Practice

M&A: Value a target using multiples

Your MD asks for a quick target valuation. But watch out for the right comparable.

Corporate FinanceBeginnerCalculation

9am. Your MD walks in with a teaser:

"We have an industrial target with €25M EBITDA. Give me a valuation range by noon. Use recent transaction multiples."

Recent comparable transactions:

  • Deal 1: TechServ (IT services) — EV/EBITDA = 14x
  • Deal 2: ManuPro (manufacturing) — EV/EBITDA = 8x
  • Deal 3: AutoParts (auto subcontractor) — EV/EBITDA = 7x
  • Deal 4: CloudCorp (SaaS) — EV/EBITDA = 22x
  • Deal 5: IndusTech (specialized industrial) — EV/EBITDA = 9x

Your target is an industrial subcontractor.

Given
Target EBITDA25 M€
TechServ (IT)14 x
ManuPro (manufacturing)8 x
AutoParts (auto)7 x
CloudCorp (SaaS)22 x
IndusTech (spec. indus.)9 x
Question 1/4

Step 1 — Comp selection. Which deals are comparable? Calculate the average EV/EBITDA of relevant deals only (exclude TechServ and CloudCorp).

Your answerEnter a number in x
x
0/4