Virgin Media 2008 Annual Report Download - page 53

new products and services, and changes in the manner that installations or construction activities are
performed.
Restructuring Costs
As of January 1, 2003, we adopted FASB Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities, or FAS 146, and recognize a liability for costs associated with restructuring
activities when the liability is incurred. The adoption of FAS 146 did not have a significant effect on
our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Prior to 2003, we recognized a liability for costs associated with restructuring activities at the time
a commitment to restructure was given, in accordance with EITF 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain
Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a
Restructuring), or EITF 94-3. Liabilities for costs associated with restructuring activities initiated prior to
January 1, 2003 continue to be accounted for under EITF 94-3.
In relation to our restructuring activities, we have recorded a liability of £55.0 million as of
December 31, 2008 relating to lease exit costs of properties that we have vacated. In calculating the
liability, we make a number of estimates and assumptions including the timing of ultimate disposal of
the properties, our ability to sublet the properties either in part or as a whole, amounts of sublet rental
income achievable including any incentives required to be given in subleases, amounts of lease
termination costs, and discount rates.
Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes is based on our current period income, changes in deferred income
tax assets and liabilities, income tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available in the jurisdictions
in which we operate. From time to time, we engage in transactions in which the tax consequences may
be subject to some uncertainty. Examples of such transactions include business acquisitions and
disposals, issues related to consideration paid or received in connection with acquisitions, and certain
financing transactions. Significant judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences
of these transactions. We prepare and file tax returns based on our interpretation of tax laws and
regulations and record estimates based on these judgments and interpretations.
At each period end, we make certain estimates and assumptions to compute the provision for
income taxes including, but not limited to, the expected operating income (or loss) for the year,
projections of the proportion of income (or loss) earned and taxed in the U.K. and the extent to which
this income (or loss) may also be taxed in the U.S., permanent and temporary differences, the
likelihood of deferred tax assets being recovered and the outcome of contingent tax risks. In the
normal course of business, our tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities.
Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities for
uncertain tax positions taken in respect to matters such as business acquisitions and disposals and
certain financing transactions including intercompany transactions, amongst others, and we accrue a
liability when we believe an assessment is more likely than not and the amount is estimable. The
impacts of revisions to these estimates are recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the period in
which they become known. Accordingly, the accounting estimates used to compute the provision for
income taxes have and will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional
information is obtained and as our tax environment changes.
Business Combinations
We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and
intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. We engage third party
appraisal firms to assist us in determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
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