There are relatively few professionals with significant expertise in appraisals and valuations in bioeconomy businesses and assets. This is likely because the majority of bioeconomy valuations call for opinions on the value of operational or closed biofuels plants, cutting-edge biotechnologies such as pyrolysis, torrefaction, waste to energy, or gasification, or simply the value of the machinery and equipment involved in any bio-related plant. Evaluating the complex bioeconomic assets like the business itself, patents and other intangible items, or even the machinery and equipment, takes an appraiser with this specific type of experience. Being precise can mean millions of dollars in variances, even when done by very competent appraisers that simply lack experience in these unique industries. Whether providing appraisals for feasibility and development, lending and finance, investment due diligence, tax (federal/IRS and SALT: property taxes, cost segregation, purchase price allocations, estates, gifts), investor reporting/SEC reporting, fairness opinions, government regulations, and due diligence, or litigation matters such as damages, it is crucial that the client is in capable, experienced hands.
Determining and documenting the value of renewable fuels machinery, or operational or closed plants is done for a variety of reasons. The most common occasions for seeking an appraisal of the biofuels business and/or plant are when they are constructed, bought or sold, financed, etc. However, there are other accounting, litigation or bankruptcy uses. The appraisers and business valuations experts must have specialized industry experience to know whether the asset, cost, market or income approach is the right one for any given situation. In order to properly evaluate, they must have industry, financial, and engineering experts in the industry available to them. Depending on the client’s purpose and use for which the service is needed, there are many types of appraisals and valuation services, each varying in complexity and cost. The most basic among valuations would be a simple value calculation. The middle of the industry would be the summary appraisal. The highest level would likely be the full analysis, with an extensive appraisal. To value the bioeconomy business itself, one must take into account whether it is an ongoing concern or a closed plant with some reasonable likelihood of success if reopened. In addition to their industry experience, it is important to note the level of designation the appraiser has from the American Society of Appraisers.
Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. We certainly have specialists in appraisals and valuations, as well as many other experts in bioeconomy specialties like environmental & regulatory compliance, executive recruiting, expert witness engagements, intellectual property (IP) assistance, Life Cycle Analysis, RINs & Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), market studies, carbon credits, wildlife habitat matters, benchmarking, attestations, DOE Merit Review, BQ9000 Preparation, food safety & defense, Insurance selection & procurement, and process safety & management, to name a few.
Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. A good overview of our group is found in this video. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.