Last updated: 14 Oct 2026

Virtual Auditor

Companies Act Valuation

Last updated: 14 Oct 2026

What is a Companies Act valuation? The Companies Act, 2013 mandates valuation by a Registered Valuer (registered under IBBI Regulations) for specific corporate transactions. Section 247 requires companies to obtain a Registered Valuer’s report for any valuation required under the Act. This includes share valuation for preferential allotment (Section 62), buyback (Section 68), schemes of arrangement/amalgamation (Sections 230–232), and conversion of securities. Virtual Auditor holds IBBI registration (IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333) specifically for these valuations. Quick Answer: Companies Act Valuation — Companies Act valuation by IBBI Registered Valuer. Section 247 reports. Preferential allotment (Section 62), buyback (Section 68), amalgamation (Sections 230-232), demerger, share swap.

Regulatory Framework

Regulatory basis: Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017; ICAI Valuation Standards, 2018 and International Valuation Standards.

Indicative Fee Structure

ServiceFee
Section 247 Valuation (single entity)Starts from ₹50,000 + 18% GST
Swap Ratio Valuation (merger/amalgamation)Starts from ₹1,50,000 + 18% GST
Buyback Valuation (Section 68)Starts from ₹40,000 + 18% GST
Non-Cash Transaction Valuation (Section 192)Starts from ₹35,000 + 18% GST

*Prices are indicative. Actual fees depend on complexity, capital structure, and regulatory requirements. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Comprehensive List of Transactions Requiring Registered Valuer

Under the Companies Act, 2013, the following transactions specifically require valuation by an IBBI Registered Valuer:

Share-related: Preferential allotment pricing (Section 62(1)(c) read with Rule 13), buyback of shares (Section 68 read with Rule 17), further issue of shares under private placement (Section 42), and employee stock options (Section 62(1)(b)).

Corporate restructuring: Schemes of arrangement and amalgamation (Sections 230-232) — swap ratio determination and fairness certification, demerger — valuation of demerged undertaking and remaining entity, compromise or arrangement with creditors.

Director-related: Non-cash transactions with directors (Section 192) — fair value of non-cash consideration must be determined by Registered Valuer.

Oppression/mismanagement: When NCLT orders valuation in proceedings under Sections 241-242 to determine fair value of shares for buyout orders.

Winding up: Voluntary winding up requiring valuation of assets for distribution. Tribunal-ordered winding up for asset realisation valuation.

Swap Ratio Valuation for Mergers & Amalgamations

The swap ratio determines how many shares of the surviving company each shareholder of the merging company receives. Getting this wrong creates litigation risk — minority shareholders can challenge an unfair ratio before NCLT.

Our approach: We value both companies independently using multiple methods (DCF, comparable analysis, asset-based), compute a range of fair values for each, and derive the swap ratio from the relative value ranges. Monte Carlo simulation on both companies simultaneously gives a probability distribution of swap ratios — not a single point estimate. The Tornado chart shows which company's assumptions drive the most variance in the ratio.

NCLT scrutiny: NCLT examines whether the swap ratio is "fair and reasonable" to all classes of shareholders. Our reports include: (1) independent valuation of each entity, (2) multiple methods with cross-validation, (3) sensitivity analysis on key assumptions, (4) minority shareholder impact analysis, and (5) comparison with comparable M&A swap ratios in the industry.

Common Mistakes in Companies Act Valuations

1. Using a non-registered valuer: Section 247 is clear — only IBBI Registered Valuers can issue reports. A CA certificate without IBBI registration is not valid for Companies Act purposes. The transaction may be challenged at NCLT.

2. Single-method valuation for swap ratios: NCLT expects multiple methods with cross-validation. A swap ratio based solely on NAV (the simplest approach) will face challenge from minority shareholders who argue that NAV undervalues growth potential. Always include DCF and comparable analysis alongside NAV.

3. Ignoring minority shareholder interests: In schemes of arrangement, minority shareholders can file objections before NCLT. The valuation must demonstrate fairness to all shareholder classes, including minority and preference shareholders.

4. Outdated financials: Using last year's audited financials when provisional current-year data is available. Valuations for corporate transactions should use the most recent available financial data, with clear disclosure of the reference date.

Companies Act Valuation Requirements

SectionTriggerValuer Required
Section 230-232Mergers & AmalgamationsIBBI Registered Valuer mandatory
Section 236Purchase of minority shareholdingRegistered Valuer mandatory
Section 247Any valuation under Companies ActIBBI Registered Valuer mandatory
Section 62(1)(c)Preferential allotmentIBBI Registered Valuer

Engagement terms — reviewed 25 October 2026

  • Fee: From ₹35,000 + 18% GST per report. No government fee applies to a valuation report.
  • Extra / not included: A revised report after a change in the valuation date, the instrument terms or the purpose is a fresh engagement.
  • Turnaround: 7 working days from receipt of complete information and the advance payment.
  • Who signs: The report is signed by V. Viswanathan, IBBI Registered Valuer (IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333).
  • Entity: Engagement letter and invoice are issued by V Viswanathan & Associates (proprietor V. Viswanathan, IBBI Registered Valuer, IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333); the Registered Valuer is appointed and signs in his personal capacity, not through a company.
  • What to send first: Send latest audited financial statements, current cap table, management projections, and the term sheet or the purpose the report is for (Companies Act, FEMA, income-tax, transaction).
  • Next step: Send your enquiry on WhatsApp to +91 99622 60333; we confirm the scope, fee and timeline in writing before work starts.

