Landscaping Franchise vs. Independent
Everything you need to know about franchise vs. independent for landscaping businesses. Data-driven insights from HedgeStone Business Advisors, based on real landscaping M&A transactions.
SDE Multiple Range
2x–4x
EBITDA Multiple Range
3x–6x
Average SDE Multiple
2.8x
Avg. Time to Close
90–150 days
Landscaping Business Overview
Landscaping businesses currently sell for 2x–4x SDE and 3x–6x EBITDA in today's market. The franchise vs. independent aspects of landscaping valuations are driven by recurring revenue percentage, owner dependency, market position, and buyer type.
Key Considerations
For landscaping business owners, understanding franchise vs. independent is critical to maximizing your sale price. Most sellers leave money on the table because they don't fully understand how buyers evaluate this aspect of their business. The difference between a 3.0x and a 4.5x deal is often in the details that savvy sellers address before going to market.
Working with a Business Broker
Landscaping business sales require a broker who understands your vertical — the specific buyer pool, current market conditions, and how to structure a process that creates competition. HedgeStone Business Advisors has represented landscaping business owners across multiple states, with deep relationships in the PE and strategic buyer community.
Landscaping Business Valuation Multiples (2025)
| Method | Low | Mid (Typical) | High (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDE Multiple | 2x | 2.8x | 4x |
| EBITDA Multiple | 3x | 4.5x | 6x |
| Revenue Multiple | 0.3x | 0.5x | 0.85x |
Source: BizBuySell, IBBA, Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Report, DealStats (2024–2025)
Landscaping Business Valuation FAQ
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