Most printing and packaging businesses in Canada change hands at a multiple of their normalized earnings, typically EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), adjusted for owner add-backs. The multiple itself depends on your size, location, growth trajectory, and how much the business depends on you, the owner.
Printing and packaging companies are valued on recurring commercial accounts, the mix of work, and equipment condition. A base of repeat business customers, contracted packaging runs, and a crew that runs the presses lift value; exposure to declining print segments, one large account, and aging equipment weigh it down.
Pushes the number up
- Recurring commercial and packaging accounts
- A diversified customer base
- Well-maintained presses and finishing equipment
- Operators who run the floor without the owner
Pulls the number down
- Exposure to declining print segments
- One account driving most of revenue
- Aging equipment due for replacement
- Owner holds the key accounts and quotes
You put in your numbers. We show you two things.
Market data: Sector-specific transaction multiples based on aggregated business transaction reports. Updated quarterly.
Peer benchmarks: Estimates from verified owners in your sector and size range. See what similar businesses are worth, and compare your own expectations against market data and transaction multiples.
Takes about three minutes.
No pitch. No account required. Just your numbers in, and market context out.
Get My InsightsPrinting and packaging companies are valued as a multiple of normalized EBITDA. The mix of work, recurring accounts, equipment, and owner dependence all move the number. Clariva shows the benchmark range for your size and province.
Higher for companies with recurring packaging and commercial accounts and a crew running the floor; lower for owner-run shops exposed to declining print. Enter your numbers to see your range.
Yes. Contracted packaging runs tend to be stickier and more recurring than general print, which buyers reward with a stronger offer.
No. The estimate is for benchmarking and context only, and does not replace a formal business valuation. For a transaction, work with an M&A advisor or a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV).
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Not financial advice. Clariva is a data aggregation and compilation tool. All ranges shown on this platform are derived from publicly available transaction data and anonymized user submissions, and are provided for informational and benchmarking purposes only. Nothing on this platform constitutes a formal business valuation, financial advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell. Consult a qualified M&A advisor, Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), or legal counsel before making any financial or transactional decisions. Individual data is never shared or sold. Anonymized, aggregated insights may be used for industry research. You can request deletion of your data at any time by emailing tanner@clariva.ca.