Buying or selling a business
Develop a reasoned reference point for negotiations and review the assumptions behind an asking price.
BWMC / Business value
Business Valuation Services in Dubai & the UAE
Understand the value drivers behind your business before an ownership change, transaction or strategic decision. BWMC helps define the valuation question, assess the available information and explain the resulting analysis.
Start with the decision you need to make
Shareholder entry or exit
Assess the specified ownership interest, taking account of the engagement purpose and relevant shareholder rights.
Fundraising and succession
Support discussions about investment, ownership transition and longer-term business planning.
Specialist assignments
Discuss restructuring, financial reporting, purchase price allocation, impairment or disputes. The required expertise, framework and intended users must be agreed before acceptance.
How can a business be valued?
The method follows the purpose and evidence. No single multiple or formula suits every company.
Income approach / DCF
Discounted cash flow estimates what future business cash flows are worth today. Forecast quality, growth assumptions and the discount rate influence the result.
Market approach
Uses evidence from comparable businesses or transactions. Differences in size, growth, profitability, risk and deal terms need to be considered before applying a multiple.
Assets and liabilities
An adjusted net asset analysis considers the values of the underlying assets and liabilities. Its relevance depends on the business and purpose; it may not capture all the value of an operating business.
For background on approaches and scope, see the IVSC glossary and International Valuation Standards.
What we need from you
- Valuation purpose, date and intended report users
- Trade licence, ownership structure and shareholder agreements
- Historical financial statements and recent management accounts
- Forecasts with the assumptions behind revenue, margins and investment
- Debt, cash, working capital and significant asset details
- Key contracts, customer concentration and material business risks
The final checklist is tailored to the engagement. Begin with a general enquiry; agree secure document sharing before sending confidential records.
What the report can include
- Purpose, valuation date, interest valued and basis of value
- Business overview and financial analysis
- Selected methods and reasons for using them
- Key assumptions, adjustments and information limitations
- Valuation conclusion and sensitivity analysis where appropriate
- Permitted use and reliance restrictions
The proposal confirms the actual deliverables, responsible professionals and review process.
Illustrative example / fictional figures
From enterprise value to equity value
This simplified example shows why the value of the operating business may differ from the value attributable to shareholders.
| Illustrative item | AED |
|---|---|
| Assumed normalised EBITDA | 1,000,000 |
| Assumed multiple (example only) | 4.0× |
| Illustrative enterprise value | 4,000,000 |
| Add: assumed surplus cash | 500,000 |
| Less: assumed debt | (1,000,000) |
| Illustrative equity value | 3,500,000 |
EBITDA means earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. The 4.0× multiple is invented for this example, not a UAE market benchmark or recommendation. Actual assignments may require working-capital, debt-like, ownership-interest and other adjustments. This is not a valuation of your business.
Our engagement process
01 / Define
Agree the purpose, scope, valuation date and intended users.
02 / Review
Collect information, discuss operations and identify evidence gaps.
03 / Analyse
Assess suitable methods, assumptions, adjustments and sensitivities.
04 / Explain
Present the agreed report and discuss its conclusion and limitations.
Business valuation FAQs
What does a business valuation tell me?
It estimates the value of a defined business or ownership interest at a stated date, for an agreed purpose and basis of value. The conclusion depends on the evidence, assumptions and scope of work.
Is enterprise value the same as equity value?
No. Enterprise value generally refers to the operating business before allocating value between debt and equity holders. Equity value reflects adjustments such as debt, surplus cash and other agreed items. The report should explain the bridge between the two.
Will the valuation equal the eventual selling price?
Not necessarily. Negotiations, financing, due diligence, buyer-specific benefits and transaction terms can lead to a different price. A valuation is not a guaranteed offer or sale outcome.
Can you value a startup or a loss-making business?
We first assess the business stage, available evidence and purpose. Limited history or uncertain forecasts can widen uncertainty and affect the methods and scope. We confirm whether an appropriate assignment can be accepted after this review.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
A timetable and fee are provided after reviewing the purpose, entity structure, data quality and required deliverable. Missing records, complex ownership or specialist requirements can extend the work; there is no single fee or completion time for every business.
Can the report be used by a bank, auditor, court or tax authority?
Tell us the intended recipient before engagement. Their requirements, permitted reliance and any required credentials or specialist involvement must be confirmed. A report prepared for internal planning is not automatically suitable for another use, and acceptance cannot be guaranteed.
Does BWMC follow International Valuation Standards?
The applicable standards, basis of value, scope and reporting requirements are agreed for each assignment. Referencing a recognised method alone does not establish full IVS compliance. Any statement of compliance must be supported by the work performed and report issued.
Is a valuation the same as an audit or due diligence?
No. These have different objectives and scopes. A valuation may use management information; it does not automatically provide audit assurance or a comprehensive investigation of the business. Any additional work is scoped separately.
Related support
General service information reviewed on 14 September 2026. Assignment-specific requirements and the applicable valuation framework are confirmed before work begins.
Discuss your business valuation
Tell us your business sector, valuation purpose and intended timeline.
Emarat Atrium, 1st Floor, Unit 147, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.