Business valuation expert is a professional with specialized training and credentials"such as ASA, CVA, ABV, or CBA"who performs formal valuations of companies or business interests. These experts apply recognized methodologies, document assumptions, and produce written reports that can withstand scrutiny in tax, legal, or transactional contexts. They analyze financial statements, industry data, management interviews, and economic conditions to arrive at defensible value conclusions. In advanced planning, business valuation experts are critical partners in buy-sell design, estate and gift tax planning, ESOP transactions, and shareholder disputes.

Advisors bring business valuation experts into planning engagements when company value will drive major financial decisions, such as setting buy-sell formula prices, determining gift values for minority interests, or sizing key-person and owner insurance coverage. They help clients understand the cost and benefits of formal valuation work and coordinate document flow between the expert, CPAs, and attorneys. Underwriters may request a copy of the valuation report to support financial justification for large face amounts. Understanding business valuation experts enables advisors to build multi-disciplinary teams and deliver planning that can stand up to IRS or courtroom challenges.