sain t-gobain annu al report 2008 annual report

II - Justification of our assessments
Accounting estimates used for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008
have been made in the context of a sharp deterioration in the general economic and financial environment which makes
assessing the business outlook difficult, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements (Estimates
and assumptions). Against this backdrop, and in accordance with the requirements of article L.823-9 of the French Commercial
Code (Code de commerce) relating to the justification of our assessments, we bring to your attention the following matters:
Measurement of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
The Group regularly carries out impairment tests on its property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets,
and also assesses whether there is any indication of impairment of property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible
assets, based on the methods described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements (section “Impairment of assets”).
We examined the methods applied in implementing these tests and the estimates and assumptions used, and we verified
that the information disclosed in Note 1 is appropriate.
Employee benefits
The methods applied for assessing employee benefits are set out in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements (section
“Employee benefits – defined benefit plans”). These benefit obligations were reviewed by independent actuaries. Our work
consisted of assessing the data and assumptions used, examining, on a test basis, the calculations performed and verifying
that the information disclosed in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements is appropriate.
Provisions
As specified in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements (section “Other current and non-current liabilities and provisions”),
the Group books provisions to cover risks. The types of provisions recorded under “Other non-current liabilities and provisions”
are described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. Based on the information available at the time of our audit,
we ensured that the methods and data used to determine provisions, particularly that relating to the European Commission’s
decision concerning the automotive glass industry, as well as the disclosures regarding said provisions provided in the notes
to the consolidated financial statements, are appropriate.
These assessments were made in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
and therefore contributed to the unqualified opinion we formed which is expressed in the first part of this report.
III - Specific verification
As required by law, we have also verified the information given in the Group’s management report. We have no matters to report
as to its fair presentation and its consistency with the consolidated financial statements.
Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris La Défense, March 19, 2009
The Statutory Auditors
184
PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
KPMG Audit
Division of KPMG S.A.
Pierre Coll Rémi Didier Jean Gatinaud Jean-Paul Vellutini
Saint-Gobain – Financial Report 2008