MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

18.05.2011

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

ALL SAINTS RETAIL LIMITED

 

 

Registered Office :

Jack's Place Units C15-C17, 6 Corbet Place, London, E1 6NN.

 

 

Country :

United Kingdom

 

 

Financials (as on) :

31.01.2010

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

25.10.2000

 

 

Com. Reg. No.:

04096157

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturers , design and sale of mens, ladies and childrens clothing and accessories

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Maximum Credit Limit :

GBP 75,000

Status :

Satisfactory

Payment Behaviour :

No Complaints

Litigation :

Clear

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail: infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – December 31, 2010

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(30.09.2010)

Current Rating

(31.12.2010)

United Kingdom

A1

A1

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 

Company Identification Details

 

Subject Reported on

ALL SAINTS RETAIL LIMITED

Registration Number

04096157

VAT Number

GB765221535

Address

JACK'S PLACE UNITS C15-C17, 6 CORBET PLACE, LONDON, E1 6NN.

Telephone

0870 428 3500

Email

info@allsaints.co.uk

Web Address

www.allsaints.co.uk

 

Creditline Recommendations

 

Monthly Credit Guide

GBP 75,000

 

 

 

 

Official Company Data

 

 

Legal Form

Private Limited

Registration Number

04096157

VAT Number

GB765221535

Subject Status

Trading

Date of Incorporation

25/10/2000

Registered Office

JACK'S PLACE UNITS C15-C17, 6 CORBET PLACE, LONDON, E1 6NN.

History

22/08/2008 : The Registered Office address changed from C/O HAMILTONS MERIDEN HOUSE, 6 GREAT CORNBOW,.

 

24/09/2002 : The Registered Office address changed from ST JOSEPHS COURT, TRINDLE ROAD, DUDLEY, WEST.

 

7/01/2002 : The Registered Office address changed from HAMILTON HOUSE 6 GREAT CORNBOW, HALESOWEN, WE.

 

28/06/2001 : The Registered Office address changed from HAMILTON HOUSE 6 GREAT CORNBOW, HALESOWEN, WE.

 

Previously located at 1 GREAT TITCHFIELD STREET, LONDON, W1W 8AU..

Date of Last Annual Return to Registry

25/10/2010

Accounts

The last filed accounts at Companies House are those to 31/01/2010

Accounting Reference Date

31/01

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

Activities

Manufacturers , design and sale of mens, ladies and childrens clothing and accessories

Nace Code

1822

Premises

Rented,Offices,Shop

Staff Employed

1,961

Trade Names

DESIGN STUDIO, ALL SAINTS SPITALFIELDS, ALL SAINTS JACK'S PLACE

Import Countries

ALL OVER THE WORLD

Export Countries

ALL OVER THE WORLD

Bankers

HSBC BANK PLC

Address

LONDON.

Sort Code

400304

Auditors

BDO LLP

Branches

48 SHOPS IN UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS.

 

THIRD FLOOR, 41-42 EASTCASTLE STREET, LONDON, W1W 8DU.

 

42 PELHAM STREET, NOTTINGHAM, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, NG1 2EA.

 

UNIT 31, PORTMANMOOR RD IND EST, CARDIFF, SOUTH GLAMORGAN, CF24 5HB.

 

5 EARLHAM STREET, LONDON, WC2H 9LL.

 

99 PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH, MIDLOTHIAN, EH2 3AA.

 

UPPER MALL WEST, BULLRING, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, B5 4BG.

 

68 QUEENS ROAD, CLIFTON BRISTOL, AVON, BS8 1QU.

 

UNIT G1 THE POWERHUB BUS CENTRE, ST PETERS STREET, MAIDSTONE KENT.

 

UNIT 1054 WESTFIELD LONDON SHOPP, ARIEL WAY, LONDON, W12 7GD.

 

192-196 INGRAM ST, GLASGOW, LANARKSHIRE, G1 1DG.

 

MARKET ST, MANCHESTER, LANCASHIRE, M1 1WR.

 

14 DUKE OF YORK SQ, LONDON, SW3 4LY.

 

EAST ST, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX, BN1 1HQ.

 

METROCENTRE, GATESHEAD, TYNE AND WEAR, NE11 9YG.

 

34 WHITECHAPEL, LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE, L1 6DZ.

 

30 ST. ANDREWS ST, CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB2 3AX.

 

98 BUCHANAN ST, GLASGOW, LANARKSHIRE, G1 3HA.

 

UNIT 7-9 WHARFSIDE ST, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, B1 1RE.

