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Auto Repair Shops (Independent, Non-Franchise)

The 3 anchors. Don't leave the meeting without them.

1THE PRICE
2.0x–3.0x (typical independent); up to 4.5x (manager-run, multi-bay, strong repeat base)
Typical deal: $410K
2THE LEVER
Manager-run vs. owner-operator
Push this up, multiple goes up
3THE LANDMINE
Owner is the primary/sole technician
Surface this in the first 15 min
SDE multiple
2.0x–3.0x (typical independent); up to 4.5x (manager-run, multi-bay, strong repeat base)
EBITDA multiple
2.75x–4.5x (single location); 4.5x–6.5x (multi-location or with fleet accounts)
Deal size range
$150K – $2M+
OPEN

Open the meeting

Three things to nail in the first 10 minutes.

  1. 1

    Independent shops trade at 2.0x–3.0x SDE — manager-run, multi-bay operations with strong repeat customers can hit 4.5x.

  2. 2

    The biggest valuation jump is owner-to-manager: if you don't turn wrenches, that 30–60% premium is yours.

  3. 3

    Multi-location or fleet account shops enter EBITDA territory: 4.5x–6.5x for strong performers.

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