Choosing a Valuer

Valuations requires expertise and independence and we can help you find the right valuer for your shares.

Choosing a valuer can have a significant impact on the valuation of your shares, so it is key you make the right decision to protect your intestates.

It is vital to choose an appropriately qualified valuer who has experience of the industry your company operates in and of dealing with companies of that size and type. Other practical issues you need to take into consideration include the cost of the valuation.

Whenever the question of identifying a valuer arises, it is normal for at least one party to suggest that the company auditors or accountants should carry out that role. The advantage of this route is that they will already be fully familiar with the company and this helps keep costs down.

However, it is often the case that company auditors or accountants cannot be truly independent, or at least perceived to be independent, by those involved. They may (consciously or sub-consciously) have a natural allegiance to whichever individuals will remain in control after the valuation, remembering that the party in control of the company will determine whether or not the auditors or accountants are reappointed in future years.

When there is no agreement over the identity of the valuer, the most appropriate process is to normally agree to jointly ask the current President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to independently identify a valuer and for the parties to be bound by their decision.

If you are looking for a suitable valuer, experienced in valuing companies and shareholdings, we are happy to suggest appropriate valuers for you.