At Crescent Bridge Brokers, we provide a Broker’s Opinion of Value (BOV) — a practical and experience-driven estimate of your business’s market value. This assessment is based on our in-depth industry knowledge, financial analysis, and understanding of current market dynamics.

The BOV serves as a helpful tool for business owners who are:

• Setting an asking price for a potential sale

• Planning an exit strategy or preparing for retirement

• Engaging in broader financial or strategic business planning

Our BOV reports are typically informed by:

• Recent comparable business sales (comps)

• Current market trends and conditions

• Your business’s financial health and operational performance

• Additional factors such as industry, location, and business model

In addition to the value estimate, we also provide insights into how different deal structures could affect the final sale price and potential tax implications — giving you a broader understanding of the options and outcomes.

While a BOV is not as comprehensive as a certified business valuation, it offers meaningful guidance and clarity. It’s important to note that a Broker’s Opinion of Value is not a substitute for a formal business appraisal, but it remains a valuable first step in understanding what your business might realistically sell for in the current market.

A formal business valuation is typically conducted by a certified business appraisal professional — most commonly holding designations such as CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) or CBA (Certified Business Appraiser). These credentials are widely recognized and accepted by banks, government agencies, and other third-party institutions.

So, why invest the additional time, effort, and cost in obtaining a certified appraisal instead of relying on a Broker’s Opinion of Value (BOV)?
The primary reason is SBA (Small Business Administration) financing. Many lenders require a certified valuation report from a qualified appraiser to approve SBA-backed business loans. (Visit our Resources section to learn more about SBA financing.)

For sellers, this can be a major advantage. A business that is pre-qualified for SBA financing becomes more attractive to potential buyers, as it significantly lowers the upfront cash investment needed to acquire the business. This broadens your buyer pool and can lead to a faster, smoother sale.

It’s important to note that while the SBA pre-qualification is based on the business itself, the buyer must also meet eligibility requirements. These typically include:

• A solid credit history

• Relevant experience or management capability

• Completion of a personal financial statement

• Willingness to personally guarantee the loan

At Crescent Bridge Brokers, we can guide you through the process and connect you with accredited valuation professionals to ensure your business is well-positioned for financing and sale.

While our primary focus at Crescent Bridge Brokers is providing valuation services in connection with business sales and acquisitions, some of our offices also offer specialized asset valuation services.

These services are often essential in cases where lenders require appraisals for loans that are primarily secured by physical assets. A common example includes machinery and equipment appraisals, which are frequently requested by banks and financing institutions — especially in relation to SBA (Small Business Administration) loans.

SBA Equipment Appraisal Guidelines

When applying for SBA financing, an equipment appraisal may be required under the following circumstances:

• The loan exceeds $250,000

• The equipment is being refinanced

• The purchase is from someone other than a licensed dealer

• There is a close relationship between the buyer and seller

• The business is highly dependent on equipment for operations

In such cases, the SBA generally requires:

• The appraisal to be completed by a certified, independent appraiser

• A physical, on-site inspection of the equipment

• The appraisal report to be dated within 12 months of the loan application

These detailed asset valuations help ensure compliance with lending standards and support the financing process.

At Crescent Bridge Brokers, we are trusted leaders in business valuation and appraisal services. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of diverse industries, we offer insights rooted in both local market knowledge and current economic trends that influence business value.

We place the highest priority on confidentiality. From your financial data to your strategic plans, everything is handled with complete discretion — giving you peace of mind as we guide you through the valuation process.

When you choose Crescent Bridge Brokers, you’re working with seasoned professionals who are committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and objective business valuation services tailored to your specific goals.

Ready to take the next step?
Connect with a trusted advisor at Crescent Bridge Brokers today to discuss your business appraisal needs and long-term goals.