Business valuation, intangible asset valuation, and property valuation — prepared by a CFA charterholder following IFRS, IVS, and RICS standards. Used for transactions, purchase price allocation, litigation support, and UAE Golden Visa applications across the GCC.
Independent valuation of businesses and equity stakes for transactions, shareholder disputes, tax, and strategic purposes.
Specialist valuation of IP, brands, patents, and intangible assets for transactions, PPA, and compliance purposes.
Real estate, land, and asset valuation for transactions, financing, and Golden Visa purposes in the UAE and GCC.
Independent business and equity valuation for transactions, shareholder disputes, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Every report is prepared by a CFA charterholder following International Valuation Standards (IVS) and IFRS — not delegated to junior analysts.
Whether you are selling a business, buying a stake, resolving a dispute, or satisfying an audit requirement, you need a valuation that is technically rigorous, professionally defensible, and clearly explained. That is what we deliver.
We start by understanding the purpose of the valuation — transaction, dispute, audit, or planning — because the purpose directly shapes the standard of value and methods we apply. We agree on scope and fee before any work begins.
We analyse three to five years of historical financials, normalise earnings for one-off items, and build a forward-looking model grounded in industry benchmarks and GCC market data. We identify comparable public companies and recent private transactions.
We apply two or more methods — typically DCF, market multiples, and/or precedent transactions — and triangulate the results. We apply appropriate discounts or premiums for control, liquidity, or minority interests depending on the stake being valued.
You receive a full written valuation report prepared to IVS standards. We are available to present findings to boards, investors, auditors, or legal counsel — and to provide expert witness support if the matter is in dispute.
A minority shareholder in a UAE-based industrial manufacturing business engaged Corvian to provide an independent valuation ahead of a compulsory buyout. The majority shareholder had submitted a significantly lower internal estimate. We applied a DCF analysis, cross-checked against EV/EBITDA multiples for comparable GCC industrials, and applied a minority discount consistent with IVS guidance. Our report was used as the basis for arbitration and was accepted by both parties as a neutral reference point, resulting in a negotiated settlement at a figure materially above the original offer.
Business valuation in the UAE uses the same internationally accepted methods as any other market. The three primary approaches are the income approach (DCF and capitalised earnings), the market approach (EV/EBITDA and P/E multiples benchmarked to comparable companies and transactions), and the asset approach (NAV). The method chosen depends on the business's stage, sector, profitability, and the purpose of the valuation. All our valuations follow IVS and IFRS standards, which are accepted by UAE regulators, banks, and courts.
Our business valuation fees range from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000. The fee depends on the complexity of the business, the number of valuation methods required, and the intended purpose. We agree a fixed fee before work begins — there are no surprises. A straightforward SME valuation typically sits toward the lower end of that range. A complex, multi-entity holding group for a contested dispute would be toward the higher end.
Most business valuations are completed within two to four weeks from receipt of financial information. Complex situations — such as PPA, litigation support, or multi-entity groups — may take four to eight weeks. If you have a hard deadline (such as a deal signing date or a regulatory filing), tell us upfront and we will structure the engagement accordingly.
Yes. Our valuations are prepared by a CFA charterholder following IVS and IFRS standards, which are accepted across the UAE — by the Securities and Commodities Authority, UAE Free Zone authorities, local and international banks, and the courts. If you have a specific regulatory requirement, share it with us at the start and we will confirm suitability before commencing.
Yes. Valuing a stake — rather than 100% of a business — requires specific adjustments. We apply control premiums when a majority stake is being transacted and minority discounts (DLOM and DLOC) when the interest lacks marketability or control. These adjustments are grounded in market evidence and IVS guidance, not applied arbitrarily.
Most of the value in modern businesses sits in intangible assets — patents, brands, customer relationships, software platforms, and proprietary processes. Valuing them correctly requires specialist methods and genuine understanding of both the asset and the business it belongs to.
We value intangible assets for purchase price allocation (PPA) under IFRS 3, M&A transactions, IP licensing negotiations, impairment testing, and litigation. We apply Relief-from-Royalty, Multi-Period Excess Earnings (MPEEM), and Cost Approach methods — selected based on the asset type and the available data, not habit.
