Business Valuations and Litigation
Business valuations and estate valuations are as much an art as it is a science. Over the years, we’ve learned that no two valuations are alike. It takes an experienced valuation analyst to understand the integral parts of a business and how those parts impact value.
Liske & Brunner professionals have performed hundreds of valuations, including supportive litigation services, in a wide range of industries. We’re also familiar with tax and accounting issues often missed by non-CPA valuators. We look forward to applying our knowledge in forming your unique valuation assessment.
Business Valuation & Other Valuation Services
Succession Planning
Succession planning is an integral part of an ongoing business. We offer a strong background working with business owners and their successors to instruct ownership transfers. Often, this process starts with a valuation of the business.
Estate Valuations
A valuation is often required when a business owner passes away and his or her interest is part of an estate. Our expert team prepares valuations that comply with the IRS’s definition of a “Qualified Appraisal.”
Family Limited Partnerships
As an estate planning tool, wealthy families often transfer assets from their estate to a limited liability company and then gift minority interests to their family members. Valuing these minority interests requires taking valuation discounts. We are well experienced in valuing family limited partnerships that hold real estate, marketable securities and other mixed assets.
Shareholder Disputes
When business owners can no longer continue their relationship, it usually results in someone exiting the business. Most shareholder buyouts are governed by a buy-sell agreement, which usually dictates how the business will be valued for the exiting shareholder’s interest. We assist in these cases by reviewing the buy-sell agreement, interpreting the buyout language, and preparing whatever form of valuation the agreement dictates. If matters go to court, we can provide testimony to support our valuation.
Divorce
When a couple goes through a divorce, one of the spouses may own a business. Often, the business or a portion of it is marital property. To settle the marital estate, the court, or even a mediator, may require the business to be valued. If the divorce goes to trial and there is a dispute over the value of the business, we can provide testimony to support our valuation.
Strategic Planning and Growth
It’s important to know the value of your business for insights, decision-making and growth initiatives. A comprehensive valuation process can identify strengths and weaknesses in your business, highlighting areas for investment or improvement. Whether you’re expanding operations, entering new markets, or considering mergers and acquisitions, a business valuation is essential for guiding strategic decisions that enhance long-term growth and profitability.
Small CPA Firm Valuation Support
Many small CPA firms are at capacity with servicing their clients’ tax and accounting needs, and they typically do not have credentialed valuation analysts on staff. We often assist these firms with their valuation needs, assuring them we will not engage their clients directly for any other service.
Litigation Services
Expert Witness Services
We provide expert witness services related to valuation, tax, accounting and economic damages. Our team includes a master analyst of financial forensics, providing the highest level of litigation support.
Rebuttal Services
We review valuation and other litigation reports written by other experts and will serve as a consultant or opposing expert in such matters.
Damage Calculations
We often are called to perform damage calculations related to the violation of an employee non-compete agreement or other business interruptions. In addition to providing a calculation of the damages, we also support our calculation in court with testimony.