Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The choice of measurement of non-controlling interest, either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets, is determined on a transaction by transaction basis. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognized for the non-controlling interest over the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in exchange for the business combination. After initial recognition, goodwill 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 the Group's cash generating units that are expected to benefit from the combination. .
Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS has been retained at the previous U.K. GAAP amounts subject to being tested for impairment at that date and in subsequent years.
A bargain purchase is measured at cost being the excess of the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in exchange for the business combination over the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognized for the non-controlling interest. Any amount of a bargain purchase is recognized immediately as income.
Contingent consideration arising as a result of a business combination is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability are accounted for in accordance with the relevant IFRSs.
