Sample Disclosure – Non-current Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (3 December 2008)

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale and discontinued operations

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary.

Immediately before classification as held for sale, the measurement of the non-current assets (or all the assets and liabilities in a disposal group) is brought up-to-date in accordance with applicable FRSs. Then, on initial classification as held for sale, non­current assets (other than investment properties, deferred tax assets, financial assets and inventories) are measured in accordance with FRS 5 that is at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any differences are included in profit or loss.

A component of the Group is classified as a discontinued operation when the criteria to be classified as held for sale have been met or it has been disposed of and such a component represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, is part of a single co-ordinated major line of business or geographical area of operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.