Independent Business Valuations for Transactions and Strategic Decisions
Our Approach
At KitsWest Capital, our valuation services are led by Chartered Business Valuators, providing independent business valuations for owners, leaders, and decision‑makers at pivotal moments. Whether planning for growth, evaluating a transaction, or preparing for a transition, our valuations are grounded in sound analysis, professional standards, and practical business judgment.
Our work is tailored to the purpose of the valuation and the realities of your business, delivering insight you can rely on when the stakes are high.
Valuations with Purpose
A business valuation is more than a number. It is a foundation for informed decision‑making.
We take the time to understand your objectives, operating environment, and the factors that drive value in your business. Our approach combines technical rigor with a commercial perspective, ensuring conclusions that are well‑supported, defensible, and relevant to the decision at hand.
Our goal is not just to determine value, but to help clients use that value confidently. Valuations are designed to support negotiations, financing discussions, ownership transitions, and strategic decisions where clarity and confidence matter.
Valuations often support broader initiatives such as acquisitions, exits, or financing processes, and are frequently developed alongside our M&A and Debt & Capital Advisory work.
Common Situations We Support
Valuations are often required at key inflection points. We commonly support clients when they are:
Buying or selling a business or business interest
Planning for succession or ownership transition
Introducing new shareholders or partners
Completing a corporate reorganization
Securing financing or refinancing
Navigating shareholder exits or disputes
Financial reporting under applicable accounting frameworks
Meeting tax, legal, or regulatory requirements
We work closely with you to ensure the valuation aligns with the context of the decision and the stakeholders involved.
Our Valuation Services
We provide valuation services for a wide range of planning, transactional, and compliance needs, including:
Shareholder and partner planning: Valuations support informed decision making among shareholders and partners by providing a clear, independent basis for ownership discussions, buy sell arrangements, and long term planning.
Mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures: We provide valuations to support the purchase or sale of a business or business interest, helping clients evaluate pricing, structure transactions, and understand value drivers before and during a transaction.
Estate and succession planning: Valuations play a critical role in succession and estate planning by supporting ownership transitions, tax planning, and continuity strategies aligned with business objectives.
Corporate reorganizations: We assist with valuations required for internal reorganizations, restructurings, and ownership changes, ensuring valuations are appropriate for the intended purpose and aligned with applicable standards.
Financing and refinancing: Valuations are often required by lenders to support borrowing, refinancing, or changes in capital structure. We provide independent analysis suitable for lender review and decision making.
Shareholder disputes and exits: In situations involving disputes, exits, or unequal interests, valuations provide an objective foundation to support negotiations, resolutions, and fair outcomes for all parties.
Tax, accounting, and compliance driven valuations: We prepare valuations to support tax filings, reporting requirements, and compliance matters, ensuring our conclusions are well documented and defensible if reviewed.
Each engagement is scoped to fit its specific purpose, with clear communication throughout the process.
Valuation Report Tiers
There are three recognized levels of valuation reports in Canada: Calculation, Estimate, and Comprehensive.
Selecting the appropriate tier is critical. The right level depends on who will rely on the valuation, the degree of scrutiny expected, and how the valuation will be used. We work with our clients and their advisors at the outset to determine the appropriate level, balancing assurance, cost, and intended use.
Tier 1 — Calculation Report
Calculation Valuation Report
Best for internal planning and lower‑risk matters
What it is
A high‑level valuation based on limited review and minimal corroboration, designed for situations where external reliance is limited.
Common uses
Internal reorganizations
Estate freezes
Preliminary planning and negotiations
Third‑party reliance
Not typically intended for courts or external stakeholders and may not be accepted where high scrutiny is expected.
Tier 2 — Estimate Valuation Report
Estimate Valuation Report
Best for external use with moderate scrutiny
What it is
A valuation based on limited review, analysis, and corroboration, providing a balanced level of assurance for external purposes.
Common uses
Tax compliance and planning
Shareholder matters
Financial reporting support
Third‑party reliance
May be acceptable to certain third parties depending on the circumstances.
Tier 3 — Comprehensive Report
Comprehensive Valuation Report
Best for high‑stakes decisions and high scrutiny
What it is
A detailed valuation based on comprehensive review and analysis of the business, its industry, and all relevant factors.
Common uses
Complex transactions
Regulatory or legal matters
Situations requiring the highest level of assurance
Third‑party reliance
Designed to withstand the highest level of scrutiny and reliance.
The right tier depends on the intended use. We will recommend the appropriate level once we understand the purpose, stakeholders, and timeline.
Our Process
Our valuation process is disciplined, transparent, and tailored. It typically includes:
Reviewing historical performance and relevant financial projections
Assessing industry, market, and economic conditions
Identifying key value drivers, risks, and assumptions
Applying appropriate valuation methodologies with clear documentation
The result is a valuation that stands up to scrutiny and supports confident decision‑makin
Who We Work With
We support privately held businesses across a wide range of industries, working directly with owners, senior leaders, and their professional advisors. Our experience allows us to adapt our analysis to businesses at different stages of growth and complexity.
Our valuation work is commonly relied upon by shareholders, lenders, accountants, and legal advisors when decisions carry financial, tax, or transaction risk.
Why KitsWest
Clients choose KitsWest for valuations that are built to be used.
Our work combines our Chartered Business Valuator expertise with hands‑on experience across financing, mergers & acquisitions, and complex ownership decisions. This perspective allows us to produce valuations that support real decisions, not just technical conclusions.
Our valuations are designed to withstand scrutiny from lenders, investors, auditors, and counterparties, while remaining practical and decision useful for management.
Our objective is clarity, not complexity, and outcomes that stand up when it matters.
Related Advisory Services
Our valuation work is often part of a broader advisory mandate. Clients commonly engage us across the following services:
Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory
Buy‑side and sell‑side support, transaction structuring, and negotiation
Debt & Capital Advisory
Financing, refinancing, and capital structure optimization
FAQs
What is a business valuation?
A business valuation is an independent assessment of the value of a business or business interest, prepared for a specific purpose. It provides a defensible foundation for decisions related to transactions, planning, disputes, or compliance.
When do I need a business valuation?
Valuations are commonly required when buying or selling a business, planning for succession, introducing new shareholders, completing a corporate reorganization, securing financing, or meeting tax and regulatory requirements.
Who prepares your valuations?
Our valuation engagements are led by Chartered Business Valuators (CBV’s). This designation ensures our work meets professional standards and is suitable for use by business owners, advisors, lenders, and other stakeholders.
Which valuation tier do I need?
The appropriate tier depends on the purpose of the valuation and the level of scrutiny expected. We will recommend the right level after understanding how the valuation will be used and who will rely on it
How long does a valuation take?
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the business and the purpose of the valuation. Most engagements are completed within several weeks once the required information is received.
What information is required?
We typically request historical financial statements, forecasts where available, corporate and shareholder information, and background on operations and industry conditions. We work with you to keep the process focused and efficient.
