Traditionally, this specialized aspect of research requires years of financial background. Depending upon our sources and depth of research, prospect researchers often can access one or more of the elements above. Thus, if we can find a business' sales figures, there are some general conclusions we can make about the company's worth and by association the company's owners. Until such data is available, see the sites below to learn more about assessing private companies. Look for related trade associations, institutes or trade journals.
Associations tend to publish industry and franchise sales and valuation data.
Search newspaper databases for stories regarding the sale, merger or acquisition of companies in the same industry as your subject. Return to search window. Click on a selected company from the hit list to retrieve list of that company's filings. Review table of contents. Use gross sales figures of the public company, number of employees, and geographic location to begin to establish a benchmark estimate of your target company.