 

290 WESTBOURNE GR, LONDON, W11 2PS.

Subsidiaries

ALLSAINTS USA LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Searches

 

Search History Summary

 

Last 3 Months

Last 6 Months

Last 12 Months

16

23

52

 

Search History Details

 

The Search History Details shows details of the most recent 40 searches

 

Date

Description

04/05/2011

Storage and warehousing

26/04/2011

Storage and warehousing

21/04/2011

Other credit granting

18/04/2011

Storage and warehousing

13/04/2011

Storage and warehousing

07/04/2011

Storage and warehousing

07/04/2011

Storage and warehousing

05/04/2011

Other service activities not elsewhere classified

03/04/2011

Miscellaneous

01/04/2011

Miscellaneous

23/03/2011

Miscellaneous

18/03/2011

Miscellaneous

11/03/2011

Storage and warehousing

10/03/2011

Storage and warehousing

25/02/2011

Other credit granting

22/02/2011

Other credit granting

13/01/2011

Financial leasing

05/01/2011

Miscellaneous

07/12/2010

Miscellaneous

23/11/2010

Other credit granting

22/11/2010

Other credit granting

22/11/2010

Other credit granting

16/11/2010

Miscellaneous

09/10/2010

Other credit granting

06/10/2010

Other credit granting

01/10/2010

Other credit granting

22/09/2010

Manufacture of computers and other information processing equipment

22/09/2010

Maintenance and repair of office, accounting and computing machinery

06/09/2010

Other credit granting

19/08/2010

Other credit granting

18/08/2010

Other credit granting

11/08/2010

Miscellaneous

02/08/2010

Other credit granting

02/08/2010

Other credit granting

28/07/2010

Miscellaneous

28/07/2010

Manufacture of computers and other information processing equipment

28/07/2010

Maintenance and repair of office, accounting and computing machinery

16/07/2010

Other credit granting

16/07/2010

Other credit granting

15/07/2010

Other credit granting

 

 

 

Public Record Information

 

 

Summary of CCJ's/Scottish Decrees

 

Period

Last 72 Months

Last 36 Months

Last 18 Months

Amount Summary

101,153

101,153

51,622

Count Summary

4

4

2

Unsettled Amount Summary

100,359

100,359

51,429

 

Details of the most recent CCJ's/Scottish Decrees

 

Date

Amount

Type

Case No

Satisfied

Court

14/04/2011

51,429

Judgment

1RG00894

 

READING

06/07/2010

193

Judgment

0XH82673

15/11/2010

NORTHAMPTON CCBC

11/11/2008

48,930

Judgment

8BM11925

 

BIRMINGHAM

21/05/2008

601

Judgment

8QC12162

09/07/2008

NORTHAMPTON CCBC

 

 

 

Summary of Mortgages, Charges and Satisfactions

 

 

Total Number of Mortgages/Charges Registered

13

Number Outstanding

8

Number Partially Satisfied

0

Number Satisfied

5

 

 

Date of Latest Mortgage Created

01/10/2010

Date of Latest Satisfaction

10/07/2009

 

 

 

Details of most recent Mortgages, Charges and Satisfactions

 

 

Date Fully
Satisfied

Date
Registered

Date
Created

Charge
Description

Form Type

Lender

 

08/10/2010

01/10/2010

Debenture

MG01

Kaupthing Bank Hf (The "Security Agent")

 

28/07/2010

26/07/2010

An Omnibus Guarantee And Set-Off Agreement

MG01

Lloyds Tsb Bank Plc

 

01/10/2009

16/09/2009

Rent Deposit Deed

MG01

Brixton (Westbrook, Trafford Park) Limited

 

10/07/2009

08/07/2009

Debenture

395

Lloyds Tsb Bank Plc

 

25/03/2009

13/03/2009

Debenture

395

Kaupthing Bank Hf (As Security Trustee For The Secured Parti

 

18/10/2008

14/10/2008

Rent Deposit Deed

395

Friends Provident Life Assurance Limited

 

02/09/2008

20/08/2008

Rent Deposit Deed

395

Bicester Nominees Limited And Bicester Ii Nominees Limited

10/07/2009

27/07/2007

16/07/2007

Debenture

395

Landsbanki Commercial Finance

10/07/2009

27/07/2007

16/07/2007

Debenture

395

Landsbanki Islands H.F.

