.03		12 months
Stevan Porter		4.15.03		12 months
Richard Solomons		4.15.03		12 months
Richard North		4.15.03		Terminated

Richard North’s service contract provided for a notice period of 12 months. The severance arrangements which were entered into following his resignation on September 30, 2004 provided for him to receive a payment of one month’s basic salary in each month up to September 2005, subject to mitigation in the event of his taking up an alternative appointment. Details of his entitlements in respect of the Executive Share Option Plan, the Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan, the Performance Restricted Share Plan, and pension, are contained in the appropriate tables in the audited part of this report.

Policy regarding pensions

UK-based executive directors and senior employees participate on the same basis in the executive section of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan and, if appropriate, the InterContinental Executive Top-Up Scheme. Stevan Porter and senior US-based executives participate in US retirement benefits plans. Executives in other countries, who do not participate in these plans, will participate in local plans, or the InterContinental Hotels Group International Savings & Retirement Plan.

Directors’ Emoluments


							Total emoluments excluding pensions

	Basic								15 months
	salaries		Performance				Year ended		ended		Year ended
	and fees		payments		Benefits		Dec 31, 2004		Dec 31, 2003		Sep 30, 2002

	(£ thousand)
Executive directors
Richard North(1)		638		553		57		1,248		1,183		629
Richard Hartman		476		—		299		775		663		—
Stevan Porter(2)		360		—		8		368		510		—
Richard Solomons		372		—		28		400		497		—
David Webster(3)		148		—		—		148		—		—
Non-executive directors
David Kappler(4)		35		—		—		35		—		—
Ralph Kugler(5)		42		—		—		42		30		—
Robert C. Larson(6)		42		—		—		42		53		36
David Prosser(7)		50		—		—		50		35		—
Sir Howard Stringer(6)		42		—		—		42		53		13
David Webster(8)		275		—		1		276		57		—
Former directors(9)		—		—		—		—		2,987		2,739

Total		2,480		553		393		3,426		6,068		3,417

(1)

Resigned as a director and as Chief Executive on September 30, 2004 and ceased employment with the Group on December 31, 2004. The emoluments shown are for the full year. Richard North’s performance payment relates to his participation in the Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan which, in accordance with plan rules, must be paid in cash due to his employment ending. He remains eligible to participate in the

F-25


	Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan for the 2005 performance year. Any award will be made in cash and pro-rated to September 30, 2005.

(2)	Emoluments for Stevan Porter include £10,731 that were chargeable to UK income tax.

(3)	Fees paid to David Webster represent £41,667 per month paid to him in his capacity as interim Chief Executive with effect from September 15, 2004.

(4)	Became Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee on June 21, 2004 for which a fixed fee of £65,000 pa was paid. With effect from January 1, 2005, David Kappler receives a total annual fee of £80,000.

(5)	All fees due to Ralph Kugler are paid to Unilever. With effect from January 1, 2005, Ralph Kugler’s fee as a non-executive director is £50,000 pa.

(6)	Both Robert C. Larson and Sir Howard Stringer served as non-executive directors of Six Continents PLC during the period up to April 15, 2003 for which they each received a fee of £23,000. With effect from January 1, 2005, Robert C Larson and Sir Howard Stringer each receive an annual fee of £50,000.

(7)	Fees paid to David Prosser included a £7,500 pa fee payable to the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee in recognition of the additional responsibilities of this role. With effect from January 1, 2005, David Prosser receives a total annual fee of £65,000.

(8)	Became non-executive Chairman on January 1, 2004 for which a fixed fee of £275,000 pa was paid. With effect from January 1, 2005, David Webster’s fee as non-executive Chairman is £350,000 pa.

(9)	The total emoluments earned by former directors of both Six Continents PLC and IHG PLC during the period October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 and the year October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002 are shown.

Figures for 2003 and 2002 represent emoluments earned during the 15 month period ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002 and include emoluments for those directors who also served as directors of Six Continents PLC. ‘Performance payments’ include bonus awards in cash in respect of participation in the Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan (STDIP) but exclude bonus awards in deferred shares and any matching shares (further details of which are set out below under Long Term Reward).

‘Benefits’incorporate all tax assessable benefits arising from the individual’s employment. For Messrs Hartman, North and Solomons, this relates in the main to the provision of a fully expensed company car and private healthcare cover. In addition, Mr Hartman received housing, child education and other expatriate benefits. For Stevan Porter, benefits relate in the main to private healthcare cover and financial counseling.

Thomas Oliver retired from Six Continents PLC on March 31, 2003 and has not served as a director of IHG PLC. However, he had an ongoing consultancy agreement in respect of which he received fees of £136,677 during the year. In addition, he had an ongoing healthcare benefit of £9,919 during the year. These arrangements ended in March 2005. Sir Ian Prosser retired on December 31, 2003. However, he had an ongoing healthcare benefit of £1,191 during the year.

Directors’ pensions

The following information relates to the pension arrangements provided for Richard Hartman, Richard North and Richard Solomons under the executive section of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan (‘the IC Plan’) and the unfunded InterContinental Executive Top-Up Scheme (‘ICETUS’).

The executive section of the IC Plan is a funded, Inland Revenue approved, final salary, occupational pension scheme. The main features applicable to the executive directors are: a normal pension age of 60; pension accrual of 1/30th of final pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service; life assurance cover of four times pensionable salary; pensions payable in the event of ill health; and spouses’ and dependants’ pensions on death.

All plan benefits are subject to Inland Revenue limits. Where such limitation is due to the earnings ‘cap’, ICETUS is used to increase pension and death benefits to the level that would otherwise have applied.

F-26

Stevan Porter has retirement benefits provided via the 401(k) Retirement Plan for employees of Six Continents Hotels Inc. (‘401(k)’) and the Six Continents Hotels Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (‘DCP’).

The 401(k) is a tax qualified plan providing benefits on a defined contribution basis, with the member and the relevant company both contributing. The DCP is a non-tax qualified plan, providing benefits on a defined contribution basis, with the member and the relevant company both contributing.


									Increase in
					Transfer value of				transfer value		Increase in		Increase in		Accrued
			Directors’		accrued benefits				over the year		accrued		accrued		pension at
	Age at		contributions						less directors’		pension		pension		Dec 31, 04
Directors’ pension benefits	Dec 31, 04		(1)		Jan 1, 04		Dec 31, 04		contributions		(2)		(3)		(4)(5)

			£		£		£		£		£pa		£pa		£pa
Richard Hartman		58		15,200		652,200		1,189,800		522,400		24,800		23,700		63,200
Richard North		54		15,200		2,423,800		3,581,400		1,142,400		60,300		55,200		240,300
Richard Solomons		43		15,100		569,400		834,100		249,600		21,300		19,200		96,800


(1)	Contributions paid in the year by the directors under the terms of the plans. Richard Hartman’s contributions exclude £3,700 paid in 2004, but relating to 2003.


(2)	The absolute increase in accrued pension during the period.


(3)	The increase in accrued pension during the period excluding any increase for inflation, on the basis that increases to accrued pensions are applied at October 1.


(4)	Accrued pension is that which would be paid annually on retirement at 60, based on service to December 31, 2004.


(5)	Richard North ceased pensionable service with the Group on December 31, 2004 and his deferred pension at that date is £240,300 pa, payable from his 60th birthday (inclusive of an augmentation agreed as part of his severance arrangements).

The figures shown in the above tables relate to the final salary plans only. For defined contribution plans, the contributions made by and in respect of Stevan Porter during the year are:


	Director’s				Company
	contribution to				contribution to

	DCP		401(k)		DCP		401(k)

	£		£		£		£
Stevan Porter		19,000		7,100		56,800		5,700

Directors’ emoluments

Totals relating to employers’ pension contributions for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002.


	Employers’ pension
	contributions

	(£ thousand)
Total 2004		141
Total 2003		430
Total 2002		374

The following additional information relates to directors’ pensions under the UK plans.

Dependants’ Pensions

On the death of a director before his normal retirement age, a widow’s pension equal to one-third of his own pension is payable; a child’s pension of one-sixth of his pension is payable for each of a maximum of two eligible children. On the death of a director after payment of his pension commences, a widow’s pension of two-thirds of the director’s full pension entitlement is payable; in addition, a child’s pension of one-sixth of his full pension entitlement is payable for each of a maximum of two eligible children.

F-27

Early Retirement Rights

After leaving the service of the relevant company, the director has the right to draw his accrued pension at any time after his 50th birthday, subject to a discount for early payment.

Pension Increases

All pensions (in excess of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions) are subject to contractual annual increases in line with the annual rise in RPI, subject to a maximum of 5% per annum. In addition, it is current policy to pay additional increases based on two-thirds of any rise in RPI above 5% per annum.

Other Discretionary Benefits

Other than the discretionary pension increases mentioned above, there are no discretionary practices which are taken into account in calculating transfer values on leaving service.


	*Long Term Reward*

Performance Restricted Share Plan (“PRSP”)

In 2004 there were three cycles in operation.

The awards made in respect of the PRSP cycles ending on December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 and the maximum pre-tax number of ordinary shares due if performance targets are achieved in full are:


				PRSP shares					Market								Value based
	PRSP			awarded during					price per			PRSP shares			Planned		on share price
	shares held			the year ended			Award		share at			held at			vesting		of 647.50p at
	at Jan 1, 04			Dec 31, 04			date		award			Dec 31, 04(1)			date		Dec 31, 04

																	£
Richard Hartman		111,930	(2)					6.18.03		445	p		111,930			3.11.05		724,747
		167,900	(3)					6.18.03		445	p		167,900			3.3.06		1,087,153
					165,130	(4)		6.24.04		549.5	p		165,130			3.9.07		1,069,217

Total													444,960					2,881,117

Richard North		188,760	(2)					6.18.03		445	p		188,760			3.11.05		1,222,221
		283,140	(3)					6.18.03		445	p		259,545	(5)		3.3.06		1,680,554
					248,560	(4)		6.24.04		549.5	p		144,993	(5)		3.9.07		938,830

Total													593,298					3,841,605

Stevan Porter		113,810	(2)					6.18.03		445	p		113,810			3.11.05		736,920
		170,710	(3)					6.18.03		445	p		170,710			3.3.06		1,105,347
					142,290	(4)		6.24.04		549.5	p		142,290			3.9.07		921,328

Total													426,810					2,763,595

Sir Ian Prosser		65,410	(2)(6)					6.18.03		445	p		65,410			3.11.05		423,530
		65,410	(3)(6)					6.18.03		445	p		65,410			3.3.06		423,530

Total													130,820					847,060

Richard Solomons		110,110	(2)					6.18.03		445	p		110,110			3.11.05		712,962
		165,160	(3)					6.18.03		445	p		165,160			3.3.06		1,069,411
					144,990	(4)		6.24.04		549.5	p		144,990			3.9.07		938,810

Total													420,260					2,721,183

Total																		13,054,560

F-28


(1)	In the case of Richard North, who resigned as a director of the Company on September 30, 2004, the figures shown are as at cessation of employment.

(2)	This ‘transitional’ award is based on performance to December 31, 2004 where the performance measure relates to the Company’s total shareholder return against a group of 11 other comparator companies. The number of shares released is graded, according to where the Company finishes in the comparator group, with 100% of the award being released for first or second position and 20% of the award being released for sixth place. The Company finished in fourth place and accordingly 60% of the award vested on March 11, 2005, with 67,158; 113,256; 68,286; 39,246 and 66,066 shares released to Messrs. Hartman, North, Porter, Prosser and Solomons respectively.

(3)	This award is based on performance to December 31, 2005 where the performance measure relates to both the Company’s total shareholder return against a group of 11 other comparator companies and growth in return on capital employed.

(4)	This award is based on performance to December 31, 2006 where the performance measure relates to both the Company’s total shareholder return against a group of 10 other comparator companies and growth in return on capital employed.

(5)	Richard North’s awards were pro-rated to reflect his contractual service during the applicable performance periods.

(6)	Sir Ian Prosser was a director of the Company until his retirement on December 31, 2004. His awards were pro-rated to reflect his actual service during the applicable performance periods.

F-29

Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan (“STDIP”)

Messrs Hartman, Porter and Solomons participated in the STDIP during the year ended December 31, 2004, and received an award on March 16, 2005. The awards, inclusive of matching shares, are as follows:


					Market price per
	Award date		No of shares		share at award		Value on award

					(p)		(£)
Richard Hartman		03.16.05		88,341		653.67		577,459
Stevan Porter		03.16.05		80,934		653.67		529,041
Richard Solomons		03.16.05		87,061		653.67		569,092

The shares comprised in the awards will be released in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversary of the award date and are conditional on the directors’ continued employment within the Group until each release date.

Directors’ pre-tax interests during the year were:

STDIP

Value based

STDIP

STDIP shares

Market

shares vested

Market

STDIP

on share

shares held

awarded during

price per

during the

price per

shares held

Planned

price of

the year ended

Award

share at

year ended

Vesting

share at

Value at

vesting

647.50p at

Jan 1, 04(1)

Dec 31, 04

date

award

Dec 31, 04

date

vesting(2)

vesting

Dec 31, 04

date

Dec 31, 04

Directors

Richard North

3,789

4.15.03

372

3,789

6.2.04

529.5

20,063

—

Stevan Porter

55,428

12.18.01

434.3

55,428

12.20.04

654.5

362,776

—


(1)	IHG PLC shares provided at 372p per share in equal value exchange for Six Continents PLC shares outstanding at 4.14.03 under the Six Continents Special Deferred Incentive Plan.

(2)	Award originally made in Six Continents PLC shares. The share prices shown are the equivalent IHG PLC share prices, based on a five day average immediately preceding the award date.

Share Options


											Weighted
	Options		Granted		Lapsed		Exercised		Options		average
	held at		during		during		during		held at		option		Option
	Jan 1, 04		the year		the year		the year		Dec 31, 04(1)		price		price

											(p)		(p)
Richard Hartman		615,072										414.88
				218,950										494.17
A										364,388		398.98
B										469,634		464.19

Total		615,072		218,950		—		—		834,022		435.70

Richard North		1,125,168										412.69
				394,840										494.17
A										712,017		398.05
B										807,991		465.40

Total		1,125,168		394,840		—		—		1,520,008		433.85

Stevan Porter		433,059										426.22
				225,260										494.17
A										178,176		409.36
B										480,143		464.35

Total		433,059		225,260		—		—		658,319		449.47

F-30

Weighted

Options

Granted

Lapsed

Exercised

Options

average

held at

during

held at

option

Option

Jan 1, 04

the year

Dec 31, 04(1)

price

(p)

Richard Solomons

601,040

400.55

230,320

494.17

357,545

375.24

473,815

465.16

Total

601,040

230,320

—

831,360

426.49


(1)	In the case of Richard North, who resigned as a director of the Company on September 30, 2004, the figures shown are as at cessation of employment. In accordance with plan rules, Richard North’s unvested options will lapse three and a half years from the date of cessation of employment.


(A)	Where options are exercisable and the market price per share at December 31, 2004 was above the option price; and


(B)	Where options are not yet exercisable. A performance condition has to be met before options can be exercised, in accordance with the policy set out earlier.

Rolled over options, all of which are shown in ‘A’ above, became exercisable on the Separation of Six Continents PLC in April 2003 and will lapse on various dates up to October 2012. Rolled over options ceased to be subject to performance conditions on Separation.

Share options under the IHG Executive Share Option Plan granted in 2003 are exercisable between May 2006 and May 2013, subject to the achievement of the performance condition. Share options under the IHG Sharesave Plan granted in 2003 are exercisable between March 2007 and March 2009.

Share options under the IHG Executive Share Option Plan were granted on April 1, 2004 at an option price of 494.17p. These options are exercisable between April 2007 and April 2014, subject to the achievement of the performance condition.

Option prices range from 308.48p to 593.29p per IHG PLC share. The closing market value share price on December 31, 2004 was 647.50p and the range during the year was 479.17p to 690.81p per share.

The gain on exercise by directors in aggregate was £nil in the year ended December 31, 2004 (£69,491 in the period ended December 31, 2003, £nil in the year ended September 30, 2002).

Directors’ Shareholdings


	December 31, 2004		January 1, 2004
	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC		InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
	ordinary shares of 112p		ordinary shares of £1(1)(2)

Executive directors
Richard Hartman		45,247		30,345
Stevan Porter		88,077		56,754
Richard Solomons		16,031		17,956
David Webster		13,395		824
Non-executive directors
David Kappler		2,602		2,915
Ralph Kugler		892		1,000
Robert C Larson(3)		10,714		9,805
David Prosser		4,464		5,000
Sir Howard Stringer		7,566		8,474


(1)	Or date of appointment, if later.

