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Accounting Policies

Clicks Group Limited is a company domiciled in South Africa. The consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 August 2009 comprise the company, its subsidiaries and other entities that it controls (collectively referred to as "the group").

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements for the group and for the company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), its interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the South African Companies Act (Act No. 61 of 1973), as amended.

The financial statements are presented in South African Rands ("Rands"), rounded to the nearest thousand. They are prepared on the basis that the group and the company are going concerns, using the historical cost basis of measurement unless otherwise stated.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently in all material respects to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, except for the adoption of IFRIC 13 "Customer Loyalty Programmes", the impact of which is disclosed in note 36.

The financial statements were approved by the directors on 12 November 2009.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates, judgements and assumptions that affect the accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and the underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Significant accounting estimates and assumptions

Estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are outlined below and disclosed in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

Allowance for net realisable value of inventories

The group evaluates its inventory to ensure it is carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Provision is made against slow moving, obsolete and damaged inventories. Damaged inventories are identified and written down through the inventory counting procedures conducted within each business. Allowance for slow moving and obsolete inventories is assessed by each business as part of their ongoing financial reporting. Obsolescence is assessed based on comparison of the level of inventory holding to the projected likely future sales using factors existing at the balance sheet date.

Rebates received from vendors

The group enters into agreements with many of its vendors providing for inventory purchase rebates based upon achievement of specified volumes of purchasing levels, with many of these agreements applying to the calendar year. For certain agreements the rebates increase as a proportion of purchases as higher quantities or values of purchases are made relative to the prior period. The group accrues the receipt of vendor rebates as part of its cost of sales for products sold, taking into consideration the cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected purchases through to the end of the qualifying period. Rebates are accrued for each reporting period with an extensive reassessment of the rebates earned being performed at the end of the financial year and halfway through the financial year. Consequently the rebates actually received may vary from that accrued in the financial statements.

Impairment of financial assets

At year-end and half-year reporting dates, the group assesses whether objective evidence exists that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.

Trade receivables: An allowance for impairment loss is made against accounts that in the estimation of management may be impaired. The impairment is assessed monthly with a detailed formal review of balances and security being conducted at the full year and half-year. Determining the recoverability of an account involves estimation as to the likely financial condition of the customer and their ability to subsequently make payment.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with a finite useful life and property, plant and equipment are considered for impairment when an indication of possible impairment exists. An asset is impaired when its carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell, and its value in use.

Goodwill: Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the directors to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable pre-tax discount rate that is reflective of the cash-generating unit's risk profile in order to calculate the present value.

Property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment is depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where appropriate. Assessments of useful lives and residual values are performed annually after considering factors such as technological innovation, maintenance programmes, relevant market information and management consideration. In assessing residual values, the group considers the remaining life of the asset, its projected disposal value and future market conditions.

Income taxes

The group is subject to income tax in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the provision for tax as there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax issues based on estimates of the taxes that are likely to become due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Provision for employee benefits

Post-retirement defined benefits are provided for certain existing and former employees. Actuarial valuations are performed to assess the financial position of the relevant funds and are based on assumptions which include mortality rates, healthcare inflation, the expected long-term rate of return on investments, the discount rate and current market conditions.

Measurement of share-based payments

The cumulative expense recognised in terms of the group's share-based payment schemes reflects the extent, in the opinion of management, to which the vesting period has expired and the number of rights to equity instruments granted that will ultimately vest. At the end of each reporting date, the unvested rights are adjusted by the number forfeited during the period to reflect the actual number of instruments outstanding. Management is of the opinion that this represents the most accurate estimate of the number of instruments that will ultimately vest.

Basis of consolidation

The group financial statements include the financial statements of the company, its subsidiaries and other entities that it controls.

Subsidiaries are those entities over whose financial and operating policies the group has the power, directly or indirectly, to exercise control, so as to obtain benefits from their activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable are taken into account. The financial results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control was acquired and, where applicable, up to the date that control ceases.

