Business valuations · Australia-wide
Business valuations that hold up under scrutiny.
Independent business valuations for Capital Gains Tax ("CGT"), family law settlements, shareholder disputes, sales and acquisitions, compulsory acquisition and financial reporting. Our specialist business valuers bring audit and investment backgrounds to every engagement — from small private entities to listed companies — with reports built to withstand courts, regulators and the other side.
- ISO 9001Certified quality management
- ISO 27001Certified information security
- Australia-wideSydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
- ATO-compliantReports prepared to withstand audit
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- Supreme Court of Victoria
- Supreme Court of NSW
- Supreme Court of QLD
- Land and Environment Court NSW
The basics
What is a business valuation?
A business valuation is an independent, evidence-based opinion of what a business — or an interest in it, such as a parcel of shares — is worth at a specific date, for a specific purpose.
The purpose matters. It sets the standard of value, shapes the method, and decides whether the report must comply with a court's expert evidence rules. That's why every Sovereign engagement starts by pinning down exactly why the valuation is needed and who will rely on it.
When you need a business valued
Not sure which applies? Ask us →CGT & tax
Market value for capital gains tax, small business concessions, and valuations as at 1 July 2027.
CGT business valuations →Shareholder & partnership disputes
Oppression claims, buy-outs, deadlocks and exits under a shareholder agreement, including minority and control issues.
Buying or selling a business
An independent view of value before you sign, negotiate or accept an offer.
Family law & property settlements
Valuing a business or company shares in the asset pool — as single expert or shadow expert.
Stamp duty
Supporting duty assessments on transfers of businesses, shares and unit holdings.
SMSF & related-party transactions
Market valuations for fund reporting, audit and in-specie transfers.
Restructures, succession & estates
Transfers between entities, family succession, deceased estates and buy-sell insurance.
Financial reporting & impairment
Fair value under AASB 13, impairment testing under AASB 136 and purchase price allocations.
Now booking
Need a business valued as at 1 July 2027?
Demand is building ahead of the date. Secure your valuation now with a deposit and we'll schedule it for delivery once the valuation date approaches.
Methodology
How we value a business
The method follows the business — its earnings profile, asset base, industry and the purpose of the valuation. Where the evidence allows, we cross-check one method against another.
Market value, unless the purpose calls for another basis — such as fair value under AASB 13, or a value defined in a shareholder agreement.
Capitalisation of future maintainable earnings
The most common approach for established, profitable businesses. We normalise earnings — removing one-offs and owner-related items — and apply a multiple supported by market evidence.
Discounted cash flow
Used where earnings will change materially — growth businesses, finite-life projects or contract-driven revenue. Forecast cash flows are discounted at a rate that reflects the risk.
Net assets
For asset-rich, holding or loss-making entities — or where the business is worth more realised than as a going concern. Our property valuers can value any real estate in-house.
Market evidence
Comparable transactions and listed company multiples, adjusted for size, control and marketability — applied directly or as a cross-check.
The process
What to expect
Four clear stages, one point of contact, and no surprises on fee or timing.
- 1
Scope & fee proposal
Tell us the purpose, valuation date and deadline. You receive a written scope and fee proposal before any work begins.
- 2
Information request
A document list tailored to your business — typically financial statements, tax returns, management accounts and key contracts.
- 3
Analysis & interview
We work through the numbers, speak with management and test every key assumption against market evidence.
- 4
Report & walkthrough
A clear, defensible report and a call to walk you through the conclusions.
Why Sovereign
Why clients brief Sovereign
Lawyers, accountants and business owners come to us when the number has to be right — and has to be defended.
Genuinely independent
No institutional ties or panel pressures shaping our opinion. That independence is why we're briefed on contested matters.
Specialist business valuers
Audit and investment backgrounds, backed by in-house property valuers where real estate forms part of the value.
Built for court
Reports prepared to the expert witness code of conduct of the relevant court or tribunal, by valuers experienced under cross-examination.
Small business to listed
From sole traders and family companies to large and listed entities, public and private sector.
Secure by design
ISO 27001-certified information security for your financial records, and ISO 9001-certified quality management.
National reach
Offices in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, acting for clients in every state.
Recent business valuation matters
All case studies →Restructure · National retail
Valuing a large national homewares retailer for a group restructure
An independent valuation of a multi-store retail business, prepared to support the restructure of the group that owns it.
Business valuation · Multi-store retailCompulsory acquisition · Fuel retail
A major petroleum company's lessee interest in a metropolitan service station
Site acquired for a state infrastructure project. We assessed the lessee's interest in accordance with relevant legislation.
Lessee interest · Trading-based analysisCompulsory acquisition · Quick-service restaurant
A fast food franchisee's leasehold interest, compulsorily acquired
Valuing what the franchisee lost when the site was taken: the lessee's interest in the premises and the franchised business trading from it.
Lessee interest · Franchise businessFAQs
Business valuation questions, answered
Can't see your question? Call us — you'll speak to a valuer, not a call centre.
How much does a business valuation cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the business, the purpose, and whether the report is for court. You receive a written fee proposal before any work begins.
How long does a business valuation take?
Timing depends on the size of the business and how quickly the information we request is provided. Tell us your deadline when you enquire — urgent timeframes can often be accommodated.
What's the difference between a valuation and a broker's appraisal?
A broker's appraisal estimates a likely asking price to help market a business. An independent valuation is an evidence-based opinion of value at a specific date, prepared by someone with no stake in the sale — which is why courts, lawyers and accountants rely on it.
Do I need a business valuation for a family law settlement?
If a business or company shares form part of the asset pool and the parties can't agree on value, an independent valuation is usually needed. We can act as jointly appointed single expert or as a shadow expert.
Can your report be used in court?
Yes. Reports for litigation are prepared to comply with the relevant court's expert evidence rules and code of conduct, and our valuers can give evidence and be cross-examined.
What information will you need from me?
Usually the last three years of financial statements and tax returns, current management accounts, and details of key contracts, leases and owner-related expenses. We will inform you of what is required at quotation stage.
Talk to a business valuer
Tell us what you need valued and why. We'll come back with a clear scope, fee and timeframe.