Business Valuation For Dummies

Lisa Holton · Jim Bates

Apr 2009 · Sold by John Wiley & Sons

About this ebook

Buying or selling a business? Acquire the tools and learn the methods for accurate business valuation

Business valuation is the process of determining the value of a business enterprise or ownership interest. Business Valuation For Dummies covers valuation methods, including advice on analyzing historical performance, evaluating assets and income value, understanding a company's financial statements, forecasting performance; estimating the cost of capital; and cash flow methods of valuation.

Written in plain English, this no-nonsense guide is filled with expert guidance that business owners, managers at all levels, investors, and students can use when determining the value of a business. It contains a solid framework for valuation, including advice on analyzing historical performance, evaluating assets and income value, understanding a company's financial statements, estimating the cost of capital, business valuation models, and how to apply those models to different types of businesses.

Business Valuation For Dummies takes you step-by-step through the business valuation process, explaining the major methods in an easy-to-understand manner with real-world examples. Inside you'll discover:

• The value of business valuation, including when it's necessary
• The fundamental methods and approaches to business valuation
• How to read a valuation report and financial statements
• The other players in the valuation process
• How to decide you're ready to sell -- and the best time to do so
• The three stages of due diligence: the meet and greet; the hunting and gathering; the once-over
• How to decide you're ready to buy -- and find the right business for you
• What due diligence means on the buying side of things
• When to call in the experts: divorce; estate planning and gifting; attracting investors and lenders

This is an essential guide for anyone buying a business, selling a business, participating in a merger or acquisition, or evaluating for tax, loan, or credit purposes. Get your copy of Business Valuation For Dummies to get the information you need to successfully and accurately place a value on any business.

Ratings and reviews

Nearly five stars for the content, but only one star for the repetitive and very annoying advertisements for the so called "valuation professionals"! Sometimes it feels like reading a pleadon speech for this kind of support and of course, the authors are also working in this business.

About the author

Lisa Holton is a former business editor and reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. Today, she heads The Lisa Company, a writing, editing, and research firm. She’s a writer for corporations, colleges, and nonprofits nationwide, and has written more than 13 books.

Jim Bates is Vice President, Transaction Support, for the Christman Group, a middle-market investment banking firm based in Palatine, IL