Intangible assets are considered to be any specifically identifiable non-monetary assets which have been acquired from third parties or developed by the Group. Only those whose cost can be estimated in an objective way and from which future economic profits are expected are recognised.

Intangible assets are initially recognised at acquisition or production cost and are subsequently measured at cost less, as appropriate, their accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses they have suffered.

Any assets deemed to contribute indefinitely to the generation of profits are considered to have an indefinite useful life. The remaining intangible assets are considered have a “finite useful life”.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortised and are hence subjected to the “impairment test” at least once a year (see Note 4.4).

Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortised according to the straight-line method on the basis of the estimated years of useful life of the asset in question.

The following are the main items recognised under the “Intangible assets” heading:

  1. “Concessions, patents and trademarks” basically reflect the disbursements made by Gran Círculo de Madrid, S.A. for the refurbishment and remodelling of the building where the Casino de Madrid is located. The amortisation of such works is calculated on a straight-line basis by taking into account the term of the concession for operating and managing the services provided in the building where the Casino de Madrid is located, which finalises on 1 January 2037. Furthermore, this item includes the brands of the Grupo Royal with a useful life of 20 years.
  2. “Computer applications” include the costs incurred by the Group Companies in the acquisition and development of various computer software programmes acquired by the different consolidated companies. The amortisation of software applications is performed using the straight-line method at a rate of 20-25% per year.
  3. On the other hand, as a consequence of entering into the consolidation of Hoteles Royal, S.A., operating rights of the hotel portfolio for 35 years were recognised within this concept.