UK M&A Deal Multiples by Sector: 2025 Comprehensive Analysis
posted 3rd October 2025
Understanding valuation multiples is crucial for business owners considering a sale, investors evaluating acquisition opportunities, or entrepreneurs benchmarking their company's performance. In the UK mid-market M&A landscape, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) multiples remain the primary valuation metric, providing a standardized way to compare businesses across different sectors.
At GS Verde Group, we help business owners and investors navigate these complexities to achieve optimal transaction outcomes. Let's explore what's driving valuations across each sector.
Click on your sector to find out industry multiples:
1. Facilities Management
2. IT & Telecoms
3. Recruitment
4. Food & Drink
5. Clean Energy & Renewables
6. SaaS
7. Fintech
8. Security
9. Manufacturing
10. Medical & Life Sciences
11. Training & Education
12. Care Services
13. Aviation
14. Environmental Services
15. Transport & Logistics
16. Automotive
17. Engineering
1. Facilities Management
The Facilities Management sector continues to demonstrate resilience with EBITDA multiples ranging from 4.5x to 6.0x in H1 2025. The sector has seen consistent private equity interest, with consolidation remaining a key theme. Larger, well-established FM businesses with recurring revenue streams command premium valuations at the higher end of this range, while smaller regional operators typically transact at 4.5x-5.0x EBITDA.
Recent Trend: Despite cost pressures from wage inflation and labour shortages, the sector has maintained stable multiples. Strategic buyers seeking to expand service offerings and geographical reach continue to drive deal activity.
Looking to exit or acquire in Facilities Management? Contact GS Verde Group for expert guidance on maximizing your transaction value.
See our related sector deals:
2. IT & Telecoms
IT Services businesses are achieving EBITDA multiples of 7.0x-8.4x, reflecting strong demand for technology-enabled solutions. The sector continues to benefit from digital transformation initiatives across all industries. Managed service providers (MSPs) with recurring revenue models command the highest premiums, while project-based IT consultancies trade at the lower end of the range.
Telecommunications infrastructure businesses typically achieve multiples of 6.0x-7.5x EBITDA, with fiber network operators and 5G-related assets attracting particularly strong interest from infrastructure investors.
Recent Trend: The shift toward cloud services, cybersecurity, and AI integration has elevated valuations for IT services firms with specialized capabilities. Multiples have remained robust despite broader economic uncertainty.
GS Verde Group specializes in technology sector transactions. Contact us to discuss your IT or telecoms business valuation.
See our related sector deals:
Flow Communications acquire Capital Network Solutions
3. Recruitment
The Recruitment sector has experienced a resurgence in M&A activity in 2024-2025, with EBITDA multiples ranging from 5.0x to 7.5x depending on specialization and market position. Specialist recruiters in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy command premium multiples of 6.5x-7.5x, while generalist agencies typically trade at 5.0x-6.0x.
Recent Trend: After a challenging 2023, recruitment M&A rebounded strongly with deal volumes up nearly 50% in 2024. The sector benefits from ongoing skills shortages and the increasing complexity of talent acquisition, making established recruitment brands attractive acquisition targets.
Planning a sale or acquisition in recruitment? GS Verde Group's sector expertise can help you achieve optimal deal terms.
See our related sector deals:
Total Staffing Solutions Completes EOT
Abatec Recruitment completes acquisition of St David Recruitment
4. Food & Drink
The Food & Beverage sector shows EBITDA multiples ranging from 5.0x to 6.5x, with premium brands and businesses with strong route-to-market capabilities achieving the higher valuations. Manufacturers with proprietary products, strong brand recognition, and diversified distribution channels are particularly sought after.
Craft beverages, healthy food brands, and sustainable product manufacturers continue to attract strategic and private equity interest at premium valuations of 6.0x-7.0x EBITDA.
Recent Trend: While the sector faces margin pressure from input cost inflation, businesses demonstrating pricing power and innovation continue to command strong multiples. Health and wellness trends are driving premiums for aligned brands.
GS Verde Group understands the unique dynamics of food and beverage M&A. Let us guide your transaction to success.
See our related sector deals:
5. Clean Energy & Renewables
Clean Energy and Renewables represents one of the most dynamic M&A sectors, with EBITDA multiples ranging from 8.0x to 12.0x+ for established operational assets. Solar, wind, and battery storage projects with secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) and predictable cash flows command premium valuations.
Development-stage projects trade at lower multiples or are valued on a per-megawatt basis, while companies providing installation, maintenance, and energy management services typically achieve 6.0x-8.0x EBITDA.
Recent Trend: The energy transition is accelerating deal activity, with infrastructure funds and energy majors aggressively pursuing renewable assets. Government incentives and corporate sustainability commitments continue to support premium valuations.
Navigating the complex renewables M&A landscape? GS Verde Group offers specialized expertise in clean energy transactions.
