2. Consolidation principles

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of HHLA and its significant subsidiaries as of 31 December of each financial year. The assets and liabilities of the domestic and foreign companies consolidated in full or using the equity method are recognised in accordance with the uniform accounting and valuation principles applied in the HHLA Group.

Capital is consolidated at the time of acquisition by setting off the acquisition costs of the investment against the pro rata fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed by the subsidiaries. Previously unreported intangible assets, which can be included in the accounts under IFRS 3 in conjunction with IAS 38, and contingent liabilities are recognised at fair value.

Any positive difference arising in the course of this initial consolidation is capitalised as goodwill and subjected to an annual impairment test. Following a critical assessment, any negative difference is posted to profit and loss. For a detailed explanation of the impairment testing procedure used, please refer to Note 6 and Note 7.

Equity interests held by third parties outside the Group are shown in the balance sheet under the item non-controlling interests within equity capital, see also Note 3 and Note 35.

Non-controlling interests are valued at the time of acquisition using the relevant share of the acquired company’s identifiable net assets. Changes in the Group’s shareholding in a subsidiary which do not lead to a loss of control are recorded in the balance sheet as equity transactions.

Gains or losses from the disposal of non-controlling interests in consolidated companies are likewise recognised directly in equity without effect on profit and loss insofar as the transaction does not lead to a loss of control. In the case of a loss of control, the remaining interests are measured at fair value or, if applicable, using the equity method.

The effects of intragroup transactions are eliminated in full.