F-31


(2)	These share interests were in InterContinental Hotels Group PLC £1 ordinary shares prior to the share consolidation effective from December 13, 2004. For every 28 existing InterContinental Hotels Group PLC shares held on December 10, 2004, shareholders received 25 new ordinary shares of 112p each.

(3)	Held in the form of American Depositary Receipts.

The above shareholdings are all beneficial interests and include shares held by directors’ spouses and other connected persons, and shares held on behalf of certain directors by the Trustees of the Company’s ESOP. None of the directors has a beneficial interest in the shares of any subsidiary.

At December 31, 2004, the executive directors, as potential beneficiaries under the Company’s ESOP, were each technically deemed to be interested in 3,057,649 unallocated IHG PLC shares held by the Trustees of the ESOP.

The Company’s Register of Directors’ Interests, which is open to inspection at the Registered Office, contains full details of directors’ shareholdings and share options.


Note 5 —	Exceptional Items


											15 months ended December 31, 2003
			Year ended December 31, 2004																	Year ended September 30, 2002
											Continuing
			Continuing			Discontinued					operations(i)			Discontinued			Total			Continuing			Discontinued
			operations(i)			operations(i)		Total			restated(ii)			operations(i)			restated(ii)			operations(i)			operations(i)			Total

			(£ million)
Operating exceptional items:
	Cost of sales(iii)			(28	)		—		(28	)		(51	)		—			(51	)		(77	)		—			(77	)
	Administrative expenses(iv)			(11	)		—		(11	)		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Other operating income(v)			20			—		20			—			—			—			—			—			—

Total operating exceptional items				(19	)		—		(19	)		(51	)		—			(51	)		(77	)		—			(77	)

Non-operating exceptional items:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization(vi)			—			—		—			(67	)		—			(67	)		—			—			—
	Separation costs(vii)			—			—		—			(51	)		(41	)		(92	)		(4	)		—			(4	)
	Profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets			15			—		15			4			(2	)		2			2			(2	)		—
	(Loss)/profit on disposal of operations
		Hotels(viii)		(74	)		—		(74	)		—			—			—			—			—			—
		Bass Brewers(ix)		—			—		—			—			—			—			—			57			57
	Provision against fixed asset investments(x)			(10	)		—		(10	)		(56	)		—			(56	)		—			—			—

				(69	)		—		(69	)		(170	)		(43	)		(213	)		(2	)		55			53

Total exceptional items before interest and taxation				(88	)		—		(88	)		(221	)		(43	)		(264	)		(79	)		55			(24	)
Interest receivable(xi)				22			—		22			—			—			—			—			—			—
Interest payable(xii)				(16	)		—		(16	)		—			—			—			—			—			—
Premium on early settlement of debt(xiii)				(17	)		—		(17	)		(136	)		—			(136	)		—			—			—
Tax credit/(charge) on above items				6			—		6			36			28			64			(10	)		1			(9	)
Exceptional tax credit(xiv)				161			—		161			68			—			68			14			114			128

Total exceptional items after interest and taxation				68			—		68			(253	)		(15	)		(268	)		(75	)		170			95

F-32


(i)		Continuing operations comprise InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc for 2003 and 2002 and in 2002 also included profits on disposal of Bass Brewers of £57 million, relating to the finalization of completion accounts and an exceptional tax credit representing the release of over provisions of tax in relation to Bass Brewers and other businesses.

(ii)		Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004, comprising prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence.

(iii)		Tangible fixed assets were written down by £48 million (2003 £73 million, 2002 £113 million) following an impairment review of the hotel estate. £28 million (2003 £51 million, 2002 £77 million) was charged above as an operating exceptional item and £20 million (2003 £22 million, 2002 £36 million) reversed previous revaluation gains.

(iv)		Administrative expenses include a charge of £11 million related to the delivery of the further restructuring of the Hotels business in conjunction with the asset disposal program.

(v)		Adjustment to market valuation of the Group’s investment in FelCor Lodging Trust Inc.

(vi)		Relates to a fundamental reorganization of the Hotels business. The cost includes redundancy entitlements, property exit costs and other implementation costs.

(vii)		Relates to costs incurred for the bid defense and Separation of Six Continents PLC.

(viii)		Provision for the loss on disposal of 13 hotels in the Americas and 73 hotels in the United Kingdom.

(ix)		Bass Brewers was disposed of in August 2000. The profit in 2002 comprises £9 million received in respect of the finalization of completion account adjustments, together with the release of disposal provisions no longer required of £48 million.

(x)		Relates to a provision for the diminution in value of certain fixed asset investments and reflects the directors’ view of the fair value of the holdings.

(xi)		Mainly relates to interest received on exceptional tax refunds.

(xii)		Relates to costs of closing out swaps and costs related to refinancing the Group’s debt.

(xiii)		Relates to the premiums paid on the repurchase of the Group’s public debt.

(xiv)		Represents the release of provisions relating to tax matters which have been settled or in respect of which the relevant statutory limitation period has expired, principally relating to acquisitions (including provisions relating to pre-acquisition periods) and disposals, intra-group financing and, in 2004, the recognition of a deferred tax asset of £83 million in respect of capital losses.

Note 6 — Interest Payable and Similar Charges


			15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002

	(£ million)
Bank loans and overdrafts		16		38		21
Other		70		113		155

		86		151		176

F-33

Note 7 — Tax on Profit on Ordinary Activities


										15 months ended						Year ended
				Year ended						December 31, 2003						September 30, 2002
				December 31, 2004						restated(i)						restated(i)

				Before						Before						Before
				exceptional						exceptional						exceptional
				items			Total			items			Total			items			Total

				(£ million)
Tax charge
UK corporation tax at 30% (2003 30%, 2002 30%):
	Current year				32			23			42			4			94			106
	Prior years				(22	)		(48	)		(12	)		(80	)		(1	)		(129	)

					10			(25	)		30			(76	)		93			(23	)

Foreign tax:
	Current year				50			51			72			69			65			65
	Prior years				(29	)		(81	)		(20	)		(20	)		(1	)		(1	)

					21			(30	)		52			49			64			64

Total current tax					31			(55	)		82			(27	)		157			41

Deferred tax:
	Origination and reversal of timing differences				31			33			53			30			20			17
	Adjustments to estimated recoverable deferred tax assets				—			—			(11	)		(11	)		11			11
	Prior years				(12	)		(95	)		(9	)		(9	)		(17	)		(17	)

Total deferred tax					19			(62	)		33			10			14			11

Tax on profit on ordinary activities					50			(117	)		115			(17	)		171			52

Further analyzed as tax relating to:
	Profit before exceptional items				50			50			115			115			171			171
	Operating exceptional items:
		Administrative expenses			—			(3	)		—			—			—			—
	Non-operating exceptional items — (Note 5):
		Continuing operations:
			Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			(5	)		—			(8	)		—			—
			Profit on disposal of fixed assets		—			5			—			—			—			11
			Separation costs		—			—			—			(6	)		—			(1	)
			Provision against fixed asset investments		—			—			—			(5	)		—			—

					—			—			—			(19	)		—			10
		Discontinued operations:
			Separation costs		—			—			—			(4	)		—			—
			Other		—			—			—			—			—			(1	)

		Total non-operating exceptional items			—			—			—			(23	)		—			9
	Interest				—			2			—			—			—			—
	Premium on early settlement of debt				—			(5	)		—			(41	)		—			—

	Total exceptional items				—			(6	)		—			(64	)		—			9
	Exceptional tax credit — (Note 5)				—			(161	)		—			(68	)		—			(128	)

Tax charge/ (credit)					50			(117	)		115			(17	)		171			52


(i)	Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004. This comprises prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence.

F-34


	*Tax reconciliations*


	Reconciliation of current tax rate


				15 months
				ended			Year ended
	Year ended			December 31,			September 30,
	December 31,			2003			2002
	2004			restated(i)			restated(i)

	(%)
UK corporation tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		(0.3	)		20.7			1.3
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation		(6.9	)		(12.6	)		(3.7	)
Other timing differences		(7.4	)		(104.2	)		(1.3	)
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses		9.2			46.1			3.1
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years		(24.1	)		(88.9	)		(0.2	)
Other		0.2			2.0			—
Exceptional items		(26.2	)		32.2			(21.5	)

Effective current tax rate		(25.5	)		(74.7	)		7.7

Effective current tax rate before exceptional items		10.1			18.8			28.8


(i)	Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004, comprising prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence.


	Reconciliation of overall tax rate


				15 months
				ended			Year ended
	Year ended			December 31,			September 30,
	December 31,			2003			2002
	2004			restated(i)			restated(i)

	(%)
UK corporation tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		(0.4	)		20.7			1.3
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses		9.2			46.1			4.0
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years		(29.5	)		(115.0	)		(3.3	)
Capital gains		—			—			—
Other		0.2			4.6			(0.6	)
Exceptional items		(65.0	)		(33.4	)		(21.7	)

Effective tax rate		(55.5	)		(47.0	)		9.7


(i)	Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004, comprising prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence.

Factors which may affect future tax charges The key factors which may affect future tax charges are disposals of assets, the availability of accelerated tax depreciation, utilization of unrecognized losses, changes in tax legislation, settlements with tax authorities and the proportion of profits subjected to higher overseas tax rates.

F-35

Note 8 — Dividends


			15 months						15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended		Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002		2004		2003		2002

	(pence per share)						(£ million)
Dividends on ordinary shares:
Interim Six Continents PLC		—		7.65		12.58		—		56		92
Proposed final Six Continents PLC		—		—		29.14		—		—		213
Interim InterContinental Hotels Group PLC		4.30		4.05		—		29		30		—
Special Interim Dividend Intercontinental Hotels Group PLC		72.00		—		—		501		—		—
Proposed final InterContinental Hotels Group PLC		10.00		9.45		—		62		70		—

		86.30		21.15		41.72		592		156		305

The proposed final IHG dividend is payable on the shares in issue at April 1, 2005.

Note 9 — Earnings per ordinary share

Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the earnings available for shareholders of £299 million (2003 £19 million, 2002 £457 million) by 710 million (2003 733 million, 2002 731 million), being the weighted average number of ordinary shares, excluding investment in own shares, in issue during the period. The weighted average number of shares in issue has been based on the aggregate of the weighted average number of shares of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and Six Continents PLC adjusted to equivalent shares of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. The comparatives have been restated accordingly.

Diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per ordinary share to reflect the notional exercise of the weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the period. The resulting weighted average number of ordinary shares is 718 million (2003 733 million, 2002 734 million).

On December 10, 2004, shareholders approved a share capital consolidation on the basis of 25 new ordinary shares for every 28 existing ordinary shares, together with a special dividend of 72 pence per existing share. The overall effect of the transaction was that of a share repurchase at fair value. Therefore no adjustment has been made to comparative data.

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share is calculated as follows:


				15 months
				ended			Year ended
	Year ended			December 31,			September 30,
	December 31,			2003			2002
	2004			restated(i)			restated(i)

	(pence per ordinary share)
Basic earnings		42.1			2.6			62.5
Exceptional items, less tax thereon		13.1			45.8			4.5
Exceptional tax credit		(22.7	)		(9.3	)		(17.5	)

Adjusted earnings		32.5			39.1			49.5


(i)	Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004, comprising prior year adjustments which are exceptional by reason of their size or incidence.

F-36

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share is disclosed in order to show performance undistorted by exceptional items.

Note 10 — Cash flow from operating activities


				15 months
	Year ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2003			2002

	(£ million)
Operating profit before exceptional items		331			483			618
Depreciation and amortization		198			303			271

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization and exceptional items		529			786			889
Other non-cash items		12			(2	)		(4	)
Decrease/(increase) in stocks		1			(1	)		(1	)
Increase in debtors		(11	)		(10	)		(92	)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors		75			69			(37	)
Special pension contributions		(71	)		—			—
Provisions expended — (Note 23)		(3	)		(10	)		(18	)

Operating activities before expenditure relating to exceptional items		532			832			737
Cost of fundamental reorganization — (Note 23)		(17	)		(37	)		—
Operating exceptional expenditure		—			—			(17	)

Operating activities		515			795			720
Net capital expenditure — (Note 12)		(151	)		(248	)		(513	)

Operating cash flow — (Note 13)		364			547			207

Note 11 — Net debt


										Liquid
	Cash and overdrafts									resources			Financing

													Other			Other
	Cash at									Current			borrowings			borrowings
	bank and									asset			due within			due after
	in hand			Overdrafts			Total			investments			one year			one year			Total

	(£ million)
At October 1, 2001		67			(37	)		30			366			(378	)		(1,019	)		(1,001	)
Net cash flow		(276	)		(29	)		(305	)(i)		—			—			—			(305	)
Management of liquid resources and financing		295			—			295	(i)		(232	)		(414	)		354			3
Exchange adjustments		(2	)		—			(2	)		84			10			34			126

At September 30, 2002		84			(66	)		18			218			(782	)		(631	)		(1,177	)
Net cash flow		(86	)		64			(22	)(i)		—			—			—			(22	)
Management of liquid resources and financing		77			—			77	(i)		129			758			(369	)		595
Separation of MAB		(7	)		—			(7	)		(7	)		4			—			(10	)
Exchange and other adjustments		(13	)		(3	)		(16	)		37			12			12			45

At December 31, 2003		55			(5	)		50			377			(8	)		(988	)		(569	)
Net cash flow		(332	)		(6	)		(338	)(i)		—			—			—			(338	)
Management of liquid resources and financing		320			—			320	(i)		(320	)		(22	)		(236	)		(258	)
Exchange and other adjustments		—			—			—			(17	)		(2	)		68			49

At December 31, 2004		43			(11	)		32			40			(32	)		(1,156	)		(1,116	)


(i)	Represents a movement in cash and overdrafts of £18 million outflow (2003 £55 million inflow, 2002 £10 million outflow) (see Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows).

Currency swaps are included within current asset investments in 2003 and within other borrowings in 2004.

F-37

Note 12 — Net capital expenditure


					15 months
		Year ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2003			2002

		(£ million)
Hotels
	Americas		60			73			113
	EMEA		95			237			209
	Asia Pacific		20			43			12
	Central		12			24			35

			187			377			369
Hotels disposal proceeds			(106	)		(255	)		(113	)

Hotels net capital expenditure			81			122			256
Soft Drinks			70			65			31

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(i)			151			187			287
Discontinued operations(i)			—			61			226

			151			248			513


(i)	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC relates to continuing operations. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc.

Note 13 — Operating cash flow


			15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004		2003		2002

	(£ million)
Hotels		291		336		(15	)
Soft Drinks		73		59		77

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(i)		364		395		62
Discontinued operations(i)		—		152		145

		364		547		207


(i)	InterContinental Hotels Group PLC relates to continuing operations. Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc.

F-38

Note 14 — Management of liquid resources and financing


				15 months
	Year ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2003			2002

	(£ million)
New borrowings(i)		9,666			18,672			8,260
Other borrowings repaid(i)		(9,408	)		(19,061	)		(8,200	)

		258			(389	)		60
Debt assumed by MAB		—			577			—
Ordinary shares issued		16			18			3
Purchase of own shares		(257	)		—			—
Purchase of own shares by employee share trusts		(33	)		—			—
Proceeds on release of shares by employee share trusts		16			—			—

Financing		—			206			63
Movement in liquid resources(ii)		320			(129	)		232

		320			77			295


(i)		Includes amounts rolled over under bank loan facilities.

(ii)		Liquid resources primarily comprise short-term deposits of less than one year, short-term investments and, in 2003, currency swaps.

