What happens to the seller's financial statements after the acquisition is completed?

• A. They are added to the buyer's financials.
• B. They remain completely separate from the buyer.
• C. They are discarded from financial reporting.
• D. They are negative on the consolidated balance sheet.

Answer: (A)

After an acquisition is completed, the buyer presents consolidated financial statements that combine the financials of both companies. The seller’s assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses are integrated into the buyer’s books, creating a single set of statements for the merged entity. This reflects that the two entities are now one economic unit. If the buyer doesn’t own 100% of the seller, a non-controlling interest is recognized for the portion not owned. Intercompany transactions are eliminated to avoid double counting. So, the seller’s financials are not kept separate or discarded; they’re folded into the buyer’s financials through consolidation.