As per IAS 36, where an asset cannot be assessed for its recoverable amount individually it can be assessed as part of a cash generating unit. The impairment is written off against the assets by allocating first against goodwill then against other assets on a prorated basis.
However, goodwill only appears on group financial statements rather than on individual subsidiaries’ books. Does it mean that impairment is only required for group accounts? Or, impairment is first done on subsidiary level then again on group level?
1. Parent must consider CA of it’s ‘investment in subsidiary’. 2. Subsidiary must consider CA of it’s assets (which will not include goodwill). 3. Group accounts must consider CA of it’s subsidiary (Net assets plus goodwill).