Get Your Free ValuationEBITDA Multiple
To first offer
Buyer Types
Deal-size range
Business services — marketing agencies, PR firms, consultancies, staffing businesses — can command strong multiples if revenue is recurring and the business doesn't rely entirely on the founder's relationships. Dopamine advises on how to position your client base and contract structure to maximise what buyers will pay.
What Buyers Look For
Common Deal-Killers
Get Your Free ValuationBusiness services companies in the UAE typically sell for 3–5x EBITDA. Agencies with high retainer revenue, diversified client bases, and strong management teams command the top of the range. Project-only businesses trade lower.
Founder dependency is the single biggest discount buyers apply to agency deals. If the founder holds all client relationships, buyers price in significant risk. Dopamine advises on how to reduce dependency before going to market.
Buyers prefer at least 60–70% retainer revenue. Pure project businesses are difficult to value and harder to finance. A documented retainer book with multi-year contracts commands a meaningful premium.
Yes, but it affects the multiple. Dopamine advises sellers on how to formalise client relationships before going to market to protect valuation — even short-term renewals improve buyer confidence significantly.
Buyers include regional holding companies, international agency groups expanding into GCC, and PE-backed platforms building services businesses. Dopamine has direct relationships with active acquirers in this sector.