19/03/2009

08/03/2006

20/02/2006

Debenture

395

Kevin Stanford

 

It should be noted that there is no legal requirement to file satisfaction details of mortgages/charges at Companies House.

 

 

 

Other Filings and Notices

 

 

Date

Source

Description

 

08/02/2011

Companies House Gazette

Notification of any change among the company's directors

12/10/2010

Companies House Gazette

Any amendment to company's articles (including every resolution or agreement required to be embodied in or annexed to copies of the company's articles issued by

23/07/2010

Companies House Gazette

Any amendment to company's articles (including every resolution or agreement required to be embodied in or annexed to copies of the company's articles issued by

09/11/2009

Companies House Gazette

Notification of any change among the company's directors

07/04/2009

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

31/03/2009

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

27/03/2009

Companies House Gazette

"Resolutions which give vary

27/03/2009

Companies House Gazette

Alteration in memorandum or articles of association

19/03/2009

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

10/03/2009

Companies House Gazette

"Resolutions which give vary

24/10/2008

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

09/10/2008

Companies House Gazette

Alteration in memorandum or articles of association

26/07/2008

Companies House Gazette

Alteration in memorandum or articles of association

05/01/2007

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

20/12/2006

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

20/12/2006

Companies House Gazette

"Resolutions which give vary

20/12/2006

Companies House Gazette

Resolutions or agreements to which section 380 applies (relating to shares rights or names)

20/12/2006

Companies House Gazette

Alteration in memorandum or articles of association

06/01/2006

Companies House Gazette

Change among directors of a company

23/06/2005

Companies House Gazette

Alteration in memorandum or articles of association

 

 

 

Company Secretary

 

 

Secretary

PETER JAMES WOOD

Service Address

97 CLOUDESLEY ROAD, LONDON, N1 0EN.

Country of Origin

UNITED KINGDOM

Appointment Date

31/01/2011

 

 

 

Directors

 

 

Managing Director

KEVIN GERALD STANFORD

Service Address

THE DOWER HOUSE, ROYDEN HALL ROAD, EAST PECKHAM, KENT, TN12 5NH.

Country of Origin

UNITED KINGDOM

Date of Birth

29/07/1960

Appointment Date

18/02/2005

Other Directorships

WYNDERMERE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, CRESCO PARTNERS LLP, BROOKES AIR CHARTER LLP, ELIT REALISATIONS 3 LIMITED, THE SWAN (WEST MALLING) LIMITED, ALLSAINTS USA LIMITED, BROOKES CHAUFFEUR SERVICES LIMITED, RIVER MEDWAY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED, THE SWAN COLLECTION LIMITED, BSA & C LIMITED


Chief Executive


STEPHEN CRAIG

Service Address

23 COMPTON ROAD, LONDON, N1 2PB.

Country of Origin

UNITED KINGDOM

Date of Birth

06/08/1968

Appointment Date

15/12/2006


Managing Director


JOHANN REYNDAL

Service Address

HOFGARDAR 21, SELTJARNARNES, 170.

Country of Origin

ICELAND

Date of Birth

24/03/1967

Appointment Date

13/03/2009


Director


EINAR SIGURDSSON

Service Address

NOROBRUN 12, 104 REYKJAVIK, REYKJAVIC.

Country of Origin

ICELAND

Date of Birth

23/08/1977

Appointment Date

13/03/2009


Director


PETER JAMES WOOD

Service Address

97 CLOUDESLEY ROAD, LONDON, N1 0EN.

Country of Origin

UNITED KINGDOM

Date of Birth

17/08/1973

Appointment Date

31/01/2011

Other Directorships

ALLSAINTS USA LIMITED

 

 

 

Share Capital

 

 

Shares

Ordinary A GBP 0.01 Each

Issued Number

10,540

Shares

Preference GBP 0.01 Each

Issued Number

100

Shares

Z GBP 0.01 Each

Issued Number

1

Shares

Ordinary B GBP 0.01 Each

Issued Number

555

Shares

Ordinary C GBP 0.01 Each

Issued Number

5,975

Principal Shareholder

10,540 Kaupthing Bank HF

 

5,975 Glitnir Banki

 

555 Mick Dunne

 

65 Kaupthing Bank HF

 

35 Glitnir Banki

 

1 DS Family Trust

 

The above reflects the principle shareholder(s) by number of shares held, irrespective of share classification type.

