MEEL Tax strategy

Scope

This strategy applies to Monster Energy Europe Limited in accordance with paragraph 19 of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 2016. The strategy covers our approach to arranging our UK tax affairs and applies from the date of publication until it is superseded and relates to Income Tax, Corporation Tax, PAYE, NIC, VAT, Insurance Premium Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax

Our Tax Strategy comprises five key components:

1. Commitment to compliance

We are committed to compliance with tax law and practice in the UK. Compliance for us means paying the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time. It involves disclosing all relevant facts and circumstances to the tax authorities and claiming reliefs and incentives where available

2. Responsible attitude to arranging our tax affairs

In structuring our commercial activities, we will consider, among other factors, the tax laws of the countries in which we operate, with a view to maximising value on a sustainable basis for our shareholders. For example, we will often look to take steps to reduce the risk of double taxation (i.e. the same income being taxed twice in two different jurisdictions). Any structuring that is undertaken will have commercial and economic substance and will have full regard to the potential impact on our reputation and broader goals. We will not put in place any arrangements that are contrived or artificial. The level of risk we accept in relation to UK taxation is consistent with our objective to achieving certainty in our tax affairs

3. Effective risk management

Given the scale of our business and volume of tax obligations, risks will inevitably arise from time to time in relation to the interpretation of complex tax law and nature of our compliance arrangements. We proactively seek to identify, assess, evaluate, monitor and manage these risks to ensure they remain in line with our objectives. Where there is significant uncertainty or complexity in relation to a risk, external advice will be sought, particularly in relation to our international tax obligations. We seek to reduce the level of tax risk as far as is reasonably practicable, by ensuring that reasonable care is applied in relation to all processes affecting tax compliance and obligations. MEEL has internal policies/processes in place to ensure accuracy and consistency in its reporting, and proactively seeks to keep up to date with the latest tax legislations

4. Constructive approach to engaging with HMRC

We engage with HMRC with honesty, integrity, respect and fairness and in a spirit of co-operative compliance. Wherever possible, we do so on a real-time basis, to minimise tax risk. We will not take positions on tax matters that may create reputational risk or jeopardise our good standing with taxing authorities and we will always strive to resolve any disputed matters through active and transparent discussion. When submitting tax computations and returns to HMRC, the Group discloses all relevant facts and identifies any transactions or issues where it considers that there is potential for the tax treatment to be uncertain

5. Board ownership and oversight

This tax policy is aligned with our Ethics Code and is approved and the responsibility of the MEEL Board of Directors. Day-to-day management of MEEL’s tax affairs is delegated by the VP Finance EMEA to the Financial Controller MEEL. The Financial Controller’s team is staffed with qualified individuals. MEEL’s tax affairs are reviewed by our Group Audit Committee and Internal Audit team on a quarterly basis. Within the remit of the Audit Committee’s requirement to monitor the integrity of MEEL’s financial reporting systems and internal controls is all elements relating to tax

Published 31st December 2017

Company Name: Monster Energy Europe Limited,
Unit 51 Metropolitan Park, Bristol Road, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 8UP

Company Number: 06394100