The 2015 Architecture and Engineering Business Valuation and M&A Transaction Study examines data from over 230 distinct stock transactions collected via a confidential online survey. This data was supplemented with data collected from publicly available sources in order to provide the largest and most representative sample possible. All data was analyzed and compiled by Rusk O’Brien Gido + Partners’ team of accredited business appraisers—individuals with decades of experience valuing privately held A/E firms. The result is the most comprehensive and reliable study of business valuations and mergers & acquisitions ever published for the A/E and environmental consulting industries.

Among other information, the study provides statistical data on ten separate valuation ratios or “multiples” representing both minority and controlling interests in privately held firms, as well as minority interests in publicly traded companies and minority interests in Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) sponsoring companies. Statistical analysis is presented on a median, mean, trimmed mean, upper quartile and lower quartile basis, and broken down by specific firm type.

The study also provides insight into how mergers and acquisitions are being conducted in the industry, as well as 19 different financial benchmarking metrics. The 2015 A/E Business Valuation and M&A Transaction Study provides a comprehensive look into the actual values of companies in the A/E and environmental consulting industry.