Note 15 — Intangible fixed assets


		Goodwill

		(£ million)
15 months ended December 31, 2003
Cost:
At October 1, 2002			197
	Acquisitions		10
	Separation of MAB		(15	)

At December 31, 2003			192

Amortization:
At October 1, 2002			24
	Provided		13
	Separation of MAB		(3	)

At December 31, 2003			34

	Net book value at December 31, 2003		158

Year ended December 31, 2004
Cost:
At January 1, 2004			192
	Exchange and other adjustments		(8	)

At December 31, 2004			184

Amortization:
At January 1, 2004			34
	Provided		10
	Exchange adjustments		(2	)

At December 31, 2004			42

	Net book value at December 31, 2004		142

F-39

Note 16 — Tangible fixed assets


	*By activity*


					Soft
		Hotels			Drinks			Total			Discontinued(i)			Total Group

		(£ million)
15 months ended December 31, 2003
Cost or valuation:
At October 1, 2002			4,362			408			4,770			3,722			8,492
	Exchange and other adjustments		2			4			6			1			7
	Additions		314			66			380			81	��		461
	Disposals		(281	)		(27	)		(308	)		(64	)		(372	)
	Separation of MAB		—			—			—			(3,740	)		(3,740	)
	Impairment		(22	)		—			(22	)		—			(22	)

At December 31, 2003			4,375			451			4,826			—			4,826

Depreciation:
At October 1, 2002			467			188			655			196			851
	Exchange and other adjustments		(7	)		1			(6	)		—			(6	)
	Provided		186			50			236			54			290
	On disposals		(37	)		(24	)		(61	)		(40	)		(101	)
	Separation of MAB		—			—			—			(210	)		(210	)
	Impairment		51			—			51			—			51

At December 31, 2003			660			215			875			—			875

Net book value at December 31, 2003			3,715			236			3,951			—			3,951

Year ended December 31, 2004
Cost or valuation:
At January 1, 2004			4,375			451			4,826			—			4,826
	Exchange and other adjustments		(95	)		—			(95	)		—			(95	)
	Additions		177			72			249			—			249
	Disposals		(142	)		(40	)		(182	)		—			(182	)
	Impairment		(20	)		—			(20	)		—			(20	)

At December 31, 2004			4,295			483			4,778			—			4,778

Depreciation:
At January 1, 2004			660			215			875			—			875
	Exchange and other adjustments		(16	)		—			(16	)		—			(16	)
	Provided		144			44			188			—			188
	On disposals		(35	)		(38	)		(73	)		—			(73	)
	Impairment		28			—			28			—			28

At December 31, 2004			781			221			1,002			—			1,002

Net book value at December 31, 2004			3,514			262			3,776			—			3,776


(i)	Discontinued operations relate to Mitchells & Butlers plc.

Tangible fixed assets have been written down in total by £48 million (2003 £73 million, 2002 £113 million) following an impairment review of the hotel estate. The impairment has been measured by reference to the value of income-generating units, using either the higher of value in use or estimated recoverable amount. The discount rate used for value in use calculations ranged from 8.0% to 10.5%.

F-40


	*By category*


					Fixtures,
		Land			fittings
		and			and			Plant and
		buildings			equipment			machinery			Total

		(£ million)
15 months ended December 31, 2003
Cost or valuation:
At October 1, 2002			5,906			2,450			136			8,492
	Exchange and other adjustments		11			(8	)		4			7
	Additions		139			291			31			461
	Disposals		(221	)		(146	)		(5	)		(372	)
	Separation of MAB		(2,809	)		(930	)		(1	)		(3,740	)
	Impairment		(22	)		—			—			(22	)

At December 31, 2003			3,004			1,657			165			4,826

Depreciation:
At October 1, 2002			147			622			82			851
	Exchange and other adjustments		3			(10	)		1			(6	)
	Provided		28			243			19			290
	On disposals		(13	)		(83	)		(5	)		(101	)
	Separation of MAB		(48	)		(162	)		—			(210	)
	Impairment		51			—			—			51

At December 31, 2003			168			610			97			875

Net book value at December 31, 2003			2,836			1,047			68			3,951

Year ended December 31, 2004
Cost or valuation:
At January 1, 2004			3,004			1,657			165			4,826
	Exchange and other adjustments		(59	)		(36	)		—			(95	)
	Additions		50			172			27			249
	Disposals		(83	)		(89	)		(10	)		(182	)
	Impairment		(20	)		—			—			(20	)

At December 31, 2004			2,892			1,704			182			4,778

Depreciation:
At January 1, 2004			168			610			97			875
	Exchange and other adjustments		(6	)		(10	)		—			(16	)
	Provided		14			156			18			188
	On disposals		(11	)		(52	)		(10	)		(73	)
	Impairment		28			—			—			28

At December 31, 2004			193			704			105			1,002

Net book value at December 31, 2004			2,699			1,000			77			3,776

F-41


	*Land and buildings*


		December 31, 2004							December 31, 2003

		Cost or					Net book		Cost or					Net book
		valuation		Depreciation			value		valuation		Depreciation			value

		(£ million)
Freehold			2,036		(130	)		1,906		2,109		(107	)		2,002
Leasehold: unexpired term of more than 50 years			636		(32	)		604		825		(25	)		800
	unexpired term of 50 years or less		220		(31	)		189		70		(36	)		34

			2,892		(193	)		2,699		3,004		(168	)		2,836

Cost or valuation of properties comprises:


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
1999 valuation		1,517		1,567
1992 valuation		22		17
Cost		1,353		1,420

		2,892		3,004

Properties, comprising land, buildings and certain fixtures, fittings and equipment, are included above at cost or valuation, less depreciation as required. The transitional rules of FRS 15 have been followed, permitting the carrying values of properties as at October 1, 1999 to be retained.

The most recent valuation of properties was undertaken in 1999 and covered all properties then owned by the Group other than hotels acquired or constructed in that year and leasehold properties having an unexpired term of 50 years or less. This valuation was undertaken by external Chartered Surveyors and internationally recognized valuers (Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels) in accordance with the Appraisal and Valuation Manual of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The basis of valuation was predominantly existing use value and had regard to trading potential.


	*Historical cost*

The comparable amounts under the historical cost convention for properties would be:


	December 31,			December 31,
	2004			2003

	(£ million)
Cost		2,667			2,771
Depreciation		(205	)		(177	)

Net book value		2,462			2,594

F-42

Note 17 — Fixed asset investments


		Investments
		and
		advances

		(£ million)
15 months ended December 31, 2003
Cost:
At October 1, 2002			339
	Exchange adjustments		(34	)
	Reclassifications		6
	Additions		42
	Disposals and repayments		(12	)

At December 31, 2003			341

Provision for diminution in value:
At October 1, 2002			121
	Exchange adjustments		(20	)
	Reclassifications		3
	Provisions made(i)		65

At December 31, 2003			169

Net book value at December 31, 2003			172

Year ended December 31, 2004
Cost:
At January 1, 2004			341
	Exchange and other adjustments		(13	)
	Reclassification to current asset investments(ii)		(195	)
	Additions		11
	Disposals and repayments		(7	)

At December 31, 2004			137

Provision for diminution in value:
At January 1, 2004			169
	Exchange adjustments		(5	)
	Reclassification to current asset investments(ii)		(133	)
	Provisions made		13
	Provisions written back		(6	)

At December 31, 2004			38

Net book value at December 31, 2004			99


(i)		Relates to a provision for diminution in value of the Group’s investment in FelCor Lodging Trust Inc. and other fixed asset investments.

(ii)		Relates to the Group’s investment in FelCor Lodging Trust Inc.

F-43


	*Analysis of investments*

December 31, 2004

December 31, 2003

Cost less

amount

Market

amount

Market

written off

value

written off

value

(£ million)

Listed investments(i)

Unlisted investments

108

172

(i) All listed investments are listed on a recognized investment exchange.

Note 18 — Stocks


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Raw materials		9		9
Finished goods		23		21
Consumable stores		10		14

		42		44

Note 19 — Debtors


	December 31, 2004					December 31, 2003

				After					After
	Total			one year		Total			one year

	(£ million)
Trade debtors		322			—		316			—
Less: Provision for bad and doubtful debts		(37	)		—		(39	)		—

		285			—		277			—
Other debtors (net of provisions for bad and doubtful debts £5 million (2003 £6 million))		100			25		104			17
Corporate taxation		14			—		37			7
Pension prepayment		110			110		47			47
Other prepayments		47			2		58			5

		556			137		523			76

Note 20 — Current asset investments


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Equity investments		76		—
Other		40		377

		116		377

F-44

Note 21 — Creditors: amounts falling due within one year


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Borrowings — (Note 24)		43		13
Trade creditors		159		133
Corporate taxation		261		389
Other taxation and social security		50		46
Accrued charges		232		235
Proposed dividend of parent company		62		70
Proposed dividend for minority shareholders		19		16
Other creditors		187		183

		1,013		1,085

Note 22 — Creditors: amounts falling due after one year


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Borrowings — (Note 24)		1,156		988
Other creditors and deferred income		96		97

		1,252		1,085

Note 23 — Deferred taxation and other provisions for liabilities and charges


				Other provisions for liabilities and charges

	Deferred					Hotels			MAB			Onerous
	taxation			Disposals(i)		reorganization(ii)			reorganization			contracts(iii)			Pensions(iv)			Other(v)			Total

	(£ million)
At October 1, 2002		495			—		—			11			12			39			9			71
Profit and loss account		10			—		67			—			(6	)		6			(1	)		66
Expenditure		—			—		(37	)		(2	)		(4	)		—			(4	)		(47	)
Exchange and other adjustments		(2	)		—		(3	)		(6	)		3			1			—			(5	)
Separation of MAB		(189	)		—		—			(3	)		—			—			(3	)		(6	)

At December 31, 2003		314			—		27			—			5			46			1			79
Profit and loss account		(62	)		74		—			—			(1	)		8			(1	)		80
Expenditure		—			—		(17	)		—			(1	)		(2	)		—			(20	)
Exchange and other adjustments		(4	)		—		(2	)		—			—			(3	)		—			(5	)

At December 31, 2004		248			74		8			—			3			49			—			134


(i)		Relates to the disposal of 13 hotels in the Americas and 73 hotels in the United Kingdom.

(ii)		Relates to the Hotels reorganization charged as a non-operating exceptional item in 2003 and is expected to be largely utilized in the year to December 31, 2005.

(iii)		Primarily relates to onerous fixed lease contracts acquired with the InterContinental hotels business and having expiry dates to 2008.

(iv)		Relates to unfunded postretirement benefit plans (see Note 4).

(v)		Represents liabilities with varying expected utilization dates.

F-45


	*Deferred taxation*


	December 31,			December 31,
	2004			2003

	(£ million)
Analyzed as tax on timing differences related to:
Fixed assets		252			252
Deferred gains on loan notes		122			123
Losses		(113	)		(37	)
Pension prepayment		23			14
Other		(36	)		(38	)

		248			314

The deferred tax asset of £113 million (2003 £37 million) recognized in respect of losses includes £89 million (2003 £6 million) of capital losses available to be utilized against the realization of capital gains which are recognized as a deferred tax liability and £24 million (2003 £31 million) in respect of revenue tax losses. Tax losses with a value of £305 million (2003 £317 million), including capital losses with a value of £98 million (2003 £112 million), have not been recognized as their use is uncertain or not currently anticipated.

No provision has been made for deferred tax on the sale of properties at their revalued amounts. The total amount unprovided is estimated at £177 million (2003 £215 million).

No provision has been made for deferred tax on the sale of properties where gains have been, or are expected to be, deferred against expenditure on replacement assets for an indefinite period until the sale of the replacement assets. The total amount unprovided is estimated at £58 million (2003 £52 million), of which £14 million is expected to be rolled over into capital expenditure in periods up to December 31, 2004. It is not anticipated that any such tax will be payable in the foreseeable future.

Note 24 — Borrowings


	*Analysis of borrowings*


		December 31, 2004						December 31, 2003

		Within		After one				Within		After one
		one year		year		Total		one year		year		Total

		(£ million)
Secured bank loans and overdrafts:
	Bank loans(i)		2		49		51		3		57		60
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts:
	Bank loans		12		1,104		1,116		5		489		494
	Overdrafts		11		—		11		5		—		5

Total bank loans and overdrafts			25		1,153		1,178		13		546		559

Secured — other borrowings:
	Other loan stock (ii)		—		—		—		—		1		1
Unsecured — other borrowings:
	2007 Guaranteed Notes 5.75% (£250 million)		—		—		—		—		18		18
	2010 Guaranteed Notes 4.75% (€600 million)		18		—		18		—		420		420
	Other loan stock		—		3		3		—		3		3

Total other borrowings			18		3		21		—		442		442

Total borrowings			43		1,156		1,199		13		988		1,001


(i)		Secured by way of mortgage over individual hotel properties. The terms, rates of interest and currencies of these bank loans vary.

(ii)		Secured on the individual assets purchased by using such borrowings. The terms, rates of interest and currencies of these borrowings vary.

F-46

The weighted average interest rate on overdrafts outstanding at December 31, 2004 is 5.75% (December 31, 2003 4.75%). Interest on all other borrowings is at variable rates unless otherwise stated. Interest on the unsecured bank loans drawn at December 31, 2004 is at a weighted average rate of 3.14% (December 31, 2003 2.2%). All borrowings are redeemable at par.


	*Analysis by year of repayment*


		December 31, 2004						December 31, 2003

		Bank						Bank
		loans and		Other				loans and		Other
		overdrafts		borrowings		Total		overdrafts		borrowings		Total

		(£ million)
Due:
Within one year — (Note 21)			25		18		43		13		—		13

Between one and two years			2		—		2		42		—		42
Between two and three years			39		—		39		452		—		452
Between three and four years			11		—		11		33		18		51
Between four and five years			1,100		—		1,100		11		—		11
Thereafter
	By installment		—		—		—		3		—		3
	Other than by installment		1		3		4		5		424		429

Due after more than one year — (Note 22)			1,153		3		1,156		546		442		988

Total borrowings			1,178		21		1,199		559		442		1,001

Amounts repayable by installments, some of which fall due after five years			19		—		19		22		—		22


	*Facilities committed by banks*


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Utilized		1,155		554
Unutilized		542		408

		1,697		962

Unutilized facilities expire:
Within one year		40		—
After one year but before two years		500		36
After two years		2		372

		542		408

F-47

Note 25 — Financial Instruments

The following disclosures provide information regarding the effect of financial instruments on the financial assets and liabilities of the Group, other than short-term debtors and creditors.


	*Interest rate risk*

In order to manage interest rate risk, the Group enters into interest rate swap, interest rate option and forward rate agreements. At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 notional principal balances and related interest rates under interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements were:


	Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements


		Expected to mature before December 31,

		2005			2006			2007		2008		2009		Thereafter		Total			Fair value(i)

At December 31, 2004
Principal			—			$200m			—		—		—		—		$200m			$(4)m
	Fixed rate payable		—			4.5	%		—		—		—		—		4.5	%
	Variable rate receivable		—			2.2	%		—		—		—		—		2.2	%
Principal			€215m			—			—		—		—		—		€215m			€(1)m
	Fixed rate payable		2.9	%		—			—		—		—		—		2.9	%
	Variable rate receivable		2.2	%		—			—		—		—		—		2.2	%
Principal			A$60m			—			—		—		—		—		A$60m			—
	Fixed rate payable		5.4	%		—			—		—		—		—		5.4	%
	Variable rate receivable		5.4	%		—			—		—		—		—		5.4	%
Principal			HK$300m			—			—		—		—		—		HK$300m			HK$(1)m
	Fixed rate payable		1.5	%		—			—		—		—		—		1.5	%
	Variable rate receivable		1.0	%		—			—		—		—		—		1.0	%


(i)	Represents the net present value of the expected cash flows discounted at current market rates of interest.

The principal indicates the extent of the use of the instrument, but exposure is limited to the interest rate differential on the principal. At December 31, 2004 the risk was approximately equal to the fair value shown. The variable rates shown are those prevailing on December 31, 2004.


		Expected to mature before December 31,

		2004			2005			2006			2007		2008		Thereafter			Total			Fair value(i)

At December 31, 2003
Principal			$250m			$600m			$300m			—		—		—			$1,150m			$(44)m
	Fixed rate payable		5.7	%		4.4	%		4.4	%		—		—		—			4.7	%
	Variable rate receivable		1.2	%		1.2	%		1.2	%		—		—		—			1.2	%
Principal			€100m			€65m			—			—		—		—			€165m			€(4)m
	Fixed rate payable		4.0	%		4.2	%		—			—		—		—			4.1	%
	Variable rate receivable		2.2	%		2.2	%		—			—		—		—			2.2	%
Principal			—			—			—			—		—		€300m			€300m			—
	Variable rate payable		—			—			—			—		—		3.0	%		3.0	%
	Fixed rate receivable		—			—			—			—		—		4.8	%		4.8	%
Principal			A$50			—			—			—		—		—			A$50m			—
	Fixed rate payable		4.7	%		—			—			—		—		—			4.7	%
	Variable rate receivable		5.5	%		—			—			—		—		—			5.5	%
Principal			HK$370m			—			—			—		—		—			HK$370m			HK$(17)m
	Fixed rate payable		5.2	%		—			—			—		—		—			5.2	%
	Variable rate receivable		0.4	%		—			—			—		—		—			0.4	%


(i)	Represents the net present value of the expected cash flows discounted at current market rates of interest.

