Pooling and goodwill amortisation to end in the US

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04 Jul 2001

FASB has voted unanimously to approve FAS 141, Business Combinations, and FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Under FAS 141, all business combinations must be accounted for using the purchase method.

The pooling-of-interests method (called uniting of interests in IAS 22) is prohibited. Effective for business combinations initiated after 30 June 2001.
  • Under FAS 142, goodwill will not be amortised but must be tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level based on fair value measurements. Effective for financial years beginning after 15 December 2001, early adoption permitted, retroactive application not permitted.
    • More information at FASB Website. Concurrently, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board approved standards on Business Combinations and Goodwill and Other Intangibles that are consistent with those in the US. Other standard-setters, including those in Australia and New Zealand, have also banned pooling. IASB has identified convergence on business combinations as a high priority potential agenda project.

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