A special purpose entity ("SPE") is consolidated if, based on an evaluation of the substance of its relationship with the group and the SPE's risks and rewards, the group concludes that it controls the SPE. SPEs controlled by the group were established under terms that impose strict limitations on the decision-making powers of the SPEs' management and that result in the group receiving the majority of the benefits related to the SPEs' operations and net assets, being exposed to risks incidental to the SPEs' activities, or retaining the majority of the residual or ownership risks related to the SPEs or their assets.

The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of companies acquired are assessed and included in the balance sheet at their fair values as at the date of acquisition.

Written put option agreements and (synthetic) forward agreements that allow the group to purchase its minority interests are recognised as a liability at the present value of the expected estimated exercise price with a corresponding entry recognised in equity.

Changes in the carrying amount of the obligation arising from changes in the purchase consideration (excluding the effect of the unwinding of the discount) are recorded directly in equity in accordance with the group's accounting policy for increases or decreases of minority interest where control is retained.

Minority interests continue to be recognised as they retain present access to the economic benefits underlying ownership interests. Dividends paid to minority interests are recognised in equity as transactions with equity holders.

All intragroup transactions and balances, including any unrealised gains and losses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

The company carries its investments in subsidiaries at cost less accumulated impairment.

Foreign currency

Functional and presentation currency

All items in the financial statements of the group's subsidiaries are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates ("the functional currency"). The group's consolidated financial statements are presented in Rands, which is the company's functional and presentation currency.

Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of group entities at rates of exchange ruling at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated to functional currency at the rates of exchange ruling at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for the effective interest and payments during the period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in profit or loss.

Foreign operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to South African Rand at exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to South African Rand at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Gains and losses on translation are reflected directly in equity as a Foreign Currency Translation Reserve ("FCTR").

When a foreign operation is disposed of in part or in full, the related amount in the FCTR is transferred to profit or loss.

Financial instruments

Non-derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs except for financial instruments that are classified as being carried at fair value through profit and loss. Subsequent to initial recognition, these instruments are classified according to their nature and are measured at amortised cost.

Financial instruments are classified at fair value through profit or loss if they are held for trading or are designated as such upon initial recognition. Financial instruments are designated at fair value through profit or loss if the group manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with the group's documented risk management or investment strategy. Upon initial recognition attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in profit or loss.

The group has the following non-derivative financial instruments and financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. The subsequent measurement of each financial instrument is explained in more detail below.

Trade and other receivables and loans receivable

Trade and other receivables and loans receivable are categorised as loans and receivables. These financial assets originate by the group providing goods, services or money directly to a debtor and are subsequent to initial measurement measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any accumulated impairment losses.

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held on call with banks, and investments in money market instruments, net of bank overdrafts, all of which are available for use by the group unless otherwise stated.

Outstanding cheques are included in trade and other payables.

Cash and cash equivalents are categorised in the balance sheet as loans and receivables and subsequent to initial recognition measured at amortised cost.

Derivative financial instruments

The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from operational, financing and investing activities, as well as market risk arising on cash-settled share-based compensation schemes and employee benefits. In accordance with its treasury policy, the group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value. The gain or loss arising from a change in fair value on remeasurement is recognised in profit or loss in the period in which the change arises.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date. The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date.

The fair value of option contracts is valued using the Binomial option pricing model.

Interest-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are financial liabilities with fixed or determinable payments. Subsequent to initial measurement these financial instruments are measured at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Trade and other payables

Subsequent to initial recognition, trade and other payables are measured at amortised cost.

Derecognition

Financial assets

A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or the rights to receive the contractual cash flows are transferred in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred.

Where the group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset and has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the asset is recognised to the extent of the group's continuing involvement in the asset. Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the group could be required to repay.

Financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit or loss.

Offset

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when the group has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts, and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Hedge of monetary assets and liabilities

Where a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary asset or liability, no hedge accounting is applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in profit or loss.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Non-current assets (or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities) that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use are classified as held for sale.

This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and expected to be completed within one year from classification and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition.

Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets (or components of a disposal group) are remeasured in accordance with the group's accounting policies. Thereafter assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group is first allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets and employee benefit assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with the group's accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.

Discontinued operations

Disposal groups are classified as discontinued operations where they represent a major line of business or geographical area of operations that has been disposed of or is held for sale. Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, if earlier.

