At Expert Business Valuations, we are committed to maintaining professional standards, transparency, independence, and ethical conduct in accordance with applicable professional and valuation standards, including APES 225 – Valuation Services and relevant International Valuation Standards (IVS) where applicable.

This page outlines our engagement process, client responsibilities, limitations of service, and complaints handling procedure.

Engagement Process

1. Initial Enquiry & Scope Discussion

All engagements commence with an initial discussion to determine:

• The purpose of the valuation or advisory engagement
• Intended users of the report
• Standard of value required
• Scope of work
• Relevant assumptions and limitations
• Required documentation and information
• Independence and conflict considerations
• Estimated fees and timeframes

At this stage, we may determine that:

• A formal valuation engagement is appropriate;
• A limited scope engagement may be suitable; or
• We are unable to accept the engagement due to independence, scope, or competency considerations.

2. Engagement Letter

Before commencing work, clients are issued with a formal Engagement Letter outlining:

• Scope of services
• Basis of engagement
• Professional standards applied
• Fee structure
• Payment terms
• Limitations and assumptions
• Confidentiality provisions
• Reliance restrictions
• Complaints process

Work will generally not commence until the Engagement Letter has been signed and any required upfront payment has been received.

3. Information Collection & Review

Clients may be requested to provide:

• Financial statements
• Management accounts
• Tax returns
• Forecasts and budgets
• Lease agreements
• Customer and supplier information
• Employment details
• Corporate records
• Legal documentation
• Other information relevant to the engagement

The accuracy and completeness of information provided by the client materially impacts the reliability of any valuation or advisory opinion.

Unless specifically engaged otherwise, we generally rely upon information supplied by clients and third parties without independent audit verification.

4. Analysis & Valuation Methodology

Depending on the nature of the engagement, we may apply one or more valuation approaches, including:

• Income Approach
• Capitalisation of Earnings
• Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
• Market Approach
• Asset-Based Approach

Methodologies adopted are selected based on professional judgement, the nature of the subject entity, available information, and the purpose of the engagement.

5. Drafting & Delivery

Where appropriate, draft reports may be issued for factual verification only.

Final reports are issued once:

• Outstanding information has been received;
• Fees have been paid in accordance with engagement terms; and
• The valuation process has been completed.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Reports are prepared solely for the named client and stated purpose;
• No third party may rely upon the report without prior written consent;
• Reports should not be reproduced in part without permission.

Independence & Professional Standards

We strive to maintain independence and objectivity in all engagements.

Where conflicts of interest arise, they will be disclosed where appropriate.

Our valuation engagements are generally conducted with reference to:

• APES 225 – Valuation Services
• Applicable International Valuation Standards (IVS)
• Relevant Australian professional and ethical standards

However, unless specifically stated within the engagement letter or report, no representation is made that a report is suitable for court, audit, taxation, financial reporting, litigation, or regulatory reliance.

Limitation of Liability

Valuation and advisory opinions involve professional judgement and are based upon assumptions, forecasts, economic conditions, market evidence, and information available at the date of assessment.

Future events may materially differ from assumptions adopted.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We disclaim liability to third parties;
• Liability is limited to the amount paid for the engagement;
• We are not responsible for commercial decisions made based on our reports;
• We do not guarantee future performance, sale outcomes, financing outcomes, or transaction success.

Clients should obtain independent legal, taxation, accounting, and financial advice where appropriate.

Complaints Handling Procedure

We take complaints seriously and are committed to resolving concerns fairly, respectfully, and efficiently.

How to Lodge a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing and include:

• Your name and contact details
• The engagement or report reference
• Details of the concern or complaint
• Supporting documentation where relevant

Complaints may be submitted via:

Email: info@expertbusinessvaluations.com.au
Website: Expert Business Valuations Contact Page

Complaint Review Process

Upon receipt of a complaint:

1. We will acknowledge receipt within a reasonable timeframe.
2. The matter will be reviewed internally by management or the engagement principal.
3. Additional information may be requested where necessary.
4. We will attempt to resolve the matter through discussion and clarification where appropriate.
5. A formal written response may be issued where required.

Timeframes for resolution may vary depending on the complexity of the matter.

External Review

If a complainant remains dissatisfied after internal review, they may seek independent legal advice or contact the relevant professional body or regulatory authority where applicable.

Nothing on this page limits any rights available under Australian law.

Website Disclaimer

Information contained on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, taxation, accounting, or investment advice.

No person should rely upon information contained on this website without obtaining professional advice tailored to their circumstances.

Past transactions, valuation outcomes, or case studies do not guarantee future results.

Confidentiality

All client information is treated confidentially in accordance with our professional obligations, privacy obligations, and engagement terms, subject to legal disclosure requirements where applicable.