Why a one-line fee request is rarely enough
Business valuation is not a standardised commodity. Purpose changes the required depth, evidence, documentation, review support and professional risk. Saying only that the target is a private company does not tell a valuer whether it is an asset-heavy manufacturer, a recurring-revenue software business, a holding company, a regulated financial institution or a multinational group.
For a meaningful quotation, provide the valuation purpose, target, industry and business model, approximate annual turnover, profit or loss, total assets, net equity, valuation date, deadline and expected reviewers. This allows the valuer to understand scale and complexity before quoting.
Typical valuation process
Define purpose, users and standard
Confirm the subject, interest, valuation date, basis of value, intended users, reporting framework and review route.
Understand the business
Review the industry, business model, geographic exposure, ownership structure, key contracts, financial history and forecast assumptions.
Select methods and evidence
Consider market, income and cost approaches; identify relevant comparable companies or transactions; and test whether asset-based methods are more appropriate.
Model, challenge and document
Build calculations, reconcile methods, discuss management assumptions, perform sensitivities and document professional judgement.
Draft, review and finalise
Resolve factual comments and support questions from auditors, boards, HKEX advisers, lenders, investors or legal teams.
When two quotations are far apart
A large fee gap often indicates that firms have interpreted the scope, complexity or review burden differently. Compare deliverables, senior involvement, methods expected, source research, sensitivity work, reviewer support, timetable assumptions and exclusions—not only the headline fee.
Speak with the person who will actually lead the engagement. For a high-stakes matter, arrange a video call or meeting and assess their experience, ability to explain judgement areas, accounting knowledge where relevant, and familiarity with your reviewers.
Different valuation firms operate differently
The valuation profession is also a commercial market. Some firms compete primarily on price. Some standardise workflows so more work can be handled by general staff with systems and AI assistance. Others insist on experienced finance or accounting professionals remaining closely involved even where this costs more. Decide what level of judgement, senior attention and defensibility your case requires.
Should you ask for a sample report?
A report outline can clarify expected sections, but every business and purpose is different. Confidentiality normally prevents firms from sharing another client’s report. A polished generic or AI-generated template does not prove that the final analysis will be tailored, technically sound or well supported.
Suggested seven-part quotation brief
- Purpose: transaction, accounting, fundraising, shareholder matter, dispute, tax, lending or internal planning.
- Target: legal entity, equity interest, business unit, asset, instrument or obligation.
- Business nature: industry, business model, locations, ownership and key value drivers.
- Financial scale: approximate turnover, profit/loss, total assets, net equity and forecasts available.
- Valuation date(s): one date or recurring reporting dates.
- Deadline: draft, review and final dates.
- Users and reviewers: management, board, auditor, HKEX, lender, investor, court or regulator.