This thesis examines the impact of the valuation multiple ‘earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization’ (EBITDA) on the ‘merger and acquisition’ (M&A) activity and deal value. For small firms, mergers are primarily an exit strategy for firms in financial trouble, as indicated by few marketed products and low cash-sales ratios. Meanwhile, mergers and acquisitions for large drug makers is a way to leverage their sales networks and benefit from monopolies from patents. The paper analyses the impact size of EBITDA, assuming it is positive and smaller than 8% of the deal value. This thesis examines 46 cases within European Union for a period of 10 years between 2009 to 2018. The conclusion reached is that EBITDA valuation multiple has a significant negative impact on the purchase price but with little effect in the pharmaceutical industry as the focus is always put on the operational synergies that the target’s assets can bring compared to its earnings and sale prowess.

The main objective of this thesis is to valuate the company Verizon Communications, Inc. Master thesis is divided into two main parts -- theoretical and practical. Theoretical part includes description of methods used in the practical part, especially introduces steps and methods of valuation. Practical part contains strategical analysis, financial analysis for years 2008 -- 2012 and financial plan for years 2013 -- 2017. Based on the preceding steps the lone valuation is carried out. Valuation is carried out by two different methods. The first one is the discounted cash flow method in FCFF version and the second is valuation by EBITDA sector multiple.