Transactions Requiring Registered Valuer Reports

Section 247, Companies Act 2013: Where a valuation is required to be made in respect of any property, stocks, shares, debentures, securities or goodwill or any other assets or net worth of a company or its liabilities under the provision of this Act, it shall be valued by a person having such qualifications and experience and registered as a valuer — i.e., an IBBI Registered Valuer.

Preferential Allotment — Section 62(1)(c)

Shares issued on preferential basis must be priced per Rule 13 of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules. For listed companies: SEBI ICDR pricing. For unlisted companies: valuation report from a Registered Valuer determining fair value. Price cannot be below the valuation.

Buyback of Shares — Section 68

Share buyback pricing requires a fair value assessment. The company must ensure the buyback price does not exceed the fair value determined by an independent valuer. Rule 17 of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules prescribes the process.

Schemes of Arrangement — Sections 230–232

Merger, amalgamation, and demerger schemes filed with NCLT require a Registered Valuer’s report on the swap ratio. The valuer must determine the relative values of the transferor and transferee companies and certify the fairness of the exchange ratio.

Other Trigger Events

Conversion of debentures/preference shares to equity, non-cash transactions with directors (Section 192), further issue of shares (private placement under Section 42), and oppression/mismanagement proceedings (Sections 241–242) where valuation is ordered by NCLT.

Need Help With This?

30-minute consultation with CA V. Viswanathan, FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV. No obligation.

Step-by-Step Process

    Step 1

    Identify section requiring valuation (230/232/236/247)

      Step 2

      Engagement as IBBI Registered Valuer

        Step 3

        Collect data from company and management

          Step 4

          Apply valuation methods per IBBI Standards

            Step 5

            Draft IBBI-compliant report with caveats

              Step 6

              Submit to company/NCLT as required

              When Is Companies Act Valuation Not Required?

              A registered valuer report under Companies Act may not be required when: (a) the transaction does not fall under sections mandating valuation (Section 62(1)(c), Section 192, Section 230-232), (b) the related party transaction is at arm's length and within the materiality threshold, (c) the shares are listed and market price is accepted as fair value, or (d) an existing valuation report (within 6 months) covers the same transaction.

              If you are unsure whether your situation requires companies act valuation, contact us for a free preliminary assessment. We will advise you honestly — including telling you if you do not need our services.

              What You Will Receive

              Upon completion, you will receive: registered valuer report under Companies Act 2013, fair value determination with multiple methodology application, physical asset inspection report (if applicable), related party transaction fairness opinion (Section 188/188), share swap ratio computation (Section 230-232, if applicable), board resolution draft referencing the valuation, and compliance certificate for ROC filing. Report meets NCLT submission standards.

              A Recent Client Engagement

              Our approach: A listed company needed a registered valuer report for a related party transaction (RPT) under Section 188 — acquisition of a subsidiary's manufacturing unit at ₹65 Cr. The audit committee required an independent fair value opinion. We conducted physical inspection of the manufacturing unit, valued plant and machinery using the depreciated replacement cost method, valued land using circle rate and comparable sale analysis, and applied DCF for the going concern value including order book and customer contracts.

              Outcome: Fair value range established at ₹58 Cr to ₹72 Cr. Audit committee approved the transaction at ₹65 Cr (within the independent valuation range). Report filed with ROC as per Section 188 requirements. Statutory auditor referenced our report in their RPT disclosure note without qualification.

              Documents You Will Need

              To initiate this engagement, please keep the following documents ready: PAN card of the entity or individual, Aadhaar card of the authorised signatory, proof of business address (rent agreement with NOC or ownership document with latest utility bill), bank account details or cancelled cheque, and any existing registrations or approvals relevant to the engagement. A detailed personalised document checklist will be provided after the initial consultation.

              Updated for FY 2025-26

              This service page reflects the latest regulatory requirements as of March 2026, incorporating changes from the Union Budget 2025, recent MCA notifications, CBDT/CBIC circulars, and RBI master directions applicable to companies act valuation. Virtual Auditor continuously monitors regulatory updates to ensure all advice and filings are current.

              Timeline and Turnaround

              Typical turnaround for companies act valuation: 5-15 working days from receipt of complete information. Simple single-framework valuations (e.g., Rule 11UA only) can be completed in 5-7 days. Multi-framework valuations (FEMA + IT + Companies Act) typically require 10-15 days. Rush delivery available within 3-5 days at an additional fee for urgent transactions.

