Certain allowances and discounts, granted to trade
chains, distributors, retailers and consumers for services
rendered to the Group concerning trade and consumer
promotions, selling, distribution, advertising etc. were
previously reported as expenses under marketing and
administration expenses as well as distribution expenses
on grounds that they are incurred to generate sales.
These allowances and discounts, as from 1 January 2011,
are disclosed as a deduction of sales in conformity with
the practice generally applied by consumer goods
companies. The impact of this change for the year ended
31 December 2010 is a reduction in distribution expenses
of CHF 432 million as well as marketing and administration
expenses of CHF 16 166 million. Moreover, a separate line
for other revenues such as license fees received from third
parties has been added to the Income Statement, for an
amount of CHF 109 million for this same period. The total
impact is a reduction in sales of CHF 16 707 million. 2010
comparatives have been restated accordingly.