Property, plant and equipment

Recognition and measurement

Items of property, plant and equipment, including owner-occupied buildings, are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Land is stated at cost less impairment losses.

Upon initial recognition assets subject to finance leases are recognised at the lower of fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Installation and other costs, which comprise materials and direct labour costs necessarily incurred in order to acquire property, plant and equipment, are also included in cost.

When parts of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

Gains or losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment, comprising the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognised in profit or loss.

Subsequent costs

Subsequent expenditure relating to an item of property, plant and equipment is capitalised when it is probable that future economic benefits embodied with the item will flow to the group and its cost can be measured reliably. All other subsequent expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.

Depreciation

Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of the asset in order to reduce the cost of the asset to its residual value. Residual value is the amount that an entity could receive for the asset at the reporting date if the asset were already of the age and the condition that it will be in when the entity expects to dispose of it. Residual value does not include expected future inflation. Land is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:

Buildings   50 years
Computer equipment   3 to 7 years
Equipment   3 to 10 years
Furniture and fittings   5 to 10 years
Motor vehicles   5 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date.

Leases

Finance leases are leases whereby substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are passed on to the lessee. Assets acquired in terms of finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the lease period, with a corresponding liability in the balance sheet. The asset and liability are initially recognised at the lower of the fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments calculated using the interest rate implicit in the lease. Related finance costs are charged to income using the effective interest method over the period of the lease.

Leases of assets under which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are effectively retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Minimum lease payments under an operating lease are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent rental escalations, such as those relating to turnover, are expensed in the year in which the escalation is determined.

Intangible assets (other than goodwill)

Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are initially recognised at cost if acquired externally, or at fair value if acquired as part of a business combination. Expenditure on internally generated development activity is capitalised if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, the group has sufficient resources to complete development, the group has intention to complete and use or sell it, it is probable that future economic benefits relating to the asset will flow to the group and the cost can be measured reliably. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the associated intangible asset. Other development expenditure is recognised in profit or loss as an expense when incurred.

No value is attached to internally developed and maintained trademarks or brand names. Expenditure incurred to maintain trademarks and brand names is recognised in profit and loss as incurred.

Intangible assets which have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment. Intangible assets that are assessed as having a finite useful life, are amortised over their useful lives on a straight-line basis from the date they become available for use and tested for impairment if indications exist that they may be impaired. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortised and are tested annually for impairment.

 The estimated useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives are as follows:

Capitalised software development   5 to 10 years
Purchased computer software   3 to 5 years
Trademarks   on the basis of the anticipated benefits expected from each trademark

Amortisation methods, residual values and remaining useful lives of intangible assets with finite useful lives are reassessed annually.

Goodwill

All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase accounting method.

Goodwill represents the premium on acquisition of subsidiaries arising from the difference between the purchase price paid and the group's interest in the fair value of the net identifiable assets, including contingent liabilities, acquired at the date of the transaction.

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. It is not amortised, but is tested annually for impairment.

Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The calculation of the gain or loss on disposal of a subsidiary includes the balance of the goodwill relating to the subsidiary disposed of.

Inventories

Merchandise for resale is valued on the weighted average cost basis and is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchase, conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition and is stated net of purchase incentives. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs to complete and sell the product. The cost of merchandise sold includes normal shrinkage, wastage and inventory losses. Obsolete, redundant and slow moving inventories are identified on a regular basis and are written down to their net realisable value. The carrying amount of inventory is recognised as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognised.

Impairment of assets

Non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the group's non-financial assets other than inventories (see accounting policy note for inventories), and deferred tax assets (see accounting policy note for deferred tax), are reviewed at each year-end and half-year reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such an indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.

For goodwill, intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each year-end and half-year reporting date.

Whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

As goodwill is not capable of generating cash flows independently of other assets, in assessing the recoverable amount of goodwill, the goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis. Where appropriate, corporate assets are also allocated to cash-generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis. The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (including an allocation of goodwill and corporate assets) is assessed with reference to the future cash flows of the cash-generating unit. Where an impairment is identified for a cash-generating unit, the impairment is applied first to the goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit and then to other assets on a pro rata basis comprising the cash-generating unit provided that each identifiable asset is not reduced to below its recoverable amount.

Recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. Recoverable amounts are estimated for individual assets or, if an asset does not generate largely independent cash flows, for a cash-generating unit. A cash-generating unit is the smallest collection of assets capable of generating cash flows independent of other assets or other cash-generating units.

The fair value less cost to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset or cash-generating unit in an arm's length transaction. Value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset or cash-generating unit and from its disposal at the end of its useful life. The estimated future cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or the cash-generating unit.

Reversal of impairment losses

Impairment losses recognised in prior years are assessed at each reporting date for any indicators that the losses have decreased or no longer exist. Reversals of impairment losses recognised in prior years are recorded when there is an indication that the impairment losses recognised for the asset no longer exist or have decreased, either as a result of an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised or if there has been a change in the estimates used to calculate the recoverable amount.

An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the affected asset is not increased to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years. The reversal is recorded as income in profit and loss.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is never reversed.

Financial assets

At each balance sheet date, an assessment is made as to whether objective evidence exists that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of the asset.

 An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Share capital

Ordinary share capital

Ordinary share capital represents the par value of ordinary shares issued.

Share premium

Share premium represents the excess consideration received by the company over the par value of ordinary shares issued, and is classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effect.

Treasury shares

Ordinary shares in Clicks Group Limited which have been acquired by the group in terms of an approved share repurchase programme or are held by the Share Incentive Trust are classified as treasury shares. The cost of these shares is deducted from equity and the number of shares is deducted from the weighted average number of shares. Dividends received on treasury shares are eliminated on consolidation.

When treasury shares are sold or reissued, the amount received is recognised as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to or from distributable reserves.

Upon settlement (take up) of the share options by employees, the difference between the proceeds received from the employees and the cost price of shares is accounted for directly in equity.

Capitalisation share awards and cash distributions

The full value of capitalisation share awards and cash distributions are recorded as a liability and as a deduction from equity in the statement of changes in equity when declared and paid. Upon allotment of shares in terms of a capitalisation award, the election amounts are transferred to the share capital account and share premium account.

Capital distributions received on treasury shares are recorded as a reduction in the cost of the treasury shares.

The related Secondary Tax on Companies ("STC") liability is recorded in the year of its deduction and payment.

Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits

The cost of all short-term employee benefits is recognised as an expense during the period in which the employee renders the related service.

Accruals for employee entitlements to wages, salaries, bonuses, annual and sick leave represent the amount which the group has a present obligation to pay as a result of employees' services provided to the balance sheet date. The accruals have been calculated at undiscounted amounts based on current wage and salary rates.

Other long-term employee benefits

Liabilities for long-term employee benefits, other than pension plans, which are not due to be settled within twelve months, are discounted to present value using the market yields, at the balance sheet date, on high quality bonds with maturity dates that most closely match the terms of maturity of the group's related liabilities.

Defined contribution retirement funds

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts.

The group operates a retirement scheme comprising a number of defined contribution funds in South Africa, the assets of which are held in separate trustee-administered funds. The retirement schemes are funded by payments from employees and the relevant group entity. Obligations for contributions to these funds are recognised as an expense in profit or loss as incurred. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or reduction in future payments is available.

Post-retirement medical aid benefits – defined benefit plans

A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan.

The group's obligation to provide post-retirement medical aid benefits to certain employees is calculated by estimating the amount of future benefit that qualifying employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. This benefit is discounted to determine its present value, using a discount rate based on the market yields, at the balance sheet date, on high quality bonds with maturity dates that most closely match the terms of maturity of the group's obligation. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the calculation results in a benefit to the group, the recognised asset is limited to the net total of any unrecognised past service costs and present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in the future contributions to the plan.

The portion of benefits relating to past service by employees is recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the average vesting period. To the extent that the benefits are already vested, past service costs are recognised immediately.

The group recognises actuarial gains or losses from defined benefit plans immediately in profit or loss.

Equity-settled share-based compensation benefits

The group grants share options to certain employees under an employee share plan. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using the Binomial option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions under which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity is adjusted at each reporting date to reflect the actual number of share options that vest or are expected to vest.