See our related sector deals:
6. SaaS
SaaS businesses achieve some of the highest EBITDA multiples across all sectors, ranging from 8.0x to 15.0x+ for high-growth companies. Valuations are heavily influenced by annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth rates, customer retention metrics, and market positioning. Enterprise SaaS companies with strong customer logos and low churn rates command the highest premiums.
Many SaaS valuations also incorporate revenue multiples, particularly for high-growth businesses, with 4x-8x ARR being common for mature, profitable SaaS companies.
Recent Trend: While multiples compressed from 2021-2022 peaks, they have stabilized in 2024-2025. Profitable SaaS businesses with proven unit economics are once again commanding premium valuations as investors refocus on sustainable growth.
Considering a SaaS transaction? GS Verde Group's technology specialists can help you maximize valuation through strategic positioning.
See our related sector deals:
7. Fintech
Fintech businesses span a wide valuation range, with EBITDA multiples from 6.0x to 12.0x+ depending on business model, regulatory position, and growth trajectory. Payment processors, lending platforms, and wealth management technology providers with strong recurring revenue achieve the higher end, while early-stage or heavily regulated fintechs may trade at lower multiples.
Recent Trend: After a period of valuation recalibration, fintech M&A is recovering with renewed interest from both strategic buyers and financial investors. Regulatory clarity in areas like open banking and digital assets is supporting transaction activity.
GS Verde Group's fintech expertise can help you navigate complex regulatory and valuation considerations in your transaction.
Get in touch today
See our related sector deals:
8. Security
The Security sector encompasses physical security, manned guarding, electronic security, and cybersecurity services. Traditional security services businesses achieve EBITDA multiples of 5.0x-7.0x, with electronic security and integrated security solutions commanding the higher end.
Cybersecurity businesses, given their technology component, typically achieve significantly higher multiples of 8.0x-12.0x EBITDA, particularly for companies with proprietary technology and recurring subscription revenue.
Recent Trend: Integration of physical and cyber security solutions is driving consolidation. Businesses offering comprehensive security platforms with technology differentiation are achieving premium valuations.
Unlock the full value of your security business with GS Verde Group's specialized M&A advisory services.
See our related sector deals:
Trade Sale of Glevum Security to TMA Security Services
9. Manufacturing
Industrial Manufacturing businesses typically achieve EBITDA multiples of 4.7x to 6.0x in the UK mid-market. Manufacturers with proprietary technology, strong customer relationships, and exposure to growing end markets command premiums at the higher end. Commodity manufacturers with limited differentiation trade at the lower end of the range.
Specialized manufacturing in high-growth sectors such as medical devices, aerospace components, and clean technology can achieve multiples of 6.5x-8.0x.
Recent Trend: Despite economic headwinds, manufacturing M&A has shown resilience, particularly for businesses with strong order books and operational efficiency. Reshoring trends and supply chain resilience are supporting valuations.
GS Verde Group has extensive experience in manufacturing transactions. Contact us to discuss how we can optimize your exit or acquisition strategy.
See our related sector deals:
Dock Solutions acquire Loading Bay Lifts
10. Medical & Life Sciences
Healthcare and Medical sectors command premium EBITDA multiples of 7.0x to 9.0x, reflecting strong demographic tailwinds and consistent demand. Medical device manufacturers, healthcare IT businesses, and specialized service providers achieve the higher valuations.
Life Sciences companies, particularly those with proprietary products or technologies, can command even higher multiples, often supplemented by milestone payments and earnouts.
Recent Trend: An aging population, technological innovation, and private equity's continued focus on healthcare are driving robust M&A activity. Businesses demonstrating clinical efficacy and scalable business models are highly sought after.
GS Verde Group's healthcare specialists can help you navigate the unique regulatory and valuation dynamics of medical and life sciences transactions.
See our related sector deals:
Trade Sale of Herida Healthcare to Winncare
11. Training & Education
The Training & Education sector shows EBITDA multiples ranging from 5.5x to 8.0x, with vocational training providers, corporate training businesses, and EdTech platforms commanding premium valuations. Government-funded training organizations typically trade at the lower end, while private corporate training providers with recurring contracts achieve higher multiples.
EdTech businesses with subscription models and scalable technology platforms can achieve SaaS-like multiples of 8.0x-10.0x EBITDA.
Recent Trend: Skills shortages across industries are driving demand for training services. Digital transformation of training delivery and growing corporate training budgets are supporting sector valuations.
Planning an education or training sector transaction? GS Verde Group can help you maximize value and find the right strategic partner.
See our related sector deals:
12. Care Services
Care Services, encompassing elderly care, domiciliary care, and specialized care provision, typically achieve EBITDA multiples of 6.0x to 8.5x. Businesses with outstanding regulatory ratings, strong occupancy levels, and modern facilities command premium valuations.
Specialized care providers for complex needs can achieve multiples at the higher end, while standard residential care homes trade around 6.0x-7.0x EBITDA.
Recent Trend:Demographic trends ensure continued strong demand, though the sector faces operational challenges from staffing shortages and regulatory oversight. Quality operators with robust compliance and operational track records remain highly attractive to both strategic and financial buyers.
