How we build the reports.

Where our data comes from

Public sources only. No restricted databases, no non-public information.

For comparable transactions:

• SEC EDGAR filings — every public-company acquisition disclosed above the materiality threshold (8-K, 10-K, DEF 14A)
• BizBuySell completed transactions — strongest free source for sub-$5M comps with disclosed multiples
• Public press releases — PRNewswire, BusinessWire, and GlobeNewswire archives
• DealStats free summaries and BVR free content
• State business registries with completed-sale records
• SBA 7(a) and 504 loan disclosures for business-acquisition financing

For buyer identification:

• SEC filings disclosing acquirer activity
• Public press releases announcing acquisitions
• Crunchbase free-tier data on private-company acquirers
• OpenCorporates for entity registration and ownership data
• Wikipedia acquisition lists for serial acquirers (Constellation Software, Roper, others)
• Industry trade publications covering completed deals

How we estimate value

We use comparable transaction analysis. Your business is matched against transactions involving businesses with similar industry, size, geography, business model, and growth profile. The valuation range reflects the multiple range observed in comparable deals.

Every valuation report provides:

• SDE multiple range (for owner-operated businesses)
• EBITDA multiple range (for management-run businesses)
• A point estimate, a 25th-75th percentile range, and the full observed range
• A breakdown of factors that would move your business toward the high or low end of the range
• Three scenarios — as-is, optimized, cleaned-up — showing how value moves with specific changes

We do not provide:

• Formal opinions of value (those require credentialed valuation analysts — ASA, CBA, ABV)
• Discrete single numbers (our outputs are always ranges)
• Asset-method or income-method valuations as the primary approach (we lead with market comparables; DCF is reference only)

How we identify potential buyers

We match your business characteristics against a database of acquirers compiled from the sources above. The database covers:

• Strategic acquirers — operating companies in your industry with documented acquisition history
• Private equity firms — both platform investors and add-on acquirers, segmented by typical deal size and industry focus
• Family offices and search funds — when their preferences are publicly disclosed
• Roll-up consolidators — operators in fragmented industries actively acquiring smaller players

For each buyer in your ranked list, we generate:

• Rationale for why your business might fit their acquisition criteria, drawn from their actual public deal history
• Their disclosed deal-size range
• Public contact information when available

We do not contact buyers on your behalf, introduce you to specific buyers, or vouch for any buyer's interest, credit, or fitness. A buyer's inclusion in your list is not communication from DealVital to that buyer or vice versa.

What our outputs are not

Our valuation ranges are illustrative, not formal. They're suitable for owner-side decision-making and buyer-side negotiation context, not for divorce, estate, gift-tax, litigation, or ESOP purposes. Those engagements require credentialed valuation analysts who carry professional insurance.

Our buyer lists are informational, not introductions or endorsements.

Our reports are research and documents, not advice. DealVital is not registered as an investment adviser, M&A advisor, or business broker. We don't represent either party, don't negotiate, don't structure deals, and don't take success fees. Full detail in our disclosures.

How often the data refreshes

Our comparable transaction and acquirer datasets refresh quarterly (monthly for Advisor Pro subscribers). Any advisor subscription tier gets reports that automatically incorporate the latest data on regeneration. One-time customers can regenerate within their private data room window or via a subscription unlock.

Questions about your specific situation

If you want to understand how the methodology applies to your business before you generate a report, send us a note. We answer methodology questions within one business day.