Whether you’re a legal professional, a business owner, or someone navigating divorce, this series offers clear, expert guidance on a complex subject.
Ask the Expert: Valuing a business for divorce
Business valuations in divorce are not just about numbers; they’re about fairness, transparency, and protecting the future.
When a marriage ends, dividing assets can be one of the most complex and emotionally charged parts of the process. For couples where one or both spouses have an interest in one or more businesses, the stakes are even higher.
In this exclusive Ask the Expert series, Malcolm Coomber, a seasoned corporate finance specialist and business valuer, shares his insights into how business valuations are approached in divorce proceedings. Drawing on decades of experience, Malcolm explains the legal context, valuation methods, and practical considerations for both business owners and their spouses.
What you’ll learn in this series:
Part 1: Business valuations in divorce
Why valuations matter, how they’re approached, and what makes them different in the context of divorce.
Part 2: Who should value the business? Understanding expert roles
Exploring the roles of party experts, single joint experts, and shadow experts — and how to choose the right one.
Part 3: The legal landscape – how UK divorce law affects valuations
A look at the legal principles that shape financial settlements and how business assets are treated by the courts.
Part 4: The legal process – what to expect and how valuations fit in
How business valuations fit into the divorce timeline, from financial disclosure to final settlement.
Part 5: Valuation methods – how business value is calculated in divorce
An explanation of the key valuation approaches — earnings, dividend, and asset-based — and when each is used.
Part 6: Valuing a spouse’s business – what if you’re not involved?
Guidance for spouses with limited visibility into the business, including red flags and investigative considerations.
Part 7: Valuing your own business – protecting what you’ve built
Advice for business owners on how to protect their business interests while ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Introducing our expert: Malcolm Coomber
Director | Business Valuation Specialist
Malcolm Coomber is a highly experienced corporate finance advisor and Chartered Accountant with a specialist focus on business valuations – particularly in the context of divorce, shareholder disputes, acquisitions & disposals, and EMI schemes.
With a career that began in general practice and evolved through senior roles in commerce, Malcolm brings a rare blend of technical expertise and real-world business insight. He works closely with clients looking to grow through acquisition, maximise value on exit, or navigate complex financial challenges.
In divorce proceedings, Malcolm is frequently appointed as an individual party expert, a single joint expert, or a shadow expert. His calm, pragmatic, caring approach and deep understanding of both financial and legal frameworks make him a trusted advisor to clients and legal professionals alike.
Business Valuations for Divorce | Complete Guide
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