Why identifying and valuing intangible assets is good for business

IN DECEMBER 2024, Swedish private equity firm EQT Private Capital Asia completed an all-cash acquisition of PropertyGuru, valuing the company at around US$1.1 billion – a 52 per cent premium over its stock price. Analysts attributed this premium to the strength of its intangible assets (IA), including a proprietary real estate technology platform, brand recognition across South-east Asia, and network effects stemming from marketplace scale.

Many enterprises first see the value of their IA during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Unsurprisingly, these assets contribute to higher valuations. Yet businesses often overlook the potential of IA and how they can be leveraged.

Identifying IA is an important first step, but assessing and valuing them will allow enterprises to fully understand and unlock their potential. This understanding is increasingly critical for business growth.