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.
Source: Acquisitions barometer Brookz.nl