As this acquisition barometer aimed at the SME segment is conducted on a regular basis, it provides an insight into a number of interesting trends:

 

  • The number of sales transactions increased by 15% in the second half of 2020.
  • The number of transactions remained generally stable according to the advisers. Only one in five advisors said the number of assignments had decreased.
  • The average EBITDA multiple rose back to 4.85 (coming from 4.70) and almost reached the pre-Covid-19 level of a multiple 4.95.

 

The average EBITDA multiple per sector can vary greatly:

  • Sectors that still experienced an increase:
  • IT Services & oftware Development: 6.5 (+0.05)
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: 6.25 (+0.1)
  • E-commerce: 5.55 (+0.15)

 

Sectors with a decrease:

  • Media, Advertising & Communication: 4.4 (-0.05)
  • Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation: 3.35 (-0.25)
  • Retail trade: 3,05 (-0,2)
  • 40% of the surveyed advisers expect the market to pick up further in 2021.
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Source: Acquisitions barometer Brookz.nl