Expert Witness Journal Issue 68 August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 87
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Early engagement: The earlier an expert is
engaged, the earlier they may be able to make
you aware of potential challenges relating to
data availability, accounting di昀昀erences and
local tax considerations, for example.
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Scrutinise key assumptions and data sources:
Are assumptions regarding political risk,
economic conditions, taxation, accounting
standards and market comparables clearly
explained, evidence-based and capable of
withstanding challenge?
Crowe Expert
Witness Services
Understand the sensitivity of valuation
conclusions: Sensitivity analysis can help
identify the assumptions that are driving the
expert’s conclusions and highlight areas likely
to attract scrutiny from the opposing side.
Start the conversation
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Forensic Disputes and Investigations specialists
Martin Chapman
Partner, National Head of Forensic Disputes and Investigations
martin.chapman@crowe.co.uk
+44 (0)121 812 001
Alex Houston
Partner, Forensic Disputes and Investigations
alex.houston@crowe.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7370 8216
Allow su昀케cient time for the valuation process:
International matters may involve additional
investigations, translation of documents,
reconciliation of accounting di昀昀erences and
consultation with local specialists, which can
make them more complex and time-consuming
than their domestic counterparts.
@CroweUK
@Crowe_UK
Smart decisions. Lasting value.
Ultimately, the selection and instruction of an expert
in an international valuation matter requires more
than an assessment of technical valuation credentials
alone. Solicitors should ensure that the expert is
equipped to identify and navigate jurisdictionspeci昀椀c risks, explain their assumptions clearly, and,
where necessary, coordinate with local specialists.
In many cases, the most signi昀椀cant valuation risks
arise not from complex valuation theory, but from
relatively straightforward misunderstandings of
local accounting, tax, legal or economic conditions.
Audit / Tax / Advisory / Consulting
Crowe U.K. LLP is a member of Crowe Global, a Swiss verein. Each member firm of Crowe Global is a separate
and independent legal entity. Crowe U.K. LLP and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Global or any other member of Crowe Global. © 2026 Crowe U.K. LLP
Mr Gareth Smyth
Business valuations
- Expert witness
Remember, the devil is in the detail, and the detail
sometimes speaks a di昀昀erent language.
Law LLB (Hons), Corporate Finance (MSc)
About the author
Neil Rudd
Gareth Smyth has been advising owner managed SME businesses on the sale and
acquisition of companies since 2006. He specialises in the valuation of owner
managed micro businesses to large turnover businesses in excess of 60m.
Associate Director, Forensic Services
at Crowe U.K. LLP
Litigation and Valuation Experience;
Neil.Rudd@crowe.co.uk
+44 (0)121 716 5273
Gareth Smyth has provided reports and expert evidence for both Claimants and
Defendants in litigation cases, as well as on a jointly appointed basis in respect of:
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Having specialised in forensic accountancy since
2016, Neil is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered
Certi昀椀ed Accountants and a Chartered Public
Finance Accountant. He supports forensic experts
across a range of technical accounting areas in civil,
family and criminal matters, as well as investigations
into fraud and accounting irregularity. He is adept
with regard to contentious and non-contentious
valuations.
Full company and partial ownership valuations.
Divorce and Matrimonial proceedings.
Valuing the interest of an exiting shareholder.
Recent Expert Witness Experience
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Valuation of family operated convenience store c. £500,000 revenue in
matrimonial proceedings.
Valuation of Construction business c. £13m revenue matrimonial proceedings.
Valuation of Marketing Agency c. £2.5m revenue matrimonial proceedings.
Shadow Expert Report that resulted in a costs order against the Respondent.
Valuation of Car Repair Garage for shareholder dispute.
He has also given numerous valuations to company directors to satisfy disputes on
share ownership, provide starting points for negotiation of both full and partial sales to
internal and third parties, as well as for the purpose of share options and other
circumstances in which an independent valuation are necessary.
Email: b.daniels@hiltonsmythe.com
Telephone: 0161 672 5060
Website: www.hiltonsmythe.com
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
85
AUGUST 2026
