what is an identifiable asset 
an identifiable asset is an asset whose commercial or fair value can be measured at a given point in time and which is expected to provide a future benefit to the company these assets are an important consideration in the context of mergers and acquisitions because not all assets on a company s balance sheet are able to be quickly and accurately valued at a point in time only those which are may be classified as identifiable examples include cash short term liquid investments property inventories and equipment among others identifiable assets may be contrasted with goodwill understanding identifiable assets