Business Valuations
A defensible view of what your business is worth.
From straightforward market appraisals through to comprehensive AES2 Standard Valuations, Rockfield delivers valuation work that holds up — to buyers, banks, boards and the courts.
Our approach
Evidence-led. Owner-friendly.
A valuation is only as good as the evidence behind it. Our work is grounded in real transaction data, normalised earnings, sector multiples and the specific characteristics that make your business saleable.
We are practising business brokers, not desk-bound analysts. Every valuation we produce is informed by what buyers in your sector are actually paying right now, and what they are quietly discounting.
The result is a report that reads clearly, defends itself under scrutiny, and gives you a credible position to act from — whether you intend to sell, restructure, or simply know where you stand.
What we deliver
Three levels of valuation.
Market Appraisal
No charge
An indicative view of value based on current market conditions, comparable transactions and the financial profile of the business. Ideal when you need a clear-eyed starting point. This is at no charge as part of our relationship building.
Comprehensive Valuation
$2,000 – $10,000+depending on complexity
A detailed, fully supported valuation report suitable for internal planning, shareholder discussions, succession and pre-sale positioning.
AES2 Standard Valuation
$5,000 – $30,000+depending on complexity
Formal valuations prepared to Advisory Engagement Standard No. 2 (AES2), set by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand — accepted by banks, the courts, the IRD, accountants and lawyers when independence and rigour are required.
Indicative fees only. Every engagement is quoted fixed, up front, after a brief scoping conversation.
When you need one
Common reasons owners commission a valuation.
Bank funding
Lending decisions and security reviews require a defensible, independent value.
Shareholder transactions
Buy-outs, buy-ins and equity restructures need a number both sides can stand on.
Disputes & exits
Relationship property, partnership separations and exiting shareholder claims call for rigorous, court-ready work.
Estate & succession
Wills, trusts and intergenerational transfers benefit from a current, evidenced position.
Pre-sale positioning
Understand the realistic range before going to market — and what would move the needle.
Accountant & advisor referrals
We work alongside your existing professional team, confidentially and on time.
Valuation questions
What owners ask about business valuation in New Zealand.
How much is my business worth in New Zealand?
Most privately held New Zealand businesses are valued on a multiple of normalised earnings — EBITDA or, for owner-operated businesses, seller's discretionary earnings. Multiples vary widely by sector, size and risk profile: small owner-operated businesses commonly transact at low multiples, while larger businesses with management depth, recurring revenue and diversified customers attract materially higher ones. Normalising the earnings correctly matters more than the multiple itself, which is why a market appraisal is the right starting point.
What is an AES2 Standard Valuation?
AES2 is the professional standard for business valuation engagements in New Zealand and Australia, setting out required scope, methodology, evidence and disclosure. An AES2 Standard Valuation is a formal, fully reasoned report designed to withstand independent scrutiny — the level of work expected by banks, courts, the IRD and opposing advisors. It is substantially more rigorous than a market appraisal.
What's the difference between an appraisal and a valuation?
A market appraisal is an indicative view of likely selling price based on market conditions and comparable transactions — useful for planning and for pricing a listing, and provided at no charge as part of building a relationship with us. A valuation is a formal report with documented methodology and evidence, appropriate where the number must be defended to a third party.
When do I need a formal business valuation?
Common triggers are bank or vendor finance, a shareholder buying in or out, relationship property and other disputes, restructuring and trust or estate planning, tax and IRD matters, insurance and buy-sell agreements, and setting a baseline before a value-building programme. If a third party will rely on the number, you need a formal report.
How long does a valuation take and what do you need from me?
A market appraisal is usually turned around within one to two weeks. A comprehensive or AES2 Standard Valuation typically takes three to five weeks depending on complexity and how quickly information arrives. We generally need three years of financial statements and tax returns, current year-to-date figures, the lease, an asset register, and a conversation about the adjustments and one-off items behind the numbers.
Start a conversation
A confidential discussion about your business.
Tell us a little about your situation and the purpose of the valuation. We will recommend the right level of report — and quote it fixed, up front.
Contact Rockfield