COVID-19 had a significant impact on the performance of the Group and is expected to continue to do so for at least the remainder of the calendar year, given the fluid and challenging environment. The mandatory lockdown measures imposed to curb the pandemic resulted in the closure of a significant number of the Group's which all led to a decreased overall demand in the short-term. The uncertainty of the effects of COVID-19 on future cash flows has necessitated the use of judgements and assumptions in estimating the impact on the carrying value of certain assets, in applying the accounting policies in the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements. Accordingly, an impairment charge has been recognised for the supplier relationship intangibles in the BZAMM territories of R708 million. This was as a result of lower expected short and long-term growth rates in these regions negatively impacted on expected mining and construction activity levels which drive the cash flows of this CGU. Further, the higher discount rate applied to these lower forecast cash flows was a primary driver of the impairment recognised for the current year.

The Equipment South Africa and Russia indefinite life intangible assets classified as Supplier Relationship are in relation to a dealer agreement which has no fixed termination date. The indefinite useful life is supported by Barloworld's long standing relationship with Caterpillar Incorporated (CAT), as the exclusive CAT mining equipment dealer in South Africa, BZAMM and parts of Russia.

The key assumptions used in the value-in-use calculation for the CGUs shown above are as follows:

At each impairment testing interval a discounted cash flow valuation model is applied using a five-year strategic plan as approved by the board. The financial plans are the quantification of strategies derived from the use of a common strategic planning process followed across the Group adjusted for the estimated impact of COVID-19 on the various businesses in the medium term and the expected prolonged recovery from this global crisis which has impacted long term growth rates across our businesses. The process ensures that significant risks and sensitivities are appropriately considered and factored into strategic plans.

The discount rate applied to the five year forecast period has been outlined for each cash generating unit in the table below. Discount rates applied to cash flow projections are based on a country or region-specific discount rate, dependent upon the location of cash-generating segment operations. As at 30 September 2020 there was a marked increase in discount rates as a result of increased risk free rates used within the discount rate calculations together with higher country risk premiums across the territories in which we operate.