In 25 years as a CFO and Corporate Director (C Dir), I have never seen a wider gap between “Accounting Value” and “Strategic Reality.” As we enter 2026, the era of stable globalism is over. We have entered a period of Transactional Realism. For Ontario manufacturers, this means your business value is no longer a […]
When you expect growth, a family trust can create future flexibility with minimal complexity. The idea is straightforward: separate fixed-value preferred shares from future growth common shares, and keep optionality for family, key employees, or charity. The objective is not tax tricks; it’s clean governance and easier transitions. When it makes sense • You expect […]
A “number” without judgment can cost you real money. Thoughtful valuations do four things well: (1) start from the business model, (2) normalize with evidence, (3) use comparables you can defend, and (4) translate risks into the math. The outcome is a Possible Value range you can explain to a buyer, a lender, or a […]
Owner-occupied manufacturing isn’t a strip mall. Yet many models treat the plant as “redundant” real estate and plug in a market rent to make the operating company look comparable to peers. That shortcut can double-count risk and misprice value by 10–30% in special-use settings. If your production depends on power, clear heights, crane rails, line […]
Blog 4: Evolving Capital Structures in Family Businesses: Why Professional Valuation is Essential Introduction Family businesses often encounter scenarios that require changes in their capital structure, whether due to expansion, new investments, or accommodating family members’ evolving needs. Such changes are not only financial decisions but also strategic moves that can shape the future of […]
Blog 3: Untangling Mixed Cash Flows: Valuing Real Estate and Operating Businesses Separately Introduction Family businesses often mix real estate assets with operating businesses, creating a challenge in understanding their true value. For example, a trucking company might own the terminal property it operates from, combining predictable rental income with volatile operating cash flows. Another […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Business Valuation and Preparing for a Successful Exit Introduction: Why Selling a Business is More Complex Than It Seems For many private business owners, selling their business is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Unlike publicly traded companies, where valuation and sale processes are standardized, selling a private business involves subjective judgment, negotiation, […]
Blog 2: Balancing Family Dynamics: Structuring Businesses to Meet Individual Goals Introduction Family businesses often face a unique challenge: balancing the diverse goals and interests of family members. One child may have a passion for running the business, another may prefer financial returns without involvement, and yet another may seek liquidity to pursue independent goals. […]
Blog 1: The Need for Professional Valuation in Succession Planning: Navigating the Complexities of Family-Owned Businesses Introduction Family-owned businesses are the backbone of many economies, and Canada is no exception. Yet, despite their contributions, a staggering statistic looms over these enterprises: Approximately 70% of family-owned businesses fail to survive the transition from the founder to […]
Introduction In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the allure and pitfalls of relying on EBITDA multiples to value a business. While EBITDA multiples can provide a quick snapshot, they often oversimplify the nuances of business valuation. In this follow-up, we’ll delve deeper into the key factors that can distort the meaning of EBITDA […]
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