Business Sale Guides

What business brokers do, how they're paid, and when you need one vs. when you don't.

Commission rates by deal size, Lehman formula, retainers, and how to evaluate whether the fee is worth it.

SDE vs. EBITDA, multiples by industry, and what actually moves the number up or down.

The realistic stage-by-stage timeline — from broker engagement to close — and what causes delays.

18-month preparation checklist: financials, operations, legal, and what not to do.

Tax implications, liability differences, and how to negotiate deal structure in your favor.

When earnouts make sense, how buyers use them, and which provisions protect sellers.

Everything buyers will request — financial, legal, HR, operations — organized so you can prepare.

How SBA 7(a) financing works in business sales and what your business needs to qualify.

Valuation multiples, PE vs. strategic buyers, and how to maximize your exit from an HVAC company.

Storm vs. commercial valuation, buyer types, and how to prepare a roofing company for sale.

Lease as the #1 variable, valuation ranges, buyer types, and why restaurant deals fall apart.

Recurring maintenance contracts, PE roll-up landscape, and how to command a premium multiple.

Customer concentration, environmental diligence, and how to find manufacturing-specialist buyers.

PE consolidation landscape, recurring revenue valuation, and how to maximize your exit multiple.

Platform concentration risk, traffic source due diligence, aggregators vs. strategics, and valuation ranges.

License transferability, PE roll-up access, commercial accounts, and how to reduce key-man risk.

Collections-based valuation, DSO vs. individual dentist buyers, and patient transition strategy.

Real estate strategy, environmental due diligence, equipment valuation, and fleet account value.

281 IBBA brokers, no state income tax, PE-active markets in DFW and Houston. State-specific process guide.

972 brokers — the most of any state. No state income tax, liquor license transfer rules, international buyer market.

447 brokers. California capital gains tax (up to 13.3%), Bulk Sales Notice, non-compete rules, and escrow closing process.

99 brokers. Flat 4.75% state income tax, no bulk sales law, Charlotte PE activity, Research Triangle tech market.

90 brokers. Atlanta logistics hub, Georgia Restrictive Covenants Act, PE roll-up activity in home services.

91 brokers. Flat 4.4% state income tax, Denver tech/healthcare market, lifestyle premium buyers, 2022 non-compete reform.

New York capital gains tax, Bulk Sales Act compliance, NYC co-op/condo rules, and the 1,000+ broker market.

NoVA federal contractor market, Richmond and Hampton Roads dynamics, 5.75% capital gains, and no bulk sales law.

4.25% flat income tax, automotive industry ties, Detroit/Grand Rapids markets, and Great Lakes regional dynamics.

2.5% flat income tax (2023), Phoenix / Scottsdale growth market, tech and retiree buyer pool, no state estate tax.

3.07% flat income tax, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets, manufacturing/healthcare/professional services landscape.

Where to search, what credentials to verify, 10 red flags, and the 10 questions to ask before signing.

Deal size ranges, fees, buyer types, and process compared — know which advisor is right for your transaction.

Honest FSBO analysis: the math, the risks, and a step-by-step checklist if you go it alone.

Food & beverage specialists with lease, liquor license, and buyer network experience.

M&A advisors with industrial buyer networks and EBITDA normalization expertise.

Specialists in contractor license transfers, backlog valuation, and trades company sales.

Advisors with PE roll-up relationships and service contract valuation expertise.

Practice transition specialists who understand payer contracts and regulatory compliance.

SaaS and tech M&A advisors with strategic buyer and PE relationships.

Automotive shop specialists with environmental assessment and equipment appraisal experience.

Retail and franchise resale specialists with lease assignment and inventory valuation expertise.