1. Basic information

Geberit is an international group that focuses on the sanitary industry and, specifically, the areas of sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. The Group’s product range consists of the Installation and Flushing Systems, Piping Systems and Bathroom Systems product areas. Worldwide, the vast majority of its products are sold through the wholesale channel. Geberit sells its products in 120 countries. The Group is present in 53 countries with its own sales employees.

The consolidated financial statements include Geberit AG and all companies under its control (“the Group” or “Geberit”). The Group eliminates all intra-group transactions as part of the Group consolidation process. A company is consolidated for the first time or deconsolidated from the date on which the Group exercises or loses control over this company.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as published by the IASB (IFRS Accounting Standards).

The term “MCHF” in these consolidated financial statements refers to millions of Swiss francs, “MEUR” refers to millions of euros, “MGBP” refers to millions of British pounds sterling and “MUSD” refers to millions of US dollars. The term “shareholders” refers to the shareholders of Geberit AG.

Main sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results can differ from estimates. Estimates and assumptions are continually reviewed and based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the prevailing circumstances.

Important estimates (with the related uncertainties) were primarily made in the following areas:

• Assumptions underlying impairment testing of goodwill items and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life (Note 11)
• Assumptions underlying the capitalisation of development costs (Note 26)
• Assumptions underlying the recognition of defined benefit pension plans (Note 16)
• Assumptions underlying the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities (Note 18)
• Assumptions underlying valuation of provisions (Note 13, Note 19)