10.4. Associates and joint ventures

Associates are entities (including entities which are not incorporated, such as general partnerships) on which the Group exerts significant influence but whose financial and operating policies it does not control, which usually accompanies having from 20% to 50% of the total number of votes in the decision-making bodies of the entities.

Joint ventures are commercial companies or other entities, which are partly controlled by parent company or a significant investor and other shareholders or partners on the basis of the Memorandum of Association, company’s agreement or an agreement concluded for a period longer than one year.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted in accordance with the equity method and are initially stated at cost. The Group’s investment in associates and joint ventures includes goodwill determined as at the acquisition date, net of any potential accumulated impairment allowances.

The Group’s share in the results of associates and joint ventures from the acquisition date is recorded in the income statement and its share in changes in the balance of other comprehensive income from the acquisition date is recorded in other comprehensive income. The carrying amount of investments is adjusted by the total movements in the individual equity items from the acquisition date. When the Group’s share in the losses of these entities becomes equal or higher than the Group’s interest in such entities, including unsecured receivables (if any), the Group discontinues recognizing further losses, unless it has assumed the obligation or made payments on behalf of the particular entity.

At each balance sheet date, the Group makes an assessment of whether there is any evidence of impairment of investments in associates and joint ventures. If any such evidence exists, the Group estimates the recoverable amount, i.e. the value in use of the investment or the fair value of the investment less costs to sell, whichever of these values is higher. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the Group recognizes an impairment allowance in the income statement.