What is your business worth?
Get a professional, industry-specific broker opinion of value in under 5 minutes.
Confidential. Accurate. Free.
Understanding Your Business Valuation
Our calculator uses the Adjusted Earnings method—the industry standard for valuing Main Street and Lower Middle Market businesses.
1. Calculate Adjusted Earnings
We start by identifying the true cash flow. This isn't just net profit; it includes the owner's salary, depreciation, interest, and one-time personal expenses.
Key Metric for Buyers2. Apply Industry Multiples
We look at national databases of similar business sales based on similar revenue and earnings.
Based on 2024-2026 Data3. Fine-Tuning
Automated tools provide a baseline range. A final sale price is influenced by intangibles: customer concentration, management depth, and growth trends.
Expert Analysis RequiredAnswers to your Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your Business?
Many business owners underestimate the importance of timing a sale correctly. The best exits happen when both personal readiness and market conditions align. Consider getting a valuation now if any of the following apply:
You're 3–7 years from wanting to exit
Knowing your number early gives you time to increase value before going to market.
Your business has grown consistently for 2+ years
Buyers pay premiums for demonstrated growth trends and financial stability.
A key employee or partner could run the business
Owner-independence is one of the strongest value drivers in the lower middle market.
Industry multiples are favorable
Multiples shift with economic conditions. Today's market may be more favorable for your sector than next year's.
Not ready to sell yet? Knowing your current valuation is still valuable — it tells you exactly what operational changes will have the biggest impact on your eventual sale price.
Backed by Real Market Experience
This tool is powered by the data and methodologies used by Mark Herrmann and the team at Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions / Carolina Business Advisory. We have successfully closed hundreds of transactions nationwide and the Southeast, helping business owners achieve successful exits through a disciplined and results-oriented process.
- #1 Top Producing Consultant 2022 (International M&A Firm)
- 2024 Chairman's Award Winner (IBBA)
- 35+ Years of Business Ownership & Franchise Experience
Representative Transactions
Success Stories
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Mark Herrmann orchestrated the successful sale of my company in the most skillful and professional way. I have come to respect Mark's up-front, results-oriented approach of bringing buyer and seller through a disciplined process toward mutual benefit and respect. The most significant and pleasant transaction I've had in 23 years of business! Thank you Mark!"
"Mark was great to work with, very meticulous in his approach to selling our business and found what we believe was the best buyer we could ask for. Transition is going well and we appreciate his patience and persistence to get our business sold!"
"If you are searching for a reliable, knowledgeable, and friendly business broker, then look no further than Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions. Mark Herrmann was an excellent resource to connect us with a business that fit our needs. They will guide you through the process and quickly answer any questions you may have."
"I listed with Mark Herrmann because he was diligent in following up with me over time. Because of his follow up, we were able to find 'just the right time' to list my business. He worked extremely well for both me and the buyer to make the entire process as stressless as possible. A huge success!!"
"We worked with Mark Herrmann and it was the most professional and experienced team we worked with in the sale of our business. Mark made both buyers and sellers comfortable throughout the whole process. We were very satisfied with the price received. We already referred them to another buyer!"
"I highly recommend Mark Herrmann. Mark did exactly what he said he would do. He sold our business in the estimated time frame, for the price we wanted. Selling a business is a complex transaction, and Mark did an excellent job 'keeping the train on the tracks'."
"Our commitment to results-oriented brokerage has facilitated countless successful exits. We bring buyers and sellers together through a disciplined process of mutual respect."
Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions is not registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in reliance upon the “M&A brokers” exemption added as new Subsection 15(b)(13) to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), effective March 29, 2023, and comparable state-level exemptive relief.
Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or any other information displayed or distributed through this report or its website. The estimates and data contained herein are made using the information you provide, publicly available information and data, and rules of thumb for different industries. Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions has not audited or attempted to confirm this information for accuracy or completeness. This report should not be used to obtain credit or for any other commercial purposes. Your use of this report and the information provided herein is also subject to the online terms of use and privacy policy of Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions.
This business valuation is for information purposes only. Use of this report is at the own risk of the participant. The participant takes full responsibility for the provided inputs, assumptions and calculations of the report. Trustmark Mergers & Acquisitions assumes no responsibility nor liabilities for any consequences from the calculated results and provides no assurances of the applicability or accuracy of the valuation results for your company. The results of the valuation do not provide “safe harbor” status for IRC 409a purposes and do not serve as an independent qualified appraisal or valuation opinion.