Goodwill is the positive difference between the consideration transferred, increased by both the fair value at the acquisition date of any non-controlling interests already held in the acquiree and the amount of non-controlling interests held in the acquiree by third parties (measured at fair value or based on the present value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets), and the fair value of such assets and liabilities.
At the acquisition date, goodwill is allocated to each of the largely independent cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.
If the difference between the consideration transferred (increased by the above components) and the fair value of the net assets acquired is negative, this is recognised as a gain from a bargain purchase in the income statement in the year of acquisition.
Any goodwill related to non-controlling interests is included in the carrying amount of the relevant equity investments.
After initial recognition, goodwill is not amortised and is recognised net of any cumulative impairment losses, calculated using the methods set out in section [2.4.6] Impairment losses.
As set out in section [3.2] Goodwill of this report, the market multiples method is used to determine the fair value of goodwill, using listed comparable companies (these multiples are compared with the implicit multiple calculated using the group’s actual figures), except for CGU TechMah for which the value in use is defined using estimated future cashflows by applying a discount rate.
IFRS 3 is not applied retrospectively to business combinations that took place prior to 1 January 2018, i.e., the date of the parent’s transition to the IFRS. Accordingly, the amount of goodwill determined under the previous reporting standards, i.e., the carrying amount at such date, is maintained for such business combinations, subject to the recognition of any impairment losses.
[2.4.2] Intangible assets
An intangible asset is an identifiable asset without physical substance, controlled by the group and that generates future economic benefits, in addition to goodwill when acquired against consideration.
Identifiability is defined with reference to the possibility of distinguishing the intangible asset acquired from goodwill. An intangible asset is identifiable when it: (i) arises from a legal or contractual right or (ii) is separable, i.e., can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or together with a related contract. An entity controls an asset if it has the power to obtain the future economic benefits flowing from the underlying resource and to restrict the access of others to such benefits.
Intangible assets are stated at cost, which is determined in the same manner as for property, plant and equipment.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortised over their estimated useful lives starting from when they are available for use.
The amortisation rates adopted in 2022 are shown in the following table by asset category:
| | |
| | 2022 |
Development expenditure | | 5 - 10 years |
| |
Industrial patents and intellectual property rights | | 10 - 20 years |
| |
Concessions, licences, trademarks and similar rights | | 3 - 4 - 5 years |
| |
Other | | Contract term / maximum 6 years |
Development expenditure
Development expenditure is expensed when incurred.
Development expenditure incurred for a specific project is only capitalised when the group can demonstrate the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use and for sale, its intention to complete such asset and use or sell it, how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits, the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.