Business Valuations
Defensible valuations for sale, succession, divorce, and litigation, backed by a credentialed CPA.
Know what your business is really worth
Legacy CPAs provides business valuations for business owners who need a credible, defensible number, whether for a sale, a partner buyout, succession, estate planning, or a divorce or litigation matter. We analyze your financials, industry, and market position to produce a valuation that holds up to scrutiny, including in court when that’s what’s required.
When you need a valuation
A clear, supportable value for whatever comes next.
- Sale or purchase of a business
- Partner buyouts and ownership changes
- Divorce and marital-property matters
- Litigation support and expert testimony
- Succession and estate planning
- Financing and buy-sell agreements
A number that holds up under scrutiny
A back-of-the-napkin figure won’t survive a negotiation, a divorce proceeding, or the IRS. We build valuations on accepted methods and thorough analysis, so the number is not just credible but defensible when the other side, or a judge, is looking closely.
- Recognized valuation methods
- Defensible in negotiation or court
- Clear reporting you can act on
Questions about business valuation
Common reasons include selling the business, buying out a partner, succession or estate planning, financing, and divorce or litigation. Any time real money or a legal outcome depends on the value, a formal valuation matters.
Yes. Divorce-related business valuation is a common need in Arizona, and we produce work that’s suitable for marital-property matters and, when required, expert testimony.
We use accepted approaches, income, market, and asset-based, and apply the ones that fit your business and the purpose of the valuation, then document the analysis so it’s supportable.
It depends on the complexity of the business and the purpose, but we’ll give you a realistic timeline up front. Book a consultation and we’ll scope it out.
Yes. Business value can change as revenue, profitability, debt, staffing, customer relationships, industry conditions, and economic factors change. Major investments, lost customers, new contracts, management changes, or changes in market demand may also affect value. Business owners preparing for a future sale or transition may benefit from updating the valuation periodically.
Improving profitability is important, but buyers also consider the quality and stability of the business. Maintaining accurate financial records, reducing dependence on the owner, documenting procedures, strengthening recurring revenue, diversifying the customer base, and addressing outstanding tax or legal issues can make the company more attractive. A valuation can help identify the areas that may have the greatest effect on value before the business is taken to market.
Not necessarily. A valuation provides an objective estimate based on the company’s financial performance, assets, risks, and market conditions. The final selling price may also be influenced by negotiations, financing terms, buyer demand, strategic value, and whether the seller remains involved after the transaction. A professional valuation gives both parties a credible starting point for those discussions.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the company, the purpose of the valuation, and how quickly the necessary records are provided. A small business with organized financial statements may require less time than a company with multiple entities, locations, owners, or complex assets. We explain the expected timeline at the beginning of the engagement and identify any information needed to keep the process moving.
The documents required will vary, but they commonly include recent business tax returns, income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, payroll records, debt information, asset schedules, ownership agreements, and financial projections. We may also request information about customers, contracts, employees, competitors, and industry conditions to better understand the factors affecting the business.
A business valuation may consider the company’s earnings, cash flow, assets, liabilities, industry conditions, customer concentration, growth potential, management structure, and comparable market transactions. The appropriate method depends on the type of business and the purpose of the valuation. We analyze the available financial and operational information to develop a well-supported estimate of value.
A business valuation is useful whenever you are preparing for a major financial, ownership, or legal decision. Common reasons include selling the business, bringing in a new owner, planning for retirement, transferring ownership to family members, obtaining financing, resolving a dispute, or preparing an estate plan. Having the valuation completed before negotiations begin gives you a stronger foundation for making informed decisions.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help.
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Let's find your number
Start with a free consultation. We’ll scope your valuation and give you a clear, defensible result.