When most people think of business appraisers, they envision a formal valuation report delivered for a specific need, whether for purchase and sale, divorce settlement, litigation support, or estate planning. However, the role of a valuation professional doesn't have to end when the report is submitted. In fact, engaging your appraiser as a post-report consultant can provide ongoing value that helps you act strategically on the valuation findings.
A valuation report is more than a number; it's a diagnostic tool that contains insights into your company's financial health, risk profile, industry standing, and operational efficiency. Business owners and stakeholders often find that they need help interpreting those insights and translating them into actionable strategies. This is where the appraiser steps in as a consultant.
Suppose your transaction continues to develop after the appraisal report is delivered. In that case, additional insights pertinent to the valuation and its role in ultimately closing a deal can be had through post-report consulting. For example, the appraiser can assist during negotiations and provide clarity on valuation assumptions. This may include rebutting opposing appraisal estimates or explaining the rationale behind valuation multiples. By identifying value drivers and detractors in the report, appraisers can help management focus on improving key metrics to enhance future valuations.
If a valuation becomes the center of a legal dispute, the appraiser can serve as a neutral expert or advisor, supporting attorneys and their clients with context and clarity. Business appraisers may also assist in interpreting their valuation in the context of family transitions, gifting, or employee ownership plans.
A valuation is a snapshot in time. Business owners who treat it as the end of the process may miss out on the deeper benefits of working with a professional who already understands their company. Post-report consulting transforms the valuation from a static document into a dynamic tool for growth, governance, and decision-making.
Business appraisers are more than number crunchers; they are strategic advisors. When you bring them in after the valuation report is complete, you gain a partner who can help unlock, preserve, and grow the value of your business over time.