On January 1, 2014, Ridge Road Company acquired 20 percent of the voting shares of Sauk Trail, Inc. for $2,700,000 in cash. Both companies provide commercial Internet support services but serve markets in different industries. Ridge Road made the investment to gain access to Sauk Trail’s board of directors and thus facilitate future cooperative agreements between the two firms. Ridge Road quickly obtained several seats on Sauk Trail’s board which gave it the ability to significantly influence Sauk Trail’s operating and investing activities.
The January 1, 2014, carrying amounts and corresponding fair values for Sauk Trail's assets and liabilities follow:
On January 1, 2014, Ridge Road Company acquired 20 percent
Also as of January 1, 2014, Sauk Trail’s computing equipment had a 7-year remaining estimated useful life. The patented technology was estimated to have a 3-year remaining useful life. The trademark’s useful life was considered indefinite. Ridge Road attributed to goodwill any unidentified excess cost.
During the next two years, Sauk Trail reported the following net income and dividends: