Advisory
Business valuation under IDW S 1: every step documented and traceable
Succession, sale, compensation, tax or a municipal holding: the occasion determines the value. We determine it under IDW S 1, so you can rely on it.
One company, one value per occasion
Purchase price, compensation or tax depend on the value. It has to hold when the other side, the tax office or a court checks it.
Your company
- Succession and saleObjectified value, decision value or arbitration valueA basis for all sides, the value from your perspective, or a value both sides can agree toIDW S 1
- Inheritance and giftFair market valueSimplified method or a report under a recognised methodSection 11(2), sections 199 to 203 BewG
- Shareholders and familyValue under contract or statuteCompensation under the articles, gain equalisation or compulsory portionIDW S 1, IDW S 13
- Municipalities and utilitiesObjectified earnings valueGrid at a concession change; holding or utility under IDW S 1IDW S 1, section 46 EnWG
Without a documented value of your own, you negotiate over the other side’s numbers.
Where we come in on your valuation
- Clarify the purposeOccasion and addressee decide which value is sought.
- Assess the plansAccounts and plans, with the assumptions behind them.
- Derive the valueEarnings value or DCF, derived in the open.
- ReportIn writing, with the assumptions that move the value.
or
AdvisoryPurchase price adviceWe assess with you what a purchase price or an existing value means for you, as a basis for your negotiation.Assessment for your negotiationSteps 1 to 3Who stands behind your report
- Registered audit firm, member of the IDW (opens in a new tab)Listed with the Chamber of Public Accountants. The German Public Accountant you talk to signs.
- Specialised in energy, sustainability and valuationOur focus areas are energy, sustainability and business valuation. We value under IDW S 1, municipal utilities and grids included.
- With a Big Four backgroundYour German Public Accountant learned auditing at Big Four firms, in financial statement and sustainability audits.
“[…] I particularly value the pragmatic, solution-oriented approach and the high professional standard. […]”
What shareholders and heirs ask before a valuation
What is the difference between the earnings value and the DCF method?
Both convert future surpluses into a value at the valuation date. With the same assumptions both lead to the same value (IDW S 1).
Do I always need a full report?
No. Sometimes purchase price advice is enough. We clarify that in the intro call.
Does the new IDW S 1 apply already?
Yes, for valuation dates after its publication: IDW S 1 in its 2026 version, adopted on 11 February 2026. It applies to earlier dates only if the engagement provides for it.
Objectified value, decision value or arbitration value: which is right?
The purpose decides (IDW S 1). The objectified value can be traced by anyone and serves occasions with conflicting interests. The decision value shows the view of a particular buyer or seller. As arbitrator or mediator we weigh the parties' views and bring them to a value both can agree on.
Which value counts for inheritance and gift tax?
The fair market value (gemeiner Wert), the price in ordinary business dealings (section 9(2) BewG). For shares in corporations, sales between unrelated parties within the last year come first, otherwise earnings prospects or a recognised method such as IDW S 1 (section 11(2) BewG). The simplified income value method applies only if it does not lead to obviously incorrect results (section 199 BewG).
What does a business valuation cost?
The fee depends on scope and effort. We give you the range after the intro call, and the fee is set out in writing in the engagement letter.
Intro call, 25 minutes
A value you can rely on
Tell us the occasion and the date. In the intro call we say which value is needed and whether it takes a report.
- Describe occasion and deadline
- Clarify what your occasion requires
- Learn scope, timeline and fee range
Helpful: the occasion, the date and the last three annual accounts.
You always speak directly with a German Public Accountant.No cost, no obligation, via Microsoft Teams.
Prefer email or phone?
A reply to every e-mail within 48 hours on working days. If it is urgent, say so and we will answer as soon as we can.
What can hang on a valuation
- Valuing utilities and grids
If a municipal utility or a grid is to be valued.
- Trust services and executorship
If a purchase price should sit with a neutral party until a condition is met, or an estate needs managing.
- Statutory audit
If what is needed is audited accounts, not a value.