IAS 28, Investments in Associates - A Closer Look

Abstract

International Accounting Standard (IAS) 28, Investments in Associates, prescribes the circumstances in which investors must use the equity method of accounting for investments in associates. In July 1986, the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) issued the Exposure Draft E28, Accounting for Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. In April 1989, the IASC issued IAS 28, Accounting for Investments in Associates, effective from January 1, 1990. IAS 28 was reformatted in 1994, and amended in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In December 1998, IAS 28 was amended by IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, effective from January 1, 2001. In April 2001, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) resolved that all Standards and Interpretation issued under previous Constitutions continued to be applicable unless and until they were amended or withdrawn. On December 18, 2003, the IASB issued a revised IAS 28 with a new title - Investments in Associates, effective from January 1, 2005. On January 10, 2008, the IASB issued some significant revisions of IAS 28 as a result of the Business Combinations Phase II Project relating to loss of significant influence. On May 22, 2008, IAS 28 was amended for Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2007 about impairment testing. The effective date of May 2008 amendments to IAS 28 was fixed as January 1, 2009. The effective date of January 2008 amendments to IAS 28 was fixed as July 1, 2009.