The Top 5 Business Valuation Companies in The U.S.

Once you learn what a valuation is, and that you should get one before you go to sell your business, you will probably ask “Where can I get a valuation done?” 

Great question.

Brokers, merger & acquisition (M&A) advisors, appraisers, and valuation specialists usually perform business valuations. 

At MidStreet, we perform countless business valuations every year and remain up to date on what certifications and experience a specialist needs to perform one correctly. 

To help you get a clearer idea of who can value your business, we will cover the top five business valuation companies in the United States. We have compiled this list based on four main criteria: their accreditations, experience, the type of valuations they perform, and the price of their valuations. 

Let’s hop in.  

How We Determined The Top Business Valuation Companies

In order to compile the list of the top business valuation companies in the U.S., we evaluated them on the criteria below. 

1. Their Accreditations 

In order to be recognized as a professional valuation specialist, a specialist should have one of the following approved certifications: Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Accredited Valuation Analyst (AVA), or Business Certified Appraiser (BCA). 

2. Their Experience

In the context of fair market valuations, it is important that valuation specialists have experience with selling businesses and/or are familiar with the market. This allows them to value a company similarly to how it would sell on the open market.

3. The Type of Valuations They Perform 

Valuation companies that perform business valuations in compliance with SBA SOPs are familiar with approved valuation techniques. If they perform SBA-approved valuations in addition to other types of valuations, it is usually safe to assume that they will be able to value your business properly. 

4. The Price of Their Valuations  

Not all valuation companies post their pricing because the price of valuations can differ depending on the type of valuation, the size of the business being valued, and its industry. However, there are some brokers that will provide free business valuations to business owners who are considering using their firm.

1. National Business Valuation Services

Brian Wendler, the owner of National Business Valuation Services, has served as president and member of multiple brokerage organizations and advisory boards like the Institute of Certified Business Counselors (ICBC), the Education Committee of the International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA), Quality Review Board for Business Certified Appraisers (BCA), and the Texas Association of Business Brokers (TABB).

Accreditations: Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), and Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser (CMEA). These accreditations mean that National Business Valuation Services can perform fair market valuations, appraisals, and value equipment.    

Experience: They have experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), business valuation, and business appraisal. Their services focus less on selling businesses and more on valuing them as well as helping business owners plan their exit.  

Valuation Type: They perform fair market valuations, legal valuations, and SBA compliant valuations. 

Valuation Price: They do not disclose their price for valuations.  

2. Nationwide Valuations

At Nationwide Valuations, they exclusively appraise and value businesses for purposes such as SBA financing, estate & gift tax valuation, exit planning, buy-sell agreements, estate planning, and employee stock ownership appraisals. They design and execute each of their reports according to SBA guidelines and standard operating procedures.  

Accreditations: Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA), and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). With these certifications, Nationwide Valuations can perform legal valuations, fair market valuations, and equipment appraisals. 

Experience: Their background and services focus mainly on business valuations and equipment appraisals for a variety of industries such as manufacturing, technology, distribution, restaurants, retail, and trade services. 

Valuation Type: Fair market valuations and SBA business valuations.

Valuation Price: They do not openly advertise their price for valuations. 

3. Affirmed Valuation Services

Chuck Miller, the founder of Affirmed Valuation Services, has performed valuations for clients in a variety of contexts, including mergers and acquisitions, damage calculations, management consulting, and buy-sell agreements. 

Accreditations: Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). These certifications signify that Affirmed Valuation Services can perform valuations and appraisals of businesses. 

Experience: Affirmed Valuations Service's has a background in finance and the key service they offer is business valuations and appraisals.

Valuation Type: SBA compliant business valuations and fair market business valuations. 

Valuation Price: Their SBA business valuations usually cost around $1,900 to $3,000, depending on the complexity. 

4. Peak Business Valuation

At Peak Business Valuations, their specialists focus solely on valuing businesses for buyers and sellers. Business owners can receive valuations from them to better understand selling their business,  growing their business, or planning for gift & estate taxes.

Accreditations: Member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) with an Accreditation in Business Valuation (ABV). These certifications allow them to appraise and value businesses. 

Experience: They have a background in and M&A provide their clients with a variety of valuation services. 

Valuation Type: SBA-approved business valuations and gift & estate tax valuations. 

Valuation Price: They do not reveal their pricing. 

5. GCF Valuation

At GCF Valuation, their accredited and certified valuation analysts perform valuations For SBA lending, business planning, partnership disputes, mergers & acquisitions, and employee stock ownership programs (ESOP). 

Accreditations: Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA). With these certifications, they can do business valuations as well as appraise businesses and their equipment. 

Experience: GCF Valuation’s primary background is analyzing companys’ financials to provide them with a valuation of their businesses. 

Valuation Type: SBA compliant business valuations, legal valuations, and gift & estate tax valuations. 

Valuation Price: They do not include their pricing. 

Get Your Business Valued by a Qualified Valuation Professional

To get the most accurate valuation of your business, make sure you evaluate a valuation company’s accreditations, experience, type of valuations, and price. 

If you want to learn more about business valuations and how they are priced, check out “How Much Does a Business Valuation Cost?” 

At MidStreet, we have a certified business valuation analyst on staff and perform free business valuations for clients in our market area. Give us a call today to find out more.