Highlights from the international business valuation VRG event

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Highlights from the international business valuation VRG event

International collaboration

It seems so long ago that large international events were conceivable given the current COVID-19 pandemic. But in October 2019 the Valuation Research Group (VRG), brought together 60 executives from 14 member countries for our international member firm meeting.

The meeting, held in sunny San Sebastián, Spain, was an opportunity to make further personal connections amongst member firms, explore how to further leverage technical and industry expertise within the group and discuss client needs across geographies to identify any emerging trends.

Director Dave Pearson represented Leadenhall and Australia at the meeting. Of the experience, he observed, “Ultimately, it’s a great forum to collaborate with our global peers and generate new ideas that strengthen our ability to provide global perspectives to our clients.”

Dave was involved with leading and participating in two key sessions:

  • Regulation in Valuation: still a very fragmented market. Creating a global profession.”  This session featured a roundtable which was moderated by Richard Stokes of the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) and included senior leaders from member firms from the US, Canada, Japan and the UK.
  • Valuation issues in the cannabis sector.” This session generated so much discussion and interest that we are working on a follow up publication with our member firms in the US and Canada.

For further information about VRG click here.

This year was a big step forward in strengthening the group which included establishing an executive committee, launch of a new website and development of a number of technical and industry-specific global webinars to share insights and knowledge across all member firms.  We look forward to helping strengthen the group over the coming 12 months and beyond.

Photo gallery

Click through a few photos of the event below.

 

OTHER NEWS

Discount Rate 30 June 2026

MARKET DISCOUNT RATES – 30 JUNE 2026

Inflation remains high, although there are signs that inflationary pressures are moderating following three consecutive increases to the cash rate target since December 2025. Global energy supply continues to be impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, with resolution remaining uncertain. The selection of a reasonable discount rate therefore remains a key consideration, whether for the purpose of financial reporting or for any valuation analysis.

31 May 2026 discount rate update

MARKET DISCOUNT RATES – 31 MAY 2026

Markets have been volatile over the last few months as conflict in the Middle East has led to substantial increases in oil prices and higher inflation expectations, at least in the near-term. With government bond yields at their highest levels since 2011 and market conditions continuing to evolve, we have provided an early warning on our assessment of the equity market risk premium (EMRP) as at 31 May 2026 for Australia.