How valuation support works
A NIFA member can review the financial records, identify the appropriate valuation basis, consider the key internal and external factors affecting value, test the assumptions behind the valuation and present the conclusion in a clear, balanced report. Members can support matters as Party Appointed Experts, Single Joint Experts or Expert Advisers, depending on the needs of the case.
They can also act as shadow experts, reviewing another expert’s valuation to identify areas that may require challenge or to provide confidence in the reasonableness of the valuation. Where the valuation is required for litigation, the expert can prepare independent valuation evidence to the standard required for use in court proceedings.
Who valuation expertise is for
Valuation support is for legal professionals, companies, shareholders, divorcing parties, insurers and advisers who need independent evidence on business value, share value or asset value. NIFA members are experienced in acting for claimants and defendants in commercial disputes, majority and minority shareholders or partners in shareholder and partnership disputes, and applicants and respondents in divorce, matrimonial and other civil proceedings. It is also relevant for forensic accountants who need access to peers with sector-specific or dispute-specific experience.
When valuation expertise can help
- Matrimonial disputes (including divorce)
- Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
- Inheritance matters
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Shareholder or partnership exit or entry
- Transaction pricing
- Commercial disputes
- Professional negligence claims
- Valuation of intellectual property and other intangible assets
- Valuation of partnership interests, stock options and warrants
- Assessment of the capitalised value of lost earnings
Valuation process and outcomes
The process usually begins with an initial review of the issue, the valuation date, the available records and the purpose of the report. The forensic accountant then analyses the financial information, identifies the key factors relevant to the individual business, considers appropriate methodologies and prepares evidence that explains the assumptions, limitations and conclusion. This can include in-depth analysis of the commercial, economic and industry-specific factors that may affect the value of the business or its assets. The outcome is a valuation that can help narrow issues, support negotiation and provide the court or tribunal with independent financial analysis.
Why choose a NIFA member for valuation matters?
NIFA brings together independent forensic accountants who understand valuation, litigation support and expert witness duties. With backgrounds in accountancy practice, members can bring practical commercial insight to the valuation of businesses and other business assets, alongside the detailed financial analysis required for robust valuation work.
Members understand the factors that can affect business and asset values and apply their experience to determine appropriate valuation methods for the circumstances of each matter. They work with clients and their legal advisers to ensure that valuations are fit for purpose, while maintaining objectivity, independence and high professional standards.
Legal professionals can use NIFA to identify a suitably experienced specialist, while members benefit from shared resources, training, referral opportunities and annual quality review.
To find a forensic accountant with the valuation expertise your matter requires…
FAQs
Without early valuation input, parties may negotiate from uncertain figures, overlook key assumptions or spend time arguing over positions that are not supported by the financial evidence. Early expert input can also help identify the factors affecting value and establish an appropriate valuation methodology before positions become entrenched.
Yes. NIFA members can act as shadow experts to assess the reasonableness of another expert’s business valuation. This can help identify areas that may require challenge or provide greater confidence in the valuation and the assumptions on which it is based.
NIFA members have experience of valuations involving privately and publicly owned companies, as well as intellectual property and other intangible assets, partnership interests, stock options, warrants and the capitalised value of lost earnings.
Contact NIFA with a brief outline of the dispute, the valuation issue and any relevant timescales so the most appropriate forensic accounting expertise can be identified.
Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas.
Read case studyLorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti […]
Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere.
Read case studyLorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti […]
Long-serving NIFA member, Peter Smith, reflects on institute’s value
Read case studyAs one of the longest-serving members of NIFA, Peter Smith is well-positioned to reflect on the value of the institute and the benefits it brings to members and legal professionals. Having worked for a major law firm for a while, Peter set up his own practice and has worked diligently to make it a success […]
