Module II· Precedent TransactionsAdvanced
Question

How do you source recent deal multiples for a middle-market target?

Answer

Source hierarchy for middle-market M&A:

  • Mergermarket regional coverage — the best regional depth for private deals.
  • Regional M&A trade press — local deal news with multiple indications.
  • National private-equity association statistics — aggregated PE deal multiples.
  • PwC / KPMG / EY M&A market studies — quarterly sector multiples.
  • Large-cap PE sponsors' investor calls — deal disclosure for publicly sponsored deals.
  • Industry-association newsletters (e.g. sector trade bodies for machinery deals).
  • Direct outreach to sector advisers (mid-market M&A boutiques) for off-the-record market reads.
Deep diveShow more details

On middle-market mandates, a direct network is often more precise than a database search — 'Recent sector deals indicate 9–10x EV/EBITDA pricing per network conversations'.