Eliminate Poverty is a private not$-$for$-$profit entity. Assist the Poor is another private not$-$for$-$profit entity that operates in the same city. These two groups decide to combine to better meet the mission of the two groups. How is the accounting for this combination handled?

Multiple choice question.

The combination could be reported as either a purchase or a pooling of interests.

The combination must be accounted for an acquisition.

The combination could be reported as either a merger or an acquisition.

The combination must be reported as a joining of mutual interests.