The merger of the operations of Aerospatiale-Matra (“ASM”), DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (“Dasa”) and Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. (“CASA”), leading to the creation of EADS in 2000, was recorded using the purchase method of accounting with ASM as the acquirer. Accordingly, the book value of certain assets and liabilities, mainly property, plant and equipment and inventories, was adjusted by an aggregate amount of €1.8 billion, net of income taxes, to allocate a portion of the respective fair market values of Dasa and CASA at the time of the merger (the “fair value adjustments”). These aggregate additions in value are generally being depreciated over four to fifteen years for fixed assets and amortised over approximately 24 months for inventories. In addition, in 2001 in connection with the formation of Airbus S.A.S., EADS adjusted the book value of Airbus fixed assets and inventories by an aggregate amount of €0.3 billion, net of income taxes, to reflect their fair market values. The fair value adjustments lead to a depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of income classified within cost of sales. For management reporting purposes, EADS treats these depreciation charges as non-recurring items in EBIT pre-goodwill impairment and exceptionals. See “Measurement of Management’s Performance — Use of EBIT*”.