Top 10 Business Valuation Consulting Firms in the USA

Summary:

Business valuation plays a critical role in mergers, acquisitions, estate planning, taxation, litigation, and strategic planning. This article ranks the top 10 business valuation consulting firms in the USA based on expertise, credibility, client satisfaction, and industry recognition. It also offers insights into how to choose the right valuation partner to support your financial goals and business decisions.

Introduction

In today’s competitive and investment-driven economy, knowing the true value of a business isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re preparing to sell, raise capital, or simply assess growth, an accurate and comprehensive business valuation can provide you with vital insights. Business owners, private equity firms, attorneys, and financial planners often rely on third-party business valuation consulting firms to ensure precision, objectivity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

One of the highly trusted providers in this field is OGS Capital, known for its in-depth analysis and tailored business valuation consulting. With the stakes often running into millions of dollars, the value these consultants bring goes beyond just numbers—they shape strategies, mitigate risks, and influence major financial decisions.

To help you choose the best firm for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 business valuation consulting firms in the USA based on industry reputation, client feedback, service offerings, and years of experience.

Why Business Valuation Matters

Before diving into the rankings, let’s understand why business valuation is so important. Here are a few key reasons:

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Understanding fair value ensures smooth negotiations and accurate deal structuring.

• Investor Relations: Helps in securing investments at fair equity positions.

• Litigation Support: Useful in divorce cases, shareholder disputes, and tax challenges.

• Exit Planning: Equips business owners to prepare for selling or succession.

• Strategic Decision-Making: Assists in long-term planning, benchmarking, and performance measurement.

Reliable valuation firms provide certified appraisals and extensive reports in line with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), International Valuation Standards (IVS), and other industry benchmarks.

Criteria for Selecting the Top Business Valuation Firms

To compile our list, we considered:

• Credentials of certified valuators (e.g., ASA, CVA, ABV, CFA)

• Years of industry experience

• Range of valuation services

• Presence of litigation support and expert testimony

• Thought leadership and publications

• Client portfolio and success stories

Let’s now explore the top 10 business valuation consulting firms in the USA that have stood out based on these metrics.

1. OGS Capital

Location: New York, NY
Website: ogscapital.com
Specialties: Startups, SMEs, M&A support, investor valuations

OGS Capital offers premier business valuation consulting for startups and growing companies looking to understand their financial standing in granular detail. With a team of seasoned analysts and business strategists, OGS provides valuation models rooted in real-world market dynamics. The firm is particularly favored by entrepreneurs preparing for fundraising, mergers, or acquisitions.

What sets OGS Capital apart is its strong emphasis on strategic consulting in addition to valuation. It blends financial modeling with market insight to create customized reports that serve both legal and business planning purposes. Their experience across industries—from SaaS to healthcare—ensures clients receive valuations that are both accurate and actionable.

2. Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC

Location: Nationwide
Specialties: M&A transactions, fairness opinions, financial modeling

Deloitte is a household name in finance and consulting. Their business valuation division offers comprehensive services for M&A, tax structuring, and dispute resolution. As a Big Four accounting firm, Deloitte brings a vast network of professionals and proprietary tools to ensure robust and defendable valuations.

They also provide extensive industry research and benchmarking, which adds credibility and depth to their valuation processes. Their global footprint is a major advantage for multinational businesses.

3. Houlihan Lokey

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Headquarters)
Specialties: Transaction advisory, litigation, financial opinions

Renowned for its focus on corporate finance, Houlihan Lokey is frequently ranked as one of the top M&A advisors globally. The firm has a strong business valuation team that works across sectors, including technology, consumer products, and energy. Their valuation services are often used in corporate disputes, shareholder litigation, and investment appraisals.

They also offer fairness and solvency opinions, which are crucial for board approvals and compliance.

4. Duff & Phelps (Now Kroll)

Location: Nationwide (Headquartered in New York, NY)
Specialties: Valuation, compliance, risk advisory

Duff & Phelps, now operating under the Kroll brand, is one of the most prominent players in the valuation domain. Their expertise spans intangible assets, real estate, equipment, and financial instruments. Kroll is especially known for its data-backed approach, integrating risk and compliance into every valuation engagement.

