The body was found near the South Esk river
Gary Linn, from Kilsyth in Stirlingshire, has been missing since last August.
His body was discovered near the town of Temple by a member of the public who was clearing a path through undergrowth.
The body was discovered in undergrowth beside the South Esk river on Friday evening.
Forensic tests were still being carried out on the remains at Stirling Royal Infirmary on Saturday evening.
But Inspector Bill Park of Central Scotland Police said: "Although forensic examinations still have to confirm the position, we are satisfied this is the body of Gary Linn."
The discovery was made less than five miles from the spot where Mr Linn's burned out van was found last year.
The 38-year-old tools salesman was last seen alive on 31 August visiting customers on an industrial estate in Falkirk.
His van was found the following day burned out near Edgelaw reservoir in Midlothian, with thousands of pounds of stock and takings missing.
Six men have since appeared in court accused of stealing the van and tools.
Last month a service was held in Kilsyth to help Mr Linn's wife Kathleen and their sons, Christopher, 11, David, 10, and five-year-old Shaun, come to terms with the disappearance.