Should I grow by buying other companies?
Short answer
It can grow profit and your multiple at the same time, but only if you can fold each company onto one platform. Buying without a platform adds work and risk.
What to know
- Smaller firms often sell at lower multiples than larger ones.
- Integration is where the value is made or lost.
- Your foundations need to be in place first.
What to do next
- 1Make sure the business runs without you.
- 2Define what a good fit looks like.
- 3Plan integration before you sign.
Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.