M&A write-offs signal failed synergy

An interesting study by Duff and Phelps tracks goodwill added to balance sheets by mergers, and also goodwill “impairment,” a fancy word for write-offs. These data suggest when and where firms have been overpaying or not achieving promised synergies in mergers. The 2013 report is attached, and also a WSJ article summarizing some of its results.

DuffPhelps Goodwill Report 2013.pdf

Companies Get More Wiggle Room on Soured Deals – The CFO Report – WSJ.pdf