Industries
Industry guides
Every industry hides its risk somewhere different. These guides show where to look.
The guides do not quote valuation multiples. Published multiples mix very different businesses and quickly go stale, and a number on a page tends to become an anchor in negotiation. Value the business in front of you from its verified earnings and its specific risks, using the Arcane Method.
- Industry guideHome services: HVAC, plumbing and electricalWhat drives value and risk when buying an HVAC, plumbing or electrical company: maintenance agreements, licensed technicians, call handling, seasonality and equipment.
- Industry guideLandscaping and lawn careWhat to check when buying a landscaping or lawn care company: recurring maintenance contracts, crew retention, equipment condition, seasonality and commercial customer concentration.
- Industry guideLaundromatsWhat to verify when buying a laundromat: revenue reconciliation for cash and card systems, machine age and replacement cost, lease terms, utilities and local competition.
- Industry guideCommercial cleaning and janitorialWhat to check when buying a commercial cleaning company: contract terms and cancellation clauses, customer concentration, labor costs and turnover, insurance and supervision.
- Industry guideCar washesWhat to verify when buying a car wash: membership revenue, equipment condition and replacement cost, real estate and lease, water and utility costs, and environmental compliance.