A business valuation is a professional estimate of the economic value of a business.  It involves analyzing various factors like financial performance, assets, liabilities, market conditions, and industry trends to determine the business’s worth. 

• Buying or selling a business
• Estate planning
• Divorce proceedings  
• Tax purposes  
• Raising capital  
• Strategic planning

The time required for a valuation depends on the complexity of the business and the depth of analysis needed.

Typically, it can range from a few weeks to several months