F-48

The principal indicates the extent of the use of the instrument, but exposure is limited to the interest rate differential on the principal. At December 31, 2003 the risk was approximately equal to the fair value shown. The variable rates shown are those prevailing on December 31, 2003.


	Interest rate option agreements

At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Group had not entered into any interest rate option agreements.

At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the interest rate profile of the Group’s material financial assets and liabilities, after taking account of the interest rate swap agreements and currency swap agreements detailed above, was:


																	Interest at fixed rate

																			Weighted
		Currency									Principal								average
																	Weighted		period for
					Swap						At variable			At fixed			average		which rate
		Net debt			agreements			Total			rate(i)			rate			rate		is fixed

		(£ million)															(%)		(years)
At December 31, 2004
Current asset investments and cash at bank and in hand:
	Sterling		26			339			365			365			—			—		—
	US dollar		29			—			29			29			—			—		—
	Other		28			—			28			28			—			—		—
Borrowings:
	Sterling		(247	)		—			(247	)		(244	)		(3	)		—		5.0
	US dollar		(283	)		(52	)		(335	)		(231	)		(104	)		4.6		1.7
	Euro		(560	)		(239	)		(799	)		(596	)		(203	)		3.6		1.0
	Hong Kong dollar		(69	)		—			(69	)		(49	)		(20	)		1.5		0.8
	Other		(40	)		(48	)		(88	)		(64	)		(24	)		5.4		0.7

			(1,116	)		—			(1,116	)		(762	)		(354	)		3.9		1.2

At December 31, 2003
Current asset investments and cash at bank and in hand:
	Sterling		377			934			1,311			1,311			—			—		—
	US dollar		9			—			9			9			—			—		—
	Other		46			—			46			46			—			—		—
Borrowings:
	Sterling		(24	)		—			(24	)		(3	)		(21	)		5.0		4.1
	US dollar		(337	)		(615	)		(952	)		(301	)		(651	)		4.7		1.5
	Euro		(514	)		(258	)		(772	)		(403	)		(369	)		4.8		4.7
	Hong Kong dollar		(84	)		—			(84	)		(57	)		(27	)		5.2		0.8
	Other		(42	)		(61	)		(103	)		(82	)		(21	)		4.7		0.7

			(569	)		—			(569	)		520			(1,089	)		4.8		2.6


(i)	Primarily based on the relevant inter-bank rate.

At December 31, 2004, the Group had investments totaling £175 million (2003 £172 million) on which no interest is receivable and which do not have a maturity date. These interests are denominated primarily in US dollars.

F-49

The Group had other creditors and deferred income, denominated primarily in US dollars, due after one year of £96 million at December 31, 2004 (2003 £97 million) on which no interest is payable.


	*Currency risk*

In order to manage currency risk, the Group enters into agreements for the forward purchase or sale of foreign currencies as well as currency options. Foreign currency inflows and outflows are also netted where practical. As virtually all foreign exchange gains and losses are charged to the Statement of total recognized Group gains and losses under the hedging provisions of SSAP 20, no disclosure of the remaining currency risks has been provided on the grounds of materiality.

At December 31, 2004, the Group had contracted to exchange within one year the equivalent of £204 million (2003 £49 million) of various currencies.


	*Currency swap agreements*

The Group had entered into the following currency swap agreements at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

Deposited

Borrowed

2004

2003

2004

2003

Sterling to US dollar

£52m

£639m

$100m

$1,097m

Sterling to euro

£239m

£250m

€350m

€364m

Sterling to Australian dollar

£48m

£42m

A$120m

A$100m

Sterling to New Zealand dollar

—

£19m

—

NZ$51m


	*Liquidity risk*

A liquidity analysis of the Group’s borrowings is provided in Note 24, along with details of the Group’s material unutilized committed borrowing facilities.

The liquidity analysis of the Group’s other financial liabilities is set out below.


				December 31,
		December 31,		2003
		2004		restated(i)

		(£ million)
Other financial liabilities
Due:
	between one and two years		26		36
	between two and five years		33		40
	after five years		89		72

			148		148


(i)	Restated to include certain provisions for liabilities and charges on a basis consistent with 2004.

F-50


	*Fair values*

The net book values and related fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are:


								December 31, 2003
		December 31, 2004						restated(i)

		Net book			Fair			Net book			Fair
		value			value			value			value

		(£ million)
Fixed asset investments			99			102			172			174
Current asset equity investments			76			76			—			—
Net debt:
	Cash and overdrafts		32			32			50			50
	Current asset investments		40			40			361			361
	Currency swap agreements		(9	)		(9	)		16			20
	Other borrowings		(1,179	)		(1,179	)		(996	)		(1,000	)

Net debt			(1,116	)		(1,116	)		(569	)		(569	)
Other financial liabilities			(148	)		(148	)		(148	)		(148	)
Interest rate swap agreements			—			(3	)		—			(29	)
Forward exchange contracts			—			9			—			(1	)

			(1,089	)		(1,080	)		(545	)		(573	)


(i)	Restated to include certain provisions for liabilities and charges on a basis consistent with 2004.

The fair values of listed fixed asset investments and borrowings are based on market prices at the year end. Other assets and liabilities have been fair valued by discounting expected future cash flows to present value.


	*Hedges*

The Group’s unrecognized gains and losses for the period on derivative financial instruments are:


	Gains			Losses			Total

	(£ million)
Unrecognized at October 1, 2002		24			(45	)		(21	)
Recognized in the period		(2	)		31			29
Arising in the period but not recognized		(18	)		(16	)		(34	)

Unrecognized at December 31, 2003		4			(30	)		(26	)
Recognized in the year		(1	)		21			20
Arising in the year but not recognized		6			6			12

Unrecognized at December 31, 2004		9			(3	)		6

Expected to be recognized in the year ending December 31, 2005		9			(1	)		8
Expected to be recognized thereafter		—			(2	)		(2	)


	*Counterparty risk*

The Group is exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the above agreements but such non-performance is not expected to occur.

F-51

Note 26 — Goodwill eliminated

Goodwill purchased prior to September 30, 1998 and eliminated against Group reserves is as follows:


		Cost of
		goodwill			Exchange
		eliminated			adjustments			Total

		(£ million)
Eliminated to October 1, 2002			2,403			122			2,525
	Separation of MAB		(50	)		—			(50	)
	Exchange adjustments		—			(139	)		(139	)

Eliminated to December 31, 2003			2,353			(17	)		2,336
	Exchange adjustments		—			(110	)		(110	)

Eliminated to December 31, 2004			2,353			(127	)		2,226

Note 27 — Major Acquisitions and Disposals


	*Year ended September 30, 2002*

There were no major acquisitions or disposals in the year ended September 30, 2002.


	*15 months ended December 31, 2003*


	Separation of MAB


	£ million
Net assets disposed
Intangible assets		12
Tangible assets		3,530
Stocks		47
Debtors		140
Current asset investments		7
Cash at bank and in hand		7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year		(244	)
Provisions for liabilities and charges		(195	)
Debt assumed by MAB		(577	)

		2,727
Goodwill previously eliminated against reserves		50

		2,777

There were no major acquisitions in the 15 months ended December 31, 2003.


	*Year ended December 31, 2004*

There were no major acquisitions or disposals in the year ended December 31, 2004.

Note 28 — Share Options


	*Former Six Continents Share Schemes*

Under the terms of the Separation in 2003, holders of options under the Six Continents Executive Share Option Schemes were given the opportunity to exchange their Six Continents PLC options for equivalent value new options over IHG PLC shares. As a result of this exchange, 23,195,482 IHG PLC shares were put under option at prices ranging from 295.33p to 593.29p. The exchanged options were immediately exercisable

F-52

and are not subject to performance conditions. During 2004, 7,429,736 such options were exercised, leaving a total of 12,568,562 (2003, 19,998,299) such options outstanding at prices ranging from 308.5p to 593.3p. The latest date that any rolled over options may be exercised is October 2012.

Under the terms of the Six Continents Special Deferred Incentive Plan 59,217 IHG shares were transferred to employees in 2004, reflecting entitlements existing prior to Separation.

Options held under the Six Continents Savings Related Share Option Schemes by eligible UK employees became exercisable for a period of six months from April 11, 2003. Options exercised during this period resulted in the issue of 1,659,515 IHG PLC shares. The remainder of these options lapsed on October 11, 2003.


	*New Share Plans established on Separation*


	Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan

The IHG Short Term Deferred Incentive Plan (the “STDIP”) enables eligible employees, including executive directors, to receive all or part of their bonus in the form of IHG PLC shares together with, in certain cases, a matching grant of free shares. The bonus and matching shares are deferred and released in equal amounts at the end of each of the three years following deferral. Participation in the STDIP is at the discretion of the IHG directors. The number of shares is calculated by dividing a specific percentage of the participant’s salary by the average share price for a period of days prior to the date on which the shares are granted. A number of executives participated in the plan during the period and conditional rights over 232,700 IHG Shares were awarded to participants.


	Performance Restricted Share Plan

The Performance Restricted Share Plan allows executive directors and eligible employees to receive share awards, subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition, set by the Remuneration Committee, normally measured over a three-year period. Awards are normally made annually and, except in exceptional circumstances, will not exceed three times salary for executive directors. In determining the level of awards within this maximum limit, the Remuneration Committee takes into account the level of Executive Share Options already granted to the same person. As of December 31, 2004 conditional rights over 2,665,390 IHG PLC shares had been awarded to employees under the plan. The plan provides for the grant of ‘nil cost options’ to participants as an alternative to conditional share awards.


	Executive Share Option Plan

In April 2004, options were granted to 180 employees over 6,951,420 IHG PLC shares at 494.17p per share, respectively. For options granted in 2004 the Company’s adjusted earnings per share over the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2006 must increase by at least nine percentage points over the increase in the UK Retail Prices Index for the same period for any of the award to vest. Options granted in 2004 are exercisable between 2007 and 2014, subject to achievement of the performance condition.

F-53


	Sharesave Plan

The Sharesave Plan is a savings plan whereby employees contract to save a fixed amount each month with a Savings Institution for three or five years. At the end of the savings term, employees are given the option to purchase shares at a price set before savings began. The Sharesave Plan is available to all UK employees (including executive directors) employed by participating Group companies provided they have been employed for at least one year. The plan provides for the grant of options to subscribe for ordinary shares at the higher of nominal value and not less than 80% of the middle market quotations of the ordinary shares on the three dealing days immediately following an announcement of results.


	US Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The US Employee Stock Purchase Plan will allow eligible employees resident in the United States an opportunity to acquire Company ADSs on advantageous terms. The plan, when operational, will comply with Section 423 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The option to purchase ADSs may be offered only to employees of designated subsidiary companies. The option price may not be less than the lesser of either 85% of the fair market value of an ADS on the date of grant or 85% of the fair market value of an ADS on the date of exercise. Options granted under the plan must generally be exercised within 27 months from the date of grant. The plan was not operated during fiscal 2004 and at December 31, 2004 no options had been granted under the plan.

In any ten-year period, not more than 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company may be allocated under all the employee share plans operated by the Company. In addition, in any ten-year period, not more than 5% of the issued ordinary share capital may be allocated under the discretionary share plans operated by the Company. These limits include rights to ordinary shares issued in respect of options granted under the former Six Continents Share Schemes referred to above. During the year, IHG remained within its headroom limits for the issue of new shares under share incentive schemes. As at December 31, 2004, shares equivalent to 3.74% of ordinary share capital had been allocated under discretionary schemes.

The following table sets forth awards and options granted during 2004.

Short Term

Deferred

Performance

Incentive

Restricted Share

Executive Share

Plan

Option Plan

Sharesave Plan

Number of shares awarded

227,150

2,683,260

6,951,420

N/A

F-54

In 2004, the Company used separate option pricing models and assumptions for each plan. The following table sets forth information about how the fair value of each option grant is calculated:


	Short Term
	Deferred			Performance
	Incentive			Restricted Share			Executive Share
	Plan			Plan			Option Plan

	2004			2004			2004

Valuation model		Binomial		Monte Carlo Simulation and Binomial				Binomial
Weighted average share price		498.0	p		550.0	p		494.0	p
Exercise price		—			—			494.0	p
Expected dividend yield		3.74	%		3.49	%		3.81	%
Risk free rate		—			—			4.73	%
Volatility		—			—			31.33	%
Term (years)(a)		2.8			3			6.5
Fair value per share		448.3	p		125.1	p		136.0	p


(a)	The expected term of the options is taken to the mid point between vesting and lapse.

Movements in the options outstanding under these schemes for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002 are as follows:


	Short Term Deferred			Performance Restricted
	Incentive Plan			Share Plan

	Number of Shares			Number of Shares

Outstanding at October 1, 2002		—			—
Awarded		107,222			5,445,310
Vested		—			—
Lapsed or canceled		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2003		107,222			5,445,310
Granted		230,700			2,665,390
Vested		(46,816	)		—
Lapsed or canceled		(50,000	)		375,252

Outstanding at December 31, 2004		241,106			7,735,448

F-55


	InterContinental Hotels
	Group employee savings					InterContinental Hotels Group
	share schemes					executive share option schemes

	No. of			Range of		No. of			Range of
	shares			option prices		shares			option prices

	(thousand)			(p)		(thousand)			(p)
Options outstanding at October 1, 2001		4,073			400.0-886.0		20,646			469.4-1,014.5
Granted		1,883			600.0-600.0		5,308			700.0-700.4
Exercised		(285	)		400.0-734.0		(198	)		505.0-746.0
Lapsed or canceled		(876	)		400.0-886.0		(3,109	)		469.4-1,014.5

Options outstanding at September 30, 2002		4,795			470.0-886.0		22,647			505.0-1,014.5
Granted		—					658			527.5
Exercised		(31	)		470.0-654.0		(24	)		505.0-527.5
Lapsed or canceled		(969	)		470.0-886.0		(163	)		584.0-1,014.5
Transferred to MAB		—			—		(9,523	)		505.0-1,014.5

Closing Six Continents PLC share options		3,795			470.0-886.0		13,595			505.0-1,014.5
Rolled over share options		2,694					9,651

Opening InterContinental Hotels Group PLC share options		6,489			374.5-518.1		23,246			295.3-593.3
Granted		1,375			420.5		7,375			438.0-491.7
Exercised		(1,661	)		374.5-518.1		(3,242	)		295.3-466.7
Lapsed or canceled		(4,830	)		374.5-518.1		(159	)		438.0

Options outstanding at December 31, 2003		1,373			420.5		27,220			295.3-593.3
Granted		—			—		6,951			494.2
Exercised		—			—		(7,430	)		295.3-593.3
Lapsed or canceled		(111	)		420.5		—			—

Options outstanding at December 31, 2004		1,262			420.5		26,741			308.5-593.3

Options exercisable:
At December 31, 2004		—			—		12,569			308.5-593.3

At December 31, 2003		—			—		19,998			295.3-593.3

At September 30, 2002		384			470.0-734.0		4,052			505.0-1,014.5

Fair value of options granted during the period ended:
December 31, 2003					176.2					99.3
September 30, 2002					122.6					160.7

The weighted average fair values of options granted were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield of 2003 3%, (2002 5%), expected volatility of 2003 30%, (2002 26%), risk free interest rate of 2003 5%, (2002 5%) and expected life of 3 to 5 years (2002 3 to 5 years).