Cash-settled share-based compensation benefits

The group grants share appreciation rights to certain employees in terms of an incentive programme. The value of the obligation in terms of the share appreciation rights is expensed over the vesting period of the rights and the related liability is raised. These share appreciation rights are valued at fair value at each reporting date and until settlement date by an independent expert, using the Binomial option pricing model. Any change in the fair value of the liability is recognised in profit or loss.

Long-term incentive scheme

The group grants cash-settled appreciation rights to management in terms of a long-term incentive scheme. The liability which is not expected to be settled within twelve months is discounted to present value using market yields, at the balance sheet date, on high quality bonds with maturity dates that most closely match the terms of maturity of the group's related liabilities. Any difference between projected performance and actual performance is recognised through an actuarial loss/(gain) based on the projected unit credit method which is recognised in profit or loss.

Provisions

A provision is recognised when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount of a provision is determined by discounting the anticipated future cash flows expected to be required to settle the obligation at a pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability.

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the group from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting the obligations under the contract. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of terminating the contract and net cost of continuing with the contract. Before a provision is established, the group recognises any impairment loss on the asset associated with that contract.

Provisions are reviewed at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.

Guarantees

A financial guarantee is a contract that requires the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument.

These financial guarantees are classified as insurance contracts as defined in IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts". A liability is recognised when it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the contract and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognised is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the contract at the balance sheet date. Where the effect of discounting is material, the liability is discounted. The discount rate used is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

The group performs liability adequacy tests on financial guarantee contract liabilities to ensure that the carrying amount of the liability is sufficient in view of estimated future cash flows. When performing the liability adequacy test, the group discounts all expected contractual cash flows and compares this amount to the carrying value of the liability. Where a shortfall is identified, an additional provision is made.

Revenue

Turnover

Turnover comprises net sales to customers and merchandise sold to franchisees through the group's supply arrangements. Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable net of returns, trade discounts and volume rebates, and is stated exclusive of value-added and general sales tax. Revenue from sales is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer, there is no continuing managerial involvement, costs can be measured reliably, and receipt of the future economic benefits is probable.

Revenue recognition – ClubCard

The group operates a loyalty scheme through Clicks' ClubCard. The card allows customers to accumulate ClubCard points that entitle them, subject to certain criteria, to vouchers that may be redeemed in-store. The fair value attributed to the credits awarded is deferred as a liability and recognised as revenue on redemption of the vouchers by customers. Refer to "Impact of new International Financial Reporting Standards" note in this section for impact of the change in policy.

Financial income

Financial income comprises interest income, dividend income and gains from changes in fair value of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. Interest income is recognised in profit or loss on a time proportion basis, taking account of the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate over the period to maturity, when it is probable that such income will accrue to the group. Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Distribution and logistics fee income

Revenue in respect of services rendered is recognised in profit or loss as the services are rendered.

Franchise fee and other recovery income

Franchise fee and other recovery income is recognised in profit or loss when the group becomes entitled to the income or when it is virtually certain that the conditions required to be fulfilled before payment is received will be fulfilled.

Rental income

Income from operating leases in respect of property is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Financial expenses

Financial expenses comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method, unwinding of the discount on provisions and long-term employee benefits, losses from changes in fair value of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, and gains and losses on interest rate swaps.

 The group has elected not to capitalise borrowing costs on qualifying assets.

The interest expense component of finance lease payments is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

Income taxes

Income tax expense on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity in which case the tax is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable profit for the current year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method. Full provision is made for all temporary differences between the tax value of an asset or liability and its carrying amount for financial reporting purposes, except the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that they probably will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and tax losses to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and tax losses can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Secondary Tax on Companies

Secondary Tax on Companies ("STC") arising on net dividends paid is recognised as a tax charge in the same year as the liability to pay the related dividend.

Segment reporting

 A segment is a distinguishable component of the group that is engaged either in providing products or services, or in providing goods or services within a particular economic environment, which is subject to risks and rewards that are distinguishable from those of other segments. The group is organised into trading business units which in turn are categorised broadly between distribution and retail and presented on this basis. The group operates exclusively within the southern African region and has therefore not presented geographical segment information.

