Question

Prior to 2008, CBS Corp. owned approximately 18% of Westwood One, Inc., which managed the CBS Radio Network. CBS, in turn, managed Westwood under a management agreement. Further, one employee of CBS was a member of Westwood’s board of directors. CBS did not control the board of directors, however. In this situation, how should CBS account for its investment in Westwood One?

Answer 1

Answer and explanation:

The influence a company may have over another when one of them has a number of shares that belongs to the other is determined by the percentage of ownership that the number of shares represent. If its lower than 20%, it is said the company has no influence over the other. From 20% to 50% one company has significant influence over the other. Finally, with more than 50% of the outstanding shares in possession, one company has control over the other.

In that case, CBS Corp. has no influence over Westwood One, Inc. since it owns only 18% of the outstanding shares.