Entry multiple

The valuation multiple used at acquisition, such as enterprise value divided by annual or last-twelve-month earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Entry pricing reflects negotiation and market conditions as well as the buyer’s decision.

Entry multiple in round numbers

Hypothetical: US$5m of annual EBITDA multiplied by an 8x entry enterprise-value multiple gives US$40m of enterprise value. Use the same earnings definition and period when comparing multiples.

Scroll horizontally to read all columns.

Hypothetical entry valuation; annual EBITDA basis
MeasureValue
Annual EBITDAUS$5m
EV / EBITDA entry multiple8x
Enterprise valueUS$5m × 8 = US$40m

Exit multiple · Enterprise value · Multiple · EBITDA · The Walk/Watch/Worry Rule · The Five Laws of PE Value Creation · All of the glossary