Buy a business with the numbers on the table from the start
Search companies by industry, state, price and earnings, sign the NDA online, show proof of funds once and get straight to the data room. Searching and deal alerts cost nothing.
- NDA signed
- Proof of funds
- Data room
Who buys companies on CompanyBrokers
- First-time acquirers using an SBA 7(a) loan to buy a profitable Main Street company
- Search fund operators looking for one company with 1 to 5 million USD in EBITDA
- Independent sponsors who bring the deal first and the capital second
- Strategic buyers adding a competitor, a territory or a service line
- Owner-operators who want a second location in the same trade
How to buy a business in seven steps
Each step is explained in detail on how to sell a business through a broker, seen from the seller's side.
- 1 Set your criteria. Industry, state, price range, minimum SDE and how hands-on you want to be.
- 2 Get pre-qualified. An SBA lender or your capital partners tell you how large a deal you can finance.
- 3 Screen listings. Revenue, SDE, asking price and the implied multiple are on every listing.
- 4 Sign the NDA and share proof of funds. One profile, reused on every inquiry.
- 5 Review the data room. Tax returns, profit and loss, lease, staff, customers, equipment.
- 6 Submit an LOI. Price, structure, financing, transition period and exclusivity.
- 7 Close. Due diligence, quality of earnings where the size justifies it, purchase agreement and funding.
Financing the purchase
Most US small business acquisitions combine three sources: a bank loan, a seller note and the buyer's equity.
- SBA 7(a) loans finance many Main Street deals up to 5 million USD, with a buyer equity injection commonly around 10%.
- Seller financing often covers 5 to 20% of the price and shows the seller believes in the cash flow.
- Earn-outs bridge a gap in price when part of the value depends on future results.
Read SBA loan to buy a business for the lender's checklist.
One buyer profile, every inquiry faster
Your profile holds your background, target criteria, signed NDA terms and proof of funds. Sellers and brokers see a qualified buyer, not an email address, and answer first.
- NDA e-signature in the browser
- Proof of funds stored once, shared per listing
- Inquiry history and listing notes in one place
What to check before you make an offer
Add-backs.
Each one needs proof. A personal car is a fair add-back, a salary the new owner must pay is not.
Customer concentration.
One customer above 15 to 20% of revenue changes the risk and often the price.
The lease.
Term left, renewal options and the landlord's consent to assignment.
Owner dependence.
Who holds the customer relationships, the licenses and the know-how.
Working capital.
Agree what stays in the business at closing.
Use the selling a business checklist as your document request list.
Popular industries to buy
See every business for sale near me.
How much money do I need to buy a business
With an SBA 7(a) loan, buyers commonly bring around 10% of the project cost as equity, sometimes less when the seller carries part of the price on a standby note. Lenders also look at your personal liquidity and industry experience.
How long does buying a business take
From first inquiry to closing, most Main Street acquisitions take 3 to 6 months. SBA financing, landlord consent and license transfers are the usual timing drivers.
Should I use a buy-side broker
On larger or competitive deals, a buy-side advisor helps you source and negotiate. On listed Main Street deals many buyers work directly with the seller's broker. Find one through business brokers.
What multiple should I pay
Main Street companies often trade at 2 to 4 times SDE and larger companies at 4 to 7 times EBITDA, depending on industry, growth and risk. Check a specific company with the business valuation calculator.