Valuation of private companies is much more subjective than public companies because there is no free trading marketplace for the private companies’ stock.  Just like a champion Olympic figure skater, the performance has to be flawless.  Take a look at the following check list – see if the target company rates near perfect (on a scale of 1 to 10 – 10 being best):

• Stable Market
• Stability of Earnings Historically
• Realized Cost Savings After Purchase
• No Significant Capital Expenditures Herewith
• No Significant Competitive Threats
• No Significant Alternative Technologies
• Large Market Potential
• Reasonable Market Position
• Broad-based Distribution Channels
• Synergy Between Buyer and Seller
• Sound Management Willing To Remain
• Product Diversity
• Wide Customer Base
• Non-dependency on Few Supplier