 

Holding Company

KAUPTHING BANK HF

 

 

 

General Information

 

 

06/05/2011 

 

The recent CCJ information gives cause for concern. It is understood that the subject has staved off Administration following a last minute deal to save the company with investment being provided by Lion Capital and Goode Partners,together with increased stakes in the business being taken by Kevin Stanford (the founder) and Chief Executive Stephe Craig. The terms of any refinancing are awaited. 

 

26/04/2011 

 

HIGH street fashion retailer All Saints is set to complete a sale to US private equity house Goode Partners by the end of this week, despite fears its creditors could put it into administration. 

 

But there are suggestions the retailer’s main lender, Lloyds Banking Group, has threatened chief executive Stephen Craig with the liquidation of his firm should the buyout deal fail. The bank, which provides All Saints with a £28.5m loan facility, was also said to have put KPMG on standby to initiate administration should talks fail. 

 

07/04/2011 

 

Credit limit under review. 

 

07/04/2011 

 

The company is reportedly in talks with private equity investors seeking funding,that if it fails to obtain,could lead to Administration. (The Guardian 05.04.2011). 

 

 

 

Financial Data– Statutory Accounts

 

 

For annual accounts images, view the

 

Profit and Loss

 

The following figures are shown in units of 1000

 

Number of Weeks

52

52

53

52

Accounts Date

31/01/2010

01/02/2009

03/02/2008

31/01/2007

Consolidated

Yes

Yes

 

 

Currency

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

SALES

132854

90892

46860

26407

UK sales

120119

87094

45448

25453

Export

12735

3798

1412

954

Cost of goods sold

41704

29691

16961

10852

GROSS PROFIT

91150

61201

29899

15555

Wages and Salaries

24656

17774

9843

6274

Directors Emoluments

1300

968

429

54

Auditors Fees

75

62

25

 

Non-Audit Fees

188

32

18

 

Trading Profit

21047

11602

3393

(43)

Depreciation

8592

5481

1956

1241

OPERATING PROFIT

12455

6121

1437

(1284)

Non Trading Income

(122)

15

16

6

Interest Payable

1662

1605

1299

207

PRE TAX PROFIT

10671

4531

154

(1485)

Taxation

3182

1411

(45)

 

PROFIT AFTER TAX

7489

3120

199

(1485)

RETAINED PROFITS

7489

3120

199

(1485)

 

Balance Sheet

 

The following figures are shown in units of 1000

 

Number of Weeks

52

52

53

52

Accounts Date

31/01/2010

01/02/2009

03/02/2008

31/01/2007

Consolidated

Yes

Yes

 

 

Currency

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

TOTAL FIXED ASSETS

41641

26719

16448

9014

Tangible Assets

40499

26194

16374

8986

Fixed Assets

40499

26194

16374

8986

Intangible Assets

1142

525

74

28

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

47669

33299

15430

11963

Trade debtors

4346

4458

243

181

Stocks

26845

17978

8283

5716

Other Current Assets

16478

10863

6904

6066

Misc Current Assets

12891

10010

5319

1919

Cash

3587

853

1585

4147

TOTAL ASSETS

89310

60018

31878

20977

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

42869

32927

15305

4423

Trade creditors

19516

9469

3466

972

Short Term Loans

12088

15170

6733

495

Bank Overdraft

11350

15170

4972

 

Bank Loans

500

 

400

240

Other Finance

 

 

60

255

Due To Directors

238

 

1301

 

Other Liabilities

11265

8288

5106

2956

WORKING CAPITAL

4800

372

125

7540

TOTAL LONG TERM LIABS

26920

14920

11839

12019

Long Term Loans

24769

13455

11839

12019

Bank Loans

13976

9167

9567

9935

Other Finance

10793

4288

2272

830

Due To Directors

 

 

 

1254

Other Liabilities

2151

1465

 

 

NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)

19521

12171

4734

4535

SHARE CAPITAL + RESERVES

19521

12171

4734

4535

Share Cap + Sundry Res

9555

9555

5238

5238

Sundry Reserves

9555

9555

5238

5238

Profit and Loss account

9966

2616

(504)

(703)

SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS

19521

12171

4734

4535

CAPITAL EMPLOYED

46441

27091

16573

16554

 

Financial Comparison

 

The following figures are shown in units of 1000

 

Number of Weeks

52

52

53

52

Accounts Date

31/01/2010

01/02/2009

03/02/2008

31/01/2007

Consolidated

Yes

Yes

 

 

Currency

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

Net Cashflow from Oper.

