Bradley Lay, an M&A private equity investor and a global speaker, has become a leading authority in business exit strategies, particularly in the construction, technology, and logistics & freight sectors. He is well known for his no-nonsense approach to educating business owners on how to create life-changing wealth through successful business sales and acquisitions. With his wealth of experience and straightforward approach, Bradley has transformed the lives of numerous business owners, guiding them through the often complex and misunderstood processes of business valuation and exit planning.
In his latest initiative, Bradley brings attention to the myths that have long plagued business owners when it comes to understanding the true value of their companies. Specifically, he tackles the over-reliance on EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) multiples and revenue multiples, which he argues often lead business owners to vastly overestimate the worth of their businesses. This subject has gained traction on social media, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where Bradley’s posts routinely garner hundreds of thousands of views and begin thought-provoking conversations among business owners and investors alike.
Bradley Lay’s journey in finance began straight out of school, where he honed his skills as a finance professional working at several large, global organizations. He later joined a £12 million revenue construction business and played an instrumental role in growing it to £150 million. Over the course of 16 years, he advanced to the position of Group CFO, successfully exiting in 2022. It was during this time that Bradley recognized a critical issue within the industry: most business owners, despite working tirelessly to grow their businesses, had no plan in place for succession or a business sale that could result in a significant capital event.
This realization became the driving force behind his current work, which focuses on educating business owners about the strategies they can use to maximize their company’s value during the sale process. “My mission is to help business owners understand the exit process and show them how they can leverage their company to create true wealth, both financially and in terms of life freedom,” Bradley says. Through his speaking engagements and mentoring, he has helped business owners across the construction sector and beyond make smarter decisions when it comes to planning for their exit.
One of Bradley’s most recent viral posts on LinkedIn emphasized why relying on EBITDA multiples for valuing a business is a flawed practice. He explains that EBITDA is, in many cases, a misleading number. “EBITDA ignores vital costs, such as depreciation, tax obligations, and real debt costs, making it an unreliable metric for determining a company’s true value,” Bradley explains. This insight was influenced by the legendary investor Charlie Munger, who once famously referred to EBITDA as “bulls**t earnings.” Bradley’s message is clear: businesses should not value themselves based on adjusted EBITDA, but instead, focus on real profitability metrics.
Bradley’s candid advice does not stop with EBITDA. He also addresses the often inflated expectations surrounding revenue multiples. “Many business owners believe their companies are worth 4x REVENUE, which is a misconception,” he continues. “What a business is worth is not dictated by industry standards or what owners wish it to be. It’s determined by what a buyer is willing to pay.” Bradley provides a simplified, yet accurate, method for valuing a business based on net profit, net assets, liabilities, and free cash. This method, he asserts, presents a much clearer picture of a business’s worth, and removes the uncertainty introduced by reliance on adjusted EBITDA, or revenue multiples.
Bradley’s straightforward approach to business valuation is complemented by his extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions. As the co-founder of Peak Capital Group, Bradley has played a pivotal role in acquiring and scaling businesses across a variety of sectors, including construction, technology, as well as logistics & freight. Together with his business partner, John F. Kettley, Bradley has built a portfolio that includes four companies with combined revenues of circa £30 million. With ongoing acquisitions, they expect their group to exceed £100 million in revenue by the end of 2025.
The focus of Peak Capital Group’s acquisitions is not just on financials but also on developing strategic partnerships with outgoing business owners. Bradley has facilitated smooth transitions by involving sellers in the growth of the company post-acquisition. “Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible while ensuring the legacy of the business is maintained,” says Bradley. This approach has helped multiple business owners remain involved in the new entity, even as they start the next chapter of their lives post-acquisition.
In addition to his work with Peak Capital Group, Bradley and John run a global M&A community that brings together more than 100 investors. The community serves as a platform for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on deals in the mergers and acquisitions space. This network has proved invaluable for business owners and investors looking to learn more about the M&A process and how to unlock the value in their businesses.
Bradley’s unique combination of financial expertise and approachable, clear communication style has set him apart from his competitors in the M&A space. He brings a rare personality to finance, making complex topics accessible to business owners who may not have a full financial understanding. His ability to translate complicated financial concepts into simple, actionable insights has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor.
Through his work and continued success, Bradley Lay has earned a reputation as a trusted figure in the M&A community, with a growing following on LinkedIn and significant engagement on his posts. His straightforward, honest approach has resonated with many business owners, especially those in the construction sector, who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of selling their businesses. For Bradley, it’s all about empowering business owners to take control of their financial future, make informed decisions, and ultimately create value for themselves, their families, and their employees.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, especially with the increasing role of AI and technology, Bradley remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that the companies he acquires are positioned for success in an ever-changing world. His commitment to personal development, strategic thinking, and cutting-edge solutions continues to drive the growth of Peak Capital Group and the M&A community he leads.
For more information on Bradley Lay and Peak Capital Group, visit www.peakcap.co.uk or www.bradleylay.com.
To connect with Bradley on LinkedIn, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradleylay.