GameStop Corp. is the world's largest retailer of new and used video game systems and software and personal computer entertainment software. It operates over 5,000 stores under the GameStop and EB Games trade names. The following excerpts appeared in its annual report for the year ended February 2, 2008 ("fiscal 2007"). All dollar amounts and number of shares are in thousands:
Required
a. Trace the corporate history, beginning with the founding of Babbage's Etc. LLC in November 1996.
b. What type of business combination was the merger of Historical GameStop and Electronics Boutique?
c. Why was Historical GameStop designated as the acquiring company?
d. How much was recorded as the acquisition price of Electronics Boutique?