Whether you’re dealing with complex corporate structures or need litigation-ready reports, Kroll is equipped to deliver.

5. CBIZ Valuation Group

Location: Nationwide
Specialties: Business and asset valuations, litigation support

CBIZ offers a blend of local presence and national expertise, serving businesses from small startups to mid-size enterprises. Their valuation services cover estate and gift tax, M&A, divorce settlements, and ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans). Their reports are certified and legally defensible, making them a strong partner in both planning and disputes.

They are particularly favored by family-owned businesses and legal advisors.

6. Mercer Capital

Location: Memphis, TN
Specialties: Financial reporting, transactions, ESOPs

Mercer Capital has decades of experience in delivering valuations for privately held businesses. They cater to clients in the automotive, healthcare, banking, and energy sectors. With a client-first approach, they take the time to understand the operational realities of a business before assigning a value.

Mercer also offers valuation education and publishes regular industry insights that help clients stay informed.

7. Stout Risius Ross, LLC (Stout)

Location: Chicago, IL
Specialties: Dispute advisory, valuation, and investment banking

Stout is a full-service advisory firm with a strong reputation in litigation support and financial advisory. Their business valuation services are often used in high-stakes disputes involving private equity, intellectual property, and corporate transactions.

Stout’s professionals hold credentials such as CFA, ASA, and CPA, and their work often stands up to scrutiny in courtrooms and IRS examinations.

8. Empire Valuation Consultants

Location: Rochester, NY
Specialties: Transaction support, tax planning, forensic valuation

Empire is a boutique valuation firm that has made a name for itself through high-touch client service and niche expertise. Their team specializes in valuing privately held companies and intangible assets, making them a favorite for startups and tech firms.

They are also recognized for their experience in dealing with complex capital structures and early-stage company valuations.

9. Valuation Research Corporation (VRC)

Location: Princeton, NJ
Specialties: Portfolio valuation, purchase price allocation

VRC offers a wide range of valuation services including compliance-focused engagements like fair value measurements under ASC 820 and IFRS 13. They work with financial services firms, hedge funds, and private equity to provide quarterly and annual portfolio valuation services.

Their strict adherence to accounting standards and SEC requirements makes them a go-to for audit-ready valuations.

10. Armanino LLP

Location: San Ramon, CA
Specialties: Startup valuation, tech sector, SaaS, IP valuation

Armanino has carved out a space for itself as a tech-focused valuation firm. Their expertise in intellectual property, software companies, and digital assets (including crypto) sets them apart from traditional players. They also provide outsourced CFO and tax planning services, making them a comprehensive solution for startups looking to scale.

With an agile team and forward-thinking mindset, Armanino is ideal for companies at the forefront of innovation.

Comparison Table: Quick Overview

How to Choose the Right Business Valuation Firm

Selecting the right firm depends on your business type, objectives, and the level of scrutiny your valuation will undergo. Here are a few tips:

1. Define Your Purpose: Valuation for litigation differs from one for M&A or tax planning.

2. Check Credentials: Look for firms with CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst), ABV (Accredited in Business Valuation), or ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser) professionals.

3. Assess Industry Fit: Choose a firm experienced in your specific sector.

4. Review Case Studies: Look for demonstrated success in similar valuation cases.

5. Request Sample Reports: A good firm won’t hesitate to show how detailed and professional their work is.

Final Thoughts

Business valuation is more than just assigning a dollar amount—it’s a strategic tool that can shape the future of your company. Choosing the right business valuation consulting partner ensures you’re equipped with reliable data, credible insights, and legal compliance.

Whether you’re preparing to sell, merge, attract investors, or simply plan for the future, one of the firms listed above is sure to meet your needs. Among these, OGS Capital stands out for startups and small businesses seeking hands-on support and tailored advisory.

By leveraging the services of top-tier valuation consultants, you’re not only securing a number—you’re unlocking clarity, credibility, and strategic advantage in a complex business environment