Due to the particular significance of the amortization of intangible assets since having acquired Serono, this is reported under a separate item. This item primarily comprises amortization and impairment losses in connection with the allocation of the Serono purchase price. To a lesser extent this item also includes amortization of other intangible assets, for example from milestone payments. Amortization of software is not disclosed here, but is allocated to operating expenses instead. In 2009, this item includes impairment losses of € 71.5 million for the license rights to Puregon® and Enbrel® and capitalized as part of the Serono purchase price allocation. In 2008, such impairment losses, totaling € 42.9 million, were reported under Exceptional items.
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