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   Purchase Accounting
   















 

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Purchase Accounting

The easiest method of accounting to adopt for a merger, consolidation or other corporate combination. The original or depreciated cost of assets of the acquired company are written up or down to reflect as much as possible of any acquisition premium or discount. Any remaining acquisition premium is accounted for as good will, which must be amortized against earnings over a forty year period. See also Pooling of Interests.

Glossary * P