Module I· Three-Statement Mechanics & LinkagesAdvanced
Question

Acquisition for 200 (100 cash, 100 new debt) of a target with 80 book value — 3-statement impact at closing?

Answer

Asset deal or PPA logic — the buyer capitalizes the target's net assets at fair value, and the difference to the purchase price is goodwill (here: 200 purchase price − 80 net assets = 120).

no effect — the acquisition is a pure balance-sheet transaction.

ItemΔ
Investing (M&A outflow)−200
Financing (debt drawdown)+100
= Δ cash−100
AccountΔ
Cash−100
Goodwill+120
Target net assets (PP&E, NWC, etc.)+80
Debt+100

The change in assets +100 (−100 + 120 + 80) equals the change in equity & liabilities +100 (debt +100, equity unchanged).

Deep diveShow more details

Goodwill is treated as impairment-only under IFRS (no scheduled amortization), but identifiable intangibles (customer relationships, technology) amortize over their useful life and hit the income statement. The interest on the new debt hits the income statement below EBIT.

'PPA allocation is a standard debate in M&A pitches — the more you allocate to goodwill rather than intangibles, the higher the reported EBITDA in subsequent years (no goodwill amortization under IFRS)'.