Davis Business Appraisers Research
Advisory Approach
Davis Business Appraisers is a Hampton Roads-based M&A intermediary firm specializing in the transfer and acquisition of midsize corporations, primarily throughout Virginia and the surrounding region. The firm operates with a thesis centered on comprehensive business valuation combined with practical M&A brokerage services. Roland Davis and his team believe that the best outcomes for business owners come from combining rigorous valuation analysis with sophisticated transaction management and buyer relationship development.
The firm's approach uniquely integrates three core competencies: business valuation (accredited and certified), machinery and equipment appraisal (certified), and M&A advisory services. This combination positions Davis Business Appraisers to provide both objective valuation support and active brokerage/advisory services in the same engagement, eliminating conflicts that often arise when valuation and transaction advisory are separated.
Sector Focus
Davis Business Appraisers maintains active practices across a diverse range of industries, reflecting both the regional economy and the founder's broad experience. The firm has demonstrated expertise in:
Manufacturing & Industrial Services: The firm has particular strength in manufacturing businesses, including discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, and industrial services. Roland Davis's background in operations (former Division President with Landmark Communications, CEO of Executive Productivity Systems, Inc.) gives him deep understanding of operational complexity and value creation in industrial companies.
Construction & Engineering: The firm actively advises on construction and engineering services businesses, understanding both the technical and financial dimensions of these capital and labor-intensive enterprises.
Business Services, Finance & Professional Services: Including accounting firms, business consulting practices, staffing services, and financial services businesses where valuation and transaction structuring are particularly complex.
Wholesale & Distribution, Logistics: The firm advises on middleman businesses and supply chain companies serving regional and national markets.
Food & Beverage, Agriculture: Including food processing, beverage production, and agricultural businesses where assets and operational complexity create valuation challenges.
Waste Management & Environmental Services: Including waste collection, recycling, and environmental services businesses.
Retail Trade, Hospitality & Accommodations: The firm advises on retail operations and service-oriented hospitality businesses.
Deal Track Record & Transaction History
Davis Business Appraisers earned recognition as an M&A Source Platinum Club winner in 2022 (awarded May 2023), signifying completion of transactions with combined enterprise values of $15 million or more during that calendar year. This award reflects active deal-making activity across the lower-to-mid-market segment.
The firm specializes in the transfer of midsize corporations, with transaction values typically ranging from $5 million to $50 million in enterprise value. The geographic focus is primarily Virginia and the Hampton Roads region, though the firm has capability for regional and some national transactions.
Process & Advisory Services
Davis Business Appraisers offers comprehensive M&A intermediary services including:
- Business Valuation Services — Accredited business valuations for tax, regulatory, litigation, and transaction purposes using multiple valuation methodologies
- Machinery & Equipment Appraisal — Certified appraisals of plant, equipment, and machinery for valuation and insurance purposes
- Acquisition Consulting — Buy-side advisory for business owners seeking acquisitions
- M&A Brokerage Services — Sell-side representation including buyer identification, process management, and transaction facilitation
- Reasonable Compensation Reports — Support for tax and regulatory compliance
- Ownership Consulting — Strategic guidance on exit planning and ownership transition
The firm's process emphasizes confidentiality, direct communication, and practical solutions to complex valuation and transaction issues. As a smaller, local firm, Davis Business Appraisers can provide personalized attention to sellers and buyers navigating mid-market transactions.
Team & Professional Credentials
Roland Joseph Davis Jr. is the owner and principal of Davis Business Appraisers. His credentials and professional affiliations include:
Certifications & Designations:
- BCA (Business Certified Appraiser) through the International Society of Business Analysts & Valuators
- CMEA (Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser)
- M&AMI (Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary) through the International Association of Business Intermediaries
- SBA (Senior Business Appraiser)
Professional Background:
- Former Division President, Landmark Communications (major Virginia media company)
- CEO and Founder, Executive Productivity Systems, Inc.
- Vistage Chair (peer advisory group leader for business executives)
- Board Member, American Business Appraisers National Network
- Member, International Association of Business Brokers
- Member, M&A Source (leading lower-middle market M&A advisor association)
Community Recognition:
- Elected to Chesapeake City Council in May 2014
- Named 2013 Chesapeake First Citizen
- Named 2013 Rotarian of the Year
- Eagle Scout
- Service on numerous charitable boards and foundations
Roland's operational background and corporate experience distinguish him from pure financial advisors. His history as a division president provides credibility with operational business owners and understanding of the real-world complexities in manufacturing and services businesses.
Buyer Network & Competitive Positioning
As a member of the International Association of Business Brokers and M&A Source, Davis Business Appraisers has access to professional networks of:
- Private equity and family office buyers actively seeking acquisitions
- Other M&A intermediaries and brokers for deal collaboration
- Strategic corporate buyers in various industries
- Debt and equity financing sources for acquisition funding
The firm's competitive positioning is based on:
- Integrated valuation and advisory services — eliminating the need for separate advisors
- Operational credibility — owner's background as corporate president provides authenticity with operational business owners
- Personalized service — smaller firm size allows deep engagement versus large firm standardization
- Regional expertise — deep knowledge of Virginia economy and Hampton Roads business community
- Professional credentials — accredited valuations meet bank and institutional lender standards
- Multi-industry experience — broad sector knowledge enables cross-industry insights
Geographic Coverage
Primary service area is Virginia and the Hampton Roads region (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas). The firm has capability for regional engagements throughout the Mid-Atlantic and limited national transactions with partner advisors.
Not a Fit If
Davis Business Appraisers typically focuses on midsize, established businesses with clear operating histories. The firm may not be the best fit for:
- Start-ups or pre-revenue businesses
- Highly technical/software-only companies with little operational infrastructure
- Transactions requiring highly specialized investment banking services (large PE deals, LBOs with complex financing)
- Businesses outside Virginia/Mid-Atlantic region without local market knowledge
Years in Business & Scale
Roland Davis has 35+ years of ownership and corporate leadership experience. The firm has been operating as Davis Business Appraisers for multiple years as a solo practitioner model, providing direct access to the principal on all engagements.