Corporate Finance Advisory — Business Valuation Multiple
EBITDA Valuation Guide · Small & Mid-Sized Businesses
Actual EBITDA multiples can vary materially based on EBITDA size, growth, recurring revenue, margins, customer concentration, owner dependence, geography and other company-specific factors.
Min
3.5×
Typical
5×
Max
7×
Revenue Model
Transactional
Capital Intensity
Low
A typical multiple of 5× EBITDA reflects mid-market transactions in the $1–$50M revenue range.
Overview
Corporate finance advisory businesses typically trade at 3.5×–7× EBITDA. Retainer and success-fee income from M&A and fundraising mandates, a strong deal pipeline with repeat clients, and specialist sector expertise support valuations. Professional accreditation and regulated status under relevant financial regulation are essential qualifications. Deal flow cyclicality and key partner dependency are the primary risk factors.
Key Value Drivers
- Retainer income on live mandates
- Strong M&A deal pipeline
- Specialist sector expertise
- Regulated professional standing
- Repeat institutional client relationships
Key Risks
- Deal flow cyclicality and economic sensitivity
- Key partner dependency
- Transaction failure and fee exposure
- Competition from large banks
- Regulatory compliance costs
Related Industries
Disclaimer: All multiples are indicative estimates only and are not formal valuations or investment advice. They should not be relied upon for financial decision-making without independent professional advice.