Goodwill

The excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired over the purchase consideration in a business combination, now termed a bargain purchase gain under current standards. Under IFRS 3, negative goodwill is recognised immediately in profit or loss after the acquirer reassesses the identification and measurement of all assets and liabilities.

An approach to measuring goodwill in a business combination where the acquirer recognises goodwill only in proportion to its ownership interest, rather than attributing goodwill to the non-controlling interest. Under IFRS 3, acquirers have a choice on a transaction-by-transaction basis to measure non-controlling interests either at fair value (full goodwill) or at the NCI's proportionate share of identifiable net assets (partial goodwill).

A non-cash charge recorded when the carrying value of goodwill on the balance sheet exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Goodwill impairment testing, required annually under IFRS and US GAAP, often signals that the intangible value anticipated at the time of acquisition — including synergies, customer relationships, and growth potential — has not been realised.

An approach to measuring goodwill in a business combination where goodwill is recognised for both the acquirer's share and the non-controlling interest's share, resulting in a higher total goodwill figure. Under ASC 805, the full goodwill method is mandatory for all business combinations.

The US GAAP standard governing the subsequent measurement of goodwill and other intangible assets after initial recognition in a business combination. ASC 350 requires annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, permits an optional qualitative assessment before performing the quantitative impairment test, and provides guidance on the amortisation of finite-lived intangible assets.

The mandatory annual assessment (and more frequent assessment when indicators exist) of whether the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its recoverable amount. Under IAS 36, goodwill is tested at the cash generating unit level by comparing the unit's carrying amount (including allocated goodwill) with its recoverable amount.

The intangible premium that a business commands above the fair value of its net tangible assets, reflecting factors such as brand strength, regulatory licences, customer loyalty, and market position. Franchise value is a critical concept in financial services and regulated industries where the right to operate carries significant economic worth.

The International Accounting Standard governing the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of intangible assets. IAS 38 requires that an intangible asset be identifiable, controlled by the entity, and expected to generate future economic benefits.

What is purchase price allocation (PPA)?

PPA is the process of allocating the total price paid in a business acquisition across the acquired company's identifiable tangible assets, intangible assets, liabilities, and goodwill.

What is the difference between goodwill and intangible assets?

Goodwill is the residual value paid above the fair value of all identifiable net assets in an acquisition. Intangible assets are specific, identifiable non-physical assets like brands, patents, and customer relationships.

What is an intangible asset?

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-physical asset that generates economic value — such as patents, brands, customer relationships, software, and proprietary data.