GS Verde Group understands the care sector's unique challenges and opportunities. Contact us for expert transaction guidance.
See our related sector deals:
13. Aviation
The Aviation sector has experienced a strong recovery, with EBITDA multiples for aviation services businesses ranging from 5.5x to 8.0x. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, aviation training organizations, and ground handling services are seeing renewed investor interest.
Businesses with long-term contracts with major airlines or with exposure to business aviation achieve premium valuations.
Recent Trend: Post-pandemic recovery continues to strengthen, with passenger numbers returning to pre-2019 levels. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electric aircraft initiatives are creating new investment opportunities.
Considering an aviation sector transaction? GS Verde Group's industry expertise can help you achieve optimal outcomes.
14. Environmental Services
Environmental Services businesses, including waste management, recycling, remediation, and environmental consulting, achieve EBITDA multiples of 6.0x to 8.5x. Companies with licensed waste facilities, long-term municipal contracts, and exposure to circular economy trends command the highest valuations.
Hazardous waste specialists and environmental remediation contractors typically achieve 7.0x-8.5x EBITDA due to specialized capabilities and regulatory barriers to entry.
Recent Trend:Increasing regulatory requirements, corporate ESG commitments, and circular economy initiatives are driving strong M&A activity. Consolidation continues as larger players seek to expand service capabilities and geographical reach.
GS Verde Group's environmental services expertise can help you navigate sector-specific regulatory and valuation considerations.
See our related sector deals:
Trade Sale of Specialist Environmental Business
15.Transport & Logistics
Transport & Logistics businesses typically achieve EBITDA multiples of 3.6x to 5.5x, with specialized logistics providers and technology-enabled logistics platforms commanding premiums. Last-mile delivery services, temperature-controlled logistics, and contract logistics providers with blue-chip customers achieve the higher multiples.
Asset-light freight forwarding and logistics technology businesses can achieve multiples of 5.5x-7.0x due to scalability and lower capital requirements.
Recent Trend: E-commerce growth continues to drive demand for logistics services. Technology adoption, including route optimization and warehouse automation, is creating valuation premiums for innovative operators.
GS Verde Group can help you maximize value in your transport and logistics transaction. Contact us to discuss your options.
See our related sector deals:
16. Automotive
The Automotive sector encompasses dealerships, repair services, parts distribution, and automotive technology providers, with EBITDA multiples ranging from 4.0x to 6.5x. Franchise dealerships with premium brands and strong aftersales departments achieve the higher valuations, while independent repair shops trade at the lower end.
Automotive technology businesses focused on electric vehicles, connected car services, and autonomous driving technologies can command significantly higher multiples of 7.0x-10.0x+.
Recent Trend:The transition to electric vehicles is reshaping the sector, creating opportunities in EV servicing, charging infrastructure, and related technologies. Traditional automotive businesses with clear EV transition strategies are achieving premium valuations.
GS Verde Group's automotive sector specialists can guide you through the evolving landscape of automotive M&A.
See our related sector deals:
17. Engineering
The Engineering sector, encompassing construction engineering, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractors, and specialized engineering consultancies, typically achieves EBITDA multiples of 3.3x to 5.0x. Businesses with strong order books, long-term framework agreements, and blue-chip client bases command valuations at the higher end of the range.
Specialized engineering firms in high-growth niches such as renewable energy infrastructure, data center engineering, and advanced manufacturing support can achieve premium multiples of 5.5x-7.0x due to technical expertise and favorable market dynamics.
Design and engineering consultancies with recurring retainer relationships and intellectual property often achieve 5.0x-6.5x EBITDA, reflecting their higher margins and lower capital intensity compared to contracting businesses.
Recent Trend:Infrastructure investment, net-zero transition projects, and the UK's focus on levelling-up are driving demand for engineering services. However, the sector faces challenges from labor shortages and material cost inflation. Engineering businesses demonstrating strong project management capabilities, health and safety records, and exposure to growing infrastructure sectors are commanding premium valuations.
GS Verde Group's engineering sector expertise helps you navigate technical and commercial complexities to maximize transaction value. Contact us today.
See our related sector deals:
Trade Sale of Circle Control & Design to Empower
Contact GS Verde Group
Whether you're considering selling your business, seeking acquisition opportunities, or exploring strategic options, GS Verde Group provides expert M&A advisory services across all sectors. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with proven transaction execution capabilities to help you achieve your objectives.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your M&A goals.
This analysis is based on UK mid-market M&A data from H1 2025 and industry research. Actual multiples achieved in transactions vary based on specific business characteristics, market conditions, and deal structures. All figures represent Enterprise Value to EBITDA multiples unless otherwise stated.
SOURCES:
Dealsuite M&A Monitor H1-2025 UK&I: https://www.dealsuite.com
Industry-specific M&A reports and market analysis from public domain publications. For more information on our deal sources, contact our team.
