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 total of all subsidiaries not included in the consolidated financial statements does not exceed 1 % of the overall value of the balance sheet total, revenue, annual net profit and Group equity. They are recognised under non-current financial assets. 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 offsetting 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 and gains or losses are recognized directly in equity without affecting profit and loss.

If there is a loss of control, a profit or loss is recognised from the disposal of the subsidiary and the remaining shares are recognised at fair value at the time of the loss of control. They are then recognised either at fair value or at equity in subsequent periods.

The effects of intragroup transactions are eliminated in full.