Bain Squared
    Financial documents fanned across a wooden boardroom table.

    Independent ESOP valuations for reporting and equity decisions.

    Document the value of employee share options, with the purpose, assumptions and relevant reporting requirements made clear.

    Employee share options require clear grant terms and a valuation suited to their purpose. Changes in the business, the grant conditions or the reporting requirements can change the analysis.

    We provide independent ESOP valuations for audit, financial reporting, and equity planning, helping companies quantify fair value and share-based compensation expenses. Documented for review by your finance team, board and auditor.

    100%
    of ESOP reports we issue ship with the audit working papers attached, ready for the first auditor request.
    45%
    average uplift in defensible enterprise value once intangibles are correctly recognised and supported.
    12d
    median turnaround from kickoff to defensible draft on a standard intangibles package.

    Prepare an ESOP valuation for review.

    We document the valuation approach, inputs and assumptions, and prepare supporting working papers. Questions from the finance team and auditor can then be addressed against a clear record.

    Grant termsValuation assumptionsFinancial reportingAudit supportEquity planning

    Explain the value of your intangible assets.

    We assess identifiable intangible assets for a defined purpose. The report distinguishes the valuation conclusion from any separate accounting recognition or disclosure decision.

    BrandIPDataPatentsTrademarksCustomer relationships
    Operator reviewing a financial model at a quiet desk.

    The Squared Method.The operator's playbook foraudit-ready ESOP.

    Confirm the grant terms and valuation purpose, select the method, prepare the analysis and support review of the assumptions and conclusion.

    Learn more

    The work behind
    the outcome.

    The Squared Method.
    Four connected stages, shaped around the decision your business needs to make.

    Diagnose

    Agree what needs to change. Map the workflow, identify the constraint and establish who owns the result.

    A defined problem, a baseline and an agreed scope.

    Design

    Work through the decisions, exceptions and responsibilities before implementation begins.

    A proposed workflow or model, with assumptions and checks documented.

    Deploy

    Put the work into use alongside your team. Test the handoffs and prepare the people who will run it.

    A working implementation, operating guidance and a named owner.

    Defend

    Review the result against the original question. Keep the evidence clear enough for the next review or handover.

    A review record, supporting evidence and a plan for ongoing ownership.

    Talk to our valuation team.

    Share the grant or reporting question, your timetable and the available information. We will discuss the valuation scope and the people who need to review it.

    Talk to our valuation team