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The amended definition emphasises that the output of a business is to provide goods and services to customers, whereas the previous definition focused on returns in the form of dividends, lower costs or other economic benefits to investors and others. In addition to amending the wording of the definition, the Board has provided supplementary guidance.
Distinguishing between a business and a group of assets is important because an acquirer recognises goodwill only when acquiring a business.
The amendments arose from a post-implementation review (PIR) of IFRS 3, an assessment carried out to determine whether an IFRS Standard works as intended. Following feedback from the PIR, the IASB is also working on another project linked to IFRS 3 in which it is exploring possible improvements to the accounting for goodwill.
Companies are required to apply the amended definition of a business to acquisitions that occur on or after 1 January 2020. Earlier application is permitted.