21445

3345

3610

(5314)

Increase in Cash

3154

(7531)

(7534)

5288

Directors Remuneration

1300

968

429

54

Auditors Remuneration

75

62

25

 

Liquid Assets

7933

5311

1828

4328

Net Working Capital

4800

372

125

7540

Long Term Debt(>12 Months)

24769

13455

11839

12019

Other Deferred Liabs

2151

1465

 

 

Tangible Net Worth(T.N.W)

18379

11646

4660

4507

Equity

19521

12171

4734

4535

Number of Years Trading

10

9

8

7

Number of Employees

1961

1752

767

410

Profit per Employee

5441.6

2586.2

200.8

(3622)

Sales per Employee

67748.1

51879

61095.2

64407.3

 

Key Credit Ratios

 

The following figures are shown as Ratios or Percentages

 

Accounts Date

31/01/2010

01/02/2009

03/02/2008

31/01/2007

Consolidated

Yes

Yes

 

 

Current Ratio

1.1

1

1

2.7

Long Term Debt/T.N.W

1.3

1.2

2.5

2.7

Pre Tax Profit Margin%

8

5

0.3

(5.6)

Gross Profit%

68.6

67.3

63.8

58.9

Debtors Days (D.S.O)

12

18

2

3

Creditors Days (D.P.O)

54

38

27

13

Quick Ratio

0.5

0.5

0.5

1.4

W.I.P/Inventory Days

235

221

178.2

192.3

Return on Investment%

21.1

14.5

6.2

(7.5)

Return on Assets%

11.9

7.5

0.5

(7.1)

T.N.W/Total Assets%

20.6

19.4

14.6

21.5

Return on Capital%

23

16.7

0.9

(9)

Rtn on Shareholders Funds%

54.7

37.2

3.3

(32.7)

Working Capital/Sales%

3.6

0.4

0.3

28.6

Borrowing Ratio%

200.5

245.8

398.5

277.7

Equity Gearing%

28

25.4

17.4

27.6

Stock Turnover

4.9

5.1

5.7

4.6

Days Purchases Outstanding

170.8

116.4

74.6

32.7

Sales/Fixed Assets

3.3

3.5

2.9

2.9

Debt Gearing

134.8

115.5

254.1

266.7

 

 

 

Key Industry Sector Trends

 

 

Year

2010

2009

2008

2007

Sample Size

1120

1864

1898

1940

Pre-Tax Profit Margin

1.8

(0.2)

(1.1)

(0.9)

Current Ratio

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Borrowing Ratio

30.7

16.5

22.8

22.5

Return on Capital

37.7

28.2

23.6

37.6

Creditors Days

60

59

81

69

 

Above figures relate to companies in 2003 Standard Industry Classification (Nace) sector : Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories

 

 

 

Financial Summary

 

 

Auditors Qualification

The Auditors have expressed a clean opinion (i.e. unqualified with no referrals) on the accounts for the period ended 31/01/2010.

 

Turnover

Turnover increased by 46 % in the period and now totals GBP 132,854,000.

 

Operating Profit

Totalled GBP 12,455,000. In the year prior a Profit of GBP 6,121,000 was achieved.

 

Pre Tax Profit

The subject's profit increased by 135 % in the year.

 

Working Capital

The company's working capital has increased by 1,190 % in the period.

 

Net Worth

Net worth has increased by 60 % and now stands at GBP 19,521,000.

 

Fixed Assets

The subject's fixed assets increased during the year by GBP 14,922,000 to GBP 41,641,000 and are now 46 % of total assets compared with 44 % in the previous year.

 

Long Term Liabilities

The company's long term liabilities increased during the period by 80% and are now 138 % of net worth compared with 123 % in the previous period.

 

Long Term Liabilities

Long term liabilities are now 30 % of total liabilities compared with 25 % in the previous period.

 

Long Term Liabilities

Long term liabilities are 58 % of capital employed, an increase of 3 % over the previous period.


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.45.07

UK Pound

1

Rs.72.97

Euro

1

Rs.63.57

 

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

--

NB

                                       New Business

 

--

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                 Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                    Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.