A method of accounting whereby the buyer includes the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities in its balance sheet at their fair value at the date of acquisition; profits (or losses) generated by the acquired business are profit and loss account only from the date of acquisition; and the difference between the fair value of the consideration (and any deferred consideration) and the fair value of the net assets acquired is accounted for as purchased goodwill.
Related links
Practical Law Dictionary. Glossary of UK, US and international legal terms. www.practicallaw.com. 2010.