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Foundations of Business Valuation

CBV Institute x M&A Club

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In-person 2 half-days (4 hours each)

Dates and venues

July 9, 2026 – Wildeboer Dellelce Place, 365 Bay Street, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5H 2V1
July 13, 2026 – Wildeboer Dellelce Place, 365 Bay Street, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5H 2V1

Program Summary

Unlocking Value: Foundations of Business Valuation is an introductory program designed to provide participants with a practical understanding of how businesses are valued in real-world contexts. Through a combination of guided instruction, applied examples, and interactive discussions, the program introduces key valuation concepts, methodologies, and frameworks used across industries. Participants will explore how financial data translates into business insight and how valuation supports better decision-making in transactions, strategy, and planning. This program is especially relevant for professionals involved in M&A, finance, and advisory roles who want to build a strong foundation in valuation.

What participants will learn?

  • Core principles and purpose of business valuation
  • Key valuation approaches (income, market, and asset-based)
  • How to interpret financial statements for valuation purposes
  • Introduction to discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis
  • Understanding risk, discount rates, and assumptions
  • How market data and comparables are used in practice
  • Common valuation challenges and how to address them
  • The role of valuation in M&A transactions and strategic decisions
  • How professional judgment impacts valuation outcomes

Who is this program for?

  • Finance and accounting professionals
  • M&A and transaction advisory professionals
  • Consultants and analysts
  • Early-career professionals exploring valuation
  • Professionals considering the CBV designation

This program is not intended for:

  • Individuals with advanced valuation experience seeking deep technical training
  • Professionals looking for highly specialized or industry-specific valuation models
  • Participants expecting complex financial modeling or advanced Excel-based sessions

Trainer/Instructor

Adam Johnson 

Founder & Principal – Synthesis Valuations Inc

Experienced valuation professional with expertise in applying valuation methodologies across a range of industries, including M&A transactions, financial reporting, and strategic advisory. Brings practical insights and real-world examples to support participant learning and engagement.

Curriculum/Modules

  • Purpose and applications of valuation
  • Overview of valuation standards and concepts

  • Key financial metrics and adjustments
  • Normalization and understanding earnings

  • Income, market, and asset-based approaches
  • When and how to apply each method

  • Building blocks of a DCF model
  • Discount rates and risk considerations

  • Comparable company analysis
  • Transaction multiples and benchmarking

  • Applying concepts to real-world scenarios
  • Common pitfalls and professional judgment

Pricing

Public session price per participant: $563

Register

FAQ

No prior valuation experience is required. This program is designed as an introductory course.

The program is beginner to intermediate level, focusing on foundational concepts rather than advanced modeling.

Yes, participants will receive a digital certificate of completion from CBV Institute.

Cancellation policies will be outlined upon registration and may vary depending on the session.

Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or notebook for notes, though no specialized software is required.

Contact

Maheen Ahmed

Manager, Marketing & Communications

maheen.ahmed@cbvinstitute.com