Here’s what you’ll see:

• Why Private Firms Linger on the Selling Block (Marc Vianello, CPA, ABV, CFF, and Paul Murray, CPA). The latest update of an annual study examines how long it takes to market and sell a private business.

• Valuing Customer Relationships: Does the Distributor Method Miss the Mark? (Dan Guderjohn, CFA, ASA, CPA/ABV, and Robert Reis, CFA). Weaknesses and practical challenges of using the distributor method for valuing customer relationships.

• LEAPS on ETFs: Your Absolutely Lowest Reasonable DLOM (Ronald M. Seaman, FASA). Eight years of study reveal that it’s likely that LEAPS discounts on U.S. government bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) provide the lowest reasonable discount for small minority interests in most companies and industries.

• Case Studies Reveal How BV and Bankruptcy Issues Are Intertwined (BVR Editor). In their new book, A Practical Guide to Bankruptcy Valuation, Robert Reilly (CPA/ABV/CFF) and Dr. Israel Shaked discuss case studies that show the role valuation plays in bankruptcy litigation.

• Anatomy of an Inflated Valuation Report (Stuart Weiss, CPA/ABV). Dissecting a 142-page valuation report for a family limited partnership.

To read these articles—plus a digest of the latest court cases—see the October issue of Business Valuation Update (subscription required).