Changes in sector classification and structure (K.12.1)

6.30 . Reclassifying an institutional unit from one sector to another transfers its entire balance sheet, e.g. an institutional unit classified in the household sector becomes a quasi-corporation to be reclassified in the corporations sector.

Changes in structure of institutional units cover appearance and disappearance of certain financial assets and liabilities arising from corporate restructuring. When a corporation disappears as an independent legal entity because it is absorbed by one or more corporations, all financial assets/liabilities including shares and other equity that existed between that corporation and those that absorbed it, disappear from the system. However, the purchase of shares and other equity of a corporation as part of a merger is to be recorded as a financial transaction between the purchasing corporation and the previous owner. Replacement of existing shares by shares in the take-over or new corporation are to be recorded as redemptions of shares accompanied by the issue of new shares. Financial assets/liabilities that existed between the absorbed corporation and third parties remain unchanged and pass to the absorbing corporation(s).

Symmetrically, when a corporation is legally split up into two or more institutional units, new financial assets and liabilities (appearance of financial assets) are recorded in this category (K.12.1).