What is the fee for a business valuation?
A credible fee quotation requires more than knowing that the target is a private company. Purpose, scale, complexity, evidence and reliance all affect the work.
For a meaningful quote, provide
A concise case background
- Purpose, intended users and the reason the conclusion will be relied upon
- Target company, ownership interest and relevant share rights
- Industry, business model and operating locations
- Approximate turnover, profit, total assets and net equity
- Valuation date or dates, deadline and reason for urgency
- Whether auditors, authorities, courts or counterparties will review the work
Common fee drivers
Risk and effort
- Audit, regulator, tax authority, court or transaction reliance
- Number of entities, assets, instruments or scenarios
- Asset-heavy versus asset-light operations
- Complex capital structures or shareholder agreements
- Overseas operations and multiple currencies
- Urgent timing and expected review rounds
Quotation information is not the same as the full valuation document list
The initial facts above help a firm judge likely risk, effort and team requirements. Once scope is clearer, the valuer may request financial statements as of the valuation date, management accounts, forecasts, fixed asset registers, contracts, intellectual-property records, investor materials or other evidence. The exact request depends on the business, purpose and valuation methods.
Why an AI-generated price range can mislead
AI can describe broad market practices, but a range generated without complete facts may create the wrong expectation. It may not know the exact purpose, reporting standard, risk of third-party reliance, data quality, number of assets, complexity of rights or level of explanation required. Business valuation is not a standardised commodity.
Two quotations are far apart. What should you do?
A large gap often means the firms have interpreted scope, complexity or risk differently. Ask each firm to explain its deliverables, team, methods expected, review support, assumptions about information quality and exclusions. For a high-stakes case, arrange a conference call or meeting with the person responsible for the opinion—not only the salesperson.
Price is one factor, not the whole decision
Valuation firms pursue different business strategies. Some compete primarily on price; some standardise workflow so general staff can process work with systems and AI; others insist on experienced finance or accounting professionals throughout. Decide what level of judgement, accountability and specialist involvement your case requires.
Optional professional enquiry
Provide the facts once, then ask for a scoped fee
Valtech Valuation’s form allows you to describe the purpose, company and financial scale.