F-56

Movements in the options outstanding under the option schemes for the year ended December 31, 2004, 15 month period ended December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002, and the related weighted average option prices are as follows:


	InterContinental Hotels					InterContinental Hotels
	Group employee savings					Group executive share
	share schemes					option schemes

				Weighted					Weighted
	No. of			average		No. of			average
	shares			option price		shares			option price

	(000)			(Pence)		(000)			(Pence)
Options outstanding at October 1, 2001		4,073			641.9		20,646			715.4
Granted		1,883			600.0		5,308			700.4
Exercised		(285	)		474.7		(198	)		600.3
Lapsed or canceled		(876	)		673.9		(3,109	)		720.5

Options outstanding at September 30, 2002		4,795			629.5		22,647			707.7
Granted		—					658			527.5
Exercised		(31	)		493.7		(24	)		519.0
Lapsed or canceled		(969	)		641.0		(163	)		695.5
Transferred to MAB		—			—		(9,523	)		712.9

Closing Six Continents PLC		3,795			627.7		13,595			695.8
Conversion into InterContinental Hotels Group PLC share options		2,694			—		9,651			—

Rolled over InterContinental Hotels Group PLC share options		6,489			367.2		23,246			413.5
Granted		1,375			420.5		7,375			439.6
Exercised		(1,661	)		364.8		(3,242	)		375.7
Lapsed or canceled		(4,830	)		368.0		(159	)		433.5

Options outstanding at December 31, 2003		1,373			420.5		27,220			424.9

Granted		—			—		6,951			494.2
Exercised		—			—		(7,430	)		408.2
Lapsed or canceled		(111	)		420.5		—			—

Options outstanding at December 31, 2004		1,262			420.5		26,741			447.6

Options exercisable:
At December 31, 2004		—			—		12,569			426.4

At December 31, 2003		—			—		19,998			419.6

At September 30, 2002		384			665.9		4,052			848.7

F-57

Summarized information about options outstanding at December 31, 2004 under the share option schemes is as follows:


	Options outstanding
							Options exercisable
			Weighted
			average		Weighted				Weighted
	Number		remaining		average		Number		average
Range of exercise prices (pence)	outstanding		contract life		option price		exercisable		option price

	(000)		(Years)		(Pence)		(000)		(Pence)
InterContinental Hotels Group employee savings share schemes
420.5		1,262		2.8		420.5		—		—

InterContinental Hotels Group executive share option schemes
308.5 to 353.8		2,801		5.3		343.3		2,801		343.3
353.9 to 498.0		23,333		9.8		440.3		9,161		440.9
498.1 to 593.3		607		3.3		593.3		607		593.3

		26,741		7.3		319.1		12,569		426.4

Note 29 — Financial commitments

The Group has annual commitments under non cancelable operating leases which expire as follows:


	December 31, 2004				December 31, 2003

	Properties		Other		Properties		Other

	(£ million)
Within one year		1		2		1		2
Between one and five years		11		5		10		5
After five years		35		1		32		—

		47		8		43		7

Total commitments under non cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2004 are as follows:


	December 31, 2004

	(£ million)
Due within one year		55
One to two years		51
Two to three years		47
Three to four years		38
Four to five years		31
Thereafter		884

		1,106

There are a number of property and equipment leases used in the Group’s operations where, in addition to a specified minimum rental, the leases provide for contingent rentals based on percentages of revenue. The average remaining term of these leases, which generally contain renewal options, is approximately 12 years. No material restrictions or guarantees exist in the Group’s lease obligations.

F-58

Note 30 — Contracts for expenditure on fixed assets


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Contracts placed for expenditure on fixed assets not provided for in the financial statements		53		63

Note 31 — Contingencies

Contingent liabilities not provided for in the financial statements relate to:


	December 31,		December 31,
	2004		2003

	(£ million)
Guarantees		9		11

In limited cases, the Group may provide performance guarantees to third-party owners to secure management contracts. The maximum exposure under such guarantees is £115 million. It is the view of the directors that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in these financial statements, such guarantees are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group.

As of December 31, 2004 the Group had outstanding letters of credit of approximately £33 million mainly relating to self-insurance programs.

The Group may guarantee loans made to facilitate third-party ownership of hotels that the Group has an equity interest in and manages. As of December 31, 2004 the Group was a guarantor of loans which could reach a maximum of £15 million.

The Group has given warranties in respect of the disposal of certain of its former subsidiaries. It is the view of the directors that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in these financial statements, such warranties are not expected to result in financial loss to the Group.

Note 32 — Companies Act 1985

These financial statements do not comprise the Company’s “statutory accounts” within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 of Great Britain. Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2004, 15 month period December 31, 2003 and the year ended September 30, 2002 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales. The auditors’ reports on such accounts were unqualified.

Note 33 — Post balance sheet events

On February 28, 2005, IHG announced the acquisition by Strategic Hotel Capital, Inc. of 85% interests in two hotels in the United States. IHG will receive approximately $287 million in cash before transaction costs, based upon a total value for both hotels of $303.5 million, $12 million in excess of net book value. This transaction completed on April 1, 2005. IHG will continue to manage these hotels under a 20 year management contract with three options to extend for a further ten years each.

F-59

On March 10, 2005, IHG announced the sale of 73 hotels in the United Kingdom. Proceeds totaled £1.0 billion before transaction costs, £22 million below net book value. This transaction is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2005. IHG will continue to manage 63 of these hotels under a 20 year management contract with two consecutive options to extend the contract for a further five years each. The remaining ten hotels will be under a temporary management agreement with IHG.

Note 34 — Fifteen months ended December 31, 2003

As discussed in Note 1, during 2003 the Company changed its fiscal year end to December 31 and thus its financial statements for the prior fiscal period are presented for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 as permitted by the Companies Act 1985. In accordance with the transition period reporting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, an unaudited analysis of the financial statements and notes thereto for this 15 month period showing the three month period ended December 31, 2002 and the 12 month period ended December 31, 2003 is presented below.

F-60


*(a)*	*Consolidated profit and loss account*


		Unaudited three months ended									Unaudited 12 months ended									15 months ended
		December 31, 2002(i)									December 31, 2003(i)									December 31, 2003(i)

		Before									Before									Before
		exceptional			Exceptional						exceptional			Exceptional						exceptional			Exceptional
		items			items			Total			items			items			Total			items			items			Total

		(£ million, except per ordinary share amounts)
Turnover			871			—			871			2,612			—			2,612			3,483			—			3,483
Analyzed as:
Continuing operations			529			—			529			2,161			—			2,161			2,690			—			2,690
Discontinued operations			342			—			342			451			—			451			793			—			793
Cost of sales			(692	)		—			(692	)		(2,025	)		(51	)		(2,076	)		(2,717	)		(51	)		(2,768	)

Gross operating profit			179			—			179			587			(51	)		536			766			(51	)		715
Administrative expenses			(67	)		—			(67	)		(216	)		—			(216	)		(283	)		—			(283	)

Operating profit			112			—			112			371			(51	)		320			483			(51	)		432
Analyzed as:
Continuing operations			60			—			60			286			(51	)		235			346			(51	)		295
Discontinued operations			52			—			52			85			—			85			137			—			137
Non-operating exceptional items			—			(3	)		(3	)		—			(210	)		(210	)		—			(213	)		(213	)
Analyzed as:
Continuing operations:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			—			—			—			(67	)		(67	)		—			(67	)		(67	)
	Separation costs		—			(3	)		(3	)		—			(48	)		(48	)		—			(51	)		(51	)
	Profit on disposal of fixed assets		—			—			—			—			4			4			—			4			4
	Provision against fixed asset investments		—			—			—			—			(56	)		(56	)		—			(56	)		(56	)

			—			(3	)		(3	)		—			(167	)		(167	)		—			(170	)		(170	)
Discontinued operations:
	Separation costs		—			—			—			—			(41	)		(41	)		—			(41	)		(41	)
	Loss on disposal of fixed assets		—			—			—			—			(2	)		(2	)		—			(2	)		(2	)

			—			—			—			—			(43	)		(43	)		—			(43	)		(43	)
Profit on ordinary activities before interest			112			(3	)		109			371			(261	)		110			483			(264	)		219
Interest receivable			27			—			27			77			—			77			104			—			104
Interest payable and similar charges			(39	)		—			(39	)		(112	)		—			(112	)		(151	)		—			(151	)
Premium on early settlement of debt			—			—			—			—			(136	)		(136	)		—			(136	)		(136	)

Profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation			100			(3	)		97			336			(397	)		(61	)		436			(400	)		36
Tax on profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities			(29	)		—			(29	)		(86	)		132			46			(115	)		132			17

Profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities after taxation			71			(3	)		68			250			(265	)		(15	)		321			(268	)		53
Minority equity interests			(4	)		—			(4	)		(30	)		—			(30	)		(34	)		—			(34	)

Earnings available for shareholders			67			(3	)		64			220			(265	)		(45	)		287			(268	)		19
Dividends on equity shares			—			—			—			(156	)		—			(156	)		(156	)		—			(156	)

Retained for reinvestment in the business			67			(3	)		64			64			(265	)		(201	)		131			(268	)		(137	)

Earnings per ordinary share
	Basic		9.1	p		(0.4	)p		8.7	p		30.0	p		(36.1	)p		(6.1	)p		39.1	p		(36.5	)p		2.6	p
	Diluted		—			—			8.7	p		—			—			(6.1	)p		—			—			2.6	p


(i)		Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004. This comprises prior year items which are exceptional by their size or incidence. Also restated to present the period ended December 31, 2003 on a consistent basis to the year ended December 31, 2004.

F-61


*(b)*	*Consolidated statement of total recognized gains and losses*


		Unaudited		Unaudited
		three months		12 months			15 months
		ended		ended			ended
		December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
		2002		2003			2003

		(£ million)
Earnings available for shareholders			64		(45	)		19

Reversal of previous revaluation gains due to impairment			—		(22	)		(22	)
Exchange differences
	Goodwill eliminated		—		(139	)		(139	)
	Other assets and liabilities		9		70			79

Other recognized gains and losses			9		(91	)		(82	)

Total recognized gains and losses for the period			73		(136	)		(63	)


	*(c) Note of historical cost Group profits and losses*


	Unaudited		Unaudited
	three months		12 months			15 months
	ended		ended			ended
	December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
	2002		2003			2003

	(£ million)
Reported profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation		97		(61	)		36
Realization of revaluation gains of previous periods		2		14			16

Historical cost profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation		99		(47	)		52

Historical cost profit/ (loss) retained after taxation, minority equity interests and dividends		66		(187	)		(121	)

F-62


*(d)*	*Consolidated statement of cash flows*


		Unaudited			Unaudited
		three months			12 months			15 months
		ended			ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2002			2003			2003

		(£ million)
Operating activities			164			631			795

Interest paid			(39	)		(102	)		(141	)
Costs associated with new facilities			—			(20	)		(20	)
Premium on early settlement of debt			—			(136	)		(136	)
Dividends paid to minority shareholders			—			(22	)		(22	)
Interest received			35			76			111

Returns on investments and servicing of finance			(4	)		(204	)		(208	)

UK corporation tax (paid)/ received			(14	)		39			25
Overseas corporate tax paid			(14	)		(7	)		(21	)

Taxation			(28	)		32			4

Paid:
	Intangible fixed assets		—			(10	)		(10	)
	Tangible fixed assets		(127	)		(348	)		(475	)
	Fixed asset investments		(1	)		(36	)		(37	)
Received:
	Tangible fixed assets		6			259			265
	Fixed asset investments		2			7			9

Capital expenditure and financial investment			(120	)		(128	)		(248	)

Separation costs			(7	)		(59	)		(66	)

Acquisitions and disposals			(7	)		(59	)		(66	)

Equity dividends			—			(299	)		(299	)

Net cash flow			5			(27	)		(22	)
Management of liquid resources			43			(172	)		(129	)
Financing			15			191			206

Movement in cash and overdrafts			63			(8	)		55


*(e)*	*Segmental Analysis*


		Three months ended December 31, 2002 (unaudited)

											Total										Total
		Americas		EMEA		Asia Pacific		Central			Hotels			Soft Drinks		Total			Discontinued		Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			136		203		34		10			383			146		529			342		871

Operating profit after operating exceptional items			34		22		10		(18	)		48			12		60			52		112
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Separation costs		—		—		—		(3	)		(3	)		—		(3	)		—		(3	)

Profit on ordinary activities before interest			34		22		10		(21	)		45			12		57			52		109

F-63


		12 months ended December 31, 2003 (unaudited)

														Total											Total
		Americas			EMEA			Asia Pacific			Central			Hotels			Soft Drinks		Total			Discontinued			Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			525			807			114			41			1,487			674		2,161			451			2,612

Operating profit before exceptional items			161			92			12			(62	)		203			83		286			85			371
Operating exceptional items			(9	)		(41	)		(1	)		—			(51	)		—		(51	)		—			(51	)

Operating profit after operating exceptional items			152			51			11			(62	)		152			83		235			85			320
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		(11	)		(17	)		(2	)		(37	)		(67	)		—		(67	)		—			(67	)
	Separation costs		—			—			—			(48	)		(48	)		—		(48	)		(41	)		(89	)
	Profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets		10			(6	)		—			—			4			—		4			(2	)		2
	Provision against fixed asset investment		(9	)		—			—			(47	)		(56	)		—		(56	)		—			(56	)

Profit/ (loss) on ordinary activities before interest			142			28			9			(194	)		(15	)		83		68			42			110


		15 months ended December 31, 2003

														Total											Total
		Americas			EMEA			Asia Pacific			Central			Hotels			Soft Drinks		Total			Discontinued			Group

		(£ million)
Turnover			661			1,010			148			51			1,870			820		2,690			793			3,483

Operating profit before exceptional items			195			114			22			(80	)		251			95		346			137			483
Operating exceptional items			(9	)		(41	)		(1	)		—			(51	)		—		(51	)		—			(51	)

Operating profit after operating exceptional items			186			73			21			(80	)		200			95		295			137			432
Non-operating exceptional items:
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		(11	)		(17	)		(2	)		(37	)		(67	)		—		(67	)		—			(67	)
	Separation costs		—			—			—			(51	)		(51	)		—		(51	)		(41	)		(92	)
	Profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets		10			(6	)		—			—			4			—		4			(2	)		2
	Provision against fixed asset investments		(9	)		—			—			(47	)		(56	)		—		(56	)		—			(56	)

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest			176			50			19			(215	)		30			95		125			94			219


	Turnover by geographic region


	Unaudited				Unaudited
	three months ended				12 months ended				15 months ended
	December 31, 2002				December 31, 2003				December 31, 2003

	By		By		By		By		By		By
	origin		destination		origin		destination		origin		destination

	(£ million)
United Kingdom		598		598		1,533		1,526		2,131		2,124
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		95		95		411		418		506		513
United States of America		117		117		454		454		571		571
Rest of Americas		27		27		100		100		127		127
Asia Pacific		34		34		114		114		148		148

		871		871		2,612		2,612		3,483		3,483

F-64


	Profit on ordinary activities before interest by geographic region


	Unaudited		Unaudited
	three months		12 months			15 months
	ended		ended			ended
	December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
	2002		2003			2003

	(£ million)
United Kingdom		67		50			117
Rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa		8		(15	)		(7	)
United States of America		17		46			63
Rest of Americas		7		21			28
Asia Pacific		10		8			18

		109		110			219

(f) Operating profit


	Unaudited					Unaudited
	three months ended					12 months ended						15 months ended
	December 31, 2002					December 31, 2003						December 31, 2003

	Continuing			Discontinued		Continuing			Discontinued			Continuing			Discontinued

	(£ million)
Operating profit is stated after charging:
Staff costs (see note (g))		173			89		642			109			815			198
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets		49			22		187			32			236			54
Impairment of tangible fixed assets		—			—		51			—			51			—
Amortization of goodwill		2			1		11			(1	)		13			—
Hire of plant and machinery		4			8		14			9			18			17
Property rentals		14			10		51			14			65			24
Income from fixed asset investments		(1	)		—		(2	)		—			(3	)		—


	Auditors’ remuneration paid to Ernst & Young LLP


	Unaudited		Unaudited
	three months		12 months		15 months
	ended		ended		ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2002		2003		2003

	(£ million)
Audit fees		0.5		2.3		2.8
Audit related fees		3.4		3.8		7.2
Tax fees		0.3		0.9		1.2

		4.2		7.0		11.2

F-65


*(g)*	*Staff*


	Costs


	Unaudited		Unaudited
	three months		12 months		15 months
	ended		ended		ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2002		2003		2003

	(£ million)
Wages and salaries		231		653		884
Social security costs		22		74		96
Pensions		9		24		33

		262		751		1,013


	Pensions


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(£ million)
Regular cost		9			24			33
Variations from regular cost		(2	)		(5	)		(7	)
Notional interest on prepayment		(1	)		(3	)		(4	)

Pension cost in respect of the principal plans		6			16			22
Other plans		3			8			11

