Market Reports
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In 2024, we observed a significant increase in M&A deal activity in the lower middle market for specialty trades contractors and, specifically, for heavy/civil construction contractors. In this update, we look back at year-over-year deal activity, including 2024 for heavy/civil contractors, share examples of recent deals, and consider what makes these companies attractive to buyers.…
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While several business valuation methods exist, EBITDA multiples are frequently used to determine approximate business value in a sale transaction. Multiples can vary widely by industry and within industry segments, and the construction industry is no different. The data and experience tell us that only premium-quality businesses are achieving extraordinary valuations in the construction industry.…
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The technology services M&A market in 2023 faced challenges amid economic uncertainties, leading to a 21% drop in deal volume from 2022. However, the demand for digital transformation remained strong, particularly in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI, driving acquisitions. Private equity played a significant role, adding competitive pressure and driving up valuations for companies with…
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GF Data® reported on the Distribution business acquisition deal data for YTD December 2023 and while valuations are holding steady, deal volume is down 25-30% vs 2022. The decline in volume is not surprising, given the high cost of debt. However, the fact that valuations appear to be holding steady is, on the surface, surprising.…
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Buyer Interest Heating Up Pace of M&A Activity Expected to Resume After an M&A boom driven by a private equity buying frenzy that peaked in Q4 2021, U.S. HVAC/Refrigeration and other mechanical and facility service providers have seen an M&A slowdown so far in 2023. BMI sees demand heating up again after a cooling off…
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Introduction BMI has seen robust business acquisition activity from buyers and sellers in 2023, even though economic trends and credit availability remain uncertain. Our takeaway from all the data is that the positives outweigh the negatives, and while there are headwinds, the overall trend is one of strengthening. Companies holding steady Company financials reflect a…
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In 2022, the technology services M&A market had mixed results, with lower middle-market deal volume and valuations decreasing by 10-15% and 20-25%, respectively. However, downturns historically present attractive opportunities for strategic acquisitions, and compressed valuations may make many deals too good to pass up. In 2023, private equity firms are expected to be the primary…
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Lower Middle Market Business Sales I. Where Are We Coming From – 2021-2022 The best time to sell a privately held business were the years 2021-2022, as valuations and deal volumes reached a peak not seen over the previous 20 years. We looked at data on five industries and found that all had peak valuations…
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In the past two years, we saw a peak in valuations and deal volumes in the market, creating a seller’s market where deal terms were favorable. As we move into 2023, the macro-economic picture remains relatively strong, but interest rate increases and global events may create uncertainty. Buyers, especially private equity firms, are still actively…
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After a record-breaking performance in 2020 and 2021, the software M&A market is leveling off. Top of market valuation multiples of 10x to 12x ARR have all but faded, while deal volume in the tech sector appears to have softened by roughly 30%. Thank the economic slowdown. The rise of inflation has lowered prospects of…
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Over the past year, the federal government has passed legislation that will, directly and indirectly, affect manufacturing positively, and we believe it will be a supportive catalyst for further interest in US manufacturing deals. Download the full market report to gain insight into where Manufacturing M&A market is headed.
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Construction M&A Deal Activity Slows In 2022 But Remains Healthy Construction-related deals for the first 8 months of 2022 totaled 498 which is a lower pace than 2021. However, as seen below, this is still a very healthy level of deal volume. In short, 2021 was an extraordinary year for M&A in every industrial sector,…