Top Business Valuation Companies (Ranked & Reviewed)
Whether you’re planning to sell, trying to settle a valuation dispute, or calculating the market value of your business, one of the first things to look for is a business valuation company.
These are companies that help determine a business's accurate market value, which is essential for a fair sale process and informed decisions.
Let us help you sift through over 50,000 firms in the U.S. alone by giving you our top recommendations.
TL;DR - Best Business Valuation Companies
There are three key areas to consider when deciding on a valuation consulting firm:
Expertise: Do they have industry knowledge and resources?
Experience: How long have they been in business?
Specialization: What essential services do they provide?
Based on these, here are the top five picks, which we’ll elaborate on in this article:
Kroll
Kaufman Rossin
Stout
Valuation Research Corporation
Alpha Apex
Looking to shape and facilitate your exit strategy specifically? Exitwise can help you build your team of M&A experts, from investment bankers to asset managers.
Reach out to us to hire the pros who can make your dream exit come true.
Why Accurate Business Valuation Matters
A comprehensive, accurate valuation is non-negotiable, regardless of whether you’re in for the long haul or preparing for an exit.
That’s because accurate valuation:
Results in sound business decisions: Knowing where you stand financially will inform your decisions on investments, the company’s future, and even whether it’s best to sell.
Attracts the right buyers: Accuracy prevents under- or over-valuing your business so potential buyers can weigh their options. It can also prevent you from selling your company short.
Demonstrates your business potential: Investors are interested in high returns and profitability. Precise valuations can help you negotiate confidently by demonstrating your company's strengths and potential.
Helps mitigate risks: Valuations identify potential risks, such as liabilities or unchecked cash flow, and help you address them before they negatively impact your business.
Benefits of Hiring a Valuation Consultant
You know your business – you built it from the ground up. So why do you need a valuation consultant to understand its worth?
Here’s why:
Eliminates cognitive bias: An outsider’s perspective is often necessary to evaluate a business thoroughly, spotting weaknesses, such as M&A risks, that an insider may overlook.
Streamlined and proven processes: The larger and more sophisticated the business, the more complicated the valuation process. An expert can implement appropriate methodologies, set in motion a streamlined process, and correctly interpret data.
Access to resources: A consultant offers resources you may not readily have, such as market data and research mechanisms.
Industry expertise: Hiring an independent valuation consultant means borrowing their expertise. Top valuation firms have been in business for years, some even decades. That means you’re tapping into invaluable industry knowledge and practical experience.
It’s also worth noting that while some valuation companies, such as boutique firms, may not have the same tenure, many specialize in niche markets. This gives them in-depth insight into and understanding of specific industries.
Top 5 Business Valuation Firms and Services
The top five independent business valuation firms are listed in this section.
Use these recommendations to decide which fits your business model, financial complexity, and services needed.
1. Kroll
Kroll is the largest independent valuation firm in the country. It offers risk and financial advisory services and has an extensive background in real estate and retail valuations.
The most recent addition to their long list of accolades is ranking #1 for “Total Number of Fairness Opinions in the U.S., EMEA, Australia and Globally in 2023,” according to the 2023 LSEG Global M&A Review.
The firm started in 1972 and has grown to over a thousand valuation experts, which means they have the capacity, experience, and resources.
Key services:
Business valuation for financial reporting, tax compliance, and investment
Corporate restructuring
Compliance and regulation
2. Kaufman Rossin
Another elite firm in the financial industry is Kaufman Rossin, founded in 1962 by Jay Rossin and Kim Kaufman. Specializing in business valuations, it’s considered one of the top 100 accounting firms in the U.S.
Notably, their team of valuation experts has the highest qualifications in the industry, including Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) and Accredited Senior Appraisers (ASA).
But what truly stands out is their emphasis on “making joy your bottom line.” These are consultants that are fun to work with.
So, if you’re thinking of selling your family business and want to know what it’s worth, these are probably the people you’d want to speak to.
Key services:
Business valuation and advisory
Accounting
Tax
3. Stout
Stout is a global advisory firm that has been around since 1991. It is known in the industry for its strong experience in a broad spectrum of industries, from energy and power to real estate.
Their professionals are also among the most skilled in sophisticated valuation services, such as valuation disputes and value strategy.
So, if you’re looking for advisors for a multinational company or a large corporation, Stout’s commitment to “relentless excellence” combined with expertise built on decades of experience is a reliable choice.
Key services:
Valuation advisory
Accounting reporting and advisory
Specialty and industry services
4. Valuation Research Corporation
Valuation Research Corporation, one of the most highly respected firms in the industry, has highly skilled valuation and advisory professionals who can give you an accurate view of your business’s valuation.
They have been in business for over 40 years and were named the M&A Advisor’s Firm of the Year at the 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit—the 12th consecutive time they have received the honor.
