This fictional case introduces an M&A deal structuring exercise. Two strategy consulting companies, East Coast Strategy Consultants Inc. (EAST) and West Coast Strategic Management Advisory Corp. (WEST), are contemplating acquiring a company in the accounting and advisory services sector, either Ocean & Whistle Accounting (OW) or LeDosh (LD).

The note addresses accounting for mergers and acquisitions by using the example of P and G's acquisition of Gillette. It explains the accounting journal entries that are recorded in an M and A transaction and the process of calculating goodwill and subsequent impairment.

This technical note addresses the key issues involved in designing executive compensation systems in accordance with value-based management principles. It focuses on the use of Economic Value Added as a means of aligning managerial and shareholder agendas. The potential advantages of this approach are examined in detailed, as are the potential drawbacks and limitations.

Economic Value Added (EVA) measures the difference between the return on a company’s capital and the cost of that capital. A positive EVA indicates that value has been created for shareholders; a negative EVA signifies value destruction.