		9			24			33

F-66

(h) Exceptional items


		Unaudited three months ended								Unaudited 12 months ended									15 months ended
		December 31, 2002								December 31, 2003									December 31, 2003

		Continuing			Discontinued					Continuing			Discontinued						Continuing			Discontinued
		operations			operations		Total			operations			operations			Total			operations			operations			Total

		(£ million)
Operating exceptional items:
Hotels impairment charge			—			—		—			(51	)		—			(51	)		(51	)		—			(51	)

Total operating exceptional items			—			—		—			(51	)		—			(51	)		(51	)		—			(51	)

Non-operating exceptional items:												��
	Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			—		—			(67	)		—			(67	)		(67	)		—			(67	)
	Separation costs		(3	)		—		(3	)		(48	)		(41	)		(89	)		(51	)		(41	)		(92	)
	Profit/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets		—			—		—			4			(2	)		2			4			(2	)		2
	Provision against fixed asset investments		—			—		—			(56	)		—			(56	)		(56	)		—			(56	)

			(3	)		—		(3	)		(167	)		(43	)		(210	)		(170	)		(43	)		(213	)

Total exceptional items before interest and taxation			(3	)		—		(3	)		(218	)		(43	)		(261	)		(221	)		(43	)		(264	)
Premium on early settlement of debt			—			—		—			(136	)		—			(136	)		(136	)		—			(136	)
Tax credit on above items			—			—		—			36			28			64			36			28			64
Exceptional tax credit											68			—			68			68			—			68

Total exceptional items after interest and taxation			(3	)		—		(3	)		(250	)		(15	)		(265	)		(253	)		(15	)		(268	)


	*(i) Interest*

Unaudited

three months

12 months

15 months

ended

December 31,

2002

2003

(£ million)

Interest payable and similar charges:

Bank loans and overdrafts

Other

113

112

151

Interest receivable

104

F-67

(j) Tax on profit on ordinary activities


			Unaudited			Unaudited
			three months			12 months			15 months
			ended			ended			ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
Tax charge			2002(i)			2003(i)			2003(i)

			(£ million)
UK corporation tax at 30%:
	Current year			18			(14	)		4
	Prior years			(4	)		(76	)		(80	)

				14			(90	)		(76	)

Foreign tax:
	Current year			9			60			69
	Prior years			(5	)		(15	)		(20	)

				4			45			49

Total current tax				18			(45	)		(27	)

Deferred tax:
	Origination and reversal of timing differences			11			19			30
	Adjustments to estimated recoverable deferred tax assets			—			(11	)		(11	)
	Prior years			—			(9	)		(9	)

Total deferred tax				11			(1	)		10

Tax on profit on ordinary activities				29			(46	)		(17	)

Further analyzed as tax relating to:
	Profit before exceptional items			29			86			115
	Exceptional items (see note (h)):
		Non-operating		—			(64	)		(64	)
		Exceptional tax credit		—			(68	)		(68	)

				29			(46	)		(17	)

Footnotes on page F-69.

F-68

Tax reconciliations


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002(i)			2003(i)			2003(i)

	(%)
Reconciliation of current tax rate
UK corporation tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		1.8			(9.5	)		20.7
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation		(3.5	)		1.9			(12.6	)
Other timing differences		(4.2	)		55.3			(104.2	)
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses		2.6			(23.4	)		46.1
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years		(9.8	)		37.3			(88.9	)
Other		0.8			—			2.0
Exceptional items		1.0			(17.3	)		32.2

Effective current tax rate		18.7			74.3			(74.7	)

Reconciliation of overall tax rate
UK corporation tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		1.8			(9.5	)		20.7
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses		2.6			(23.4	)		46.1
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior years		(6.1	)		58.7			(115.0	)
Other		0.8			(1.3	)		4.6
Exceptional items		1.0			21.6			(33.4	)

Effective tax rate		30.1			76.1			(47.0	)


(i)		Restated to show exceptional tax credits on a basis consistent with 2004. This comprises prior year items which are exceptional by their size or incidence.

Analysis of tax charge/(credit) on continuing operations in accordance with US GAAP


	Unaudited		Unaudited
	three months		12 months			15 months
	ended		ended			ended
	December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
	2002		2003			2003

	(£ million)
Current taxes		6		(54	)		(48	)
Deferred taxes		8		(6	)		2

		14		(60	)		(46	)

F-69

Reconciliation of UK statutory tax rate to US GAAP tax charge on income from continuing operations


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(%)
UK corporate tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		3.0			8.0			(17.8	)
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses		5.2			(37.1	)		178.5
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods		(12.5	)		124.6			(574.2	)
Other		2.0			(1.5	)		0.6
Exceptional items		2.1			33.9			(128.2	)

Effective current tax rate on continuing operations		29.8			157.9			(511.1	)


	*(k) Cash flow from operating activities*


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(£ million)
Operating profit before exceptional items		112			371			483
Depreciation and amortization		74			229			303

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization and exceptional items		186			600			786
Other non-cash items		1			(3	)		(2	)
(Increase)/decrease in stocks		(13	)		12			(1	)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors		(18	)		8			(10	)
Increase in creditors		10			59			69
Provisions expended		(2	)		(8	)		(10	)

Operating activities before expenditure relating to exceptional items		164			668			832
Cost of fundamental reorganization		—			(37	)		(37	)

Operating activities		164			631			795
Net capital expenditure		(120	)		(128	)		(248	)

Operating cash flow		44			503			547

F-70


	*(l) Net debt*


	Unaudited

				Current
	Cash and			asset
	overdrafts			investments			Borrowings			Total

	(£ million)
At October 1, 2002		18			218			(1,413	)		(1,177	)
Net cash flow		5			—			—			5
Management of liquid resources and financing		58			(43	)		(15	)		—
Exchange and other adjustments		—			20			10			30

At December 31, 2002		81			195			(1,418	)		(1,142	)
Net cash flow		(27	)		—			—			(27	)
Management of liquid resources and financing		19			172			404			595
Separation of MAB		(7	)		(7	)		4			(10	)
Exchange and other adjustments		(16	)		17			14			15

At December 31, 2003		50			377			(996	)		(569	)

(m) Management of liquid resources and financing


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(£ million)
New borrowings		1,598			17,074			18,672
Other borrowings repaid		(1,583	)		(17,478	)		(19,061	)

		15			(404	)		(389	)
Debt assumed by MAB		—			577			577
Ordinary shares issued by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC		—			18			18

Financing		15			191			206
Movement in liquid resources		43			(172	)		(129	)

		58			19			77

F-71


	*(n) Net capital expenditure*


		Unaudited			Unaudited
		three months			12 months			15 months
		ended			ended			ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2002			2003			2003

		(£ million)
Hotels
	Americas		14			59			73
	EMEA		54			183			237
	Asia Pacific		4			39			43
	Central		7			17			24

			79			298			377
Hotels disposal proceeds			(2	)		(253	)		(255	)

Hotels net capital expenditure			77			45			122
Soft Drinks			10			55			65

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC			87			100			187
Discontinued operations			33			28			61

			120			128			248


	*(o) Operating cash flow*


	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months		15 months
	ended			ended		ended
	December 31,			December 31,		December 31,
	2002			2003		2003

	(£ million)
Hotels		28			308		336
Soft Drinks		(12	)		71		59

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC		16			379		395
Discontinued operations		28			124		152

		44			503		547


	*(p) Earnings per share*

Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the earnings available to shareholders of £64 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, £45 million loss for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 and £19 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003, by 731 million, 733 million and 733 million respectively, being the weighted average number of shares, excluding investment in own shares, in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per ordinary share to reflect the notional exercise of the weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the period. The resultant number of shares is 731 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, 733 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 and 733 million for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003.

F-72


	*(q) Pensions*


	UK pension benefits

	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(£ million)
Service cost		8			24			32
Interest cost		18			35			53
Expected return on plan assets		(17	)		(32	)		(49	)
Net amortization and deferral		5			9			14
Cost of contractual benefits recognized		—			2			2

Net periodic pension cost		14			38			52


	US pension benefits

	Unaudited			Unaudited
	three months			12 months			15 months
	ended			ended			ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2002			2003			2003

	(£ million)
Interest cost		2			5			7
Expected return on plan assets		(1	)		(4	)		(5	)
Recognized net actuarial gain		—			2			2

Net periodic pension cost		1			3			4

US pension benefits

Unaudited

three months

12 months

15 months

ended

December 31,

2002

2003

(£ million)

Interest cost

—

Net periodic pension cost

—


Note 35 —	Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

The Group financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom (“UK GAAP”) which differ from those generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The significant differences, as they apply to the Group, are summarized below.

This US GAAP information provides a reconciliation between earnings available for shareholders under UK GAAP and net income under US GAAP and between shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP and shareholders’ equity under US GAAP, respectively.

During 2003, the Company changed its fiscal year to December 31 and thus its financial statements are presented for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 as permitted by the Companies Act 1985. In accordance with the transition reporting period reporting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, an unaudited analysis of the financial statements and notes thereto for this 15 month period showing the three-month period ended December 31, 2002 and the 12 month period ended December 31, 2003 is presented in Note 34. The unaudited analysis of the significant adjustments for the purposes of US GAAP for the 15 month period is set out below.

F-73


	*Intangible assets*

Under UK GAAP, prior to October 1, 1998, goodwill arising on acquisitions was eliminated against reserves. Since October 1, 1998, acquired goodwill has been capitalized and amortized over a period not exceeding 20 years. On disposal of a business, the profit or loss on disposal is determined after incorporating the attributable amount of any purchased goodwill, including any previously written off to reserves. Under US GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001 would be capitalized and amortized over its estimated useful life, not exceeding 40 years.

For the purposes of US GAAP, the Group adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) 142 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’ on October 1, 2002 and from that date goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, including that which arose in the period from July 1, 2001 would not be amortized but would be reviewed annually for impairment.

Under US GAAP, separately identified definite life intangible assets arising on acquisitions would be capitalized and amortized over their useful lives. Under UK GAAP, these assets are included within goodwill.

Under UK GAAP, where purchase consideration is contingent on a future event, the cost of acquisition includes a reasonable estimate of the amount expected to be payable in the future. Under US GAAP, contingent consideration is not recognized until the related contingencies are resolved.


	*Impairment of goodwill*

Under UK GAAP, goodwill is reviewed for potential impairment where there is an indicator that impairment may have occurred. The impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of goodwill for each income-generating unit (“IGU”) with the higher of net realizable value and value in use. Under US GAAP, goodwill impairment reviews are also conducted when an indicator of impairment exists, in addition to an annual goodwill impairment test required by FAS 142. Any impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit with its fair value. Where the carrying value, including any separately identified intangible assets, is greater than the fair value, the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. Where reporting units identified under US GAAP differ from IGUs identified under UK GAAP, a reconciling item may arise.


	*Tangible fixed assets*

Prior to October 1, 1999, the Group’s properties were valued from time to time by professionally qualified external valuers. Book values were adjusted to accord with the valuations, except where a directors’ valuation was deemed more appropriate. Under US GAAP, revaluations would not have been permitted.

Depreciation is based on the book value of assets, including revaluation where appropriate. Prior to October 1, 1999, freehold pubs and hotels were not depreciated under UK GAAP, as any charge would have been immaterial given that such properties were maintained, as a matter of policy, by a program of repair and maintenance such that their residual values were at least equal to their book values. Following the introduction of FRS 15, which was implemented by the Group with effect from October 1, 1999, all properties are depreciated under UK GAAP. There is now no difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP with regard to depreciation policies.

Under UK GAAP, the impairment of tangible fixed assets is measured by reference to discounted cash flows. Under US GAAP, if the carrying value of assets is supported by undiscounted cash flows, there is no impairment.

The Group recognizes a profit on disposal of fixed assets provided substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred. For the purposes of US GAAP, the Group would account for sales of real estate in accordance with FAS 66 ‘Accounting for Sales of Real Estate’. If there is a significant continuing involvement with the property, any gain on sale is deferred and is recognised over the life of the long-term management contract retained on the property. In circumstances where a return of the buyer’s investment is guaranteed, a sale is not recognized and the transaction would be accounted for as a leasing arrangement.

F-74


	*Assets held for sale*

Under UK GAAP there is no held for sale definition. Under US GAAP, assets are classified as held for sale when the criteria under FAS 144 ‘Accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets’ are met. Assets classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Depreciation is no longer charged.


	*Fixed asset investments*

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less any provision for diminution in value. Under US GAAP, these investments are recorded at market value and unrealized gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive income except for other than temporary losses which are recognized in the profit and loss account.


	*Pension costs*

The Group provides for the cost of retirement benefits based upon consistent percentages of employees’ pensionable pay as recommended by independent qualified actuaries. Under US GAAP, the projected benefit obligation (pension liability) in respect of the Group’s principal pension plans would be matched against the fair value of the plans’ assets and would be adjusted to reflect any unrecognized obligations or assets in determining the pension cost or credit for the year.

At December 31, 2004, the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded the fair value of the plans’ assets. In these circumstances, US GAAP would require the recognition of the difference as a balance sheet liability and the elimination of any amounts previously recognized as a prepaid pension cost. An equal amount, but not exceeding the amount of unrecognized past service cost, would be recognized as an intangible asset with the balance reported in other comprehensive income.


	*Staff costs*

The Group charges against earnings the cost of shares acquired to settle awards under certain incentive schemes. The charge is based on an apportionment of the cost of shares over the period of the scheme. Prior to Separation, for the purposes of US GAAP, the Group accounted for those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 25 ‘Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees’ and related interpretations. Under APB 25 these awards would be accounted for as variable plans and the charge would be based on the intrinsic value of the shares using the share price at the balance sheet date. Effective from the date of Separation, the Group adopted the preferable fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 ‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation’. The Group selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in FAS 148 ‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure’. Compensation costs recognized since Separation are the same as those which would have been recognized had the fair value method of FAS 123 been applied from its original effective date. In accordance with the modified prospective method of adoption, results for years prior to 2002 have not been restated.

The Group provides certain compensation arrangements in the United States through a rabbi trust. Under UK GAAP, the net deficit is recorded as a provision in the accounts and the net change in the underlying value of the assets and liabilities is recorded as a charge (or credit) to the profit and loss account. Under US GAAP, the marketable securities held by the rabbi trust would be accounted for in accordance with FAS 115 ‘Accounting for certain investments in Debt and Equity Securities’. The trust is shown gross in the balance sheet. The marketable securities held by the trust are recorded at market value and unrealised gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive income except for other than temporary which are recognised in the profit and loss account.

F-75


	*Derivative instruments and hedging*

The Group enters into derivative instruments to limit its exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange risk. Under UK GAAP, these instruments are measured at cost and accounted for as hedges, whereby gains and losses are deferred until the underlying transaction occurs. Under US GAAP, all derivative instruments (including those embedded in other contracts) are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. Changes in fair value would be recognized in net income unless specific hedge criteria are met. If a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting as defined under US GAAP, changes in fair value are recognized periodically in net income or in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative qualifies as a fair value or cash flow hedge. Substantially all derivatives held by the Group during the year did not qualify for hedge accounting under US GAAP.


	*Provisions*

Under UK GAAP, a provision for loss on disposal is recorded for the difference between the net asset value to be sold and the expected proceeds. Under US GAAP, the provision would be adjusted to remove the impact of revaluation adjustments and to include the effect of fully providing for the difference between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities.


	*Deferred taxation*

The Group provides for deferred taxation in respect of timing differences, subject to certain exceptions, between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and for tax purposes. Timing differences recognized, include accelerated capital allowances, unrelieved tax losses and short-term timing differences. Under US GAAP, deferred taxation would be computed on all temporary differences between the tax bases and book values of assets and liabilities which will result in taxable or tax deductible amounts arising in future years. Deferred taxation assets under UK GAAP and US GAAP are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized.


	*Guarantees*

The Group gives guarantees in connection with obtaining long-term management contracts. Under UK GAAP, a contingent liability under such guarantees is not recognized unless it is probable that it will result in a future loss to the Group. For the purposes of US GAAP, under FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) 45 ‘Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Direct Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others in the Year’, at the inception of guarantees issued after December 31, 2002, the Group would record the fair value of the guarantee as an asset and a liability, which are amortized over the life of the contract.


