Business Valuation

Contact:	Jacques A. Preis
	Jacques@romeassoc.com

Business valuations are performed because ownership interests in privately held companies often represent a significant portion of one's estate and/or portfolio. The value, or worth, of an interest in a privately held company, as opposed to stock in a public company, is usually unknown because there is no active market to sell or trade that interest from which to ascertain or approximate value. Value determinations are most commonly needed to calculate estate tax upon death, split up family assets in a divorce, or negotiate value in a purchase, sale or merger of a business enterprise.

Possibly one of the best reasons for obtaining a business valuation is to use it as a management tool. A prime objective for every business enterprise, large or small, is to improve and maximize its value to the owners. This is a necessary business requirement in order to justify the investment of time and, more particularly, capital. A properly prepared valuation provides management with insightful information that helps them identify company strengths and weaknesses that affect value, allowing management to more effectively focus their energies in places that really count. A business valuation, prepared periodically, also serves as a measurement tool that helps owners assess overall success and management effectiveness.