A fixed-fee independent business valuation for negotiation and mediation

Yes. That is one of the uses it is prepared for. The report gives the mediator and both parties a reasoned, independent figure for the business and shows how it was reached, so the discussion can move from what the business might be worth to how the pool should be divided. It is written to be read by the other party and their advisers as well as by you.

No. The Settlement Valuation is prepared for negotiation and mediation purposes. It is not prepared for filing or reliance as expert evidence in court. It is not prepared under formal or joint instructions and does not address the expert-evidence requirements that apply in court proceedings. If your matter is before the Court, or your lawyer expects it will be, the Court Expert Valuation is the appropriate service. If your matter later requires an expert report for court, we will assess whether the initial work can be carried forward and provide a separate quotation before proceeding. The appointed expert must independently review the material and may require further information or analysis.

Yes. A Settlement Valuation can be instructed by one party or by both. Where it is instructed jointly, both parties receive the same document checklist, the same draft for factual review and the same final report, and we correspond with both sides equally. A joint instruction often makes the report easier to use in negotiation because neither party chose the valuer alone.

The report is written so that it can be tested. Every adjustment, assumption and method is explained, and the sources are identified, so a disagreement can be narrowed to the specific point in dispute rather than the figure as a whole. If your matter later requires an expert report for court, we will assess whether the initial work can be carried forward and provide a separate quotation before proceeding. The appointed expert must independently review the material and may require further information or analysis.

Send what you have and tell us what is missing. Some gaps can be worked around, for example by using tax returns where financial statements were never prepared. Others cannot, and the report will say so and explain how the gap was treated. Where a document is held by the other party or the business's accountant, your lawyer can advise on how to obtain it. We do not start the seven business days until the checklist is complete.

Whichever the matter requires, and the engagement letter records which. Often both are needed: the value of the whole business, then the value of the particular interest held, which may differ because of the size of the holding, the rights attached to it and the structure through which it is held. The report explains the effect of the structure on the value of the interest.

Yes, for the scope described on this page: one business or ownership interest, valued at one date, from orderly records. Where the enquiry shows something different, for example several related entities that each need to be valued, or records in a state that requires reconstruction, we say so at the scope stage and quote before starting. You will not receive a different figure after the work has begun.

Yes, where you authorise it. Many clients prefer that we deal with their adviser on documents, dates and the interest being valued, and referring professionals usually want direct contact. Tell us in the enquiry who we may speak to. Where a report is prepared as a single expert, communication follows the instructions and, in general, goes to both sides.

You can tell us what you expect and why, and that context can be useful. It does not change the method or the conclusion. A valuation that is steered towards a preferred figure is of no use in a negotiation and of no use to a court, because the other side will test it. What you receive is a reasoned figure with the working shown.

If your matter later requires an expert report for court, we will assess whether the initial work can be carried forward and provide a separate quotation before proceeding. The appointed expert must independently review the material and may require further information or analysis. Unnecessary duplication is avoided where appropriate, but the Settlement Valuation fee is not automatically credited and the expert may need further information or analysis. Many matters settle on the Settlement Valuation alone. Where an expert report was always going to be required, starting there is usually the better path, and we will say so.