Bargain purchases in business acquisitions
2. Examples of bargain purchases
Let’s take a look at a quick example of how a bargain purchase may look like. Buyer A is acquiring assets (which constitute a business) of Seller B for 50,000. Seller B is in bankruptcy and is selling off parts of its business. The following assets and liabilities were identified in this business acquisition (amounts shown represent fair values which are typically determined by valuation specialists):
Assets: |
|
Accounts receivable |
$100,000 |
Prepaid assets |
$15,000 |
Fixed assets |
$250,000 |
Intangible assets |
$150,000 |
Total assets |
$515,000 |
Liabilities: |
|
Accounts payable |
$100,000 |
Accrued salaries and wages |
$75,000 |
Accrued expenses |
$50,000 |
Long-term debt |
$200,000 |
Total liabilities |
$425,000 |
Net assets |
$90,000 |
The purchase price is $50,000 and the net assets being acquired equal $90,000 resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $40,000.