	*Discontinued operations*

Under UK GAAP, operations are classified as discontinued when the sale or termination of operations is completed by the balance sheet date, or before approval of the financial statements. In addition, the operations concerned must have a material effect on the nature and focus of operations resulting in either a withdrawal from a particular class of business or geographic market or a material reduction in turnover in a continuing market. Under US GAAP, operations are classified as discontinued when they are classified as held for sale and when the Group no longer believes it will have a significant continuing involvement.


	*Classification of borrowings*

Under US GAAP the amounts shown as repayable after one year for unsecured bank loans and overdrafts drawn under or supported by bank facilities with maturities of up to five years and amounting to £1,014 million (2003 £489 million) would be classified as current liabilities.

F-76


	*Proposed dividends*

Final ordinary dividends are provided for in the year in respect of which they are proposed by the Board for approval by the shareholders. Under US GAAP, dividends would not be provided for until the year in which they are declared.

Reimbursements

Under UK GAAP, reimbursements of costs incurred on managed hotel properties are not reflected in the profit and loss accounts. These costs primarily relate to payroll costs where the Group is the employer. Reimbursements are made based upon costs incurred with no added margin. For purposes of US GAAP, such reimbursements would be included in net sales and operating expenses.


	*Exceptional items*

Certain exceptional items are shown on the face of the profit and loss account statement after operating profit. Under US GAAP, these items would be classified as operating profit or expenses.

Exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the 15 and 12 months ended December 31, 2003 include restructuring charges associated with the fundamental reorganization within the Hotels business which is an expressly permitted exceptional item in accordance with FRS 3 under UK GAAP.

F-77


	*Net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP*

The significant adjustments required to convert earnings available for shareholders in accordance with UK GAAP to net income/ (loss) in accordance with US GAAP are:


						Unaudited			Unaudited
						three months			12 months			15 months
			Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
			2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

			(£ million, except per ADS amounts)
Earnings available for shareholders in accordance with UK GAAP				299			64			(45	)		19			457
Adjustments:
	Amortization of intangible fixed assets			7			(4	)		(5	)		(9	)		(105	)
	Impairment of intangible fixed assets on adoption of FAS 142			—			(712	)		—			(712	)		—
	Impairment of tangible fixed assets			10			—			45			45			77
	Disposal of tangible fixed assets			5			3			5			8			6
	Depreciation of tangible fixed assets			(4	)		—			(4	)		(4	)		—
	Deferred revenue			5			—			3			3			—
	Gain on held for sale equity investment			(28	)		—			—			—			—
	Pension costs			(15	)		(9	)		(14	)		(23	)		(21	)
	Staff costs			(2	)		—			(6	)		(6	)		—
	Change in fair value of derivatives(i)			52			7			26			33			79
	Provisions			69			(1	)		3			2			—
	Deferred taxation:
		on above adjustments		(3	)		2			4			6			(4	)
		methodology		(59	)		(2	)		14			12			7

				37			(716	)		71			(645	)		39
	Minority share of above adjustments			4			—			3			3			3

				41			(716	)		74			(642	)		42

Net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP				340			(652	)		29			(623	)		499

See page F-79 for footnotes.

F-78

The condensed consolidated income statement presented below reflects the adjustments to attributable profit for the year.


				Unaudited			Unaudited
				three months			12 months			15 months
	Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

	(£ million, except per ADS amounts)
Net sales		2,377			532			2,224			2,756			2,189
Operating and administrative expense		(2,055	)		(483	)		(2,104	)		(2,587	)		(1,900	)
Interest expense, net		(33	)		(2	)		(158	)		(160	)		(17	)

Income/(loss) before income tax expense and minority interest		289			47			(38	)		9			272

Income tax credit/(expense)		53			(14	)		60			46			(87	)
Minority interest		(24	)		(4	)		(27	)		(31	)		(22	)

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle		318			29			(5	)		24			163

Discontinued operations:
Result for period, net of tax(iv)(vi)		1			31			34			65			165
Surplus on disposal, net of tax(v)(vii)		21			—			—			—			171

		22			31			34			65			336
Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142		—			(712	)		—			(712	)		—

Net income/(loss)		340			(652	)		29			(623	)		499

Per ordinary share and American Depositary Share(ii) basic
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle:
Total continuing operations		44.8p			4.0p			(0.6	)p		3.3p			22.3p

Total discontinued operations		3.1p			4.2p			4.6p			8.9p			46.0p
Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142		—			(97.1	)p		—			(97.1	)p		—

Net income/(loss)		47.9p			(88.9	)p		4.0p			(84.9	)p		68.3p

Diluted(iii)
Income/(loss) Before cumulative effect on prior years of change in accounting principle:
Total continuing operations		42.6p			4.0p			(0.6	)p		3.3p			22.2p

Total discontinued operations		3.1p			4.2p			4.6p			8.9p			45.8p
Cumulative effect on prior years of adoption of FAS 142		—			(97.1	)p		—			(97.1	)p		—

Net income/(loss)		45.7p			(88.9	)p		4.0p			(84.9	)p		68.0p


(i)	Comprises net gains in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting of £50 million (2003 £28 million, 2002 £75 million) and net gains reclassified from other comprehensive income of £2 million (2003 £5 million, 2002 £4 million).

(ii)	Calculated by dividing net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP of £340 million income (2003 £623 million loss, 2002 £499 million income), by 710 million (2002 733 million, 2002 731 million) shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. Each American Depositary Share represents one ordinary share.

(iii)	Calculated by adjusting basic net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP of £329 million income to reflect both the future compensation on share-based payments and the notional exercise of the

F-79


	weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the period. The resulting weighted average number of ordinary shares is 720 million (2003 733 million, 2002 734 million).

(iv)	Discontinued operations relate to 11 hotels in 2004, 2003 and 2002, Mitchells & Butlers plc for 2003 and 2002 and Bass Brewers in fiscal 2002.

(v)	Relates to profit on disposal of Bass Brewers relating to the finalization of completion accounts and the release of prior over provisions for tax.

(vi)	Tax for the year ended December 31, 2004 of £1 million (15 months ended December 31, 2003 of £11 million charge, 12 months ended December 31, 2003 (unaudited) of £4 million credit, three months ended December 31, 2002 (unaudited) of £15 million charge, year ended September 30, 2002 of £76 million charge).

(vii)	Tax for the year ended December 31, 2004 of £3 million credit (15 months ended December 31, 2003 of £nil million, 12 months ended December 31, 2003 (unaudited) of £nil million, three months ended December 31, 2002 (unaudited) of £nil million, year ended September 30, 2002 of £114 million credit).


	*Comprehensive income/(loss)*

Comprehensive income under US GAAP is as follows:


				Unaudited			Unaudited
				three months			12 months			15 months
	Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
	2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

	(£ million)
Net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP		340			(652	)		29			(623	)		499
Other comprehensive income:
Transfer to MAB of minimum pension liability on April 1, 2003, net of tax of £108 million		—			—			253			253			—
Minimum pension liability, net of tax of £1 million (2003 £22 million, 2002 £108 million)		8			(37	)		(14	)		(51	)		(253	)
Change in valuation of marketable securities, net of tax of £3 million (2003 and 2002 £nil million)		29			(9	)		40			31			(1	)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax of £nil million (2003 £1 million, 2002 £1 million)		(2	)		(1	)		(3	)		(4	)		(3	)
Currency translation differences		74			(21	)		(99	)		(120	)		(107	)

		109			(68	)		177			109			(364	)

Comprehensive income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP		449			(720	)		206			(514	)		135

F-80

Movements in other comprehensive income amounts (net of related tax) are as follows:


	Minimum			Change in			Derivative
	pension			valuation of			financial			Currency
	liability			marketable			instruments			translation
	adjustment			securities			gains/(losses)			differences			Total

	(£ million)
At October 1, 2001		—			(28	)		11			237			220
Movement in the year		(253	)		(1	)		(3	)		(107	)		(364	)

At September 30, 2002		(253	)		(29	)		8			130			(144	)
Movement in the three months to December 31, 2002 (unaudited)		(37	)		(9	)		(1	)		(21	)		(68	)
Movement in the 12 months to December 31, 2003 (unaudited)		239			40			(3	)		(99	)		177

At December 31, 2003		(51	)		2			4			10			(35	)
Movement in the year		8			29			(2	)		74			109

At December 31, 2004		(43	)		31			2			84			74

F-81


	*Shareholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP*

The significant adjustments required to convert shareholders’ funds in accordance with UK GAAP to shareholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP are:


				December 31,			December 31,
				2004			2003

				(£ million)
Shareholders’ funds in accordance with UK GAAP					1,977			2,554

Adjustments:
	Intangible fixed assets:
		Cost: goodwill			781			837
		other			689			843
		Accumulated amortization			(245	)		(257	)

					1,225			1,423
	Intangible asset — minimum pension liability				3			6

					1,228			1,429
	Tangible fixed assets:
		Cost			(82	)		(68	)
		Assets held for sale			(300	)		—
		Accumulated depreciation			60			33

					(322	)		(35	)
	Fixed asset investments:
		Investments and advances			3			2
		Assets held for sale			300			—
	Current assets:
		Pension prepayment			(52	)		(47	)
		Other debtors			22			22
		Derivatives			9			4
	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year:
		Other creditors			5			(2	)
		Proposed dividend of parent company			62			70
		Proposed dividend for minority shareholders			19			16
		Derivatives			(1	)		(6	)
	Creditors: amounts falling due after one year:
		Other creditors			(99	)		(114	)
		Derivatives			(2	)		(24	)
	Provisions for liabilities and charges:
		Provisions			98			25
		Accrued pension cost			(64	)		(54	)
		Deferred taxation:
			on above adjustments		(187	)		(238	)
			methodology		(155	)		(169	)

					864			879
	Minority share of above adjustments				(45	)		(53	)

					819			826

Shareholders’ equity in accordance with US GAAP					2,796			3,380

F-82


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of earnings per share*

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations under US GAAP:


					Unaudited			Unaudited
					three months			12 months			15 months
		Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

		(£ million, except per ADS amounts)
Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per ordinary share and ADS		318			29			(5	)		24			163
	Deduct: FAS No. 123 compensation cost		(15	)		—			—			—			—
	Tax effect		4			—			—			—			—

	Numerator for diluted earnings per ordinary share and ADS		307			29			(5	)		24			163

Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per ordinary share and ADS		710			733			733			733			731
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee options and restricted stock awards		10			—			—			—			3

	Denominator for diluted earnings per ordinary share and ADS		720			733			733			733			734

Basic earnings per ordinary share and ADS from continuing operations			44.8p			4.0	p		(0.6	)p		3.3	p		22.3p

Diluted earnings per ordinary share and ADS from continuing operations			42.6p			4.0	p		(0.6	)p		3.3	p		22.2p


	*Consolidated statement of cash flows*

The consolidated statement of cash flows prepared under UK GAAP presents substantially the same information as that required under US GAAP but may differ with regard to classification of items within the statements and as regards the definition of cash under UK GAAP and cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP.

US GAAP requires that cash and cash equivalents include short-term highly liquid investments but do not include bank overdrafts. Under UK GAAP, cash flows are presented separately for operating activities, dividends received from associates, returns on investments and servicing of finance, taxation, capital expenditure and financial investment, acquisitions, equity dividends and management of liquid resources and financing. US GAAP, however, require only three categories of cash flow activity to be reported: operating, investing and financing. Cash flows from taxation and returns on investments and servicing of finance shown under UK GAAP would, with the exception of dividends paid to minority shareholders, be included as operating activities under US GAAP. The payment of dividends would be included as a financing activity under US GAAP. Under US GAAP, capitalized interest is treated as part of the cost of the asset to which it relates and is thus included as part of investing cash flows. Under UK GAAP all interest is treated as part of returns on investments and servicing of finance. Under US GAAP capital expenditure and financial investment and acquisitions are reported within investing activities.

F-83

The categories of cash flow activity under US GAAP can be summarized as follows:


					Unaudited			Unaudited
					three months			12 months			15 months
		Year ended			ended			ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2002			2003			2003			2002

		(£ million)
Cash inflow from operating activities			439			132			481			613			535
Cash outflow on investing activities			(148	)		(127	)		(200	)		(327	)		(320	)
Cash outflow from financing activities			(620	)		(32	)		(147	)		(179	)		(220	)

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents			(329	)		(27	)		134			107			(5	)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes			(17	)		20			1			21			82
Cash and cash equivalents
	At start of the fiscal year		429			301			294			301			224

	At end of the fiscal year		83			294			429			429			301


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of the Group’s principal pension plans*

The pension cost for these plans computed in accordance with the requirements of US GAAP comprises:


	UK pension benefits									US pension benefits									US postretirement benefits

				15 months									15 months								15 months
	Year ended			ended			Year ended			Year ended			ended			Year ended			Year ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,			December 31,			September 30,			December 31,			December 31,			September 30,			December 31,		December 31,		September 30,
	2004			2003			2002			2004			2003			2002			2004		2003		2002

	(£ million)
Service cost		17			34			31			—			—			—			—		—		—
Interest cost		26			53			66			5			7			9			1		1		1
Expected return on plan assets		(25	)		(49	)		(76	)		(4	)		(5	)		(4	)		—		—		—
Net amortization and deferral		7			14			2			—			—			—			—		—		—
Recognized net actuarial gain		—			—			—			2			2			—			—		—		—

Net periodic pension cost		25			52			23			3			4			5			1		1		1

The major assumptions used in computing the pension expense were:


	UK pension benefits						US pension benefits						US postretirement benefits

			15 months				Year months		15 months				Year months		15 months
	Year ended		ended		Year ended		ended		ended		Year ended		ended		ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,		September 31,		December 31,		December 31,		September 31,		December 31,		December 31,		September 31,
	2004		2003		2002		2004		2003		2002		2004		2003		2002

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		6.90%		6.90%		7.00%		8.00%		8.00%		9.00%		—		—		—
Discount rate		5.30%		5.40%		5.50%		5.75%		6.30%		6.80%		5.75%		6.30%		6.80%
Expected long-term rate of earnings increases		4.30%		4.30%		3.80%		3.50%		3.50%		3.50%		—		—		—

The plans’ expected return on assets, as shown above, is based on the Company’s expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, as well as current economic and capital market conditions.

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The assumed health care cost trends rates for medical and dental plans at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and September 30, 2002 are as follows:


	2004			2003			2002

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year		9.5	%		10.0	%		7.5	%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to		4.5	%		4.5	%		5.0	%
Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate		2014			2014			2007

A one-percentage point increase/ (decrease) in assumed health care costs trend rate would increase/ (decrease) the accumulated post employment benefit obligations as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, by £1 million, and would increase/ (decrease) the total of the service and interest cost components of net post-employment health care cost for the period then ended by approximately £nil million.


		UK pensions benefits						US pensions benefits						US postretirement benefits

		Year ended			15 months ended			Year ended			15 months ended			Year ended			15 months ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
Change in benefit obligation		2004			2003			2004			2003			2004			2003

		(£ million)
Benefit obligation at beginning of period			477			1,311			90			95			12			9
	Service cost		17			34			—			—			—			—
	Members contributions		—			6			—			—			—			—
	Interest expense		26			53			5			7			1			1
	Benefits paid		(12	)		(50	)		(5	)		(7	)		(1	)		(1	)
	Age-related national insurance rebates		5			5			—			—			—			—
	Bulk transfer to scheme		27			—			—			—			—			—
	Actuarial loss arising in the year		60			128			5			7			—			3
	Separation of MAB		—			(1,010	)		—			—			—			—
	Exchange		—			—			(6	)		(12	)		(1	)		—

Benefit obligation at end of period			600			477			89			90			11			12

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The following table sets forth movements in fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation of the principal plan.


