Is It A Business Under ASC 805?

A company uses the definition of a business under ASC 805, Business Combinations, to determine whether a transaction is a business combination (accounted for under ASC 805) or an asset acquisition. This is a very important determination as the accounting for a business combination and an asset acquisition differs!

A business is an integrated set of activities capable of providing a return. But recently, the FASB clarified the guidance used to determine whether a business is acquired. Under the revised ASC 805 guidance, to be considered a business, a set needs to have an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.

ASC 805 now provides a framework to evaluate what meets the definition of a business. Let’s explore the new framework…

Substantially all

If substantially all the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set does not qualify as a business.

Let’s look at an example:

• Lion Co. purchases from Wolverine Inc. a legal entity, Buckeye, that contains the rights to a Phase 3 (in the clinical research phase) compound being developed to treat migraines (the in-process research and development project, or the IPR&D project). Included in the IPR&D project is the historical know-how, formula protocols, designs, and procedures expected to be needed to complete the related phase of testing. Buckeye also holds an at-market clinical research organization contract and an at-market clinical manufacturing organization contract. No employees, other assets, or other activities are transferred.

This set would not meet the definition of a business! When Lion acquired Buckeye, they would conclude that the IPR&D project represents an identifiable intangible asset that would be accounted for as a single asset (if acquired). Lion can qualitatively conclude that there is no fair value associated with the clinical research organization contract and the clinical manufacturing organization contract as these services are being provided at market rates and could be provided by multiple vendors in the marketplace. Therefore, all the consideration in the transaction will be allocated to the IPR&D project (i.e., substantially all the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in the single IPR&D intangible asset).

Keep in mind that ASC 805 does not define “substantially all.” However, this term is used in other areas of GAAP (e.g., revenue, leases) and, while not necessarily a bright line, is typically interpreted to mean approximately 90%.

Output evaluation

If substantially all the fair value is not concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, ASC 805 requires a company to determine whether or not the acquired set includes outputs.

If the acquired set includes outputs, the set must meet one of the following four conditions in order to qualify as a business:

1. Employees that have the ability to perform an acquired process critical to converting acquired inputs into outputs;
2. Acquired contract provides access to the organized workforce in condition #1;
3. Acquired process significantly contributes to the ability to produce outputs, and the process cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay; or
4. Acquired process significantly contributes to the ability to produce outputs, and the process is considered unique or scarce.

If the acquired set does not include outputs, the set must meet both of the following criteria in order to qualify as a business:

1. Acquired set of activities includes the organized workforce in condition #1 (see above); and
2. Acquired set includes an input that the organized workforce can convert into outputs.

Output evaluation scenario

Let’s say that Lion Co. buys all the outstanding shares of Wolverine. Wolverine’s operations include R&D activities on several drug compounds that it is developing (IPR&D projects). The IPR&D projects are in different phases of the FDA approval process and would treat significantly different diseases (assume that each project has a significant amount of fair value). The set includes senior management and scientists that have the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform R&D activities.

In addition, Wolverine has long-lived tangible assets such as a corporate headquarters, a research lab, and lab equipment. Wolverine does not yet have a marketable product and has not generated revenues. We can conclude that the fair value of the acquired gross assets are not substantially concentrated in a single identifiable asset.

This acquisition would meet the definition of a business.  Because substantially all the fair value is not concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, Lion must next look at Wolverine’s outputs (Wolverine does not yet have a marketable product and has not generated revenues). Because there are no outputs, Lion must evaluate whether the two criteria are met, (and they have both been met):

1. The scientists make up an organized workforce that has the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform processes that are critical to the ability to develop inputs into outputs; and
2. The IPR&D projects are the inputs that can be converted into outputs. 

Final thoughts

The accounting for business combinations can be complex, but GAAP Dynamics has you covered! Check out our Business Combinations topic page for a helpful summary of execution issues and various resources, including our course collection on the accounting for business combinations.

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Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official accounting guidance. While we’ve ensured accuracy as of the publishing date, standards evolve. Please consult a professional for specific advice.