Goodwill

From Reuters Financial Glossary

Goodwill is the excess price paid for a company above the value of its assets and may cover intangible assets such as brand names. It is normally only recognized in the accounts of a company when it acquires another business as a going concern for a price that is higher than the book value of its capital and reserves. Negative goodwill is a gain when the price paid for a company is less than the value of its assets.