We begin by identifying and classifying every intangible asset — both those recognised on the balance sheet and those that should be. In a PPA context, this is critical: IFRS 3 requires that all identifiable intangibles be recognised separately from goodwill.
Relief-from-Royalty is typically used for brands and patents. MPEEM for customer relationships and technology with a finite useful life. Cost Approach for internally developed software or early-stage IP without revenue history. We apply the method that produces the most reliable result — not the easiest one.
For brands and patents, we benchmark royalty rates using published databases and comparable licensing transactions. For customer relationships, we model revenue attrition and contributory asset charges. All assumptions are supported by market evidence.
In a PPA context, the output must withstand auditor scrutiny. We deliver fully documented reports with clear methodology, source references, and sensitivity analysis. We engage directly with your auditors when required to walk through the work.
When a company acquires a business, IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) requires that the total purchase price be allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired — at fair value. Intangible assets like brands, patents, customer relationships, and technology must be identified and valued separately from goodwill. This is not optional — it is an accounting requirement, and it must be completed within 12 months of the acquisition date. A well-prepared PPA minimises audit risk, ensures correct amortisation treatment, and provides a defensible record of the economic rationale for the deal.
A private equity acquirer engaged Corvian to value the brand portfolio of a GCC-based consumer goods group following a majority acquisition. The portfolio comprised three distinct regional brands with different market positions and royalty-rate profiles. We applied Relief-from-Royalty to each brand separately, benchmarking royalty rates using comparable licensing data from consumer goods transactions in the MENA region. The resulting valuations were used in the PPA prepared for IFRS 3 compliance and accepted by the group's Big 4 auditor without material adjustment. The brand values represented over 60% of the total intangible asset allocation.
Patent valuation typically uses the Relief-from-Royalty method — which estimates the value of a patent as the present value of the royalty payments the owner avoids by owning the patent rather than licensing it in. For development-stage patents without revenue, we may use a Cost Approach (what it cost to develop, adjusted for utility) or a probabilistic income approach discounted for technical and commercial risk. The right method depends on whether the patent is generating revenue, licensed to third parties, or still in development.
A trademark is the legal registration — the name, logo, or mark that is registered and protected. A brand is the broader economic asset: the consumer recognition, loyalty, pricing power, and market position built up over time. In valuation, we typically value the trademark as a legal right using Relief-from-Royalty, while the broader brand equity may encompass customer relationships, trade dress, and market positioning. In a PPA, these may be valued together or separately depending on how they were acquired and how they will be used.
If you are an IFRS-reporting entity (which most UAE companies are), yes — IFRS 3 requires a PPA for any business combination. The PPA must allocate the total consideration paid to all identifiable assets and liabilities, with intangible assets recognised separately from goodwill. It must be completed within the measurement period (up to 12 months post-acquisition). Failure to complete a PPA, or preparing one that does not withstand audit scrutiny, creates significant financial reporting risk.
Yes. An independent IP valuation is often the most effective tool in a royalty negotiation — it establishes an evidence-based benchmark for what a reasonable royalty rate should be. We produce reports that are suitable for use in licensing negotiations, intercompany transfer pricing documentation, and dispute resolution. We can value a single patent, a patent portfolio, or a brand licensing arrangement.
A single intangible asset (one patent or brand) can typically be valued in two to three weeks. A full PPA covering multiple intangible assets usually takes three to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the acquisition and the availability of financial data. If an external auditor review is expected, we build in time for a working-paper review and any queries they raise.
Real estate, land, and asset valuation for transactions, financing, regulatory compliance, and UAE Golden Visa applications — prepared in accordance with RICS standards and accepted by UAE banks, authorities, and government entities.
The UAE property market moves fast and asset values shift materially between cycles. Getting an accurate, independently prepared valuation — one that reflects current market conditions and withstands scrutiny — is critical whether you are buying, selling, financing, or applying for a Golden Visa.
