Treating the credit difference that arises from an acquisition as negative goodwill

The treatment of the credit difference that arises from an acquisition took a step in a new direction in South Africa with the adoption of a new accounting standard, namely AC 131, which is based on the international standard IAS 22. It is now called negative goodwill. According to the rules contained in AC 131, it is to be classified as a negative asset and recognised as income. The research on which this paper is based, was undertaken to examine the nature of negative goodwill against the background of the international accounting practices regarding the treatment of negative goodwill. At present these practices differ significantly and the differences represent obstacles to international harmonisation. The paper critically evaluates the various treatments and recommends a preferred accounting treatment.