They also have over 1,500 valuation experts worldwide, including 300+ in the U.S.
Key services:
Valuation and advisory
Portfolio valuation
Fairness and solvency services
5. Alpha Apex
Alpha Apex is a U.S.-based consultancy firm with an impressive portfolio of clients, including Meta, Amazon Web Services, and Zendesk.
What's noteworthy about this firm is the range of its consulting services and multi-dimensional approach to elevating its clients' businesses.
Their team of experts is also experienced in a wide range of specialty industries, such as aerospace and life sciences.
Key services:
M&A valuation
Software contract negotiation
AI consulting
Need further help? At Exitwise, we help business owners like you create the best M&A advisory team so you can make the most of your business’ sale. Explore our process to understand how we make that happen.
How Much Does a Business Valuation Cost?
The cost of business valuation ranges from $2,000 to $50,000. Several factors affect this, such as:
Business size and nature: The larger the company, the greater the assets to be valued, and the more complex the financial structure.
For instance, in the case of a multinational corporation, consultants may need to use multiple valuation methods to arrive at an accurate value, increasing the cost of the valuation services.
Purpose of the valuation: Valuations can be conducted for various purposes, some more complicated and ultimately costlier than others.
M&A valuation, for one, is typically more costly than valuation for tax compliance. The former requires not only thorough accounting, audit, and research but also data interpretation and forecasting.
Timeframe: A thorough valuation process cannot be accomplished overnight. It always takes time, but businesses can usually demand a shorter turnaround at a higher price point.
Expertise of the consultant or firm: Who is doing your valuation also affects how much you need to pay.
Let’s say you want Deloitte, considered one of the Big 4 accounting firms in the country (and which also does valuations as part of its audit services). You can expect to pay much higher than if you chose a boutique firm.
How Much Does a Small Business Valuation Cost?
A small-to-medium company can expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Note, though, that there are cases where even small companies may need to shell out much more, such as when needing to value a business as part of an M&A process.
Choosing the Right Valuation Experts for Your Business
As you can see from the recommendations above, you have plenty of options when choosing valuation consultants.
Here’s how to narrow the list down further:
Name your budget: Larger, more established firms typically command higher fees, especially for more complex valuations. However, boutique firms that require lower fees are not necessarily bad or unskilled.
In fact, some are hyper-niched, which means they are highly adept at specific services. Setting a budget and realistic M&A fees will help you filter your options early.
Specify the services you need: Firms have specific areas of expertise, even when they offer somewhat similar services. Go for firms with strong experience and success in the services you need.
Set a timeline: Valuation takes time. But it helps to know how much time you have so you can narrow your options. Some firms have more resources, which enables them to expedite processes more than others.
Considering an Exit? Here's How We Can Help
Is it time to let go of your business? Planning your exit can be complicated and stressful. Putting together an M&A team alone can be incredibly time-consuming.
But it doesn’t have to be the case for you.
Sit back, relax, and let Exitwise scout a vetted team of pros who will create the best exit plan for you. Here’s how it works:
Chat with an Exitwise Advisor: We’ll answer all your questions about the exit process.
We review top experts: We’ll let you know which experts match your needs and help you connect.
We facilitate negotiations and hiring: We’ll negotiate with each expert and facilitate the hiring process on your behalf.
Once your team is assembled, the sale process begins. We’ll be with you every step of the way–until your dream exit is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Any more questions about business valuation firms? Check these FAQs out:
What is the Difference Between Business Valuation and M&A Valuation?
The key difference between business valuation and M&A valuation is their purpose.
The former determines a business's economic value, which is used for things like tax compliance and strategic planning.
M&A valuation, on the other hand, is explicitly meant to provide leverage for a profitable business sale or restructuring.
At Exitwise, we can connect you with top M&A experts who can take the load off your plate. If that’s what you need, let’s connect!
How Long Does the Business Valuation Process Take?
Valuations can take anywhere from 7 to 14 weeks. The more complex the financial structure and purpose of the valuation, the longer it usually takes.
What Are the Documents Needed for a Business Valuation?
Your valuation consultants will tell you what you need to make the process go smoothly, but it pays to have them ready beforehand.
Necessary documentation includes:
Financial statements
Legal or compliance documents
Operational documentation
Can I Get an Accurate Valuation Using Online Valuation Calculators?
Using a valuation calculator is a quick and easy way to arrive at an approximate value based on your company’s existing data.
Conclusion
Your choice of business valuation firm is crucial for determining the true value of your business.
Pick one that suits your business by examining their credentials, experience, and level of expertise.
If you’re also looking to exit your business, you’ll need a special team of experts to help through that process.
Allow us at Exitwise to help you hire the best M&A advisors, from valuation professionals to investment bankers – everything you need to get expert guidance for your business.
Reach out to us today so we can help you hire pros who can maximize your company’s value.
