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Fair Market Value and the Nonexistent Marketability Discount for Controlling Interests

Chris Mercer

This post provides a discussion of several implications of the definition of the standard of value known as fair market value. We focus first on the definition of fair market value. We then look at the implications for the so-called “marketability discount for controlling interests.”

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Mercer’s Musings #3: Marketability Discounts Re Two Hypothetical Minority Interests

Chris Mercer

My conclusion is that the various restricted stock studies are inadequate to meet current business valuation standards and that they should not be used as a basis for “guessing” the magnitude of marketability discounts for illiquid interests of closely held businesses. These discounts, some will say, are very low. We will see.

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Mercer’s Musings #4: Factors to Consider in Valuing Partial Ownership Interests

Chris Mercer

My current series of blog posts is titled “Mercer’s Musings.” The beginning point of the valuation of a partial ownership interest is almost always the value of the underlying business or asset. This is the “base value” that has been addressed in a number of posts on this blog.