According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the goodwill related to the Peerless acquisition as of December 31, 2022, was $13. This figure represents the portion of the purchase price of Peerless that was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill, in accounting terms, represents the intangible assets acquired that are not separately identifiable, such as brand reputation or customer relationships.

The FDD also provides context for this acquisition. Aplus completed the acquisition of Peerless on November 30, 2022, for $67 million, net of cash acquired. Peerless is a terminal operator that distributes fuel products to over 100 locations, primarily in Puerto Rico. Aplus management, along with an independent valuation firm, determined the fair value of assets and liabilities at the acquisition date, which led to the goodwill allocation.

It's important to note that the goodwill acquired in connection with the Peerless acquisition is deductible for tax purposes, which could provide a tax benefit to Aplus. For a prospective franchisee, understanding these types of acquisitions and how they impact the financial statements of the franchisor can provide insights into the financial management and strategic decisions of Aplus.