Goodwill

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the consideration transferred over the group's share of net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference in profit or loss is recognised as a "gain on bargain purchase". Goodwill relating to subsidiaries is recognised as an asset and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently if there is an indicator of impairment. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. When the recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

The impairment loss is allocated first to any goodwill assigned to the unit, and then to other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of their carrying values. Impairment losses recognised for goodwill cannot be reversed in subsequent periods.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is the fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequently, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Unless internally generated costs meet the criteria for development costs eligible for capitalisation in terms of IAS 38 (refer to research and development costs accounting policy), all internally generated intangible assets are expensed as incurred.

The useful lives of intangible assets are either finite or indefinite.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over their useful life and assessed for impairment when there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

The amortisation period and method are reviewed at each financial year end. Changes in the expected useful life or pattern of consumption of future benefits are accounted for prospectively.

The following useful lives have been estimated:

Research and development costs

Research costs, being the investigation undertaken with the prospect of gaining new knowledge and understanding, are recognised as an expense in profit or loss as they are incurred.

Development costs arise on the application of research findings to plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved materials, products or services, before the start of commercial production. Development costs are only capitalised when the group can demonstrate the technical feasibility of completing the project, its intention and ability to complete the project and use or sell the materials, products or services flowing from the project, how the project will generate future economic benefits, the availability of sufficient resources and the ability to measure reliably the expenditure during development. In all other cases development costs are recognised as an expense in profit or loss.

During the period of development, the asset is tested annually for impairment. Following the initial recognition of the development costs, the asset is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation begins when development is complete. The development costs are amortised over the period of expected future sales.

Derecognition of intangible assets

An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use.

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 profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.