When is an independent business valuation useful?

Common instructions arise when shareholders separate, a business forms part of a divorce settlement, or a buyer needs a reasoned view of value.

Is a valuation the same as transaction advice?

A valuation considers the value of a business or interest. Transaction advice tests the proposed price and financial risks in a particular deal; the two may be commissioned together.

What if the owners disagree about the records?

We identify disputed entries and assumptions, reconcile available source documents where within scope, and explain how remaining uncertainty affects the valuation.

What affects the value of a private business?

The answer depends on the business and the purpose of the valuation. Trading performance, maintainable earnings, debt, assets, ownership rights and the available records can all matter.

Can you value a dental, GP or pharmacy business?

Healthcare practices can require careful analysis of income, costs and ownership. We will confirm the scope and the records required for the particular business.

How do the free consultation and fixed fees work?

The first one-hour consultation is free. We use it to understand the matter and available records. If the work is suitable, we agree a fixed fee before paid analysis begins. Fees start from £1,250; the quoted amount depends on the agreed scope.

Business valuation

Business valuation
for decisions that matter.

We assess the value of a business or shareholding using its records, earnings and the circumstances of the instruction.

Shareholder DisputesMatrimonial MattersBusiness PurchasesIndependent Valuation

Credentials

Why solicitors instruct Key Ledgers.

Independent forensic accounting and financial analysis. Where instructed to give expert evidence in civil proceedings, our primary duty is to the court.

150+Expert Witness Instructions

20+Years in Practice

FCCAFellow of ACCA

CPR 35Expert Evidence

How We Work

How does Key Ledgers approach business valuation?

Agree the valuation question

We establish the interest to be valued, the purpose, the relevant date and the documents available.

Examine the business

We review trading results, maintainable earnings, debt, assets and factors that affect the chosen valuation approach.

Explain the valuation

We present the basis, assumptions and factors that materially affect the conclusion.

Why Key Ledgers

What makes the
critical difference.

An independent valuation can help when business owners separate, a shareholding is disputed, a business forms part of matrimonial assets or a buyer needs a clearer view of value before a transaction.

Purpose Before Method

We establish the interest, valuation date and decision the valuation must inform before choosing an approach.

Disputed Interests

A valuation can help shareholders separating or parties considering a business interest in matrimonial finances.

Visible Assumptions

We identify the earnings, debt and ownership assumptions that materially affect the conclusion.

FCCA and Registered Auditor

Bharat Varsani is a Fellow of ACCA and a registered auditor. His forensic profile sets out his professional background.

Read Bharat's forensic profile

Expert Witness Experience

He has received more than 150 expert witness instructions involving business interruption and loss quantification, and has given evidence in High Court proceedings.

Agreed Scope and Fee

We use the free first hour to understand the issue, then quote a fixed fee before paid work begins.

Who We Work With

Who instructs us for business valuation?

Shareholder Solicitors

Owners disagree about the value of a company or holding.

Family Solicitors

A business interest forms part of matrimonial finances.

Business Buyers

An independent view of value is needed before a purchase.

Business Owners

Partners or shareholders need a reasoned valuation during separation.

What You Receive

Clear findings for the agreed instruction.

The deliverable can include a reasoned valuation, the assumptions and evidence used, and an explanation of the factors that materially change the result.

Valuation analysis
A reasoned assessment of the business or interest within the agreed scope.
Assumptions and evidence
The financial inputs and judgement points are clearly identified.
Explanation of value drivers
The factors that move the conclusion are set out for advisers and decision makers.

Illustrative scenario

Example, not a client case

A typical financial question

Two shareholders intend to separate but disagree about the value of their company. Independent analysis can test maintainable earnings, debt and the basis of valuation before settlement discussions.

Scope and findings depend on the available evidence

What is the business worth on a supportable basis?

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about business valuation.

Common instructions arise when shareholders separate, a business forms part of a divorce settlement, or a buyer needs a reasoned view of value.
A valuation considers the value of a business or interest. Transaction advice tests the proposed price and financial risks in a particular deal; the two may be commissioned together.
We identify disputed entries and assumptions, reconcile available source documents where within scope, and explain how remaining uncertainty affects the valuation.
The answer depends on the business and the purpose of the valuation. Trading performance, maintainable earnings, debt, assets, ownership rights and the available records can all matter.
Healthcare practices can require careful analysis of income, costs and ownership. We will confirm the scope and the records required for the particular business.
The first one-hour consultation is free. We use it to understand the matter and available records. If the work is suitable, we agree a fixed fee before paid analysis begins. Fees start from £1,250; the quoted amount depends on the agreed scope.