Who can value my business in Canada?

If you want to know who does business valuations in Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada gives a direct answer: because of the complexity and stakes, it is helpful to hire a chartered business valuator to get an objective and realistic understanding of your company’s valuation, or to determine whether a buyer’s offer is reasonable. BDC presents this as helpful, not as a requirement.

What a CBV has completed

CBV Institute describes the path to the designation in steps: confirm you are eligible, complete the CBV Program of Studies, gain hands-on experience, pass the Membership Qualification Examination and apply for membership. It also publishes practice standards and a code of ethics. Asking a valuator whether they hold the designation, and for which standards they follow, is a fair first question.

Why a CBV’s work may carry weight

CBV Institute says CBVs are recognized by regulatory, judicial and tax authorities, in Canada and internationally, as experts in business valuation and related financial matters. That is the institute’s own description. If your valuation may be used in a dispute, a tax filing or a negotiation with a counterparty, ask the people who will rely on it what they expect.

What to expect from the number

BDC cautions that valuations can be made with different degrees of detail and assurance, and that even different business valuators may not come up with the same figure. Before you hire anyone, ask what the report will be used for, what it assumes and what information you must supply. To see what a valuation involves, read how to get a business valuation before selling.