Independent valuation of shares and equity interests in UAE and GCC private companies. Used for shareholder disputes, buy-sell agreements, UAE Corporate Tax compliance, M&A transactions, DIFC and ADGM filings, and IFRS reporting. CFA-led. Fixed fee from AED 10,000.
Share valuation for a UAE private company comes up far more often than most business owners expect. Here are the situations we deal with most frequently.
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Shareholder Disputes
When shareholders disagree on value in a buyout or deadlock situation, an independent CFA-led valuation gives both parties a defensible reference point — and provides expert evidence if the matter proceeds to DIFC or ADGM Courts.
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Buy-Sell Agreements
Shareholder agreements often require an independent valuation to determine the price at which departing shareholders sell their stake. We price minority and majority interests using IVS-compliant methodology.
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UAE Corporate Tax Compliance
Share transfers between related parties must be at arm's length under UAE CT transfer pricing rules. An independent share valuation establishes the arm's length price and supports FTA compliance.
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DIFC & ADGM Regulatory Filings
DIFC and ADGM entities require independent share valuations for capital restructuring, employee share plans, and regulatory submissions. Reports prepared to DIFC/ADGM standards.
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M&A Transactions
Establishing a fair share price before M&A negotiations — whether you are the buyer or seller. An independent valuation grounds negotiations and reduces the risk of overpaying or underselling.
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IFRS Financial Reporting
IFRS 3, IAS 39, IFRS 9, and IFRS 2 (share-based payment) require the fair value of equity interests to be measured independently. We prepare IFRS-compliant share valuations accepted by Big 4 auditors.
Valuation Methodology
How We Value Shares
The right methodology depends on the business type, purpose of valuation, and whether we are valuing a controlling or minority interest. We apply IVS-compliant approaches with full methodology transparency.
Income Approach
Discounted Cash Flow
Projecting the company's future free cash flows and discounting them at a risk-adjusted WACC. The primary method for businesses with predictable, recurring cash flows. Suitable for most UAE SMEs and mid-market companies.
Market Approach
Comparable Companies & Transactions
Using EV/EBITDA, P/E, and revenue multiples from comparable listed companies and recent private M&A transactions in the same sector — calibrated to UAE and GCC market conditions.
Asset Approach
Net Asset Value (NAV)
Summing the fair value of all assets and subtracting all liabilities. Used for holding companies, investment vehicles, real estate-heavy businesses, and companies where asset values exceed earnings capacity.
Minority & Marketability Discounts
Minority Interest Adjustments
When valuing shares below 50%, two discounts are commonly applied to arrive at the actual market value of the minority holding — distinct from the controlling interest value of the whole business.
Discount Type 1
Discount for Lack of Control (DLOC)
A minority shareholder cannot control dividends, management decisions, or sale of the business. This lack of control reduces the per-share value relative to the controlling interest. Typical DLOC ranges from 15% to 35% in UAE private company contexts, calibrated to shareholder agreement protections and governance rights of the specific interest.
Discount Type 2
Discount for Lack of Marketability (DLOM)
Private company shares cannot be sold on a public market — exits require negotiating with the other shareholders or finding a private buyer. This lack of liquidity reduces value further. DLOM is estimated using restricted stock studies, pre-IPO studies, and options-based models. Typical ranges are 15% to 30% for UAE private companies, depending on the transferability provisions in the shareholder agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share Valuation FAQs
What is share valuation and when do you need it in the UAE?+
Share valuation is an independent assessment of the value of shares in a private company. In the UAE, you need one for: shareholder disputes and buyouts in DIFC, ADGM, or civil courts; UAE Corporate Tax compliance where shares are transferred between related parties; M&A transactions; IFRS financial reporting; free zone regulatory filings; succession and estate planning; and fundraising where a fair per-share price must be established.
How is share value calculated for a private company in the UAE?+
Private company share valuation in the UAE uses one or more of: DCF (discounting projected free cash flows at a risk-adjusted WACC), market multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E from comparable listed companies and precedent transactions), and NAV (for asset-heavy or holding structures). Minority interests are typically discounted for lack of control (DLOC) and lack of marketability (DLOM) relative to controlling interest values.
What is a minority interest discount in share valuation?+
A minority discount (DLOC) reduces the per-share value of a minority shareholding to reflect that minority shareholders cannot control business decisions, dividends, or exit timing. UAE private company DLOCs typically range from 15% to 35%. A separate discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) of 15–30% may also apply to reflect that private shares cannot be easily sold. We analyse the specific shareholder agreement rights before applying any discounts.
Can a share valuation be used in a DIFC or ADGM dispute?+
Yes. Share valuations are regularly used as expert evidence in DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts, Dubai civil courts, and arbitration (DIAC, ICC). The report must meet the court's expert witness standards — with clear methodology, assumptions, and conclusion. Corvian Advisory provides court-ready share valuation reports prepared by a CFA Charterholder with full methodology documentation.
How does UAE Corporate Tax affect share transfers?+
Under the UAE CT regime, transactions between related parties must be at arm's length under transfer pricing rules. An independent share valuation establishes the arm's length price for the transfer — supporting UAE CT compliance and reducing the risk of FTA adjustment. This is relevant for intra-group share transfers, management buyouts, and related-party reorganisations.
How much does share valuation cost in UAE?+
Share valuations at Corvian Advisory start from AED 10,000 for single-company valuations of straightforward operating businesses. Complex cases — multiple classes of shares, disputed assumptions, or court proceedings — typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000. All fees are fixed and agreed upfront. No hourly billing.