Any one who has ever purchased a new home knows that an independent appraisal report had to be produced to complete the sale. A business is many times more complex. The key to having a viable valuation performed on a business is to have it performed by an independent third-party service.

Without a third-party report, a business owner should be prepared for heavy negotiations because it will be your opinion of value versus a buyer's opinion. Be wary of a business broker who prepares his own valuation report. A buyer will place no credibility in his opinion because he has a vested interest in obtaining a higher price than can be justified because it will increase his commission. A buyer will normally place no credibility in a value arrived at by the business owner's accountant for the same reason.

There is a big difference in the quality of valuation reports that can be prepared. Many brokers rely on generic valuation software reports that are based on unproven theories. Is the report designed as a marketing tool, or is it something that has to be put in a drawer and not shown to a buyer? Was a true analysis of the business performed? Were factors such as industry trends, age of the business, client base, and other factors that will effect the price taken into consideration?

EMPIRE Business Brokers Offices use the services of our global headquarters to perform this service.

EMPIRE Business Brokers have consistently produced higher prices and smoother sales when a professional report is presented as part of the business offering package than similar businesses produced that did not have the benefit of a comprehensive valuation report.

We strongly recommend that a comprehensive report be included in the offering package of any business being offered at $500,000 or above.