M&A – Post-Transaction Compliance
Compliance becomes crucial after the transaction. Asset allocation involves assigning fair values to acquired assets. Purchase accounting ensures that the transaction is reflected correctly in financial statements and calculates actual net working capital. Federal, state, and local tax compliance ensures that all tax obligations are prepared following the transaction.
For each underlined above have the following:
- Asset Allocation: This involves assigning fair values to all the acquired assets and liabilities of the target company. Proper asset allocation is crucial for accurate financial reporting and can have significant tax implications. The allocation determines the depreciation and amortization expenses in future financial statements, which can affect the company’s tax liabilities and net income.
- Purchase Accounting: After the transaction is completed, purchase accounting ensures that the acquisition is properly reflected in the acquiring company’s financial statements. This involves recognizing the acquired assets and liabilities at their fair values on the acquisition date. Goodwill or other intangible assets may also be recognized, depending on the purchase price relative to the fair value of net assets acquired. Purchase accounting is essential for providing a clear and accurate picture of the financial impact of the acquisition.
- Federal, State, and Local Tax Compliance: Following the transaction, it is essential to meet all tax obligations at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes filing necessary tax returns, paying any outstanding tax liabilities, and ensuring compliance with ongoing tax obligations related to the acquisition. Proper tax compliance helps avoid penalties and ensures that the transaction remains financially advantageous. This step also involves coordinating with tax advisors to optimize the tax position post-acquisition, considering aspects like state nexus issues, changes in tax rates, and new deductions or credits available to the combined entity.