A Brief Introduction To Business Valuations
The core importance of a business valuation is for getting an estimate or approximate value of your business for the purposes of sale. When a company is planning to sell out they will need a value for the business so as to get the best price possible for it. Undervaluing a business can have the result of attracting a lesser figure as compared to if they had over-valued it. But if a business is over-valued potential buyers might be turned away because they think it's not worth the value it's purported to be worth.
For those who are carrying out a business valuation because they want to open another business it is important that they come up with a realistic value. Enough care and market research must be carried out so that a potential buyer won't regard the price as too much. There are well informed businessmen out there who know enough to be able to tell if your price is too high. Now if the value is too high the most probable thing is that you might end up selling for way less than what it's worth. So when you do sell it you might not have enough money to open another business.
A fairly accurate business valuation will put you in a strong negotiating position if you're looking to incorporate a new partner. When partnerships are formed business owner want to know the value of a business so that the new partners' contribution can be accurately calculated. If the calculations are done incorrectly a new partner will actually benefit from the expansion targeted valuation.
Selecting the right assessor is important. A specialist service will guarantee you of accuracy but a layman's evaluation can be the source of problems. There are Auditors; Accountants and Business Transfer agents whose job is to accurately value a business. Some of these ask for an upfront payment but some of them ask for commission upon the sale or expansion ofthe business. Be sure to work with someone with experience.
A number of factors are taken into account when it comes to business valuations. There are some assessors who consider market values and trends. Knowledge of the local market will be an added advantage to the assessor because it is only then that a valuation will be realistic. Sometimes an assessor would have valued a similar business; this will provide a good starting point for a valuation.
The location of the business is another factor that is considered. If the business is located in a high traffic area the business will more than likely be valued highly. Market factors like this also take into account the rules of demand and supply because these determine the potential for success.
But business valuations can be difficult if the ownership structure is complex and unpredictable. If there are numerous partners with various interests the valuation might take longer than normal. This is usually the case when a single partner intends to sell his shares whilst the others remain with theirs. But ifthe business is a sole proprietorship then valuation is simple.