              Timelines assume prompt submission of complete documents and information. We provide a clear project timeline at the start of every engagement.

              Who Needs Companies Act Valuation?

              A valuation is required when: (a) shares are being issued or transferred to/from a non-resident under FEMA regulations, (b) shares are issued at a premium and need Rule 11UA compliance under the Income Tax Act, (c) the company is undergoing merger/demerger/slump sale requiring fair value assessment, (d) ESOPs are being granted or exercised requiring Ind AS 102 fair value computation, (e) insolvency proceedings require liquidation value or fair value under the IBC, or (f) any regulatory framework mandates an independent valuation by a registered valuer.

              Penalties for Non-Compliance

              Using incorrect or outdated valuations can result in: (a) rejection of FEMA filings by the AD bank, requiring fresh valuation and re-filing with potential late filing penalties, (b) income tax additions under Section 56(2)(x) for inadequate consideration, attracting tax at slab rate plus interest under Section 234A/B/C, (c) disqualification of the ESOP scheme for non-compliance with Ind AS 102, and (d) personal liability of directors for transactions at undervalued prices under Section 66 of the Insolvency Code.

              Proactive compliance is always cheaper than penalty. Contact Virtual Auditor for a compliance health check to identify and address any gaps before they become liabilities.

              Government Portal and Online Filing

              Filings related to companies act valuation are submitted through the relevant government portal. We handle all online filings on your behalf, including portal registration, form preparation, document upload, and acknowledgment tracking. You do not need to navigate the portal yourself — we manage the entire digital interface.

              What has changed in the law — reviewed October 2026

              • Income-tax Act, 2025: assented to on 21 August 2025 and in force from 1 April 2026, it replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961 for tax year 2026-27 onward, and the Income-tax Rules, 2026 (notified 20 March 2026) replace the 1962 Rules. Section and rule numbers on this page are those of the 1961 Act and 1962 Rules, which continue to govern assessments, appeals and pending proceedings for assessment years up to 2026-27; for tax year 2026-27 onward the corresponding provisions of the 2025 Act apply, and our engagement letters quote both.

              Frequently Asked Questions

              Is an IBBI Registered Valuer mandatory for Companies Act valuations?
              Yes. Section 247 mandates that any valuation required under the Companies Act must be performed by a Registered Valuer registered under IBBI Regulations, 2017. A generic CA certificate is not sufficient for these purposes.
              What is a swap ratio valuation?
              In a merger or amalgamation, the swap ratio determines how many shares of the surviving company each shareholder of the merging company receives. It is based on the relative fair values of both companies. The Registered Valuer certifies the fairness of this ratio.
              Can a Company Secretary issue a valuation report under Companies Act?
              No. Only a Registered Valuer registered with IBBI under the relevant asset class can issue valuation reports required under the Companies Act, 2013. Company Secretaries handle compliance filings, not valuations.
              What is the penalty for non-compliance with Section 247?
              If a company makes a valuation without appointing a Registered Valuer where required, the company and every officer in default can face penalties. The valuation itself may be challenged before NCLT.
              Does Virtual Auditor provide valuation reports for NCLT proceedings?
              Yes. As an IBBI Registered Valuer, CA V. Viswanathan provides valuation reports for NCLT-filed schemes of arrangement, oppression/mismanagement matters, and IBC proceedings. Reports are formatted per NCLT requirements.
              What is the cost of a Companies Act valuation?
              Section 247 valuation starting from ₹50,000 + 18% GST for a single entity. Swap ratio valuations for mergers starting from ₹1,50,000 + 18% GST. Buyback valuation starting from ₹40,000 + 18% GST. Contact Virtual Auditor at +91 99622 60333 for a specific quote based on transaction complexity.
              Which professional qualification and report scope do I need for this valuation?
              Match the purpose to the signatory. Valuations required by the Companies Act or the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code need an IBBI Registered Valuer in the right asset class: Securities or Financial Assets for shares and businesses, Land and Building, or Plant and Machinery. FEMA pricing needs a Chartered Accountant in practice, a SEBI-registered merchant banker or a practising cost accountant. A DCF report under Rule 11UA and the fair market value of unlisted shares for ESOP perquisite tax need a SEBI-registered Category I merchant banker. Accounting fair values can be prepared by any competent valuer and are reviewed by the auditor. You can check any Registered Valuer on the IBBI website. CA V. Viswanathan is registered with the IBBI for Securities or Financial Assets (IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333) and practises as a Chartered Accountant.
              Can a CA issue valuation under Companies Act without IBBI registration?
              No. Section 247 specifically requires a "registered valuer" — meaning registered with IBBI under the relevant asset class. A generic CA certificate is not sufficient for Companies Act valuations. For FEMA or Income Tax valuations, a CA in practice is acceptable.
              What is a swap ratio?
              The exchange ratio in a merger determining how many shares of the surviving company each shareholder of the merging company receives. Example: 3:2 ratio means for every 2 shares of the merging company, the shareholder gets 3 shares of the surviving company. Determined by relative fair values of both entities.

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