Owners considering a sale
Businesses wanting a realistic figure before going to market.
Business Startup & Growth
Business Valuation
Business valuation and financial analysis for sale, acquisition, investment, restructuring or internal planning.
Overview
How we help with Business Valuation
Valuation is a judgement supported by method. We show the range, the basis behind it and the factors that would move it, which is what any counterparty will interrogate.
We value using the approaches appropriate to your business: earnings multiples benchmarked against comparable transactions, discounted cash flow where forecasts are reliable, and net asset basis where that is the meaningful floor. Where the answers differ, the difference is itself informative.
The report sets out assumptions, adjustments to reported earnings, discounts for minority holdings or marketability, and the sensitivities that matter most.
Depth and turnaround vary with purpose. An indicative view built from existing accounts and a short set of assumptions can usually be turned around quickly. A full written report, with sensitivity analysis, comparable benchmarking and documentation suitable for a counterparty or HMRC to interrogate, takes longer and depends on how complete the underlying information is when we start.
What's included
Everything covered in this service
A valuation is prepared for an agreed purpose and date using the information and basis appropriate to that purpose. It is not automatically a legal opinion, a sale price or suitable for every tax submission. Valuation work for a transaction may sit alongside sale or purchase support; forecasts can be tested through financial modelling, and reliable historic inputs may depend on current management accounts.
- Earnings multiple valuation with comparable benchmarking
- Discounted cash flow valuation where appropriate
- Net asset and liquidation basis
- Normalisation adjustments to reported earnings
- Minority, marketability and control adjustments
- Written report setting out method, assumptions and range
Who it's for
Built around how you actually operate
Share transfers and buyouts
Incoming or exiting shareholders needing a defensible number.
Investment and restructuring
Companies raising equity or reorganising ownership.
FAQs
Business Valuation: common questions
What is my business worth?
It depends on earnings quality, growth, sector, customer concentration and how dependent the business is on you. A multiple from a trade publication is a starting point, not an answer.
Is a valuation accepted by HMRC?
For share transfers and similar events we prepare valuations on a basis suitable for submission, with the reasoning documented. Where HMRC agreement is needed we support that process.
What information is needed for a business valuation?
We normally need reliable historic accounts, recent management information, forecasts, details of owners' remuneration, debt and cash, and explanations of unusual or non-recurring items.
Is every valuation suitable for a transaction or tax submission?
No. The purpose determines the basis, depth and documentation required. We agree whether the work is for internal planning, negotiation or a specific tax-related purpose before setting the scope.
How long does a valuation take?
A straightforward single-entity valuation using existing accounts typically turns around within one to two weeks once the information is with us. It takes longer where forecasts need building from scratch, where there are multiple share classes, or where HMRC agreement is being sought.
Do you value a minority shareholding differently to a controlling interest?
Yes. A minority stake normally attracts a discount because it cannot control dividends, direction or a future sale, while a controlling interest is valued on the whole-business basis before any adjustment for the specific holding being transferred.
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Let's talk about Business Valuation
Tell us why the valuation is needed, who will rely on it, the relevant date and what financial information is available. We will confirm the appropriate scope and required evidence.
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