Here we go -- asset acquisitions by shell companie

Here we go -- asset acquisitions by shell companies is called "merger subs" and uses the exact same accouting method as a reverse merger which is asset value transfer rather than purchase price.

http://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/33-8407.htm

Because JBII technically was no longer a shell when it acquired the tape biz less than 2 months prior to the media credits, it technically no longer was a shell. Had the media credits been paid for two months earlier, the accouting treatment would have been 100% correct.

So in summary there's nothing "clear" about it as I highly doubt you had a clue that there are circumstances where you don't book it at purchase price.