Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the methods used for valuating private limited knowledge based companies and if a new approach is required, create or modify a foundation that will constitute as a base within the valuation process.

Method This is a qualitative study using interviews to obtain primary data. People working in the valuation industry were contacted and we got eight respondents. The questions were designed to answer our purpose and research questions. Telephone interviews were chosen due to the fact that we believed the response would be higher.     

Frame of References The theories used in this section is divided into three parts; the financial analysis including traditional valuating methods such as the Discounted Cash Flow model and relative valuating and multiples. The non-financial analysis focus on the underlying analysis consistent of structural- and intellectual capital and also value drivers that are creating value for the firm. In the end other theories concerning the analysis are presented, such as the risk-return trade-off, risk rating systems and analytical hierarchy process.            

Empirical Findings In this section the presentations of the respondents’ answers and

and Analysis a brief analysis related to each question. After this an extended analysis is presented focusing on the subject and our risk scheme and guidelines we created/modified. The extended analysis is connected to the respondents’ answers. The purpose of this section is to have a better understanding about the risk of transient intellectual capital and give recommendations how to handle it. Also, guidelines of how to weight different value driver are discussed.

Conclusion We concluded that all valuations utilize more than one approach in order to estimate the most accurate value for the company. For knowledge based companies the biggest risk with a M&A transaction is the probability of diminishing the intellectual capital. We constructed a model that will manage this risk based on our interviews and established theories.

Background: For an investor inflation has always caused problems since it eatsaway portfolio returns, reducing the purchasing power. Russia hasbeen fighting high inflation for the last two decades primarily due tothe economic restructuring from central planning to a free marketeconomy, raising the price levels. Historically property has been regardedas a good hedge against inflation and multiple research studiessupport this assumption. The Russian market for real estate hasgrown significantly over the last decade and is very interesting froma investor perspective.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether Russian Real Estate Funds are an effective investment tool in a portfolio to hedgeagainst inflation.

Method: To fulfill our purpose for this study a quantitative method with adeductive approach is used. The methodology constitutes as theframe for the thesis. In order to analyze the secondary data, We willmake use of statistical models proven from past research/literaturewithin in the field.

Conclusion: The empirical findings of this study show that during the time period investigated, there exist no evidence that a portfolio holdingRussian real estate funds could act as an appropriate hedge againstinflation. We believe the results could be explained by the limitationin the Russian market when gathering data due to transparencyproblems. There are also relativity few empirical studies within thefield of study in markets with a high inflation rate. Finally We believethe study could enhance an investor’s choice in markets withsimilar conditions.