Our philosophy of business valuation is simply this: our reputation protects our clients, and all of our work must reflect the commitment to quality that preserves our reputation.

We are among the few CPA firms with a full-time, fully credentialed valuation staff. Our valuation specialists assist our clients with:
• merger, acquisition, sale or purchase of business
• increasing the value of closely held companies for future exit strategies
• gift and estate tax planning and filing
• lost-profit/lost-wages analyses
• buy-sell agreements/shareholder disputes
• assistance with debt and equity financing
• litigation support

Merger, Acquisition, Sale or Purchase of a Business
Frequently, the seller or buyer of a business needs to know if the offered price is reasonable. We can help. We also work closely with the Management Consulting Services Group of the firm, performing buy- and sell-side representation.

Increasing the Value of Closely Held Companies
“Is my business ready for sale?” is a question we are often asked. We know the factors driving the value of your business - we can identify these value-drivers and help you make changes to increase the value of your company.

Gift & Estate Tax Planning
Adequate disclosure of the gift of interests in closely held businesses (including family limited partnerships) is required. A business valuation report by a qualified appraiser fulfills these requirements. A thorough valuation report can save far more than its cost. Family limited partnerships, especially those with marketable securities, are a specialty.

Lost Profit / Lost Wages Analyses
We can help determine the present value of economic losses due to breach of contract, business interruption or personal injury.

Buy-Sell Agreements / Shareholder Disputes
Well-designed buy-sell agreements, combined with sound business valuation techniques, can save enormous amounts of time, money, and emotional energy. We can help structure buy-sell agreements to avoid misunderstandings between shareholders. When no such agreement exists, or the existing agreement no longer is useful (or maybe never was), we can help guide the partners or shareholders toward a fair solution.

Debt & Equity Financing Assistance
We can help in seeking debt financing or work with a financial institution to determine the best way to deal with an under-performing loan. We can also help prepare for an equity offering.

Litigation
A high-quality valuation often is the most important factor upon which a case turns. Whether the issue is a shareholder dispute, economic damages or divorce, we can help.

Experience, Resources, Credentials
Our experience includes hundreds of valuations in dozens of professions and industries and in special situations, like those involving large dollars, tax-sensitivity, or litigation.

The firm’s library of business valuation aids, databases, and reference texts is extensive and growing. Periodicals, newsletters, and on-line services are used to keep abreast of current techniques, studies, court rulings, and other news about the profession. We also participate in seminars and conferences designed by the AICPA, NACVA, and ASA. Continuing professional education, specific to business valuation, is among the requirements for recertification of the Accredited in Business Valuation designation from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Certified Valuation Analyst designation from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, and the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers.

If you need a business valuation, call us — we can make a difference!

Contact
Daniel Schnauthiel, ASA | Daniel's CV | 843-577-5843
James R. King, CPA, CVA, CFE | James' CV | 803-773-4324
Patrice L. Viton, MBA, CPA, CVA, CFE | Patrice's CV | 803-773-4324