Industry Guide

Buying a Catering Business: What Buyers Need to Know

Benchmarks, valuation norms, and a free BAS calculator for Catering Business acquisitions.

Catering Business — Industry Benchmarks

EBITDA Margin (Low)12%

EBITDA Margin (High)20%

Acquisition Multiple (Low)2x

Acquisition Multiple (High)3x

Minimum DSCR1.5x

Industry Risk Score4/10 — Elevated Risk

What makes a good Catering Business acquisition? Look for margins at or above 20%, a purchase multiple below 3x, and a DSCR comfortably above 1.5x. A risk score of 4/10 (elevated risk) means this sector carries significant volatility — stress-test the DSCR under downside scenarios.

Calculate BAS for a Catering Business

Industry: Catering Business

Asking Price ($)

Annual Revenue ($)

Annual Earnings ($)

Earnings Type

Other Food & Hospitality industries

Restaurant (Sit-down / Fine Dining)

10–15% margin · 1–2x

Cafe / Coffee Shop

10–18% margin · 1–2x

Fast Food / QSR

8–15% margin · 1–3x

Bar / Pub / Nightclub

12–20% margin · 1–3x

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