Certified Business Valuation
What is a Certified Business Valuation?
Certified business valuations are commonly referred to as business appraisals that are performed by certified valuators who adhere to published valuation standards set forth by well-known, accredited organizations. A business valuation report issued by a firm with certified valuators holds credibility. Our valuation experts are certified by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) – the most recognized and esteemed organization in the valuation industry.
When Do You Need a Certified Business Valuation?
Whether you are a business owner contemplating the sale of your business, raising bank capital or investor equity, pursuing a legal claim, preparing your succession or planning any array of accounting and IRS-related reporting events – you will want to obtain a valuation report that is credible and protects you against others from discrediting the valuation.
If you are facing any of these life events or at risk of possible IRS-related penalties or losing more than $5,900 on your transaction, then we highly recommend the insight provided by a certified business valuation.
Your certified business valuation will:
- Inform the list price and provide the fair market value of your business if you're selling
- Deliver the credible and reliable value of your business if buying out a shareholder
- Provide the value of your shares, as reported to the IRS, if gifting to a family or friend
- Add valuable credibility during negotiations or legal proceedings
Meet Our Leading Valuation Expert
Shelia Darby, MBA, CVA, MAFF
Valuation Expert
Ms. Darby provides certified business valuations of closely-held businesses. Her 20+ years of valuation experience spans numerous industries, ranging from energy/mining, construction/real estate, retail/wholesale and manufacturing to finance/insurance, services, professional and health. Ms. Darby formerly served as the Assistant Treasurer of Transocean and held various valuation, finance, and strategy roles at ConocoPhillips, AGL Resources, and Enron Corporation. While at ConocoPhillips, she led the strategy and finance department of the company's largest business unit in Norway. She also enjoyed teaching the valuation and economic modeling course to over 250 employees located throughout North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. During her tenure, Ms. Darby was responsible for reviewing the valuation and finance approvals for over 100 acquisitions and dispositions. Ms. Darby holds an M.B.A. from Rice University, a B.B.A. in Finance from Baylor University, and professional certifications from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), including the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF) designations. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).