Segment operating profit includes revenue and expenses directly attributable and the relevant portion of enterprise revenue and expenses that can be allocated on a reasonable basis, whether from external transactions or from transactions with other group segments. Inter-segment transfer pricing is based on cost plus an appropriate margin.

Segment assets and liabilities comprise those assets and liabilities that are directly attributable or can be allocated to the segment on a reasonable basis.

 Segmental capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets.

Earnings per share

The group presents basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the dilutive effects of all share options granted to employees.

Recent accounting developments

Impact of new International Financial Reporting Standards

Standards, amendments and interpretations effective for 2009

Clicks Group adopted the following IFRSs and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations in the current financial year. Where there has been an impact on the financial statements this is described further in the table below.

Standard/Interpretation Standard's name Impact
IAS 39 and IFRS 7 amendment Reclassification of Financial Assets No financial impact
IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements No financial impact
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes Financial impact disclosed in note 36
IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding No financial impact
  Requirements and their Interaction  

Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective and under review as to their effect on the group

The International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and IFRIC issued the following standards, amendments and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements which management believe could impact the group in future periods.

Standard/Interpretation Standard's name Impact
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements No financial impact but increased disclosure
IAS 23 Borrowing Costs Immaterial financial impact anticipated
IAS 32 & IAS 1 Financial instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation No financial impact
  of Financial Statements: Puttable Financial Instruments and  
  Obligations arising on Liquidiation  
IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements No financial impact
IAS 39 Eligible Hedged Items No financial impact
IAS 39 Embedded Derivatives No financial impact
IFRS 1 Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or No financial impact
  Associate  
IFRS 2 Share-based Payment: Vesting Conditions and Cancellations Immaterial financial impact
    anticipated
IFRS 3 Business Combinations Potential financial impact (see below)
IFRS 7 Improving Financial Disclosures about Financial Instruments Increased disclosure
IFRS 8 Operating Segments Increased disclosure (see below)
IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate No financial impact
IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation No financial impact
IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners No financial impact
IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers No financial impact
  Improvements to IFRSs 2008 Immaterial financial impact
    anticipated, increased disclosure
  Improvements to IFRSs 2009 Immaterial financial impact
    anticipated, increased disclosure

IAS 23 (amended) "Borrowing Costs"

The revised IAS 23 eliminates the option of immediate recognition as an expense of borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset and will be effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

The group has evaluated the effect of this standard and does not expect the adoption thereof will materially impact the group financial statements.

IAS 38 (amended) "Intangible assets"

The revised IAS 38 was amended as part of the improvements to IFRSs issued in 2008. The amendment requires costs to be recognised when the entity has access to the goods and a supplier could demand payment. The group purchases certain marketing materials in advance of their date of use and this expenditure may have to be recognised earlier than has been the practice to date.

The group has evaluated the effect of this standard and does not expect the adoption thereof will materially impact the group financial statements.

IFRS 3 "Business Combinations", IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements"

The revised IFRS 3 and IAS 27 will be adopted by the group for the first time for its financial reporting period ending 31 August 2010.

IFRS 3 applies to all new business combinations that occur after 1 July 2010. In future all transaction costs will be expensed and contingent purchase consideration will be recognised at fair value at acquisition date. For successive share purchases, any gain or loss for the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the previously held equity interest in the acquiree will be recognised in profit or loss.

The IAS 27 amendments will require the effects of all transactions with non-controlling interests to be reconciled in equity if there is no change in control. They will no longer result in goodwill or gains and losses. The standard also specifies when control is lost any remaining interest in the entity is remeasured to fair value and a gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss.

The amendments to IAS 27 also require that losses (including negative "other comprehensive income" as detailed in the revised IAS 1) have to be allocated to the non-controlling interest even if doing so causes the non-controlling interest to be in a deficit position. The group will in future change its accounting policies on the allocation of losses to non‑controlling interests.

IFRS 8 "Operating Segments"

IFRS 8 extends the scope of segmental reporting, requiring additional disclosure and will be effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009. The standard requires the group to adopt the "management approach" to reporting segment information basing this on the group’s internal management reporting data. The standard will impact group disclosure in the audited financial statements.