1. General information

1.6 Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  If the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is smaller than the fair value of the net assets of the acquired subsidiary, the difference is recognized in the profit or loss. Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from assets that are not capable of being individually identified and separately recognized in a business combination.

Goodwill is not amortized. After initial recognition, it is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each cash-generating-unit that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

Impairment reviews are undertaken annually (even if there is no indication of impairment) or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment.  The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of the value-in-use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.

Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating-unit (CGU) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Internally generated intangible assets, excluding capitalised development costs (note 1.7), are not capitalised and expenditure is reflected in profit and loss in the period in which the expenditure is incurred.

The Group’s intangible assets have a finite useful life.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortisation expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognised in the income statement as the expense category that is consistent with the function of the intangible assets.

Acquired computer software programs and licenses are capitalised on the basis of costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software when these are expected to generate economic benefits beyond one year. Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programs are recognised as an expense as incurred.

The amortization methods used for the Group’s intangibles are as follows:

Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the income statement when the asset is derecognised.