The total number of business transactions reported within the US continues to excel at a pace not seen since the recession. We are now also seeing the average transaction price increasing to similar levels.
Below are some stats to help you assess which business categories are the “hottest” – both in terms of total transactions and valuation statistics. The statistics are based on business transactions reported to Pratts Stats, a leading private company transaction database, covering the period of January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. The statistics do not include any “public” company transactions, or transactions that were secured by a public company.
| Averages of transactions | ||||
| SIC / Category | % of Total Transactions | Annual Revenue | Earnings | Sales Price |
| (01 thru 09) Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing | 5.61% | $1,034,767 | $166,974 | $480,172 |
| (10 – 14) Mining | 0.16% | $8,299,174 | $1,867,622 | $9,555,000 |
| (15 – 17) Construction related | 5.61% | $2,338,870 | $357,575 | $1,065,197 |
| (20 – 39) Manufacturing | 9.70% | $2,293,158 | $378,321 | $1,516,270 |
| (40 – 49) Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas and Sanitary Services | 3.96% | $3,666,123 | $429,036 | $965,808 |
| (50 – 51) Wholesale Trade | 6.50% | $3,482,618 | $290,909 | $1,320,158 |
| (52 – 59) Retail Trade (includes Restaurants) | 30.06% | $1,283,801 | $123,901 | $416,737 |
| (60 – 67) Finance, Insurance, Real Estate | 3.15% | $494,552 | $132,784 | $360,705 |
| (70 – 89) Services (includes Business Services) | 35.25% | $1,053,405 | $443,192 | $606,060 |
| Totals for all transactions | 100.00% | $1,840,098 | $266,921 | $929,278 |
| Subcategories | ||||
| Restaurants | 17.00% | $623,513 | $97,090 | $207,980 |
| Business Services | 10.38% | $1,533,510 | $224,884 | $850,734 |
Is the time right for you to considering selling your business? Feel free to contact VR Business Brokers and we will be happy to schedule a meeting to discuss what a business sale at this point could mean for your future – in full confidence, without cost or obligation.
Or, if you prefer to gather more information on your own, complete the Sellability Score questionnaire today and we’ll send you a 27-page custom report complete with your score on the eight key drivers of Sellability. Take the test now:
