Annual Report 2011
4 Significant accounting policies
112
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements except as explained in note 3, which addresses changes in accounting policies. (a) Basis of consolidation The consolidated financial statements relate to the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group�) and the Group’s interests in associates and jointly-controlled entities. Business combinations The accounting policy for business combinations has been changed from 1 January 2011. See note 3(c) for details. The Group/Company applies the acquisition method for all business combinations other than those with entities under common control. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, the Group/Company takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable. The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred to the acquirer. Judgment is applied in determining the acquisition date and determining whether control is transferred from one party to another. Goodwill is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred including the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date. Consideration transferred includes the fair values of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred by the Group/ Company to the previous owners of the acquiree, and equity interests issued by the Group/Company. Consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration. If a business combination results in the termination of pre-existing relationships between the Group/Company and the acquiree, then the lower of the termination amount, as contained in the agreement, and the value of the off-market element is deducted from the consideration transferred and recognised in other expenses. A contingent liability of the acquiree is assumed in a business combination only if such a liability represents a present obligation and arises from a past event, and its fair value can be measured reliably. The Group/Company measures any non-controlling interest at its proportionate interest in the identifiable net assets of the acquiree. Transaction costs that the Group/Company incurs in connection with a business combination, such as legal fees, and other professional and consulting fees are expensed as incurred. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to align them with the policies adopted by the Group. Losses applicable to non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to non-controlling interests even if doing so causes the non-controlling interests to have a deficit balance. Loss of control Upon the loss of control, the Group derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, any non-controlling interests and the other components of equity related to the subsidiary. Any surplus or deficit arising on the loss of control is recognised in profit or loss. If the Group retains any interest in the previous subsidiary, then such interest is measured at fair value at the date that control is lost. Subsequently it is accounted for as an equity-accounted investee or as an available-for-sale financial asset depending on the level of influence retained.