Selling a Business: FAQ

We market your company without naming it, require signed NDAs before any identifying details are shared, and pre-qualify every buyer. Your employees, customers and competitors are not contacted.

Owner-led US companies with roughly $2M to $50M in annual revenue, typically with $250K to $7M+ in EBITDA or owner earnings.

Most lower-middle-market companies sell on a multiple of EBITDA or seller's discretionary earnings, adjusted for growth, customer concentration, recurring revenue and owner dependence. Our free valuation gives you a realistic range.

No. Depending on your goals we may acquire the business directly, introduce you to a vetted private equity or strategic buyer, or pair you with a specialist M&A advisor or broker.

A typical sale of a $2M–$50M revenue company takes 6 to 12 months from first conversation to closing, depending on preparation, buyer financing and diligence.

No. The first confidential conversation and valuation range are free and carry no obligation.

Marketplaces suit smaller and online businesses. For $2M–$50M companies, a confidential, direct process usually protects price and privacy better.

Usually after a signed letter of intent and often near closing. Key managers may be told earlier with retention agreements.

Yes. Many owners sell directly to an acquirer or private equity group. We can make a direct offer or introduce qualified buyers, and refer you to a broker only when that serves you better.

Buyers usually prefer asset sales; sellers often prefer stock sales for tax reasons. The right structure depends on your entity type, liabilities and tax position — always confirm with your CPA and attorney.

An earnout pays part of the purchase price later if the business hits agreed targets. It can bridge valuation gaps but adds risk; we help you weigh cash at close versus contingent payments.

The normal level of working capital the buyer expects at close. If you deliver less, the price drops dollar for dollar; if more, it usually rises.

Most often: earnings that don't survive quality of earnings, undisclosed issues, buyer financing problems, and seller fatigue during diligence.

Typically as a multiple of adjusted EBITDA (or seller's discretionary earnings for smaller firms). Multiples rise with size, growth, recurring revenue and a strong management team, and fall with customer concentration and owner dependence.

Lower-middle-market companies often trade in a broad range of roughly 3x to 8x+ EBITDA depending on industry, size and risk. Your actual range depends on your specific numbers.

Yes. Your information is used only to prepare your range and is never shared without your permission.

Documented owner compensation above market, personal expenses run through the business, and true one-time costs. Projected savings and recurring 'one-time' costs are usually rejected.

Yes. Many PE firms and independent sponsors focus on companies with $1M–$10M of EBITDA, often as platform or add-on acquisitions.

You sell a majority stake to a PE firm, take significant cash off the table, and keep equity that can be worth more at the next sale — a 'second bite of the apple'.

Consistent EBITDA, growth runway, a capable management team, diversified customers and clean financial reporting.

The portion of your ownership you reinvest in the new company alongside the PE buyer, giving you a share of its future sale.