We confirm the purpose of the valuation — Golden Visa, financing, transaction, or reporting — and the relevant standard of value required. Different purposes can call for different valuation bases (market value vs. mortgage lending value, for example), and we confirm this before starting.
We carry out a physical or desk-based inspection depending on the property type, purpose, and access available. We gather title documentation, floor plans, ownership records, and any tenancy or income information relevant to the valuation.
We analyse recent comparable transactions in the same development, area, and asset class — adjusted for differences in floor, size, finish, and market conditions at the time of each sale. For income-generating properties, we also apply an income capitalisation approach.
You receive a formal RICS-compliant valuation report or certificate, suitable for submission to the relevant UAE authority, bank, or counterparty. We are available to respond to any queries from the receiving institution.
The UAE Golden Visa requires real estate investors to demonstrate that their property holdings meet the minimum value threshold — currently AED 2 million for a 10-year visa. If the property was purchased below this threshold, is mortgaged, or was bought off-plan, a formal independent valuation prepared to RICS standards and accepted by the relevant UAE authority is required. We prepare these valuations quickly, accurately, and in the correct format for submission to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant emirate's investment office. We also advise on portfolio structuring where clients hold multiple properties that together meet the threshold.
A family office holding real estate across Dubai and Abu Dhabi required an independent valuation of its commercial portfolio for balance sheet purposes under IFRS. The portfolio comprised four commercial units across two developments, with mixed tenancy — some units occupied, some vacant. We carried out desk-based valuations using recent comparable transactions in the same developments, supported by an income capitalisation approach for the tenanted units. The final report covered each property individually and on a portfolio basis, and was accepted by the group's external auditors without adjustment.
Property valuation fees at Corvian Advisory range from AED 5,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the type of property, the purpose, and whether a physical inspection is required. Residential valuations for Golden Visa purposes typically sit at the lower end of that range. Commercial portfolio valuations are more involved and priced accordingly. All fees are fixed and agreed before work begins.
Our property valuations are prepared to RICS standards and are accepted by UAE banks, the GDRFA for Golden Visa applications, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), and relevant free zone authorities. If you have a specific institution in mind, tell us upfront and we will confirm acceptability before starting the engagement.
Yes, but the equity portion — the value net of the outstanding mortgage — is what typically counts toward the Golden Visa threshold. We will review your property details and mortgage balance, prepare the independent valuation, and advise on whether your equity position qualifies you for the visa. If you hold multiple properties, we can assess the combined portfolio position.
For straightforward residential or commercial valuations, we can typically deliver within five to ten working days. If you have a hard deadline — for example, a visa application submission date or a bank deadline — we can often accommodate an expedited timeline. Contact us with your deadline and we will confirm availability.
Yes. Off-plan properties present particular valuation challenges because there is no completed asset to inspect and comparable sales may be limited. We use a combination of developer pricing data, comparable completed-unit sales in similar developments, and a stage-of-completion adjustment to arrive at a supportable market value. We are clear in the report about the assumptions made and the limitations of any off-plan valuation.
Method selection is driven by your industry, purpose, and asset type — never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Discounted Cash Flow and Multi-Period Excess Earnings for ongoing businesses and income-generating intangibles. Captures the future economic benefit attributable to the asset or business.
EV/EBITDA, P/E, and precedent transaction multiples calibrated to GCC market data and comparable peer groups. Grounds the valuation in what buyers are actually paying.
Used for patents, brands, and trademarks. Values the royalty savings from owning the IP rather than licensing it. Supported by comparable royalty-rate databases.
Net Asset Value and cost approach for holding companies, real estate assets, and early-stage IP without revenue history. Often used as a cross-check against income methods.
Fixed-scope proposals agreed before work commences. All fees confirmed upfront — no surprises.
Depends on complexity, size, and number of methods required. Fixed fee agreed before work begins.
Patent, brand, trademark, or IP portfolio. MPEEM and Relief-from-Royalty methods. PPA engagements quoted separately.
UAE real estate and assets. Golden Visa, financing, or transaction purposes. Portfolio discounts available.