“The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it back in your pocket.” Frank McKinney Hubbard, Cartoonist, Humorist and Journalist
The process of analyzing merger and acquisition opportunities consists of three phases known as planning, search and screen, and financial evaluation. The analysis should answer the following six questions in detail:
- What is the maximum price that should be paid for the acquisition?
- How was that price calculated?
- What are the principal areas of risk?
- What are the cash flow, earnings and balance sheet implications?
- What is the best way of financing the acquisition?
- What is the projected payback period and Return-On-Investment (ROI) after the purchase?
Acquisition versus Purchase Method of Accounting
A business combination is defined as a transaction where the entire business is purchased. In our article titled “Acquisition Method of Accounting as a Tool for Forming Strategic Partnerships,” we recommended that the purchaser use the “Acquisition Method” of accounting to optimize the value of the transaction to both the buyer and seller.
An asset purchase is when either a single asset or group of assets is purchased and both the buyer and seller remain owners of their separate businesses.
The buyer purchases individual assets such as equipment, fixtures, leaseholds or licenses. Asset sales normally do not include cash and the seller typically retains any long-term debt obligations.
For example, the purchase of an entire company including all its operations will use the “Acquisition Method” of accounting and the purchase of a single machine will use the “Purchase Method” of accounting.
How to Determine Which Method to Use
The following three steps are critical in determining which accounting method to use according to the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PWC):
- Identify the elements in the acquired group (the assets purchased and processes transferred).
- Assess the capability of the elements to generate economic benefits.
- Assess the impact of any missing elements on a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits
Below are the primary determinants:
| Business Combination | Asset Acquisition |
| Key business processes acquired | No processes acquired or only administrative processes acquired |
| A market participant could manage the assets to provide a return to its owners | A market participant could not manage the assets to provide a return to its owners without combining them with other assets |
| Key elements are missing but can be easily replicated or obtained | Key elements are missing and cannot be easily replicated or obtained |
| Key employees hired | No employees hired |
| Able to produce “Day 1” outputs | Not able to create economic benefits |
| Presence of liabilities and/or goodwill | No goodwill present |
| Area | Business Combination | Asset Acquisition |
| Measurement of assets and liabilities | Fair value | Allocate purchase consideration based on relative fair values |
| Transaction costs | Expense | Capitalize |
| Contingent Consideration | Generally, record at fair value; mark to market through P&L post-close if a liability | Generally, record when probable and reasonably estimable |
| In-Process Research & Development | Capitalize as an indefinite asset until the project is completed or abandoned | Expense assuming no alternative future use |
| Goodwill | Recognize as standalone asset | Cannot be recognized |
| Acquired contingencies | Recognize at fair value if determinable; otherwise, when probable and reasonably estimable | Generally, record when probable and reasonably estimable |
| Assembled workforce | Absorbed in goodwill | Recognize as a standalone asset |
Source pwc.com
Risk Management
We recommend the buyer use the Purchase Method when it is believed the risk of acquiring the entire business including all its existing and potential liabilities exceeds the value of the company. This method is also recommended when the buyer only wants to purchase a particular asset such as a patent or single product line.
The financial effects of acquisitions can be very complex. It is highly recommended that you consult with a professional before embarking on this journey.
How We Can Help You
Pacific Crest Group (PCG) provides professional services that keep your business focused on your critical objectives. We provide strategic Accounting and Human Resource (HR) services created specifically to help you meet your goals. Through exemplary customer service, clearly defined policies and procedures as well as a forward looking perspective, we provide the outsourced solutions your business needs to grow. A PCG professional is happy to meet with you to discuss solutions for your unique requirements designed to maximize all of your business opportunities.