IBERSOL | 2019 Annual Report

2019 ANNUAL REPORT The External Auditor verifies the effectiveness and functioning of inter- nal control mechanisms in accordance with a work plan in line with the Statutory Audit Committee, to whom also reports its conclusions. 52. Existence of other functional areas regarding competences in risk control. There are central functions - Quality, Human Resources, Planning and Management control, and Financial Units – that reporting to the Execu- tive Committee, promote, coordinate and facilitate the development of risk management processes. 53. Main Risks to which the Company and its Affiliates are exposed. The Board of Directors considers that the Group is exposed to the nor- mal risks arising from its activity, namely at the level of the restaurants. Strategic and operational risks Ibersol’s business, like any retail business, is exposed to the instability of the economic environment as well as the evolution of consumer preferences. Strategic risk management involves the monitoring of macroeconomic indicators, studies of consumer trends, studies of the catering market with consumer surveys and monitoring of competi- tion activity in the different markets where the Group operates. In the annual Planning process all these factors are reassessed and macroeconomic trends are analyzed. Internationalization of busines- ses, strict control of costs, launching of new concepts, distribution channels, products and promotions adapted to changes in consumer profiles are some of the initiatives aimed at mitigating this risk. With the acquisition of the Eatout Group, Ibersol has a significant part of its turnover in airport concession areas. The concessions are awarded by tender for a certain period of time, so the Group may or may not guarantee the renewal of these contracts, which may affect its turnover and profitability. Operating various international brands under the franchise system, the Group enters into long-term franchise agreements (20 years or 10 + 10 years) and, after the respective term, have been renewed, althou- gh there is no such requirement. The group seeks to fulfill all obliga- 159