What's Your Company Worth—Really?
Understand the Value Drivers That Matter Most to Buyers in Today’s Market
If you’re a business owner in Georgia or the Southeast, chances are you’ve wondered what your company might be worth — not in theory, but in today’s real market.
At Georgia Oak, we’ve reviewed hundreds of companies and spoken with dozens of buyers and sellers in your industry. What we’ve learned is this: valuation isn’t one-size-fits-all. The multiple you receive depends heavily on a few key factors — and the good news is, many of them are within your control.
Current Valuation Benchmarks for Lower Middle Market Companies
Based on recent transactions and market data for companies with $2M–$15M EBITDA in the Southeast:
| Metric | Valuation Range | What Moves the Needle |
|---|---|---|
| EBITDA Multiple | 4.0x – 11.0x | Size, profitability, recurring revenue, clean financials |
| SDE Multiple | 1.9x – 2.7x | Owner involvement, add-backs, margin consistency |
| Revenue Multiple | 0.3x – 0.5x | Growth rate, customer mix, reputation |
Rule of thumb: Companies over $3M EBITDA with professionalized operations and low owner dependency command premium multiples.
What Buyers Really Look For
Multiples aren’t magic. They’re earned through preparation.
Here are the factors that consistently drive better outcomes:
- Recurring or re-occurring revenue
- Documented SOPs and clean books
- A team that can run without you
- Diversified customers and contracts
- A track record of growth — or a clear plan for it
Ready to Talk It Through?
We work with business owners long before they’re ready to sell — and often when they never do.
Our role is to offer insight, education, and options. No pressure, no obligations.
Or just email us anytime at stacy@gaoak.com.