		UK pensions benefits						US pensions benefits						US postretirement benefits

		Year ended			15 months ended			Year ended			15 months ended			Year ended			15 months ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
Changes in plan assets		2004			2003			2004			2003			2004			2003

		(£ million)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period			355			996			48			49			—			—
	Contributions payable		72			45			11			1			1			1
	Age-related national insurance rebates		5			5			—			—			—			—
	Benefits paid		(12	)		(50	)		(5	)		(7	)		(1	)		(1	)
	Bulk Transfer to scheme		14			—			—			—			—			—
	Actual return on assets		38			—			5			—			—			—
	Actuarial loss on assets		—			81			—			10			—			—
	Separation of MAB		—			(722	)		—			—			—			—
	Exchange		—			—			(4	)		(5	)		—			—

Fair value of plan assets at end of period			472			355			55			48			—			—

Accumulated benefit obligation (all vested)			519			409			87			88			—			—

Fair value of plan assets			472			355			55			48			—			—
Projected benefit obligation			(600	)		(477	)		(89	)		(90	)		(11	)		(12	)

Net plan obligation			(128	)		(122	)		(34	)		(42	)		(11	)		(12	)
Unrecognized transitional asset, net of amortization			—			(1	)		—			—			—			—
Unrecognized prior service cost			5			5			—			—			—			—
Unrecognized net loss			199			142			23			20			3			3

Net amount recognized			76			24			(11	)		(22	)		(8	)		(9	)

The amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
Prepaid pension cost			57			—			—			—			—			—
Accrued pension cost			(54	)		(54	)		(31	)		(40	)		(8	)		(8	)
Pension costs			—			—			—			—			—			(1	)
Intangible asset			3			6			—			—			—			—
Other comprehensive income (before tax)			70			72			20			18			—			—

Net amount recognized			76			24			(11	)		(22	)		(8	)		(9	)


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of Group’s share options*


	Accounting and disclosure of stock-based compensation

FAS 123 ‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation’, established accounting disclosure standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. The statement gives companies the option of continuing to account for such costs under the intrinsic value accounting provisions set out in Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations. Prior to Separation, for the purposes of US GAAP, the Group accounted for those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB 25. Under APB 25 these awards would be accounted for as variable plans and the charge would be based on the intrinsic value of the shares using the share price at the balance sheet date. Had the Group chosen to account for such costs under FAS 123, net (loss)/income for the 15 months ended December 31, 2003 would have been a loss of £631 million (2002 £497 million income), basic net income per

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ordinary share and ADS would have been (86.1)p (2002 68.0p) and diluted net income per ordinary share and ADS would have been (86.1)p (2002 67.7p).

Effective from the date of Separation, the Group adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123. The Group selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in FAS 148 ‘Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure’. Compensation costs recognized since Separation is the same as that which would have been recognized had the fair value method of FAS 123 been applied from its original effective date.

Details of the fair values of stock awards in the year are given in Note 28. Because options vest over several years and additional options grants are expected, the effects of these hypothetical calculations are not likely to be representative of similar future calculations.


	Concentrations of credit risk

Potential concentrations of credit risk to the Group consist principally of short-term cash investments, trade loans and trade debtors.

The Group only deposits short-term cash surpluses with counterparties with an A credit rating or better, or those providing adequate security and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one bank or institution. Trade debtors in the United Kingdom comprise a large, widespread customer base. Trade debtors in the United States are widely dispersed and include a significant amount of debtors due from InterContinental Hotels franchisees.

At December 31, 2004, the Group did not consider there to be any significant concentration of credit risk.


	Fair values of financial instruments

The following information is presented in compliance with the requirements of US GAAP. The carrying amounts and fair values of the material financial instruments of the Group are as follows:


		December 31,						December 31,
		2004						2003

		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		amount			value			amount			value

		(£ million)
Assets
Cash			43			43			55			55
Current asset investments			116			116			377			381
Listed investments			1			4			64			66
Unlisted investments			98			98			108			108
Liabilities
Total borrowings:
	Loan capital and noncurrent bank loans		(1,174	)		(1,174	)		(988	)		(992	)
	Current bank loans and overdrafts		(25	)		(25	)		(13	)		(13	)
Off-balance sheet instruments
Interest rate swaps						(3	)					(29	)
Foreign exchange contracts						9						(1	)

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Group in establishing its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash: the carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash at bank approximates to its fair value.

Current asset investments: the carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for current asset investments approximates their fair value.

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Listed investments: these investments are valued based on market prices.

Unlisted investments: the fair value of these investments approximates their replacement cost.

Borrowings: the fair value of the Group’s loan capital and noncurrent bank loans (including short-term portion) are estimated using quoted prices, or where such prices are not available, discounted cash flow analyses, based on available market rates of interest for similar types of arrangements and maturities. The carrying amount of the bank loans and overdrafts approximates their fair value.

Off-balance sheet instruments: the fair value of the Group’s interest rate swaps is based on discounted cash flow analyses. The fair value of other instruments is based on contracted and relevant exchange rates.


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of accounting for the impairment of fixed assets and fixed assets to be disposed of*

A summary of the impairment charges that have been recognized under US GAAP is as follows:


					Three months		12 months			15 months
		Year ended			ended		ended			ended			Year ended
		December 31,			December 31,		December 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2004			2002		2003			2003			2002

		(£ million)
Assets to be disposed of			—			—		9			9			14
Assets to be held and used			18			—		6			6			—

Total			18			—		15			15			14

Disclosed as:
Impairment charges recognized under UK GAAP:
	Operating exceptional — impairment charges		28			—		51			51			77
	Non-operating exceptional — provision for loss on disposal		74			—		9			9			14

Charge for the year under UK GAAP			102			—		60			60			91
Less: Adjustment to impairment recognized under US GAAP			(84	)		—		(45	)		(45	)		(77	)

Total charge before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			18			—		15			15			14
Add: Cumulative effect on adoption of FAS 142 under US GAAP			—			712		—			712			—

			18			712		15			727			14

Charged against:
Intangible assets — goodwill			—			712		—			712			—
Tangible assets			18			—		15			15			14

			18			712		15			727			14

The £712 million goodwill impairment charge recognized as a result of the implementation of FAS 142 under US GAAP includes £225 million in respect of Americas Hotels owned and leased operations and £487 million in respect of EMEA hotels owned and leased operations. The FAS 142 impairment charges recorded in respect of these two reporting units have arisen as a result of the present value of projected cash flows of these reporting units being insufficient to cover the carrying value of the net asset, including both pre and post 1998 goodwill. Reporting units have been determined by reference to the way IHG conducts business and reflects internal management structures. FAS 142 does not provide prescriptive guidance for the allocation

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of goodwill hence for the purposes of the impairment review trademark balances have been allocated to reporting units based on historic revenue figures and goodwill has been allocated on the basis of historic operating profit, which management consider to be the most appropriate methodology.

The operating exceptional charge recognized under UK GAAP of £28 million recognized in 2004, and £51 million recognized in 2003, and £77 million recognized in 2002 relate to various hotels within Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, where it has been necessary to make an impairment charge for the difference in these hotels’ carrying values compared to the higher of value in use or net realizable value.

With the exception of the impairment charge of £18 million in 2004 and £6 million in 2003 in respect of short leasehold properties, the UK GAAP impairment charge is reversed under US GAAP as the impairment test is first performed using undiscounted cash flows and is therefore shown as a reduction in the difference between the charge under UK GAAP and US GAAP in the reconciliation to US GAAP accounting principles.


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of accounting for intangible assets subject to amortization*

Other intangible assets subject to amortization consist of:


	December 31, 2004							December 31, 2003

			Accumulated			Net book				Accumulated			Net book
	Cost		amortization			value		Cost		amortization			value

	(£ million)
Management & franchise contracts		307		(270	)		37		326		(291	)		35
Other		4		(1	)		3		4		—			4

		311		(271	)		40		330		(291	)		39

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is £5 million, £5 million, £5 million, £4 million and £4 million. The weighted average remaining life of intangible assets subject to amortization is 12 years.


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of accounting for intangible assets not subject to amortization*


	December 31, 2004						December 31, 2003

	Hotels		Soft drinks		Total		Hotels		Soft drinks		Total

	(£ million)
Goodwill		840		124		964		907		122		1,029
Trademarks		474		—		474		513		—		513

Total		1,314		124		1,438		1,420		122		1,542


	*Additional pro forma information required by US GAAP in respect of FAS 142*

FAS 142 requires that in the period of adoption, and until all periods presented are accounted for in accordance with the standard, a reconciliation of reported net income to the adjusted net income should be disclosed along with adjusted earnings per share, as if the standard had been adopted for each period.

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Net income/(loss) and, basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share and ADS, adjusted to exclude amortization expense no longer required due to the adoption of FAS 142, are as follows:


					Unaudited			Unaudited
					three months			12 months		15 months
			Year ended		ended			ended		ended			Year ended
			December 31,		December 31,			December 31,		December 31,			September 30,
			2004		2002			2003		2003			2002

			(£ million, except per ADS amounts)
Net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP, as reported				340		(652	)		29		(623	)		499
	Add back: goodwill amortization			—		—			—		—			69
		trademarks amortization		—		—			—		—			13
Pro forma net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP				340		(652	)		29		(623	)		581
Pro forma basic net income/(loss) per ordinary share and ADS				47.9p		(88.9	)p		4.0p		(84.9	)p		68.3p
	Add back: goodwill amortization			—		—			—		—			9.4p
		trademarks amortization		—		—			—		—			1.8p
Pro forma basic net income/(loss) per ordinary share and ADS				47.9p		(88.9	)p		4.0p		(84.9	)p		79.5p
Pro forma diluted net income/(loss) per ordinary share and ADS				45.7p		(88.9	)p		4.0p		(84.9	)p		68.0p
	Add back: goodwill amortization			—		—			—		—			9.4p
		trademarks amortization		—		—			—		—			1.8p
Pro forma diluted net income/(loss) per ordinary share and ADS				45.7p		(88.9	)p		4.0p		(84.9	)p		79.2p


	*Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of taxation*


	Analysis of tax (credit)/charge on continuing operations in accordance with US GAAP


	Year ended			Year ended			Year ended
	December 31, 2004			December 31, 2003			December 31, 2002

	(£ million)
Current taxes		(60	)		(48	)		93
Deferred taxes		7			2			(6	)

		(53	)		(46	)		87

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	Reconciliation of UK statutory tax rate to US GAAP tax charge on income from continuing operations


	Year ended			Year ended			Year ended
	December 31, 2004			December 31, 2003			December 31, 2002

	(%)
UK corporate tax standard rate		30.0			30.0			30.0
Permanent differences		1.1			(17.8	)		(4.0	)
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas business		6.7			178.5			5.0
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods		(20.4	)		(574.2	)		(5.6	)
Other		(0.2	)		0.6			(0.5	)
Exceptional items		(35.5	)		(128.2	)		7.1

Effective current tax rate on continuing operations		(18.3	)		(511.1	)		32.0

Deferred taxation in accordance with US GAAP


	Deferred tax

	(£ million)
At September 30, 2002		862
Exchange and other adjustments		(36)
Profit and loss account		(8)
Separation of MAB		(97)

At December 31, 2003		721
Exchange and other adjustments		(20)
Profit and loss account		—
Adjustment to other intangible assets(1)		(110)

At December 31, 2004		591


(1)	In 2004, the adjustment to other intangible assets relates to the recognition of pre-acquisition losses in respect of which a valuation allowance had previously been made.

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The analysis of the deferred taxation liability required by US GAAP is as follows:


		December 31, 2004			December 31, 2003

		(£ million)
Deferred taxation liabilities:
	Excess of book value over taxation value of fixed assets		590			667
	Other temporary differences		197			188

			787			855

Deferred taxation assets:
	Taxation effect of losses carried forward		(113	)		(37	)
	Taxation effect of pension cost liability		(6	)		(13	)
	Other temporary differences		(77	)		(84	)

			(196	)		(134	)

			591			721

Of which:
	Current		(45	)		(4	)
	Noncurrent		636			725

			591			721

The taxation effect of losses carried forward is stated net of a valuation allowance of £305 million (2003 £317 million).

On release, £16 million (2003 £16 million) of the valuation allowance would be recognized in goodwill. A reduction of £88 million has been made to the opening valuation allowance in respect of a change in judgement regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets. There are no material expiration dates in respect of operating losses.

No deferred tax is provided in respect of temporary differences relating to the unremitted earnings of certain overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures on the basis that the differences are permanent in nature. It is not practicable to determine the amounts unprovided.

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	*Additional information required under US GAAP in respect of restructuring provisions*


	IHG												MAB

	Employee			Facilities			Other			IHG			MAB			Group
	costs			costs			costs			total			reorganization			total

	(£ million)
Balance at October 1, 2001		—			—			—			—			9			9
Profit and loss account		—			—			—			—			2			2

Balance at September 30, 2002		—			—			—			—			11			11
Expenditure		—			—			—			—			(1	)		(1	)

Balance at December 31, 2002		—			—			—			—			10			10
Exchange and other adjustments		—			(3	)		—			(3	)		(6	)		(9	)
Profit and loss account		30			13			15			58						58
Expenditure		(23	)		(3	)		(11	)		(37	)		(1	)		(38	)
Separation of MAB		—			—			—			—			(3	)		(3	)

Balance at December 31, 2003		7			7			4			18			—			18
Expenditure		(7	)		(3	)		(4	)		(14	)		—			(14	)

Balance at December 31, 2004		—			4			—			4			—			4


	*New Accounting Standards*

FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“the Interpretation”), was effective for all enterprises with variable interest in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. FIN 46(R), which was revised in December 2003, was effective for all entities to which the provisions of FIN 46 were not applied as of December 24, 2003. We applied the provisions of FIN 46(R) to all entities subject to the Interpretation as of December 31, 2004. Under FIN 46(R), if an entity is determined to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), it must be consolidated by the enterprise that absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, the “primary beneficiary”.

The Group’s evaluation of the provisions of FIN 46 as it relates to its various forms of arrangements focused primarily on a review of the key terms of its equity investment agreements, management contracts and franchise agreements against the criteria in FIN 46 to determine if any of these arrangements qualify as VIEs. In general, a VIE represents a structure used for business purposes that either does not have equity investors with voting rights or that has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. However, other contractual arrangements could qualify an entity as a VIE and designate which party to the contract is the primary beneficiary.

The Group’s evaluation of its equity investments, management contracts and franchise agreements identified one management contract, due to the terms of performance guarantees, and one equity investment, in which it has variable interests. For those entities in which the Group holds a variable interest, it determined that it was not the primary beneficiary and as such was not required to consolidate the VIEs. The performance guarantee associated with the management contracts with HPT does not expose the Group to the majority of expected cash flow variability and therefore those hotels have not been consolidated. As of December 31, 2004, the maximum exposure to loss on these contracts, consisting of future management fees and the potential obligation to fund the performance guarantee, totaled an aggregate amount of approximately £63 million over the life of the contracts. The Group also has one significant equity interest in an entity that is a VIE. In November 2003, the Group purchased a one-third share of an equity venture that owns the InterContinental Warsaw which is managed by the Group. The equity investment in the VIE totaled £13 million at December 31, 2004 and £12 million at December 31, 2003

In June 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF Issue No. 03-1 “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments”. This issue sets forth

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guidance with respect to the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to debt and equity securities within the scope of FAS No. 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“FAS No. 115”) and equity securities that are not subject to the scope of FAS No. 115 and not accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Task Force reached a consensus that the EITF 03-1 application guidance should be used to determine when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. There were no unrealized losses requiring additional disclosures in the Group’s December 2004 financial statements. The Group will continue to evaluate the impact of EITF 03-1 on its financial position and results of operations.

In November 2004, the FASB issued FAS 151 “Inventory Costs, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 4.” FAS 151 requires the abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials (spoilage) be recorded as current period charges and that the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. FAS 151 is effective for our company on January 1, 2006. The Group does not believe that the adoption of FAS 151 will have a material impact upon its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment, a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Generally, the approach in FAS 123(R) is similar to the approach described in FAS 123. FAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of share options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. The Group plans to adopt FAS 123(R) for the financial year ended December 2005.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153 “Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” which replaces the current exception from fair value measurement of non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets with a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 shall be applied prospectively and is effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 153 cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on whether applicable non-monetary transactions take place in the future.

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INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS


				Additions
		Balance at		charged to								Balance at
		beginning		costs and		Exchange						end of
		of period		expenses		differences			Deductions			period

Year ended December 31, 2004
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts			45		20		(3	)		(19	)		43
15 months ended December 31, 2003
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts			55		9		(6	)		(13	)		45
	Three months ended December 31, 2003 (unaudited)
	Provision for bad and doubtful debts		55		2		(2	)		(5	)		50
	12 months ended December 31, 2003 (unaudited)
	Provision for bad and doubtful debts		50		7		(4	)		(8	)		45
Year ended September 30, 2002
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts			41		24		1			(9	)		55

S-1

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.


	INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP PLC
	(Registrant)


	By:	/s/ Richard Solomons



	Name: Richard Solomons
	Title: Finance Director

Date: 3rd May, 2005

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InterContinental Hotels (IHG) 20-F2004 FY Annual report (foreign)

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