Intangible Business Ltd, the UK's largest independent brand valuation consultancy, and AbsoluteBRAND LLC, the leading independent brand valuation consultancy in the US, have merged to form the world's largest independent brand valuation company.

The combined brand valuation and business development firm will operate under the Intangible Business banner and continue to offer:

• Brand valuation
• Brand planning & strategy
• Brand & market metrics
• Business development
• Purchase price allocations for financial reporting
• Litigation support

Intangible assets, such as brands, increasingly drive business value and command more management attention and resources. As such there is a greater demand for an independent approach to valuing and managing these assets. Intangible Business is now better positioned to service the needs of global clients with an enhanced capability.

Elise Neils, current principle of AbsoluteBRAND, will become managing director of Intangible Business in the US.

Thayne Forbes, joint managing director of Intangible Business Ltd says: "We have worked with AbsoluteBRAND for many years and are delighted to have joined forces to better serve clients which increasingly require seamless global services. AbsoluteBRAND offers exactly the same services as Intangible Business and has a very strong client base and technical capabilities. Together we offer independent and focussed consultancy capabilities second to none."

Elise Neils, principal of AbsoluteBRAND says: "The market in the US for brand valuation and business development services is expanding rapidly, particularly for independent consulting firms. As part of Intangible Business we will offer technically very strong services and maintain high levels of client satisfaction. We are a real alternative to the large consulting firms."