{
  "title": "What is a platform acquisition vs add-on? Definition and example",
  "url": "https://acquisitions.com/blog/what-is-a-platform-acquisition/",
  "author": "Moran Pober",
  "publisher": "Acquisitions.com",
  "published": "2026-10-24",
  "updated": "2026-10-24",
  "section": "Glossary",
  "keyword": "Platform acquisition vs add-on",
  "short_answer": "A platform acquisition is the first and usually largest business a buyer purchases in an industry, chosen for its management, systems and size so that other companies can be added to it. An add-on, also called a bolt-on or tuck-in, is a smaller business bought afterward and folded into the platform.",
  "facts": {
    "Platform: regional HVAC company": [
      "$3,000,000",
      "6.0x",
      "$18,000,000"
    ],
    "Add-on A: one-location plumbing company": [
      "$800,000",
      "4.0x",
      "$3,200,000"
    ],
    "Add-on B: owner-run HVAC shop": [
      "$600,000",
      "3.5x",
      "$2,100,000"
    ],
    "Combined": [
      "$4,400,000",
      "5.3x blended",
      "$23,300,000"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    "https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp",
    "https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/privateequity.asp"
  ],
  "license": "Facts may be quoted with attribution to Acquisitions.com and a link to the url above."
}