A realistic exit strategy for Pakistani business owners starts with setting a valuation timeline that matches market conditions and the company’s actual performance. Most sellers benefit from planning 12–24 months in advance, giving them room to tidy financials, strengthen recurring revenue, and reduce operational weaknesses. A fair valuation usually comes from a mix of earnings, industry multiples, and buyer demand, so keeping expectations grounded and backed by clean data helps attract serious buyers and ensures a smoother, more profitable exit.

For an SME in Pakistan, a realistic exit timeline within a 3–5 year period typically involves 1–2 years of business stabilization and growth, followed by 6–12 months of structured sale preparation and buyer engagement. Valuation expectations are generally modest, with most SMEs achieving approximately 3×–6× EBITDA or 1.5×–3× revenue, depending on profitability, governance quality, growth consistency, and sector dynamics.

For an SME in Pakistan planning a 3–5 year exit, a realistic timeline from preparation to sale is typically 12–24 months, factoring in due diligence and buyer search. Valuation multiples often range 2–4× Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE), with higher multiples for well-structured, scalable, and low-owner-dependent businesses. Early planning and transparent financials help maximize both speed and sale price.