Optival is an independent UK valuation practice specialising in business valuations and share valuations for privately owned SMEs. We work with founders, shareholders, finance teams, solicitors and accountants who need a clear, well-supported and defensible valuation of a private company or its shares - prepared by specialists, not generalists.
We have delivered over 800 valuations across a wide range of UK sectors and business types. Our clients range from early-stage startups setting up their first EMI scheme to established owner-managed businesses preparing for a sale or shareholder transition.
What makes Optival different
Most business valuations in the UK are prepared as a secondary service by generalist accountancy firms - alongside audit, tax and payroll. At Optival, valuation is the only thing we do. That focus means our analysts spend their time studying comparable transactions, sector multiples and valuation methodology - not switching between unrelated engagements. The result is a more rigorous, better-evidenced report prepared by people who do this work every day.
- Valuation specialists, not generalists - we do not offer audit, tax or corporate finance brokerage alongside our valuation work
- Independent and conflict-free - our conclusions are not influenced by a desire to win related mandates
- Fixed fees agreed upfront - from £600, with no hourly billing or scope creep
- Clear, accessible reports - written to be understood by founders and shareholders, not just accountants
- HMRC-facing experience - we prepare valuations for EMI schemes, share restructurings and other HMRC-related matters regularly
Our approach to valuation
Every valuation we prepare starts with understanding the purpose. A valuation for an EMI share scheme requires a different approach to one prepared for a contested shareholder dispute or a business sale. We tailor the methodology, the comparables and the documentation to the specific situation - and we explain our reasoning clearly so that clients and their advisers can engage with the conclusions rather than simply accepting them.
We apply established valuation methodologies - earnings multiples, discounted cash flow and net asset value - drawing on current transaction data and listed company comparables. Where appropriate we apply discounts for minority interests, lack of marketability or specific share restrictions. All assumptions are documented and explained in the report.
Who we work with
Our clients include founders preparing their first EMI option scheme, shareholders negotiating a buy-out or buy-in, finance directors supporting a fundraising or group restructuring, and management teams working through an MBO. We also work regularly with solicitors and accountants who commission independent valuations on behalf of their clients - for shareholder agreements, matrimonial proceedings, estate planning and HMRC submissions.
Typical businesses we value have annual revenues between £500k and £50m and operate across professional services, technology, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, construction and financial services.
Our services
- Strategic Indicator — £600 indicative valuation for owner-directors who want to know what their business is worth today
- EMI share valuations — £1,200 HMRC-aware valuation supporting employee share option grants
- Shareholder Valuation — £1,500 independent valuation for buy-outs, transfers and new investors
- Pre-Sale Valuation — £3,500 in-depth valuation to anchor your asking price before going to market