Standard Business Valuations

This month’s webinar, led by valuation expert Sheila Darby, focuses on how brokers and M&A advisors can effectively position and sell Standard Business Valuations within a tiered valuation framework. The session outlines where Standard reports fit between Essentials and Certified valuations, and how they provide a balanced approach for transactions that require more rigor without the full scope of a certified report.

Sheila explains that Standard valuations are designed for engagements with moderate complexity, where clients need a more detailed and supportable analysis than entry-level reports can provide. She emphasizes how these reports strengthen pricing discussions, improve buyer confidence, and support more structured negotiations.

Throughout the webinar, Sheila walks through common use cases for Standard valuations, including mid-market transactions, deals with some financing considerations, and situations where additional financial clarity is needed but third-party certification is not required. She also provides guidance on how to communicate the value of Standard reports to clients—positioning them as a practical step up in accuracy and defensibility.

The session reinforces the importance of aligning the valuation type with transaction complexity and client needs. By incorporating Standard Business Valuations into their offering, advisors can deliver more precise guidance, improve deal outcomes, and create a clear progression toward higher-level valuation services when appropriate.