Asset write-up VS Goodwill

In an acquisition where you pay above the book value, I understand that goodwill is created aside with writing up the assets. However, how do you determine what % of the surplus value becomes goodwill, and what % becomes asset write-up?

2 Comments
 

When you're doing a quick merger model you just assume certain % for asset writeups such as inventory,PPE, and etc.

When you're actually doing the nitty gritty you would go line-by-line and assess fair market value compared to book value and write up accordingly. Usually you wouldn't judge this by yourself, probably help of consultants/accountants to really get the accurate write up amount. Then the rest will be allocated to goodwill. So it isn't necessarily that you determine the % but rather you determine the actual value of the asset and goodwill ends up becoming a plug.

 
Most Helpful

Quam nisi veritatis temporibus architecto corporis. Omnis accusantium eum blanditiis quia quos voluptatem. Eos quia quis optio nihil. Amet provident ut ea tempora vitae sint nesciunt. Repellat non perferendis harum consequuntur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”