Use of Estimates

Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the periods reported. These estimates include assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, sales returns and allowances, the use and recoverability of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, business restructuring reserves, pension and post-retirement benefit costs, the fair value of equity compensation, the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, the recoverability of long-lived assets, useful lives and impairment of tangible and intangible assets including goodwill, the amount of exposure from potential loss contingencies, fair value measurements, the application of fresh start accounting, among others. The markets for the Company’s products are characterized by intense competition, rapid technological development and frequent new product introductions, all of which could affect the future recoverability of the Company’s assets. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Acquisition Accounting

The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method, which requires an allocation of the purchase price of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded net of reserves for sales returns and allowances and provisions for doubtful accounts. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral from its customers. The allowances are based on analyses of historical trends, aging of accounts receivable balances and the creditworthiness of customers as determined by credit checks, analyses, and payment history.

Research and Development Costs

Intangible and Long-lived Assets

Restructuring Programs

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Additionally, the accounting for income taxes requires the Company to evaluate and make an assertion as to whether undistributed foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested or repatriated.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating uncertain tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes. Although the Company believes its reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in the historical income tax provision and accruals. The Company adjusts its estimated liability for uncertain tax positions periodically due to new information discovered from ongoing examinations by, and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations. The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense.

As part of the Company's accounting for business combinations, some of the purchase price is allocated to goodwill and intangible assets. Impairment expenses associated with goodwill are generally not tax deductible and will result in an increased effective income tax rate in the fiscal period any impairment is recorded. The income tax benefit from future releases of the acquisition date valuation allowances or income tax contingencies, if any, are reflected in the income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, rather than as an adjustment to the purchase price allocation.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method as interest expense over the contractual lives of the related credit facilities. Deferred financing costs related to a debt liability are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of the carrying amount of that debt liability and deferred financing costs related to revolving credit facilities are included within other assets.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity (deficit) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and primarily includes unrealized gains and losses excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These unrealized gains and losses consist of changes in foreign currency translation, and changes in unamortized pension, post-retirement and postemployment actuarial gains and losses.